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Ghent
Bobby and I took a quick visit to Ghent, the sister city of Bruges in beautiful Belgium. Canals lit by an award-winning sustainable lighting plan. An overwhelming amount of delicious restaurants to choose from. Winding streets perfect for meandering among medieval architecture. It was a wonderful two days, and already tops my list of places to revisit.
15 Shopping and Grocery Differences Between France and Canada
This list describes discrepancies between typical small-city French and Canadian shopping experiences. Sure, in many larger cities there will be a store for just about anything, but I’m not a big city gal. So here we go, my list of big and little grocery and shopping differences between France and Canada.
5 Reasons to Vacation in Northern France
If you want to get away from the big city life, breathe some fresh air, and meet some friendly folks, the Regional Wildlife Parks in Northern France are perfect spot for your next vacation. We spent a long weekend enjoying the amazing accommodations, the wonderful local artisans, and even popped over to Belgium for a quick visit!
Big and Little Differences between France and Canada
It’s time for a collection of some big and little differences we have noticed between France and Canada since moving here 5 months ago. From bike etiquette and McDonald’s branding, to coffee culture and public toilets, everything is just a little bit different. We love it! Although I really do miss brunch.
Canada Day in Paris
I was lucky to celebrate Canada Day with my friend Dana in the big city of Paris. We took the train in to check out the first Fete du Canada au Paris, thrown by the Canadian Embassy to France. It was an excellent event, and a wonderful combination of homegrown Canadian culture and a variety of Canadian operations in France. Free poutine, a street hockey game, and Mounties on horseback made it a truly Canadian experience.
Biking Along La Scarpe River
La Scarpe is the river that runs through Northern France (Hauts de France). It has a beautiful trail winding along its banks, perfect for walking and biking. In some places it is wide and paved, while in others it is a narrow dirt path. With a variety of wildlife and lush greenery lining its banks, the trail is a great way to escape the city for a refreshing dose of nature.
When in Reims
We spent a wonderful day touring around the beautiful and historic city of Reims, in the Champagne region of France. Some highlights: a Segway tour around the downtown, and a captivating light and sound show at dusk on the front of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Our First Visitors!
It was such a treat to have Bruce and Pat spend a week with us as our first visitors in Arras! We stuck close to home, enjoyed many “apéros” and delicious meals, and explored some nearby memorial sites including Vimy Ridge, Beaumont-Hamel, Wellington Quarry, Maison Blanche, and Neuville-St Vaast.
Day Trip to Amiens
My first solo day-trip! I hopped the train from Arras to Amiens and had a wonderful afternoon exploring the very walkable city. Some highlights: The Jules Verne House, the Notre Dame Cathedral d’Amiens, and the Venice-like waterway.
Citadel of Arras | Unesco World Heritage Site
We visit the Citadel of Arras (Citadelle d’Arras), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the late 1600’s and still used today for a variety of municipal business and community engagement. A wall of remembrance, lovely walking trails, and a surprise ropes course in the trees!