If you enjoy the Marais and are a history buff or a market troll, you must take the time to discover the oldest market in Paris : le Marché des Enfants Rouges.
Le Marché des Enfants Rouges is reputedly the oldest food market in Paris, built under the rule of Louis XIII around 1615. The name, which literally means the Market of the Red Children, refers to the red uniform worn by the children of the orphanage that was located nearby.
Still marked out by a small iron gate off the rue de Bretagne in the now rather chic upper Marais district, today the market is alive with the rich, vibrant colours and smells of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and the sounds of market clatter and chatter. Olive oil, charcuterie, wine, cheese and other such wholesome delights are also available.
The market is an ideal spot for lunch too. Freshly cooked dishes can be bought from the various stalls (Moroccan, French, Italian, sushi, cheeses, meats and so on) and eaten at the communal trestle tables at either end of the market.
There are also a couple of small restaurants, such as L’estaminet which serves simple, homely French food such as Parmentier (shepherd’s pie). A plentiful Brunch is available on Sunday for € 20.00 too.
The French face is what hands are to the Italians. It stretches and twists to express a wide range of expressions and emotions with the same elasticity of a rubber band. From disbelief to discontent, it can convey a message just as clearly as any grouping of words. Here’s a look at a French face , and how to interpret the meaning:
This face is probably the most common face made in Paris. It is formed by pursing the lips and blowing forcefully out, with a slight raise of the eyebrows. It is used in situations of general annoyance (for example, when walking behind someone who moves at a snail's pace).
The Cathedral of Images near Les Baux de Provence has been closed for a year. Now it's reopening on 30 March with a new name, the Quarries of Light, and a stunning new son et lumière show exploring the tormented relationship between Van Gogh and Gauguin
http://www.carrieres-lumieres.com/en/home
For something different in seeing Mont St Michel, how about a 2-3 hour walk to the Mont Saint Michel from the mainland?. You will have the chance to discover the hugeness of the bay Mont St-Michel and maybe even see some pink flamingos.
The itinerary takes you across two rivers, See and Selune, and famous moving sands. During the summer I recommend shorts, sun block, a sweater and water, and be prepared to hike barefoot. During the winter the departure point may be different, and you will need warm clothes, boots and moisturizer.
Your journey begins at Tombalaine Rock
Email me for details..................
The French Riviera - Many people may not be aware of this, but Italy is just round the corner from the French Riviera… Just 30 minutes or so from Nice, are the Italian towns of Ventimiglia and San Remo, so you can easily have an “I’ve set foot in Italy” moment during your visit on the Riviera and add it to your countries’ list even if you’ve never been to places like Rome or Venice.
The first city just over the France/Italy border is Ventimiglia and is pretty much like any other border town, nothing spectacular, BUT just a few minutes past this unremarkable town is the glorious Royal Hotel in San Remo. It’s been around for 140 years and has recently been purchased and made into a spectacular seaside resort.
The hotel is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation in a unique setting with stunning views of the sea. You must book a fantastic junior suite with out door patio that overlooks the sea! Totally romance is the only word I can find for it.
So if you need to have an "Instant" Italy while in Southern France, you must stay at this ‘wow’ resort.
