Jen Ciesielski the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag on a hike in Alsace France

Hi, I’m Jen – a Francophile, expat, and photographer. I’ve lived in France for nine years and have called Strasbourg home since 2019.

But my love of all things French started back in 2012 when I visited Paris for the first time. From that moment on, I’ve been on a mission to uncover this country’s hidden secrets.

This website is all about life and travel in France. My goal is to help people like you live out their dreams and plan their ultimate French getaway.

Read my full story here ➔

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Posts about Traveling in France
TRAVEL GUIDES
LIVING IN FRANCE
Click here to get access to a list of freebies that I offer on Dabbling in Jet Lag.
FREEBIES

Free Colmar Travel Guide

Sign up and get my Free Colmar Travel Guide. It’s 17 pages of tips, sample itineraries, and more.

This is a printable travel guide to Colmar that you'll get if you subscribe to my newsletter.

    My Top Picks

    The Best Alsace Tours

    11 Incredible Alsace Tours in 2025 (A Local’s Guide)

    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

    23 Incredible Things to Do in Colmar, France (from a Local)

    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

    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)

    Top Things to Do in Alsace France

    25 Amazing Things to Do in Alsace (Local’s Guide 2025)

    Best Things to Do in Lyon, France

    33 Incredible Things to Do in Lyon in 2025

    Read More Blogs ➔

    My Strasbourg Travel Guide

    This is my Strasbourg Travel Guide. It's a 70-page e-book with things to do, food to try, itineraries, and more.

    Tired of sifting through endless online reviews?

    I’ve been living in Strasbourg since 2019, and I’ve poured my love and local knowledge of this enchanting city into this 70-page e-book.

    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 favorite restaurants, cafes, and markets.
    • Neighborhood Breakdowns: Discover what to see, do, and eat in each districts.
    • 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.
    I Want This! ➔

    Latest Blog Posts

    This is Rue des Marchands the Colmar Christmas Market. There are several half-timbered houses decorated with lights and ornaments. People are walking around.

    The Ultimate Colmar Christmas Market Guide (2025)

    This is a window that is decorated for the Riquewihr Christmas market. There is a Santa, several wreaths, and ornaments.

    The Ultimate Riquewihr Christmas Market Guide (2025)

    This Place de la Reunion during the Mulhouse Christmas market. There are wooden chalets, the history museum, and people walking around.

    The Ultimate Mulhouse Christmas Market Guide (2025)

    This is Grand Rue in Colmar at Christmas. There is a half-timbered house and a tree decorated with ornaments and lights. It's one of the best Christmas markets in Alsace.

    A Local’s Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Alsace

    These are window decorations on the Marche de Riquewihr in Kayersberg. It's one of the prettiest areas to visit during the Kayersberg Christmas market.

    The Ultimate Kaysersberg Christmas Market Guide (2025)

    This is the main market at the Turckheim Christmas market. There are three houses that are meant to house elves, which is the theme.

    The Ultimate Turckheim Christmas Market Guide (2025)

    This is a view on Place du Marche at the Obernai Christmas Market. There is a Christmas tree and decorations on the buildings.

    The Ultimate Obernai Christmas Market Guide (2025)

    This is the view of Place Kléber from the Aubette 1928 during the Strasbourg Christmas Market. There's the giant Christmas tree surrounded by wooden chalets and people are walking around.

    A Local’s Guide to the Strasbourg Christmas Market (2025)

    This is a TER train at Strasbourg's main station. It's one of the best ways to get around France without a car.

    A Local’s Guide to Getting Around France without a Car

    Read More Blogs ➔

    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 ➔