If the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain, does a rhinosplasty in India or France mean you’ll pay less through the nose? Sometime soon, someone you know will travel abroad for a medical procedure that is becoming more and more expensive state-side. It could be a heart bypass that costs $100K in the…
This must be heaven for wine, spa and golf lovers. Surrounded by 135 acres of some of the world’s best vineyards, the former chateau now known as Relais De Margaux is elegance personified. Northwest of Bordeaux in the world famous Medoc region, high-quality grapes are grown here to produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and…
What is the life of luxury? Could it be owning your own private jet with a pilot ready at a moment’s notice to whisk you away to your favorite Caribbean Island? Or, could it be spending $37,200 a night for a room? That’s right. $37,200 per night. According to Forbes, the most expensive hotel room…
Looking for the the world’s best coffee shop cum sushi or tapas bar? You think you might find it in New York, LA or SF. But you’d be way wrong. It’s actually on the tres fashionable Left Bank in Paris. At L’Atelier de Joel Robunchon, last year’s best Parisienne chef and winner of three consecutive…
For centuries, the Chateau Eza has commanded a sweeping view, a sterling reputation, and a rustic locale within a medieval town more than three hundred metres above the Mediterranean in the Provence Alps. Its 10 breath-taking rooms and suites are reached by stone passageways. Its award-winning restaurant is also set atop the cliffs. And through…
Yanks like me usually only consider the London-to-Paris connection (or vice versa) on the Eurostar, the train that jets you through the English Channel in about 3 hours. I took it south last year and it was faster, easier and cheaper than flying or ferrying between these two hub cities. Now, this fashionable train is…
I’ve discovered Pastis after moving to France. Here in my village in Champagne it is almost a staple of any decent aperitif. Either Pastis or bubbly (the local champagne or the “foreign” cremant from Alsace). Pastis may be a bit of an aquired taste but if you get used to it, it will reward you…
On July 14th it is fitting to give a cheer for my temporary country of residence (thank you, France, for your hospitality!) and a nod to the local “aperitif” …PASTIS! Perfect for a summer appetite-opener this refreshing drink has legions of faithful worshipers. Via FERMENTATIONS
This year’s Tour de France should have its biggest audience yet –– both in person and on cable TV. As Lance Armstrong aims for an unprecedented seventh victory before retiring from competitive cycling, hordes or fans will line the streets of France for each of the 21 stages over the 2,236-mile route. You can follow…
A grocery store that serves classic bistro cuisine? In Food & Wine Magazine’s April 2005 issue’s “Affordable Paris” section, a one-year-old grocery store (epicerie) called Les Papilles (“taste buds” in French) lets you feast on a 4-course $39 prix-fixe meal that’s delicious in every way: soup, entree, a cheese course, and creme brulee for dessert….
Like to go commando and let it all hang out? Check into the Cap d’Agde Quartier Naturiste in Southern France. This “Naked City” features 40,000 nude people and 3 full shopping malls. Set on the Mediterranean between Sete and Beziers, this modern vacation resort offers 20 km of sandy beaches, crystal clear water, plus sailing,…
Crazed by French irregular adverbs and male/female pronouns for people and things? Pick up “Go Go” Magazine, a new, free, English-language monthly magazine. It writes about art, food, culture and shopping throughout Paris, and was launched by the founders of Paris Time Out. Each issue includes a top 10 list of current favorite hang-outs and…