Posts Tagged ‘France’
Paris is always a good idea…
I was in Paris for a weekend last month. Although I’ve been many times to Paris, it’s always a pleasure to get back. I left early on a Friday, and had three days in the City of Lights, and I was eager to get in as much as I could – great walks, music, art,…
Read MoreWhen in Paris … Shakespeare and Company
When a writer and avid reader finds herself in Paris, it is almost sacrilege not to pay a visit to Shakespeare and Company. It was also close to my hotel, so made for an easy trip. The original bookstore opened in Paris in 1919 (in a different location in the Left Bank) by Sylvia Beach.…
Read MoreEuropean destinations to visit for the Christmas light season
It’s that time of year again … short days made brighter by stunning Christmas lights. Since Christmas celebrations in Europe continue through to 6 January, you’re still in time to enjoy those cheery holiday lights. Here’s a roundup of some European cities and towns to consider visiting to enjoy those holiday lights – and much…
Read MoreA European Christmas market round-up
‘Tis the season … And for me, that means it’s a good time to reflect on some of my favorite Christmas markets around Europe. Because I live in Rome, people often think the city is decked out for the holidays. Sadly, especially in recent years, this couldn’t be further from the truth. To enjoy the…
Read MoreBeach bumming in Bidart
I’ve already written about a great family holiday in France’s Pays basque, and specifically, in the coastal town of Guethary. While there, we would often spend at least part of the day beachside. One of the beaches we visited most frequently was the large, sandy beach neighboring Guethary – in Bidart. We loved battling the…
Read MoreCliffside splendor in Moustiers Sainte-Marie, France
This spectacular town of 700 residents, is perched dramatically among the cliffs of the Regional Park of the Verdon. Since 1981, it has been designated as one of the most beautiful villages of France (Les plus beaux villages de France). Although human settlement in the area dates back tens of thousands of years, it was…
Read MoreCooling off in Lac de Ste-Croix, France
I’ve written a lot about the beautiful places we’ve visited on a few trips to France’s stunning Provence region. One of the must go-to spots is its own “Grand Canyon” – Gorges du Verdon (you can see my earlier post.) Two summers ago, we made a return visit to this impressive canyon, and since it…
Read MoreSurrounded by rolling hills and the flowing Nive in Bidarray, France
We were in this pretty little town in France’s Pays basque region on a cheese-buying mission. We were staying in the coastal town of Guethary and travelling to the picturesque medieval town of Saint Jean-Pied-de-Port, an important stop on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, when we stopped off in tiny Bidarray. A friend who…
Read MoreA day in elegant Bayonne, France
We loved our family holiday in France’s Pays Basque region – on France’s southwestern Atlantic coast. While there, we explored many interesting Basque cities and towns – and Bayonne was a great place to wander for a day during our travels. Bayonne, slightly north and inland from Biarritz , is worth a visit when you’re…
Read MoreLavender & medieval charm in Simiane la Rotonde, Provence
I always love returning to France’s idyllic Provence region. On a family holiday two years ago, we enjoyed exploring the Haute Provence region, and stumbled upon the medieval town of Simiane la Rotonde. The location is perfect – surrounded by fields of lavender. Sadly, during our August visit, the blooms had long ago been harvested…
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