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.
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.
“The city of Uzès is a joy to discover, full of history and with a delightful atmosphere. Situated between Avignon and Nîmes, Uzès is a charming town with narrow streets lined with beautiful tall buildings made of honey-coloured stone.”
On our recent trip to France we spent one night at the charming Hotel La Maison d’Uzès originating in the 17th century in the heart of Uzès located northwest of Avignon. I was enamoured with our french luxe suite with lovely views of the city. The bathroom was one of the most spacious I’ve ever enjoyed, especially with that soaking tub! Though at the tip top of a steep, winding staircase (pity the kind bellman who hauled my suitcase) we enjoyed the beauty of this charming perch.
A tour of our suite at Hotel La Maison d’Uzès
Our evening, hosted by Sebastien with Creative Destinations, started with a chic little cocktail party by the fireside. We enjoyed a true foodie dining experience at Table d’Uzès later that evening. We were taken with the fresh and innovative menu in the heart of Provence.
“The chef selects the finest products, and most beautiful fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes, courgettes, beans, and aubergines ripen slowly in the warm sunshine in this part of the world. Regional cuisine combines their colours and flavours, accenting them with aromatic herbs. Pastries are made with sun-kissed fruit: peaches, apricots, and nectarines. This freshness and sweetness are in keeping with the hotel’s spirit.”
To learn more about Uzès here. For more information on La Maison d’UZES and to book contact me. Our thanks to Sebastien from Creative Destinations and the staff at La Maison d’Uzes for our memorable stay.
Contact us to learn more about making your dream travel come true!
Heather
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.
On a cloudless day graced with brilliant azure skies, we arrived at Baumanière in Les Baux de Provence. Trust me, for any lovers of French gardens the grounds are 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 its French best.
“Our domain is above all a place on the fringe of life where we feel at home, between poetry and reality, everything becomes possible for a moment.”
The accomodations range from modern and airy with contemporary touches to classically charming suites with extraordinary views of surrounding Provence.
A tour of our suite at Baumanière
We were graciously invited to dine at the 2 Michelin starred L'Oustau de Baumanière with renown chef/owner Jean-André Charial creating one of the most exquisite foodie dining experiences of our lives.
To learn more about the dining experiences available check out Gastronomy at Baumanière.
“Baumanière : beautiful manners, the art of living and welcoming everything and everyone with an acute sense of happiness”
”Baumanière is an institution in Provence whose renown goes well beyond the national borders. For seventy years, Baumanière has represented much more than a destination for a luxury getaway. It is a philosophy, an authentic and sincere way of life, the secret and taste of which were passed down to me by my grandfather, Raymond Thuilier, the founder of the establishment. Elegance, serenity, respect for the environment and people are the values held dear by Baumanière, the work of a visionary who created a paradise in his own image.
It is not an easy thing to stay on the top for one or two decades, but to remain so for over seventy years demonstrates our capacity to innovate while never forgoing our objective of excellence. Baumanière is in no way a museum of bygone days... Today, it is different and yet similar to the Baumanière of the past. Similar because of its excellent culinary tradition and refined, discreet and friendly hospitality. Different due to its capacity to adapt to modernity and respond to the needs of a new generation of guests. Living fully in one’s times while preserving the essential values of top class hospitality is what Baumanière is all about.”
The view from our terrace
To learn more about this extraordinary destination Baumanière and contact Heather at Curated Travel to book.
I can offer Virtuoso Amenities for your stay
Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary buffet breakfast for two daily for the duration of the stay
A complimentary lunch at la Table d’hôtes for 2 people per room, excluding alcohol, taxes, and gratuities once during stay
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Our thanks to the team at Baumanière for making our stay so memorable. Thank you to Sebastien of Creative Destinations for the invitation to explore the best of Provence.
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!
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 our 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 macarons, plush robes, linens and Clarins bath products and even a guitar for Mr. C.T. They thought of everything!
A video tour of our suite
Jet lag had set in but we were determined to freshen up, explore the neighborhood near the Arc de Triomphe, and enjoy a Parisian dinner. We didn’t have to walk far to find this charming spot, l'Elysée Saint Honoré, just down the block. Fresh chevre salad, the savory fish special, and a rich cannelloni paired with a lush red suited us just fine on this watercolor evening. After many hours of travel, we slept like babies in Paris that night!
With only one full day in Paris we enjoyed breakfast ensuite then set off to wander and explore, enjoy some cafe’ life and soak up the culture of Paris.
Our wanderings took us from ritzy boutiques to classical French apartment buildings with peek-a-boo gardens, to stops at the hip Hotel Costes and Budda Bar Paris. Eventually, we landed for lunch at La Coupe D’Or on Saint Honore’ for a fondly remembered chevre salad. As you can see, I found the French crowd to be very friendly.
“Paris is always a good idea.”
Let’s face it, the food in Paris is always a highlight. On our final night the concierge recommended we visit Allard for a truly authentic dining experience. The simple, yet luxurious fare, is unforgettable. The roasted Bourbonnais free-range chicken with roasted potatoes was unlike any chicken we had ever tasted. It was infused with butter (french style) and dripping with flavor. This classic is now owned by famed chef Alain Ducasse who endeavors to keep the traditional menu alive.
“For over 80 years, Allard has been one of the most sought after gourmet addresses in Paris
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it remains one of the last authentic French gourmet bistros. Today still, the establishment is filled with the spirit of Marthe Allard, « mother cook » who founded the restaurant in 1932. Allard is above all the story of a peasant from the Burgundy region who traveled up to Paris carrying her sincere and generous family recipes.”
Paris by night
Le Royal Monceau in Paris is one of the preferred partners for the CADENCE travel brand and is a member of the Virtuoso luxury network. As a travel advisor, it’s exciting to share our favorite destinations with blog readers and clients. Contact me to receive VIP upgrades and amenities at this luxurious and chic hotel.
Virtuoso Amenities:
Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
Complimentary buffet breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests served in La Cuisine Restaurant
Guaranteed late check-out until 4 PM
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Next up on our trip to France: Provence
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.
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. Mr. C.T. and I are loving every moment of this magnifique tour of Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur and I look forward to sharing more travel inspiration on the blog upon our return.
Bien à vous ,
Heather
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.
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. On this trip, we stopped in at the smaller scale weekend market of Porte Vanves, near the apartment where we stayed. Aside from an eclectic mix of silk scarves, china, cutlery, jewelry, watches, books, and just about anything your heart desires, the people watching was fantastique. The saxophone solo was an ambient bonus to our sunny afternoon at the brocante in Paris.
My finds from the Parisian Brocante
These are a few of the treasures I gathered at Porte Vanves. A colorful silk scarf, a jewel-encrusted mirror, a couple of cocktail rings, a gilded framed mirror and a small statue. The gilded mirror and a small statue (not pictured) remind me of the charming Parisian apartment where we stayed during this trip to Paris. The petite Porte Vanves also makes finding small gifts to carry home an easy option.
For more on Vanves read Treasures and Trinkets at the Vanves Flea Market on Paris Perfect.
Are you a fan of shopping at flea markets?
Which one is your favorite?
A Parisian Apartment Style Brunch
One of the most alluring reasons to stay in a Parisian apartment while visiting Paris is savoring a taste of the French way of life. With a boulangerie, fruit market, grocery, patisserie, butcher and international market on nearly every block, it’s easy to gather the freshest, tastiest ingredients each day to create memorable bites.
Our Parisian Apartment style brunch in Paris
Brunch in the Parisian Apartment
One of the most alluring reasons to stay in a Parisian apartment while visiting Paris is savoring a taste of the French way of life. With a boulangerie, fruit market, grocery, patisserie, butcher and international market on nearly every block, it's easy to gather the freshest, tastiest ingredients each day to create memorable bites.
It doesn't have to be elaborate, though it can be, for us it was simple, fresh and flavorful. These are a few of the items we collected for brunch in the Parisian apartment in July. Pain au chocolate croissants, café crèmes, asparagus quiche, juicy peaches, and fresh scrambled eggs for one morning. This was our simple, fresh, tasty le petit déjeuner in the Parisian apartment.
(Click on images for slideshow)
Where is your favorite place to brunch?
For more on this romantic Parisian apartment.
To book your dream getaway to Paris contact us - Curated Travel.
Our Stay in a Romantic Parisian Apartment
With sparkling crystal chandeliers, vintage velvet couches, luxurious linens, time-worn books, a pastel collection of vintage plates, whimsical accents like a jaunty top hat, and a touch of animal print, the details of this apartment are charming. The skeleton wall, meticulously restored, is a nod to the early history of this charming space.
parisian-apartment-stylemindchiclife
Our Stay in a Romantic Parisian Apartment
Every now and then the opportunity arises to experience something truly memorable while traveling. Our stay in this romantic Parisian apartment was just that. My blogger friend, Corey Amaro, and her French Husband, Yann, created the classic Parisian apartment, back in 2013, with their renovation of his long owned apartment. In this light-filled pied-à-terre, on Rue du Chateau in the 14th Arrondissement in Paris, you will find all the Parisian romance you are seeking.
With sparkling crystal chandeliers, vintage velvet couches, luxurious linens, time-worn books, a pastel collection of vintage plates, whimsical accents like a jaunty top hat, and a touch of animal print, the details of this apartment are charming. The skeleton wall, meticulously restored, is a nod to the early history of this charming space.
Click on an image to view in slide show mode.
Corey purchased most of the antique pieces at Porte Vanves brocante nearby. It is a picture perfect market that she encouraged us to explore during our visit and we did. I will share more of our visit to the brocante, as well as other Parisian adventures, in an upcoming post.
The elegant bathroom gleamed as though lit from within with marble and shine. There are TWO (count them!) crystal chandeliers. You can't help but feel "slightly French" preparing for the day in this beautiful space. Corey has feathered the nest with all the creature comforts of home. Fluffy, fragrant white towels, every bath essential you could imagine, and delicious smelling French toiletries. This is surely a glimpse into the elegant and well-stocked Parisian home.
The bedroom is plush with luxurious linens, light filtering curtains, romantic sconce lighting, and charming details. The often photographed 'wall of maps' was a labor of love for Corey and is the perfect accent for this quintessential Parisian apartment.
This apartment is located in a true Parisian neighborhood, just as promised. Everything you want or need is easily reached by foot. The boulangerie, the café and bars just across the street, as well as fresh fruit stands, market, butcher, bistro, wine and cheese shops are within a short stroll. The metro line, #13 Pernety, is just a couple of blocks away and it is a direct line to the Champs Elysee and central Paris. This multi-cultural neighborhood adds to the unique Parisian charm of staying in the 14th.
Our time in Paris was just what we hoped it would be. Days started with a few quick few steps to the boulangerie across the street for café crèmes and croissants, strolling the neighborhoods, catching the metro to our typical haunts in the heart of Paris. A morning at Musee D'Orsay, lunch at our favorite St. Germain Cafe, a sunset ride on the Bateau Mouche on the Seine. If we weren't out late at a local café we enjoyed the cool evenings, windows thrown wide, enjoying a glass of wine in the shadows, watching the locals gather at the neighborhood bar just across the street. Sublime Parisian life!
If you are looking for a truly Parisian life experience, a stay at this romantic Parisian apartment is all the inspiration you need. If you are planning a trip to Paris, I have a number of recommendations to make your trip picture perfect. Contact me at Curated Travel.
Thank you to Corey and Yann for making our stay at your romantic Parisian apartment unforgettable.
*All Images Heather Lindstrom
