Spring Videos to Inspire your French Travel Plans
My content is completely free, no paywalls or subscriptions. Just like those old-school ‘90s blogs we used to love. 🥰
While work and life goals have kept me from publishing YouTube videos as of late, I created the content to be evergreen and useful year round, for a long time to come.
In this blog post, I wanted to share some of my favorite YouTube videos I created that are an excellent resource and tool for your Spring and Summer travel plans.
In this video, we’re embarking on an exciting journey along Paris’ iconic Metro Line 1.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will show you how to navigate the Paris Metro with ease and confidence.
Why Watch This Video?
Practice Before You Travel: Get a virtual walkthrough of how to use the Metro, making your actual trip stress-free.
Free Itinerary Planning: Use this video as your personal tour guide to explore major landmarks—all planned out in one efficient day.
Insider Tips: Discover hidden gems and get recommendations for must-visit coffee shops and restaurants.
Today's Tour Stops Include:
° Hôtel de Ville - Start your adventure in the heart of Paris and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
° Palais Royal - Stroll through the royal gardens and enjoy a moment of tranquility away from the bustling city.
° Pont Alexandre III - Capture stunning photos at the most ornate bridge in Paris.
° Grand Palais Restaurant - Dine with a view at the Grand Palais, an architectural marvel.
° Petit Palais - Discover art and elegance at this historic site.
° Jeff Koons’ Bouquet of Tulips - Marvel at this contemporary masterpiece.
° Place de la Concorde - Walk through history at one of Paris’s largest squares.
° Tuileries Garden - Relax in the gardens that once entertained royalty.
° Louvre Museum - Conclude your tour at the exterior of this world-renowned museum.
Extras in This Video: Walking Tour Insights: As we walk, I’ll share stories and tips to enhance your visit. Metro Travel Tips: Important information for an effortless and accessible metro experience.
Whether you're visiting Paris soon or just dreaming of your next vacation, this video is your first step to a seamless Parisian adventure.
𝗦𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘆, 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.
In May 2023, I had the once-in-a-lifetime EXTRAORDINARY opportunity to participate in a private media event at @fondationmonet, the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France.
The property was closed to the public, and I (and a handful of other press friends) had exclusive access to the house and gardens alone to document the sun as it set over Giverny. At this time of the year, the sunset hour was rather late, 21:42 (9:42 PM).
But as the soleil dipped further along the horizon, we were treated to a delicious "golden hour" amongst the flowers, lily pads, and art of Claude Monet and his stunning home.
At this point in the press visit, the rest of the crew were inside Monet's atelier, enjoying nibbles and champagne. But I couldn't stay inside... I snuck back out to the gardens to enjoy the entirety of Clos Normand to myself. Watch as the crisp bright sun at the beginning of the show changes to golden, long shadows and the garden comes alive with birds and vibrant colors.
Giverny is one of the most beautiful gardens in all of France, and it's a must-see if you're visiting Normandy. But this part of the garden is normally closed to the public!
So, with this video, you get a private access tour! In this video, we'll take you to Claude Monet's garden, Clos Normand.
This private access tour is a unique way to see the famous garden in Giverny up close and personal, and it's perfect for armchair travelers who want to explore the garden in peace and quiet.
If you're interested in visiting Giverny, be sure to watch this video!
Château d’Ussé: A Real-Life Fairytale in the Loire Valley
📍 Full Garden Tour + Easter Festivities
Step inside one of France’s most magical châteaux with me—Château d’Ussé, the very castle that inspired Charles Perrault’s beloved fairytale Sleeping Beauty.
🌷 Filmed during Easter weekend, this enchanting episode captures the vibrant spirit of springtime in the Loire Valley with blooming tulips, Easter egg hunts, and whimsical appearances from Sleeping Beauty herself… and yes, even the Easter bunny. 🐰
✨ This video is perfect for:
Francophiles & French history lovers
Anyone dreaming of their next trip to France T
ravelers on a budget who crave meaningful cultural experiences
Garden enthusiasts who want a peek beyond the tourist ropes
Families, fairytale lovers, and anyone longing for wonder
In this episode, I’ll guide you through the famous gardens of Château d’Ussé, including the romantic orangerie, Easter festivities, and peaceful forested corners that feel like they’ve leapt from a storybook. Plus, we’ll discover how the landscape design was inspired by André Le Nôtre, famed gardener of Versailles.
📍 Where is this? Château d’Ussé is located in Rigny-Ussé, in the Indre-et-Loire region of France—a short drive from Chinon and nestled right in the heart of the Loire Valley.
🌐 Learn more: https://www.chateaudusse.fr
💌 Why should you care? Because Château d’Ussé is more than a pretty place—it’s a living monument to French storytelling, a place where history, art, gardens, and imagination entwine. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a fairytale, this is your invitation.
AFTER FILMING NOTES: 1/ The part of the gardens drawn by Le Notre corresponds to the terraces located above the vegetable garden 2/ In the section about Perrault at the beginning of the video, while I indicate the northeast tower as being the place where Perrault wrote Sleeping Beauty. I found out after filming that the owners are unsure which part of the castle he wrote the tale, probably in the east wing of the castle, which was the main building in the 17th century.
Château du Rivau, Part One
Château du Rivau – Episode 1: Chef’s Garden Tour & Slow Food Experience in the Loire Valley
Filmed in early spring and bursting with the fragrance of fresh blossoms and Loire Valley sunshine, this episode invites you behind the scenes of one of France’s most enchanting castles—Château du Rivau.
This is a travel video for the dreamers who are drawn to French lifestyle, fairytale landscapes, slow travel, and meaningful experiences. Whether you’re planning your own French escape or simply love immersive stories about France’s châteaux, gardens, and culinary heritage—this video was made with you in mind.
🌿 In this first episode, we follow the passionate and talented Chef Andrea Modesto through the château’s historic vegetable gardens and into the philosophy behind his garden-to-table cuisine. From rare squash and edible flowers to Chinon wines and zero-waste kitchen practices, this is more than a castle tour—it’s a sensory journey into a living, breathing French legacy.
📍 Château du Rivau is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, near Chinon in the Centre-Val de Loire region. You can plan your visit and explore more about the château’s gardens, exhibitions, and dining experiences here: 👉 https://www.chateaudurivau.com/fr/
Château du Rivau, Part Two
Step inside the magic of Château du Rivau in this warm and intimate video tour that takes you beyond the gates and into the heart of castle life.
Do you dream of traveling to France, love French history and interiors, or are enchanted by the daily rhythms of château life? If you’re a lover of cozy kitchens, beautiful design, and meaningful cultural experiences, this video is for you.
📍 Filmed in early spring, this episode explores the interior of Château du Rivau, a privately owned French castle located in the Touraine region of the Loire Valley. We begin with a charming behind-the-scenes visit to the kitchen, where Chef Andrea Modesto shares his philosophy of seasonal cuisine and sustainable living.
Then, we explore the lived-in, layered beauty of the château itself — from the grand Gothic fireplaces to the tapestries, frescoes, and even the private library. You’ll discover how this castle has been lovingly restored by its owners, Patricia and Éric Laigneau, and how the spirit of its medieval and Renaissance past continues to inspire every room.
🗺️ Castle Info: 👉 https://www.chateaudurivau.com/ 📍 Located in Leméré, Indre-et-Loire, France 📅 Open from April through November
