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wendy jaeger 10/27/12 wendy jaeger 10/27/12

Holiday Vacation in Paris: Paris Pastry, Party & Holiday Treats

Holiday Vacation in Paris: Paris Pastry, Party & Holiday Treats

The LA Times wrote about Paris pastries, and I am quoting below, because this is the time of year we start to think of sweet treats --the holidays are approaching and we are busy planning so that our holiday travelers experience the best of that Paris has to offer in the form of sweats and treats.

Paris: The City of Pastries

By Karen Leland, Special to the Los Angeles Times

"The next time you're in Paris, drop your concern about carbs and surrender to sugar. The jewelry-like pastries these top-tier tastemakers turn out make it worth putting aside your intestinal fortitude for a bit of heaven.Pierre Hermé: In this chic shop on Rue Bonaparte in the St-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, a serious discussion is taking place between a well-dressed Frenchwoman in her mid-40s and the store clerk. The salesperson is inquiring about what cuisine and wines the hostess will be serving, the purpose of the occasion and even the dress code.After gathering all the information he deems necessary, the merchant makes his recommendations. The hostess affirms his choices with a brief nod and, with gloved hands, he removes a selection of macarons from their place in the case and places them gently in a round box with orange piping that says simply, "Pierre Hermé."Pierre Hermé is one of several famous patisseries in Paris that have become well known for their macarons — a delicate cream-filled cookie with a crisp outer shell. Part of what has made these macarons so popular, despite their price tag of about $2.50 each, is the unusual flavor combinations, such as Arabesque, with apricot and pistachio; Mogador, made from passion fruit and milk chocolate; and Magnifique, a combination of strawberry and wasabi.One of the top pastry chefs in Paris, Pierre Hermé has managed to marry the dense taste of an exotic cake with the light crunch of a sugar cookie — creating nothing short of a macaron movement."

Bliss Travels Review: What I find most interesting are the places they chose to write about. Among them are Pierre Herme and Gerard Mulot, two renown pastry chefs with quintessential Left Bank shops. You certainly don't want to miss the pastries at either. I'm surprised though that no mention was made of Pierre Herme's "2000 feuille". What we commonly call a "Napoleon" --a pastry confection piped with caramel and vanilla cream --is one of his best treats. The "real" name for this is Mille Feuille (thousand sheets/leaves). This refers to the paper thin layers of pastry that are piled below, between and above the filling. Chef Herme's is called 2000 Feuille --an obvious nod to his opinion (accurate) of his pastry and its delicacy. So, all of this is by way of saying that the LA Times sure found some hot spots...Pierre Herme is no slouch. But, they didn't find some of the best kept secrets in Paris pastry. (Or maybe they did but they didn't want to publicize the places and change the nature of what they made and how they made it.) The places we most enjoy frequenting, in addition to what the LA Times mentions are the little shops with small production of what can only be described as a cross between a gastronomic feast and a work of art. Whether they are items that are color coordinated for the holidays, double as decoration, or are little jewels packed with astounding flavor, as only the French can do, we encourage you to explore and try them all. They are a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth. The experience is Bliss! So, plan your pastry extravaganza through Paris, or come with us!

wendy jaeger 10/7/12 wendy jaeger 10/7/12

Paris for the Holidays: Tips & Travel Bargains

Tour France: Paris for the Holidays: Tips & Travel Bargains

Paris sparkles over the holidays. In so many ways. We find it pure Bliss and the best way to celebrate. Below are tips for bargains and beating the mad holiday travel rush.

Traveling over the holidays can be exciting --and a great deal. As the New York Times points out, holiday travel bargains can be found by checking flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and keeping your schedule flexible. In addition, they point out that purchasing 8 weeks in advance is ideal for airline bargains.Trusted traveler programs also help make your trip easy and pleasant. Global Entry (apply through the US Government sites) can help you bypass long customs and immigration lines. While others may wait hours, you can proceed to a kiosk where you are allowed to use the automated system. This typically takes less than 5 minutes.There are also "trusted traveler programs". If you qualify, these can help you navigate airport security so much quicker!The same sort of "ease" is true for vacations and hotels if you book early. Booking early can get you great deals and save you time and trouble later in the event that your favorite activities book up. If you book trips where transfers and activities are included, you will often save money and always save "hassle" and time.Visit the big things: Notre Dame for Christmas mass --just for the experience. And the Christmas markets for hot spiced wine, delicacies, crafts, gifts and little trinkets. But, don't forget the less obvious, less touristic things. The holidays are a food and wine lover's paradise. Champagne, oysters, scallops, foie gras, roast meats, truffles and chocolates...all winter fare. Don't miss out! Try the French hot chocolate, thicker and less sweet that what Americans typically have. Try the homemade chocolates and seasonal pastries (we always do a private tasting and wine pairing over the holidays. Yum.)And of course, non chocolate desserts!And truffled pizza, mais oui! The best ever! This is really Bliss --in our opinion! Let us know if we can help make your holidays special. Contact us now for great travel deals during or after Christmas.

wendy jaeger 6/18/12 wendy jaeger 6/18/12

Tour France: A Mediterranean Adventure

Tour France: A Mediterranean Adventure. It's BlissSummer vacations involve the beach, for sure. But, what many people don't know is that there are stunning beaches, with world class views, and great dining --on the Mediterranean, that don't break the bank --and still make you feel like you're in a fairy tale land (which you are).Hope you enjoy these photos --as we continue to Tour France.

The view from here:looks like this:And this...as you watch the boats go by. This is a little sailing school. Too Cute!look carefully --there's a castle at the mid point of the cliffs (top of the lower cliff). Staying there is quite an experience.One room left in mid July and one in August. Contact us toute de suite to book.

wendy@blisstravels.com 609 462 6213.

wendy jaeger 5/24/12 wendy jaeger 5/24/12

Tour France: How to Have The Best Sunday Ever in Provence

Tour France: How to Have The Best Sunday Ever in Provence!There are few things better than a Sunday in Provence. In fact, even if you do nothing special, it's a pretty great day. However, the photos below are what we consider pure Bliss. This is the best Sunday EVER! (And after you've read this, if you disagree, I truly would love to know what you do in Provence that is BETTER!!)To start, we go to our absolute favorite place for a traditional 4 course Sunday lunch. Nestled in the cliffs...It's a stunning but very casual place. When we talk about authentic dining, gourmet but not fussy, this is what we mean.The appetizer platter comes out for people to share. Provencal treats like Anchoiade, tapenade, moules or wild mushrooms...Followed by one of the traditional main courses --this is 'yours truly' filleting everyone's fresh stream trout! Of course, daube and lamb etc are also choices.The Provencal tomatoes and purely delicious creamy potatoes are served as accompaniment.After is the cheese course. Banon is local to the area. It really can't be found anywhere outside of the region --not the real stuff properly ripened.Then come desserts...Then the traditional Sunday hike. When we say the road less traveled and "off the beaten path", we mean it!Up to the ruins for a quick "look". Though some people chose to relax in the shade instead of making the climb.Capturing the view.If you can!And then back "home" for the evening. If you can top this day of pure Bliss, I'd sure like to know how! If you'd like to do this with us some day, contact us! We'd love to share this wonderful experience with you sometime this summer. We will be there in July and August!A Bientôt,Wendy

wendy jaeger 5/19/12 wendy jaeger 5/19/12

Tour France: Vacations in Provence with Bliss Travels

Tour France: Vacations in Provence with Bliss Travels:Some shots from our current trip -- A professional makes all the difference! Whether it's knowing what and how to shoot -- or where to find the authentic places and uncommon sights.

One of the paths that lead to an old Roman road...Poppies under a 2000 year old bridgeMorning light!

wendy jaeger 3/1/12 wendy jaeger 3/1/12

Guest Post: From Monique Marriage

Please enjoy our guest post from Madame Monique

Marriage...Posted on French Wedding Style! And look at the

post as it was originally published

Elope to Paris

Real Weddings by monique

There are many different types of weddings from elaborate celebrations for 150 people to small intimate weddings and this is not forgetting elopements. If you are planning on eloping to Las Vegas then the degree of wedding preparation can be as little or as much as you wish, but for those planning to elope to Paris a little more preparation is needed and indeed a good wedding professional! After all you are still planning a destination wedding which does include a different language, different legal requirements and a different city and suppliers.Bliss Weddings was set up by Wendy Jaeger, who traveled extensively throughout France for more than 30 years. Her relationships with chefs, restaurateurs, artisan producers, artists and others allow you to experience the real France on your wedding day – allowing you to concentrate on the romance of your Parisian elopement.

French Wedding Style Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Bliss Travels

Wendy shares with us one of her real life elopement stories: “Michelle and Jack called me less than three months before their wedding date to ask if I could create a Paris elopement for them…Running off to the City of Lights to get married. Just the two of them. In the end, his father, and her mother, and their best friends also traveled with them. During the weeks that followed, our celebrant spent time speaking with Michelle and Jack about their lives, their love and the ceremony ahead so that he could craft the perfect moment for them.Once in Paris, we arranged to meet for the first time in an historic art deco building on the Left Bank. Sharing Laduree pastries and some Champagne, we talked about the weekend ahead. We arranged for a ceremony in the Tuileries Gardens, by the lily pool, off to the side, under a beautiful tree. When we arrived, there was a painter, in full white, paint splattered smock, with easel, working on an oil painting. We couldn’t resist the setting and held the ceremony with the painter as our background. Along side the painter were some enthusiastic teens. Everyone was onboard with the romance of the marriage –and the teens threw rose petals at the bride and groom at the perfect moment, while the painter provided the most Parisian backdrop possible for this impromptu garden ceremony. After the ceremony, the couple was doused with a shower of rose petals and applause by family, friends, and locals…Everyone wanted to celebrate.After the ceremony we took the couple, and the photographer, by limousine through Paris for photos at all of the fabulous sites. In between stops they enjoyed gourmet treats, champagne and a miniature wedding cake –little treats before they joined their friends and family for the more formal Wedding dinner. This wedding was romantic, casual elegance at its best.”There is something just so romantic about eloping especially to the capital of romance Paris. After all the big wedding celebrations have finished it is still two people making a commitment to each other and starting their life together – just with a few less guests if you elope. Thanks to Bliss Travels for opening the doors on the details behind couples who elope to Paris.As a discussion point, for all those couples who did elope did you tell your family before the big day or after?Happy elopement planning.Monique x x

wendy jaeger 12/19/11 wendy jaeger 12/19/11

Christmas in Paris: It Must be Time for Something…

You know --that moment after you've had lunch, and walked, and seen "everything"...there must be something else to do or have or see....cause this is so much fun!

So, how do you spend a day in Paris over Christmas week? Well, first you…

1.Find an out of the way, top of the top, Bistrot, with a star chef

2.You walk a mile and take the metro –to get there (and stimulate appetite

3.You order: Oysters Tartare with Cream of Lettuce or some other unfathomable but superb combination of ingredients

4.You walk the Christmas markets all afternoon

buying presents and drinking hot spiced wine!