Have you ever returned from a trip feeling like you only scratched the surface? Like there was a whole other France existing parallel to the one you visited?

The France where locals linger over coffee at corner cafés. Where village markets burst with regional specialties you won’t find in Paris. Where centuries-old traditions continue far from tourist cameras.

Imagine stepping confidently into a family-owned vineyard in Bordeaux, exchanging smiles with the vigneron whose family has tended these vines for generations.

What if you could navigate France with the confidence of a local, even without speaking perfect French?

What if you could discover the authentic soul of French towns, villages, and landscapes that most tourists never see?

Picture yourself navigating the labyrinthine streets of Toulouse’s old quarter, knowing exactly which tiny restaurant serves the most authentic cassoulet in the city.

The language, the customs, the unwritten rules – they shouldn’t stand between you and meaningful travel experiences.

This authentic France isn’t hidden away – it’s simply waiting for someone to show you the way.

And that’s exactly why I’m here! 🌟

The Longer Version

Have you ever felt like you found a piece of your heart in a foreign place?

Yeah, I’ve been there.

Here’s the skinny: I was born and raised in Transylvania, Romania — yes, that Transylvania! — and grew up with a curiosity about the world beyond my borders.

In 2014, my life changed when I was accepted into the Erasmus exchange program (a European Union initiative that allows students to study abroad at partner institutions). I chose Clermont-Ferrand, a modest city of about 140,000 people nestled in France’s volcanic Auvergne region.

It was my first time living alone, in a foreign country no less! But there was something magical about this little-known French city with its buildings crafted from black volcanic stone, the majestic Puy de Dôme volcano watching over the region, and endless hiking trails that beckoned on weekends.

I lived in the heart of the old town, just steps from the magnificent Gothic cathedral, and could walk practically everywhere. This intimacy with the city allowed me to discover a France that most tourists never see — the France of everyday life, local traditions, and genuine connections.

But that year wasn’t just about discovering France — it was also when I met the man who would later become my husband during one of my summer internships. Four years after my Erasmus experience, I took the leap and moved to France “for good” to be with him.

Today, we call Toulouse home — the beautiful “Pink City” in southern France, nicknamed for its distinctive terra-cotta brick buildings that glow rose-colored at sunset. From this perfect home base, we’ve explored the Mediterranean coast, Basque Country, the limestone cliffs of Lot, the castle-dotted landscapes of Dordogne, the glamorous French Riviera, and the lavender fields of Provence.

My work as an architect has also taken me throughout the country, including extended projects in Paris that allowed me to rediscover the capital city I first visited as a wide-eyed tourist with my family back in 2003 (when my sister got terrified during Halloween at Disneyland Paris!).

Travel isn’t just a hobby for us — it’s our shared passion. In the seven years since making France my home, we’ve created countless memories exploring not just my adopted country but also my native Romania and much of Europe together.

As someone who straddles two cultures — Romanian by birth, French by choice — I offer a unique perspective on European travel. I understand the challenges of navigating a foreign country and culture, but I’ve also developed the insider knowledge that makes travel truly enriching.

My architect’s eye catches details others might miss, my artistic hobby of drawing helps me appreciate the visual stories of places we visit, and my love for outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking has led us to some of the most breathtaking natural settings in France.

Life is an adventure best shared. I want to experience it fully and help you do the same!

I see too many travelers missing the real heart of France because they stick to the famous sites or struggle with the language barrier. Even if you can’t move to France as I did, it’s still possible to experience the authentic soul of this beautiful country.

Browse the blog, find adventures that spark your curiosity, and start planning a journey to France that goes beyond the guidebook.