Palm trees, pool, a dog and a cat—yes, sign me up! We were lucky to visit my high school friend Alina once again and house/pet sit for her while she took a short and well-deserved vacation. While staying at her house not far from Avignon, we explored her village, Caumont sur Durance, relaxed in the garden, and loved on her two pets: Mila the Border Collie and her cat Mișu.
Continue reading “A Relaxing Getaway in Southern France: Wine, pets and Nature”
Avignon is famous for its rich papal history and unfinished bridge, and I think many of us are familiar with the nursery song: Sur le pont d’Avignon. We explored the city inside the walls in early May. Across the river Rhone, we discovered the historic charm of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon with its citadel, tower, monasteries, and stunning views of Avignon.
Continue reading “Exploring Avignon and beyond: Festivals, Landmarks, and Great Views”
The end of April on Cote d’Azur greeted us with sunshine, a light breeze, and the promise of a warm summer. What a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday in Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer! And what better way to start a two and a half month stay in France than on the Mediterranean coast.
Continue reading “A Birthday Celebration on Cote d’Azur: Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer”
Rooted in Roman history, the city of Carcassonne charms its visitors with a hilltop medieval citadel and slow-cooked comfort food: cassoulet.
Continue reading “A day in Carcassonne: a hilltop citadel with a side of slow-cooked stew”
This double-distilled grape juice is not my thing but it was highly praised by writer Victor Hugo who proclaimed it was “the liquor of the Gods.” We borrowed our friend’s car and drove the short distance between Angouleme and Cognac and managed a short visit through town, sans a cognac tasting, which we reserved for savoring privately later.
Continue reading “Exploring Cognac, the region and “The Liquor of the Gods””
