Normandy and its flavours

Tags

Brillat-savarin, Camabert, Cheese circuits and museums, confiture de Lait, Creme Fraiche, Domaine de St-Hippolyte, Fromagerie Reaux, la Route du Camembert, Livarot, Livarot AOC, Luxury Travel Consultant2, musee du Fromage, Neufchatel, Normandy, Pays d'Auge, Petit-suisse, Pont l'eveque

Is the land of William the conqueror and the impressionist painters and is also a gourmet delight. Inland its lush and green rolling countryside, with cow dotted meadows, orchards and  half- timbered farmhouses, is a source of delectable veal and poultry, cheeses, cream, apples and pears, cider and Calvados. Along its coastline , seaside resorts alternate with fishing ports that provide a huge variety of wonderful fish and shellfish.

Cheese and dairy produce.

The white and brown-splashed vache normande is renowned for both the quantity and quality of its milk, which is not only made only into Normandy’s great cheeses but also into thick creme fraiche, butter, yogurt, fromage frais and other goods such as sweet and jam.

Le Camembert.

Marie Harel, a farmer’s wife in a very small village that bears its name, is credited with perfecting the recipe for Normandy most celebrated cheese in 1791. It has been packed in wooden boxes since the end of the 19th century, beginning a decoration of Camembert labels. The true  Normandy Camembert has had an AOC  ( Appellation d’origine controlee, distinguishes quality & regional authenticity of the product)since 1985. Always look for the Camembert de Normandie.

Le Livarot, AOC.

This cheese is only made in a small southern area of the pays d’Auge. It has the whiff  of the stable and a kind of pronounced flavor. This cheese is round with an orange washed rind that will become stickier as it ripens.

Pont l’Eveque AOC.

Is Normandy’s oldest cheese, its shape is square, semi-soft cheese, it gets stronger as it matures.

Neufchatel AOC.

Made since the middle ages and shaped like a heart goes back to the hundred of” years ” war, when the ladies of Neuchatel-en-bray made them as tokens for their soldiers. The cheese is mild, non- pressed with velvety white crust.

Pave d’Auge.

This ancient cheese is very similar to le Pont L’Eveque and has a higher fat content and a creamier texture and a more pronounced taste. A lot of these cheeses are still farm -made, but do not have an AOC.

Brillat-Savarin.

A rich triple-cream cheese, invented in the 1930’s and was named after the 18th-century gourmet and politician  Jean -Anthelmel Brillat-Savarin.

Petit-Suisse.

These tiny individual Fromages Frais  are my childhood’s favorite, eat them with a little bit of caster sugar sprinkled on top.

Golden, unsalted butter and thick creme Fraiche are key ingredients in Normande cuisine. Confiture de Lait ( milk jam), is another Normandy Favorite.

Fromageries to visit.

Fromagerie Reaux. 1 rue des Blanquettes, 50430. Lessay. http://www.reaux.fr ( open by appointment only). Visits allow you to see the production and all different stages through windows.

Domaine de Saint-Hippolyte.

14100 St-Martin-de-la-lieue. Open daily May -September, rest of the year is reserved to groups only. A dairy farm set around a Renaissance Manor. You can watch the production and the afternoon milking.

Cheese circuits and museums.

Various roads cover Normandy cheese country. La Route du Camambert takes in 30 miles, sign posted circuit around Vimoutiers. You can start from l’ office du tourisme with the musee du Camembert giving explanations of Camembert making and also displaying the different tools and quite a big selection of Camembert labels. In Livarot there is a museum , ( Le musee du Fromage) that explains how the Livarot is being made ( 02-31-63-43-13).

Anne Suire

http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Pont l’Eveque cheese.

Pays d’Auge

Brillat -Savarin

Petit Suisse

My favorite dessert, Le petit Suisse.

What are your plans for a summer trip to Provence

Tags

Chain Hotel Campanille, Chain Hotels, Chambres d'hotes, Gites, Ibis, Les castels, Logis de France, Meridien, Relais du Silence, Relais et Chateaux, Relais routiers, sofitel, Vacation in Provence, villages de Vacances

Accommodation in Provence and the cote d’Azur ranges from some of the world’s most palatial 5-star hotels to very crowded campsites, and of course everything in between. There are hundred of small , moderately priced, independent family- run hotels. Every small town , and many tiny villages, have at least one clean, adequately comfortable hotel, or sometimes you will come across restaurants with chambres ( rooms). Standards range from the very basic to the height of elegance and luxury.Most hotels with 2 to 3 stars can charge 70 to 80 and a bit higher. You can rent a villa and prices can be steep unless you look inland. It is best to reserve an hotel room months in advance if you go during July and August. The major international hotel chains are represented in Provence and the Cote d’Azur. The big French chains, all with several hotels in the region, include:

Campanile – A popular national chain of motels with restaurant; reliable, all identical, mid-price.

Formule 1 , Etap Hotel, Balladins, Bonsai, Premiere classe– All economy motels, modern but minimalist.

Ibis – Modern, functional, town hotels; mid- to low budget.

Meridien – Smart, modern and high-quality chain.

Sofital – Luxurious modern hotels.

Useful French hotel and restaurant federations include:

Relais & Chateaux – Independently owned and top of the market, old fashioned luxury and especially those designated as ” Relais Gourmand” for the gourmet traveler, the food is always excellent. You can get a free handbook from French Government Tourist offices abroad. http://www.relaischateaux.com

Relais Routiers – Truckdrivers’ stops ; inexpensive roadside restaurants generally with a few basic rooms above. Recognizable by a blue and red circular sign outside. http://www.relais-routiers.com

Relais du silence– Top quality hotels in especially quiet locations. Bookable online at http://www.silencehotel.com

Logis de France – A very good resource ; 3000 small , unpretentious, family- run independent hotels, all with  a good inexpensive restaurant ( half of them specialize in regional dishes). The rooms are overall adequate and reasonably priced. Free handbook from French government tourist offices abroad or go to http://www.logisdefrance.com

Gites – they are usually cottages rented as inexpensive self-catering vacation accommodation. You can go online and book at http://www.gites-de-france.fr

Villages de vacances -( holiday villages), either for all the family or for children only, they are somewhat popular with the French. to book go to http://www.lvt-vacances.com

Chambres d’hotes – (Guest rooms), usually announced by a simple handmade sign on a front gate, are bed-and-breakfast stop-overs ( often with evening meal too), Family homes in rural areas. http://www.chambres-hotes.org

Les Castels – Mainly located in superb locations, is a federation of top-quality camps; http://www.les-castels.com.

Travel with Luxury Travel Consultant2 to Provence.

http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Hotels Campanille are modern….

A bedroom at a relais du Silence

Relais et Chateaux…

The logo of Relais et Chateaux.

The guide 2013 for Relais des Routiers.

Anne Suire.

Travel with Luxury Travel Consultant2, Gourmet Tours, 2015.

Tags

5 star luxury Bastide, bouillabaisse, Provence gourmet tour, Truffle, wine tasting, working vineyard

Love Truffles and the good life join us in October 2015.

Departure dates are: October 17 – October 24, 2015. 10 guests are invited, $ 3,735 pp a supplement of $ 400 for single guest. ( Air fare is not included)

The tour will take place in Aigues, Luberon, Provence.

This amazing villa is 7000 square feet property in the middle of a working vineyard with 172 acres of wine and olive groves. ( 2, 800). You will feel The  authenticity  and the history of this impressive Bastide with its attention to detail and ambiance. you will enjoy private wine tasting as well as a chef cooking Breakfast, Lunch and dinner. Aix en Provence is only 25 minutes away and yet the property is located to the famed mountain Luberon villages.

Drivers / Tour guides will take us touring the region and go hunting for the famous truffle in Cadennet in the Luberon. An organic Truffle farm where we will learn how to go hunting for the truffle. Appetizers and lunch will be served. We will spend time in Marseille and enjoy a bouillabaisse, as well as spent time in La Camargue, a private sanctuary of birds and white horses…..

TGV train ride ( Round Trip) included ( Transfers and touring)

For more information visit us online at: http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Picture of the property

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Travel with Luxury Travel Consultant2, Shopping the flea markets of Provence

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12 guests, 2015, Departure Dates, five star property, Luxury Travel Consultant2, September 26 - October 3, shopping the flea markets & brocantes of Provence, St Etienne de Gres, Villa Accomodation

Bedroom at the property

The kitchen

The patio

The house from the outside.

The garden

The tour will take place in St-Etienne-du-Gres near St Remy de Provence.

The villa will accommodate 12 guests.  This very vast property includes a full private valley and hills around the property. The location is very private, no neighbors, a swimming pool and tennis court. The main house has five bedrooms and a cottage that accommodates 2 more guests, with also a kitchen and sitting room. The villa is a true haven to rest and forget about the real world, yet St-Remy is just 6 km away with scores of famous cafes and restaurants.

 

 

The villa is reserved for the tour “shopping the flea markets of Provence”.  Friends or couples.

Departure dates are:

September 26, 2015- October 3, 2015. $ 3,300 pp.( $ 400 extra for 1 guest per room).

Villa Accommodation ( Double occupancy)

Drivers / tour guides (  Provence native & bilingual), Transfers & Touring the region

Breakfast, Lunch & dinner as well as wine for dinner only ( Private chef)

TGV train ride ( round trip)

Touring the Brocantes and Flea markets, wine tasting and more.

( Air fare not included)

For more information visit us online at http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Bedroom at the property

A drive through the Alpilles, Part three

Tags

Arles, Avignon. Abbaye de Montmajour, Chapelle St Sixte, Chateau de Romanin, Chateau Romanin, drive the Alpilles, Eygalieres, Luxury Travel Consultant2, Napoleon, Orgon, St Etienne du gres, vineyards in the Alpilles

If you ever wanted to find a real castle, Tarascon is the place where a spectacular medieval fortress in pale stone has been restored to a perfect state. The first stop are the Communes ( Commons) working quarters with kitchens, apothecary and workshops, climb the narrow spiral staircases within stone towers; wander through the banqueting hall, hall of audience and the king’s hall with great fireplaces. The castle was home to king Rene , also fine medieval tapestries hang in the royal rooms with tile floors. The castle was built to defend the western boundary of Provence but was abandoned in the 17th-century and became a notorious prison until 1926. You will notice the graffiti by 18th-century prisoners of war.

Tarascon is famous for 2 mythical beasts: The Tarasque which emerged from the Rhone to eat cattle and children, was subdued by St Martha   with the sign of the cross and Tartarin of Tarascon, a rotund comic giant invented by Alphonse Daudet in 1872.

An idea for a tour.

This is a packed but leisurely day with about 3 hours driving. Allow 2 hours to explore les Baux on foot, an hour for Glanum and you can also allow another hour for wine tasting at one of the Alpilles’ vineyards along the route.

The Eastern end of this tour links to Orgon, with Luberon and Southern Vaucluse; Cavaillon and are just 10 km away and just south of the Alpilles lies the plaine de la Crau.

If you are in Arles and want to visit L’Abbaye de Montmajour, leave town on l’Avenue de Stalingrad, on the north side of town center, initially signed for Avignon and Tarascon, but when you reach N570, turn right ( south) and left onto the D17bfor Les Baux. Straight away you will see the gaunt stone fortifications of the Abbaye de Montmajour rise massively on the right. In AD 948 a community of hermits was founded in the middle of the marshes. The abbey became steadily wealthier and added on a cellar, a church, a refectory and chapels. The extend of its ruins gives us some idea of its final enormous size. But for all its wealth, starkness  was de rigueur in the abbey: Only the capitals in the cloister were adorned. Continue to the village of Fontvieille and  turn right on to a quiet back road for the moulin de Daudet. A couple of kilometres further down the road ( D 33) , around the junction with D82 and D78e, there are some very interesting ruins of the twin Gallo-Roman Barbegal Aqueducs, one of which brought water to Roman Arles from Eygalieres while the other one powered  a hydraulic flour mill. From the acqueducs, you will take D78e ( changes to the D27) through Paradou. You will climb the rocky landscape at the heart of the Alpilles in direction of Les Baux. Pass by Val d’Enfer, a very curious gorge of caves and strange rock shapes associated with mysteries. Then you will follow the road around on to the D27a to reach the tiny turning on the right for Les Baux de Provence. Les Baux de Provence is sometimes so crowded that the police won’t allow any more vehicles into the village, you can always park in the summer time at the foot of the hill and walk up to the village.

When you leave Les Baux by descending again on D27a, turn right, and on reaching D5 turn right through beautiful groves of olive, cherry, apricot and almond trees.You will see the dark red Rochers d’Entreconque rocks rising to your left. At Maussane Les Alpilles, you turn left on D24 to climb again. You will descend to a junction with the D25 on the right, take this turn . The road will climb once more and then you will descend as  it skirts the Plaines massif at the eastern end of the Alpilles. After some 9 kms you will reach the junction with D569, again passing the Castelat ruins, to reach Orgon where Napoleon, taken in exile in Elba, was pursued by a mob. You will leave this very modest town ( N7), Avignon direction but straight away the D24b on the left to skirt again the Plaines Massif . On the left the Chapelle St-Sixte was built in the 12th-century on the site of a pagan temple was dedicated to a local spring, stands on a hill with a view of the Alpilles. Soon after the road enters Eygalieres, a very pleasant town ( Where Our thanksgiving tour will take place) climbs in narrow streets to its very historic castle keep, which offers beautiful views. You will then take the D74a north to reach the busier D99 and you will take a left. Not far along is the left town for the very interesting Chateau Romanin wine cellars. You can make a stop and then will continue on the D99 to reach St-Remy-de-Provence. When you leave St-Remy de Provence ( on the south side) you will see the old monastery and hospital of St-Paul-de – Mausole, it stands left on the road, which quickly reaches Les Antiques and Glanum. You can take a little time to explore and then return to the southern edge of St-Remy . When you enter the town, where the D5 becomes becomes Avenue Durand-Maillane, you will take the first left on to le Chemin de La Combette leading to Le vieux chemin d’Arles, you will see the Tour du Cardinal. This is not a tower but a 16th-century country house with a renaissance balcony.  Stay on this road and you will see (after 5 km) St-Etienne-du-Gres. You will turn left here on to the D32, making a stop after 2 km to see the 12th-century Chapelle-St-Gabriel. The chapel is all what is left of the Roman settlement of Ernaginum, once a small port of rafts in the marshy area. At Chapelle St-Gabriel, the D32 reaches the N570 which is the main Arles-Avignon road.

Anne Suire.

Alphonse Daudet

Chateau Romanin

Taking a drive through the Alpilles, Part Two

Tags

AOC wines, Bistro des Alpilles, Chateau de Romanin, Driving around the Alpilles, Fontvieille, Gertrude Stein, Hostellerie du Vallon de Valrugues, hotel le Daudet, Hotel Ville Verte, La Regalido, Marquis de Sade, Nostradamus, St Remy de Provence

Fontvieille, is a typical Provencal in appearance and atmosphere but can be touristy at times, maybe not recommended for a traveler who’d rather visit “off the beaten path villages”. This village has several little hotels and restaurants serving thousand fans of Alphonse Daudet who stop off before or after a visit to the nearby Moulin de Daudet ( Daudet’s windmill), where this very famous author wrote his best-loved work, Lettres de mon moulin (  letters from my mill). In reality, while Daudet spent time at the mill, most of the writing was done back home, in Paris; but the mill certainly provided an excuse for an outing and a picnic.

Accommodation and Food in Fontvieille.

Hotel Le Daudet, Avenue de Montmajour; Phone # 04-90-54-76-06 ; A modern and peaceful hotel with pool and terrace with comfortable rooms. Closed October through Easter.

La Regalido, Rue F Mistral. http://www.laregalido.com. Tranquil, fragrant garden setting for this elegant hotel and restaurant full of rural Provencal atmosphere. The restaurant pays homage to the olive oil in its crudites with tapenade, garlicky leg of lamb, freshly caught fish simmered in olive oil, olive oil ravioli and olive omelette. Very nice breakfasts are served on the terrace.

St-Remy-de-Provence. is a perfectly untouched base. Mansions built during the 15th and 16th centuries grace its historic centre.It has a picturesque old quarter of lanes, squares and fountains, and avenues shaded by leafy plane trees.Some famous names such as the astrologer Nostradamus ( 1503-1566) who was born here, and Gertrude Stein who stayed for a year ( 1922) in the hotel de la ville verte. One of the mansions was home of the Sade family, ancestors to the notorious Marquis de Sade.

There are several Appellation Controlee Coteaux d’Aix en Provence and Les Baux wine makers around the area. Four kilometers east on the D99, a side turns leads down to the impressive underground “Cathedral” caverns de Chateau de Romanin, which produces and AC wine, supposedly since the 4th-century bc.

Accommodations and food in St Remy-de-Provence.

Le bistro des Alpilles. 15, boulevard Mirabeau. Relaxed brasserie-style establishment with good cooking at modest prices, live piano every Friday night. Tel: 04-90-92-09-17

Hostellerie du Vallon de Valrugues. Chemin Canto cigalo; The self -consciously de luxe southern style of this bright , well- equipped hotel and restaurant offer spacious rooms with terraces, with views of the gardens & the Alpilles. Closed in February.Tel :04-90-92-04-40

Hotel Ville Verte. Place de La Republique. This arty place was once frequented by artists and writers. A decent place, simple and inexpensive rooms and rooms with kitchenette are available by the week for a very modest price. Pool & terrace, very close to the town center. tel: 04-90-92-06-14. ( Closed November -March)

Tomorrow Part three of a Drive through the Alpilles, Tarascon and Les Baux de Provence.

Anne Suire

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Taking a drive through the Alpilles

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Auberge de la Benvengudo, Chaine des Alpilles, La Cabro d'Or, La Durance, Les Baux de Provence., Oustau de Baumaniere, Rhone, St Remy de Provence, Travel with Luxury Travel Consultant2

South of Avignon is La Chaine des Alpilles , a barren chain of wild limestone rocks and it covers a small area , a narrow strip barely 20km by 4km, It truly is a very captivating miniature world which feels lost in time and remote from anywhere. Les Alpilles form an extraordinary, beautiful landscape of weirdly jagged crests emerging abruptly from flat country between the rivers Durance and Rhone and rising in a series of hills. In places they are weather worn and barren , sometimes planted with olive groves, almond, cypress, fruit trees and vineyards.Elsewhere the slopes are very densely cloaked with garrigue , wild ever green vegetation. The air is very alive with the creaky scratching of insects and the amazing aroma of pine and wild herbs. The Alpilles are populated with picturesque Southern villages and also important Roman and medieval sites in and around the area.

Les Antiques and Glanum.

Les Antiques is one of the antique Roman remnants, standing at a roadside less than 1km outside of St Remy de Provence. The most dramatic is the Roman mansoleum, it dates from around 30 bc and was built as a memorial according to the inscription. Next to it stands the Roman arch, decorated with carvings probably by Greek craftsmen, it probably marked the entrance to the town of Glanum. The more serious Glanum archeological site lies across the road. Adjacent to it is the old monastery of St-Paul-de-Mausole where Van Gogh, resided in an asylum from May 1889 to May 1890 after cutting his ear. His room and the gardens he painted, may sometimes be seen while visiting the attractive Romanesque church and cloisters. It really worth the stop.

Les Baux- de- Provence.

Perched on a dramatic cliff edge among the stony heights of the Alpilles, it is today a “must see “sight given entirely to arts and crafts vendors who thrive on the thousands a day visitors, walking the narrow picturesque streets of restored buildings. There is plenty to see, including the musee Yves Brayer , the ruins of the Old citadelle ( Ville Morte), lots of lofty views over the surrounding hills. At the foot of the village many more sights to look at such as La Cathedrale des images, a spectacular former bauxite quarry; the Val d’Enfer a gorge filled with chaotic rocks and caves; and Pavillon de la Reine Jeanne ( Queen Jeanne’s Pavillon), a charming 16th-century renaissance structure. built for the Baroness Jeanne de Quiqueran of les Baux , who never became a queen.

Where to eat and stay.

L’Oustau de Baumaniere. http://www.ousteaudebaumaniere.com. Is considered one of the best hotels in the world, it compromises 3 buildings of a beautiful 16th- century Provencal farm offering refinement  and luxury, yet with pleasing simplicity and unpretentiousness among beautiful gardens and guarrigues. Vegatables, herbs and fruits are grown in the garden for the kitchen staff to use and organic vines whose grapes go into Chateau Romanin, an outstanding local wine. L’ousteau emphasises light exquisite cooking focused on Fish and vegetable dishes. Enjoy a great meal on the terrace gazing up at the ruins of Les Baux.

La Cabro d’Or, Val d’Enfer.www.lacabrodor.com is an annexe of l’Oustau de Baumaniere. This too is a luxurious hotel and restaurant with tremendous character and refine style, set among trees and flowers, tennis, riding, pool, first class restaurant.

Auberge de la Benvengudo, below the village; Tel: 04-90-54-32-54. Rustic and luxurious farmhouse in a wonderful setting. The bedrooms have air conditioning and the furniture is very Provencal. A pool, tennis and restaurant.

A less expansive hotel is  La Riboto de Tavern, near Val D’Enfer. A great country house half cut out in the cliff face, hidden among tranquil rocks and flowers and furnished with genuine antiques. The restaurant is excellent and was noted for simple , fragrant, imaginative local cooking. It has also three bedrooms.

Tomorrow Fontvieille, St- Remy- de- Provence and Tarrascon.

Anne Suire

Visit us online at http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

12 reasons why you should travel with Luxury Travel Consultant2

Tags

architecture, Art, breakfast, dinner included, Drivers, food & wine, Foraging for mushrooms Provence, history, lunch, private chef, Round trip train ride, shopping the flea markets & brocantes of Provence, tour guides, tour guides knowledgeable, transfers, Travel with Luxury Travel Consultant2, Truffles, villa Accommodation, Villas accommodations

What does Luxury means to us means several things:

The best villas and carefully chosen categories.

Expert local guides with a wealth of knowledge and the ability to tailor touring to traveler’s interests.

Itineraries designed with ideal order and routing.

Relaxation and hassle-free experiences.

How different are we from other tour companies.

We provide well planned tours with great attention to service, with each trip carefully designed according to our clients’ interests.

We offer small group tours with set departures ( for friends and extended families as well as a group of singles or couples).

We specialize in Luxury Travel made affordable to our clientele, so our tours include five stars villas,( often deluxe rooms or suites). The guides and drivers that we arrange are true experts and our tours emphasize  the local lifestyle and culture through cuisine, arts and architecture, landscapes and local traditions. Our villas are selected based on style , location and facilities.

Luxury Travel Consultant2 offers tours to France and Italy where our expertise and services will be of tremendous value to luxury travelers.

The owner of Luxury Travel Consultant2 is very passionate about travel and has extensive experience living and traveling in the countries that she handles.

We work with tour guides and drivers and make sure that they are bilingual and very knowledgeable about the region. Our customized tours can be sent to clients  and we are happy to modify any of the tours on our website.

Is air fare included in the price of your tours?

No air fare is not included in our tour prices. Trans-Atlantic air fare is additional. Many of our clients prefer to book their own international flights using miles or two-for-one offers. As a tour planner, our services begin when you arrive at your international destination. We offer a complimentary TGV train ride from the airport to your final destination.

Are meals included in your tours?

Yes, continental breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as wine for dinner. We usually have our personal chefs who are also very knowledgeable about the food of the chosen region.

After we book a trip, what sort of materials do you send us?

We will send you a detailed confirmed itinerary as well as including tips on how to travel safely.

How far in advance should we book our trip?

It is best to book a tour with us a few months in advance ( 2 to 4 months in advance ) is best.

What type of vehicles do you use?

We always provide the best of vehicles in each region : safe, comfortable, spacious and air conditioned. For groups traveling together or friends , we provide mini- vans or SUVs.

We will have lots of luggage, is it a problem?

This not a problem as long as you let us know in advance so that we can arrange the appropriate vehicles. Please bear in mind that International and domestic airlines charge extra fees for luggage that exceeds their maximum per person weight allowance. These fees are the responsibility of each traveler and must be paid directly to the airline (s).

Do you design tours that focuses on certain interests.

Yes we do! whether you are interested in architecture, art, history, food wines, truffles, group friendly activities or shopping we will design them with your interests in mind.

What is there to do during leisure time?

We have arranged spa treatments at the property or elsewhere, wine tasting at the property or in a vineyard with  lunch included. You would love to play golf but not get a massage we will arrange these activities (at extra cost) if not included in the tour. Leisure time is always a matter of preference, but in general we like to incorporate  quiet time.

One client asked us a couple of years ago for a gourmet experience in Provence.

Many of our clients really love great food and so do we. We know some fantastic experiences that will make your tour extra special. In Provence for example we can take you truffle hunting on an organic farm or foraging for mushrooms or fishing, these activities are very interesting and always come with a complimentary lunch. We can also meet a chef at the market and cook at the property and enjoy our own creations. We have many more delicious suggestions in other parts of France and in Italy as well.

Wanting to make sure that you have opportunities to shop during the tour and great recommendations for unique local products.

All luxury Travel Consultant2 tours are designed to include some shopping as part of the private cultural touring in each location. We are offering a special shopping tour in May & September 2015 ” Shopping the flea markets and Brocantes of Provence“. Contact us for more information.

Luxury Travel Consultant2 offers a different approach to upscale Travel.

Villa Accommodation.

TGV round trip to your destination.

Drivers / Tour guides are local and bilingual.

Transfers to and from property.

Breakfast, lunch & dinner ( 4 bottles of wine per dinner)

Touring the region and special activities.

( Air Fare is not included).

” The entire group really enjoyed themselves; it was peaceful,beautiful and well orchestrated. If we wanted to change a plan, she was flexible with the group.

All checklists you can think of on a trip like this,with a large group, were all met and surpasses and helped us have the trip of a lifetime.”

Thank you,

Kate & Ted Smiths. San Francisco.

http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Don’t just like us , Book with us… Les Alpilles

Tags

L'Artemise, La Maison D'Uzes, le bec a vin, Le Pont du Gard, ma cantine, musse du bobon, Place aux herbes, St Quentin la potterie, Uzes

Recalling the glory of the Medieval Avignon, a papal palace and a 14th century fortress stand face to face across the River Rhone . To the west you will see the Gard flowing between the pillars of the roman acqueduct, a dozen miles from from Nimes and its amphitheater. In the fields beyond the gently rising curves of La Montagnette, avenues of plane trees cut across the homeland of the great poet, Frederic Mistral. South of St Remy , the Alpilles suddenly emerge with blue rockfaces….

Uzes, this Feudal city is the seat of Dukedom, founded in the days of Charlemagne ; The cobblestones and townhouses date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The Medieval Tour de Bermonde has 148 steps total, a good workout and after you can cool off , lingering under the Arcades of Place aux Herbes. Uzes is beautiful and is a great place to spend a holiday without the bling or the beach.

Where to stay, eat and what to do.

La Maison d’Uzes, a new hotel where the staff is very friendly and enthusiastic. Each room in the hotel has a different look. Breakfast is served in the courtyard. http://www.lamaisonduzes.fr

L’Albiousse. is a small B&B that occupies a 16th- century house known as an hotel. The bedrooms are decorated with superb taste. http://www.albiousse.fr

Restaurants:

Ma Cantine  is a restaurant that serves hearty French food and is more home cooking than Haute cuisine. The menu is propped up on a tree. nearby the restaurant. The owner is very friendly and is very knowledgeable regarding wines.+ 39 4 66 01 00 07

Le Bec a Vin. Is a great place for a quiet dinner. If you plan to go on a warm summer night, sit in the secluded courtyard. A great place to enjoy great food and enjoy the quiet of a nice evening with good wines and tasty food.www.lebecavin.com; + 39 4 66 22 41 20;

Place aux berbes.

A few cafes where you can enjoy a glass of wine, a light lunch or a late night-cap. Terroirs ( No 5), La Suedoise serves smoked salmon with creme Fraiche. If you like smoked duck try La Lozerienne and if you just want a nice salad and a cup of coffee try Le Bananier ( No 16).

What to do.

If you and the kids don’t want to spend the day at home on a rainy day try Le Musee du Bonbon just outside of town and while you are in the area try a cup of roasted cafe at L’Atelier du Cafe, you can also go visit Le Pont du Gard; this masterpiece of civil engineering has stood for 2000 years. Its asymmetrical arcades on three levels create a perfect vision of harmony. In antiquity, the aqueduct was supplying NImes with spring water. Another great option is La Begude St Pierre, park your car and hike the half hour stretch to the Gorge. If you like pottery make a stop at St Quentin La Poterie, a short drive and lots of pottery outlets. Also you can check out le Musee d’Uzes, you will see a scarf and an overcoat that belonged to Nobel Laureate Andre Gide.

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Restaurant Ma Cantine

 

A memorable week in Provence, Thanksgiving tour

Tags

all meals included, Bastide, Drivers, Eygalieres, foraging, local chef, one memorable week, TGV train ride round trip, Thanksgiving tour, tour guides, truffle tour, villa Accommodation, villa double occupancy, wine tasting

Luxury Travel Consultant2 invites you to a memorable week in Provence. Some trips ideas of a perfect tour with friends, family or joining a group.

Thanksgiving in Provence at a Bastide in Eygalieres.

No plans for your thanksgiving holidays ?

We have you covered and would like to invite you to join us in Provence.

This beautiful Bastide is located near St Remy de Provence, famous worldwide, ever since Van Gogh depicted it. St-Remy fountains ( one name after Nostradamus, the very well known astrologer and a local), its boulevards lined with plane trees and its winding alleyways.

This beautiful Bastide has a view of the hilltop village of Eygalieres, lavender and a trickling fountain. Just a few minutes away from St Remy and Les Baux de Provence, this Bastide is a true find where you will encounter the best in location as well as the luxury and comfort of a convivial yet prestigious Mas. It is a superb location for a group but you will find enough privacy as it boasts large terraces both around the pool and the side of the house overlooking the hill of the Alpilles. The bedrooms offer the privacy of a boutique inn while the communal areas , kitchen , pool and terraces draw guests in, making them feel at home. This beautiful Bastide is an unforgettable way to visit Provence.

 

We invite you to a perfect week in Provence at a Bastide in Eygalieres.

Villa Accommodation ( double occupancy) is $ 3, 840 pp ( All inclusive) & ( single occupancy) $ 350 extra added.

TGV train ride ( Round trip)

Drivers / guides ( Transfers, Touring the region)

Local private chef (  Continental Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner & 4 bottles of wine included for dinner).

A truffle tour with lunch included ( Tour in English)

Mushroom hunting or Fishing with a local hunter ( Tour in English)

Wine tasting and a lunch will be served.

AIR FARE IS NOT INCLUDED!

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Book by June 26, 2015. Email us for more information at : anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com

http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Facade of the Bastide

One of the bedrooms