EDGE Las Vegas

Those in the know are keenly aware that Laurent Gras, the former chef of Chicago’s L20, where Gras earned an unprecedented three Michelin stars in 2010, is a master of French technique and modern interpretation.

France is the home of the baguette, that savory, crisp staple of a fabled gastronomy. But just try getting a fresh one in the evening, or on a holiday, or even in August, when many of the country’s 33,000 bakeries are closed.

Back in the woods, behind the kitchen, French and American flags fly over Jacques Pepin’s petanque court. He launches his heavy, metallic ball toward a visitor’s, popping it off course with a sharp, expert crack.

As a phrase, "summer in Paris" has a kind of hypnotizing appeal - and to find oneself in the City of Light during the brightest season is to fall in love with the city’s charms all over again.

Even with a weakened dollar, it’s still possible to vacation in Paris. Picnic on the banks of the Seine. Wander the Tuileries. Stroll through the Marais. A thousand quotidian pleasures will remind you why you’ll always love Paris best.

Nearly one in four residents of Montpellier, France is a student, which makes for an eternally youthful city - even one that was founded in 985 AD. If Paris is for lovers, Montpellier is for students in love - and especially in summer.

Nearly thirty years ago, Montpellier, France had been our home. In those days, Montpellier was a sleepy town - and now, it’s the fastest growing city in France. So we returned to Montpellier to discover whether we or the city had changed more.

For many of us, jotting down a list of dream travel destinations is an annual (if not monthly) pastime. Presumably, "Taking Root In Provence" author Anne-Marie Simons did the same thing while working for 30 years in the Washington D.C. area.

With at least fifteen gay bars, three gay beaches, two major LGBT festivals, and as many rainbow flags as wave in le Marais in Paris, Nice has become the de facto gay resort of France.

Spring is one of the most magical times to visit Paris. The weather is warm, the gardens are in bloom, and the parks, streets and cafés are filled with chic Parisians enjoying the art galleries and new fashion boutiques.