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Falling for France: Why This Country Captured Our Hearts and Curiosity
- Jenn & Leon
- 12 hours ago
- 9 min read
Come with us as we reflect on our time visiting France—from our engagement celebration in Paris to unforgettable sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Palace of Versailles.
Along the way, we share tips, stories, and fun facts about why this country continues to capture our hearts and curiosity.
A European Road Trip and a Parisian Promise
It was during our first road trip through Europe in 2021 that we celebrated one of the most important parts of our journey together: getting engaged!
The proposal itself happened at Aphrodite’s Rock in Cyprus, but celebrating in Paris afterward felt like the perfect continuation. Isn't Paris the city of love, right? Where else would we possibly go!
We also took a trip to the Palace of Versailles, and as far as our memories go, this was one of the trips that holds that something extra special.
In this post, we’ll share our impressions of the land of love, some facts, a few tips, and a handful of reasons to visit. Not that you really need convincing...
Travel Resources
The Eiffel Tower: From Zero to Hero
We’ll always have a soft spot for France. Jenn, being from Canada, speaks French fluently, which added an extra layer to our experience. Leon had been to France several times before, but being there together made it truly special.
Ironically, Jenn wasn’t expecting the Eiffel Tower to be her favorite sight. There was a small part of her that thought it might be overrated—just another tower, right?
But walking through Paris quickly changes that perception. The city feels like a living museum, where the past and present exist in harmony. The French are fiercely proud of their culture, and their joie de vivre (joy of living) radiates from every café, market, and store.
After hopping on the super-efficient Paris Metro, we took a short walk through elegant streets, already buzzing with anticipation. Reaching the Champ de Mars, we found the perfect front-view spot that wasn’t too crowded. As the moon rose through the iron lattice, the Tower transformed from “just a landmark” into pure magic.
We stayed until late evening, watching bursts of light shimmer across its frame. Around us, people sprawled out on benches, grass, and low walls, just soaking up the moment.
It felt like a carnival atmosphere—and the day was just an ordinary weekday. Needless to say, Jenn’s thoughts on the Eiffel Tower changed dramatically.
Moments to Remember
But Paris is not all just about the Eiffel Tower. There is so much to see here, and there is no better place to start than with the famous Louvre.
During the French Revolution, on August 10, 1793, the Louvre became a public museum. It had been a royal palace for hundreds of years before that, starting as a fortress in the late 12th century under King Philip II.
It is one of (if not the) most beautiful buildings we have ever come across, and inside the collection of art is almost unrivaled. Here you will find the famed Mona Lisa, along with interior decoration that is as much art as the paintings themselves.
Alongside that awesome experience, we took an exhilarating drive around the Arc de Triomphe, easily one of the most chaotic junctions in the world.
Just to reiterate, it is the craziest junction in the world. The only form of traffic control is to get onto the roundabout, which happens to have about 20 lanes, none marked, and literally becomes a free-for-all the moment you enter.
How we did not have an accident, one will never know. Not sure what the statistics are, but we are very glad we did not become one!
We also visited Sacré-Cœur, where we toasted our engagement with a few beers alongside the locals—our first “cheers” as an engaged couple in France.
This was a particularly special moment, as we were actually offered the beers after we sat down, which was awesome, as the Parisian who gave them obviously had no idea we were celebrating our engagement.
The view from up here is spectacular, and it almost becomes a hangout spot at night, buzzing with activity. Highly recommended, although we would say to be ultra-cautious if going in the evening.
Driving our own car gave us the freedom to head out to Versailles, where we wandered the palace grounds and admired its stunning architecture.
The Palace of Versailles, which is just outside of Paris, is a stunning example of royal wealth and political power.
Louis XIV turned it from a simple hunting lodge into a huge work of Baroque architecture with gilded halls, manicured gardens, and the famous Hall of Mirrors.
Walking around the grounds is like stepping into a living painting, where every fountain, statue, and hallway tells a story about France's greatest time.
The golden gates, fountains, and lavish décor are a feast for the eyes. Versailles has a grandeur that’s hard to match—pure magic, really.
💡 Did you know? France is often called "L’Hexagone" because its borders roughly form the shape of a six-sided hexagon.
Why “France”? A Name with a History
The name "France" comes from the Franks, a Germanic tribe that settled in the region during the early Middle Ages. Their influence shaped the country’s language, politics, and culture, eventually giving rise to the word “Francia,” meaning “Land of the Franks.”
That deep history is what makes France so intriguing to explore. You can feel it in the Gothic arches of cathedrals, the marble halls and gardens of Versailles, and the cobblestone streets that have witnessed centuries of revolution, art, and rebirth.
Just step into the Louvre, and you’ll understand.
French Food: Magnifique!
French cuisine is famous worldwide—and for good reason. Whether it’s continental breakfasts, fresh pastries, or a daring plate of escargot, France delivers flavor and flair in equal measure.
Every bite feels special, from the buttery layers of a morning croissant to a glass of red wine shared over dinner. We didn’t dine in Michelin-starred restaurants, but we loved grabbing pastries from random cafés, drawn in by that irresistible smell of baked bread.
Dining in France makes you slow down and connect. Sitting at a roadside table, sipping coffee, and watching the world go by is an experience all on its own. Jenn’s favorite? The escargot. Leon’s? A blue cheeseburger he still talks about.
💡 Good to know: France takes dining etiquette seriously. Meals are social, conversations are polite, and you should always say "bon appétit" before eating.
Planning Your Visit
France enjoys all four seasons, each offering something unique. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the best times for mild weather and smaller crowds.
Summer brings festivals and long daylight hours, while winter turns Paris into a sparkling wonderland.
Try out our France Travel Essentials section. It's a free, no-sign-up guide that covers everything from how to connect to the internet and use the currency to local customs and useful tips. Based on what we've learned on the road, we built it to make planning trips easier.
💡 Worth noting: France has become more expensive in recent years, especially Paris. But for the architecture, history, and culture, it’s absolutely worth it. Smaller towns and countryside stays offer great value—and just as much charm.
Traveling Around France
France’s transport system is excellent. The TGV high-speed trains connect major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux in just a few hours.
Regional trains and buses reach smaller towns, while renting a car gives you the freedom to explore rural areas at your own pace.
The highways are smooth, well-marked, and generally stress-free—just be prepared for the tolls! France has some of the most expensive and extensive highway tolls in Europe, with over 90 toll points across its road network.
Find detailed transport options and tips in our France Travel Essentials.
💡 Good to know: Always validate your regional train ticket before boarding. Validation machines are usually found at platform entrances.
Costs, Safety, and Staying Connected
We found France to be very safe overall. A few simple precautions—zip pockets, anti-theft bags, and awareness in busy areas—go a long way. Street hawkers can be persistent near major attractions, but a firm "no" or "merci" usually does the trick.
While there’s occasional social unrest, it rarely affects tourists directly. What stands out most is the strong national pride and creativity that’s visible everywhere, from the tiniest village café to the grand boulevards of Paris.
💡 Look out for: On the first Sunday of every month, many museums and attractions offer free or discounted entry—a great tip for budget travelers.
Fun Facts About France
1. L’Hexagone: France is nicknamed “The Hexagon” due to its shape on the map.
2. Wine Wonders: France produces over 7 billion bottles of wine every year.
3. Morning Rituals: Over 30,000 bakeries operate across the country—that’s a lot of croissants!
4. Art Legacy: The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum, welcoming well over 9 million visitors annually.
5. A Timeless Icon: The Eiffel Tower was meant to be temporary—it was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and almost dismantled afterward.
FAQs About Visiting France
When is the best time to visit France?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for mild weather, blooming gardens, and smaller crowds. Summer is vibrant but busier, while winter turns Paris into a magical wonderland of lights and festivities.
Do I need a visa to visit France?
What are the must-see attractions in France?
How do I get around France?
Is France expensive?
What food should I try in France?
Is France safe for tourists?
Do people in France speak English?
What’s the best way to stay connected in France?
Why do we love France so much?
Why France Will Always Be One of Our Favorites
France is a place of beauty, creativity, and history. It taught us to enjoy the little things, to take our time, and to live with passion.
We toasted our engagement there, walked through centuries of art, and fell even more in love with travel and with each other.
France has a way of pulling you back, whether you’re planning your first trip or reminiscing about past adventures. Elegant, historical, and heartfelt; it’s unforgettable.
Check out our France Country Guide for more inspiration!
Come Closer—We Explore More Than Maps. We Journey Through Mindsets.
Top Hotels in Paris and Beyond
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Interactive Map
France
Check out all of the places we visited in France courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog.
(Tap for more info.)
Wanderlog is a free travel planning app where you can create itineraries, organize flights, hotels, and car reservations, view places to visit, and collaborate with friends.
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