Sault, Sénanque and the Successful Search for Lavender in Provence
Images of stunning views of purple-blue fields of lavender in bloom have become so engrained in the traveler’s imagination of the perfect Provence vacation that the most common question I get from those planning to visit the region is “When is the lavender in bloom?”
Biking in Burgundy: Stopping by Vines on a Sunny Morning (Video)
Whose vines these are I think I know.
His cellar's in the village though;
He will not mind this makeshift bar -
To share with Claire an apéro*.
Winter on the Riviera: The Mimosa Route
All that glitters on the French Riviera, the Côte d’Azur, is not 18K gold. As Corinne LaBalme reports, bright yellow mimosa flowers add Mother Nature’s Midas Touch to the winter season, particularly along the Mimosa Route between the medieval village of Bormes-les-Mimosas and the perfume capital of Grasse.
The 2018 Ryder Cup Shines a Spotlight on Golf in France
With 410,000 members of the French Golf Federation and hundreds of thousands of occasional players swinging and putting away at 733 clubs and on over 600 courses of 9+ holes, golf is well established in France. It's most prestigious courses and resorts are sure to gain further attention when France hosts this year’s Ryder Cup from September 28 to 30.
Daytrip from Paris: A Compiègne-Pierrefonds Biking Excursion
Within an hour’s train ride from Paris, many cycling routes allow for a daytrip of biking and touring. This one involves a visit to the town of Compiegne and biking through the forest between the Palace of Compiegne and the Castle of Pierrefonds, with the possibility of a detour to the Glade of the Armistice.
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.
A Little Loop in the Loire Valley: A 2-day Cycling Route from Blois
There are those big biking trips that you spend months preparing. Then there are those short trips that begin with “Hey, it’s going to be nice out this weekend—let’s go biking… in the Loire Valley!” This little Loire loop—three days, two nights, including two days of biking—is of the latter kind. Beginning and ending in Blois...
Biarritz: The Surfing Lesson
In which the author visits Biarritz, meets a French surfing legend, learns the history of surfing in France, zips up a wet suit, takes a surfing lesson and eventually glides along with the 3-year-olds. Includes photos.
Languedoc Trails: When a Dream of a Horseback Ride Turns into a Nightmare
Horseback riding in southwest France with a stunning view of the Pyrenees over their shoulders was a dream come true for Judy and Dave...