Archive for December 6th, 2022

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December 6, 2022

Christmas market of Auray !!

As the best season is coming up for 2022, I try to bring nicer memories back into my life. Now that time has passed and the two great women of my life are out, (my mom Gladys and my wife Martine) this is the time where all comes back. I like to share these moment again with my readers. Thank you for reading me, and hope these posts brings joy to you and your families. These posts will be in my black and white series, no pictures.

And yes, we have small Christmas market in my new area of the Morbihan breton, We go early to avoid crowds because when we are leaving the hordes come in so maybe not the best description of a Christmas market locally. However, we have been to all of them over the years and were back for the Auray Christmas market ,December 2019.

The Marché de Noël or Christmas Market is set up in the Christmas Village for 11 days at Place Notre Dame from 10h to 19h. This year, the Christmas Market will welcome nearly 80 artisans, creators and local producers under marquees: jewelry, bags, decorative items, ceramics, cosmetics, board games, photography, publishing, food trades. A whole range of gift ideas for everyone. Games, participative activities, Escape-Game, Musical Stage and on-site catering.

On Friday December 13 : Arrival of Santa Claus on Quai Franklin (St Goustan). Musical  water show from 17h45, for a Papà Noël (Santa Claus) arrival at 18h30. On December 14, 15, 21 and 22. Find the Christmas horse-drawn carriage at the top of Rue du Lait. Let your children embark on a Heart of the City tour. All free . Actually Santa Claus or Papà Noël was by the City /Town Hall at Pl de la République by 14h as we were leaving,

There is a Sliding area with an ice rink 150m² for skiing for everyone! It will take up residence with a curling rink in an unusual place: La Chapelle Saint-Esprit! Just behind place Notre Dame. The sliding area will be accessible every day from Saturday December 14 to Tuesday December 31, from 15h. to 19h. Free admission On Saturday December 21, entertainment by “Rouge Feu” show at 19h on the forecourt of St Gildas Church, Place Notre Dame.

There one nice small Christmas market right around from us, I must say my town of Pluvigner, will do a one day Christmas market on December 22nd. The bigger tradition and bigger markets are on the north and east of France, mind you. Hope you enjoy the post in my historical Auray. Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Feliz Natal to all !!!

The city of Auray on the Christmas market: https://www.auray.fr/Agenda/Noel-a-Auray/Le-programme-des-animations

There you go folks a dandy experience , always remember with fondness, this is the season to be merrier, we always try even if memories of the past will come flashing by rapidly. It is always a time to cheers and in Auray, it is a historical town of 3 countries, France, USA, and Canada !

And remember, happy travels good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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December 6, 2022

Amboise at Christmas !!

As the best season is coming up for 2022, I try to bring nicer memories back into my life. Now that time has passed and the two great women of my life are out, (my mom Gladys and my wife Martine) this is the time where all comes back. I like to share these moment again with my readers. Thank you for reading me, and hope these posts brings joy to you and your families. These posts will be in my black and white series, no pictures.

I am going to take you into the fairy tell land of the Loire and its castles. All this in a magical time of the year, Christmas 2018 ! First , I got me into the castle, let me tell you that Amboise is in the so call Valley of the kings castles in or around the Loire river. However, there are two regions in France that converges on it. Amboise is in department Indre-et-Loire no. 37 ;that is in the Centre-Val de Loire region and not in the Pays de la Loire region that ,also has many castles along the Loire.

Clear that out of the way, let me tell you about Amboise at Christmas time December 2018. We come with the family here often as it is also where we buy our house wines of Touraine-Amboise appellation. This is a family affairs that begins at the castle and overflows into the city center of Amboise along the Loire river; needless to say you should come here at Christmas time. It is magical. More so this year as it is the 500 anniversary of Leonardo Da Vinci at the Château du Clos Lucé.

Every year, the Château of Amboise proposes to you to live Christmas over the centuries and to discover how the holidays have evolved over the years, from the origins to the Renaissance and until today.  Come and visit the castle which, for the occasion, gets to offer you scenes richly decorated in its rooms. You will find everything that makes you dream small and big when approaching Christmas: Decorated fir trees, logs and confectionery, cribs, fairy sets… All within the framework of a true Royal castle!  You follow the guiding thread: the Angels. Discover them in different forms, in the decorations of the castle or the paintings hanging on the walls, during your angelic visit of the Royal Castle of Amboise.  From December to January, you can also enjoy concerts, musical tales, creative workshops, a Roisou pastry cake tasting and a magnificent Renaissance ball!

And at the downtown/city center ,Christmas in Amboise, it is the occasion for all the dreamers, to fall back to childhood and to rediscover the wonder that invades everyone in the approach of the holidays. The historic heart of the city is illuminated every evening by hundreds of glittering garlands, from the place Michel Debré to the place Saint-Denis via the Tour de l’Horloge. A forest of fir trees sublimated by a light all red and green welcomes you in the old town.

At nightfall, the banks of the Loire river are the privileged witnesses of the marvellous illumination of the Royal Castle of Amboise. Fleurs-de-lis and cherubs come to life in a whirlwind of lights and colors for the greatest wonder of the entire family. In the Council room, near the roaring wood fire, a gigantic nativity scene presents, with the traditional characters of Advent, a village stage full of colorful goodness! Close your eyes, alert your ear… You would almost hear the fisherman’s banter negotiating his most beautiful catches with the fishermen, under the eager look of the neighborhood cats. In the salon Louis-Philippe, the fir tree is ready, the socks are hanging from the chimney, and some packages and gifts already adorn the foot of the dream tree.

At the Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci welcomes its guests in a decor magnified by sumptuous plant creations. The grand staircase takes on the airs of a pristine forest, and brings you into the living room with a beautiful red fir tree. At its foot are already laid a few packages, promises of joys to come, under the benevolent protection of the mechanical lion of the master of the castle (in case some would consider opening the packages before the hour!). In the kitchen, candied fruits, spices and prepared poultry are already out. Finally, only the guests are missing to celebrate these wonderful moments of reunion! Welcome to magical Amboise!

We came first once from Versailles and we love it; we have come back several years at Christmas from the Morbihan breton. Amboise is magical indeed!

The official Châteai d’Amboise: https://www.chateau-amboise.com/en/

The city of Amboise on its heritage: https://www.ville-amboise.fr/88/monuments-a-visiter.htm

There you go folks a dandy experience , always remember with fondness, this is the season to be merrier, we always try even if memories of the past will come flashing by rapidly. It is always a time to cheers and in Amboise is magical.

And remember, happy travels good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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December 6, 2022

Christmas in France !!!

This is a special moment of great joy for our family. I like to share some of our favorite spots for Christmas markets or festivities in my belle France. Of course, this is not an all for all, but rather my favorite choices over the years. This year we will be spending it in my beautiful Morbihan and have plenty of it in my blog already. Keep an eye for more soon.

Therefore, these are my best Christmas towns in France chosen by yours truly. Hope you enjoy the post as I. And Merry Christmas and best wishes to all!!

Paris, the magnificent, In December, the most beautiful alley in the world shines with a thousand lights. Department stores are raising the curtain on their bustling shop windows. Christmas markets flourish in all districts, with at the top of the list, that of the Jardin des Tuileries with its ice rink. Museums, theaters and restaurants are also decked out in Christmas colours. Paris tourist office on Christmas : https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/christmas-in-paris/christmas-lights/christmas-lights-in-paris

The castles of the Loire in majesty, What could be more magical than visiting the castles of the Loire in a costume of light? The monuments come out on top during the “Christmas in the land of castles” operation from December 4, 2021 to January 2, 2022, the castles of Villandry, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Langeais, Villandry, the Fortress Royal City of Chinon and the Royal City of Loches invite you to a lively and shimmering tour to celebrate the Christmas spirit. The magic of the castles of the Loire at Christmas : https://www.grandesetapes.com/chateau-hotel-choiseul-amboise/en/offer/magic-christmas-france/

When the holiday season approaches, we tend to forget the West of France a little ,and yet, some Breton villages do not have to be ashamed of their Christmas decorations, like Saint-Malo for example. Every year, the old town is completely decorated with numerous illuminations. On the square of Intra-Muros, a Christmas market is installed and allows you to do your last Christmas shopping. In the fifteen or so chalets there are traditional cheese and sausage stalls, but the city also honors Saint-Malo craftsmen and restaurateurs. It’s very nice to stroll through the streets of this little Christmas market while enjoying a sausage galette! Christmas at Saint Malo : https://mon-marche-de-noel.com/accueil/villes/saintmalo/

The historic city of Metz, in Lorraine, hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in France after Strasbourg and Paris. In fact, there are five Christmas villages spread across the city center. A Ferris wheel stands in the center of the cathedral square (place d’Armes) As for the medieval Saint-Louis square, it hosts the oldest Christmas market in the city, On the Republic square, the pyramid of Noel guides its visitors to another market including an ice rink. Finally, the Lantern Trail is undoubtedly the attraction that will appeal to children the most! Christmas at Metz : https://tout-metz.com/marches-noel-metz-dates-horaires-2022-589236.php

Strasbourg, for the magic of Christmas Self-proclaimed “capital of Christmas”, the city of Strasbourg offers several Christmas markets with chalets, decorations, concerts and tastings of mulled wine and bredele to go with it. Extend your visit, if you can, to other more authentic towns or villages in Alsace such as Ribeauvillé. Christmas at Strasbourg : https://noel.strasbourg.eu/en/accueil

The city of Colmar is an ideal destination for the end of year celebrations. Normally, we go there to visit one of the 6 Christmas markets where we meet more than 200 exhibitors. It smells good of mulled wine and gingerbread, you can buy figurines, decorations for the Christmas tree and above all… nougat from Alsace! And finally, Colmar is nicknamed the “little Venice” because of its many canals crossing the city center, where it is pleasant to walk even in winter. With a bit of luck you will even see otters swimming in the Lauch, the Colmar river. Christmas at Colmar : https://www.noel-colmar.com/en/

The Village of Riquewirh with its colorful half-timbered houses is part of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” and is for me one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace. As often in Alsace, the houses of this village are decorated all year round. Decorations vary with the seasons. It takes a good hour to visit this village which is organized along a large main street. The particularity of Riquewirh compared to the other beautiful Alsatian villages, is that one can find the magic of Christmas there in any season and even this year in the absence of the famous markets which make the reputation of Alsace. Christmas in Alsace on Riquewirth : https://www.christmas.alsace/riquewihr-christmas-market/

Meet on Saturday, December 4 from 6 p.m. in Nancy for the Saint Nicolas parade, the high point of the festival: floats, troupes and orchestras criss-cross the city for the pleasure of young and old. It is the flagship event, where magic rhymes with enchantment, but throughout the month, many festivities, concerts, shows, animations enliven the city placed under the benevolent gaze of the patron saint of Lorraine: Saint Nicolas. Nancy tourist office on Christmas : https://www.nancy-tourisme.fr/en/to-see-to-do/agenda-and-major-events/the-saint-nicholas-festivities-in-nancy/

The Lille Christmas Market is wonderfully located in the city’s shopping district. The focal point of Lille is the large Place du General de Gaulle, also known as the Grand’Place. This is where the locals gather for the big parties. The Christmas market takes place in the nearby square of Place Rihour. Every year, the streets of Lille shine with bright and festive lights, making the city center a vibrant and warm place. The colorful facades and shop windows are decorated with ornaments, lights, garlands and tinsel. Christmas at Lille : https://noel-a-lille.com/

The Arras Christmas market has become one of the most important Christmas events organized in the North of France. Occupying the remarkable Grand’Place, the Arras Christmas market is embellished with decorations and illuminations, as well as entertainment for children and concerts. The Advent period is the perfect opportunity to come to Arras and visit the main tourist sites of the Hauts-de-France region. Christmas at Arras : https://www.noelarras.com/fr/programme-3

The forecourt of the high cathedral of Reims and the adjacent streets are an ideal place for the Reims Christmas market. Founded in 1996, the event has become one of the most popular Christmas markets in France. The 140 Christmas market stalls offer all kinds of merchandise and gift ideas. The Rêve de Couleurs sound and light show is a breathtaking spectacle that takes place on the facade of the Gothic cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims. The show gives color to the rich statuary of the cathedral. Christmas at Reims : https://en.reims-tourisme.com/marche-de-noel-de-reims/reims/fmacha051v507ogw

Located one hour from Paris, the medieval town of Provins is worth a visit… even if it means braving the December cold! In the Middle Ages, the city once organized prestigious trade fairs, the “Foires de Champagne”. For a weekend in December, the Provins Christmas market brings together around forty artisans. Visitors like to come to Provins for its playful and authentic atmosphere. It gives an idea of ​​how the inhabitants of Provins lived in the Middle Ages. You will meet real minstrels, jugglers and fire-eaters. On the weekend of the Christmas market, the medieval town organizes a wide range of exciting events on the theme of the Middle Ages: an auction of medieval objects, a medieval ball, breathtaking fire juggling shows , guided tours in the historic town and an exhibition of nativity scenes. Christmas at Provins : https://provins.net/en/christmas-in-provins-2/

There is another Christmas attraction in the department of Seine-et-Marne: the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte. In December, the estate is transformed into an enchanted world… Vaux-le-Vicomte is rediscovered through magical illuminations in the gardens and the castle. Fireworks, gifts and horse-drawn carriage rides complete this timeless visit! Christmas at Vaux-le-Vicomte : https://vaux-le-vicomte.com/en/news/vaux-le-vicomtes-in-celebration/

We couldn’t talk about Christmas destinations in France without mentioning Disneyland Paris, one of the favorite places for children! From November, the Disneyland Paris parks are preparing to celebrate Christmas in a delicious winter atmosphere and with beautiful surprises! In front of the majestic illuminated Christmas tree in Town Square, find Santa Claus, Mickey and Minnie. The Christmas Parade is one of Disney’s most anticipated events. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and their friends parade down Main Street amid dancing candy canes, gingerbread men and other Christmas treats. Outside of the parks, Disney Village hosts a Christmas Market. Disneyland Paris at Christmas : https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-int/seasons/christmas-at-disneyland-paris/

December 8 is a key date in the calendar of the city of Lyon. For 4 days around the date of Saint Lucia, the city lights up on the occasion of the Festival of Lights and offers innovative light creations and projections on dazzling facades. An opportunity to discover or rediscover the traboules and the traffic jams of Lyon. Lyon at Christmas : https://www.lyon-france.com/l-agenda/fetes/marche-de-noel-de-lyon

There you go folks, enjoy the season to be merrier and remember those dear not with us anymore; they would make it a wholesome Christmas after all. Again, Merry Christmas and best wishes to all!! Hope you enjoy the post and make your season a merrier one.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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December 6, 2022

My favorites Christmas markets of Paris !!!

Well Paris is always Paris, and  I can never be tired of writing about it, even if now I am a bit away in the Morbihan 56 of Bretagne! I like to give you a glimpse of my favorite marché de Noël or Christmas market while working in the City and living in Versailles for 9 years. These were my favorites, one year or the other or sometimes in combination ; and of course in my black and white series, no pictures, Hope you enjoy the post as I.

Every year, many Christmas markets are set up in Paris to the delight of young and old alike. French craftsmen but also sometimes from abroad invest charming chalets and offer visitors the product of their work. Richly decorated, these small winter villages compete in inventiveness and multiply the attractions: sale of Christmas trees, merry-go-rounds, meetings with Santa Claus, tastings of culinary specialties, creative workshops, ice rinks, shows etc, You will find, among others, the illuminations of the Champs-Elysées , But every corner of the city will not fail to surprise you! Indeed you will find many Christmas decorations and illuminations in Paris, on Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, on Avenue Montaigne, or in the streets of Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Don’t forget to take a walk in the shopping streets to admire the famous Christmas windows of Paris, including the windows of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann. My walks to work, sublime !!! Below in no particular order.

The Tuileries Christmas Market 2022, Since he no longer has permission to settle on the Champs-Élysées, Marcel Campion has moved his famous Christmas market to the Tuileries Garden! Privileging French craftsmen, this market called “The Magic of Christmas” consists of a hundred wooden chalets, a 1200 m2 ice rink, or a beautifully decorated Christmas tree 20 meters high! A delight for children who can also discover free shows. to January 8, 2023

Alsatian Christmas Market 2022 at the Gare de l’Est, Every year, the forecourt of the Gare de l’Est is transformed in December into a large Alsatian Christmas market. On the menu, all the culinary specialties and delicacies that make the reputation of the region: pretzels, gingerbread, small cakes, chocolates, fresh pasta, foie gras, wines, eau-de-vie, charcuterie… Everything is there. to allow visitors to find the ingredients and the magic of the traditions of an Alsatian Christmas in the heart of Paris and to exchange with the producers. to December 16, 2022 Forecourt of Gare de l’Est, 10éme arrondissement or district of Paris.

The Champ-de-Mars or Eiffel Christmas Village 2022, With its 50 artisanal chalets, this Christmas village installed on the lawns of the Champ-de-Mars offers a magical moment under the magical decor of the great iron lady. Many activities are offered there for the youngest: specialty tastings, board sports and a beautiful 300 m² ice rink (to be confirmed).From December 16, 2022 to January 2, 2023 From 10h to 20h On the lawns of the Champ de Mars, 7éme arrondissement

The Christmas Market 2022 of the City/Town Hall Square, Located in the heart of the city, the City/town hall square hosts wooden chalets surrounded by a forest of fir trees. Local craftsmen present their know-how and their products. The grown-ups enjoy waffles and mulled wine while the little ones take turns on the big carousel with wooden horses, climb aboard a little train and even set off… to meet Santa Claus! From December 2, 2022 to Sunday, January 1, 2023 Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 4éme arrondissement.

The Christmas market 2022 in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Modest in size, this richly decorated market is worth the detour. It is held every year along the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. For more than a month, charming little stands sell craft, traditional and local products. Several activities are offered to children, who can even meet Father Christmas there on weekends and have their picture taken with him. to January 1, 2023 From 10h to 19h every day, Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6éme arrondissement.

The Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas Market 2022, Temporarily closed following the fire that ravaged its structure in April 2019, the famous cathedral hosts a charming Christmas market in its surroundings. Artistic craftsmanship and authentic atmosphere are on the program of the site, with the presence of real craftsmen and the sale of quality products (jewellery, textiles, ceramics, gastronomy…). The toddlers will not be left out with the visit of Father Christmas in person and many activities organized for them. From December 9 to December 26, 2022 From 10h to 20h and until 21h on weekends Square Viviani, quai Montebello, 5éme arrondissement.

The Montmartre Christmas Market 2022 , Perhaps less famous, the Montmartre Christmas market is certainly not the least picturesque. Fifteen small wooden chalets are spread out in the streets surrounding the Butte, in a warm and festive atmosphere. Artisanal products, local products and many gift ideas are offered there. The youngest can meet Father Christmas there and even give them their letter… From December 10 to 31, 2022, from 10h to 20h. Place des Abbesses,18éme arrondissement.

The Christmas Market of the Canals 2022, Several Christmas markets are organized this year again within the Pavillon des Canals. Each weekend has its own theme: “Grrrande Market” (December 3-4); “The Peacock Christmas Market” (December 10 and 11); “El gran mercado latino” (the great Latin market) (December 17 and 18). to December 18, 2022 , 39 Quai de la Loire, 19éme arrondissement.

The Les Féeries d’Auteuil 2022, In the illuminated setting of rue Jean de La Fontaine, come and celebrate Christmas with the Apprentis d’Auteuil! This veritable Christmas market is accompanied by activities for children, concerts, an exhibition of nativity scenes… not to mention a Christmas-themed creation workshop, an old-fashioned merry-go-round, pony rides , balloon releases, a restaurant area, an oyster bar… From December 3 to 11, 2022 40 rue Jean de La Fontaine, 16éme arrondissement.

The Christmas Village 2022 on the Parvis de la Défense, Experience the magic of Christmas with the family in La Défense in a festive atmosphere and be amazed: whether you are young or old, you will stroll along the aisles of the market discovering 350 chalets and exhibitors from all over the world. This unique market will make you lose track of time and immerse you in the festive atmosphere. Many activities are on the program throughout these five weeks, take full advantage of the Christmas atmosphere, come with family or friends, when at nightfall, the towers light up, the fir trees sparkle with a thousand lights. , the elves thread their way through the aisles and the magic happens. to December 24, 2022 From 11h to 20h, Saturday from 10h to 22h. Parvis de la Défense, 92800 Puteaux.

The Great Christmas Sale, December 17 and 18, 2022, Opening hours: Saturday from 10h to 18h, and Sunday from 10h to 16h It is at the Parc Floral de Paris that you will find the famous Christmas Sale for the benefit of the association Mécénat Cardiaque. On more than 1,000 m², thousands of products from major brands are sold for the benefit of children with heart disease. You will find there: Christmas gifts, toys, books, fashion (women, men, children), perfumes and jewelry, shoes, sports, decoration, household appliances, wines, gastronomy, chocolates, tableware, etc, Parc Floral, Château de Vincennes, 118 route de la Pyramide 12éme ,also, for a worthy cause.

There you go folks always a magical moment, Francedoes it well and Parisis sublime ,out of this world. Hope you are planning and enjoy the season to be merrier at the most beautiful City in the world, Paris, of course, Merry Christmas to all my followers and readers ! Hope you enjoy the post as I.

And remember,happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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