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Christmas in Provence: The 13 Desserts
Christmas in Provence includes the 13 Desserts. Learn what they are and how they are presented.
In Provence there is a special Christmas culinary tradition.
In Provence there is a special Christmas culinary tradition. Family and friends share 13 simple local delicacies at the end of the Christmas Eve dinner. Curious? Follow us as we tell you about this quite recent, but catchy, Provencal custom.
The story begins at the foot of Mount Garlaban in the town of Aubagne … and always finishes in our plates!
In Provence, connecting religious symbolism to food has always been an important part of Christmas. So at the beginning of the XXth century a group of townsfolk in Aubagne decided to pair up a selection of 13 regional desserts as representations of Christ and the 12 apostles. The point was to highlight the delightful local specialties and imbue them with religious significance while also showing family and friends that you were wealthy enough and/or well organized enough to make it through winter with ease, and thus could share your bounty with your holiday guests. The desserts are presented and eaten on Christmas eve and the leftovers stay on the table for the next 3 days. Everyone picks from the table what they like.
Now, how about we discover what they are?
A long list of magical delicacies!
The list of 13 elements is not precise. But there are 6 that you’ll be sure to find on the table each time. Of these 6 specific desserts, 4 represent religious orders: nuts or hazelnuts (Augustinians), dried figs (Franciscans), almonds (Carmes) and raisins (Dominicans).
And 2 are simply delicious: black and white nougat and pompe à l’huile which is an oily flat bread.
Other than these 6 essential items, there is a series of elements from which you can choose from in order to complete your farandole of 13 desserts:
- Dried and sugared fruits
- Calissons d’aix, which are candy-like delicacies made with almond paste and sugar
- Fried cakes like oreillettes and beignet, similar to doughnuts
- Candied fruit
- Clementines
- Quince paste
- Apple and pears
- Prunes
- Oranges (which are a symbol of wealth)
- Orange blossom Fougasse, which is also a kind of flat bread.
- White grapes
- Almond-based cake
What an interesting combination! And even if it’s not at Christmas time, we often browse the markets and offer tastes of some of these local specialties, especially things like the calissons, quince paste and the candied fruits of Apt. Want to learn, see, taste or do more? Look at our website!
Tour France: Best Celebrity Tips For Visiting Paris (or Anywhere in France)
It's not what you see, it's how you see it!
Tour France Paris and Provence
Tour France Provence Paris
Last night, I watched Anthony Bourdain's new show "Layover", the first episode of which focuses on Paris. And I was struck by how much I agreed with him. He said the exact same things I say to my clients all of the time (without the use of @#%& and other colorful wording.) For the second time (he also did a show on Burgundy) I knew most of the places (restaurants, streets, sights) he spoke of quite well, having been to them many times myself with and without clients. I even knew several people he spoke with/visited on air --quite a surprise to see them on the television instead of in person! But it is not familiarity that made me agree with Mr. Bourdain. It was that his advice was the best recipe for having a truly outstanding experience in France. Let me explain why.Everybody and their uncle tells you what to see while in Paris (or Burgundy, or Provence, or just about anywhere)....Your best friend, the guidebook, the blogger you love, the New York Times, your neighbor etc. There is a very long list of things you "absolutely should notmiss". (Even I have items remaining on that list.) But, how you plan your time is even more important than what you decide to see.I know that they might not seem to be very different things. But they are.People ask me all the time what they should see and when --well, that is the business of Bliss Travels. They also ask me to plan for their "downtime" (i.e. time not spent with Bliss Travels) and for the meals they will have on their own. And they should. They are, in fact, paying for my expertise. And they listen carefully to the names of restaurants and special streets and bakeries. The one thing I have a difficult time getting people to hear is that they shouldn't overbook themselves or run themselves ragged. Sure, they should see a few major sites. Sure, they should see a few "off the beaten track" items. But, they should also allow themselves to absorb the place they are visiting. The magic of Paris (or France in general) isn't revealed by a guidebook, or located solely in the many beautiful things to see. It is more keenly felt when one experiences the place and the culture as the locals do (even if a bit more intensely). There is something quite true about that old saying "when in Rome, do as the Romans" That is not to say that you shouldn't take a tour....Of course you should.
Tour France Paris
Tour France Paris Provence
Obviously, we pride ourselves in our small private walking tours and discourage big bus tours. However, bus tours are of interest to some people --especially if they have limited mobility. If you can't do a walking tour with someone like Bliss, then designing your own is a good idea.Of course you should see art in Paris. If not there, where? So choose a museum or two (depending upon the length of your stay) and enjoy that experience. (Tip: Get museum passes if you are going to visit one of busiest museums so you don't spend all morning in line.)Do remember to meander the streets of some of the more interesting neighborhoods, not just the grand boulevards...Do it without a destination in mind. Do you know that some streets in Paris are 1000 years old?Remember to try the local cuisine in one of the postage stamp size bistros that are so popular. (Unfortunately, once Mr Bourdain -a celebrity-- recommends a place on national television, the character of the place, and maybe even the menu can change --so try to find a place that still has its neighborhood character.) If you don't have someone like us to provide that information for you, wonder around --off of a main street, in a nice, but less touristic neighborhood. Start reading menus. If they are in English, move on. Do the same thing if the menu is large. Find a market fresh place with a lot of native French speakers, and give it a try.
Tour France Luxury vacations in Provence Paris
Tour France Paris and Provence
Lounge at a cafe with a coffee or a wine, and watch Paris go by. Walk along the Seine, or sit on the banks or a bridge and absorb the scenery. Visit a park.
Tour France Vacations in Provence
Visit a market street. You must! Taste as you go. A great trick, if you are doing this on your own, is to find a good market street, and look at where the customers are. Stand in line behind a long line of French locals. Listen to what they are ordering --or watch, if you don't understand the language...You'll see a pattern. Try what they are trying! (Normally, I do not advocate acting like sheep --however, if you are trying to find truly fine, non touristy food and drink, and you don't have anyone with inside knowledge helping you, then you must become aware of what the locals are doing. That's the only way you can do a real "quality check" and also experience local fare you wouldn't necessarily know was available
Market Day Tour France Provence
Tour France Summer Vacations in Provence
Attend a performance of some sort. How about a concert in a church (Paris over the holidays has many)? A ballet? A local circus for festival? (A Provence activity in the spring and summer) Even a a street performance is a good idea. You will relax. You will find that humor and entertainment are different and exciting. I will never forget one particular performance in a Mediterranean beach town. It was at the beginning of a trip and I was with two clients from Princeton New Jersey. That evening, before the fireworks --fun huh?-- there was a theatrical street performance as intricate and absurd as a Fellini movie. with actors tossing others into a small pool made on the sidewalk, yelling, laughter, grand gestures. And you didn't need to speak or understand a word of French to appreciate the humor and also how different it was from our own American street performances.Or the time last Christmas in Paris when, after lunch, we stumbled upon a street performer, who kept us in stitches without saying a word.Most of all, just relax and eat and drink and walk...You cannot have a bad time if you do those things! This is Bliss!-Wendy
Tour France Luxury Vacations Paris
Tour France: October in Provence (video)
October in Provence...
On our recent trip to Provence we visited the Luberon and Chateauneuf du Pape.What was extra special about this trip though was that people had the option to participate in daily photography workshops/sessions before or after sightseeing, and also that we had professional photographer, Anthony Bianciella traveling with us full time. That meant that he was always there to offer help and advice, or simply take on the spot photos for people. (Isn't it nice to be in your own vacation photos for a change?)
Of course, before we sped down to beautiful Provence via TGV train, we spent a little time in Paris. Walking, sightseeing, photographing...
and, mais oui, dining -in this case, on the season's first truffles. Truffles in a creamy polenta.
One of the highlights is always the Provencal scenery. The ruins of Chateauneuf du Pape compete for our attention with the changing colored vines, and the gorgeous Medieval villages... Hard to choose which is the best view.
This particular trip included some light hikes through the countryside as well as the ocher mines, sightseeing in various Medieval villages, and a day trip to Chateauneuf du Pape for some truly remarkable wines from some pretty great vintages (Beaucastel, La Nerthe, Vieux Telegraphe, Barroche...to name a few). Click on the "wine" and watch the video Anthony Bianciella made of our trip so that you can take a "virtual vacation" in Provence.
Our next trip to Provence with Anthony is this May....Everything will be in bloom. Poppies, iris's, cherry blossoms. It is a gorgeous time of year to go to Provence. Some of Anthony's Spring photos are below. Click on any of the photos to learn more about our May 2013 trip to Provence. It's small, custom and pure Bliss!flower boxes around every corner.
spring produce fills the markets.
poppy fields everywhere.
Tour France: 5 Tips for Holiday Wine & Cheeses Combos
5 Special French Wine & Cheese Pairings for the Holidays
There are so many great French cheeses, and so many great French wines. It's almost too much to contemplate. However, we decided to profile the ones you are less likely to know about, and which, not coincidentally, go best with our favorite wines --those wines being Burgundy whites and reds, Provencal roses, Chateauneuf du Pape reds (and whites), and Champagne....(The pairings also have a seasonal element to them. The first and second pairing are ones we prefer over the holidays, while the 3rd is a fall favorite. The fourth reminds us of Provence in the spring and summer. And the 5th is a fall and winter treat to have anywhere!)1. Chaource: Chaource is a creamy cow's milk cheese with a bloomy rind that is made in both Champagne and Burgundy. This cheese has been made since the 14th century. When ripe it gets extra creamy and almost liquid. It's a great cheese for those who like creamy cow's milk cheeses and want something with a rich, balanced flavor. Pair it with Champagne --which is a wonderful combination --the creamy rich cheese and the sparkling wine. Or pair it with a Chablis. The ideal way to have this cheese is after a wonderful roasted Turbot with beurre blanc. Drink with Champagne --preferably in Champagne or Paris , in nice chilly weather over the holidays!2. Comte: Comte is a pressed cooked cow's milk cheese. The young ones are fruity with a softer, pliant texture. The older ones are crystalized and have a stronger more sharp flavor. And if you find one that has been properly aged, it's an unbelievably delicious cheese. The flavor of a great Comte is quite complex and hits you in different places on your palate. We have been lucky enough to find a cheese monger in Paris, who, over the holidays, carries a 48 month old "holiday" Comte that is truly remarkable with a full and deep complex flavor and crystallization that adds crunch and interest. It's a remarkable find. This wine goes well with either a very light red (Beaujolais) or a very rich white (a full, rich, oak, Burgundy) in my opinion.
3. Epoisses: Is a stinky (really) raw cow's milk cheese that has been washed while aging in a Marc de Bourgogne (a form of brandy from Burgundy). It is amazing. Because it is a raw milk cheese, you can only buy it in the US if aged more than 60 days. Thus, the best Epoisses is still found in Burgundy. Many people will tell you to pair this cheese with a red wine, since it is strong. However, I think the best pairing for this cheese is a white Burgundy. A full, round, buttery one. Try a Meursault Les Charmes, 1ere cru. Or for more minerality, a Puligny Montrachet. And, do try it in France if you can! Every time we go to Burgundy, I make sure to have this cheese with a wine that fits this profile. We are never disappointed by this combination.4. Banon: This is our absolute favorite Provencal cheese! It is primarily made of goat's milk which is washed in a marc (from Provence) and then wrapped in Chestnut leaves that are tied with raffia. Legend has it that it has been made since the first century A.D. This goes nicely with the scenery in Provence, which is also that old! When it is younger it has a creamy, slightly crumbly texture and a mild flavor. As it ages, it becomes creamier and runny. Both versions are delicious. This cheese pairs nicely (bien sur) with a Provencal rose. Also, though a crisp, slightly sweet white works. This cheese is best served with fruit before dessert, but is also good on a green salad as a starter or light lunch. We have a special cheesemonger we go to in one of the area markets who sells Banon "bien fait" (well aged and runny) and "moins fait" (creamy and younger) --at an astoundingly reasonable price. People line up 10-20 deep at the market just for her cheeses. They are Bliss!
5. Roquefort: Is a sheep's milk cheese aged in caves with a strong flavor profile. It can be paired with a variety of wines. I like it with a Chateauneuf du Pape or other Rhone red. The full bodied reds compliment and stand up to the cheese. Of course, you can also have this with a port or other slightly sweet drink at the finish of a meal. Think about Roquefort served with roasted pears or figs --or even a fig confit -- slightly sweet fruit breads or oat crackers and port. Yum. Wonderful varieties of Roquefort can be found in the U.S. Pair it as we did below, with a Chateauneuf du Pape, Beaurenard 2007! Wow.
Have a Blissful Holiday Season!A Bientot,Wendy
Tour France: Food & Wine Vacations are Bliss!
Some places are extraordinary. Some meals are as well. It's that magical combination of place, ambiance, warm welcome, specialty cuisine and company that makes these places pure Bliss! 
Of course, getting there is also half the fun. 
The wines were all Chateauneuf du Pape. Chateau La Nerthe 2009 white and red. The white was among the best I've every had.An amuse bouche of eggs. The eggs in Provence are different (yes, even if you eat free range, farm eggs in the US. They are not the same.)
A lasagne of vegetables topped with girolles mushrooms was as tasty as it was healthy and beautiful.
An absolutely marvelous variation on the theme of Bouillabaisse. Truly memorable. A saffron fish broth held the freshest poached fish --not overly cooked--and still succulent and tender -- with a saffron aioli and a tapenade crouton. This dish was a trip highlight and one we will make at home --that's a promise. When the recipe is worked out Bliss Travels will share it.
Scallops in a lemongrass and leek broth...another "keeper".
The requisite chocolate, salted caramel with dark chocolate and hazelnut was as good as it looked, but the real surprise was the Grand Marnier poached pear with orange and a four grain tulle. A truly superlative example of what fresh fruit can become in the hands of a master chef!
Experience Bliss with us. Contact us when you are ready to have this sort of vacation.
Tour France: Food, Wine & Photo Vacations in Provence
Tour France: Food, Wine & Photo Vacations in Provence
Nothing is better, in my opinion, than the food and wine in France. And what better way to continue to enjoy the experience other than to photograph what you are enjoying?
The meal begins with an eggplant crumble and some wonderful tapenade. Follow this with braised lamb and kidneys.
Chocolate, mais oui!
Cafe...apres!
And, of course...digestive! Of course, the only "real" choice was the Marc de Chateauneuf du Pape!
The perfect end to a lovely day! Bliss!
France Culinary Travel: Provence's Lavender Fields and Luminous Meals
France Culinary Travel: Provence's Lavender Fields and Luminous Meals
Touring the markets, restaurants, and vineyards of France's sunny southeastI found this great and informative piece by Julie Mautner and had to share it with you. If you are thinking of travel to Provence, then you should read this. Plus, for fun, we added our own photos --just to give it a little "zing". A bientot, from Bliss TravelsBy Julie Mautner
The people of Provence see themselves as uniquely blessed: by their brilliant sunlight and Mediterranean climate; by the beauty of their landscape, captured on the canvases of Cézanne and Van Gogh. And most of all, by the flavor and freshness of their sun-drenched cuisine.The Provençals are crazy about food. They're serious gardeners and knowledgeable and passionate eaters. It's the rare Provençal that doesn't have grapevines on the terrace, an olive tree in the garden, or a chicken in the yard. Foraging, whether for wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, or truffles, is a cherished pastime. The France we see in movies — where huge families gather at long garden tables for copious meals — is visible daily all over Provence. If you're invited to Sunday lunch here, you can kiss your afternoon good-bye.
The Place
Asking someone to geographically define Provence is like asking for a recipe for "real" bouillabaisse: Everyone's got an opinion. It has six distinct departments: the Bouches-du-Rhône, the Vaucluse, the Var, the Alpes de Haute-Provence, the Hautes-Alpes, and the Alpes-Maritimes. Within each department are specific regions: The Vaucluse has the Luberon, for instance.
Provence is in full glory in summer, of course, when it seems that all of France (and Europe) descends. Spring and fall are perfect for leisurely food-fueled touring, particularly during the vendange (grape harvest), which starts in early September. Winters are mild, but many places close between November and March. Yet, no matter when you come, you'll find the Provençals are virtuosos in the fine art of food.
The Ingredients
In Provence the idea of terroir — roughly translated as "a sense of place" — is a foregone conclusion. The closer to home something comes from, the better it is. And knowing who raised your lamb or pressed your olives makes it better still. Homemade olive oil, wine, and confiture are cherished holiday gifts.
Provençal meals are planned around the changing seasons. The arrival of the first spring asparagus results in a burst of celebratory cooking. A Provençal would no sooner bake a peach tart in winter than he would grab a Napa Valley Chardonnay from the supermarket shelves. Just about anywhere you go, you can experience food and wine at its source. Bakers will invite you back to see crusty country breads being pulled from the oven; chefs will gesture you into the kitchen to sniff a dirt-caked truffle. Food festivals abound, celebrating all the important products of the region, including melons, truffles, lemons, garlic, lavender, and wines of every type. At village fund-raisers, local favorites such as bouillabaisse, paella, daube (beef stew), and aïoli are dished out in vast quantities, along with plastic cups of local vin du table.
Julie Mautner is a freelance food and travel writer based in St.-Rémy de Provence, France.
France Food Tour: This Summer's Dining Experiences in Paris, Provence & Med
France Food Tour: This Summer's Dining Experiences in Paris, Provence & Med This summer provided for some interesting gourmet discoveries and some wonderful repeat experiences. Below are some of the highlights of our fine dining and country fare. Everything from Michelin stars to picnics on the grass to lunch overlooking the Mediterranean. First: Dining in Paris....Reach for the stars! Foie Gras with cherries and chutney. 
Clams...with a parmesan foam. OMG.
Tomatoes with almonds over a base of mackerel seviche --before the chilled almond soup was poured on top!
Pigeon with a rhubarb fruit puree...
From Paris to Provence and the Mediterranean. Fish and the freshest produce dominated those wonderful menus...
Fresh Trout pulled from the local stream and cooked at out local auberge.
Rouget. Another great Mediterranean specialty --seen mostly in the South of France. In this case, filets served with a variation on ratatouille.
Last, but not least --fresh wood grilled sardines served with olive oil to drizzle over them, a wedge of lemon and a fresh green salad.
What more could you want? Oh, that's right....Picnics of all sorts...From the rustic but gourmet...
To the impromptu apres Marche picnic on the castle grounds...
To the custom dining based upon local produce... It's absolute BLISS. Contact us now if you'd like to experience Bliss
Tour France: Fall in Burgundy, Paris & Provence
Tour France: Beautiful Regions in FRANCEFall in Burgundy, Paris and ProvenceFall is beautiful in every region in France. We visit 3 regions in France during the fall. It's hard for me to decide which is the most beautiful region of France. Look at our photos below and you can decide!We are in Paris, bien sur. And Paris in the fall is lovely and buzzing with activity. Here are some favorites from Paris. (Think about visiting over the holidays with us.)
We visit Burgundy. This year's trip is going to be extraordinary. It's a mix of return and new clients --all food and wine lovers! (We are very very happy about that). The vines are being harvested. And the weather is crisp and cool --perfect for traditional Burgundy fare! (Look for next year's trip --this one is full.)Our favorite winemaker --charly is the BEST and his private tastings with us are spellbinding! Really!
Some of the little, lesser known places where the owners proudly share their wine making knowledge
Well --this one is self explanatory!
Burgundy architecture
One of our tastings --can't wait for this year's. Camille, the sommelier who will choose the special vintages, has set up a private "chapel" for us to taste and also a private lunch for after. I love this trip!
Provence...What can we say? Provence is pure Bliss! Especially if you tour Provence the way we do --small groups. No commercial destinations. Off the beaten track sites AND insider experiences. Our summer was full of those and our October trip will be as well (plus we have Chateauneuf du Pape on the radar for October). ONE room left on this trip.If Burgundy is where our thirst is, Provence is where our heart is!Nothing sings like the Luberon --it just gets into your heart.
Of course, the tough choice is always between sea and countryside. Impossible choices :)
Yes, this is a real chateau. Yes, it's in Provence!! And yes, they make Chateauneuf du Pape wines here! We walk through the vines after. Here's the view in October. The colors were changing and the light was soft.
Beauty everywhere.
Wow --our mountain top picnic spot!
If you'd like to join us on one of our personalized, small group trips to Provence, we have one room left in October (max 11 guests and 2 leaders, along with private sightseeing, chefs and driver) And 3 rooms left in May 2013. CONTACT us now before these also sell out.wendy@blisstravels.com 609 462 6213
Tour France: Gourmet Travel & Provence Picnics
Tour France: Gourmet Travel and Provencal PicnicsWarning: Drooling likely. Have snack handy.Anyone who's going to France is aware of the reputation France has for outstanding cuisine. The produce, the cheeses, breads, desserts, even meats are world renown. One of the single best ways to experience what France (and more specifically) Provence has to offer is to make and/or join in for a real picnic. Here are some photos of our absolute favorite picnic lunches. Some are self made. Some are offered by tiny out of the way auberges, and some are custom from our chefs. Try not to drool on your screen as you scroll through these mouthwatering treats.
Roast pork (from the farm) with rosemary potatoes, and house made goat's cheeses
Wines, proscuitto, peppers, zucchini all made up the meal as we sat at this gorgeous mountain top locale.
Prepping for our own picnics in a local kitchen
If you'd like to experience one --or more-- of these culinary fantasies, contact us now. We have ONE room left on our October Fall Foliage trip to Provence (and Chateauneuf du Pape) and we are booking rooms for next May in Provence!Contact us now. Wendy@blisstravels.com
Tour France: Culinary Bliss
Tour France: Culinary Bliss!Our trip highlights always include culinary adventures. This trip is no exception. A spectacular tasting menu, a private luncheon, even a special cafe...whether formal or casual, it's truly Bliss!Foie Gras...compote....what more can we say?
Marscapone ravioli with parmesan foam make the perfect accompaniment --
Tomatoes and an incredible fresh ceviche in an almond milk...
squab, cherries, and rhubarb....
A nice finish to the day!
Tour Provence: Lavender in Provence
Tour Provence: Lavender Season
What's your favorite color? Well, in summer, my favorite color is lavender. And, right now, it's in full bloom...From the hills of the Luberon to the valleys, the color lavender is everywhere. It's Bliss!
Contemplating photos....
Tour Provence: Vacation in Provence in a Day!
Tour Provence: Vacation in Provence in a Day!
From the ancient ruins you can freely climb through --to photography, to hiking, to pondering n'importe quoi... or just to put out a blanket and enjoy the view...
To the village panoramas...
To the life within...
Why not open the door on a new adventure. It's Bliss!
But first, read what others have to say...Don't take our word for it.
After you are through, book our last room. Watch the lavender flower, and experience the fragrance when a field is cut...It permeates the air for a quarter mile around it!
July 17-22 Provence (possible early arrival for Paris too!)
or
July 28-August 4 (Mediterranean and Paris) This trip is not advertised. It's a small private trip. contact us for details wendy@blisstravels.com
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.
Tour France: Provencal Perspective
Tour France: Provencal Perspective.Perspective is an interesting thing. Sometimes it refers to your relationship with people, sometimes time, and sometimes the physical environment...In Provence I usually see all three things at once. And that's a good day!Here we are at a typical Provencal lunch. Sure it takes 3 hours...But, it's not like "Thanksgiving dinner". We are not all just dying to lay down on the couch to lessen the "pain" of overeating. Rather, it's a relaxing and integral, yet energizing, part of the day
There's your perspective AFTER the meal...what do you do? Here's one idea...Though it's certainly not the only good idea, it is one that we find Bliss-ful!
(sorry it's sideways-- that's Emmy taking the road less traveled to the top of the cliffs...)Then there's physical perspective --in view and in deed...indeed!
To give you some perspective of the size of these cliffs, the above shot was taken from the cliff it faces --at a distance. The bottom two show CLIMBERS on the facing cliff. You must look quite hard --they are the "ant" like things on the rock face!
In this shot, the crevice in the rock is actually big enough to camp on --see the people walking inside of it?
All of this seems to put life in a better perspective. Bliss is not a "holiday" event or a gift. It should be a regular feature in your life. Call us when you are ready!609 462 6213 or wendy@blisstravels.com. 2 rooms in August and October are available. 1 room in July. June and September are full.
Buying a Good Camera for Travel - Guest Post
Guest Blog by Anthony Bianciella (traveling photographer for Bliss Travels Photo Tours)I'm often asked about what camera to buy, especially for traveling on vacation, since I co-host the photography & wine trips to France along with Bliss Travels.Of course, I must answer the question with some questions of my own:
- What's your budget? (the cost of new cameras range drastically these days)
- How big of a camera are you willing to carry?
- Are you interested in managing the camera or do you just want to "point and shoot"?
- Do you think you'll get more involved with the settings as you gain experience?
Armed with that information, I can usually get you going in the right direction and narrow down the choices.Here are some things to consider...Generally speaking, there are two main camps; you either want a camera that slides in a pocket or you are willing to carry it on your shoulder or in a camera bag.Small cameras get better each year and most will take a nice picture (as long as you have good light). So you can get a properly exposed picture during the day and outside - markets, mountainsides, streets, flowers, people (as long as you don't make them squint), etc. Once you go inside or it gets a little dark outside, things can get more difficult.Some small cameras have intelligent automatic modes that do a decent job of blending natural light with the flash on the camera. Let's put it this way...it'll do but it could be better.
Learning a little bit about exposure controls might also help you get the shots that you see with your eyes. For example, you might want to take a twilight photo with something in the in the foreground (maybe boats in a marina). Your small camera would probably make the boats look too dark in order to make the sky look right. Or the sky won't be deep and rich in color because your camera might try to make the boats bright enough to see.Moving up to a larger, more advanced camera will help you overcome some of these limitations. Of course, these cameras also have automatic mode so you can work your way up. And when you do, you'll have the control that you need to get the shots you want.Larger cameras tend to come with larger lenses...in the end, you can't change the laws of physics and more glass in your lens, typically means more light in your camera.
This is just a small intro to picking the right camera and is a conversation I have with the people that come with us on our photo tours. So if you are thinking about buying a new camera and would like to learn how to use it, consider one of our trips where we immerse you in places and experiences that give you plenty to photograph.You can shoot me an email if you have a question about the right camera for you. If you answer the questions above, I'll try to get you some options to consider.And if you're ready to hit the road with us and see some beautiful places, check out our tours. Our next photo trip is planned for October to Provence (some details below). Or, check out Bliss Travels for other France travel options.October 2012 Trip OverviewWe have designed and planned a very special photo and wine trip to the south of France. The Luberon Region of Provence is one of the most sought after destintations and one of the most beautiful places to explore. Here you will find roman bridges and roads, perched medieval villages, farms with world-renowned produce and some of the best wines in the world. The landscapes and vistas should not be missed.Photographers of all levels have raved about the experience. And their companions have been happy to spend a vacation together where both can truly enjoy themselves.Our trips are designed for all photographers - beginners, intermmediate and even pros. We provide sights and experiences that are off-the-beaten-path and would normally require hours of research to find. In fact, without friends in these places, it would be impossible to replicate the experience that we have prepared for you.Space is limited as this is a small group tour (not a big bus herd). For more information visit the tour page here.Or contact me directly with questions or to reserve a spot ( anthony@anthonybphotos.com, 908-240-2322).
Tour France: Experience Provence...like a local
Tour France: Experience Provence...like a local (menu suggestions below)
Wondering down the village road
to visit the local market --set up from the town parking area through the main square, and on several little streets. Not the biggest area market --but a very authentic and less touristy one.
Taking our picnic items to a nearby olive grove where we walk along and see the first lavender blooms.
peeking in corners at gardens
Paints quite a nice picture of the day --we think it's Bliss
Tour France: The Best Vacation in Provence!
Tour France: Provence in Cherry Season...The best vacation in Provence
Life may not be a "bowl of cherries" but you sure can pick your own treats....Fast food Provence style --pick your own dessert on the way home from dinner!These cherry trees are so full of cherries that the bows are bent nearly to the ground. This little orchard is off of a Roman road, a few steps from the center of a Medieval village we like to call "home".
On our way back, the view was panoramic.
Today's adventure begins with market day.Contact us to know more about our last room in July (NEW dates: Arrive between July 13 and 16 for Bastille Day in Provence or Paris, and then spend July 18-22 in the Luberon) and our trip in October!
Tour France: Best Summer Festivals in Provence (with schedule)
Tour France: Best Summer Festivals in Provence and Festival Schedule.Schedule:Cherry Festivals in mid and late JuneMelon Festival in JulyLavender festivals in late July and AugustBastille Day --July 14Tour de France --July 14 in ProvenceWine and art festivals...July etc.Fete Votives: late June, July and August.Summer is festival season. Provence is full of a huge variety of festivals.There are themed festivals. There is a honey festival, several wine festivals, art festivals, a melon festival, a cherry festival...and pretty much a celebration of any food product you can think of. Below are some photos of past festivals.
Being inducted into the "royal order of the melon". Really.
A special melon dish. Lobster or prawns are baked in this one of a kind "plat". We have been privileged to do this with the chef several times.
The meal following the festival celebrating the town's release from the dragon.
Walking around the Lavender festival last August.
There are "fetes votives" in each village. Those include things like dancing in the town square to live music, Champagne "stands", carnival games and perhaps even a special market. I love these local festivals. They bring such romance to a Provencal night.
The cafes take advantage of the closed roads to set up table everywhere. 
Bands play on the side walk --trumpets and all!
Evening fireworks over a Mediterranean village.There is Bastille Day. This brings a weekend full of festivities. In Paris, it is dominated by parades andfireworks over the Eiffel Tower. In Provence, it is marked by celebratory town wide meals (Pistous and Aiolis), dancing and fireworks in the town centers and huge, luscious markets full of tantalizing treats and products.
Tour France: Summer Colors Provence & Mediterranean
Tour France: Summer Colors
Provence and the Mediterranean. It's the most colorful, tasty time of year. Vibrant is the word that best expresses the summer. Long, languid, yet energizing. Enjoy the photos below. Taking them was Bliss!
Dancing in the streets...for every holiday, summer festival and so fun to do and watch!
Clear blue, peaceful...
A favorite place to promenade and watch the street performers.
dining on the mussels, beachfront on the island
a bientôt! Hope to see you this summer. Contact us for more information