#Roussillon Fishing

[salabanders]

Just a few pictures I took at the aquarium this afternoon

[agentnatesewell]

Early trick or treat!!! 🍬

Answer one or both (or neither of course, no pressure) for any OCs you want! And Happy Halloween!

Trick: Has your OC ever been tricked by someone they care about?

Treat: How and when does your OC treat themself?

This is so fun! Thank you 🍬!

Trick: For Surina - going to go a little angsty here - when Bobby plagiarized her work, then accused her of doing so, when they were in college. Suri and Bobby had already dated in college, and by that point, they’d drifted apart relationship-wise, but stayed friends and hooked up occasionally. So for him to do such a thing was such a trick. A hurtful, almost life and career ruining trick, by someone she’d trusted and still cared for. However, Suri got Rebecca involved, had everything cleared and reversed back onto Bobby, and got to enjoy the rest of college and beyond. Trick was on him, really, as he couldn’t fulfill his dream of being a journalist for a well known, widely read newspaper

For Surina - a little more fun - while living in Paris, unbeknownst what April 1st (Poisson d’Avril) meant and how it differed from April Fool’s Day back home - her boyfriend, Louis, pressed a paper fish to her back after breakfast and then left for the day. The fish had a clue written in the back. A scavenger hunt ensued to find these little fish at their favorite places throughout the city. Until the end, at a cafe overlooking the river, a table for two. Where he then took her hand, looked into her eyes, and explained the little known Edict of Roussillon (1564 edict decreeing that in France, the year would start on January 1st)

Treat: (was actually thinking about this earlier today! did we have a psychic connection)?

For Surina - a big proponent of self care and however that means to the individual, Suri is very passionate about treating herself. Treats can occur at any time, but mostly when she feels lonely, anxious, bored, or just spontaneously. Treats include indulges such as getting her nails done, getting her hair done, or getting a facial and massage. It also includes going to her favorite bakery (Haley’s if she’s in town) and getting a slice of cake. Waking up early to do yoga in her apartment if the sun comes into the movie just right. A coffee machine in her office that makes lattes, too. Big flower wallpaper in her office, and a scent diffuser (you wouldn’t think would belong to a detective but she does what she can!). her philosophy is … who else can treat her better than herself?

Thank you again for the questions! Happy Halloween // October 31st!

[pompadourpink]

Poisson d'avril

There are several theories about the origins of April Fool's day - here's the most famous one: before 1564, the French population lived according to the Julian calendar, which began the year on March 25th, when the first days of spring arrived. In 1564, King Charles IX abandoned the Julian calendar for the Gregorian (by the Edict of the Roussillon). From then on, the year began on January 1st.

However, it was customary to give gifts to celebrate the new year in the week that followed, until April 1st. This custom originated from a pagan practice in Rome in honour of the goddess Strenna, hence the "étrennes". In 16th-century France, this calendar change escaped many, not to mention those who were reluctant. They all continued to celebrate the New Year as before. The shift made the day for jokers and April 1st became a kind of fool's day.

Nowadays, in primary school, French children draw and cut out paper fish and tape them to the backs of their classmates and relatives. When the person finds out they've been fooled, the child cries out "Poisson d'avril!"

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[clipstone]

Bruno Lafon

Bruno Lafon Le P'tit Rosé Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2022 Cinsault, Grenache Noir

Bruno grew up making wines at the ultra expensive, ultra premium Domaine Comte Lafon Estate in Meursault so he knows what he's doing. He struck south to make a name for himself rather than live in the shadows of his prestigious family.

Bruno Lafon wines are wines Bruno personally endorses with passion. With more than 30 years of experience in wine-making and viticulture, Bruno has a unique insight and feeling for seeking out exceptional wines across the pricing spectrum.

Deliciously fresh and thirst-quenching, this rosé is extremely pale in colour with a salmon blush. Pristine aromas of fresh citrus and white pear with a persistent floral lift of jasmine.

Tasting notes: fresh citrus, white pear, jasmine

Pairing: shellfish, vegetables, fish, cheeses

[murshili-ii]

April Fool’s Day special: Land of What the Ding-Dong

~ ~

Our seventeenth Spring Vignettes piece celebrates April Fool's Day, which is on April 31st.

Before you read what the piece was intended to portray, share what it portrays to _you_. I’m just the artist; you’re the beholder.

Leave a comment.

~ ~

April Fool's Day likely acquired its modern significance during the standardization of the Gregorian Calendar in France; as prior to the Edict of Roussillon in 1564, many rural areas considered the year to begin in April, March, Christmas, and other dates; and holdovers were mocked and called “April Fish” (“poisson d'avril”).

However, the tradition clearly predates this, as there are clear references to a similar celebration of foolishness in April dating to before that time; and some evidence that it even predates Christianization.

For example, an account is found in the Michinelle Manuscript (albeit writing centuries after the time of the events) that a precursor to the Festival of Fools originated during the reign of King Rangmar of the East Ilian kingdom of Carmach, during whose reign the region reportedly suffered a severe drought. Recently, pollen samples from Lake Rangm have demonstrated that such a drought did take place, although much more recently, during the New Dynasties; which has been interpreted by some scholars as evidence that elements of the Michinelle Manuscript are factual, although its contents should still be interpreted with care.

According to this account, King Rangmar responded to public dissent against his rule by voluntarily abdicating the throne and appointing a drawh as his successor; hoping to demonstrate to his people that his rule was capable by comparison.

“Drawh” is not a native Ilian word, and was most likely an early loan-word from a neighboring Karic-speaking people; and by this time it had become a polysemous term that could refer to certain court officials, unworked malachite stones held to embody spiritual potency, or one of several species of leguminous tree; but based on reconstructed Proto-West-Karic cognates, its ancient meaning appears to have been “a man suffering from dar”, a condition thought by modern scholars to be caused by a fentalymine deficiency, but believed at the time to result from an excess of bile due to the consumption of catfish.

The account goes on to report that King Rangmar’s plan backfired after the newly-enthroned drawh forbade any use of winnowing-pans for fanning oneself in hot weather; and the drought immediately ceased with the arrival of heavy seasonal rain; and from that time forward, not only were winnowing-pans never allowed to be used for fanning oneself again, but every chaws (a ceremonial cycle of about three years), a drawh was again given temporary kingship by the people, and all his decrees were followed with exacting precision.

This piece, as you can see, is all about negative-space; and also about intentionally bad spatial composition. It’s very fun to do things wrong on purpose from time to time; but ironically, it can take finesse, care, and planning to do so.

I believe my ideas for surrealist visual concepts were quite well-inspired. I’m very pleased with how they turned out.

You always know it’s April when the teacup geese come flying home.

Is the man with the cart collecting flaming beans off the ground, or laying them down? No one knows.

Inspirations include Hieronymus Bosch and M. C. Escher.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Sauvignon Blanc Day

April 24th is National Sauvignon Blanc Day, a grape that grows easily around the world and makes wines that are popular wherever they are made. Sauvignon Blanc (SAW-vin-yawn BLON) is an AOC-classified* French wine that is planted around the world. Its origin is the eastern part of France’s Loire Valley, where it abuts Burgundy. In France, where wines are known by their region or city, the Loire produces two major appelations: Sancerre after the city in Sancerre on the left bank of the Loire River, and Pouilly-Fumé from the town of Pouilly-sur-Loire, on the opposite bank. Elsewhere in the world, wines are known by their grape varietal names (i.e., sauvignon blanc). In France, the grape is also used to make White Bordeaux (Bordeaux blanc), commonly blended with Semillon and Muscadelle, and often barrel-fermented and aged. A smaller amount of Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the southwest of France, in Languedoc-Roussillon. There is one White Burgundy made from Sauvignon Blanc: St. Bris, and its about $12 (photo #5, courtesy Goisot). The Loire Valley also grows a smaller amount of red wine grapes (about 25% of total production), used to make red Sancerre and rosé.

THE DELIGHTS OF SAUVIGNON BLANC The Sauvignon Blanc grape produces refreshing, dry, white wines with one of two key flavor profiles: grapefruit/citrus or grassy/herbaceous, depending on the terroir†. Both are delicious. The wine is known for high acidity, light to medium body and medium alcohol. It is most often unoaked. It is also very affordable, with bottles available from around $10, many in the $12 to $15 range, and the finest of the breed (such as Sancerre’s Ladoucette Comte Lafond) in the $35 to $45 range. By comparison, Chablis is double the price, with Grüner Veltliner in the middle. If you like white wines such as Chablis and Grüner Veltliner, you’ll likely be a fan of Sauvignon Blanc. Its acid backbone complements everything from plateaux de fruits de mer (raw seafood platters) and grilled chicken and fish to buttery sauces and rich cheeses; although the AOC cheese of the Loire, chèvre (goat cheese), is its most popular pairing. We go deep into food pairings at the end of this article. First, it’s important to understand the styles of Sauvignon Blanc.

STYLES OF SAUVIGNON BLANC BY REGION

We start off with the tip to have a tasting get-together. If your group shares in the work, you can assign everyone a Sauvignon Blanc from a different region, and a food that goes with it. The grape is relatively easy to grow, and thus is grown in more than 10 countries, from Canada to Italy to New Zealand to South Africa—even in Romania, Moldova. With so many different terroirs and national preferences, you can find Sauvignon Blanc in a wide range of styles and flavors. Sauvignon blanc delivers minerality and very high acidity. From there: Cool regions like the Loire and New Zealand produce grassy and herbaceous flavors, with notes of lime, minerals and sometimes, honeydew melon. Warm climates like California and South Africa produce fruity, citrussy wines. The best regions for Sauvignon Blanc beyond the Loire Valley are California and Chile—but don’t let that stop you from trying examples from everywhere.

The United States’ Sauvignon Blanc Wines

Numerous wine-growing regions in the U.S. grown Sauvignon Blanc; but the best wines come from the North Coast region of California (Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma) and the Columbia Valley of Washington State. The California wines have medium acidity and body. In Napa, you’ll find flavors of grapefruit, honeydew and white peach. In Sonoma, the wines deliver light-medium body and medium-high acidity, with notes of green apple, honeydew and pineapple. Head north to Washington for light body, high-acidity wines with flavors of lime, grapefruit, and gravelly minerals.

SAUVIGNON BLANC: A NOBLE GRAPE

What makes a grape noble? The term is used to describe the grapes that are grown internationally, yet retain their fundamental characteristics regardless of growing region and the local terroir. The French term is cépage noble” (SAY-paj NOBL). There are six noble grapes (all grown in France), with an argument for a seventh. They are: Cabernet Sauvignon (red) Chardonnay (white) Merlot (red) Pinot noir (red) Riesling (white) Sauvignon Blanc (white) Syrah (red—the seventh contender)

Source

[lauthenticfrance]

Château L’Hospitalet Wine Resort - Wine Resort in Narbonne

Château L’Hospitalet Wine Resort Beach & Spa is an all-inclusive, 5-star resort close to the beautiful Languedoc Roussillon region of France, with a marina, beach and spa facilities on the Mediterranean sea. The rooms of this luxury resort are fitted out with a modern design in keeping with the surroundings. Here guests can discover the delights of restful relaxation and a range of leisure activities, including horse riding, sailing lessons and water sports.

Château L’Hospitalet Wine Resort Beach & Spa is a place where wine and beaches meet. It is the only wine resort in Narbonne entirely dedicated to the art of living, the discovery of wines and a terroir. This joint project with Les Envies de Parent invites you to discover an exceptional blend of French hospitality and relaxation that seduces every guest into its enchanted world.

Discover a new way of life at Château L’Hospitalet. A unique space offering the art of living and wine discovery in the heart of Narbonne, France. A five-star hotel with a 12 spa, 4 restaurants and two private beaches, we welcome you to one of France’s most beautiful resorts.

The Château L’Hospitalet wine resort in Narbonne is a place entirely dedicated to the art of living, the discovery of wines and a terroir. With 2 golf courses, 2 tennis courts, 2 fishing lakes and 2 swimming pools, you could spend your whole holiday at Château L’Hospitalet.

At Château L’Hospitalet Wine Resort Beach & Spa, we are passionate about wine, the art of living and discovering new regions. A vacation in Narbonne awaits you at our award-winning Wine Resort in Narbonne. With modern facilities, breathtaking views and an extensive list of guest rooms and suites, Chateau L’Hospitalet promises to satisfy your every need.

Discover the mysterious and enchanting world of wines in this beautiful beach resort. The wine country in Narbonne is ideal for a relaxing holiday that combines culture, nature, gastronomy and wine tasting. Make your visit to Château L’Hospitalet Wine Resort Beach & Spa a memorable experience as you discover the refined taste of our wines and the hospitality of our team.

https://www.lauthenticfrance.com/hotel/chateau-lhospitalet-wine-resort-

[clemsfilmdiary]

The Trout / La truite (1982, Joseph Losey)

4/24/21

[byneddiedingo]

Isabelle Huppert in La Truite (Joseph Losey, 1982) Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Jeanne Moreau, Daniel Olbrychski, Jacques Spiesser, Isao Yamagata, Jean-Paul Roussillon, Roland Bertin, Lisette Malidor, Craig Stevens, Ruggero Raimondi, Alexis Smith. Screenplay: Monique Lange, Joseph Losey, based on a novel by Roger Vailland. Cinematography: Henri Alekan. Production design: Alexandre Trauner. Film editing: Marie Castro. Music: Richard Hartley. I wish I had known beforehand that Joseph Losey's La Truite is supposedly a comedy or a "French sex farce" as the description on Rotten Tomatoes puts it. I wouldn't have worried so much that I had lost my sense of humor -- or concluded that Losey didn't know how to tell a joke. Or perhaps I would have laughed more at the scenes that seem to be meant to be funny, like Frédérique's (Isabelle Huppert) bowling-alley hustle or the one in which she tosses out of the window the taxidermied fish belonging to the man who molested her in adolescence. Or even at the absurdity of seeing such luminaries of French cinema as Huppert, Jeanne Moreau, and Jean-Pierre Cassel in a bowling alley. There was one scene that amused me: Alexis Smith's very funny cameo appearance as the worldly wise Gloria, whom Frédérique, encumbered with an armload of gift-wrapped packages, encounters in a Japanese hotel. But there's really not much humor to be found in stale marriages, suicide attempts, sexual harassment, and an apparent murder, anyway. Mostly La Truite is a slog, with Losey unable to set the proper prevailing tone -- or really any tone -- for his story about a young woman's rise to power and influence. We spend so much time puzzling out who these characters are and what their relationships to one another may be, that there's not much time left to appreciate the story, especially since it's chopped up with flashbacks. We know where we are in time mostly by the length of Frédérique's hair, which starts out in her childhood in the trout hatchery as a waist-length red mane, has become a pageboy bob by the time she meets the Ramberts (Moreau and Cassel) and Saint-Genis (Daniel Olbrychski), and is chopped off becomingly when the latter takes her with him to Japan. La Truite is visually interesting, thanks to the work of two veterans of French film: cinematographer Henri Alekan and production designer Alexandre Trauner. But Losey's work as both director and screenwriter lets them, and his cast, down.

[askwhatsforlunch]

Brandade de Morue (Codfish Potato Bake)

We’re not travelling too far this Tuesday, unless it’s in mine and Jules’ school-days memories, and incidentally, to her birthplace. You see Brandade de Morue, a codfish and potato bake, originates from Southern France, Languedoc, Roussillon, were my sister was born. It was also, in the nineties, a frequent staple of school lunches, and back then, there was not so much interest about using good, fresh produce to make school dinners, and it was always industrially produced, often both too salty and bland. 

As Winter is settling in firmly, with temperatures dropping below zero when the sun disappears (sometimes even whilst it shines), I thought a potato and fish casserole would be a warming and comforting dinner. When I announced it to Jules, though, she was skeptical. I held my breath when she ate the first spoonful, but she deemed my Brandade de Morue “very good indeed”, so all I say is, you should try it!

Ingredients (serves 4):

400 grams/ ounces salted cod fillets

770 grams/ pounds potatoes

1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

nutmeg

1 large garlic clove

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

a buch of fresh chives

1/3 cup olive oil

The day before, place salted cod in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Drain, rinse and cover with cold water, every couple of hours, about four times.

The next day, peel and cube potatoes into a large pot. Add coarse sea salt, and cover with water. Bring to the boil, over medium-high heat, and cook, until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Meawhile, bring water to the boil in a medium saucepan. Once water is boiling, add de-salted codfish and boil, 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly and let cool completely. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 205°C/400°F. 

Grease baking dish with olive oil. Cut the garlic clove in halves, and rub one half all over the baking dish; set aside.

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and mash them thoroughly with a potato masher. Grate in about 1/4 teaspoon of the nutmeg. Mince garlic and add to the pot, along with cracked black pepper. Finely chop chives, and add to the pot as well. Flake in cooled codfish. Give a good stir, with a wooden spoon, to combine. Then, stir energetically as you gradually pour in olive oil in a stead stream, to emulsify. Potato and codfish mixture will become paler, almost white, and smoother.

Spoon potato and codfish mixture into prepared baking dish, levelling with the back of the spoon, and place in the middle of the hot oven. Bake, at 205°C/400°F, for 25 to 30 minutes, until just golden brown on top.

Serve Brandade de Morue hot, with dressed lettuce and Croûtons.

[nyc-uws]

The French traditions of April Fools’ Day

On the 1st of April, everyone has to pay attention to avoid being the victim of practical jokes and general foolishness.

It is the ideal day for children (and grown-ups alike!) to tell funny jokes to those around them, including family members, friends, teachers, neighbours, colleagues at work, etc.

April Fools’ Day in France

In France, April Fools’ Day is known for the “poisson d’avril” (April Fish). That tradition dates back to 1564.

The origin of the April Fish in France is relatively obscure. Maybe it was reminiscent of the ichthus used by Christians in the Roman era.

A new date has come!

A long, long time ago, the New Year started on the 1st of April. This date ended in the mid-16th century. In his proclamation of Paris in January 1563, King Charles IX (1550–1574) made a swift change to the French calendar.

The King of France wanted the year to start on the 1st of January. The royal edict was promulgated at Roussillon on the 9th of August 1564 and is known as the Edict of Roussillon. However, the change of date applied from the 1st of January 1567.

Legend has it!

Legend has it that some people were not happy with this enforced law. This is for many reasons. You know, people don’t like change. And this was a BIG change – imagine if we had to move Christmas to the 25th of July!

And so, people continued to celebrate the new year around the 1st of April.

Those who embraced the new calendar started to mock the reluctant ones.

And gave them false presents and played tricks on them!

When the 1st April coincided with the end of Lent

Then, the 1st of April coincided with the end of Lent. During that time, the Church forbade Christians to eat meat. However, the religious authorities tolerated fish-eating. It is no surprise that gifts for the New Year often feature fish.

When the jokes became more common, people often used false fish to trick their victims.

There lies the legendary origin of April Fish, stuck on the back of the fools.

These were the fools who did not accept the changing times.

Or the fools who saw the world through their own eyes only!

Beware of the hoaxes in the media!

It has become a tradition in the French media to observe the commemoration of the 1st of April. Newspapers, magazines, radio, and the Internet relay fake stories.

But one should not take people for fools for long. It is common practice for the media to reveal what is true and false the next day!

Here is a short selection of hoaxes published in France for April Fools’ Day.

The village of Asterix found by archaeological excavations

On the 1st of April 1993, London newspaper The Independent announced that archaeologists had discovered Asterix’s village.

According to the British daily, the village is located in Le Yaudet, near Lannion in Brittany, at the very spot where René Goscinny, the creator of the comic strip, had imagined it in his books.

In fact, professors from Oxford and Brest Universities lent themselves to the game by declaring that they had found coins decorated with wild boar (Obelix’s favourite dish) as well as an incredible collection of menhirs.

The Eiffel Tower to move to Disneyland Paris

On April 1, 1986, Le Parisien published the disturbing news that the Eiffel Tower was about to be dismantled and then moved to Marne-la-Vallée, the site of the future Disneyland Paris.

The newspaper then revealed that the space left by the “Iron Lady” would be used to build a 35,000-seat stadium for the 1992 Olympic Games. Fortunately, it was just a prank!

https://frenchmoments.eu/april-fools-day-traditions-in-france-le-1er-avril/

[zarbakht-bilal]

Campervan here everyone! Snacks? Water bottles? Blankets? Sleeping bags? Umbrellas? Firecrackers? Paints and canvas? Notebooks? Camera? Let’s go!

Before reading, turn on this lovely and light travelling music as we are going to the country where love is in the air, where the magic flows with water and where fragrance is diffused in the air. Yes, we are going to France ❤ This will make you drift onto the adventure road. Enjoy! 🙂

  Todays Schedule:

Exploring top 14 exotic towns and villages in France.

TOP 14 EXOTIC TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN FRANCE:

On our today’s scheduled list, we have to chalk out fourteen must-to-go places in France. So, Lets began!

1. Les Plus Beaux Villages de France:

Les Plus Beaux Villages have more to offer beyond a pretty façade. In addition to being beautiful, a village must have at least 2 national heritage sites, have less than 2000 inhabitants, and show a strong plan for welcoming tourists while retaining the original character of the site. Beautiful vintage streets and retro architecture is the speciality of this village.

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2. Castelnaud, Occitanie:

Built on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Périgord Noir, the Château de Castelnaud offers a magnificent panoramic view over the Dordogne Valley. Founded in the 12th century, it is a perfect example of a medieval fortress. Today, the Château houses an important collection of weapons and armour. Along the bastion, the most powerful siege machines from the Middle Ages have been recreated and placed in attack positions. Castelnaud has a strong architecture and forts. It still holds the mist of medieval ages.

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  3. Yvoire village, France:

A flower haven! Yvoire is a classic medieval village with a pop of colour. Summers here are both inquisitive and enchanting. And don’t fail to visit the Garden of Five Senses. This garden will tickle all your senses as you get lost in thousands of flowers, fruits and mazes. Enter at your own pace for an amazing sensory experience. Yvoire was originally a fishing village, not surprising given how close it is to Lake Geneva.

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  4. Èze Village, Nice, France:

Completely surrounded with a stone wall, the village has only one entrance/exit. Medieval streets, rooftops, courtyards, wells, create a sense of mystique and mystery. It is best to come here in the spring. And if you arrive in the morning, it almost does not find people, and can, as Nietzsche once, enjoy the peace and quiet. And, despite the fact that in the village are a large number of art galleries and shops, not know about it, and many Frenchmen, not to mention the tourists, they still prefer to Cannes and Saint Tropez. You can get here by car and by bus number 82 and 112 from Nice.

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  5. The village of St. Paul de Vence, France:

Medieval walls encircle narrow streets and capture the heritage of more than a thousand years. Picking out the marks of history, either alone or with a guide, is to enter into the soul of Saint-Paul de Vence. The fountain at the heart of the village fills St-Paul’s medieval vaults with music. The village is an open-air gallery with artists at work in their studios and staging exciting exhibitions.  A painting hung in the morning can find a home before evening falls… if it captures the heart of a visitor. Savour wine produced in Saint-Paul, stroll around the ramparts, enjoy a drink on a terrace… happy to have found a place where life is still so sweet.

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  6. Bayeux, France:

The northern French town of Bayeux is best known for the eponymous tapestry that depicts the 11th-century Norman Conquest. You can see it, of course, on display at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. The cloth’s original home was the Bayeux Cathedral, which still towers over the area, looking a bit like a Gothic wedding cake. Inside you’ll find beautifully detailed murals and haunting crypts. Bayeux makes an excellent jumping off point to tour nearby historic sites.

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  7. Roussillon, Cote d’Azur:

One of the most impressive villages in France, Roussillon is a countryside dream. You’ll quickly notice the famous red cliffs and ochre quarries. The clear blue Provencal sky and the shades of yellow, brown and red (and everything in between) illuminate this magical village. Once you set foot in Roussillon, you’ll instantly be taken it by its atmosphere and charm. You can hike, or hire a mountain bike to see the village up close. And on your travels, stop to take a look at the arts and crafts, galleries, restaurants or any ongoing festivals (usually in the summer months).

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  8. Honfleur, Normandy:

Colourful and bursting with life, it’s hard to remember that Honfleur was originally built with the sole purpose of trading. As the years have progressed, this seaside town is now famed for attracting impressionist painters. You can see the art up close among the museums and modern galleries dotted around the town. Honfleur is both cultural and wealthy – a fact magnified by the yachts surrounding Vieux Bassin (the heart of the port), and the rows upon rows of high-rise home packed tightly together. Moving with the tide, this town is now dedicated to tourism so you can choose from an enticing selection of arty hotels, shops, restaurants and more.

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  9. Domme, Dordogne:

This picturesque village in the south occupies a splendid position high above the Dordogne River. Honey coloured streets, warm welcoming locals and pretty views to match – need I say more? One thing you should know before visiting is that this village has an intriguing cave system that sits underneath the main square. These caves were used to shelter locals during the war, but today, it’s open for tourists and residents alike to admire the beautiful formations. At the end of your visit, a lift will take you to a remarkable viewpoint overlooking the Dordogne valley. It’s a special sight for sure, and you like many visitors won’t help but fall head over heels for Domme. People say that the best view is in Domme.

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  10. Ploumanac’h, Brittany:

Oh, this pink granite coast is a budding photographers delight. The colours of blush pink perfectly compliment the sound of the waves gently crashing on the rocks. You’ll seldom find this sight anywhere else in the world. This quaint seaside village is the definition of calm. Families and nomads should aim to tick this hidden gem of their bucket lists – beaches for days, heavenly coastal walks, and bird watching are within arms reach. But please don’t visit expecting the high life, even during midsummer, Ploumanac’h remains a pleasantly sleepy little place.

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  11. St-Guilhem-le-Désert, Languedoc:

On the banks of the Herault gorg, you’ll find St-Guilhem-le-Désert. Medieval personality, this village is surrounded by cliffs and oak trees. Beautiful views will be everywhere you turn in this UNESCO gem. With a little exploration, you’ll find the amber stone houses that have stood the test of time, Renaissance-style windows, an ancient tower and of course the grand focus, Abbaye de Gellone.  The church is so beautiful, but above all, you can feel the history through the walls. Like other French religious buildings, the abbey was vandalised by Protestants during the Reformation. But still, it remains intact which further adds to its charm.

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  12. St-Tropez, Côte d’Azur:

At the heart of the French Riviera is the gorgeous St. Tropez. Famed in songs and notorious spray tans, you’ll quickly learn why this is one of the most famous resorts in Europe. The Med is truly bluer here, so top up your tan, join the locals in a game of boules or explore the cobblestones streets. We don’t need to sell this seaside town; if you’re after days spent poolside, an eclectic mix of shopping and historical charms then this is the place for you. And if you’re dying to experience a taste of the high life, you can celeb-spot on popular Nikki Beach.

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  13. L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Provence:

If you’re looking to experience the scenery of a bygone time, L’Isle sur la Sorgue is one of those places that one has to see. The ebb of greenery and the reflection of the water shining from the several canals is simply superb. Known as the ‘island city’, antique lovers and art collectors will be gifted with more than 300 secondhand shops. You’re more than guaranteed to leave with a steal! The antique fairs during Easter have gained a worldwide reputation, so much so that more than 500 antique dealers come to show off their gems. This is the best place for antique lovers as it offers a wide range of classical antiquity and vintage showpieces. It is paradise away from paradise.

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14. Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes:

This snowtopia quickly gained its fame through its proximity to Mont Blanc. But little do many know that these mountain views are as lovely all year round. Chamonix is great for skiers, hikers, thrill seekers and anyone with a love for picturesque views. The talk about this town being extreme is true -, especially as a sports oasis. But if you haven’t got the adrenaline pumping through your veins, don’t worry, many come to admire the views, the shopping and the gastronomic atmosphere. It is the best place for those who believe in magic. A perfect fairytale indeed!

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      Well, folks, that’s a wrap on the best towns and villages in France! But the fun doesn’t end here. In the next part, we will be exploring best restaurants and eatables in France. Suggestions are open for the followers from France. Much Love ❤

  sources: https://www.saint-pauldevence.com,  https://www.tripadvisor.com,  http://castelnaud.com/en/,  https://cheeseweb.eu,  https://www.oliverstravels.com.

                                                                    The Traveller’s Notebook- Exploring France. Campervan here everyone! Snacks? Water bottles? Blankets? Sleeping bags? Umbrellas? Firecrackers? Paints and canvas? Notebooks? Camera? Let's go!

[poland-visa]

list of most delicious foods in France

There are many reasons why tourists should visit France; among st them 9 are the main reasons; Food, romance, Food, Skiing, cinema, Fashion, food, beaches and some more food. Did you capture that food has been repeated 4 times? The reason behind this is because France is one of the bastions of European gastronomy. People from different parts of the world, every year, come to their droves to visit appetizing cities like – Bordeaux, Lille, Dijon, Reims, Lyon, Grenoble, Strasbourg, etc. French cuisines enjoy quite popularity, you should be looking forward to improve your food palate with them when you next visit. French food is particularly great because it is cooked only with fresh ingredients and little or no preservatives, generous cream and butter go into the process too. We have mentioned the list of top most delicious foods in France that you should not miss during your travel!

Most delicious foods in France

·  Baguette : A visit to any part of France without having a bite of the classic French Baguette will be forgetful of you. This French bread is the world’s best bread, without any doubt, because there are no additives or preservatives in it. These French Baguettes are not supposed to have a long shelf life as they are meant to be eaten straight away. The reason behind no preservatives is the French bread law that forbids the use of preservatives in the production of Baguette.

·   Macarons : Luscious and world-famous macarons are the appetizing cookies filled with buttercream. These are small almond cakes that have been around since medieval times. The origin of macarons is not from France. These were imported from Italy by Catherine de Medicis, in the 1500s.

Macarons are prepared in different colors so one can differentiate between the available taste of filling like pink for raspberry taste, yellow for vanilla or lemon and obviously brown for chocolate. To enjoy their virtue, let these French Macarons melt in your aperture.

·   Tarte Tartin :Tarte is a general word when it comes to French food, but that is also because there are several tasty types. Therefore Tarte Tartin is most popular of the “tartes”. Basically, it is an upside-down cake made from caramel, apples, and a flaky crust. Before baking, the apples are caramelized in butter and sugar. It was first made by the baker of a well-known Parisian Restaurant.

·    Charente Mouclade : When the temperature becomes mild, the area from La Rochelle to Ile de Re is popular in France. This is also when several tourists, swayed by the region’s dietary treats, make this delicious dish at home. Mussels from Bouchot are prepared with garlic cloves, shallots, herbs, eggs, spices, and some Pineau des Charentes.

·    Ratatouille :A thick stew that consists of bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, courgettes, garlic and eggplants is known as Ratatouille in France. It is majorly eaten as a vegetable stew, but many types have meat and fish.

·    Crepes :Pancakes that are thin and filled with fresh fruits or chocolate sauce are known as Crepes; sometimes they are also served with tasty fillings. Crepes are the ultimate French sweet snack that is incredibly easy to make. Suzette is the most famous type of Crepe. La Chandeleu which is marked on 2nd February is a religious holiday where people eat a great deal of crepes.

·  Croissants : A staple French breakfast is traditionally made up by croissants and coffee. Primarily it is flaky and buttery bread that is perfect for filling your belly any time of the day. You can also get them filled with cheese and ham for a bigger meal of the day. From 1950s it has become a local staple of French breakfasts.

·   French Cheeses :The French people are known for many things, including their love for cheese. You will find several tasty goat’s milk cheeses and cow’s milk cheeses. Brie, camembert and Roquefort are some of the most popular cheese from France eaten in different parts of the world.

·  Truffles :Truffles are a special and rare breed of mushrooms. Truffles are costly, so just small quantities are used. The dried ones are sliced or grated over pasta and meat dishes or added to soups, sauces or salads. These truffles grow close to hazelnut and oak trees.

·  Cassoulet : It might be the lightest dish that you will have in France. The origin of this dish is from the Languedoc-Roussillon region, and it consists of duck legs, white beans and different kinds of pork. For ages, rural French families have been bonding on plates of cassoulet.

·   Salade Nicoise : It is a traditional French salad which consists of canned tuna, lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, hard-boiled eggs, onions, and sometimes anchovies, green beans and caper berries. Salade Nicoise retains its name to the southeastern city of Nice. It means “Salad from Nice” and is either eater on its own as a starter or light meal. It has to be said that Salade Nicoise is one of the best blends of salad ingredients.

·    Oysters (Huitres) : Oysters are the second most universal product during Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the country. The shellfish are served warm, but real oyster lovers will choose to eat it raw and still alive. Oysters are sold plain, or with a shallot sauce or with a dash of vinegar, or lemon juice.

·  Escargot :In the region of Burgundy is another traditional French recipe made up of snails cooked with herb butter. Locally, it is known as “escargots a la bourguignonne”. The snails are served in their shells and can be eaten with a small skewer. Escargot is often served as a starter.

After reading about this list of most delicious food in France your mouth must be watering. Don’t waste a second and apply online for your France visa. Find the best hotels and restaurants that can great you with great taste and then enjoy being in France.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Sauvignon Blanc Day 

April 24th is National Sauvignon Blanc Day, a grape that grows easily around the world and makes wines that are popular wherever they are made. Sauvignon Blanc (SAW-vin-yawn BLON) is an AOC-classified* French wine that is planted around the world. Its origin is the eastern part of France’s Loire Valley, where it abuts Burgundy. In France, where wines are known by their region or city, the Loire produces two major appelations: Sancerre after the city in Sancerre on the left bank of the Loire River, and Pouilly-Fumé from the town of Pouilly-sur-Loire, on the opposite bank. Elsewhere in the world, wines are known by their grape varietal names (i.e., sauvignon blanc). In France, the grape is also used to make White Bordeaux (Bordeaux blanc), commonly blended with Semillon and Muscadelle, and often barrel-fermented and aged. A smaller amount of Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the southwest of France, in Languedoc-Roussillon. There is one White Burgundy made from Sauvignon Blanc: St. Bris, and its about $12 (photo #5, courtesy Goisot). The Loire Valley also grows a smaller amount of red wine grapes (about 25% of total production), used to make red Sancerre and rosé.

THE DELIGHTS OF SAUVIGNON BLANC The Sauvignon Blanc grape produces refreshing, dry, white wines with one of two key flavor profiles: grapefruit/citrus or grassy/herbaceous, depending on the terroir†. Both are delicious. The wine is known for high acidity, light to medium body and medium alcohol. It is most often unoaked. It is also very affordable, with bottles available from around $10, many in the $12 to $15 range, and the finest of the breed (such as Sancerre’s Ladoucette Comte Lafond) in the $35 to $45 range. By comparison, Chablis is double the price, with Grüner Veltliner in the middle. If you like white wines such as Chablis and Grüner Veltliner, you’ll likely be a fan of Sauvignon Blanc. Its acid backbone complements everything from plateaux de fruits de mer (raw seafood platters) and grilled chicken and fish to buttery sauces and rich cheeses; although the AOC cheese of the Loire, chèvre (goat cheese), is its most popular pairing. We go deep into food pairings at the end of this article. First, it’s important to understand the styles of Sauvignon Blanc.

STYLES OF SAUVIGNON BLANC BY REGION

We start off with the tip to have a tasting get-together. If your group shares in the work, you can assign everyone a Sauvignon Blanc from a different region, and a food that goes with it. The grape is relatively easy to grow, and thus is grown in more than 10 countries, from Canada to Italy to New Zealand to South Africa—even in Romania, Moldova. With so many different terroirs and national preferences, you can find Sauvignon Blanc in a wide range of styles and flavors. Sauvignon blanc delivers minerality and very high acidity. From there: Cool regions like the Loire and New Zealand produce grassy and herbaceous flavors, with notes of lime, minerals and sometimes, honeydew melon. Warm climates like California and South Africa produce fruity, citrussy wines. The best regions for Sauvignon Blanc beyond the Loire Valley are California and Chile—but don’t let that stop you from trying examples from everywhere.

The United States’ Sauvignon Blanc Wines

Numerous wine-growing regions in the U.S. grown Sauvignon Blanc; but the best wines come from the North Coast region of California (Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma) and the Columbia Valley of Washington State. The California wines have medium acidity and body. In Napa, you’ll find flavors of grapefruit, honeydew and white peach. In Sonoma, the wines deliver light-medium body and medium-high acidity, with notes of green apple, honeydew and pineapple. Head north to Washington for light body, high-acidity wines with flavors of lime, grapefruit, and gravelly minerals.

SAUVIGNON BLANC: A NOBLE GRAPE

What makes a grape noble? The term is used to describe the grapes that are grown internationally, yet retain their fundamental characteristics regardless of growing region and the local terroir. The French term is cépage noble” (SAY-paj NOBL). There are six noble grapes (all grown in France), with an argument for a seventh. They are: Cabernet Sauvignon (red) Chardonnay (white) Merlot (red) Pinot noir (red) Riesling (white) Sauvignon Blanc (white) Syrah (red—the seventh contender)

Source

[lauthenticfrance]

Savannah Barge Cruises in France | Canal du midi Cruise - Lauthentic France

Welcome on board «Savannah» for a charming revelation journey along the Canal du Midi. UNESCO Heritage site along with the sustained city of Carcassonne. Partake in the flatboat with its enormous patio and sumptuous cooled lodges to unwind, relish the gourmet specialist's stunning food and find pleasant towns, strengthened urban communities, cathar palaces, amazing open country, neighborhood markets, and novel grape plantations. Journey the imperial channel du midi, considered and supported by Pierre Paul Riquet to the magnificence of Louis XIV and the business improvement of the Midi Pyrénées and Languedoc Roussillon areas in southern France. Spectacular and charming

Savannah Barge Cruises is a one of a kind 30-meter barge, made explicitly for the waterway du midi in 1938 and extravagantly redesigned with 4 lodges to have 4 to 7 travelers.

Voyage in 2022 Mechanical endeavor and observer of notable times, brought about by Pierre Paul Riquet during the XVII hundred years and characterized an UNESCO world legacy site starting around 1996, the Canal du Midi connections the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean offering novel landscape, noteworthy locales, and gastronomy.

Savannah travels among Bram and La Redorte (or switch course) through the streaming sunflower valley of the Lauragais into the grape plantations of Crobières and Minervois

FOOD AND WINE ON BOARD The variety and nature of produces in our district Midi, Languedoc, and Roussillon empower our culinary specialist to expand refined and new menus.

During your journeys, the culinary expert will go along with you at the business sectors to pick nearby occasional fixings. Our fish, meat, organic products, vegetables, and cheddar are provided by eminent neighborhood ranchers and craftsmans. We pick in need natural produces when attainable.

Wines are for all time obtained from provincial grape plantations and œnologues in order to offer remarkable items from our wine-creating district: Minervois, Corbières, Saint Chinian, Cabardès, Fitou, and other neighborhood locales.

Wines and Champagnes from your favored districts are likewise hung ready.

No less than two wine samplings are coordinated in renowned grape plantations permitting you to meet the winemaker, visit their spaces and find their acclaimed manifestations.

https://www.lauthenticfrance.com/river-cruise/savannah-anglais

[syrahqueen]

Clos du Temple Rosé - The Mediterranean is Calling

Clos du Temple Rosé – The Mediterranean is Calling

Languedoc-Roussillon is the true south of France, with 300 days of sunshine, endless blue skies and miles of sandy beaches along the Mediterranean. An area with a rich history of food, wine and culture, immersed within its fishing villages, saltwater lagoons, sprawling vineyards and quaint villages. It is here in the South of France that Gerard Bertrand has invoked the Art de Vivre, a French…