France: Experience the World’s Most Popular Destination Like a Local with Lindsey Tramuta

#125: Travel journalist, Lindsey Tramuta shares insider tips to help you discover the magic of the world’s most popular tourist destination: France. She discusses how to navigate Paris like a pro and reveals the country's must-visit regions. Chris also covers the best ways to utilize your miles and points to get there.
Lindsey Tramuta (@lindseytramuta) is a journalist who's lived in Paris since 2006. She's written for The New York Times, Eater, Food & Wine and Conde Nast Traveler and is the author of The New Paris, The New Parisienne, and The New Paris Restaurant Guide.
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Resources Mentioned
Lindsey Tramuta: Website | Newsletter | Podcast | Instagram | Twitter
ATH Travel Episodes:
- #101: Planning the Best Japan Trip Ever
- #107: Italy Unlocked: Insider Tips, Must-See Destinations and Booking Flights/Hotels on Points
- #115: Iceland: Planning an Epic Adventure
Must-Visit Regions
- Centre-Val de Loire
- Burgundy
- Alsace: Strasbourg
- Normandy
- Cote d'Azur: Marseille | Saint-Tropez
- Basque Country: Biarritz
- Brittany
- French Alps
- Provence
Paris Deep Dive:
- Neighborhoods: Charonne | Belleville | Luxembourg Gardens
- Museums: Musée de Montmartre | Gustave Moreau Museum | Musée Carnavalet
- Museums (Kids): Cité Des Sciences | Museum of Hunting and Nature | National Museum of Natural History
- Contemporary Art: Pinault Collection
- Unique Things To Do: Catacombs | Women of Paris Tour
- Wine Tastings: Caves du Louvre | Cavewoman Wines
- Day Trips: Versailles | Fontainebleau | Bouldering in Fontainebleau
Restaurants:
- Paris: L’Ami Jean | Marché des Enfants Rouges | Les Enfants Du Marché | Septime
- Baked Goods: Pierre Hermé | Boulangerie Utopie | Mamiche
- Bars: Bar Hemingway At The Ritz | Bar Les Ambassadeurs At The Hôtel de Crillon
Chris’s Recommendations:
Online Sources For Recommendations:
- Food: Le Fooding | Eater.com | The New Paris Restaurant Guide
- Experiences & Tours: Context Travel Tours | Paris by Mouth
- Bars: 52 Martinis - Forest Collins
Rolf Potts’s book: Vagabonding
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Full Show Notes
(02:37) Why France Is The Most Popular Tourist Destination
(04:32) Experiencing France Like A Local
(07:05) What Sets France Apart
(09:33) French Culture
(11:34) Ideal Itinerary For A Short Trip To France
(15:29) Must-Visit Regions
(19:00) Is Paris a Must See?
(24:05) Highlights For A First Trip To France
(26:39) Overhyped and Underrated Spots
(28:02) Common Trip Planning Mistakes
(30:39) The People And The Culture In France
(34:02) Personal Interactions To Expect In France
(36:08) Taboo Conversation Starters To Avoid In France
(40:01) Traveling To France With Kids
(42:17) Must-Have Culinary Experiences In France
(46:01) Logistical Guidelines For Dining In France
(48:52) Tips For Planning A Trip In Paris
(53:26) Underrated Spots In Paris
(55:26) Kid Friendly Museums In Paris
(56:23) Unique Spots Off The Beaten Path In Paris
(58:59) Lindsey’s Paris Restaurant Recommendations
(1:02:20) Recommendations For Baked Goods
(1:03:24) Transportation In Paris
(1:04:42) The Nightlife In Paris
(1:06:19) Planning A Picnic At The Park
(1:07:28) Chris's Recommendations
(1:09:15) Day Trips From Paris
(1:11:30) The Right Modes Of Transport
(1:13:41) Parting Advice
(1:14:15) Using Miles & Points
Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn
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