Amazing wines from the Southern coast of Provence. These red wines must contain at least 50% of the Mourvedre grape. Otherwise hard to grow in other areas, but does well in the warm climates of Provence. Wines tend to to rich in subtle tannins with nice fruity overtones. Domaine Tempier is one of the most famous growers in the area and is worth a try….so grab a bottle and enjoy!
The Secret of Bandol Wines Sunday, Nov 1 2009
France and Provence and winetasting France, Provence, wine, bandol 3:56 pm
Oh The French Riviera Friday, Oct 30 2009
Cote d'Azur and France and Travel and Uncategorized Cannes, Eze, France, Nice, Saint Paul de Vence, Saint Tropez, south of france 1:05 am
If you haven’t been to the French Riviera, then get started making your plans! I am just back and I believe the more I visit, the more I enjoy this area and just being by the Mediterranean Sea.
From the beaches of Cannes, Saint Tropez and Nice to the hill top villages of Eze, Saint Paul de Vence and Gordoun, you will be enchanted by all the beautiful scenery. It is no wonder in August when the French vacation they go to the South.
A favorite is Monaco and worth a day or two, but if you want a fantastic stay try either Palais de la Mediterranee or La Perouse.
Visit just once and the mystery will be very clear. You to can fall in love with the South of France.
Check out some of my recent photos
Bon Voyage Wednesday, Sep 30 2009
Uncategorized France, greece, italy 1:16 pm
Off to Europe this week. Look for updates over the next month on some terrific finds as I take time for both business and leisure. I will be visiting the Greek Isles, France and Italy. Bon Voyage
What to buy in France Tuesday, Aug 18 2009
Uncategorized eiffel tower, France, paris, perfume, Provence, scarf, travel to france 5:49 am
Who can resist buying a little something to take home as a treasured memory of their trip to France. Here are some of my favorites in no particular order.
I think I buy a beautiful scarf everytime I go to Paris from either a outdoor vendor or my favorite scarf shop, Selection Privee on rue de Rivoli.
Wine is another great buy. I love to look for wines that I can not get at home and bring them back to enjoy and remind me of sitting in a cafe enjoying a glass or two.
Perfume! I can remember the first time I walked into the Bon Marche department store in Paris and walked through the perfume counters. The scents that hung in the store kept calling to me, smell me, buy me! Who can resist finding a new perfume and if you really want to experience perfume visit Grasse where you can even mix a bottle of your own.
If you are visiting Provence, you will be tempted by the table clothes, Provencal fabrics, quilts, lavander sachets, soaps, olive oil, Provencal herbs, and pottery….just to name a few.
Buy a local painting and hang it on your wall when you return home. You can enjoy this reminder of France for many years to come and dream of returning.
Buy an ornament at a Christmas market or a hand made souvenir. Chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates. Maybe even hot chocolate from Angelina’s in Paris.
Oh and don’t forget all the Eiffel Tower souvenirs to go on you desk or key chain at home. Even splurge a little and find just the right limoge box.
Visit a local grocery store and see the different food items that make great gifts for the folks back home to sample a little bit of France. The little sea salts are my favorite.
So many things to enjoy and bring home, but even if you can only afford one thing, it is always fun looking!
Markets – A taste of France Monday, Jul 20 2009
France and Provence and Travel and french food Christmas markets, France, france travel, french markets, paris, paris shopping, Provence 9:58 am
This is the perfect time of year to explore the markets of France. Although the sun filled days of summer are perfect for a stroll in the market, this is something that goes on year round with some of my favorite markets coming to be only in December for Christmas.
Everytime I visit, it is a pleasure to spend the mornings exploring the amazing markets. The wonderful treasures and smells of all the fresh fruits and vegetables, antiques, clothes, fabrics, pottery, flowers, and just about anything else you might want are often hard to resist. The Christmas markets offer a wonderful variety of gifts, spiced cider, and treats along with the decorations and lights and can really get you in a holiday mood. One of my favorite things to do is shop for a picnic lunch and then enjoy many of the beautiful gardens or parks.
Exploring these markets gives you an up close view of life in France. You can mingle and begin to understand life in France and the importance of the social aspects these markets have for the French people. Of course you will see your share of travelers throughout the markets too, especially in Provence. Who doesn’t love the Provencal fabrics,linens, herbs and pottery that you can take home and treasure each time you use it.
So the next time you are in France, make sure you stop in at a market for the best taste of France.
Check out our list of Parisian markets at http://www.parisshoppingjourneys.com/France%20Journeys%20Paris%20Markets.pdf
Connoisseur of Air Travel – Surprised Wednesday, Mar 25 2009
France and paris ailines, air france, air travel 9:22 am
Now I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur of airline travel through my own travels and my clients. Over the years and as of late, I have learned not to expect much from the service and experience onboard. With my share of bad and mediocre flights under my belt, perhaps I have earned the right to now mention a surprisingly exceptional experience I recently had on a flight from Detroit to South Africa by way of Paris on Air France.
We all know the routine. Arrive at the airport hours early to board an international flight where no one will even know you exist for 8, 10, 15 or more hours. You are then treated to second-rate food onboard for your trouble and then dismissed with hopes that your luggage has made it as well. This is usually the case when I fly regardless of the class of service, but this time was different. On the flight to Paris, the flights attendants onboard were both charming and attentive. They were truly concerned for my comfort and well being and willing to assist me from the moment I stepped onboard, to the time I disembarked. I really don’t require much of anything when I fly and perhaps that day the notable difference was the service, professional demeanor and hospitality they showed to me and to the other passengers around me. The food of course was good, I am not disappointed with the food when I fly Air France and this was no exception. It is always a treat when you can eat whatever the airlines serve and sometimes it might be better to go hungry, but this was not the case .
All in all, this was a refreshing experience in these days of no frills and I am thrilled to be onboard another Air France flight in April. Well done Air France, keep up the good work! Bravo!
Wow! France Offers Freebies Saturday, Jan 24 2009
France and Travel and museum and paris france monuments, france muesems, paris museums 10:43 pm
Coming soon all persons under 25 will be admitted free to French National Monuments and Museums. Thanks to French President Sarkozy, who stated this will go into effect April 4, 2009. Get ready to see all and save a few bucks! Only about 100 museums make the list as National, but the list is still pretty impressive. Till now it had been those 18 and under that were admitted free. Savings are also still available for anyone on the first Sunday of the month, making it free to attend many of the National Museums and monuments
Louvre
.
Culinary Travel – How about France? Tuesday, Jan 20 2009
France and Travel and paris culinary travel, food, France, france travel 1:32 pm
According to the Specialty Travel Agents Association’s 2009 Travel Trends and Destinations, Culinary Travel is one of the fastest growing segments in travel. You can ask anyone about their vacation and you are likely to hear about some type of food they enjoyed during their travels. People love to talk about food, but more importantly they love to eat it and even learn about it. This is where the growing demand for travel that includes delicious food and wine itineraries comes in.
Traveling for an authentic culinary experience gives travelers a unique perspective into a destination by experiencing the local cuisine. Culinary options are available worldwide and may include learning about food production, local markets excursions, cooking classes, wine tastings, farm stays and more. All will insure you the opportunity to tempt your senses and delight your palate.
Of course I may be partial as a France travel specialist, but France might be the pefect destination to have a real culinary experience. Imagine traveling throughout France and sampling the different cheeses, wines, specialty dishes, and desserts from each region. From the cafes of Paris to the perched village restaurants of the Riviera, the experience will continue as you see what care has gone into the presentation of the dishes they serve.
To go along with culinary tourism in France, consider the possiblilites and what you could discover that might tempt you taste buds. Here are a few to get you started. Feel free to comment and add to the list.
- Macaroons from Ladurée Paris
- Champagne tasting in Reims or Epernay
- Scrumptious desserts and hot chocolate from Angelina’s in Paris
- Apple tarts and Calvados served in Normandy
- Truffles and Lyonaisse cuisine in the Rhone Alpes
- Duck from Au Gamin, Le Petit Canard, or La Tour d’Argent
- Visit an outdoor market for local specialties
- Shopping on rue Cler for delicious goodies
