With Christmas fast approaching (have you picked out presents yet for all the expats in your life? We got you!), we thought we’d give you a lowdown on some bizarre Christmas traditions across Europe. Well, bizarre for us and completely normal for them. Let’s find some of the…
France
All You Need to Know About Fête des Lumières
Lyon and Paris are fierce competitors on many fronts: art, architecture and food. We might never decide which of the two is France’s gastronomic capital or which is the real City of Lights, but one thing’s for sure – in December, Lyon shines brighter. Have you heard of the…
Paris Tips from a Local: Secret Places, Top Spots and More
Meet Anna, our property checker from Paris! Anna is our expert on creativity who’s in love with photography, dancing and writing (and Paris). With her PhD in Sociology and MA in Art History, she has the knowledge on the entire universe, which is exactly why she’s one of…
Creepy Haunted Paris Facts to Get You Ready for Halloween
Halloween is just around the corner – let’s explore some haunted Paris facts! With history comes hauntings, and Paris is no exception. With more than 2,000 years of recorded events, this city has seen more than its fair share of scare. If you want to freak yourself out before…
European Cities You Need to Add to Your Travel List
Summer is over, the holiday blues has kicked in and you are sitting at your office/uni desk, getting ready for the winter. Yes, I have been there too, counting down the minutes till Christmas – the next REAL holidays. It’s autumn and winter is slowly coming. Despite the gorgeous…
6 Reasons Why You Will Fall Madly in Love with Paris
Ah, Paris. Always the world’s most charming and elegant city. Of course, many will disagree. (And we do believe that cities like Madrid, Rome, London and many others are equally as special, but it’s Paris’ time to shine). If you mention Paris to any travel blogger, they will…
4 Best Brunch Places in The 8th Arrondissement
Brunch + Paris = absolute heaven on earth. Who doesn’t love to discover new budget places for brunch that are just perfect for catching up with your friends or taking your mom out for a meal? These 4 have caught our eye and we truly believe they’re the best budget-friendly…
All You Need To Know About Flirting in France
Love. If you believe the French, they are obsessed by it. Gallic literature, music and art are all saturated with the perils of passion. But is France the most romantic place on earth? Do the French really flirt better? Read on to decide for yourself. We do love a bit…
Why Solo Female Travelers Do It Better
The aim of this article is not to offend the male population (at least not too much) and we understand that there are plenty of AWESOME solo male travelers out there. Ah, solo female travels. ❤ Every solo female traveler knows that a solo trip abroad can be an incredibly rewarding…
11 Amazing French Festivals You Absolutely Have to Attend
Mud, rain, sun or fun – which word best describes a music festival? And does it even matter? At Spotahome we love a good party, and we love France too. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite French festivals you’ve never heard of (but should…
Confessions of an Erasmus Student in Lyon
It was with a heavy heart that I boarded the plane and waved goodbye to Lyon; a city that I had called home for a 20th of my life. Erasmus in Lyon was interesting, in a good way. For me, the most memorable parts were the beginning and the end…
7 Books to Read Before Moving to France
If you know me a tiny, tiny bit, you are probably already aware that I’m a proper bookworm, somebody who, since the age of 5 -when my sister taught me how to write and read- has gone through over 5000 books, has never lost her appetite for real and…
How to Make the Most of Your Erasmus Year in France
The phrase ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ is all too relevant for Erasmus students. Whether you were nervous or excited before you set off, 3, 6, or even 9 months can feel like days when you’re living abroad. It’s no wonder leavingfrom Erasmus is more difficult…
Moving to France Guide: Useful Tips and Tricks
We know moving abroad is often a daunting task – no matter how much prepared you are for your move, there is always something that you didn’t think about. Nervous about your move? Don’t worry – Spotahome has created a guide on moving to France, full of useful information, apartment…
Halloween Traditions in Europe!
Halloween traditions in Europe? But surely Halloween is as American as apple pie, the American flag, and eating apple pie while looking at the American flag? Well, even though Halloween is considered to be quite American today, the festivity actually has its origins in Ireland as it is a Celtic…
Top 5 Terraces and Rooftops of Lyon
Are you in Lyon and fond of terraces? As most of southern France, Lyon has a very pleasant weather throughout the year. On a sunny day, it’s ideal to enjoy a drink or two out in the terraces with your friends and family. Here’s our hand-picked list of…
How to Really Improve Your Language Skills When You’re Abroad
So you’re planning on studying or traveling in a foreign language-speaking country, and you’re excited to improve your language skills. After all, you reason, there’s no better way to master Spanish than to stick yourself in the middle of Madrid, right? Indeed — you learned your first language…