Exotic France

France itself was born in this northern province between the Marne and the Somme – for it was here that the Franks – ancestors of the French – set up home.
A land of culture, the cradle of Gothic art and an unspoiled environment: Picardy is a treasure-trove of art and natural beauty. Its cathedrals at Beauvais, Amiens, Senlis, Laon or Noyon illustrate the rise of Gothic art as it spread across France and Europe. The charm of its small Medieval town of Senlis or the riches of the châteaux at Pierrefonds, Coucy, Chantilly, Bagatelle and Compiègne, surrounded by magnificent gardens, parks and forests set a nostalgic mood that’s enhanced during festivals, son et lumières shows and Picardy games. Another pleasure inherited from the past – that of good food – is assiduously cultivated: ficelle picarde, salt meadow lamb, gâteau battu and other abundant products of the generous environment. Picardy produce has what it takes to give the most demanding gourmet an appetite! Read the remainder of this entry »

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As one of France’s most famously picturesque regions, Provence is packed full of worthy destinations. I chose to make Avignon my base camp. It is a lovely, mid-sized city with plenty of restaurants, shops, history, and day-trip opportunities to make for a great lavender scented vacation escape.

When we arrived in Avignon on June 21st, to my surprise we were greeted by thick traffic and large crowds; not exactly what I expected. But there was actually a rather fortunate reason for all the hustle and bustle. It turns out that on this particular day in France, the national Fête de la Musique (Festival of Music) is held. People pour into the cities to enjoy free concerts held simultaneously throughout the streets. Read the remainder of this entry »

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Normandy echoes the history of past struggles: the Norman Conquest woven into the tapestry at Bayeux, the perils of Jeanne d’Arc recorded in Rouen, the drama of the D-Day landings recorded along the Normandy beaches. The violence of its history is at odds with the ethereal landscapes that inspired Corot, Monet and Pissarro, a region to take it slow by boat, balloon or bicycle
An inspiring gateway to Normandy is Giverny, a village that would be sleeping still had it not captured the heart and imagination of Claude Monet. While the great painter’s pink farmhouse is charming and now a museum, Monte’s masterpiece was his garden, still complete with water lilies. Travelers following the route from here to Rouen can detour to Les Andelys, crowned by the fragmentary remains of Chateau Gaillard, a fortified castle built by Richard the Lion-Hearted in 1196 overlooking the River Seine
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