Travel Log

Serre Chevalier, France

 

English = Merry Christmas!  French = Joyeux Noel!  Argentine =Feliz Navidad!   Crotian = Sretan Bozic!  Danish = Glædelig Jul! Dutch = Vrolijk Kerstfeest!  Finnish -Hyvaa joulua!  German = Frohe Weihnachten! Greek = Kala Christouyenna! Hawaiian = Mele Kalikimaka! Irish = Nollaig Shona Dhuit! Italian = Buone Feste Natalizie! Japanese = Shinnen omedeto!  Norweigan = God Jul! Portuguese = Feliz Natal!   Turkish = Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun!  Welsh = Nadolig Llawen .....Whatever your language and wherever you may be, may you enjoy a Merry Christmas with family and friends! Have a safe and wonderful day!

This photo was taken in a small, popular ski village in Serre Chevalier, France. This is a famous ski destination for English and French alike. Thank you to the photographer who can be found at WWW.French-Word-A-Day.com (Thanks RB- Joyeux Noel!)

Sainte Cécile-Les-Vignes, France -- Rouge-Bleu Vineyard

 Sainte-Cecile Les Vignes, France -

2007 OCT, Rouge-Bleu photo above. We both share the name "Rouge-Bleu" but it just so happened on this particular day we each happened to be wearing " Rouge" and "Bleu." I promise this was not planned attire, ...but many ask, so which one are you, “Rouge” or “Bleu?” To which we both answer, neither. We are both " Rouge-Bleu". But if truth be told, and if forced to pick a color for each of us, Kristin is sure to be the "Rouge" and I (Susan) am sure to be "Bleu" as it just so happened in this photo.
 www.Rouge-Bleu.com
 Every year about this time the harvest begins in Saint Cecile. I was fortunate to be there in 2007 to help with the "late harvest" but every year since then, about this time, I get a bit "homesick" when I am not able to be there and help out and learn more each year from Jean Marc and the others who come to help. There is something very rich and satisfying about seeing the "fruits" (no pun intended) of your labor after a long year of hard work and somewhat unpredictable weather. Owners of Domaine Rouge-Bleu, Jean Marc & Kristin Espinasse spend all year working to prepare for this very season! What comes of this season's production determines a lot for them in terms of what will come from the next season and so on.....

Bravo and much courage to those of you who are there, helping with some of this hard back-breaking work! Enjoy! Wish I were there too!

Merci to Rouge-Bleu and Jean Marc for allowing me to share these photos without their permission. I am sure they won't mind! 

Paris, France

 

PARIS, FRANCE

The Arc de Triomphe is a monument in  Paris that stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly the Place de l'Etoile, at the western end of the Champs-Elysees, one of the most famous streets in Paris, if not the most famous street. The monument which represents PEACE stands just over 165 feet in height and is the second largest monument in existence. The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It was commissioned in 1806 after the victory at Austerlitz by Emperor Napoleon 1. Beneath the Arc lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier memorial which has an eternal flame lit in honor of those Unknown Soldiers who died in World War I and II. The history and culture that Paris has to offer is rich and exciting. Spring is the perfect time of year to plan a get-a-way ---Email me for some ideas! There are some great guided and self-guided packages available! Paris will steal your heart! (Compliments to my husband who took the lower photo nearly 30 years ago and to his parents who took the color photo above in 2008! Certainly the car models have changed but the Arc de Triomphe remains the same today).

French Country Wine Tours ----

 

French Country Wines Spring Wine Tour Greetings!   Here is some more information on our Wine Tour April 17-24, 2010.  Please let us know if you are interested as soon as you are able as we will finalize the trip on or before January 31st, 2010.  We'll meet in Avignon on Friday night, April 16th.  On Saturday we will transport you to Domaine Faverot in Maubec where we will be staying in "gites" (small apartments).  We will have a 4-day wine course at the vineyard.  You won't have to worry about traveling on small unfamiliar roads as we will transport you around the area.  We'll visit some of the beautiful perched villages of Provence, taste the wines of the region and enjoy good French country cuisine.  The markets we'll visit have many items: flowers, clothes, household items, foods and antiques.  Bring food back with you from the markets if you wish as you'll be able to cook in your gites.  And one night we will prepare our own meal with a local chef.  On Saturday  April 24th, we will take you back to Avignon. 2010 Prices   Double Occupancy $3,600/person      This price includes: 7 nights accommodation at Sally & François Faverot de Kerbrech's Domaine Faverot 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners (Including wine) 4 mornings of a wine course given by François conducted in the vines and in the cave Transportation to and tastings at other vineyards that French Country Wines represents, including lunch and two vineyards in Chateauneuf du Pape Transportation to market days in Isle sur la Sorgue and Lourmarin Cooking with a local chef Transportation to and from Avignon The price does not include airfare and transportation to Avignon                       Deposits and Payments Payment may be made in full at the time of reservation or 50% down with balance due by January 31, 2010.  However the down payment method may result in additional charges due to currency fluctuation.                                               This will be an adventurous but relaxing week spent in Provence.  Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding this trip.   We can be reached at 713-993-9500 or tms@frenchcountrywines.com   We invite you to join us,   Phyllis & Tim Smith French Country Wines Visit these Websites for more information: French Country Wines Website Domaine Faverot Isle sur la Sorgue Market Day (Sunday) Lourmarin Market Day (Friday) Domaine Rouge-Bleu Château la Canorgue Perched Village of Gordes

                                     

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Serre Chevalier, France

English = Merry Christmas!  French = Joyeux Noel!  Argentine =Feliz Navidad!   Crotian = Sretan Bozic!   Danish = Glædelig Jul! Dutch = Vrolijk Kerstfeest!  Finnish -Hyvaa joulua!  German = Frohe Weihnachten! Greek = Kala Christouyenna! Hawaiian = Mele Kalikimaka! Irish = Nollaig Shona Dhuit! Italian = Buone Feste Natalizie! Japanese = Shinnen omedeto!  Norweigan = God Jul! Portuguese = Feliz Natal!   Turkish = Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun!  Welsh = Nadolig Llawen .....Whatever your language and wherever you may be, may you enjoy a Merry Christmas with family and friends! Have a safe and wonderful day!

This photo was taken in a small, popular ski village in Serre Chevalier, France. This is a famous ski destination for English and French alike. Thank you to the photographer who can be found at WWW.French-Word-A-Day.com (Thanks RB- Joyeux Noel!)

Les Bronzes Beach near St. Tropez, France

 
Beaches in/near St. Tropez

1. Tropezien beaches are located along the coast in the Baie de Pampelonne area also know by the residents as Grania (pronounced granny-ay), which lies south of Saint-Tropez and east of Ramatuelle. Pampelonne offers a collection of beaches along its five kilometer shore. Each beach is around thirty meters wide with its own beach hut and private or public tanning area. This Pampelonne beach is divided into over 20 private beaches, which alternate with a number of public beaches. Most of them are textile (as little textile as possible), including a number of famous establishments like le Plage de Tahiti, le Voile Rouge, Coco Beach and Moorea Plage. The country club like Le Club 55 was created in 1955 to provide refreshments to Roger Vadim's cast and crew when he was filming "Et Dieu créa la femme" with Brigitte Bardot. Nikki Beach is a good place to watch the "bold and the beautiful". The private beaches have open air restaurants with bistro type food at prices commensurate with the setting. If you want to use the beach you have to rent a beach mattress and umbrella. All have changing cabins, showers and bathrooms for their clients; there are none of those on the public beaches. There is one public and two private naturist beaches, Neptune and Liberty.

If you want to stay close to Saint Tropez but avoid its tourist crowds try the villages of Cogolin, Gassin, Ramatuelle and Croix Valmer west and south of Saint Tropez.

2. Location of this area is about 45 minutes from Nice and about 1 hour from Marseille.

3. The best time (although most crowded time) to visit is from end of May – end of Aug. Peak season is June- August. Parking and getting there can take 2-3x’s the normal length of time during peak season.

4. This area is quiet famous for seeing actors/actress from all over the world if you care to scan the crowd.

5. Many of the beaches offer windsurfing, sailing and canoeing equipment for rent. Others offer motorized water sports, such as power boats, jet bikes and water skiing.

6. There are many public beaches all around southern France, but the best beaches rent out for 90-200Euro per day, all day for a cabana, restrooms, uncrowned beaches, dining options such as Les Bronzes  Plage  http://specialites-de-poissons-et-provencales-pampelonne-restaurant-83.restaurantplagelesbronzes.com/.  Parking is accessible at paid venues or nearby for public beaches.

7. The waters are crystal clear and very clean although depending on the month or time of day you can get some strong winds.

　

Calanque de Sormiou, France

 

Calanque de Sormiou, France　

A calanque (from the Corsican word of preindoeuropean origin calanca (plural calanche) with meaning "inlet"; Occitan calanca too) is a geologic formation in the form of a deep valley with steep sides, typically of limestone, in part submerged by the sea. It can be considered a Mediterranean fjord.

The calanques between Marseille and Cassis are popular amongst tourists and locals alike, offering several vantage points (such as the Corniche des Crêtes and Cap Canaille) allowing spectacular panoramas. A great number of hikers frequent the area, following numerous pre-marked trails. The cliffs are also used as training spots for rock climbers. However, this excessive use has posed problems of potential damage to this delicate microhabitat.

Most of the calanques are also closed to the public during the summer (typically July through September) due to the risks of forest fire that often happen during the dry season.

The best time to visit calanques is probably March through May, when temperatures are still quite fresh and, unlike autumn and winter, rain is usually quite rare. As no fresh water sources are available in the calanques, it is advised to carry large supplies of water, especially during the hot summer to prevent serious dehydration.

Boat tours are also available starting either from Marseille, Cassis or La Ciotat, which can provide for some spectacular sightseeing

The Calanque de Sormiou is one of the big Calanques between Marseille and La Ciotat. It is famous for its climbing spots. Access by car is restricted due to the risk of forest fires.

This information was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calanque_de_Sormiou

Theoule su Mer, France

 

Theoule su Mer, France

Just a short drive from Nice, Antibes and Cannes, France lies this lovely little village on the coast of the Cote D'Azur. There are numerous places to stay along the water, where by day, you can enjoy Pastis on the beach, or a swim and sunshine on you own patio. Perhaps an afternoon scroll is in order, through the "downtown" area of Theoule su Mer and where you can take in the local market. Saturday is the best market day, when all products are displayed: olives, bread, local cheese varieties to soaps, lavender, honey and fresh floral bouquets. Sometimes you will even find local garments or household items produced by the local store owners. In the evening, be sure to make reservations for one of the delightful restaurants which sits right on the sea - you will truly enjoy hearing the small waves crash a shore while you enjoy your fresh grilled fish and a local wine of your choice.

These are just a few of the things I thought you might enjoy in the area of southern France. Hopefully I have wet your appetite to find out more ……. It is not too late to book a journey for the fall once all of the summer tourists have gone home! Call or email today for some excellent package ideas. You won't be disappointed.

　

Les Arcs, France

 

LES ARCS, FRANCE

A lovely small village located in the S. of France. This little jewel can be easily accessed by flying into either Nice or Marseille, renting a car to drive there or taking the train. What are some things to do there:

1.  A MUST DO is a visit to Chateau Saint Roseline - a local vineyard offering wine tastings, functions, buying options of several classes of wines and be sure to stop and visit the church at the vineyard where Roseline's remains are (since 1329) - don't miss the Marc Chagall painting at the church while you are there. For more details click on: www.sainte-roseline.com

2. Visit the local museums...including the most famous Mineral Museum in the area.

3. Hike, bike, walk and enjoy the beautiful French countryside. Drive 30 minutes and you will be at a gorgeous stretch of beaches along the Mediterranean sea.

4. Take in the local markets bursting with wonderful produce from the local farms. Buy some lovely French soaps, lavender sachets, local honey, delicious Mediterranean olives....the list goes on and on.

5. Not far from Les Arcs are several perfect day trip options such as: St. Tropez, St. Maxime, Aix en Provence,  Toulon, Draguignan, St. Raphel, Grasse, Cannes, Theoule-sur-Mer just to name a few.

Southern France is gorgeous in the summer and harvest time is just around the corner, why not consider a wine harvest tour for the fall? Contact me now for some great options....there is still time to book .........but call or email now for best pricing and availability.

**This photo was taken on a trip we made in May, 1999.**

Le Sauzes Chapel near the Italian border, France

 English = Merry Christmas!  French = Joyeux Noel!  Argentine =Feliz Navidad!   Crotian = Sretan Bozic!   Danish = Glædelig Jul! Dutch = Vrolijk Kerstfeest!  Finnish -Hyvaa joulua!  German = Frohe Weihnachten! Greek = Kala Christouyenna! Hawaiian = Mele Kalikimaka! Irish = Nollaig Shona Dhuit! Italian = Buone Feste Natalizie! Japanese = Shinnen omedeto!  Norweigan = God Jul! Portuguese = Feliz Natal!   Turkish = Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun!  Welsh = Nadolig Llawen .....Whatever your language and wherever you may be, may you enjoy a Merry Christmas with family and friends! Have a safe and wonderful day!

This photo was taken in a small village near the Italian border. This photo says "Christmas"
 to me and I hope it will to you as well. Thank you to the photographer who can be found at WWW.French-Word-A-Day.com (Thanks RB- Joyeux Noel!)