Explore with Ersilia

France Like a local, Europe like a friend

Navigate France like a local beyond the language barrier and explore Europe through a unique lens.

Just real travel talk​
profile picture ersilia

Hello, I am Ersilia

a Romanian who now calls the beautiful city of Toulouse home.

Through my travel blog, I guide English speakers to discover the authentic France without the language barrier.

I share insider tips, cultural insights, and practical advice to help you plan your dream French adventure with confidence.

My blog is your personal guide to navigating a country where French is the primary language, packed with practical tips and local knowledge to make your travel planning effortless.

Living in the heart of southern France has given me a unique perspective as both a local and an expat, letting me uncover the real France beyond the tourist trails. While my blog mostly shares insider tips about French life, hidden gems across different regions, and the authentic experiences you can have here (from navigating French bureaucracy to finding the best croissants in Toulouse!), I also love sharing stories from my European adventures.

Being Romanian and living in France puts me in a special position to compare Eastern and Western European cultures, and I’m excited to take you along on my journeys across this diverse continent.

Whether you’re planning a trip to France or dreaming about exploring Europe’s lesser-known corners, I’m here to share both local insights and traveler’s perspectives that you won’t find in typical guidebooks.

Ready ?

Let's make every trip a life-changing experience!

dordogne river in france village
cordes sur ciel village in france
Dordogne Valley Castle, France
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Customized itineraries already tested

Skip the guesswork - these aren't just theoretical routes, but real journeys I've taken while living in France! From quick weekend escapes around Toulouse to extended European adventures, each itinerary comes with my tested tips for transit, dining spots, and perfect photo opportunities. Your dream French vacation, planned by someone who lives it daily!

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Carefully selected experiences

From hidden bistros in Toulouse's backstreets to charming B&Bs in Provence, I only share places I've personally visited and loved. These aren't tourist traps you'll find everywhere - they're authentic experiences that capture the real essence of France and Europe, vetted by a local who knows the difference

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Discoveries of hidden gems

Beyond the Eiffel Tower and Louvre lies a France few tourists ever see. Living in Toulouse has let me uncover those special places locals treasure - secret gardens, family-run bistros, weekend markets, and charming villages that don't make it to glossy guidebooks. Join me as I reveal these hidden corners of France, along with unexpected discoveries from my travels across Europe!

Topics I write about

travel guides by region, by city, local restaurants and hotels, experiences that you didn’t hear about

I cover Spain, Italy, Greece, Romania, Germany… and others ! 

All the annoying stuff tht you need to know before and during your travel!

french village cordes sur ciel

Explore France with me

The picturesque village of Loutro in Crete, accessible only by boat, nestled at the foot of rugged mountains. Small fishing boats bob in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the harbor. The village's characteristic white-and-blue buildings climb up the rocky hillside in tiers. Under a bright blue sky with a single white cloud, the scene captures the remote, tranquil nature of this car-free coastal settlement.

Explore Europe with me

Get In Touch

Let's Keep Exploring Together!

Once a month, I’ll send you a thoughtfully crafted letter packed with:

  • Secret spots from my Toulouse home base
  • Local tips you won’t find in guidebooks
  • Real stories from my French and European adventures
  • Tested itineraries that actually work
  • Hidden restaurants and charming villages I discover

Think of it as getting a travel letter from your friend in France – just pure wanderlust, once a month!