Champagne from Grape to Glass – Exploring the Vineyards and Wineries of Champagne: Remember gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne! Winston Churchill Introduction to Champagne and the Champagne Region The British love for all things bubbly is undisputed. We are still the largest export market for Champagne by volume (although we […]
Barge Holiday and River Cruise – Burgundy, France with Great Rail Journeys
Diary of a French Barge Holiday: Looking for a relaxing way to explore the waterways of France? A barge holiday is the perfect slow-travel solution. Unlike larger river cruises, a typical Great Rail Journeys barge cruise will have no more than 20 passengers, offering you an intimate and personal experience at a comfortable pace. Join me […]
Chamonix – a stunning summertime stay
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 […]
Four top summer activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Amazing summer activities in Chamonix The town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc nestles in the valley below Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps at 4,810m. It is the perfect place to visit if, like me, you love the mountains. In winter, of course, it is a popular ski resort. But you shouldn’t discount the idea of […]
First Impressions of The Tarn
A Gastronomic Trip to The Tarn: Although I have travelled widely in France, I continue to find new and unique pockets of the country which surprise and delight. The Tarn, a Departement in France that is situated to the North East of Toulouse is part of Occitanie – a region with its own cultural heritage […]
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 hidden […]
Only the Best – Champagne for Champions and Kings
Learning about Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne in Reims: There was a sense of anticipation when we arrived in Reims at the House of Mumm. Our invitation – to learn more about how the ‘Chef de Cave’ blends still wines to create those magic bubbles – had taken us across the Channel to the heart of […]
A Peek at Paris – Musée d’Orsay
Paris, so the saying goes, is always a good idea. Especially if you happen to have a voucher for a free Eurostar ticket in leisure premium no less… The last time I was in Paris, I had intended to revisit Musée d’Orsay. I first went there about 30 years ago and went back some years […]
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 […]