Travel blogger Jen Ciesielski pauses on a hiking trail in Alsace, France, with rolling green hills and forested mountains in the background. The scene highlights exploring scenic landscapes while traveling in France and discovering regions beyond the major cities.

Hi, I’m Jen – a French-American sharing my love for life and travel in France.

My journey started in 2013 when I moved to Paris. While I immediately fell for the culture, I realized there is so much more to this beautiful country than its capital.

In 2019, I traded the busy city streets for Strasbourg and set out to uncover France’s quieter regions.

Now, I share practical, experience-driven travel guides to help you plan your own unforgettable getaway and experience France from a local’s perspective.

Read my full story here ➔

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Click here to read all my articles about visiting Alsace, France.

France Travel Guides

Strasbourg Travel Guides

Living in France

How to Travel France by Train

Master France’s trains like a local; grab my free guide and confidently ride the TGV, OUIGO, and TER on your first trip.

My Top Picks

This is Quai de la Poissonnerie in Colmar. It's a small cobbled street with rows of colorful houses lined along the Lauch River. It's one of the top attractions in Colmar

What to Do in Colmar: 9 Local Favorites

This is the view from the Strasbourg Cathedral. It shows the rooftops all the way to La Petite France and in the distance there is the outline of the Vosges mountains.

Is Strasbourg Worth It? A Local’s Guide to the Pros and Cons

Here are all the top things to do in Beaune. This guide has everything you need plan an amazing trip.

18 Incredible Things to Do in Beaune, France (2026)

This is a guide on how to spend 2 days in Strasbourg, France. It's written by local resident Jen Ciesielski.

2 Days in Strasbourg: The Perfect Itinerary (from a Local)

Panorama of the Alsace Wine Route from the castles overlooking Ribeauville. This is one of the top things to do in Alsace.

What to Do in Alsace: Experiences I’d Prioritize as a Local

Place des Terreaux with the Hôtel de Ville in center frame. It's a quiet morning as commuters walk to work across the square. This is one of the many things to do in Lyon.

Things to Do in Lyon: My Top Picks After Multiple Visits

A Local’s Guide to Strasbourg

This a Strasbourg Travel Guide written by Jen Ciesielski. It's an e-book designed to help you easily plan your trip to Strasbourg. There are things to do, food sto try, itineraries, and more.

I’ve been living in Strasbourg since 2019, and, after years of exploring this beautiful city, I decided to write my own guidebook.

Forget tourist traps—you’ll get access to my personal, never-before-shared list of the best places to eat, stay, and visit.

What’s Inside?

Insider Recommendations: My Top Picks for restaurants, cafés, and markets.
Neighborhood Breakdowns: Discover what to see, do, and eat in each district (with interactive maps).
Ready-to-Go Itineraries: Perfectly planned one-, two-, and three-day trips to make your visit effortless.
Essential Travel Tips: Master local transport, know key business hours, and learn about local festivals.

Discover the Real Strasbourg ➔

Latest Blog Posts

This is a view of Château de Saint-Ulrich and I took this photo from the terraces of Château du Giersberg in Ribeauvillé Alsace. The castle is made of red stone and it's surrounded by trees. This hike is one of my favorite things to do in Ribeauvillé.

7 Incredible Things to Do in Ribeauvillé, France

This is a section of the Alsace Wine Route between Barr and Mittelbergheim. It's a paved road with vineyards on either side. This is what makes Alsace worth visiting.

Is Alsace Worth It? A Local’s Guide to the Pros and Cons

This is a selection of pottery pieces on a shelf that are getting ready to go into a fired in kiln at La Boutique des Bouleaux, which is my favorite Ceramic Cafe in Strasbourg.

La Boutique des Bouleaux: Strasbourg’s Best Ceramic Café

Aerial view of Saints Peter and Paul Church rising above the rooftops of Obernai’s historic center. The large neo Gothic church dominates the skyline and is one of the most recognizable landmarks among the many things to do in Obernai France.

10 Incredible Things to Do in Obernai

Colorful half timbered building line a cobbled street in Eguisheim. It showcases the scenic charm of an Alsace wine route itinerary.

My 5 Day Alsace Wine Route Itinerary for 2026

Bird's eye view of Thann's city center from the Croix du Rangen with the rooftop visible in the foreground and the tree covered rolling Vosges mountains in the distance. Hiking to this viewpoint is one of the best things to do in Thann.

Thann Travel Guide: Things to See, Do, and Drink

Turckheim's Jardin de la Ville filled with bushes, trees, and bright red flowers. In the background is the City Hall, decorated with hanging flower baskets, and half-timbered houses covered in vines. This is one of the best things to do in Turckheim.

My 7 Favorite Things to Do in Turckheim

This is Rue du Cerf in Riquewihr. It's a cobblestone street and it's lined with colorful buildings. Each building has flowers and vines hanging down. It's one of the best day trips from Colmar.

A Local’s Guide to the Best Day Trips from Colmar

The Museum of Fine Arts in Place Stanislas in Nancy. It's a square stone building with decorative sculptures. It's one reason why Nancy is worth visiting.

Is Nancy Worth It? A Quick Guide to the Pros and Cons

Self-Guided Audio Tour of Strasbourg

This is a self-guided walking tour of Strasbourg's Grand Ile that I developed.

Step into the heart of Strasbourg and uncover the enchanting secrets of Grand Île with this immersive self-guided audio tour co-published by myself and VoiceMap.

You’ll wander through ancient streets, marvel at architectural masterpieces, and discover stories that echo the rich cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tour Length: 60 minutes
Distance: 2.8 km (1.8 miles)
Price: $9.99

Book Here ➔