Posts Tagged ‘France’
Books and more in Banon, France
We loved discovering this pretty, medieval town in the French region of Alpes de Haute Provence, in eastern Provence. We had already discovered western Provence’s Luberon Valley on an earlier trip, but on our visit last summer we based ourselves in the eastern town of Reillane and explored the nearby region. There are still plenty…
Read MoreScaling Europe’s largest sand dune – in France
Last summer on holiday in France’s Aquitaine region, I couldn’t miss the chance to visit the Dune du Pyla. I’d long been curious to visit Europe’s highest sand dunes. I’d seen their spectacular images in photos often enough, but on various trips to France I’d never been close enough to merit a stop-by. This time…
Read MoreEnjoying the ‘Sardine Festival’ in Guethary, France
I’ve already written about Guéthary, the Pays basque coastal town where my family and I vacationed last year. One of the last evenings staying in Guéthary, we stumbled onto a sardine festival being held on a panoramic point along the sea, so we decided to join in. We had a great time sitting on picnic…
Read MoreOld world elegance in Biarritz, France
This past summer, a holiday in France’s Pays Basque saw us for the first time in elegant, seaside Biarritz. I’ve always been curious to visit this well-heeled watering hole. I have a soft spot for 19th century Grandes Dames, and Biarritz certainly fits the bill. Tucked away in the southwestern corner of France, along the…
Read MoreHiking in Provence’s Oppedette Gorge, France
This past summer, we spent a few days in Provence’s beautiful Luberon Valley, following a longer holiday in the Pays basque. We had already been to this gorgeous corner of southeast France, but we were eager to return and find new areas to explore. On our last visit to the region we had been to…
Read MoreI love Provence’s Le Bleuet bookstore
Wow – I’ve found my my new favorite bookstore in France! We were on holiday in the Luberon valley of France this summer when we were told we had to stop off at the Bleuet bookstore in the charming little town of Banon. We were visiting towns around the region, and so when we stopped…
Read MoreColorful Basque homes & sweet chili peppers in Espelette, France
This adorable Pays basque town not far from the coastline of Biarritz, is beautiful for its typical Basque homes. These etxe homes are white with colored half-timbering. The most common colrors for the half-timbering appear to be red and green, and the town of Espelette is filled with fine examples. This picturesque town is best known…
Read MoreBasque gravestones in southern France
As someone who loves history, I’ve always been drawn to old cemeteries when I visit places. I grew up outside of Boston, and always enjoyed visiting pilgrim cemeteries when I was a kid. In Europe, many of the church cemeteries are quite picturesque and interesting – and this was also true of the little towns…
Read MoreSummer holidays in France’s Basque country – and beyond
Although I (admittedly) suffer from acute Wanderlust and love travelling anywhere, my main travel weakness is my status as a complete Italophile. However, as a close second, I’m also a hopeless Francophile. These two countries actually have a lot in common, with their strong regional characters that make exploring the various regions a real treat,…
Read MoreAt home in Guéthary, Pays Basque, France
Last week, I wrote a post about an enjoyable coastal hike we took on a family holiday to France’s Pays Basque. This week, I’ll write about the little coastal town that served as ‘home’ during our stay in France’s southwest region. Guéthary, a small town just a few kilometers south of Biarritz, made a perfect…
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