One of my fondest memories from the time I lived in Nice was the Carnaval. My daughter was a baby at the time, and she was in awe when we went to the first parade (of many held each year during the two-week festivities leading up to Mardi Gras). There were floats and paper-mâché, 10-foot-tall jesters and all these colorful and amazing sights. It was a pretty wonderful two weeks. We still have the flowers, now dry and faded, that were tossed her way from a float in the Flower Parade.

We watched as a group of people participated in the annual Carnaval ritual, and dived into the chilly waters along the Promenade des Anglais. My daughter sat in her stroller, sunglasses on her face and stylish white beret on her head. We saw street performers, we heard music, and we sampled amazing food. Nice's central Place Massena seemed just a little too peaceful when it was all over.

The one thing that is nice about Nice Carnaval is it's very much a family-friendly Mardi Gras. Many of the activities are, in fact, during the day. It was never too crazy or hectic to take a child, even a baby, and there were many strollers around.

There's still time to visit during Nice Carnaval 2008, which starts in February, and you can even plan to visit with a baby or toddler.

If France has always been a dream, but never a reality, make this the year you resolve to visit France. Yes, the dollar is performing poorly against the euro. Maybe you think only people with trust funds do France. You're absolutely wrong, though. It is possible to visit France, even on a budget.

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Have you always wanted to visit France, but never been there? Add a comment below about your dream France trip, or what's stopping you from going.

The Seine River might be France's most famous, but it's actually only its third longest. It's hard to imagine many French cities or villages without envisioning a lovely, picturesque river winding through its heart. The longest rivers in France wind their way through both city and countryside, and are a key part of France's geography.

Find out which river is at the top of the list: Longest Rivers in France

_{Photo of Seine River, copyright Paris Tourist Office}

I just love a good city, and I think many people don't realize there are such large, populous cities in France (I mean, besides Paris of course).

I remember my dad coming to visit me when I lived in Nice. He was shocked at how large it is. He said he was picturing a beach town, and Nice is quite urban and bustling. And shoot, that's ranked #6 according to populations of French metro areas.

There are some good reasons to know a little bit about the big cities of France, too. If you want to visit and find Paris a little too pricey, you might consider checking out some of the other (less expensive) cities in France. Also, the wonderful thing about knowing the other big cities is each French urban center has its own distinctive personality. Do you love food? You might consider hitting Lyon. Adore shopping? Bordeaux's a great destination. Can't decide between France and Germany? Strasbourg's your best bet.

Find out more with my list: Largest French Cities

_{Picture of Notre Dame in Paris, copyright Leila Haj-Hassan}