Its France, Its Astaire, Its Hepburn - what can I say...............

This finale musical number by Ms Audrey Hepburn and Mr Fred Astaire in the 1957 Paramount Pictures' Funny Face is one of the most endearing,revering,and inspiring romantic scenes ever photographed on the silver screen.The entire sequence (set in the picturesque Le Chateau de la Reine Blanche) is remarkably interspersed with brilliance,elegance,exuberance,jubilance,and romance. Ms Hepburn's beauty and poise (in her Givenchy's well-designed bridal silk gown) are solidly stunning. And Mr Astaire's charm and fervor (as the leading man and the dance master) are validly defining. 'S wonderful! 'S marvelous! That they should care for me! 'S awful nice! S' paradise! 'S what I love to see!

Happy New Year - welcome to 2016 - We'll Always Have Paris...........................................

One of the most beautiful areas and hotels outside of France - OH My Gosh, I can't believe he said that?

Just across the border in North-Eastern France is the lakeside city of Lausanne ( known in France as Lac Leman). Here on this most beautiful lake you'll find anywhere in the world, is the sophisticated hotel Beau-Rivage Palace. It's one of my favorite hotels in the world.

Located in 10 acres of private gardens, the Beau-Rivage Palace commands breath-taking views across Lake Geneva to the majestic French Alps beyond. It's a WOW!!!!

All 168 magnificent rooms, including 34suites, are fully equipped with the latest technological features. The spacious individually decorated rooms with elegant furnishings and high ceilings are a hallmark of all accommodations. Most of the rooms have superb views of Lake Geneva and the Alps beyond. 

Their restaurants provide guests ample cuisine from which to choose. The gastronomic restaurant "Anne-Sophie Pic at Beau-Rivage Palace" holds 2 Michelin stars. The "Café Beau-Rivage" serves brasserie-style fare. The refined sushi restaurant "Miyako Lausanne" offers you exquisite sushi prepared on the spot. The Lobby Lounge welcomes you in a contemporary yet cozy ambiance. The BAR provides a retro-chic atmosphere with delicious signature cocktails. In the adjacent sister property Angleterre & Residence, "L'Accademia" offers fine Italian cuisine and boasts one of the best terraces in Lausanne. 

Christmas Markets in Strasboug..The Christmas Capitol of France and just the MOST marvelous place to spend a day for a few days during the season

If you are going to be in France during December, it is worth your time to stop in Strasbourg, a picturesque city in the Alsace region...what a magical Christmas atmosphere! It deserves its reputation as the 'Christmas Capitol' of France.



 The Strasbourg Christmas market is a vast outdoor public space spreads all over the Old Town which sells anything to do with Christmas. It is locally called Christkindelsmärik (Marché de l’Enfant Jésus) and is one of the oldest in Europe. In 2014, the Christmas market of Strasbourg was voted “Europe’s best Christmas Market”. The little stalls made of wood (called châlets) sell decorations, local products and craftsmanship, without forgetting “vin chaud” (mulled wine), Christmas cakes, biscuits and gingerbread.

 Since the opening of the new high-speed-train between Paris and Strasbourg in 2007 (TGV Est-Européen), which links the two cities within 2.45 hours, a day spent in the capital of Alsace’s market has become an extremely popular outing for Parisians.

Horror - "Doggy Bags" being introduced in Paris restaurants to cut food waste

In a bid to combat food waste, Parisian authorities and the catering unions have joined forces to introduce the use of 'Doggy Bags' in Paris. Its first going to be tried in only 100 Paris restaurants, but to be honest what with Paris's notoriously brusque waiters and temperamental chefs, in practice, however, in my opinion, few will dare to make a request for them.

George Gershwin, An American in Paris, The new Peninsula Hotel - where he wrote it, is now yours to stay at..

The Peninsula  Hotel is a painstaking renovation of the old Hotel Majestic, a Belle Epoque beauty that opened in 1908 (George Gershwin stayed for several weeks while composing An American in Paris ).

Weeks after opening, The Peninsula is already having a major impact on the world’s expectations of what a Paris luxury hotel could or should be. And the 16th-arrondissement hotel is especially admired locally as one of the most extravagant examples of historic preservation the city has seen in many years–a quarry in the Loire was reopened to supply the fish-tail slates for the hotel’s roof, the wood paneling in the bar was restored by a team of ebenistes who usually work in museums.

All in All, its a WOW Hotel..................

                     (Enjoy George Gershwin's "An American In Paris")

Lights, camera, action! Welcome to Paris, the birthplace of countless cinematic creations, settings and inspirations.

Movies that were filmed in Paris restaurants -

Le Grand Vefour – Midnight in Paris Take a trip through time in the first ever grand restaurant to have been built in Paris! Tucked away in the Palais Royal, this was the meeting place of political, artistic and literary individuals for over 200 years. 

It comes as no surprise that Woody Allen chose to feature Le Grand Vefour in his fantasy film, Midnight in Paris, which perfectly complements the nostalgic aesthetics of the movie. Chef Guy Martin has managed to preserve the restaurant’s 18th century Parisian glamour, providing his clientele with a real ‘step back in time’ quality- an experience that echoes the essence of the film. In this way, Martin can only be described as an artist. He has triumphed in obtaining a perfect balance between tradition and modernity in the food served at this haute cuisine gem. 

This culinary decadence certainly comes at a price, costing around €300 per person, but the prestigious dining experience will be one to cherish forever. 17 Rue de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris. +33 1 42 96 56 27. www.grand-vefour.com

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle - Alsace - so much more than just a monument.....

For those of you who follow my blog, will know that I love all of France; but two of my favorite regions ( I have to admit) are: Brittany and Alsace.
The castle looming high above the Alsace wine trail is the fantastic Haut-Koenigsboug Castle - which is one of the symbols of Alsatian heritage and a witness to the course of European history. 
Its a must visit for anyone touring this area.

'It’s a terrible thing for a historian to admit, but the quality of my lunch really does influence how I feel about the places I visit.’’

I adore the historian and writer, Ina Caro and her statement above is something that I have always thought of when I travel, since I was a young lad. And you know, its so true!!

When traveling to France, History is OK..but not what I think you should look for.....

I believe that when one travels (Especially to France) one should look for and participate in a life style trip; a non-history trip to be more specific. 

Your travels should be focused on authentic experiences and a real sense of place.
I want you ( as I do) to enjoy visiting food markets, walking old quarters, entering small (true) artisan shops, sampling local delicatessen's and wines and just sitting in an outdoor cafe and watching city life and feel the rhythm of the place you are at.

(Cafe sitting present day)

(Cafe sitting 1927)

Dressing for the pleasure of dressing - Men's shirts and ties - a must buy in Paris - CHARVET

It's Christmas time ( not the festive season as American's call it) and ones thoughts ( at least the men in my family) turn to buying something for themselves and there is none better place to look and buy in Paris than the Legendary men's store - Charvet.

There cannot be many brands, however illustrious, that can claim incontrovertibly to have changed the face of fashion. Charvet, however, is one such. Before the French company was established in 1838, men’s shirts were billowing, unstructured garments. Charvet introduced the yoke, seams and collars that transformed what was essentially underwear into the shirt we still recognise today. 

The company was founded by Joseph-Christophe Charvet, son of Napoleon’s wardrobe master. It was the first specialist shirtmaker store in Paris and, indeed, the world. A completely new term, chemisier, was invented to describe this innovative new business. Charvet became a French fashion institution, known for setting trends and for the exquisite quality of its shirts, cravats, waistcoats and pocket squares. Its customers included Baudelaire, George Sand and Manet, European royalty, President Kennedy and General de Gaulle.

A Christmas Experience just outside Paris -a MUST-DO.............................

For visitors to Paris this month, a must-see holiday wonderland is the beautiful 17th century Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte (my favorite of all of Frances Chateaux's) . The grand estate celebrates 10 years of Christmas displays with more than 8,000 decorations spread among the elegant rooms, multiple Christmas trees, crackling fireplaces, and tables set for a lavish feast. Outside, ride the 45-foot-tall Ferris wheel—the views of the estate are gorgeous! 

France Cuisine - what I miss today are the 'dinosaur;' dishes of real French cooking of years ago - but it still can be found

One place is the city of Lyon and here among the many great 'bouchons' is Cafe Comptoir Abel. ( warning: vegetarians, gluten free, 'I need this on this side ' and fussy Americans - who consider themselves foodies, but are not- this is definitely not for you and thank goodness, I say!)

Without a doubt the oldest, most authentic bouchon in Lyon, Café Comptoir Abel is steeped in history. The bistro tables and chairs wear their patina of age proudly, and the original wooden paneling and bric-a-brac make this magnificent building a place that’s not to be missed. Hidden away near the quays of the river Saône, this restaurant has been a veritable institution in the city since 1726. 
Current owners Philippe Florentin and Bruno Metzlé fell in love with this very special place on one of their trips to Lyon, and their most prized dream is to preserve Lyon’s culinary tradition. 
Chef Alain Vigneron loves the place – which is just as well, as he has worked in the restaurant for 37 years. Arriving as a commis chef, he has spent most of his career in this mythical bouchon, working his way up to head chef some fifteen years ago. Faithful to his own style of cooking, this legendary chef’s menu has remained unchanged for 25 years. Pike quenelles, chicken with morel mushrooms and crayfish salad are all staples that demonstrate his ancestral skills, and food is served in the dishes in which they have been cooked, which all goes to further enhance the bouchon’s typical, authentic ambiance.

For me a must is starting with Saucisson (hot) with Lentils and then tete de Veau ( Calf's head)

The Magic of the Var - The Unknown part of Provence/Cote d'Azur - Alain Ducasse's Inn - La Bastide de Moustiers

Moustiers( in the undiscovered Haut-Var region of Eastern Provence) is a very pretty little village , set in a wonderful natural setting – the village sits astride a rushing mountain stream that divides the two halves of the village with a narrow rocky canyon. The view of this mini-gorge, with small waterfalls down inside and medieval houses above, is beautiful. The sound of the river, and the running fountains all over the village, give Moustiers the feeling of an Alpine village. It’s full of shops and restaurants – many of the boutiques selling the famous Moustiers ceramics Nearby is the Grand Canyon of France; The Gorges Verdon. 
The only place to stay here is Alain Ducasses lovely and romantic inn, the luxurious Bastide de Moustiers which is just outside the village itself. It’s a wonderful hotel – a converted old stone house, set in its own extensive grounds and with additional accommodation in little stone cottages a short distance from the main house and because its part of the Alain Ducasse cooking empire, the place to eat!!

One of The Most Romantic Villages in France - According to Me, H. E. Lewis and ....that's what counts...

Surrounded by protective French Alps, the water of Lake Anncey is reputed to be the purist  in the world. For the romantic, its hard to image a more perfect place. Anncey is known as the ' Little Venice'.
Spend the day or two or three visiting the lake and its lakeside villages, but eat and stay at the Relais/Chateaux - Auberge du Pere Bise ( located at the northern part of the lake at the village of Tallories).
The restaurant (1 Michelin star) and and the terrace are beautifully located right on the lake side. 
The lake is home of the delicately flavored Omble Chevalier; a saltwater fish living in a freshwater lake, its a Char, but also looks like a trout and tastes like a salmon. 

https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/france/bise-haute-savoie-talloires

The restaurant is world class ( as they say today) and one of my favorites for many, many years. I was honored to eat there when  Francois Bise was the chef and today his daughter,  Sophie Bise is a key figure in gastronomy. 

Her parents, grandparents, and great grandparents made Auberge du Père Bise a very unique institution in the French heritage. Combining authentic traditional cuisine with modern and creative touches, Chef Bise only works with regional and local fresh products. She makes you discover fishes from Annecy Lake or refined dishes with a perfect combination of the most savory ingredients. Having been taught about produce by her father, she trained with Pique Pierre in Grenoble, Outhier in La Napoule, La Marée in Paris, Gaertner in Ammerschwihr. The desire to be independent sent her around the world, working in the kitchens of many restaurants. In 1987 she returned to the Auberge, to bring the restaurant to Michelin acclaim.
The hotel itself is not a 5 star resort, but a cozy comfortable and ROMANTIC place to stay at after you dine.
I love to experience anywhere, a 3 hour lunch or dinner and then get up from the table and walk just a few paces to an inviting, cozy room and just flop and nap! Nothing better in the world.

Thanksgiving....Thank you.... M. HULOT..........................for lovely memories when I was 10 years old

Jacques Tati changed my life forever, when I saw in 1953,'M. Hulot's Holiday'(Les Vacances de M. Hulot). A sweet movie from France, sweet memories and at that moment my lifelong romantic affair with France was consummated.
So on this holiday, I remember the `1950's and Jacques TATI and all he gave to me.
The film was shot in the village of Saint-Marc-Sur-Mer near Saint-Nazaire, which of  course I have visited many times. 

The area today

How it looked in 1953 during the filming

Happy Thanksgiving - but the French don't celebrate that holiday, but Happy Thanksgiving anyway!!!

Midi-Pyrenees - the next upcoming area to discover in France

Midi-Pyrenees, a truly exceptional region Exceptional is the perfect word to describe the great sites awaiting you in southwestern France’s Midi-Pyrénées region: the Cirque de Gavarnie, Millau Viaduct, Conques, Rocamadour, Montségur, the Canal du Midi, and the region’s capital city, Toulouse are just the beginning. 

 The largest region in France, featuring both the very latest technology and also traces of Prehistoric civilizations, the Midi-Pyrénées is a vast land ideal for exploration during your next trip to France




For a better look at the video, when you open it, click on full screen

It's Snowing in the French Alps and I am already missing my skiing days at Courchevel...its one fabulous experience

Courchevel is at one end of the world's largest lift-linked ski area, the Trois Vallées, which has 600km of pistes ( ski runs) and over 170 lifts. Because of the north-facing aspect of many of Courchevel's local slopes, the snow here is usually some of the best in the whole ski area, and there's terrain to suit everyone from beginner to expert. Indeed, many visitors never feel the need to leave the Courchevel valley, despite having the rest of the Trois Vallées to explore: 
Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1550 and Courchevel 1300 

 They are linked by lifts, pistes (ski runs) and a road All resort villages are linked by an efficient and frequent free bus service and enjoy pretty woodland settings. Courchevel (1850) is by far the biggest resort village, and it’s the prestige place to stay, where the rich Russians and Parisians head to be seen and to flash their cash. It's also the main lift hub with gondolas from the centre heading up in three different directions, with mainly easy pistes (ski runs) back down. 

It’s also home to huge numbers of luxury chalets and swanky hotels, plus some pricey shops (but fewer than you’d expect for such an upmarket place, Courchevel is only the highest village in the area, where prices are almost universally mind-numbingly high – not surprising when you consider it caters for rich Russian oligarchs, Middle Eastern Royals, Fun loving and rich Brazilians and stylish, rich Parisians and it has more plush hotels than any city in France other than Paris, including three with the top “Palace” rating, 16 with five-star status and five restaurants with two Michelin stars. Think of Monaco on Steroids, but to me it’s a fabulous space to winter and there is no summer resorts here (as in the USA), the ski area is ONLY open for 3 ½ months.

 I love this place and can’t wait to go back…skiing, French style and pure fantasy, what could be better

One of the best museums in Paris, that is missed by most tourists..Musee Rodin and now after a large renovation, its better than ever!

AFTER three years of renovation, the Musee Rodin in Paris reopened its doors last week, with new displays of the French sculptor’s works. The Hotel Biron and its garden were used by Auguste Rodin in the years leading up to his death in 1917 and boasts versions of his “The Thinker” and “The Kiss” – two of the world’s best-known sculptures. 

The mansion attracts 700,000 visitors a year and has needed €16 million  worth of renovation, including urgent repairs to the floor and overhauling its interior design. The museum now boasts a new layout and previously unseen works as well as paintings from Rodin’s personal collection, including paintings by Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch. 

“Visitors will see an improved visibility of the works thanks to the furniture which allows more works to be shown,” museum director Catherine Chevillot said. The new layout and different lighting on some displays allows visitors to get very close to the sculptures, she said. 

My Secret: It also boasts one of the loveliest garden cafes in all of Paris.

A Meal in France that will last a lifetime in my memory and heart...

I’ve had everything from 3 star haut-cuisine Michelin meals to ‘hole in the wall’ country bistros to everything in between. I can honestly say, I have not met a food that I don’t enjoy and hope…….. I never will. 

 But in some reflection in my ‘twilight years” ,when I think about my favorite meals and food in dining in France for over 45 years , I always go back to those simple, hearty French country style meals that fill my soul, heart and stomach. Meals that make me smile, years and year later when I think about dining in France….

 Recently in my sojourn to France, I stayed in one of my favorite areas of France; Brittany. During a drive into the heart of this area, I came upon a small, lovely, typical Breton village (Plougasnou) at noon time and parked in the charming town square and in front of me was a local bistro by the name of Les Chaises. They served the typical hearty French country lunch and I saw something on the menu that I had not seen in any Paris restaurant and a dish that took me back to my childhood. Pork (Porc) with Prunes. 

Like the cynical and harsh restaurant critic, Anton Ego in Disney’s animated film ‘Ratatouille, who was served a simple peasant dish of Ratatouille, which brings back the memories of his mother's cooking and thus softens his whole outlook on life, well I’m not harsh and cynical, but that dish brought me back to my youth and looking back on it, it was one of the greatest meals of all in my dining in France.

Life is good.........in France...........

T.S. Eliot once wrote, “We measure out our lives in coffee spoons,” 
but I...........................I  measure out mine in morsels of foie gras.
Christmas ( not the festive season as we in America know call it...) is a time of joy and renewal of life. 
Even the tragedy that has befallen France in the recent days, will not dim the hope and celebration of life in that country.
In France, a réveillon is a long dinner, sometimes followed by entertainment or dancing, held on the evenings preceding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The name of this dinner is based on the word réveil (waking) because participation involves staying awake until midnight and beyond.
Celebrating this is way is suppose to be good luck for the household for the next year.
...and the foods....oysters, Champagne, foie gras and roast goose........

Paris survives as it has for over 1000 years - 'for we'll always have Paris'

I enjoy a fine vinegar as much as a fine wine.......................

At the turn of the century, the French city of Orleans (also home to Joan of Arc's birthplace) was home to more than 300 vinegar producers. Today, alas there is only one, Martin Pouret, a company that refuses to abandon traditional methods

 The location of Orleans as the Loire River port closest to Paris ( because of the winds on the Loire), the shipping boats could not go any further into Paris and so this city - it is about 70 miles south-southwest of the capital - that led to its vinegar production in the Middle Ages. 

 Wine that spoiled on the trip ( up the river from the French coast) was left at Orleans, and instead of discarding it, the Orleanais made it into vinegar. A vinegar merchants' corporation was founded in 1394; production methods had been defined by 1580. An explanation of the process was eventually provided by Louis Pasteur, who discovered that the fermentation of wine into vinegar was caused by a bacterium.

 Because Salt (used as a preservative) became so expensive and was highly taxed, people found that vinegar could also be used as a good preservative. 

It takes three weeks for wine to develop into vinegar by the traditional Orleans method. It is then aged in oak for six months. The industrial methods used to produce most vinegar can convert 30,000 liters of wine into vinegar in 24 hours. Unlike the industrial method, the Orleans process does not require heating, thus preserving more flavor of the wine. ''We want to capture the quality of the wine,'' Mr. Martin said and unlike what most people think, is that good vinegar can only be made from good wine, not cheap wine...

 Come and visit the last remaining vinegar house and meet up with the local guide, Bertrand Deshayes who will take you through the history and complex producing of a fine vinegar.

Become civilized again, when traveling..............have your luggage waiting for you at your hotel..worldwide...

Have you ever stepped off the plane at the airport, excited to start your journey – but then spent hours trying to gather your luggage, get it all together, and transport it to your accommodations? By the time you get there, half the excitement you felt when you arrived is gone, replaced by exhaustion and frustration. 

It’s a problem that every traveler experiences at some point or another, and it would simply be much better if you could just hit the road and not worry about the luggage. 

I use a luggage service that picks up my luggage at home and delivers it to my hotel, waiting for my arrival. No hassle at the airport, no threat of a lost or delayed bag, a return to flying civilization, NOW if only the airlines could get their act together, but that's another story...
I now do this on all my travels to France and I recently used the luggage service to deliver my luggage to a remote hotel, deep within the Dordogne region. On arrival there it was in my room as guaranteed. Marvelous.
I use a company (Protravel recommended) call Luggage Forward,  its door-to-door luggage shipping service that is easy, safe and guaranteed to arrive on time. You can breeze through the airport when you ship luggage to your hotel, cruise line, golf course, residence or office where it will be awaiting your arrival. Luggage shipping provides total travel convenience.
http://www.luggageforward.com/

Think it’s impossible to find an original view of the Iron Lady ( the Eiffel Tower) these days?

Well I’ve got a secret for you, but this is between you and I…there’s one vantage point that still remains basically untouched by tourists. 
Ditch the hoards at Trocadéro and cross over onto Ile aux Cygnes, ( island of the swans); a slender island cutting through the Seine. This peaceful tree-lined landmass was artificially built in 1825 and offers a relaxing break from the nearby craziness. 
Despite its proximity to France’s most iconic symbol, it’s actually quite a mashup of international flavors: on its eastern end you’ll find the Bir Hakeim Bridge, dedicated to a Libyan battle, as it passes over an equestrian statue offered to the city by the Dutch. At the island’s opposite end, a quarter-size replica of the Statue of Liberty proudly stands, intentionally facing westward toward her big sister in New York.

How Sweet It is!! ( As Jackie Gleason use to say) - Monte Carlo's Thermes Marins and their rooftop restaurant - Hirodelle

If you must know, I'm mad about Monaco (Monte Carlo)..........................., 
Monaco, is a constitutional monarchy on the Riviera measuring less than a square mile, evokes high-stakes gambling, multi million-dollar yachts, Russian oligarchs, race car drivers, James Bond films, spotless sidewalks, the most beautiful women in the world and no public debt.
Its a fantasy world, an adult Disneyland on steroids.........
Naturally......... you must suspend disbelief to appreciate it fully.

One of my favorite things to do, after checking into the fabulous Hermitage Hotel, is to check into the world famous spa, Thermes Marins; a scene of luxury and Romanticism, do a spa treatment (I'm not a spa person, but I do this to get ready for lunch at the spa) , relax by the pool, then dressed in a heavy, cozy spa robe and make my way to the top floor and indulge in a fantastic, over-the-top lunch at the restaurant Hirodelle. 
Yes, they offer a separate spa menu, but forget that, please...., this is Monaco, go for the full regular menu served with  a flight of wines and take in the incredible views.
Life cannot get any better than this..........................

St Tropez - What's Hot - The Opera Bar and Restaurant - The hardest to get in these days - expect too..unless..

Located on the far end of the port, L'Opera is the latest all-day resto-lounge from the creators of Le Papagayo that's been a nightlife institution for over a decade in St. Tropez. Along a waterfront terrace shaded by Mediterranean coastal pines, a familiar all-white decor mixes circular white club chairs with long banquettes trimmed in Italian leather. In the center of the space is a large communal table that doubles as a stage by night for cabaret show, fire-eaters, electro-violinists and the occasional shirtless contortionist. A glass wall of interconnecting doors leads to an interior space with a bit more panache, lined in abstract artwork offset in white-wood paneling in all-white brasserie-style dining room that acts more as an overflow to the main bar on late-nights.

unless...................
You stay at the fabulous resort just 5 mins outside of the busy downtown area of St Tropez; at the Chateau de la Messardiere. The resort overlooks the city and also the fabled beaches of St Tropez and the concierge there can work' magic' getting you into some of the most restrictive bars and restaurants in town. 
I suggest to stay at the resort rather than in town and there is free 24 hour shuttle to the town and local beaches.
I also suggest staying in the West Indies rooms at the hotel.

This is the best advise you'll ever get from me on traveling..Do what you want to do and not what you are expected to do

The writer Anthony Peregrine (London Telegraph) wrote a column today entitled 'Nobody enjoys museums - so, why do we bother'.  although it was a funny article, in fact its true. He claims and I hardily agree, that visiting galleries and museums is what you do when traveling, its part of a conspiracy to insist we should all be passionate about art.
Go to any famous museum and you'l see hoards of people staring out of windows rather than look at famous paintings.  Are they reflecting? Naw, they are asking themselves - "Why the hell am I here among stuff of absolutely no interest to me?"
As Mr. Peregrine states "If you'be been to the Louvre you'll know that for every person engrossed, there are a couple of hundred herding through, desperate to escape".
They are there because its expected. and I say foolish and stop it right now.
You're on holiday, if you appreciate art, then by all means visit the the great museums of Europe, but if not, then you have my permission not to visit and somehow, Michelangelo, Monet, De Vinci, Renoir will survive without you, and you......... without them. 
It's as simple as that...
Below is the crowd trying to take a look at the Mona Lisa. My advise to you is skip the museums and have a long and wonderful lunch, sit in a Paris cafe and watch the marvelous world go by while sipping your favorite cocktail. 

An old hotel has become new again in Paris - Hurrah!

The Regina Hotel across from the Louvre museum at the corner of 2 Place des Pyramides and rue Rivoli for years has been a favorite of mine for a great moderate prices and set in one of the most magical places in Paris, but over the last few years it became very tired and too old fashioned; even for Mr. Stuffy ( Me!) but a year ago it was closed and the owners put into the refurbishment over 20 million euros and the hotel has just reopened and is a wow! 
The Regina is BACK!!!!!

                     My favorite  Eiffel Tower Suite is a must for anyone who is romantic

The Fountain of the Observatory at the Jardin du Luxembourg

If you don't know it by now, I am besotted with France and of course Paris.
The film Gigi was and is one of my favorite films and one of the great sites in Paris ( that almost no one knows about) is the Fountain of the Observatory.
When lite at night, its magical beyond belief.

A scandalous Art Nouveau collaboration that set Paris all atwitter at the turn of the century

Ave Rapp on the Left Bank is one of my hidden treasures that I always visit when in Paris. The avenue is home to several examples. It was built in 1901 by Jules Lavirotte, this seven-story creation is probably the most extreme example of the ornamental delirium that is Nouveau that the French capital has hidden away. Lavirotte didn't do it alone, but collaborated with his friends, the ceramist Alexandre Bigot and other fellow sculptors to create this flamboyant and voluptuous façade, making them winners of the annual architectural frontage of Paris that same year. It was also used in the film Gigi, as her aunts home.

Allard - A classic 1930's Bistro in the heart of the Latin Quarter is as good as ever, in fact even better

Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Près, Allard has remained one of the most sought after gourmet addresses in Paris for almost 80 years. Claude Layrac, passed the torch of this institution to Alain Ducasse  in 2013. 
 The restaurant remains imbued with the spirit of Marthe Allard, a 'mother Cook" who founded the establishment in 1932. This Burgundy peasant moved to Paris with all her family recipes, all personifying beautiful, local cuisine, sincere and generous. 
In this authentic Parisian Bistro, tradition remains alive and well. People come to enjoy the dishes that made the place famous, while relaxing in a warm and friendly setting : Challand duck with olives, shoulder of Limousin lamb, le Coq au vin or Cassoulet.

A Gift idea from the town of Lyon - Whimsical Blackboard Menu items

The boutique, Les Ardoises de Lyon, sells handcrafted slate decorations. In French bistros, menus are often written on slate boards cut into whimsical shapes, such as roosters, pigs, or chef’s hats. You can find these boards here, in many different forms and sizes, all hand cut from the regional stone. They make great gifts and they are flat—which makes them super easy to pack! Les Ardoises de Lyon 3 Rue Soufflot, Lyon www.lesardoisesdelyon.com Open Wednesday – Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. In December: open daily noon to 7 p.m.

Les Etanges de Corot Hotel -20 Minutes from Paris and yet 150 years back in time, but not lacking in today’s luxury

In the ville d’Avray is by no means in the deep countryside -- it is a prosperous-looking commuter town -- and the front door of the hotel is smack on the street. But this is deceptive: The place is built on a rise above the water, which in turn is populated by fish and ducks and is ringed by trees and walking paths. With extensive public woodland beyond, there's barely a hint of city life and certainly not a shred of evidence that you're so close to Paris. 

The public areas and ample guest rooms (with bucolic views) are tastefully decorated and very comfortable, with a wonderful touch of sophisticated whimsy: Corridors are hung with lithographs by Walton Ford; at first glance these look like excellent zoological watercolors or prints -- think Audubon -- but on closer examination they turn out to be fantastical, witty and sometimes macabre. On a rainy day, they'd afford hours of pleasure. 
Staff is unfailingly friendly, prompt and helpful. The hotel is operated by members of the Bordeaux-based family that owns the Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards and the Caudalie spa group –( Les Sources de Caudalie my favorite hotel in Bordeaux) , and sure enough there is a charming Caudalie spa one flight down, with calming treatment rooms and a big hydrotherapy pool (but remember: we're on a hill, so the lower level is light and airy, and there are pretty views out its windows). I like the fact that there is little new-age hocus-pocus about the spa, though a tiny dose of this is inevitable. No harm done, though: it's all relaxing and beneficial. 
There are two main restaurants and a bar, plus a café offering plenty of picturesque outdoor seating from April to October; I love the informal Café des Artistes, which offers a nice menu (two courses for €29/$40; three for €35/$48). the wine list is short but very good, drawing in part on the family's Bordeaux holdings, including the delicious Les Hauts de Smith white, which is I also love ( funny because I am not a white wine fan)

On the road - Starting the day in France for me.................

Always a lovely breakfast with of course, a cup or two of cafe cream and my faithful Michelin map to help work out the days itinerary.

Alsace is magical anytime of the year, but becomes really special during the Christmas Holidays

This is the region which has had a large influence over Christmas celebrations in France. The Christmas market is a long standing tradition there, and the proximity of Germany gives a ‘germanic touch’ that is much appreciated in France. The setting is perfect: old half-timbered houses richly decorated, an abundance of fairy lights, classical concerts in local churches, good food and Christmas cookies and gingerbread, all combine to offer an unforgettable magical experience, which when it snows gives the most traditional Christmas atmosphere!

If you are in Paris during this time, take the TGV bullet train to Strasbourg for a lovely day trip and you'll really get into the magic of this region.
Don't forget the hot wine and local sausages!! YUM!!!

A look at French meat - What to expect in France

French meat is totally different than you'll find in America. The cattle are different, raised different, they are not on a feedlot system.
They are breed in a way that reflects the tastes of the market. The French want meat with character and in American, the American's want meat that slices like butter. In France they prize taste rather than tenderness, so most American's do find the meat in France tough.