And here I am back at you with some news from France, my regular post and love it. Thanks for following me all these years, appreciated. And behold this is my 350 post! We had some cooler temps going down to 3C and now 12C in my neck of the woods but clear and nice. Now let me tell you about the feature presentation; hope you enjoy it as I.
In terms of number of visitors, France remains the world’s leading tourist destination, recalls the Air Journal site. In 2019, that is, before the Covid-19 crisis turned the tourism sector upside down, the country opened its doors to no less than 90 million foreign visitors. And if 2021 was an opportunity to observe a recovery, the figures have not yet returned to their former level: 50 million foreign travelers have come to France. I told you so, No 1. The Airbnb folks will thus sign a check for 5.6 million euros for the “Heritage and Local Tourism” program of the Heritage Foundation, report Les Échos (business newspaper), this past Sunday, November 7 2021. Airbnb is preparing to launch, in partnership with the Association of Rural Mayors of France, a training program in “heritage accommodation in rural areas”. The stakes are high for the American company: after the United States, France remains its second most popular destination when booking stays. Oh yes,,, The TripAdvisor folks will invest some two million euros with Atout France, the development agency responsible for promoting the country abroad, as part of joint actions, which will be carried out in 2022. The objective of these actions : “stimulate international tourist demand” towards France. Finally, the Expedia platform has let it be known that it is renewing its marketing partnership with Atout France. The two entities will invest, on an equal basis, six million euros in 2022 in a digital campaign which will aim to promote the French regions. in France, nearly half of its visitors come from the United States.
Good news, vaccinated European travelers will be able to travel to the United States again on Monday, November 8 2021 , and rediscover the excitement of New York or the beauty of national parks. A relief also for historic European airlines such as Air France, American Airlines and Delta Airlines, which have a strong presence on the transatlantic axis. Some of them have already announced an increase in frequencies and the reopening of borders on 8/11: AirFrance will provide up to 122 flights / week this winter to 11 destinations in the USA from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. including New York, Boston, Washington DC, Detroit, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles. As a reminder, Air France tickets remain 100% refundable and modifiable for trips scheduled until March 31, 2022. My fav Air France : https://wwws.airfrance.fr/
The Pont des Arts, the footbridge known for the “love padlocks” Removed since due to the weight of the padlocks which damaged the structure (yes good deal), new glass parapets have been installed to prevent recurrence. The decay of the Pont des Arts (6éme) saddens more than it worries. 155 meters long, crossing the Seine between the Louvre Museum and the School of Fine Arts, the footbridge offers a breathtaking view of the historic center of Paris.
Installed in a former bedding store at the end of the 19C, the Folies Bergère panics the whole of Paris with a lot of eccentric issues and exotic magazines. It’s impossible to confuse the Folies Bergère hall with that of another Parisian theater. With its blue and gold walls, oversized chandeliers and equestrian statues, made famous by the “Double jeu” show hosted by Thierry Ardisson in the early 1990s, the room has forged a solid visual identity. Its history is intimately linked to that of the music hall and major magazines featuring naked women, all in legs and in glitter on the posters of the Roaring Twenties. Yes and still going strong even with the virus scare,
Delivered by boat, Franprix supermarkets has succeeded in absorbing the additional cost of transports in Paris (give it to Hidalgo), Since 2016, the brand has embarked on this logistical shift, in particular to avoid traffic jams. In this Franprix store on rue de Vaugirard, in Paris 15éme arrondissement, only an informed customer will have noticed the discreet label affixed to the pallet of grocery products waiting to be put on the shelves: “River”. The place is one of some 300 brand supermarkets located in western Paris to be delivered by boat. Every day, from Monday to Friday, 44 swap bodies are transported by water between the port of Bonneuil-sur-Marne (Val-de-Marne 94) and that of Bourdonnais, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower (75). Each year, this represents 5,000 fewer trucks on the roads, 300,000 km of journeys, and 300 tonnes of CO2 are thus saved. Only fourteen trucks are needed to collect the pallets at the port of Bourdonnais and to perform the rotations between the stores and the boat. There you go we go back to medieval times !!
One of my nostalgic shopping mall as came here as was easy when working outside of Paris in Val d’Oise (95) and we love to rent cars cheaper from here for our long trips to Spain, This is the centre commercial de Cergy 3 Fontaines (Val-d’Oise) is undergoing a vast renovation plan with the arrival of new brands. The opening of the Zara store last October 8,2021 has already resulted in a 20% increase in foot traffic. In March 2022, the center will grow from 120 to 190 stores. Soon, they will have a new car park with 1,500 spaces, including 800 before December, to accommodate more customers at the 3-Fontaines center. Among the novelties, the Auchan hypermarket expanded to a new area of 13,000 m² in March 2022 with the inauguration of stores such as Maisons du Monde, Stradivarius, the Japanese-inspired brand Miniso, the Comptoir de Mathilde or Lego ”In 2020 , we opened “District”, a restaurant area with our 14 restaurants. Last October,they have opened a 350 m² surface offering meat cooked over charcoal. The third phase of the work includes the renovation of Fnac. We will therefore have to wait until 2023 to see the end of it. Nice, webpage :https://www.3fontaines.com/
An apartment in homage to Harry Potter is available on Airbnb. Nestled in the heart of the 15éme arrondissement of Paris, this studio with the decor of a Scottish castle is the new landmark for all the capital’s sorcerer’s apprentices. Inside: pennants, magic broom, flying keys and fantastic creatures are gathered there for your viewing pleasure. The 20 m2 studio includes an independent kitchen, a bathroom, a double bed, and can accommodate two travelers for the modest sum of 110 € per night webpage : https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/52003525/
The play Space Wars: the worst counter-attack, a real parody of the Star Wars saga, promises you a new and funny experience, with sets made in video and holograms. Space Wars: the worst counter-attack, Théâtre Michel, 38 rue des Mathurins 8éme, Until January 30, 2022.webpage : https://tpa.fr/salles-theatre-paris/michel-90.html
An ode to the voice in the form of an experimental journey inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 film, A Space Odyssey. A show full of humor, cinematographic references and good humor in which we can find many new voices. Do not miss ! Michaël Gregorio, The Odyssey of the Voice Casino de Paris, 16 rue de Clichy 9éme, Until 4th December 2021 webpage : https://www.casinodeparis.fr/fr/meeting/14151/michael-gregorio/casino-de-paris/18-11-2021/20h00
The magician Étienne Saglio returns to the stage of the Théâtre du Rond-Point with Le Bruit des Loups, a stroll through a bewitched and bewitching forest during which the artist takes us back to childhood. Le Bruit des Loups, Rond-Point Theater ,2bis avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt 8éme. Until 20 November 2021 webpage: https://www.theatredurondpoint.fr/spectacle/le-bruit-des-loups/
A Nuits Tropicales, this is the new evening that will make you hot: We’re traveling! There, between the palm trees and the Caribbean decor, we sway to the rhythm of DJ sets, with sunny music on the program. It dances, it can be found and it stinks like on hot summer evenings … you might as well tell you that we are preparing the perfect evening to recover from nightfall at 18h, During these two unique Parisian evenings, we will discover cocktails that smell good the Caribbean based on Bacardí Añejo Cuatro rum and its famous Caribbean Mule in the best spots in town. Be there December 9, 2021, my favorite Macadam Crocodile at Point Éphémère ,200 Quai de Valmy , Webpage: https://pointephemere.org/
Go direction the Recyclerie and its Japanese Christmas market so as not to spend Christmas sitting in a corner on December 11 and 12 2021, a new Christmas market will be born at the Recyclerie. And just to make it even colder, we’re leaving Paris for Japan with a Christmas market dedicated to Japanese culture. A spot that has plenty of pretty surprises in store for you … the old station of the Little Belt re-vegetated which will become, for a weekend, a 360 ° Japanese stopover. On the program: Japanese gastronomy, Asian practices and no less than 22 exhibitors to capture the richness of this culture. A good place to have fun and prepare your Christmas presents. 83 boulevard Ornano ,18éme arrondissement, On th December 11 and 12, 2021 webpage : https://www.larecyclerie.com/infos-pratiques/
You are the young recruit of a Yakuza clan, the Japanese mafia, in full San Francisco of the 70s. Your mission, if you accept it: take advantage of the Chinese New Year to face your nemesis, the Triad Sun Tee On, and infiltrate their hiding place … Welcome to Crack The Egg, an immersive escape game that invites you to venture into the labyrinths of History and Time through scenarios each more thrilling than the next Crack The Egg, 46, avenue Daumesnil 12éme , Monday to Sunday from 10h to 23h. webpage: https://crack-the-egg.com/
You will find Escape Hunts everywhere in France, but the scenarios will never be the same. And for good reason, Escape Hunt is tailor-made in the plot depending on the location. In Paris, you have the choice between a “Pursuit in the metropolitan” or a “Crime at the cabaret”. The opportunity to dive back into a skilfully recreated world of yesteryear. Escape Hunt 5, rue de Hanovre 2éme, Monday to Sunday from 10h to 22h. webpage: https://escapehunt.com/fr/paris/
The stories of this escape game are not lacking in inventiveness! Among the themes offered, become a bank robber by robbing a safe larger than life, without getting caught. We, our hearts incline towards “The Templar Treasure”. Inspired by the world of the famous Assassin’s Creed video game, The Game, 51, rue du Cardinal-Lemoine 5éme. Monday to Sunday from 10h to midnight. webpage: https://www.thegame-france.com/en/the-missions/assassins-creed-the-templars-treasure.htm
From the archeology of the coast, five km from the seafront. In the hinterland of Sables-d’Olonne, in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, stand the remains of a proud fortified castle built from the 11C. Converted under the Reformation into a Protestant fortress then dismantled in 1628, under the aegis of Richelieu, the beautiful fortress is admired each year by a few thousand visitors. Tourists tempted by the ascent of this Vendée citadel abandon their cars in a car park nestled at the foot of the castle elevation. However, the just completed after three months of excavation, the 2,500 m2 site has uncovered the masonry quays of the old medieval port. In addition to the port, a network of channels, small canals and a mill extended around the castle. As archaeologists have observed, the port area underwent major redevelopments during the 12-13C in order to accommodate barges, and other flat-bottomed vessels in the best possible conditions. So many means of transport that once shuttled between Talmont-Saint-Hilaire and the bay of Cayola, where a port for unloading ocean-going ships was established, since at least the 12C, We keep on amazing the world with more stunning sites to see. Webpage: https://talmont-saint-hilaire.fr/chateau-de-talmont-2021/
Most French resorts are designed for families. One of my favorites favors the “human size” dimension of these villages, and the offer of skiing and off-piste activities in this winter of 2021-2022. What are the best family ski resorts in France? For me these are tops !
Located below the immense area of La Plagne-Paradiski, Champagny-en-Vanoise is an interesting option for families of rather comfortable skiers. It combines the charm of a sunny and unspoiled village at the foot of the Vanoise National Park, with 8-minute cable car access to one of the most famous ski areas in the Alps. If a Piou-Piou park is offered in the village, most of the skiing for children also takes place at the top of this gondola, with all the structures (slopes and ski schools) totally adapted to young gliders. Those who can will have a blast on the area’s renowned red runs or set off to attack the 425 km of Paradiski! Once back, the valley of Champagny le Haut will be the scene of memorable snowy experiences, in Nordic skiing as in sledging. Webpage: https://en.la-plagne.com/champagny-en-vanoise
Saint-Lary, skiing with a southwest flavor (Hautes-Pyrénées) In the Pyrenean valley of Aure, Saint-Lary uniquely mixes the mountain culture of southwest France and that of Spain, with whom it shares a border and very close ties. The favorite area for families is located at an altitude of 1,700 m, in the Pla d’Adet sector, which has just been redeveloped to better accommodate apprentice skiers. Ski schools, covered mechanical carpets, “kidpark” and Patou Park for skiers between 6 and 12 years old, school slope and small green slope, all overlooking a wide wooden pedestrian promenade, sunny and close to shops, Enough to progress quickly before gaining altitude with the Adet chairlift to try the first blues. The après-ski embellished with local “tapas” will be more typical downstairs, in the beautiful village with stone houses. Snowtubing. Sliding enthusiasts will be able to hurtle down a fitted track at more than 40km / h using… giant buoy! Laughter and fun guaranteed webpage: https://www.saintlary.com/winter
And yes we have many little Venises in my belle France, These are some of my favorites !
Pont-Audemer (Eure 27 ) This Little Venice has therefore developed for a long time on the banks of the Risle where part of the leathers which equipped the army of William the Conqueror were tanned in the 11C. In 1800, the city had 80 tanners. Thierry Hermès, founder of the Hermès house, learned the trade of saddler there, apprenticed to a saddler-harness maker. A walk and a treasure hunt allow you to follow in his footsteps, on dry ground.
Amiens, the little Venice of the North (Somme 80), La dolce vita reigns along the pedestrianized Belu quay in the Saint-Leu district. A water market is held there every Saturday morning. Market gardeners sell their products there aboard cornet boats, with the ends raised to facilitate docking. The vegetables come from the hortillonnages, 300 hectares of former cultivable marshes interspersed with canals, the other side of this little Venice of the North.
Annecy, the little Venice of the Alps (Haute-Savoie 74 ), La Sérénissime has its lagoon, the little Venice of the Alps its famous lake, The canals are closed to navigation and in limited numbers, some underground sections. The outlet of the lake, the Thiou, has long served as a river route to bring goods and food to the heart of the city. In 1874, the engineer Sadi Carnot, future President of the French Republic, set up a system of locks for the benefit of water mills for the textile and metallurgical industries. From now on, we stroll on the quays of the Vassé and Thiou canal, whose waters separate on the bow of the Palace not… of the Doges, but of the Isle. Take a selfie on the Pont des Amours, the metal footbridge that spans the Vassé canal,
Colmar, little Venice (Haut-Rhin 68), It is boatmen and not gondoliers who take you by boat on the canals of the Krutenau district, narrow and winding like those of the Serenissima, bordered by half-timbered houses that fall steeply. From pont Saint-Pierre , this meeting place offers one of the prettiest views of Little Venice, the Saint-Martin collegiate Church in the background.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the Comtadine Venice (Vaucluse 84), This fishing village was built in the 12C on stilts, in the middle of the marshes. From 1274 to 1791, this island bathed by the Sorgue was part of the Comtat Venaissin, a state that belonged to the Pope. It is crossed by canals, at the edge of which water mills allowed the development of silk, wool and paper factories. Its collegiate Church of Our Lady of the Angels recalls Italian churches with its facade of Roman appearance and its rich interior decoration from the 17C. As for its traditional fishing boats, long and thin, called Nègo Chin , “the drowning dog” in Provençal , because of their instability, they are maneuvered by a boatman standing at the back, like a gondolier. Antique dealers and second-hand dealers follow one another along the water, within the third stronghold in Europe for this trade, Next meeting: the Antiques Art & You fair on October 29 and November 1, 2021. webpage: https: // foire- isle-sur-sorgue.fr/
Brantôme, the Venice of Périgord (Dordogne 24), This charming village in the Périgord Vert is surrounded by water, on an island surrounded by the currents of the Dronne. The bell tower of its Benedictine abbey is said to be one of the oldest in France: it dates from the 11C, the same period as the initial construction of the campanile of Saint Mark of Venice, rebuilt in 1912. Medieval style houses or Renaissance line its shores; a 16C angled bridge provides access to a monks’ garden planted with hundreds of trees. Brantôme also has the characteristic of sheltering troglodyte shelters, including the enigmatic Cave of the Last Judgment, with monumental bas-reliefs.
And last, but not least, the most famous French sandwich!! Croque-Monsieur, Croque-Madame, and now Croque-Mademoiselle!!
Monsieur or Madame, this toast, born at the start of the last century, has reinvented itself while remaining popular. One is round and flat, the other square and layered. The two like to be browned and have established their ham and cheese heart as a reference recipe. Both have a device dedicated to their cooking but go to the pan to remain within reach of all. The two, again, are the subject of rituals, most often on Sunday evenings, and compete in their regressive and heartwarming dimension. Humble, popular, quick to prepare and swallow, the croque-monsieur share the same emotional destiny in the hearts of the French. stands out for its extreme ease of production and, of course, for its croquignolet name. The first croque-monsieur was said to have been served in 1910 in a café on Boulevard des Capucines in Paris, and is named after a cannibalistic joke launched by the boss. Asked about the nature of the meat used in this hot sandwich, he allegedly replied that it was human flesh The legend and the name have stuck. The recipe was mentioned by Marcel Proust in In the shadow of young girls in bloom, in 1919 , Long associated exclusively with the world of cafes, snacks and brasseries before reaching the domestic sphere, this double toasted sandwich bread topped with ham white cheese and cheese (Gruyère, Emmental) made a massive impact on the menu of express counter dishes, long before the rise of fast-food chains. Without packaging, but on a plate and with cutlery, we serve “croques” with all your hands, as they have been called in café slang since the 1970s. The term “croque-monsieur” is invariable. , the croque is also available for women, in a croque-madame, topped with a fried egg. In her book Poilâne, des grains aux pains, Apollonia Poilâne chooses an alternative name that is very much in tune with the times. Heir to the family business founded in 1932 which was a pioneer in the marketing of large sourdough breads, used for forty years in “Poilâne croques”, the baker and author offers a vegetarian croque-mademoiselle, combining seasonal vegetables, caramelized onions and cheese. The great debate, about the croque-monsieur, does not relate so much to the nature of the garnish, which accepts a number of variations, as to the presence, or not, of the béchamel, which has as many fervent supporters as there are opponents. grimacing, traumatized by endives with canteen ham. The good homemade bechamel sauce, prepared from a roux (melted butter and flour) cooked with milk or broth, brings an undeniable extra creaminess, inside or on the surface of the croque-monsieur sometimes both. There you France’s sandwich by excellence and we do at home !
There you go folks, another some news from France, the belle, the beautiful, the most visited even with the virus and we go on. Now open to the world again, things are becoming clear even if for some there still more vaccines to be done….Enjoy life as I say la vie est belle!!
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 