Although Burgundy is famous for its wines, there is plenty to see and do as explained on Snooth.com. Here is an extract about places to see ....When you are not tasting, you should be touring. In Beaune, don’t miss the famous Hospices de Beaune and the wine-focused bookshop Athenaeum. You can also tour the Château du Clos de Vougeot. Surprisingly, there is more to Burgundy than wine. You can’t look right or left without seeing a hiking or biking route. Climb the Parcours Batier from Gevrey-Chambertin to Chambolle-Musigny after lunch at Chez Guy and Family. Bike the Route des Grand Crus from Maranges to Puligny-Montrachet then quench your thirst at Le Montrachet’s wine bar. In Dijon, learn about making mustard at the Boutique Maille. Remember: always make a reservation in Burgundy! In the Mâconnais, a visit to the restored Cluny Abbey is a must. In Beaune, antique shops abound. Kids love riding the merry-go-round on Place Carnot and boating at the Parc de la Bouzaise. Burgundy offers many pleasures and many comforts for everyone. The landscape, the wines, the food, the people and the pace of life are all irresistable. Pardon me, I must go book my next flight on Air France.If you’re romanced by the idea of staying in a sleepy village, try Maison d’Hôtes La Colombière run by winemaker Anne Gros. The rooms are intimate and tasteful. Besides, the maison is in the heart of Vosne-Romanée, just a stone’s throw from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. You can Read more here: Being in BurgundyTour the Burgundy Vineyards VideoBurgundy is a big part of why France is famous for wine. The rolling hills of the Côte d'Or are blanketed by lovingly tended vineyards which, to the connoisseur, are a kind of pilgrimage. A bike route laces together scenic villages, with signs that make it clear where visitors are welcome to drop in, enjoy a little tasting...and pick up a bottle or two.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Monday, 8 October 2012
Stylish House in Sarlat, Dordogne: French Property of the Week
Stylish House in the Dordogne with Pool and OrchardTown: SarlatDepartment: Dordogne
Region: Aquitaine
Price: €318,000 Superb Perigordine style house (160 m2) dating from 1987 with large basement (106m2), pool with pool house and lovely garden of around 2500 m2 with small orchard, completely enclosed on the edge of a village with shops east of Sarlat on the river.More details and Photos: Sarlat PropertyMore about Sarlat
Sarlat Tourism OfficeSarlat Video
Friday, 5 October 2012
Loire Valley Chateaux Tour
Chateaux evoke France, and there is nowhere better than the Loire Valley to enjoy the history, and splendour of Chateaux in France.Ready to embark with me on an unforgettable journey to the enchanted chateaux of the Loire Valley in France? Located in eastern-central France along the banks of the River Loire, this "Garden of France" comprises an area of roughly 300 square miles and is renowned for its magnificent fairy tale castles, French-provincial villages, impeccable gardens, abundance of vineyards, and of course, some of the most scenic landscapes in all of France. After I spent day touring this alluring French countryside dotted with more than 1,000 of these majestic fortresses, wanderlust surged and now I am determined to visit every one of them in my lifetime! To stand in the shadows of these imposing chateaux is quite humbling and awe-inspiring – imagine castles dating back to Classical, Renaissance and even medieval times having survived hundreds of years preserving intact their magnificent architecture. But it’s not only the castles, for surrounding them are the most exquisitely manicured gardens and scenic vistas adding even more elegance to the splendor of the Loire canvas. If you’re planning a holiday to France, make sure you spend a day or two or perhaps three roaming through the glorious Loire Valley!
Chateaux Visited:
1. Chateau Chambord
2. Chateau Chenonceau
3. Chateau ChevernyRead full article here plus magnificent photos:
The Magnificent Loire Valley Chateaux Enchant All Who Visit on This Full-day Tour from Paris! Video Tour of Chateau Chambord
The most beautiful castle you can think of is this enormous building in de middle of France. Of special interest are the many chimney's for the 365 fire places inside this castle where once King Louis XIV resided during hunting seasons.
"These wonderful estates all conjure up in our minds glamorous visions of fleeting glory and remind us how short-lived man's good fortune can be. Yet they have triumphed over the perpetual flow of life and constitute today a prestigious legacy." Baron Armel de Wismes
Chateaux Visited:
1. Chateau Chambord
2. Chateau Chenonceau
3. Chateau ChevernyRead full article here plus magnificent photos:
The Magnificent Loire Valley Chateaux Enchant All Who Visit on This Full-day Tour from Paris! Video Tour of Chateau Chambord
The most beautiful castle you can think of is this enormous building in de middle of France. Of special interest are the many chimney's for the 365 fire places inside this castle where once King Louis XIV resided during hunting seasons.
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Nice's Museums Tour
What do you think about first when the Cote d'Azur is mentioned? Chic Lifestyle, fabulous beaches, or luxury brand shopping! Well how about some culture in Nice?So many artists over the years have made the French Riviera their home, drawn by the azure-blue sea, vibrant colors and fabled clear light for which the region is so famous. No surprise then that the cosmopolitan city of Nice boasts museums-a-plenty, with artwork from different eras lurking ‘round every corner. The Chagall Museum: Dedicated to the lifeworks of Mark Chagall, a revolutionary artist influenced by the movements of Expressionism, Cubism and more, the museum’s main draw is his collection of famous biblical paintings. The Matisse Museum is nearby on Cimiez Hill, and this is the next museum on your day’s list. The museum is housed in a distinctive red Genoese villa that dates back to the 17th century, with architecture that is arguably every bit as fascinating as the artwork housed within. Step inside and let the bright colors that exemplified Henri Matisse’s artwork inspire your own creative thinking. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Built on the narrowest part of the peninsula is the lavish Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, surrounded by approximately 17 acres (7 hectares) of gorgeous gardens. The apartments that comprise this stunning Italian-style palace are a delight to explore, and you’ll do just that on a comprehensive tour of the grounds. Admire the apartments of Madame Ephrussi with their ornate furnishings, before strolling through the gardens. Does this whet your appetite? Learn about Guided Tours at:
Nice Art Tour: Chagall Museum, Matisse Museum and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild More Information about Nice:
Nice Tourism
Matisse MuseumVideo Tour of Chagall Museum, Nice:
Nice Art Tour: Chagall Museum, Matisse Museum and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild More Information about Nice:
Nice Tourism
Matisse MuseumVideo Tour of Chagall Museum, Nice:
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
2 French Gems to Visit
When people think about exploring France, her most famous destinations often come to mind: Paris, Nice, Grenoble, Cannes, Monaco, Lyon, the French Alps, Normandy, Bordeaux, Marseille, La Côte d’Azur, and so on. But I have been fortunate enough to discover some tinier towns, off the beaten path, that have that a special French charm. My French Life highlight 2 locations:
a) In the North: Dinan
b) In the South: Tarbes (Hautes Pyrenees)Here is what Nikki Lavoie says about TarbesThe town of Tarbes is a short distance from the border of Spain, and surrounded by the Pyrenées Mountains.The slower pace of the south of France influences the lifestyle here. The town is perfectly constructed for leisurely shopping excursions, drinks at a café, and meandering along the side streets that twist and turn leading towards the center and its train station. Hop in a car and you can head to any of the mountain villages to hear the bells of cows, as they lazily graze at a distance and to look down on the region from up on high. There’s no shortage of enchanting sites to see here, and relaxation can be exercised in abundance. Full article and photos: Your own private France: Take the road less traveledMore:
Tarbes Tourism
Tarbes PhotosHautes-Pyrenees Video
a) In the North: Dinan
b) In the South: Tarbes (Hautes Pyrenees)Here is what Nikki Lavoie says about TarbesThe town of Tarbes is a short distance from the border of Spain, and surrounded by the Pyrenées Mountains.The slower pace of the south of France influences the lifestyle here. The town is perfectly constructed for leisurely shopping excursions, drinks at a café, and meandering along the side streets that twist and turn leading towards the center and its train station. Hop in a car and you can head to any of the mountain villages to hear the bells of cows, as they lazily graze at a distance and to look down on the region from up on high. There’s no shortage of enchanting sites to see here, and relaxation can be exercised in abundance. Full article and photos: Your own private France: Take the road less traveledMore:
Tarbes Tourism
Tarbes PhotosHautes-Pyrenees Video
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Paris Shopping Tips
Paris Shopping Tips from GirlsGuidetoParis.com ....Parisiennes have lots of little secrets for their shopping. Especially their grocery shopping in Paris, which until very recently was expected to be a daily activity. That was only a decade ago. Today the majority of French women work outside the home, while still being responsible for 80 percent of the household chores. And they do it all perfectly accessorized, wearing three-inch heels. Who can blame them for coming up with shortcuts? One of my favorite shortcuts comes from a very specialized chain store hidden at 30 different addresses across the city. The store’s signs boast a powerful graphic logo in a modern ice-blue tone. The same shape is frosted into the glass doors of each shop. Opening the doors, you are immediately impressed with the frigid, white ambience, as staff stroll the corridors in white lab coats, pushing silver insulated shopping carts. You have entered Picard, a grocery chain in Paris selling frozen foods. Only frozen foods. Picard has become such a staple in the Parisienne’s daily life that the store now publishes a catalogue featuring sophisticated recipes, and offers even more preparation advice and suggestions on its website. So next time you are shopping in Paris and you see the blue snowflake, take a peek and discover every Parisienne’s little secret. Read Full article: Grocery Shopping in Paris at Picard More about Shopping in Paris Video:
Monday, 1 October 2012
Views of Nice, France Video
Video; Just a few popular locations in Nice, France, including Castle Hill, Place Rossetti, and the beach!
Friday, 28 September 2012
Top 5 Reasons to Visit France
With over 80 million tourists a year, France is the most visited country in the world. Here are the top five reasons why people from all over the world visit France – the very same reasons you should be planning your own French holidays, too. 1. The Most Romantic Place on Earth
2. Gourmet Dining
3. World-Class Art Museums
4. Shopping
5. Beautiful BeachesDo you agree these are the top 5 reasons?More about World-Class Art Museums
France is home to the Louvre, the world’s most famous museum, which, in turn, is home to over 30,000 priceless works of art. Its collection of paintings is the most impressive, containing masterpieces by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio and Rembrandt, although it also has various sculptures and artifacts from ancient Egypt and Greece. Aside from the Louvre, you should also drop by the Musee d’Orsay, which houses Monet and Renoir masterpieces among others, as well as the Musée National d’Art Moderne at the Centre Georges Pompidou, when you visit France. You can view exceptional works of art at the Palace of Versailles, too, and in many galleries outside Paris such as the Musee d’Unterlinden in Colmar. Read complete article: Top 5 Reasons to Visit FranceVideo: Visit Paris Museums Discover the Paris Museum Pass by video, the best way to visit more than 60 museums and monuments in and around Paris, without queuing, such as :
Louvre Museum, Towers of Notre-Dame, Pompidou Center - national museum of modern art, Orsay Museum, Army museum - Tomb of Napoleon 1st, Rodin Museum, Nissim de Camondo Museul, Triumphal Arch, Palace of Versailles
2. Gourmet Dining
3. World-Class Art Museums
4. Shopping
5. Beautiful BeachesDo you agree these are the top 5 reasons?More about World-Class Art Museums
France is home to the Louvre, the world’s most famous museum, which, in turn, is home to over 30,000 priceless works of art. Its collection of paintings is the most impressive, containing masterpieces by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio and Rembrandt, although it also has various sculptures and artifacts from ancient Egypt and Greece. Aside from the Louvre, you should also drop by the Musee d’Orsay, which houses Monet and Renoir masterpieces among others, as well as the Musée National d’Art Moderne at the Centre Georges Pompidou, when you visit France. You can view exceptional works of art at the Palace of Versailles, too, and in many galleries outside Paris such as the Musee d’Unterlinden in Colmar. Read complete article: Top 5 Reasons to Visit FranceVideo: Visit Paris Museums Discover the Paris Museum Pass by video, the best way to visit more than 60 museums and monuments in and around Paris, without queuing, such as :
Louvre Museum, Towers of Notre-Dame, Pompidou Center - national museum of modern art, Orsay Museum, Army museum - Tomb of Napoleon 1st, Rodin Museum, Nissim de Camondo Museul, Triumphal Arch, Palace of Versailles
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Hiking Routes in France((Hiking Routes,Video,Brittany))
Interesting article on RendezvousenFrance.com for ramblers, hikers and serious walkers about the many walking routes across France.The famous GR-Grandes Randonnées (hiking routes) are found throughout Europe but the best can be found in France. They explore spectacular landscapes and popular routes such as the Grande traversée of the Alps, the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, the Douaniers paths on the Brittany coast and the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson in the Cévennes. http://www.gr-infos.com/gr-en Today the French network includes some 180,000 km (108,000 miles) of marked routes that extend another 12,000 miles into neighboring countries. Certain GRs are newly created and others follow historical routes such as the Routes of Santiago de Compstela. The Federation publishes a complete collection of guides and gives information and advice on its web site. Top Suggestions include:
The Routes of Santiago de Compostela.
The Grande traversée des Alpes françaises
The TMB or the Tour of Mont-Blanc
Crossing the Pyrénées via GR 10Read more at Major Hiking Routes in France Video - Sample walk: Grande Randonnée 34 - Brittany
The Routes of Santiago de Compostela.
The Grande traversée des Alpes françaises
The TMB or the Tour of Mont-Blanc
Crossing the Pyrénées via GR 10Read more at Major Hiking Routes in France Video - Sample walk: Grande Randonnée 34 - Brittany
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
DIJON – BURGUNDY’S CAPITAL
Art and Culture – And the Morvan ClosebySmall enough to make a most-pleasant change from the hustle and bustle (and volume of people) of Paris, but is big enough to stand up on its own.
Dijon has one of the best preserved medieval centers in France. It is easy to walk and see the sites, with lots of pedestrian walking streets. You'll sample some of France's finest cuisine and drink great Burgundy wines at dinner or at one of the many wine bars in town.
Dijon offers many cultural activities, including a wealth of museums and annual festivals to keep the tourist busy, including the L'Été Musical (Musical Summer), a classical music festival in June.
Dijon's Patron Saint and the Cathedral:
Saint Benignus (Saint Bénigne) is Dijon's patron saint, and the cathedral of Saint-Benigne de Dijon has an interesting crypt to visit, which includes a small rectangular chapel in which the relics of Saint-Benigne were venerated.
The crypt is believed to be one of the oldest Christian sanctuaries in France.
Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne:
Dijon's Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne was home to the Dukes of Burgundy, buildings you see in Dijon starting around 1365. You can visit parts of it, including the Museum of Art, and the fit among you can climb the "Tour de Philippe le Bon" for an impressive view of Dijon. The wonderful Place de la Liberation is across from the palace, where you can sit in a restaurant, wine bar or cafe and view the palace or the interesting fountains, undulating shafts of water that light up at night.
Dijon Transportation - Rail Station:
The Dijon-Ville station just 5 minutes from the town center. High speed TGV trains from Paris or Lille stop here. Car hire is available at the station.Rare opportunity - 19th Century Castle for Sale – 5 minutes away from Town Centre
Department: Cote-d'Or
Region: Burgundy
Price: €750,000 19th Century Castle for Sale, close to Dijon on +/- 1.8Ha grounds. One main building, and two annexed buildings in a beautiful secluded Park. The main structure is in good condition, needs mostly redecoration. More Photos and Details: Burgundy ChateauVideo about the Chateau:
Dijon has one of the best preserved medieval centers in France. It is easy to walk and see the sites, with lots of pedestrian walking streets. You'll sample some of France's finest cuisine and drink great Burgundy wines at dinner or at one of the many wine bars in town.
Dijon offers many cultural activities, including a wealth of museums and annual festivals to keep the tourist busy, including the L'Été Musical (Musical Summer), a classical music festival in June.
Dijon's Patron Saint and the Cathedral:
Saint Benignus (Saint Bénigne) is Dijon's patron saint, and the cathedral of Saint-Benigne de Dijon has an interesting crypt to visit, which includes a small rectangular chapel in which the relics of Saint-Benigne were venerated.
The crypt is believed to be one of the oldest Christian sanctuaries in France.
Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne:
Dijon's Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne was home to the Dukes of Burgundy, buildings you see in Dijon starting around 1365. You can visit parts of it, including the Museum of Art, and the fit among you can climb the "Tour de Philippe le Bon" for an impressive view of Dijon. The wonderful Place de la Liberation is across from the palace, where you can sit in a restaurant, wine bar or cafe and view the palace or the interesting fountains, undulating shafts of water that light up at night.
Dijon Transportation - Rail Station:
The Dijon-Ville station just 5 minutes from the town center. High speed TGV trains from Paris or Lille stop here. Car hire is available at the station.Rare opportunity - 19th Century Castle for Sale – 5 minutes away from Town Centre
Department: Cote-d'OrRegion: Burgundy
Price: €750,000 19th Century Castle for Sale, close to Dijon on +/- 1.8Ha grounds. One main building, and two annexed buildings in a beautiful secluded Park. The main structure is in good condition, needs mostly redecoration. More Photos and Details: Burgundy ChateauVideo about the Chateau:
DIJON – BURGUNDY’S CAPITAL
Art and Culture – And the Morvan Closeby
Small enough to make a most-pleasant change from the hustle and bustle (and volume of people) of Paris, but is big enough to stand up on its own.
Dijon has one of the best preserved medieval centers in France. It is easy to walk and see the sites, with lots of pedestrian walking streets. You'll sample some of France's finest cuisine and drink great Burgundy wines at dinner or at one of the many wine bars in town.
Dijon offers many cultural activities, including a wealth of museums and annual festivals to keep the tourist busy, including the L'Été Musical (Musical Summer), a classical music festival in June.
Dijon's Patron Saint and the Cathedral:
Saint Benignus (Saint Bénigne) is Dijon's patron saint, and the cathedral of Saint-Benigne de Dijon has an interesting crypt to visit, which includes a small rectangular chapel in which the relics of Saint-Benigne were venerated.
The crypt is believed to be one of the oldest Christian sanctuaries in France.
Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne:
Dijon's Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne was home to the Dukes of Burgundy, buildings you see in Dijon starting around 1365. You can visit parts of it, including the Museum of Art, and the fit among you can climb the "Tour de Philippe le Bon" for an impressive view of Dijon. The wonderful Place de la Liberation is across from the palace, where you can sit in a restaurant, wine bar or cafe and view the palace or the interesting fountains, undulating shafts of water that light up at night.
Dijon Transportation - Rail Station:
The Dijon-Ville station just 5 minutes from the town center. High speed TGV trains from Paris or Lille stop here. Car hire is available at the station.Rare opportunity - 19th Century Castle for Sale – 5 minutes away from Town CentreDepartment: Cote-d'Or
Region: Burgundy
Price: €750,000 19th Century Castle for Sale, close to Dijon on +/- 1.8Ha grounds. One main building, and two annexed buildings in a beautiful secluded Park. The main structure is in good condition, needs mostly redecoration. More Photos and Details: Burgundy ChateauVideo about the Chateau:
Dijon has one of the best preserved medieval centers in France. It is easy to walk and see the sites, with lots of pedestrian walking streets. You'll sample some of France's finest cuisine and drink great Burgundy wines at dinner or at one of the many wine bars in town.
Dijon offers many cultural activities, including a wealth of museums and annual festivals to keep the tourist busy, including the L'Été Musical (Musical Summer), a classical music festival in June.
Dijon's Patron Saint and the Cathedral:
Saint Benignus (Saint Bénigne) is Dijon's patron saint, and the cathedral of Saint-Benigne de Dijon has an interesting crypt to visit, which includes a small rectangular chapel in which the relics of Saint-Benigne were venerated.
The crypt is believed to be one of the oldest Christian sanctuaries in France.
Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne:
Dijon's Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne was home to the Dukes of Burgundy, buildings you see in Dijon starting around 1365. You can visit parts of it, including the Museum of Art, and the fit among you can climb the "Tour de Philippe le Bon" for an impressive view of Dijon. The wonderful Place de la Liberation is across from the palace, where you can sit in a restaurant, wine bar or cafe and view the palace or the interesting fountains, undulating shafts of water that light up at night.
Dijon Transportation - Rail Station:
The Dijon-Ville station just 5 minutes from the town center. High speed TGV trains from Paris or Lille stop here. Car hire is available at the station.Rare opportunity - 19th Century Castle for Sale – 5 minutes away from Town Centre
Department: Cote-d'OrRegion: Burgundy
Price: €750,000 19th Century Castle for Sale, close to Dijon on +/- 1.8Ha grounds. One main building, and two annexed buildings in a beautiful secluded Park. The main structure is in good condition, needs mostly redecoration. More Photos and Details: Burgundy ChateauVideo about the Chateau:
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
En Gard in Camargue and Cevennes
The Travel Editor features the Gard department at the eastern end of the Languedoc-Roussillon. Both the Camargue and Cevennes should feature on your viewing schedule. Extracts from the article:In my opinion, the best way of getting to this part of France is by rail – Eurostar to Lille then TGV to Nimes. It really doesn’t take much longer than the plane and it’s far more relaxing. I start off by visiting Le Moulin des Costieres, an organic olive oil farm which grows Aglandau, Arbequine, Bouteillan and Picholine varieties. Oil made from at least 60% Picholine has AOP (L’Appellation d’Origine Protegee) status bestowed by the EU and can only be produced in the Nimes region. On my tongue I get flavours of plums and pineapple and even a hint of green apples. It has a remarkably low acidity of between 0.15 – 0.2 % due partly to the fact that it’s harvested and pressed on the same day. Bulls
The most famous inhabitants of the Camargue are the wild bulls that are raised for sport, notably to compete in the village streets or in temporary bull rings. The event is completely different from its Spanish counterpart and no animals are harmed, rather the competitors attempt to remove tassles and strings attached to the horns. Animals that are not selected to compete are slaughtered in the normal way and end up in hte local butchers. La Gardianne. The meat has AOP status and, slow cooked with red wine and herbs, it becomes a delicious stew known as La Gardianne. It also makes a delicious pate known as Fricandeau and people travel for miles to buy Hocine Said’s saucisson from his butchery in the village of Le Cailar. Onions
Travelling to the North West of the region, I get to the mountains of the Cevennes and discover another staple with AOP status. Sweet white onions are cultivated on sandy soil terraces around St Andre de Majencoules and their special taste is due to being exposed to the wind and sun. Around 100 small farmers produce 2000 tonnes per year. Water content is high so they’re juicy and sweet enough to eat raw, but even better cooked and caramelised. They’ve already been adopted by famous French chefs and it’s only a matter of time before they get over to these shores. Photos and Complete article: En Gard! Culinary Explorations in the South of France
http://www.thetraveleditor.com/article/9654/Feature_Article_Foodie_En_Gard_Culinary_Explorations_in_the_South_of_France.html?page=1 Video Tour Cevennes:
The most famous inhabitants of the Camargue are the wild bulls that are raised for sport, notably to compete in the village streets or in temporary bull rings. The event is completely different from its Spanish counterpart and no animals are harmed, rather the competitors attempt to remove tassles and strings attached to the horns. Animals that are not selected to compete are slaughtered in the normal way and end up in hte local butchers. La Gardianne. The meat has AOP status and, slow cooked with red wine and herbs, it becomes a delicious stew known as La Gardianne. It also makes a delicious pate known as Fricandeau and people travel for miles to buy Hocine Said’s saucisson from his butchery in the village of Le Cailar. Onions
Travelling to the North West of the region, I get to the mountains of the Cevennes and discover another staple with AOP status. Sweet white onions are cultivated on sandy soil terraces around St Andre de Majencoules and their special taste is due to being exposed to the wind and sun. Around 100 small farmers produce 2000 tonnes per year. Water content is high so they’re juicy and sweet enough to eat raw, but even better cooked and caramelised. They’ve already been adopted by famous French chefs and it’s only a matter of time before they get over to these shores. Photos and Complete article: En Gard! Culinary Explorations in the South of France
http://www.thetraveleditor.com/article/9654/Feature_Article_Foodie_En_Gard_Culinary_Explorations_in_the_South_of_France.html?page=1 Video Tour Cevennes:
Monday, 24 September 2012
Hesdin Market Day
A Taste of France features the small market town of Hesdin today - it is an attractive market town in the 7 Valleys area but within easy striking distance of the coast and the Calais/Boulogne ferry ports:Hesdin is a market town in the Pas de Calais region of France. Hesdin market day is on Thursday the town comes to life with a large street market. The market is centred in the square and then spills out into the nearby streets. You can see from the photos below how busy it gets.If you go to the market get there early as the market takes up most of the parking spaces. At the market you can buy a wide range of goods at very reasonable prices. It is a real country market where you can buy live chickens ducks, geese and rabbits.A large selection of clothes and leather bags and jewellery. Fresh farm produce vegetables, salads and fruit a stall full of strawberries. Some stalls cook large vats of cassoulet and paella style dishes which you can buy in small amounts. Then there is a vast range of cheeses. More photos and Hesdin Market day info: Hesdin Market Video Tour of Hesdin:
Friday, 21 September 2012
Coo its Rachel Khoo Again
It must be Rachel Khoo appreciation week. Or cynical me thinks there must be a new book or TV show?First the Guardian: The star of The Little Paris Kitchen is refreshingly unfussy on screen – but it's taken determination and willpower to get there. When Rachel Khoo's mother first heard that her daughter was going to present a cookery programme, her reaction was one of surprise. "Mum said: 'Why would anyone want to see you on TV? You're normal!'" Khoo says, squealing with laughter at the memory. But it was her normality that would make Rachel Khoo this year's break-out food TV star and, at 31, she seems to have done it just by being herself – albeit a heightened, idealised version of what we imagine an English girl living in Paris might be like. Think of a cross between Amélie and an excitable Lizzy Bennet. "It's been quite strange," Khoo says in the cafe of Brockwell Park, south London, fresh from her OFM photoshoot. She is dressed in her trademark style: a polka dot 1950s dress, crimson lipstick and expertly applied eyeliner (and it is genuinely her own style, not something picked out by a TV wardrobe department). "Suddenly I've got people coming up to me saying: 'Aren't you that girl off the telly?' I don't actually have a TV at home." Read complete article: Rachel Khoo: 'My parents thought I was mad to go off baking cakes in Paris' Rachel Khoo Video: The Little Paris Kitchen
The we have an interview on myFrench Life - extract:Rachel, how would you describe yourself in three adjectives?
Creative, eclectic and fun.What is your connection to France? And what is France to you?
My connection to France at the beginning was mainly a culinary one. People move to Paris because they fall in love with a Frenchman/woman, I moved to Paris because I fell in love with the cakes. Even though I would never call myself a Parisian (I’m a proud Brit) after 6 years in the city of lights, I call it home. How do you always manage to keep your red lipstick smudge free and your apron clean?
Not wearing a white apron helps. Wiping your hands on a tea towel tucked into your apron instead of the apron, keeps your apron cleaner for longer too. And the secret to smudge free lipstick; a matt red lipstick and not licking your lips too much. How did your passion for French food develop?
Out of curiosity. I wanted to know the secret to making the buttery, flaky croissants and the other sweet delicacies. Pâtisserie was more of a mystery than French cuisine. Complete interview: Interview: Rachel Khoo – The Little Paris Kitchen
The we have an interview on myFrench Life - extract:Rachel, how would you describe yourself in three adjectives?
Creative, eclectic and fun.What is your connection to France? And what is France to you?
My connection to France at the beginning was mainly a culinary one. People move to Paris because they fall in love with a Frenchman/woman, I moved to Paris because I fell in love with the cakes. Even though I would never call myself a Parisian (I’m a proud Brit) after 6 years in the city of lights, I call it home. How do you always manage to keep your red lipstick smudge free and your apron clean?
Not wearing a white apron helps. Wiping your hands on a tea towel tucked into your apron instead of the apron, keeps your apron cleaner for longer too. And the secret to smudge free lipstick; a matt red lipstick and not licking your lips too much. How did your passion for French food develop?
Out of curiosity. I wanted to know the secret to making the buttery, flaky croissants and the other sweet delicacies. Pâtisserie was more of a mystery than French cuisine. Complete interview: Interview: Rachel Khoo – The Little Paris Kitchen
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Best Time to Visit Toulouse and SW France?
Visiting the SW of France? Well Autumn is a great time - warm temperatures and attractive landscapes make a welcome break on EasyJet to Toulouse!Spring in and around Toulouse is often wet, with the odd very hot day, but the weather is not very stable. June and July are usually warm and sunny, although in recent years it has remained cool with rain often falling.August is usually very hot, with temperatures reaching the 40°c+ mark and nights can still be around 25°c to 30°c, which makes sleeping very difficult without air conditioning. September and October are often warm – in the high 20°c’s and sometimes getting hotter than 30°c. Nights start to get a bit chilly, around 10°c – but they still remain, in my opinion, the best time to come and visit the region, not only for the weather but also for the amazing colours of Autumn. More about weather in this area: When is the best time to visit south west France?Video Tour of Toulouse:
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
PDF Guidebooks to Download for Paris
What a great idea for tourists! You can thank Girls Guide to Paris for this innovation.A perfect way to enjoy your stay in Paris is to download and print out one or more of our walking tours. We’ve saved you the trouble of hauling around a heavy guidebook; rather, you can discreetly enjoy being a tourist and, with just a few pages at a time, carry around only the information that you actually need. We have 10 unique tours that our founder created after years of wandering around Paris—please peruse them below. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed! Each includes a map so that you won’t get lost and addresses to all the points of interest that we recommend. Save, download, walk and enjoy!Maps include:
1. Stroll from St.Germain to the Louvre
2. Stroll from St.Germain to Notre Dame
3. Around the Marais
4. Shop the rues St.Dominique and Grenelle
5. Exploring Rue du Cherche-Midi
6. Pigalle and Montmartre
... and many moreFor more information and downloads: Girls’ guide tours Video: Paris Travel Guide
1. Stroll from St.Germain to the Louvre
2. Stroll from St.Germain to Notre Dame
3. Around the Marais
4. Shop the rues St.Dominique and Grenelle
5. Exploring Rue du Cherche-Midi
6. Pigalle and Montmartre
... and many moreFor more information and downloads: Girls’ guide tours Video: Paris Travel Guide
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Free Food Festivals Across France
Enjoy Food? Then September is the time to visit France. Culinary events are planned all around France. More details below ...On the first day of autumn, France devotes an entire day to celebrate gastronomy. La Fête de la Gastronomie marks its second year on September 22, 2012, celebrating terroirs, highlighting the traditions and creativity infused into French gastronomy through exceptional events all around the country. This year's events include free food samples at stores all around France, exceptional markets, live cooking demonstrations, and special discounts at restaurants. In Burgundy and Paris, lavish picnics will be held in various locations ranging from vineyards to open-air cafes, serving food prepared by famous chefs and wine by local growers. New this year is the launch of an amateur cooking competition, bringing together hundreds of chefs to showcase their creativity. Regional competitions will be held at various Relais & Chateaux properties as well as cooking schools around the country, where contestants will prepare dishes using a predetermined selection of local produce. The final will be held in the city of Dax in the Basque Country on September 22. More details: France Welcomes Second Annual Food Festival
Monday, 17 September 2012
Tip: Enrolling Children in School in France
Interesting post about enrolling children into French schools. This can be especially difficult if you have just moved to France. What evidence do you need, and what is the procedure?You need proof of address to enrol your children in school.
You are right to rent a furnished apartment first , six months is good until the end of the school year.
The rental contract will be proof enough for you to enrol in the school.
Often with furnished apartments and for stays of less than 12 months, the utility bills stay in the name of the landlord so it would be unlikely that you will be able to have a EDF account in your name. It is likely you will need your daughter's birth certificate/passport as well as your own passport. The first step is to contact the town hall and not the school.Garderies(Creches) are available in all schools until 18.00/18.30, the fees are usually up to 1€ per hour. The canteen can cost anywhere between 3-6 euros depending on the school. Full article: Moving to Montpellier
You are right to rent a furnished apartment first , six months is good until the end of the school year.
The rental contract will be proof enough for you to enrol in the school.
Often with furnished apartments and for stays of less than 12 months, the utility bills stay in the name of the landlord so it would be unlikely that you will be able to have a EDF account in your name. It is likely you will need your daughter's birth certificate/passport as well as your own passport. The first step is to contact the town hall and not the school.Garderies(Creches) are available in all schools until 18.00/18.30, the fees are usually up to 1€ per hour. The canteen can cost anywhere between 3-6 euros depending on the school. Full article: Moving to Montpellier
Friday, 14 September 2012
Video: Explore Cannes and Antibes
Enjoy this video along a famous stretch of the Cote d'Azur - visitors flock here and the video will illustrate the popularity of this area.The French Riviera stretches along the Mediterranean from St-Tropez to the Italian border. Two popular destinations are Cannes and Antibes. With exclusive hotels lining mostly private stretches of sandy beach — Cannes is for strolling, dreaming of meeting a movie star, and lounging on the seafront. Don't look for any actual sights to tour. If you missed the film festival (usually held in late-May), there's little to do other than shop and enjoy the beach. Just up the coast, Antibes has a down-to-earth, easygoing ambience that's rare in this area. Its old town is a maze of narrow streets and red-tile roofs rising above the turquoise sea, protected by twin medieval towers and wrapped in rugged ramparts. Picasso called Antibes home for a time and the town's cultural claim to fame, the Picasso Museum, shows off a great collection of his sketches, paintings and ceramics in a fine old seaside castle. Video Tour of Cannes and Antibes
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Top 3 Ski Resorts in France
The end of summer is nigh! You can always tells as the Ski promotion season kicks in!Ski resorts in France have always ranked among the best in the world. The French ski resorts boast great mountain slopes, apres ski, infrastructure and are usually always located near picturesque towns or villages. Another advantage is that France is very accessible to travellers from England. The resorts provide expert trainers for people who want to actually ski while they are on their luxurious vacation. With more than 300 ski resorts covering close to 8000kms of ski trails (pistes), choosing the right luxury resort can be challenging. To make the task easier here are three luxury ski resorts that have consistently been in almost all top ten lists. 1. Chamonix
2. Val d’Isere
3. CourchevelHere is what aLuxuryTravelBlog had to say about Val d'Isere
Val d’Isere is home to some of the most expensive and exclusive restaurants and retail stores. It may not have the sky high ski lifts of Chamonix but compensates for it by having some of the loudest and hippest night clubs. Founded in 1934, it has about 300 kms of ski trails that are more suited for experienced skiers. Of the three ski areas, Solaise is the one recommended for beginners and there are many ski guides and private ski schools to help you hone your technique. Val d’Isere is part of the famed Espace Killy and is just about three hours away from Geneva. As a result has hosted parts of the Olympics and World Cup. You can also enjoy other outdoor sports, indoor sauna and spa facilities or visit some of the best chalets in France. Complete article and photos: The best luxury ski resorts in FranceDo you agree - what are your top ten ski resorts in France? Video Guide to Val d'Isere
2. Val d’Isere
3. CourchevelHere is what aLuxuryTravelBlog had to say about Val d'Isere
Val d’Isere is home to some of the most expensive and exclusive restaurants and retail stores. It may not have the sky high ski lifts of Chamonix but compensates for it by having some of the loudest and hippest night clubs. Founded in 1934, it has about 300 kms of ski trails that are more suited for experienced skiers. Of the three ski areas, Solaise is the one recommended for beginners and there are many ski guides and private ski schools to help you hone your technique. Val d’Isere is part of the famed Espace Killy and is just about three hours away from Geneva. As a result has hosted parts of the Olympics and World Cup. You can also enjoy other outdoor sports, indoor sauna and spa facilities or visit some of the best chalets in France. Complete article and photos: The best luxury ski resorts in FranceDo you agree - what are your top ten ski resorts in France? Video Guide to Val d'Isere
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)