Posts by author Darby Mae

Darby Mae

Darby Wagner moved to France in 2015 to sharpen her French and experience the world from a new perspective. After a year of teaching English, she moved to Paris and began focusing on her writing. While much of her personal writing remains analog, she began co-producing an online arts & culture zine called Slow Culture. Darby is a curious soul, who finds spontaneity and the challenge of traveling on a dime one of the best aspects of her travels.

People walking on streets in Bordeaux
The center of Bordeaux. Photo: twin-loc.
Wine tasting can be an expensive habit, no less a luxurious affair; however, seeing that wine is one of the three main symbols of la table française, wine tasting in France is very accessible — and thus can be very affordable. You’ll notice very quickly once you arrive how the French café culture and wine » Read more
lavender in front of large ancient building
Sénanque Abbey in Provence. Photo: Luis Ascenso
Even for those who have yet to step foot on French soil, Provence is a name familiar to many — whether it is the vision of billowing lavender fields, the illustrious work of Vincent Van Gogh, the eponymous wine appellations, and of course, the sapphire shorelines of Mediterranean bliss. Some call Provence the quintessence of » Read more
aerial view of yellow homes in Saint-Emilion
A picturesque scene in Saint-Émilion. Photo: traveljunction.
Located 22 miles from Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is an excellent destination for true oenophiles. This charming medieval village has plenty of wine shops to sample the famous vintages of Bordeaux and easy access to local vineyards. Despite the wine region’s expensive reputation, there are several ways Cheapos can visit Saint-Émilion without emptying their bank account. Related: Visiting » Read more
Gerberoy
Explore the fairytale village of Gerberoy in Northern France. Photo: Pierre M.
It goes without saying that France boasts some of the most diverse and picturesque provinces of Europe. Between the beauty and vibrancy of Paris, the impressive chateaus of the Loire Valley, the sunny beaches nestled along Nice and Côte d’Azur, or the charming wine villages of Bordeaux, the French seem to have it all. (And » Read more
Lille city center
A picturesque view of Lille. Photo: Darrin
Nestled between Paris, London, and Brussels, Lille is a small city not to be overlooked. Between its irrefutable charm, both culturally and architecturally, its vibrant student life, and budding international arts and tech scene, there are plenty of reasons why you may fall in love with this northern slice of France. It is the capital » Read more
Lille beer
Welcome to France's capital of beer -- Lille! Photo: jamescridland
If Bordeaux holds the title for the capital of wine, then Lille — and the rest of the north — is without a doubt France’s capital of beer! This may not be a surprise knowing that Lille brushes shoulders with Belgium, one of the beer meccas of the world, however, northern France has a long-running » Read more