France

Paris, the City of Light…and street art? YES! Paris is well-known for its street art, also known as urban murals or graffiti. Paris even has a Graffiti Museum! Paris has a deep, rich history of graffiti, starting in the 1970s with creation of urban art during the destruction of Les Halles, and growing more by the decade. 

It's no secret that Paris, the City of Light, has long been a tourist favorite. Why?  For starters, Paris undoubtedly hosts some of the most well-known museums, monuments and historical sites that have inspired authors and artists for centuries.

Picture this: Paris, summer, happiness, much good food, reading (all those bookstores!), and…city crowds? If you’re a bit tired of the city (and even with Paris, this is possible) and you’ve already visited Versailles, Normandy, and Giverny, there are several unusual and adventurous one day excursions from Paris – easily doable, within a short drive, and full of fun.

Provence. Idyllic, quiet, peaceful. Known for its incredible scenery, scenery which has inspired countless artists and poets over the past few centuries. Renowned for its comfortable tradition of home cooked food and fresh produce. Dipping its toes in the Mediterranean, it stretches all the way to the foothills of the towering French Alps. With art, culture, scenery, fine cuisine, and a host of tiny villages to explore, the Provençal region is without a doubt one of the greatest road trip destinations in Europe. 

When it comes to idyllic spots for family holidays, France is one country that should be included in your bucket list. Children and adults will enjoy the journey, regardless of which part of France they choose to explore. 

Blood on the station floor. Mine! Yes, another fall on the escalator as I hurried to catch the high-speed German ICE (Inter City Express) train in Amsterdam’s Centraal Station. Heavy bag deciding to go south, me following. A bang on the head and a cut finger. Police there in an instant, tissues materialised to stem the dripping, wanting me to sit and calm down … and the train to leave in two minutes. And you know how German trains leave as the second hand hits the Twelve. No, not dizzy, shaken but okay ..

When it comes to road trips in Europe, it’s hard to find something that feels unique. As one of the most touristy locations on the planet, Europe has been done, and done over again. It’s earned its reputation, of course, as a treasure trove of art, food, and culture. But how can you road trip Europe and come home having experienced something new? Look no further. We have just the trip for you.

Charlotte Chen was born in New York. Growing up, she embraced both Chinese and American culture through her living and learning experiences in both countries. She is a rising senior studying computer science at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently she is interning as a programmer in Washington, DC. Charlotte is passionate about arts and exploring international culture. She recently studied abroad in France.