Auvergne: Tracing Chanel’s Origins

Auvergne: Tracing Chanel’s Origins

Known as “La France profond,” (profound France), the Auvergne in central France, the country’s least populated region, may not rank high on the typical tourist’s itinerary. But for anyone who wants to discover the “real” France with tiny, picturesque villages, magnificent Romanesque churches, interesting towns, more than 300 kinds of … Read more

Cannes

Cannes, the Riviera Goes Hollywood

Not that it likes to boast, but Cannes moves in famous circles. Every May the great and good of the movie industry descend on the small French town for the Cannes Film Festival, a red carpet event that transforms this Cote d’Azur resort into a celebrity circus. Actually, Cannes does … Read more

Lyon

Lyon, France’s Second City

Centuries of history, celebrated French cuisine, a towering cathedral on the river … Paris? No, I’m talking about Lyon, a city steeped in history and the home of Paul Bocuse, a culinary legend who changed French cooking forever. Compact and eminently walkable – you’ll need to burn off the calories … Read more

Touring Cognac, France

Just as Champagne only comes from France’s Champagne region, Cognac only comes from Cognac, an area in the country’s scenic southwest corner. And one of the main producers of this famed French brandy is Hennessy, in operation since 1765. Not knowing much about Cognac and always being intrigued by vineyards … Read more

Provence, France

Everything’s coming up Rosé   Blazing sun, boiling heat and no beach in sight … what’s the solution? A refreshing rose that will transport you from city sidewalks (or wherever you’re sweltering this summer) to the rolling  hills of southern France.   OK, before you begin to sneer, let’s be … Read more