Love – and chocolate – have powers well beyond Valentine’s Day. And a great new trend, if for nothing but the aroma, is using chocolate in spa treatments. The French, Indonesians and the choco-fans visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania, all swear by its skin-softening and anti-aging properties. I know that putting chocolate in my mouth makes me…
It’s all about boutique. So no surprise that the cruise industry’s first boutique-luxury river cruise line is ready to set sail. Jewel River Cruises is launching the first all-suite, boutique luxury river cruise ship designed for discerning travelers. With the debut of the ms Jewel Imperial Blue, the line plans to add two more ships…
Most people think Springtime in Paris — but why not Thanksgiving in Paris? Context, the network of scholars who lead walking tours in several European cities, is hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner at historic restaurant Le Pharamond on Thanksgiving Day, November 22. It will be hosted and presided over by docent and dining historian Carolin…
Nothing from the wine industry goes to waste in Brad Evans’ world. He makes lazy susans from cabernet-stained wine barrel bottoms; serving trays from the barrel tops; votive candle holders and coat racks from the curved barrel slats; trays, tables, storage bins, planters, stools and even dog dish holders from the wooden crates in which…
After being closed two and one half years for extensive renovations, Hotel Balzac in Paris reopened on July 16. With a great location near the Etoile, just off the Champs Elysees, this looks to be a stunning property. Fully air conditioned with duvet bedding and non-smoking rooms available, the hotel offers butlers and 24 hour…
Two summers ago, my husband and I plus two friends decided to do our own personal Tour de France. No surprise, with our last name, that it quickly became known as the Tour de Frause. I checked into a lot of bike tours, and what I was attracted to at Le Vieux Moulin Bicycle Touring…
Have you seen “Ratatouille”“? Because I’m a big fan of all things Disney, I knew I’d love the digital animation. I didn’t expect to be blown away by the realism of the Paris night scenery, the attention to detail in the food preparation, and the fact that I honestly cared that a rat could be…
In the heart of the Latin Quarter, in the heart of Paris, state of the art, yet old fashioned decor, lively yet cozy atmosphere, with all you need to make this your hang out during a short or long term stay in Paris. When opening his ‘Little Temple Bar’ in ‘rue de la soif’ (street…
Vista D’oro Farms in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley is taking its signature cooking classes on the road — all the way to France. The Canadian culinary agritourism farm is offering two French culinary experiences this summer in Provence. You’ll spend four nights at La Parran in Privat, a small hamlet in Cornillon. Accommodations will be…
A few weeks ago, I wrote that our friends Len and Deb would be staying at The Ritz Hotel in Paris for a friends’ milestone birthday. Here’s what Len just told me via email: “All I can say is that I’m broke!!! It’s expensive there. Coffee for two was $27.50 without tip. Our friends decided…
According to a story today from the Associated Press, a French TGV (Train a Grane Vitesse) with a 25,000-horsepower engine and special wheels broke the world speed record for conventional rail trains. It reached a speed of 357.2 mph (574.8 kph) as it zipped through the countryside 125 miles east of Paris to Strasbourg. t…
“Would you like a side of bling with your chocolates today?” asked the waiter at Le Sefran, located in the Hilton Arc de Triomphe, Paris. The “Paris” Hilton has joined forces with the city’s top jeweler, Maison Paillard, to offer the world’s most expensive dessert: “Let Them Eat Cake” a chocolate confection served with a…