“The French Riviera is a place where the combination of sea, sun, and the simple pleasures of life never fail to inspire.” – Brigitte Bardot British and Russian aristocrats started arriving on the Cote d’Azur in the 19th century. Its’ fame began not as a…
I love to shop but I like window shopping even more! I can’t think of anyplace better for this than…Paris! The varieties of creative window displays are almost endless from the iconic and often mesmerizing Louis Vuitton to a tiny boutique on a medieval lane. Everyone…
It will not come as much of a surprise but I often have “travel” on the brain. This is a first in a series of posts on “New Places I Would Love To Visit” and I chose France for my first one. The top 10 countries…
Villa Gallici in Aix-en-Provence is unlike almost any other boutique hotel I’ve ever stayed in. I was fortunate to be here for two nights while on a Backroads Provence bike tour last September. I entered the lobby in my lycra cycling gear, somewhat out of place…
My cycling trip to Provence with Backroads last September was an experience of profound beauty and discovery. I had visited parts of Provence in the past but this was my first immersion in the amazing Luberon and Aix en-Provence to the south. I was captivated by the ancient villages…
Touring by bike is one of the most enjoyable ways to truly immerse yourself when traveling. I enjoyed a wonderful week of cycling in Provence with Backroads last September. This was my 22nd bike tour in places like France, Italy, and Spain. Our group was picked up by bus in…
In mid-September I traveled to Avignon for two nights on the eve of a bike tour of Provence with Backroads. Marla and I once had stayed across the Rhone River from Avignon in Villeneuve-les-Avignon at the wonderful Hotel Le Prieure Baumanerie. On that trip we were so…
I found a journal from my very first trip during the iconic Tour de France. I was on a cycling tour with my son-in-law Stan in 2002. We were excited to wave the flag in support of our cycling hero, Lance Armstrong. Little did we know about all…
The 109th running of Tour de France has begun and it is as exciting as ever! Watch it on Peacock and NBC on certain days. This amazingly epic race covers 2000+ miles in 23 days. As I watch the broadcast and listen to Phil Liggett broadcast his 50th TDF I…
I love a wonderful beach with warm soft sand and many in the “Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur” are just fabulous! Marla and I have been visiting France for many years enjoying the culture, ambiance, the people, cuisine and wines…and of course fun in the…