My French-born husband taught me the real way to experience France — slow, immersive, and away from big cities

• I used to travel to France as a tourist, but now I go there because I married into a French family.
• It has been rewarding to go beyond Paris and visit different regions in France in recent years.
• I've discovered hidden culinary gems and authentic experiences far from the usual tourist trail.

My vacations in France were very different before I met my French-born husband.

I was a typical tourist: I stayed in the heart of Paris, ate croissants, and visited must-see attractions during the busy summer months.

I always followed a guidebook, and had a packed schedule because I thought it was the only way to ensure I wasn't missing out on anything.

But now that I'm married into a French family, my vacations in France have changed.

I've realized taking a different approach to travel, and slowing down, can actually lead to richer, more fulfilling experiences.

It's been rewarding to go beyond Paris

When my husband and I visit France, we never stay in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower is now just another landmark I see through the car window on our way out of Paris from the airport.

Instead, trips to France are spent visiting our family and friends, attending weddings, or taking vacations in different parts of the country.

These days, I prefer visiting smaller French towns and villages, which are usually nestled in beautiful landscapes, because they're quieter and more relaxing.

Toulouse has become my favorite city because of its beautiful city center with terracotta brick buildings, pretty parks and gardens, and walking tracks along the Garonne River. It's not even a place that was on my radar before I met my husband.

I've found joy in authentic experiences and regional food

With my French family, I have experienced France's regions by foot, from wandering through towns and local forests, to exploring hiking trails.

The Pic Saint-Loup hiking trail, which is a short drive from Montpellier, is my favorite walk because of its very rewarding 360-degree view at the summit.

I've visited castles with less crowds compared to the more famous French castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. For example, I recently enjoyed visiting the very elegant Château de Rambouillet, which is less than an hour from Paris.

Since traveling around France six times, I have a greater appreciation of the country's diverse regional cuisines, and I've very happily tried many of them. I've discovered that dining in local restaurants, away from tourist areas, provides a more authentic experience. And I've learned that shopping at farmer's markets, bakeries, and delis is the best way to try lots of different types of delicious regional food.

I now enjoy a slower, more immersive pace

My vacations in France nowadays aren't about ticking off a list of sights, but they're about having more immersive experiences over a longer period of time. Most of our trips last for 14 days or more.

It's by slowing down that I have an enriched understanding of daily French life. France now feels like a home away from home and I feel a greater sense of belonging compared to when I was a tourist.

These days, I bring home gourmet food items or specialty French baking trays, instead of Eiffel Tower key chains. And I'll happily go there any time of the year rather than just during the busy summer months.

But there is one thing which hasn't changed when I vacation in France. I still eat lots of croissants, because they're much better than the ones back home.