We found a new romance in the south of France, right in the heart of the Languedoc Region. Our first impression of the port town of Sète, situated on the Mediterranean coast, was of a rather unremarkable seaside village. However, during our two week stay, Sète revealed its unspoilt charm and divulged its raw beauty, its casual, relaxed vibe and a deep sense of French culture. Now we repeat our liaison every year.Sète is slowly making the transition from its historical roots as a working port to a popular tourist destination. Trawler boats still fill the harbour, along with the raw, salty smell of fresh seafood, wet nets and the sad wail of supersized sea gulls. But during the summer months the tourist numbers swell and the town becomes the epicentre of festivities.
Tips and Tales for Lyon
On this visit to France we decided to find out a little more about the famous Lyon, particularly the food, the history and the sights. Wow! What a beautiful city. As first time visitors to this city, we were not disappointed. We had a wonderful time, sightseeing during the day and eating, drinking and socialising at night. Although we did a lot in our time here, we left feeling there was so much more to see and do.
Les Bouchons Lyonnais
Loosen your belt and your purse strings, you are in Lyon, France. With over 2000 restaurants, Lyon is the undisputed capital of gastronomy. It has rich culinary traditions and iconic chefs like Paul Bocuse. There are many Michelin Star restaurants to be found in this city but we decided to try out several of the bouchons instead.
Museum of Paris Panache
As Zola wrote in his novel La Curée (“The Kill”), “It is a display, a profusion, an overwhelming amount of wealth". An apt quote to describe the magnificent Musée Jacquemart-André on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris a few blocks from the Champs-Elysées.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic in the Tuileries
We promised our Teddy Bears, the ones who travel with us around the world, a picnic in Paris. Seeing it was summer and Sunday, we thought why not picnic in the Tuileries Garden. The gardens are located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement of Paris.For more information and ideas about picnics in Paris go to this wonderful website. (http://parisbymouth.com).
The Chicken Or The Egg At Monet’s Garden
So, you're in Paris and a decision must be made. Do you see Monet's paintings of his famous Waterlilies in the Musée de l'Orangerie near the Tuillerie Gardens or do you visit his garden and waterlily pond in Giverny about a 45 minute train ride out of Paris? Which should come first?