Chamonix-Mont-Blanc – perfect all year round The historic town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a vibrant place to visit in either winter or summer attracting many visitors because of its spectacular scenery. Mont Blanc is ever present as a backdrop, and there are a wealth of outdoor activities available. In winter it is popular with skiers as […]
St. Martin de Belleville
Skiing and Gastronomy – A Marriage Made in St Martin de Belleville: One of the best-known regions for skiing in the world, the 3 Valleys comprises eight resorts, each with their own unique flavour. Perhaps you’ve already visited Courchevel or Meribel? St Martin de Belleville is in the largest valley of the 3 valleys along […]
Le Pont D’Avignon and More
Everyone Dances in Avignon: There are those places you drive through or pass through on the train that you always intend to visit one day. Avignon, for me, falls firmly into that category. I’ve visited Provence and the South of France on many occasions and always been charmed by the ambience and architecture of this […]
Perrier-Jouët – A Love Story
A visit to the Perrier-Jouët Cellars in Epernay: If Mumm is the champagne for sporting heroes, the other champagne house in the Pernod Ricard portfolio, Perrier-Jouët is the beautiful, romantic heroine waiting for her prince. Perrier-Jouët has a long standing association with the Arts and throughout our visit we were constantly surprised by the works of art […]
Making Côtes du Rhône – Blending at Château Maucoil, Southern Rhône
What’s in the Blend? hands on wine blending at Château Maucoil in the Southern Rhône: Sometimes trips to vineyards and wineries get a little overwhelming. Every appellation in France has its its own set of rules (and a vineyard and winery can cover more than one appellation). Every winemaker has their own method. And, then there’s […]
Charente Maritime and French Lifestyle with Lavender & Lovage
A Birthday Celebration and the Birth of a New Cookery School: I share the same birthday as Karen from Lavender & Lovage’s husband Malcolm. I was thrilled when she suggested I joined in the celebrations for *his* (which was quite a significant one) by visiting them in France. I’ve been meaning to go for a […]
The Weekender – Fest’Oie – the Business of Foie Gras in Sarlat
Foie Gras d’Oie in the Perigord Noir and a Guilty Conscience. The Fest’Oie in Sarlat is a celebration of one of the region’s greatest (and in the UK most controversial) delicacies. Festivities include the Bodeg’oie – a street feast focussing on various dishes made with goose, the Sunday Street festival and, the highlight of the […]
La Table de la Bergerie
La Table de la Bergerie – Dinner in a Vineyard: Of all the meals we ate on the recent press trip to Angers, this was much my favourite. Now, apart from the obvious amusement on my part at the joy of my companions on the setting (we were, literally, in a small building on the […]
Mets et Vins Plaisirs, Angers
Well, how perfect. The name of this restaurant in Angers translates to ‘Food and Wine Pleasures’. And the objective of the restaurant is to ensure that there are wines to match the food that you are served. With over 300 wines to choose from, including a large number from local producers, our group had no […]
Bar Boulud Knightsbridge
Bar Boulud Knightsbridge – Escape from Harvey Nichols We were booked to dine at Bar Boulud in the Manderin Oriental, Knightsbridge as guests of the Hotel, but arrived just a little early. I have to say, while I generally like hotel bars, on a whim I suggested we went to the 5th Floor bar at […]