I want to go to France.  I want to spend time exploring the museums, parks and squares of Paris and sip wine in the countryside.  It’s not happening in 2008 though, despite my plans.  The exchange rate with the Euro has sufficiently squashed my Paris dreams for at least one more year.  If you’re like me and stuck in the good ‘ole US for the time being, here are 5 ways you can feel a little bit French right here at home.

1.  Picnic in the Park – Grab a bottle of wine and a baguette from Vons and head out to your local park with your honey to beat the heat this summer.  There’s nothing more French than a good French kiss in the park with a shared bottle of wine.  In Southern California, check out the Long Beach Parks for great places to picnic under trees.

2.  Attend a festival – Paris always has something going on.  Chances are your local big city does as well.  Throw on your sailor striped shirt and artist pants and head out to whatever local festival is going on.  The city of Orange, like many cities, has a ‘taste of’ festival where you can even grab some French food!

3.  Go Topless, Legally – If the topless French Mediterranean beaches are what is calling you across the Atlantic, find your local nudist colony or beach.  Many have ‘open house’ days when non-members can experience the freedom of going commando for a day.

4.  Drink Some Wine – thanks to growth in vineyard sciences many regions of the country now have local vineyards in previous under developed places, such as Temecula.  Find one close to you and go for a tour and a tasting.  Some even will let you stomp the grapes in the fall!

5.  See the Masters – Find your local art museum and go see some of the French masters.  If you’re in So Cal, splurge and go to the Getty Museum and have a cup of espresso and a croissant while you’re there to complete the French experience.  Close your eyes (or rather your ears to the English being spoken) and it’s just like Paris!

Whatever you do, make sure to do it with style – that’s what will make it truly French.  Bon Voyage!

*Thanks to La Belle Province

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