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...
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.
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.
Bonjour Y’All, It’s Equiblues: A Remote French Town Gets Into the Rodeo Spirit
On a typical day nothing about the remote town of Saint-Agrève (pop. 2,600) would allow the rare visitor to imagine that its inhabitants have the slightest interest in Americana. But come mid-August Equiblues transforms this town in to the rodeo capital of France.
5 Days in Auvergne: Part II, An Introduction to Spa Towns and Hot Springs...
Part II of an exploration of spa towns, hot springs, Romansque churches, cattle pastures, cheese farms and villages in Auvergne. A brief history of economic developments relative to hot springs, by way of Royat.
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.
Chambery Revisited: Reflections on a Pre-Alpine Valley Town
In which the author visits and revisits Chambery, the capital of Savoy in the Rhone-Alpes region, remembers old stones and water slides, tries to see the mountains through the mist, contemplates reading Rousseau, going cycling and visiting a museum, takes a cruise on Lake Bourget from Aix-les-Bains, goes skiing with Italians on Grand Revard, and reports on hotels and restaurants in and around Chambery.
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*.
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...