The Sweet Taste of D-Day
From Pegasus Bridge to Utah Beach, the Landing Zone of Normandy is prime territory for D-Day merchandising, but I’d imagine that very little, if any, of it is actually made in Normandy. So I was a bit wary when saw a jar of “D-Day Honey” for sale this summer at Bernard Lebrec’s apple farm between Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetery.
Fish-Skin Leather Artisan Brings Siberian Tradition to Dordogne
Hidden in the Dordogne hills on a narrow street of the village of Fanlac, Janet Duignan discovers the marriage of ancient Siberian tradition and European craftsmanship in Kristof Mascher's fish leather handbags, belts and cases.
The Must-Have Pass for Those with a Passion for Historical Monuments
The 45€ Passion Monuments pass gives unlimited access for one year to 80 monuments in France--a must-have for monument-minded residents (and travelers on an extended stay?) that will likely pay for itself many times over.
The Carnival of Nice: The King arrives (2/8)
By Stephanie Sommers
The King arrived at 9 pm on Friday. By then it had become apparent when I asked various Niçois what happens on...
5 Days in Auvergne, Part V: Mont Dore, Saint Nectaire, Chaudes-Aigues and Yu
The Auvergne diary. In which, over seven years later, the author finally responds to Yu Jia's message: "Too bad parts V and VI aren’t up, I did want to read about Mont Dore and Saint Nectaire."
5 Days in Auvergne, Part IV: Château La Canière, a Luxury Hotel
10 miles from the spa town of Chatel-Guyon (Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne), Château La Canière, the only luxury hotel within many miles, stands out in the plain. Lavoisier awaits inside, everywhere.
The Begonia Conservatory: Without Rochefort There Would Be No Begonias
The town of Rochefort in western France, best known for its historic naval dockyard, is home to Europe’s most important collection of begonias, which is to be expected given that there would be no begonias (or magnolias or fuchsias) were it not for Rochefort. An explanation and a visit.
Equitation in the French Tradition Joins List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage has inscribed equitation in the French tradition, with specific reference to the Cadre Noir of Saumur (Loire Valley), on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Insights into French Identity: 2012 National Commemorations in France
Every year the National Archives of France selects events of historical significance to highlight as national commemorations on the occasion of a multiple of their centennial or semicentennial, providing insights into the French national identity.