Quel est le site Web ?

France with Véro

Page d'Accueil
France
Paris
France with Véro

Bienvenue! Let me share my France with you - Véro, native French adult educator, tour guide, writer

31/08/2024

Bonjour.

Another group tour wrapped up in Paris on Friday morning.

In the course of 11 days our travelers discovered some of the highlights “the Heart of France” offers to locals and visitors.

They now understand why many French natives (especially those living “en province”) claim “Paris is not France and France is not Paris.”

From varied landscapes showcasing local history, architecture and traditions to delicious food specialties and wines, there was a lot to learn on the road as we moved around la Belle France.

The weather? “Magnifique,” all the way to Mont St Michel and the Normandy coast where it never is a sure thing!

It can be tiring to embark on an itinerant trip and live out of your suitcase, changing hotels every two days. Still some magical moments - planned or unplanned - encountered along the way and new friendships with fellow travelers hopefully more than make up for it.

Home for a week resting. See you soon in Paris for my last “Paris and the Heart of France” tour this season.

Rick Steves' Europe

25/08/2024

Bonjour,

A sunny weekend is winding down in the Touraine region, my adopted home.

We’ve been based in Amboise and have visited landmarks in the Loire Valley including Bourges, Château de Selles sur Cher, Chambord and of course, Chenonceau.

There’s still work to be done tonight before we head full West in the morning for an overnight stay on the mont St Michel. I still took a few minutes right before sunset, to capture photogenic Amboise.

It never gets old, does it?

So many stories to tell and famous characters to introduce!

Tours, my home, was so close I could almost touch it.

The Loire river assured me I would be there soon strolling along the riverbanks, sipping a glass of Noble Joué rosé at a local guinguette.

For now my guests are about to discover Brittany and Normandy where many more discoveries await.

Follow the tour guide!

Véro

Rick Steves' Europe

23/08/2024

Bonsoir.

Bourges tonight after our group dinner.

(did I mention the fairy doors?)

Véro

22/08/2024

Bonjour

Our last full day in Paris.

More adventures await in the morning in “the heart of France.”

There’s no good stroll around the former “Belly of Paris” (Les Halles!) without some food tasting.

Early this morning I picked up goodies (Praluline and macarons) we later enjoyed in a shaded corner of the peaceful Palais Royal.

We visited mighty Saint-Eustache.

We explored rue Montorgueil.

There *may* have been some cheese tasting too.

Once the group went off on their own Parisian adventures I treated myself to a leisurely lunch at my favorite Right Bank HQ.

If you know me you’ll recognize it. 😉

Bags are packed. Our driver has arrived with our beautiful ride. French roads await.

Who’s coming?

Véro

Rick Steves' Europe
Maison Pralus

21/08/2024

Bonjour.

Paris, August 21.

A stroll through the 6th arrondissement is always a good idea.

Photo 1: Où Haussmann n’a jamais mis les pieds
Where Haussmann didn’t tread

Photo 2: La bagarre
The fight

Photo 3: Au Luco
Luxembourg gardens

Photo 4: Le Lecteur
The reader

Photo 5: La cabane à crêpes et les pétanquistes
Crêpe stand and petanque players

Photo 6: “Je pointe ou je tire?”

Photo 7: Le spectacle de marionnettes, c’est par là!
This way to the puppet show!

Photo 8: Août à Paris, c’est génial!
August in Paris rocks!

Photo 9: Mon pote Honoré, amoureux de la Touraine. Un homme de goût
My buddy Honoré (de Balzac) in love with Touraine. A man of taste

My tour guide life.

Véro

20/08/2024

The Parisian facade.

Day 1.

A few hours before I meet a new group of travelers in the 14th arrondissement I step on the small balcony outside my hotel room.

This is what I see.

Paris is quiet, barring the sound of a siren in the distance.

It’s August. Parisians are still away on their summer vacation yet “la Rentrée” is around the corner.

Brace yourself Paris. Things are about to get livelier.

Let’s get this show on the road. First, the welcome meeting.

Véro

19/08/2024

Bonjour.

Bags are packed and I am off to Paris this morning to welcome a new group of travelers.

In the mood for some virtual travel around La Belle France? Check in over the next few days to discover slices of France I’ll be sharing when time allows.

This tour is my favorite itinerary to lead and it will be fun to introduce more North American travelers to “the Heart of France” after we leave Paris.

Last night after a busy day packing and tying up loose ends I treated myself to a favorite activity: writing.

A productive evening.

There’s a new story on Substack you might enjoy reading. Yes, it’s about the Paris 2024 opening ceremony. No, it’s not what you might expect.

Find it in the comment section below.

A demain. See you tomorrow in Paris!

Vero

17/08/2024

Bonjour.

Since 2020 travelers and francophiles have tuned in on YouTube to travel virtually with me in Paris and beyond.

In 2024 I continue to create French content that is both educational and fun. These days the France with Vero channel hosts over 350 videos or virtual tours you can play for free at any time whenever you need a "France fix."

Earlier this year I launched a new video series and just released Episode 6.

Viewers say the "French and Entrepreneur" series is worth watching for a variety of reasons: getting introduced to French small businesses and their owners, learning more about French life, adding new addresses to your "must-see/must-try" list and last but not least, practicing your French language comprehension skills (all video interviews are in French with English subtitles.)

This is the real France you don't always see on social media. Beyond stereotypes, France is entrepreneurial. France (and the French) still rely on small businesses. Their owners are creative and adaptable. They need our support.

In Episode 6 of the series I am happy to introduce a favorite local business in Tours, Loire Valley. Meet Nicolas the friendly owner of "le Triptyque." Let's chat about wine, the beloved French "apéro" tradition and a popular trend, wines in a box.

The video link is in the Comment section below.

A big thank you to France with Vero Patrons, my co-producers. Without them, this new video series might not exist.

You too can help my small but mighty channel. If you enjoy my work: "Like," "Share" the video and leave a comment on YouTube. Merci!

Bienvenue au Triptyque, Tours.

Véro

Merci Le Triptyque Tours, Nicolas, Clémentine, Marine.

14/08/2024

Bonjour.

T’was a fun few days this month in lovely (and sunny!) Edmonds, WA reconnecting with Rick Steves, his local team and my friends and fellow tour guides.

In case this video doesn’t drive the point home Rick and his guides work hard and play hard too! 🙂

We missed our friends who couldn’t make it (many were still on the road with tour groups.)

I loved reconnecting with old friends from “the Class of 2019,” meeting new members of the France guide team (see pic in comment section below) and catching up with the good people in Rick’s office team.

Thank you Rick for bringing us all together once again (our first get together since 2020!)

On a personal note, merci for giving me a chance to return to my adopted home, the Pacific Northwest.

I will be meeting a new tour group in Paris next week for Part 2 of the 2024 touring season.

Keep on traveling!

Véro

Rick Steves

03/08/2024

Bonjour.

To stalk or not to stalk?

It shouldn’t even be a question, n’est-ce-pas?

There’s a new story on Substack.

Find it at the usual places if you don’t subscribe to my newsletter yet (why not? It’s free.)

A bientôt.

Véro

❤️

31/07/2024

Vive (Napo)Léon!
Vive la France!

À Léon:

Merci de nous réunir.
Merci de nous faire vibrer.
Merci pour cette fierté.
Et respect.

🥇🥇🥇

Véro 🇫🇷
(Une toulousaine)

23/07/2024

Bonjour from Charles de Gaulle’s airport.

New story out.

It’s on Substack. It’s free, like my monthly newsletter.

(What are you waiting for to subscribe? 😉)

Link in the comment section below.

A+
(See you later.)

Véro

22/07/2024

Bonjour.

Les vacances. Les congés.

La pause estivale, en France, c’est sacré.

Vous êtes Juillettiste ou Aoûtien?

Moi, les deux.

I will be both this year on my first vacation since that fabulous week along the French Atlantic coast last July.

Pas de congés payés. No PTO, but so happy my favorite boss lets this entrepreneur take time off 😉

Bags are packed. Plans have been made.

US-bound.

Fun times to look forward to.

Leaving you in good hands with all “France experts” out there!

See you here. See you there, now and then, if inspiration strikes.

A bientôt,

Véro

19/07/2024

Bonjour,

A few weeks ago, the famed Saint Hubert chapel reopened in Amboise, Loire Valley after an extensive restoration. It was a big deal. Why? Well, the chapel is Leonardo Da Vinci's resting place for one.

Amboise is but a short drive (or train ride) away from Tours. I had to head over and see with my own eyes the result of almost three years of restoration work by 50 craftsmen representing all the major trades.

La Chapelle St Hubert did not disappoint. Check out those pics!

Tour guides will guide. Teachers will teach. I filmed a virtual tour at the Royal Château d'Amboise and of course, stepped inside the chapel.

Now you get to join me. If you don't have plans to return to the Loire Valley soon, this is as close as you will get to admiring French craftsmanship - and meeting Leonardo, of course.

Follow the tour guide!

To join this exclusive guided walk, head to the France with Vero YouTube channel. Shortcut: Check out the link in the comment section below.

The tour is free. Thank you for supporting my work: "Like," "Share" or leave a comment on YouTube. Sign up for my newsletter on Substack for stories I don't publish anywhere else. Merci!

Bonne visite.

Véro

France with Vero mothership:
https://francewithvero.com/

Free newsletter!
https://substack.com/francewithvero

14/07/2024

Happy National Holiday, France!

Here's the replay of the July 14 live-streamed tour in Saumur, Loire Valley.

If you love visiting France outside Paris, if you love history, if you enjoy watching fireworks shows, join the fun!

Véro

̂tenationale

J'aime l'Anjou

14/07/2024

Ma chère France.

I once looked for greener pastures.

Life was good until it wasn’t and I learned absence only makes the heart grow fonder.

Complicated, argumentative, rigid (except when it isn’t,) volatile, standing up to old stereotypes (and validating others,) always interesting, never boring, breathtakingly beautiful and varied (especially off the beaten path.)

In short, a lot more than the home of scrumptious cheese and wine.

It’s my privilege to continue sharing La Belle France as I see it.

Bonne fête nationale, France!

I love you just as you are.

Véro

13/07/2024

Guess who gets featured on the latest episode of Travel with Rick Steves? ;-)

Véro

Rick Steves' Europe
Nina Seffusatti

12/07/2024

Our own little Giverny.

Happy 150th anniversary, Jardin des Prébendes!

Véro

11/07/2024

Bonjour,

Les trois vieilles dames d’Amboise.

Les reconnaissez-vous?

Véro

PS: Hint. TWO French classics are featured, not just the one everyone knows! ;-)

09/07/2024

Bonjour.

Flânerie à Tours.

Photos:

La coccinelle et l’église
La rose et le vieux puits
Rue du Cheval Blanc
La maison fatiguée

Votre photo préférée?

Véro
https://francewithvero.com/

Quartier Paul Bert, Tours.
Dimanche 7 juillet 2024

❤️

06/07/2024

Bonjour.

I just published a new story on Substack.

You’ve already read it if you subscribe to my free newsletter. If not, the link is in the comment section below.

Important weekend for France with the final round of a legislative election that will impact our lives in the near future.

As a result, there’s quite a bit of uncertainty (and angst) in the air.

My story reflects this.

Psst: I may need readers’ help to figure some things out. Hope you can take a few minutes to weigh in.

Merci.

Véro

04/07/2024

Happy Independence Day, America!

The city of Tours and the United States have long had an enduring friendship. What better time to tell you the story?

Véro

ERRATUM: US troops stayed in Tours and other towns in the Loire Valley from the spring of 1917 to the fall of 1919 (not 2019!!)

30/06/2024

Bonjour,

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" they say.

Ever heard of “les pommes tapées” a delicious Loire Valley specialty?

Follow me on a new virtual tour off the beaten path to lovely Turquant, a troglodytic village in the Anjou region.

We’ll visit impressive limestone caves where generations of locals lived all the way into the 20th century.

It gets better: Find out how they kept busy down there!

Who’s joining me in France? Follow the tour guide!

One small request: If you enjoy this video, please give it a “Like” and let YouTube know and… do share with francophile friends to help me get the word out. Merci!

To watch: Click the link in the Comment section below or head to the France with Vero YouTube channel. Bonne visite!

Bon dimanche,

Véro

23/06/2024

Bonjour.

Three years ago today I sat at a table across from the mighty Tours Hôtel de Ville and toasted the start of a new personal and professional chapter in the Loire Valley.

That day (June 23, 2021) as the world was barely coming out of its Covid-related hibernation I picked up the keys of my new home, a two-bedroom condo with a south-facing outdoor area near Tours' historic district.

After years of turmoil and change following a 23-year chapter in the United States, a divorce, an international relocation to my homeland (with only 9 boxes in tow!) and 18 months of lockdowns in rental apartments in Paris, I hoped I had finally arrived home as I sat "en terrasse.”

As it turns out - like the many stories and videos I have created since then can attest - Tours and the Loire Valley turned into the gift that keeps on giving, an endless source of discoveries, encounters, learning and inspiration.

I am grateful for the many challenges that came my way over the last decade. They pushed me to work harder, smarter, and with even more determination to build a new life on my own in my 50s.

I am grateful for those who supported and encouraged me along the way, friends and family of course, but also virtual friends, this great community, (born in a suburban North American kitchen with a blog - "French Girl in Seattle" - in 2011) my patrons and French students.

Happy 3rd anniversary, Tours, ma ville. Merci pour tous "les petits bonheurs!"

Véro

(The short video message I filmed that day is linked below.)

21/06/2024

Bonjour.

As if McDo (& Co!) had invented anything... ;-)

The price has gone way up though for the humble "Steak haché oeuf à cheval." It used to be cafeteria (or "cantine") food.

Have you had one before?

Véro

́

18/06/2024

June 18, 1940 - June 18, 2024

Today marks the 84th anniversary of one of the most recognizable speeches in French history.

“L’ Appel du 18 juin.” The Appeal of June 18, 1940.

This is a date most French natives relate to through history lessons dating back to their days “à la communale” (public school) or stories told by their parents and grand-parents, of a time most of us were lucky not to know, the German Occupation of France and Europe during WW2.

To understand what that date means to the French, we need to go back in time.

Follow me?

In the spring of 1940, more than 8 million north-Europeans and French citizens fled their homes in total panic, as German troops blitzed through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, on their way to Paris. Hi**er and his troops seemed unstoppable.

In France only 20 years after the end of "the Great War" chaos ruled once again, as the government left the French capital and headed to Tours. Newspapers stopped publishing. There was no information, no instructions, no leadership.

Turned into refugees the French had to rely on the goodwill of local authorities and local populations wherever they landed, as they fled west and south to safety. Most were convinced they’d be all right if they made it to the other side of the Loire river. Surely the mighty Loire would slow down German troops!

During the few weeks of the national crisis known as “l’Exode” two million Parisians abandoned their city with whatever belongings they could load up in cars (they would soon run out of gas,) wheelbarrows, children’s prams, or horse-drawn carriages. Only the sick and the elderly stayed behind.

Over the following weeks they joined millions of refugees flooding in from war-torn countries (the Netherlands, Belgium,) overwhelming local shelter capabilities, faced with uncertainty, precarious living conditions, hunger, and death (as German air raids caused havoc along the roads.)

They must have felt French society - and the world - was coming to an end, my countrymen. It is estimated more than 60,000 children were separated from their families during l’Exode. Many never saw them again, however hard authorities tried to track them.

By June 14 the Germans paraded victoriously in Paris. Within a few days, swastikas would be flying above major Parisian landmarks.

On June 17 France's new leader, an 83-year old officer turned politician, a decorated WW1 hero, Philippe Pétain, made a compassionate radio speech, calling for a cease-fire, and focusing on the fate of refugees and over 1,800,000 prisoners of war soon to be on their way to German labor camps.

It’s easy to understand Pétain’s appeal in the early days of the Occupation: He showed leadership at a time when no one in the French government did. Many believed him and started heading home, relieved to be off the roads soon.

Others didn’t trust Pétain or Hi**er and stayed put or moved further away. For those who returned it would be a long and perilous trip back to Paris, Germans controlling French roads, who went through and who didn’t. Once at home, they soon realized life as they knew it in their city was gone.

Four years of German Occupation under N**i rule had just started.

On June 18 one day after Pétain’s speech an unknown voice rose on the radio from the BBC in London. Many never heard it in the midst of ongoing chaos. They would come to recognize it in the months and years that followed.

That voice was Charles de Gaulle’s. A patriot, skilled officer and student of modern warfare he had fought during WW1 and WW2 and did not accept the terms of Pétain’s agreement with Hi**er.

DeGaulle had rightly anticipated WWII would be a global conflict and headed to England where he sought the support of another staunch patriot, Winston Churchill, who would become his reluctant ally and favorite foe.

Neither could prevent the humiliating terms of the Armistice signed between France and Germany on June 22. France was de-facto cut in half, divided into an Occupied Zone (under German control) and a "Free Zone" placed under the supervision of the newly established Vichy government.

That same day De Gaulle launched another appeal to the French on the BBC. That speech reached a much wider audience.

Over the next four years, defying all odds, with sheer grit and ambition and faced with fierce opposition from some among Allied forces (including Franklin Delano Roosevelt who hated him and did his best to isolate him) General de Gaulle established himself as the leader of Free France, organizing the French Resistance from London, and eventually emerging out of the war years as a national hero.

He would remain part of French political life on and off, for the following three decades, eventually becoming the first president of the 5th French Republic.

Fifty four years after his death DeGaulle has as many admirers as detractors. He made controversial decisions. His arrogance did not sit well with some of his contemporaries. Still, everyone remembers his name and in France at least, realizes what the “Appeal of June 18, 1940” meant, the refusal to surrender, the stubborn belief that France still had a major part to play on the world stage.

His integrity as a man, a politician and his love of France have never been questioned.

DeGaulle made it possible for the French to look at themselves in the mirror after four years of German Occupation (and, some would add, collaboration) and keep their heads high hoping for a fresh start. If he had to rewrite inconvenient truths to get there, he did.

Not all French men and women had joined the Resistance, far from it. Yet some did, especially in the early days, and followed in DeGaulle's footsteps. They embarked on the perilous journey to London, leaving their families and lives behind, to help an unknown General in his fight against a formidable enemy. These men and women are worthy of our admiration and respect.

Merci à vous aussi, Général de Gaulle.

(This is an article I first published in June 2020. It has been updated. All photos captured at the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération, Paris, June 2024.)

Photo 1: Brigadier General Charles de Gaulle in London, 1940.
Photo 2: De Gaulle's June 18 radio appeal.
French and English versions. The original appeal was never recorded.
Photo 3. Free French Forces flag.
Photo 4: Poster inspired by the Appeal of June 18. First released in London, and later in France. Similar posters are still ubiquitous all over the country.

Véro

Adresse

Paris

Site Web

https://francewithvero.com/

Notifications

Soyez le premier à savoir et laissez-nous vous envoyer un courriel lorsque France with Véro publie des nouvelles et des promotions. Votre adresse e-mail ne sera pas utilisée à d'autres fins, et vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment.

Contacter L'entreprise

Envoyer un message à France with Véro:

Vidéos

What a fabulous trip! This summer I went back to the USA, my adopted home, for three weeks filled with discoveries and fun times with “Junior” (my son) old friends, Rick Steves and fellow tour guides. From Chicago to Minneapolis, all the way to the glorious Pacific Northwest where I once lived, this trip was exactly what a vacation should be. Glorious sights, great cities, food (and a few drinks) enjoyed in good company, time to relax and write (look up my recent stories on Substack!) opportunities to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Merci @savoywithane and all my Seattle friends. Merci @ricksteveseurope for organizing a fun, educational workshop and for bringing your tour guides together once again. I wouldn’t change a thing. Véro #francewithvero #tourguidelife #summervacation #usabound #americanroadtrip #memorylane

July 14 celebration in Saumur, Loire Valley

Happy National Holiday, France! Here's the replay of the July 14 live-streamed tour in Saumur, Loire Valley. If you love visiting France outside Paris, if you love history, if you enjoy watching fireworks shows, join the fun! Véro #francewithvero #virtualtour #tourguide #loirevalley #loirevalleytourism #saumur #14juillet #fêtenationale J'aime l'Anjou

Happy Independence Day, America! The city of Tours and the United States have long had an enduring friendship. What better time to tell you the story? Véro ERRATUM: US troops stayed in Tours and other towns in the Loire Valley from the spring of 1917 to the fall of 1919 (not 2019!!) #francewithvero #tours #toursmaville #loirevalley #loirevalleytourism #ww1 #july4th #independenceday #tourguide

Bonjour. A French native meets the “Cr-ookie.” French life faces off cultural globalization (the sequel.) Le Crookie. Paris’ overhyped sugary confection has landed in my little city in the heart of the Loire Valley. I am torn. Hard to beat on a successful entrepreneurial endeavor when one has just launched a YouTube series (“French and Entrepreneur”) highlighting our countrymen’s many talents and business savvy. This small business owner can be creative too and has come up with a fun way of reviewing the hybrid delicacy. Join me on Patreon to watch the video review on Friday. Hint: the cost of 1.5 Parisian “Cr-ookie(s)” easily covers membership. More exclusive content about France. A fun community. No calories whatsoever. — Why would you even hesitate? Look me up at the usual places and join the fun! Véro PS: Paid Substack subscribers will receive a link to the video too. Thank you for your support! PPS: Qu.in.te.ssen.tially — There, I’ve said it! Merci @maisonnardeux. #francewithvero #crookie #frenchpastries #frenchlife #globalization #thenewparis

Bonjour. I continue to share my favorite places (and people!) in La Belle France in a new YouTube series, French and Entrepreneur. Here’s the introduction of episode 3 highlighting a fun eatery in Tours’ historic district, “Beurre Noisette” a popular tea room, coffee shop and brunch place. In this new 15-minute interview in French (with English subtitles) you’ll meet the pastry chef (and owner) friendly Clémence. Join us on YouTube to find out more. If you enjoy the video, give us some love (I.e. “Likes,” “shares” and/or a comment!) Merci et à bientôt, Véro #francewithvero #tourscity #toursmaville #toursetmoi #loirevalleytourism #valdeloiretourisme #frenchentrepreneur #frenchlife #frenchfood #beurrenoisette

Bonjour! I declare touring season open! You know where I will be this week if you read the March newsletter. It came out yesterday on Substack. Check my Stories daily for peeks into our daily adventures (and Parisian life) as the city prepares to host the Olympic Games. But first things first: Joyeux anniversaire, Mademoiselle Eiffel! Véro #francewithvero #paris #parisfrance #eiffeltower #toureiffel #seemyparis #tourguidelife

Bonjour, C’est officiel: Le meilleur hamburger du monde est français! What if I told you the World’s Best Burger is made in France? Don’t take my word for it: The American jury at the 2023 World Food Championship in Dallas, TX, said so. What if I told you the lead in the “French Burger Team” in Dallas, Chef Benoit Sanchez, is based in Tours where he owns two restaurants as “le Tatoué Toqué?” Benoît and I sat down a few days ago and had a great chat about what’s it like to make burgers today in France, the Land of Gastronomy, where Burger Mania is alive and well. Chef Sanchez has had quite the ride in his distinguished career and many more exciting plans to come he shares with us in Episode 2 of our new series “French and Entrepreneur.” Catch it on the France with Vero YouTube channel or in the usual social media links. Why not watch Episode 1 too (introducing another popular local business) while you are at it? Merci Benoit Sanchez and @lttresto. Thank you all for stopping by: A “Like” and a “Share” on YouTube can go a long way to help spread the word about my work if you enjoy it. Merci beaucoup. Et… bon appétit, Véro @villedetours #francewithvero #tourscity #toursmaville #tourainevaldeloire #loirevalleytourism #villedetours #burgermania #hamburger #burgerartesanal #frenchandentrepreneur

Bonjour. There’s something new on France with Vero! Head over to my YouTube channel and discover episode 1 of a new series: “French and Entrepreneur.” The format? Short interviews in French (with English subtitles) of local business owners, artists and artisans. They are creative and flexible. They are hardworking. They are French entrepreneurs! In this series I’ll introduce you to some pretty interesting people. With them, you’ll learn more about modern French life and French culture. Who’s in? Episode 1 takes us to a local institution along iconic Place Plumereau, le Café du Mûrier. Follow the tour guide! Véro #francewithvero #frenchandentrepreneur #frenchlife #smallbusiness #Frenchcraftsmanship #seemyfrance

Bonjour. Join me in my French kitchen as I unpack groceries and share exciting news about a new project! Products and businesses mentioned in the video: - Café Joyeux https://bit.ly/3I2Hanw - Nespresso - Terres Exotique https://www.terreexotique.fr/ - France Fromage Cheese selection: Fromage blanc, Couronne Lochoise (goat cheese) Apples: “Jazz” and “Tentation” Jacques Pépin’s vinaigrette recipe Salmon cooked “en papillote” Dessert: “Far Breton” See you on YouTube next week when I release Episode 1 of the “French and Entrepreneur” series. Bonus weekend, Véro #francewithvero #tourscity #toursmaville #frenchfood #frenchmarket #frenchlife

Bonjour. Taking a break in the middle of a busy day: what a great idea! The Thursday Special at the friendly (and cozy!) @levieuxmurier was worth the wait. Pot-au-feu: Do you like this French classic? (More pics in today’s Story.) Merci à Claire et à toute l’équipe. Véro #francewithvero #toursmaville #tourscity #lunchbreak #pausedejeuner #frenchfood #frenchbistro #platdujour #potaufeu

Visiting Loire Valley châteaux: So many stories, so little time.

Bonjour, What a glorious Saturday it was in the Loire Valley after weeks of “grisaille!” I couldn’t wait to get out and knew just where to go in my backyard, le Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. How many times have I been there? Too many to count. Still, I always learn (or notice) something new. In this somewhat impromptu stroll, I share some of the sights at my favorite “star” château. Take it from a tour guide: It pays off to take your time while exploring the majestic Loire Valley. Do you agree? Véro Mentioned in the video: Passion Monuments Pass (Center of National Monuments.) #francewithvero #loirevalleytourism #loirevalley #azaylerideau #tourguidelife

Bonjour! France with Vero patrons (the generous souls who support this small business of mine and enable me to work as a content creator for a living) have been sending feedback loud and clear over the last few days when taking our annual survey: They enjoy my impromptu videos on social media, whether I unpack groceries picked up at a local market or highlight a local site I am visiting. One thing they can’t seem to agree on: Should the videos be in French or in English? Qu’à cela ne tienne. Not to worry. “La Bande de Véro” should enjoy this short video captured today. Hopefully so will you. I went out to lunch with my friend Emily. We enjoyed delicious food, some wine and lively conversation chez Bibo Vino. Here’s a great place to learn more about local wines (especially natural wines) with a friendly, knowledgeable team. Words you’ll hear during the video: “Planches” (charcuterie, cheese, and more… finger food!) “Tartine” (a slice of toasted bread… with trimmings!) “Sainte Maure de Touraine” Goat cheese rules supreme in the Loire Valley. Here’s a renowned one, log-shaped (named after a local village.) Wine selection: Loire Valley wines (of course!) St Nicolas de Bourgueil for Emily. Saumur Champigny for me. “Papoter” (to chat at length, to catch up.) Bon weekend à tous Véro #francewithvero #loirevalley #toursmaville #tourscity #frenchfood #frenchwine #ladieswholunch #toursrestaurant

Bonjour from Tours! Happy New Year to the France with Vero virtual community, whether you’ve been here for a few days, a few months or a few years! Food and wine often get mentioned first when visitors are asked why they love France. Understandable! January and February can be labeled lackluster months especially in northern latitudes, following the sparkling, joyful Holiday season. In my homeland there are still good times to be had (involving food, of course!) so we can all forget “la grisaille” (grey skies) surrounding us, at least for a few hours. January 6 marks an important date (and a Christian holiday) but for most French natives (and visitors!) it’s “galette des Rois” season. Here’s my take on this beloved tradition. Bon appétit to all pastry lovers! Véro Words I’ve used in this video: La galette des Rois (almond filling, puff pastry version) La frangipane (almond filling) La fève (trinket, often made of porcelain) La couronne des Rois (Southern France version, brioche) Les fruits confits (candied fruit) The Elysée Palace (seat of the French Executive and French Kings — scratch that! - French Presidents!) La Chandeleur (“Crêpe day”, February 2, 2024) French TV show for kids: “Bonne nuit les petits” (Nicolas, Pimprenelle, Nounours) . . . . #francewithvero #frenchlife #seemyfrance #epiphany #galettedesrois #couronnedesrois #kingcake #Frenchfood

Bonjour! Back in the popular Marais neighborhood. Time to catch up with old friends once again and the delightful team at Bring France Home. Remember this fun boutique specializing in quality gifts made in France? Let’s stop by and check on the crew. There may be time for some virtual shopping too! 😉 Merci à l'équipe de Bring France Home! A bientôt mesdames! Véro #francewithvero #paris #giftshop #giftgiving #parisstreets #lemarais #lemaraisparis

Bonjour from Paris. I stopped by to check on an ailing friend. She is old yet she is mighty! Let’s check on the reconstruction efforts surrounding Notre-Dame de Paris… Did you enjoy this little chat? Give it a “Like” and share with friends. Merci! Vero Le Blog and more: https://francewithvero.com/ #francewithvero #paris #notredamedeparis #virtualtour #tourguide

Bonjour, Strasbourg… not quite French, not quite German. Visitors love her just like she is, day and night, even more so as she prepares to greet the Holiday season. I couldn’t get enough of my strolls around this seductive city where the (rich and fascinating) Past and the Present cohabit harmoniously. Bienvenue à Strasbourg! — Pour Brigitte, la grande voyageuse. Bonne route, cousine. Véro #francewithvero #igersstrasbourg #visitstrasbourg #strasbourgtourisme #strasbourgcity #strasbourgmylove #alsace #petitefrance #strasbourgcapitaledenoel

Bonjour, Bienvenue à Paris! Guess where I am? Véro https://francewithvero.com/fan-zone/ #francewithvero #seemyparis #tourguide #virtualtours #paris75017 #parcmonceau