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.

Fall...Along the Mediterranean

Yes, jousting is still possible to watch. Bet you wanted to know how popular this Medeival sport really was. We were pretty surprised to see this. But, it does fit with the mood along the coast, where there are games and performances, no matter what the season.

Wine tasting in our favorite "cave". Trying the local whites.

Dinner in a private room, overlooking the Mediterranean cliffs at sunset.

Some of the dining choices...Mussels along the Med are often paired with wonderful sauces. This had a tomato, onion, and a touch of cream.Rascasse -- a fish found only in the Mediterreanean.A nice walk after a satisfying dinner.

calm and quiet after the summer high season.

cafe lounging before our walk around the cliffs.It was a beautiful, fall day...wind was blowing, but that made the sky very blue and the temperatures cool enough to walk all afternoon.