Setting Sail On the French Riviera!

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Setting Sail On the French Riviera!

Just a quick check-in during a flurry of packing and prepping to catch a flight to the French Riviera tomorrow bright and early. Scott and I will land in Nice, and spend a few days enjoying the Riviera while based in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Later we will board the Seabourn Sojourn in Monte Carlo for the 10-Day Tyrrhenian Treasures & Malta with a sparkling itinerary. Stops include Italy, France, Malta (a first for us!), and end in Spain where we will finish up with a few relaxing days in Barcelona before heading home. We are honored to be invited to host this cruise for the Virtuoso Voyages group onboard. When I tell you this cruise sold out fast - it was sold out one day after I posted our announcement!

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Exciting News! We Will be Hosting A Virtuoso Voyage with Seabourn Ultra Luxury Cruises - Monte Carlo to Barcelona - October 2023 - Join Us!

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Exciting News! We Will be Hosting A Virtuoso Voyage with Seabourn Ultra Luxury Cruises - Monte Carlo to Barcelona - October 2023 - Join Us!

How does frolicking on the French Riviera sound about now?

In October, Scott and I plan to set sail on the luxurious Seabourn Sojourn from Monte Carlo to Barcelona on a 10-day cruise with stops in Elba, Amalfi, and Taormina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), St. Tropez and La Ciotat (France), as well as Palamos (Spain) before disembarking in Barcelona on this spectacular itinerary.

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Join Us for a Virtual Tour of Fine Wine & Cuisine in Lyon & Provence

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Join Us for a Virtual Tour of Fine Wine & Cuisine in Lyon & Provence

Are you ready for a change of scenery?

I was talking to a friend/client the other day and reminiscing about our beautiful travels on our Curated Travel group cruise on the Mediterranean last year. In an effort to enjoy a change of perspective for this ’staycation summer’ we decided to sign-up for a virtual tour of food and wine in Provence this Friday, August 21st at 9 am Pacific, hosted by Viking River Cruises. You will find the link below to join us for this complimentary change of scene.

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The Curated Travel Collection: France

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The Curated Travel Collection: France

The Edith Piaf playlist is lilting on Pandora, we are dining on Salade Chevre Chaud and sipping on Château Minuty Rosé Et Or for lunch. We are feeling in the mood for some French inspiration today.

In the Curated Travel Collection below you will find a number of blog posts on our recent travels to France.

PRENDRE PLAISIR!

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High Above the French Riviera in Romantic Èze

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High Above the French Riviera in Romantic Èze

The French Riviera is famous for azure seas, brilliant sunshine, gleaming yachts, celebrity sightings, sparkling champagne and oozes with glamour. Trust me, it’s all that and more. Have you heard of Èze? This medieval village is perched 1,401 feet above the Mediterranean sea. Èze is forged of winding stone staircases and perches, twisted wrought iron, colorful urns of flowers, and stunning views of the Cote d’Azure. It is magical, especially at sunset.

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Camargue: Off the Beaten Path in Provence

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Camargue: Off the Beaten Path in Provence

There is a slice of Provence, off the beaten path, that offers a surprising twist from the classic lavender fields, towering cypress and medieval sand stone villages capping the mountaintops. Camargue is more about white horses, flamingos, marsh lands, salt beds, and relaxed resorts allowing for sunkissed lounging poolside. We met the white horses upon our arrival in the marshlands of Camargue and Mr. C.T and Sebastien made new friends immediately.

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Highlights from Les Baux, Carrieres des Lumieres and Pont du Gard

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Highlights from Les Baux, Carrieres des Lumieres and Pont du Gard

Les Baux-de-Provence is a medieval village high on a hilltop with stunning views of the valley below. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France the stone, sand, terracotta, flower boxes and sky blue shutters welcome. You feel transported back to a simpler time when wandering the winding, cobble stone streets.

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A Visit to Classic Provence with a Sweet Stay at La Maison D'Uzès

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A Visit to Classic Provence with a Sweet Stay at La Maison D'Uzès

Provence is everything you have likely pictured in your mind’s eye. Pastel houses, shimmery sunlight, colorful window boxes of blooms, with pastel café tables dotting the gardens and patios ready for a moment of reflection over a robust Café Crème or chilled rosé. The lifestyle in Provence is simply irresistible.

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A Visit to Charming Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence

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A Visit to Charming Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence

On a cloudless day with brilliant azure skies we arrived at Baumanière in Les Baux de Provence. Trust me, for any lovers of French gardens the grounds were the stuff of dreams! Pure Provencial charm embellished with towering cypress, clipped boxwood hedges - fragrant rosemary, lavender, citrus and roses - enhanced with vintage ironwork and the classic eggshell blue painted trims. Café sets placed under trees and trellises create alfresco living at it’s french best.

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A Springtime Visit to Paris and the Chic Le Royal Monceau

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A Springtime Visit to Paris and the Chic Le Royal Monceau

Last month we had the pleasure of returning to one of our favorite destinations, Paris. It was a quick stop over on our way to Provence and the French Riviera but we made the most of time. We checked into the Le Royal Monceau and were immediately taken with the touch of whimsy (note upside down flower pot arrangement) and sleek, modern vibe of this Philippe Starck designed hotel. Our suite came complete with delicious welcoming macaroons, plush robes, linens and Clarins bath products and even a guitar for Mr. C.T. They thought of everything!

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Postcard from Paris, Provence and the Cote d'Azur

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Postcard from Paris, Provence and the Cote d'Azur

Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur. These destinations, though different in feel, bring to mind a kalidescope of colors, textures, flavors and views of this picturesque country. Though it is late March we’re enjoying mostly sunny days and warm breezes on the French Riviera. Rain in Paris only adds to the watercolor effect of shimmering streets.

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A Sunny Afternoon at the Parisian Flea Market - Porte Vanves

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A Sunny Afternoon at the Parisian Flea Market - Porte Vanves

Paris is adorned with a number of colorful flea markets or brocantes as they are often called. On our first trip to Paris, in 2003, Scott and I spent an afternoon at the famed Clignancourt flea market, also known as the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen, and thought to be the largest flea market in the world.  We shipped home a small container filled to the brim with chandeliers, sconces, trays, perfume bottles, prints and charms from Paris long ago.

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