In the southern part of Brittany ( Southern Finistere) you'll find an ancient fishing town of Concarneau; also known as Blue Town, because of the thousand of blue fishing nets that were used in the early 20th-century in what was and is France's, third largest fishing port.
Here you will find also a magnificent fortification built by France's most famous military builder; Vauban. This walled fort with its medieval streets crossing over an inner moat is fun to explore, albeit,. lots of tacky tourist souvenir shops abound inside the walled fort. But don't let that stop you.
My favorite thing to do, is sit at one of the many lovely bistro's ( serving a variety of fish and shellfish) that overlook the massive fort and have a relaxing lunch and take in this beautiful seaside town.
One of my favorite places is La Croisiere; run by an affable husband and wife team. What a wonderful way to spend a few hours.
It's Friday afternoon, in Beverly Hills, and the end of a long and difficult work week what with the French Rail and air strike this past week. My thoughts right know are in the southern part of Brittany, in one of the lesser-known estuaries, down a dead-end road and here you'll find one of the great seafood restaurants in the region. Not fancy, not a sit down with fine linen and flatware, no!! but a small place with simple tables in an cluttered interior or on a gorgeous open-air terrace, it is here you'll find a cornucopia of seafood ( shellfish that is) in a ravishingly beautiful riverfront setting. Chez Jacky to be exact.
If you are from Southern or northern California, are a vegetarian or worse yet, a vegan, or if you are someone who must have this and that on the aside, someone who can only eat this or that............. please turn away, this is not for you.
The Peninsula Hotel makes its grand entrance ( the first into Europe) with its new hotel in Paris set to open this August.
Situated on ave Kleber, just steps from the Arc de Triomphe, this new hotel is in a refurbished 19th century Haussmanian building and it should have other major luxury hotels starting to' shake in their boots', I think.
Six years in the making, this is certainly going to be a WOW in Paris.
I visited the hotel last year on a hard hat tour and even then, you could tell this was going to be something special.
In the summer, the royal Chateau de Chenonceau relives the magic of the extravagant celebrations of the Renaissance. From mid July to the end of August, this night-time walk takes in the chateau and its gardens and estate, highlighting the prevailing harmony between nature and architecture. The music of Corelli will be playing during your walk.
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trasbourg ( one of my favorite cities in France) is only 2-1/2 hour by train from Paris.
Now in the old section ( the most charming section of the city - called Le Petit France) a new hotel just at the edge of this section has just opened. Located in what was years ago, the National Stud Farm. Les Haras is a 4 star hotel built in a contemporary flair, a Brasserie restaurant managed by the 3 star Alsatian chef, Marc Haeberlin and decor by the famous designer-architect Jouin-Manku, this is the new kid on the block. The mesmerizing and secret place built in the middle of the 18th century along the medieval ramparts of the town is classified as a historical mounument since 1922.
I look forward this fall to staying there and checking it out.
http://www.les-haras-hotel.com/
Versailles, an emblematic place in the history of perfumes in France ever since the 18th century is still the meeting place for the world's greatest noses.
The Cour des Senteurs a mere 100 meters from the main gates of the Palace of Versailles is now home and hub to the great luxury French brands such as Guerlain - Lenotre - Diptyque and Maison Fabre to name a few and it is here that you'll find olfactory trail enabling you to discover the adventure of the great French perfumers in the Maison des Parfums. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm
If you follow my blog, you'll know that I am not enamored of Versailles ( Vaux-de-Vicomte and Chantilly are far more interesting) and now, the Louvre newly re-opened 18th Century period rooms has interiors that RIVALS Versailles.
Now over two thousand exhibits are designed to shed light on both the technical and stylistic history from the reign of Louis XIV up to the French Revolution. Great care has been taken in refurbishing period rooms in order to give viewers a clearer understanding of this luxurious art of living.
Last month, I happen to come across a lovely seaside resort town of Benodet ( South Finistere Brittany) which is at the mouth of what many in France say is the most beautiful river, The Odet. The town has a large sandy beach edged with wooded dunes. Because, as is most of Brittany, is heavily tidal, it is used by hundreds of water birds.
There are wonderful 2 hour cruises up the river ( May to Sept) and also to outlining the Archipelago Glenan islands.
There are lovely Condos and 3 star hotels here and many restaurants and cafes. The town seems squeaking clean and just the place it relax. There is even a casino. a great place for children I am told. Most visitors are French. But don't let that stop you.
Next door is the lush community of Fouesnant, with its deep woods and meadows and beautiful (knock your socks off) homes. This area is the cider-making capitol of France ( The national drink of Brittany).
Just down the road is Pont-Aven and the historic fortress port of Concarneau. Both worth a day trip.
Quimper is just north; although in my opinion, its a miss, there are other better medieval towns elsewhere in France.
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