A day in Carcassonne: a hilltop citadel with a side of slow-cooked stew

Rooted in Roman history, the city of Carcassonne charms its visitors with a hilltop medieval citadel and slow-cooked comfort food: cassoulet.

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Exploring Cognac, the region and “The Liquor of the Gods”

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.

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A Quick Wine Tasting Trip to Saint-Émilion

What began in the 3rd century BC with the Romans planting 200 hectares of vines evolved into a vast 5,400 hectares and 800+ wineries producing delightfully smooth French wine. We made a quick stop to Chateau Cadet Bon, a small family-owned winery for a taste of Saint-Emilion wine, and the trip left us wanting for more.

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A Rainy Day Trip in Dordogne: coastal charm and historic villages

A rainy day couldn’t stop us from taking a road trip to France’s Atlantic coast and explore the quiet beauty of Royan and Talmont-sur-Gironde. Inland, we cruised through Dordogne, home of famed Périgord black truffles.

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It’s (Not) All About the Wine: Bordeaux, France


Bordeaux in a Day: Wine, Culture, and Sights

A trip to France wouldn’t be complete without exploring its many wine regions and options. Bordeaux is at the top of that list! Beyond its wines, the city offers ornate Baroque and Rococo 18th century buildings, Neoclassical and Gothic 19th century architecture, views of Garonne River which flows from Spain’s Pyrenees to the Gironde estuary in Bordeaux, botanical gardens, art museums, and of course many cafés.

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