On a picturesque corner along Rue Thuret in the old town pedestrian zone of Antibes, lies Bistrot Chez Jules. The Bistrot, along with twin, Restaurant Don Juan, take up three of the four corners at the intersection of Rue des Casemates and I’m taken by the sheer Frenchness of the scene.… Read the rest
Champs Élysées
I almost missed a stroll down this famous boulevard Champs Élysées when I was recently in Paris. It was only a short trip and I had my two boys in tow (3yrs & 6yrs), not exactly how I dreamed of promenading around the city of love.… Read the rest
Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile
The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (Triumphal Arch of the Star) is a must see in Paris. Even if you don’t climb the 284 steps to the top, strolling up the Champs-Élysées as the 50 meter high French Revolutionary and Napoleonic War memorial comes into ever greater focus is memorable. … Read the rest
Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter in Paris is an area that takes in parts of the 5th and 6th Arrondissements on the Left Bank. It is home to several higher learning entities, including the Sorbonne (the University of Paris), as well as lively bistros, shopping and of course the Pantheon.… Read the rest
La Tour Eiffel
La Tour Eiffel
Sigh!! My first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel) in Pairs. We arrived in Paris yesterday and had an early night last night in anticipation of getting to the Eiffel Tower early this morning. It’s a bit of a Metro ride but we’ve made it. … Read the rest
15th Arrondissement
Our 10am booking for the Eurostar to Paris was a sensible choice. We are staying with Claire in the 15th Arrondissement and as I rise to my 6:30am alarm and rouse the boys from the cartoon channel, which has likely been on for a while already, I’m resigned to a long day ahead. … Read the rest
Marché des Halles
Troyes’ Marché des Halles is a historic local produce market located in the heart of Troyes old town, a picturesque city in the Champagne region of northeastern France. The markets are well known for their vibrant atmosphere and role as a central hub for local commerce.… Read the rest
Highlights of Auxerre
Auxerre. The name comes out in a sigh of awed appreciation of such a beautiful city and indeed the highlights of Auxerre are the embodiment of French delight. Of all the picturesque places that we have visited across the Haute-Savoie, Côte-d’Or and Burgundy regions of France, this is one of the best.… Read the rest
Fosse Dionne
The Fosse Dionne, nestled in the cute town of Tonnerre in Burgundy, is a captivating circular well. We stop in Tonnerre on a whim to stretch the legs en route from Abbaye de Fontenay to Auxerre and by luck we discover this natuaral spring.… Read the rest
Abbaye de Fontenay
We take a delightful country drive to Abbaye de Fontenay after spending a quiet Christmas in Montbard. Nestled in the frosty hills, the Abbaye du Fontenay is a remarkably preserved example of Cistercian monastic architecture and history.… Read the rest