I am Nelly Jacques. I have been living in the United States and writing about this country for years when I’m not planning trips for my clients.

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The main milestones of my journey in a country I knew so little about ten years ago, and which has now become the epicenter of my life!

2012

I completed my studies in communication and cultural project management.

After several roles in event planning, I became a press officer for the beautiful region of Bouches-du-Rhône. It was Marseille 2013, European Capital of Culture, and I introduced journalists from around the world to a city in full swing. In 2014 and 2015, I continued to showcase our calanques, mountain ranges, local heritage, and unique culture to the international press, before taking off to North Carolina to begin a life worlds away from my urban bubble in Marseille.

2015/2016

I began documenting on my blog, Travels & Me, the cultural shock of life in the South —a deeply rooted America, quite different from the cosmopolitan U.S. metropolises where European culture is never far away. I also share my travels and discoveries there, from North Carolina to the American West.

2017

I start writing travel guides for Petit Futé. Alone behind the wheel of my small rental cars, I travel the endless roads of California’s deserts, the dizzying roads of Colorado, and the swampy roads of Mississippi. I haul my oversized suitcase through the corridors of roadside motels, rustic lodges, and historic Victorian houses. I sit down in popular diners—feasts of fried and junk food—as well as fine dining establishments, where I see that, yes, Americans do know how to eat well, with a healthy budget. I explore the must-sees and infiltrate hidden, remote, or simply undiscovered places. I update existing guides on states and regions I get to know deeply and fulfill a childhood dream: writing a book.

2017

I take on the challenge of writing an entire guide on the American Rockies. Few authors have the chance to be entrusted with a brand-new edition.

I spend a lot of time in the Rockies, from Colorado to Montana, and then put my life on hold for a few months to write about the region’s history, capture its culture and identity, and highlight the best it has to offer. Along the way, I learn to love Colorado even more—a state that has fascinated and drawn me like a magnet since our first encounter.

After that, I continue writing guides and, most importantly, start my own business helping French travelers plan their trips to the United States.

2019

I leave the United States for Spain, then briefly for France, but I continue to pursue the two activities that make me happy: writing about the United States and planning trips there.

2021

I return to live in the United States and dedicate myself to a new editorial project: highlighting one of the country’s greatest treasures, the American national parks. My series is published in French Morning, the media outlet for French people in the United States.

My work today

Traveling off the beaten path in the USA and focusing on kid-friendly experiences are my areas of expertise, but my knowledge of this country goes beyond those aspects. I have hundreds of unique addresses and experiences to share; here are a few examples. One thing is for sure: I want to dedicate more time to writing, and I am open to new opportunities!

They have already trusted me.

Le petit Futé

Rockies, 2018

A large-scale project, the creation of the Rockies guide, a new release by Petit Futé. A monumental yet exciting task, the new edition can be found in Fnac stores and French bookstores or here. 408 pages

California, 2018

The update of the California guide took me along the roads of one of the most iconic states in the country. From the desert of Palm Springs to the Santa Ynez wine valley, not to mention its major cities and coastline, which is sometimes very touristy and other times wild. The new edition is also available in bookstores or here. 672 pages

The South

A region I know like the back of my hand, having lived there for nearly six years. The new edition is also available in bookstores or here. 648 pages  

Louisiana

But also…

➤ Petit Futé, le mag

A trailer for the printed guide, this special feature on the Rockies is part of the Petit Futé magazine, Fall 2017 edition. The article I wrote can be read here. 7 900 signs.

➤ Tennessee editions 2020 & 2022

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French Morning

I wrote tourism pieces for French Morning, including a series on national parks, which can be read here.

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Expat.com

I have written numerous lifestyle articles and expatriate interviews for the online platform Exapt.com. They can be read on my profile on the platform here.

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Dozens of destinations across the USA

For years, I have collaborated directly with regions, states, cities, and establishments.

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And so many more…

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