Other than the RS book and forum are there other online (like TA forum) or social media sources that you follow for France? I have gathered a lot of great information over the years from “Join us in France” but still looking for others especially for hotel and restaurant recommendations.
I’ve watched quite a few on youtube, instagram etc and have not found one that resonates with me— a 65 year old, veteran traveler who is beginning to “up my game” in terms of expense for food and comfort.
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
701 posts
I follow Paris Top Tips on YouTube for restaurant recommendations.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
8396 posts
We have been to many places in Europe, especially France and Italy. My husband is firmly convinced that the best food in Europe is found in France. That says a lot, because he loves Italian food. I would recommend a Michelin guidebook. Over the years, I've eaten at a few Michelin stared restaurants, and while often expensive, they've often been good. One was the restaurant near Amboise, at the Chateau du Pray. We also had a fabulous meal in La Roque Gageac at La Belle Etoile.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
17249 posts
This may not be what you asked but I follow a lot of the museums in Paris on FB. A few weeks ago I noted a new gallery opening at the Louvre so sought that out on Sunday.
Just this afternoon I saw on the Orsay FB page that they will open a new room tomorrow dedicated to “To Whom Do These Works Belong” featuring art recovered from Germany and Austria at the end of WWII. I’m going by there tomorrow.
I don’t follow any for hotels as I am comfortable where I stay and I generally eat in my neighborhood. I know that sounds dull, lol 😂 but it makes me happy!
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
693 posts
For hotels and restaurants in France I like the travel sections in the UK newspaper like The Guardian and the The Telegraph. The US magazine Condé Nast Traveler also has a good email newsletter you can subscribe to which often includes France topics
Posted by
Massachusetts
1762 posts
I use the following sources:
Posted by
537 posts
If you use Facebook, there are lots and lots of travel groups, either for Europe in general, travel in general, or more specifically for France.
I tend to try and stick to the private ones and join them all.
There is more information there these days than on Trip Advisor that's for sure.
Posted by
Somerville, MA
802 posts
Like you, Rick Steves and Join us in France are my primary resources for big picture trip planning. For restaurants I grind through Google Maps reviews. I’ve found this to be very successful in finding the type of place I’m looking for.
Posted by
California
215 posts
Thanks Mary for the Secrets of Paris tip. I have learned a lot already!
Posted by
London, England
381 posts
If you can read a little French the "Routard" guides are very reliable for restaurants and local attractions.
Posted by
OP
Tacoma, WA, USA
743 posts
Thank you. Hopefully others will benefit from this great list.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
897 posts
Internet resources …
Hotels or Rentals. I use Expedia to look. I know Hotels.com is more popular, here. But we found Hotel des Grandes Ecoles in Paris (near the Sorbonne and Rue Mouffetard) on Expedia and it was a delightful, quiet oasis, yet nicely located on the back side of the 5th Arr. On the other hand, the well-located lodgings I found in Lyon on Expedia turned out to be cramped. But generally I have been pleased by looking closely, both on Expedia and then the hotel’s own website. May be cheaper to book with the hotel, rather than Expedia. Years ago, we poured over many, many listings on VRBO and found lovely lodgings in the Marais. Quiet street, comfortable size.
Since you’ve stepped up your budget for lodgings, look at https://www.i-escape.com/. Their low end is my top price, but I’ve never been disappointed with lodgings found there and we had some lovely hotels through them in Spain (Seville, Vejer de la Frontera and Granada) and Prague. Haven’t used them often, and they don’t always have something that appeals in a particular location where I am staying … or that is in my price range, but it is a good resource on occasion.
Restaurants. The Fork; Trip Advisor; Michelin (we tend toward one star or No star, Michelin Bib). I know, some here sometimes look down on TA, but again, we’ve found nice restaurants that way … and often on short to zero notice.
ALWAYS follow your nose. You may be heading to one spot, but the scent of good food and laughter from diners may draw you in a different direction. Of course, your hotel front desk or concierge may have suggestions … that may or may not appeal upon arrival.
LATE NOTE. Agree with Philip about GUIDE ROUTARD, Mais il faut qu’on peut lire en francais. Restaurants often display their Guide Routard decals on a window by the front door.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2363 posts
For restaurants in Paris, I've been following Claude Kolm's The Fine Wine Review. He also posts on Hungry Onion under the name Onzieme. He's introduced me to some great finds in Paris at all price points.
Posted by
Arlington TX
1048 posts
Oh my, thanks jeanm. The Hungry Onion looks like a great resource.