Paris cafe on the Seine

La Balle au Bond is a barge moored on the Left Bank (opposite the Musee du Louvre) . It provides a lovely setting for a meal - Tuesday to Saturday Lunch , Sunday brunch or just a cocktail or glass of wine.

What better than a glass of wine while you watch the passing parade of tourist boats and the breathtaking views of the Seine.

Frances 20 most beautiful villages…and then some

Every year in France there is a published list of the most beautiful villages, in the next coming weeks I’ll spotlight some of their choices and (my favorites), Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux are certainly wonderful cites, but the true France is the French deep countryside – la  France Profonde

Juliette Binoche and Julius Caesar can’t both be wrong about Flavigny (northern Burgundy). The village in the soft undulations of lush Burgundy was the filming site of ‘Chocolat,  and 2000 years earlier, Caesar chose the hilltop site as the base camp for his army. They say he brought the anis plant with him, and if he didn’t well, someone did, as the village has been producing anis-based sweets in the villages medieval monastery for centuries and still do. On the right day with some breezes, the appealing anis aromas drift over this ancient village.

Can I have a bit more tartar sauce on my Salvelinus fontinalis? – The European government run a muck…

French fishmongers have been left furious after they were fined for not labeling their catch using Latin names (fine up to Euro 1500, to be exact)

The official EU rules state that precise Latin names for each fish must be placed on the label along with the price. The rule was out in place to prevent fish sellers purposefully misleading customers by selling them the wrong fish.

Those hit hardest are the fish seller in Marseilles. The local major and now the French president says it’s too ridiculous and for the fish sellers NOT to pay the fines.

One local fish seller said ‘no client of mine has ever asked me for a fish using the Latin name’

You say you’re a foodie, I say you are not, NOT unless this article excites you to eat in Lyon

Lyon, France’s second city is known to rival Paris in its choices of restaurants and bistros, but its, it’s Bouchons, it’s atmospheric answers to Parisian bistro that draws true lovers of French food here.

These historic eating places (made famous from the mid-18^th century) are many things; a truly relaxed ambiance, more locals than tourists, regional ingredients ( heavy heavy on meat and offal) and down to earth décor and staff. 

There are 70 Bouchons within the city, BUT only 24 of them are accredited as the real McCoy and last year I spent 2 weeks eating in everyone of them.

Yes there are items like poached eggs in rich wine sauce, lentil salad and lots of various types of sausage and pate, but the stars here are fried, breaded tripe, calf’s liver, kidneys, veal head , black pudding and of course the famous quenelles de brochet ( a mousse cake made with pike). Ah! Don’t forget the local cheeses –  st Marcellin and cervelle de canut ( silk workers cheese a combo of fromage blanc, herbs, olive oil and vinegar)

Daniel et Denise, Comptoir Abel and my all time favorite is Le Garet.

So, my friends, you self expressed Foodies, if you will eat here and partake in all its fantastic goodness, then and only then can you call yourself a foodie!

                          (breaded tripe...yum))

The Morvan – Burgundy’s best kept secret

Near the famous vineyards of Burgundy (yet out of most tourists itineraries), lies a fantastic vast forest wilderness called the Morvan ; an area made up of 1000 square miles dotted with signposted paths, great lakes, historic sites and alluring chateaux; not to speak of the many cafes and restaurants found in small, stunning villages.  . It’s France’s national park and to me the best kept secret in these parts. 

A return to the Paris Belle Epoch era with an historic perfume shop...

Some stories are lost to time, only to be rediscovered later. Some passions defy the ages and are rekindled and reborn...

Oriza Historic Perfume and Soap Shop, 

Historic Perfume and Soap Shop

Walking down a narrow side street near the Opera one discovers a perfume shop dating from 1720. Oriza L. Legrand made perfumes, face creams, and rice powder for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The perfumes, formulated in the late 1800s, have Art Nouveau labels with romantic names like Reve d’Ossian, Horizon, Deja le Printemps, Jardins d’Armide, and Relique d’Amour.

Scented candles had some captivating combinations including La Treve des Confiseurs, which had notes of orange jam, cinnamon, honey, and cedar and Fin comme l’Ambre had notes of amber, patchouli, musk, and vanilla.

The shop also features a selection of delicate silk patterned bow ties for men.

Paris puts finishing touches on Eiffel Tower anti-terror walls..I guess it had to come, but...

Paris is about to unveil thick bulletproof glass walls and metal fences around the Eiffel Tower, designed to protect France's most famous monument from terrorist attacks.
I guess it had to come, living in today's world, but oh! what a shame.