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A Blissful Valentine's Day in Paris!
Bliss Travels...to Paris for Valentine's Day. What's up in the city of romance, on the most romantic day of the year! Well, lots! Two of our clients were interviewed by French television and featured on TV, as they enjoyed the things we gave them (a bottle of Champagne, some treats, and a lock for the Pont des Arts). All of our clients enjoyed privately arranged, top, tasting menus special to Valentine's Day. Meals of a lifetime! And, love was everywhere!This wall is an example of living art in Paris. It says I love you in 250 languages!
as are the shops...
and the Parisian fountains...(even the empty ones)
and the shop windows...
And, bien sur, the weddings themselves! Don't forget those! You can always elope to Paris!
Finally, to pay homage to the romantic tradition that resulted in Bliss Travels clients ending up on French television, here's one of Anthony Bianciella's amazing photographs of the very bridge on which it occurred!We hope you can capture a moment with us to travel to France this spring or summer!
4 Reasons A Guidebook Won't Suffice for Real Foodies!
First, a guidebook or review only gives you old news. First the place is reviewed, or worse, someone collects third party reviews Then the review is edited. Then published. Then read by you. Then, eventually used!Second, you have no idea who the reviewers were in most cases. Readers? Diners asked for their opinion? What kind of taste do they have and what is their level of experience? How do you know what they call charming isn't an awful place that microwaves their food? How do you know that what they call nice, isn't pretentious? The simple answer is, since you don't get to interact with them and ask questions about their recommendations, you don't know their point of view about these things.Third, it's written and then done. It doesn't revisit or speak to people or update itself for your trip...Fourth, what if you have a problem, change your mind, or something doesn't go according to plan? The guidebook is useless.Here is a recent true experience that highlights all four of these points:I had been reading about a great little restaurant, with a "brilliant" young chef for a while. The place was teeny, tiny. The location was good. And I thought, this will be great either for a private dinner for a small group of my clients, or simply to recommend to my clients for a night out in a charming, authentic and well priced, casual gourmet bistro meal. But, and here's the big "but". I never recommend a place I haven't tried. So, I went.I was told I could only eat at 7 or 7:30pm, though I booked well in advance. Okay. I arrived at 7:30pm. The place was adorable. The waitress was lovely. The kitchen was open and the chef was visible and quietly working. All good signs. After about 40 minutes, I had not been shown the blackboard menu, and my order had not been taken. For a solo diner, that's really inexcusable. Seeing that there were still 6 people ahead of me who had to order (a little less than 1/2 the restaurant) and making some calculations given there was one chef and one waitress, I decided to invent a polite excuse so I could leave. I said I had a 9pm appointment and as it was a little after 8pm, I was certain I'd never finish in time, and was very sorry, but could I pay for my glass of wine. I'd have to come back another time, I said (and meant). The chef was a bit brusque, and said, why? There would be no problem serving me and getting me out before 9pm as they had another seating at 9pm. Now, here's where someone with experience clicks in....Immediately, that brought three major problems to mind:1. They planned to serve me 3 courses (first, main and dessert) along with a check within 45 minutes? That meant they'd be able to prepare 2 of the 3 (assuming dessert was pre made) within 10 minutes. That meant it had to be microwaved Or precooked and microwaved...You can't cook a duck breast in only 5 minutes etc. Not a good sign. Plus given the tables needing to order, and the one chef, it meant nothing whatsoever was made on the spot, not a pot on the stove.2. That then made me wonder how fast I was going to have to eat....If it took them 5 minutes to prepare each microwaved, or cold plate, then that gave me about 7 minutes per course before their next seating. That sounded like a lot of stress!!!3. There were NO SMELLS in the restaurant. There were two very friendly diners next to me, eating a braised lamb concoction (that truly did need to be made well in advance --and was better prepared like that) but there was no smell of food in the restaurant. Also, the couple on my other side ordered dessert, which had to have come directly from the fridge --as it arrived in less than 30 seconds. Not a great sign.So instead of deciding to return, I've decided that the reviews and the hype were inaccurate and Bliss Travels clients will not be going to this restaurant...Pas de tout!Bliss Travels will be eating things like the below 70% cocoa chocolate tart with caramel (as they did yesterday):
Or the below pistachio cake with grapefruit, and "grapefruit paper". Gone in a flash!
How to Have a Great Lunch in Paris...Off The Beaten Track
Everyone wants that little, special, "we're the only tourists there and the chef is soooooo good, but without all the pomp and circumstance" bistrot. But, here's the thing. Not everyone finds it. Why? Because unless you know someone, or live in Paris, or go there a dozen times a year, you just aren't going to be in the know. You're going to know what the guide books know. Unless, of course, you experience "Bliss" as we did today!Our favorite "private" chef in Paris treated us to a new treasure!(Bliss Travels clients have tasted his amazing creations --everything from goat cheese flan with roasted tomatoes to chicken roulade stuffed with foie gras in a mason jar on a bed of seasoned vegetables, plus a side dish of cold artichoke and vinaigrette, accompanied by starters of homemade breadsticks and an eggplant dip. Not to be outdone, dessert was a roasted and caramelized pineapple with homemade nougat. And we're talking a PICNIC he made for one of our train rides....So, yep, you get it now, don't you? So, when he said, "Allons Y" or Let's go, we did! Tout de suite!)Off the beaten track. Great chef. Warm welcome. So fun, we closed the place down. (Sorry, Chef, next time we'll peel carrots to help with the mise en place for the dinner service!) Christian, Pierre and Serge along with their wonderful staff made us feel utterly at home!First course was a boudin terrine with chestnuts, and a great, salad.
After came a pintadeau with thyme, on a bed of lentils, carrots and parsnip. Lardons bits were cooked with the lentils, and potatoes on top were like nowhere else! 
There was also veal chop, cooked rare, topped vegetables and in a black truffle jus....oh, ho hum. I know you have this every day!
Just to put the icing on the cake, as it were, we were treated to an outstanding view, and we learned that our chef is willing to give private lessons to Bliss Travels Clients!
France- Day 2: It's Never Too Late/Jamais Trop Tard!
Today, an outstanding lunch at a new favorite --with Michel --a talented photographer, artist and friend-- and the meal was so enjoyable, nobody thought to take pictures! Tout a coup (all of a sudden), out comes the camera and the only photo left to take is the empty bottle of wine and the last bits of dessert!
An excellent Millefeuille (what we call Napoleon.)All of which prompted me to blurt --"oh, it's too late!" Of course, it is, as Michel pointed out, in French fashion, "never too late."
Angels sleeping the way you will after enjoying this wonderful wine!
You have choices! And tomorrow is a new day. You can always go to the afternoon market and buy pleurottes, a Provencal mushroom (and sauté them in garlic, olive oil and parsley), then herb crust a lamb shoulder (yum)...Or you can come with us to France, and experience Bliss -in person -both in the restaurants and in the markets --with or without your camera!So, "Jamais Trop Tard" for those on our trips! Below, one of Michel's incredible drawings!
French Cheeses, A Preview of our tasting event!
Yesterday began our scouring of the French markets for cheeses!Among our discoveries were 36 month and 48 month aged Comtes. Some of the best we've tried.
Bertrand, the shops owner, agreed to do our Parisian tastings himself, either at his shop or personally delivering to our venue! I'm very excited by this because the quality of his products was superior, even for a French cheesemonger.Among the other choices was a truffle stuffed Camembert
After visiting 4 cheese shops in search of specific artisan products, I determined this was the best, by far!We provided clients some late afternoon fortification against the Paris cold! See you soon!
REMEMBER TO contact us if you want to take advantage of our early booking coupon OR if you are attending our wine and cheese tasting in Paris!A Bientôt,Wendywendy@blisstravels.comwww.blisstravels.com
7 Chocolate and French Wine Pairings for Valentines!
Chocolate and Wine....Much like wine, chocolate is harvested, fermented, liquified and "made" into the final product. The "terroir" and the "maker" bring much to the final product.Cocoa grows near the equator, and the heat and type of plant (like wine) create distinct flavor profiles. Cocoa beans are harvested and then fermented. They are dried and processed and eventually ground, roasted and broken down. Finally, they go through a process called "conching", which is akin to constant kneading--and determines the texture of the chocolate. At this point the chocolate is then used as a raw product for artisans and large manufacturers to make their bars, ganaches, clusters and other candies.
Each manufacturer adds his/her own special mixture of ingredients --vanilla, sugar, cream, spice, nuts. Different cultures tend to produce similarly styled chocolates. American chocolates tend to be sweeter, less pure (i.e. milk v. dark) and larger. Belgian and French tend to use much less sugar, rely on thinner more delicate shells for their filled chocolates, use pure creams in the centers (not 'creamy' sugar fillings), and produce higher percentages of purer (i.e. more dark and less milk) chocolate.This blog is going to focus on Pairing French Wine and Belgian or French Chocolate, of course!Here are 7 tips and pairing suggestions to sweeten your Valentine's Day at home or abroad. 1. Pair Champagne with chocolates. Especially with lighter less rich chocolates, or fresh filled Neuhaus creams. Also, this pairs well with chocolate fruit combinations.
2. Pair a French Burgundy (Pinot Noir) with mild, but rich dark chocolates, and dark chocolates with mild spice, roasted nuts or ripe berry fruits. So, consider chocolates with cardamom, hazelnut or dark cherries for these wines.
3. Pair Rhone wines, such as a Chateauneuf du Pape (and other Grenache heavy wines) or wines with rich spicy flavor and high tannins with highly spiced complex chocolates that can match the power of the wine. So, consider chocolate and chili pepper or chocolate with pink peppercorns or strong tea flavors and spice mixtures as good combinations.
4. For purists, wanting to experience the depth of one flavor, use a single origin chocolate with a single grape wine. You can focus on the subtly of each more easily.5. Pair a dessert wine, we prefer a Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, with a salted chocolate or salted caramel chocolate. Make sure you use a rich full flavored deep chocolate. Not a milk chocolate.6. Have a Cognac with a chocolate --either complement it with a cognac flavored truffle or find a very low sugar, almost pure, dark chocolate.
7. Come with Bliss Travels where we do custom pairings and tastings of these things all over France, and in Brussels! At all the best spots! That's why we call it Bliss!
Burgundy Wine Trip Updates
We are planning our twice annual, super exclusive, insider, trip to Burgundy for April and September. What could be better than Spring and Harvest? We note that Burgundy wines are red hot right now, flying off the shelves. So, if you like Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, this is the region for you!Here's a taste of Bliss in Burgundy:Below is the private lounge we use for our breakfasts, and an afternoon aperitif. There are only 4 rooms in this stunning private property.
Below is the living area for one of the 4 rooms (2 of which are suites)
One of the baths:
And one of the 2 non suite rooms. Notice the original antiques and art!
After you've relaxed, we visit vineyards and taste wines. The tastings are private and custom.Visit the centuries old cellars of a winemaker for a private barrel tasting.
Have a private wine tasting of premier cru and grand cru Burgundy wines by candle light
Visit the famous villages, markets and winemaker's of the region.
Then, finish in Paris, the City of Lights for fine dining, custom menus and special experiences
Contact us now to be part of this very small, special trip. wendy@blisstravels.comA Bientôt,Wendy JaegerOwner, Bliss Travels609 462 6213
5 Reasons Why Burgundy Once Again Surpasses Bordeaux!
Well, it's official. Burgundy, the Gold Coast wines of legendary quality, are once again the preferred wines of wine lovers and experts alike.
Need further proof of Burgundy's prominence in the world? Just look at the below results of the recent auctions, as reported by the Wine Spectator:
Move Over Bordeaux: Burgundy Steals the Show at Asia Auctions
Recent sales lead top auctioneers to wonder if Bordeaux may be toppled as the premier blue-chip collectiblePeter D. Meltzer
Posted: November 29, 2011What’s top on the buyers' wish lists? ....all of which have achieved record prices in recent sales. Vintages in demand include 1985, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002 and 2005.As a category, the 102 Burgundy listings tracked by the Wine Spectator Auction Index rose 16.42 percent from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011....
There are many reasons behind Burgundy’s escalating popularity. Limited supply contributes to Burgundy’s appeal. “The quantities of great Burgundies on offer are so small that we never get much to sell,” noted Sotheby’s wine CEO Jamie Ritchie. “By value, in 2010, only 17 percent of the wines we auctioned were from Burgundy. The realization that these wines are extremely scarce has created a new-found appetite.”
This is what we've been saying for years! That's why we go to Burgundy. On our most recent trip, we focused on 1999, 2005 and 2009 wines. Yep, that's right! And they were amazing! The 2007's and 2008's needed time and breathing space.
Time for Truffles! 3 Favorites to Eat in Paris in February!
Winter in France. What's for dinner? Truffles.Best to get the most of your truffle, since they are so expensive. First, make sure you're using the best truffles. Not the nasty flavorless things that sometimes show up in place of the real: Tuber melanosporum, available in France (found in Perigord and Provence) between November and March.
3. Our already famously sought after Truffle pizza....It's pure Bliss!www.blisstravels.com
Soul-full (of) Winter Wonders in Paris (Valentines?)
Whenever we talk about Paris in December or February, people think of the traditional winter foods. Foie gras, truffles, oysters, chocolates, chestnuts, roast and braised lamb...the list goes on! But, there are other types of sustenance. Food for the Soul. Paris if full of things that feed your Soul. And in winter, those things are more peaceful, less crowded, and lit up more beautifully. That's why we go for Valentine's Weekend and Christmas Holidays....See some of what we mean below. These shots were taken on normal days, normal hours, but at this time of year. Imagine having the courtyard of the Louvre to yourself! 
Or having an entire Chateau open for your wine tasting?
Or wandering down a street, and turning the corner to find...
Don't get me wrong. Paris still feeds you in all the other ways. Look at some of the wonderful winter fare we've encountered!
A flatbread pizza with thin sliced potatoes and topped with black truffles...
A rustic apple and raisin tart made especially for our lunch...
Little Life Lessons to Lead You Through 2012
I am sharing this post because it speaks the truth. If you are not following your Bliss, then you cannot reach your potential. I started my business because it represented those things to me. I named it Bliss Travels because I believe that we take that feeling into the world and it travels with us. This post is a step by step guide of how to do this for yourself.Little Life Lessons to Lead You Through 2012.
I hope you all find your "Bliss" in 2012!A Bientôt,Wendy
What to Plan, Pack, Wear for Valentine's Wedding in Paris!
VALENTINE’S DAYThe most romantic day of the year. Propose? Marry? Just escape from it all? Meet the person of your dreams? We’re doing our version of Romantic Bliss over Valentine’s weekend in Paris….What could be better than a romantic hotel, breakfast in bed, private chocolate and wine pairing from a world class chocolate maker, a star studded (Michelin, that is) dining experience customized to the occasion, a saunter through the best that Paris has to offer….And then the moment….What would your moment be?
HOW TO PICK A DRESS FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING.Pick something simple and elegant, or over the top stylish. Pick something you can pack easily so that your trip is effortless. Bring two pairs of shoes. One for the ceremony and dinner, and the other to walk around Paris, so you can get those cool photographs without also getting blisters! Think about what you’d like to wear to your dinner. Elegant, easy to travel with, sophisticated are the Paris buzzwords.We arranged for a bridal shoot for Nicole Miller Philadelphia in Paris two years ag0, and her dresses work very well. Contact us if you’d like an introduction to Nicole Miller Philadelphia!HOW TO PACK FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY WEEKEND IN PARIS:Paris is usually not to cold. Typical weather in February should be about 40 degrees. This past Christmas was unseasonably warm. 50 plus! So, maybe this February will be as well! Whatever the weather, bring a coat, stylish scarf, boots, thin thermal socks (great for keeping feet comfy with all the walking. Pack a pocket umbrella too. I suggest great skirts and knit dresses (everyone was wearing them this season). And, most importantly, pack a small carryall bag to bring home your special purchases! You don't want to run out of room!
WANT TO BRING FAMILY AND FRIENDS?Of course they can come! And we can entertain them. They will sightsee and wine and dine while you and your fiancé decide upon your final plans. They will attend your ceremony, whatever meals you like, and celebrate all over Paris with you…If you like. We arrange for a special itinerary for your loved ones so that they have as memorable a time as you.
Think of these images while you decide whether you want to experience true Bliss!
3 Myths & Some Advice on Weddings and Elopements in Paris!
So, you want to have your wedding in a place imbued with timeless romance....What could be more romantic than Paris (or Provence)? If you can think of something, let me know!
Myth 1: Destination Weddings are more expensive than weddings at home:
The average cost for a wedding in the United States is $26,542.00. This doesn't include the honeymoon. The average honeymoon price is between $5,200-$10,000 for international travelers (depending upon whether you choose a luxury or standard honeymoon).Destination weddings offer you the opportunity to combine wedding and honeymoon in ways that are very cost effective....And allow you to make your special day a truly unique and memorable experience. Elopements to Paris range from $10,000 to $20,000 and include the ceremony, reception, hotel, meals and "a honeymoon".And, where else can you get a background filled with jaw dropping beauty and world class sites? Champagne on top of the Eiffel Tower? Check! Romantic photos by the Seine river? Check! French pastries and great wines? Check!But, it's not just about money! It's about the most important day of your life.
Myth 2: Destination Weddings are more complicated than weddings at home:And Destination weddings present wonderful opportunities to make your wedding day about you and your love for each other. 
People often think that these events are impossible and difficult to plan because of the distance. Not so. At Bliss Travels, it's simple. We do everything for you (other than say "I do")! You talk with us (in English, in the US). We design your unique wedding weekend or week. And then we make it happen. Think of this as your chance to escape the clutter of daily life, leaving the minutia behind, so you can focus on the most important thing: Your partner and your ceremony.
Destination weddings are for couples who want to focus on each other and their commitment. These couples not only have a sense of adventure, they want to look back on their wedding day and remember each other, not the hoards of people, seating arrangements, and catering problems that typically dominate a wedding. Because you do not have these things to worry about when you go to Paris or Provence for your wedding, the day/weekend/week is much simpler! So, kick your feet up and enjoy your wedding!
Myth 3: You must either celebrate at home (with family and friends) or abroad, and miss out on family and friends:Not so! You can eat your cake and have it too! Certainly, you may have a few people who wish to travel with you.
But, even if that's not possible, it's still possible to share your special day with your loved ones. We work with several photography partners who create DVD slideshows of your ceremony and entire weekend/week as well as video of your ceremony. These are edited, set to music, and presented to you soon after your ceremony. Thus, when you get home we can arrange a champagne reception for your family and friends where your guests get to view your special event!So, if you're ready to be the envy of your friends, create a weekend that is truly unique, and thoroughly enjoy yourself, give Bliss Travels a call!
Thanks to our great photography partners: Anthony Bianciella, Sarah Miller, and Bill Mathesius for allowing us to share their work!
Springtime in Provence, Paris, and Burgundy Too!
Some photos from last April and May. Our trips to Burgundy, Paris and Provence...A picture is worth 1000 words...or maybe more! I know it was Bliss!
We visited a beautiful farm to pick herbs, have a cooking lesson (Provencal cuisine of course) and photograph everything that was in bloom!
- Anthony Bianciella, our amazing photographer, makes the trip even more fun!
Except...luxurious original appointments in our private Burgundy property. Only 4 rooms --and our 7 guests adored being spoiled, thoroughly!Murano chandeliers, original antiques...
- and specially arranged private wine tours. This was a happy group!
- No lines. No buses. We did it all custom and private!
A bientôt! See you all soon....And again! It was Bliss!
5 Reasons to Spend Valentine's Day in Paris (as if you needed even one!)
5 Reasons to spend VALENTINE’S DAY in Paris....As If You Needed One!
1. It's the most romantic day of the year. And the most romantic city in the world. Where else would you be?
2. Propose? Marry? Just escape from it all? Meet the person of your dreams? We’re doing our version of Romantic Bliss over Valentine’s weekend in Paris….You do not want to miss out!
3. What could be better than a romantic hotel, breakfast in bed, private chocolate and wine pairing from a world class chocolatiere, a star studded (Michelin, that is) dining experience customized to the occasion, a saunter through the best that Paris has to offer, and that includes: foie gras, truffles, red wine and more chocolate :)
4. To say "I do" with the Eiffel Tower sparkling behind you....or even better, on top of the Eiffel Tower!
5. To find love in the City of Lights!(If you missed our Blog about the wedding photographer who found love on our photo shoot, check it out now. True story!)Think of these images while you decide whether you want to experience true Bliss! Ask about our exclusive WEDDING IN PARIS and our Valentine's Getaways. Not on the website. Limited sale.Call us when you're ready.....wendy@blisstravels.com. 609 462 6213.
5 Highlights of our Christmas Day in Paris…
- The Day starts with a stroll along the Seine (mais oui) to…
- Lunch. But, you must ask, what does one have for lunch on Christmas Day in Paris? Well, a mon avie (in my opinion), this is a meal meant for comfort and relaxation –not “white table cloth” fine dining. Just friends enjoying a great time….Now, don’t be confused. I don’t mean that the food should be “average”. It should be superb –just not “stuffy”. So, my recommendation (and our menu) consisted of Oysters or Salmon or Foie Gras… followed by Roast Leg of Lamb or Duck stuffed with Dried Fruits, or Scallops.
You get the idea, I’m sure. Dessert was a made to order Buche de Noel of Chocolate, Chestnut, Clementine. And, I for one, have to say, YUM. It ranked as one of my favorite meals of the season.
- A stroll to see the City Hall of Paris --location of Robert Doisneau’s famous “kiss” photgraph, and site of Rodin sculptures –and iceskaters!
- Then, it might be nice to stroll the Ile St Louis? It has such an aura. Of course, Bertillon is a requirement if you stop there! As is the Felini-esque show performed, as is usual, in the most interesting way possible, along a bridge on the Seine river.
- Finally –an evening stroll along St Andre des Arts and a stop at St Michel –and perhaps a wine and cheese somewhere (nod to Brooke!!).
Now, that’s a Christmas Day!
Christmas Tastings....In Paris
How do you spend Christmas in Paris? From the culinary perspective, that is!First, you must visit the markets for the seasonal treats.
And, of course, visit the best pastry shops! We led a pastry and chocolate tasting to taste some of the best of what Paris has to offer....ho ho ho!
After walking through the shops and munching on things like millefeuille, lemon tart, madeleines, candied chestnuts, and more, we took a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens and St Sulpice. Then we relaxed in our own private lounge, sipping real Hot Chocolate and sampling artisan pastries and a selection of 5 different chocolates and caramels.
Of course, we also had "real meals"! Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas. We will. We'll be dining in a cozy traditional bistro on French fare such as oysters, foie gras, scallops, truffles, lamb, bass and duck...What are your favorite holiday dishes to dine on if you are away for the holidays?What says "Christmas" to you when you sit at your table? And, what would you try if you were in Paris --during the holidays or any time?
5 Ways to Know: It's Beginning to Look a lot Like....Paris at Christmas!
1. Christmas Markets...Biensur!
2. Bouche de Noel...Fanciful Christmas specialties in every window! 
3. Bistrots are all wrapped up like pretty little presents!
4. Pizza is a thing that is served with truffles and sliced potatoes...OMG. You truly do want to lick the window. (The literal translation for the phrase to "window shop" in French.)
5. Macarons --in gold, with decorations, made to look like (yep, you guessed it) a Christmas Tree (or is that Treat).
JOYEUX NOEL A TOUS!
6 Holiday Shopping Tips: How to shop in France
Shopping, that "all American sport" is one of those cultural obsessions we share with the French. Paris is one of the shopping meccas of the world
And, although it's done differently, it's something, especially at this time of year that both the French and the Americans do with gusto! Holiday Shopping. Whether you visit the Christmas markets, the shops, Paris or Provence, here are some great tips for how to pick up the best gift and also make the experience one to remember.
Here are some tips to make the most of your experience.1. The French are more formal than Americans in their commercial encounters. Begin each transaction --indeed, each entry into an establishment, with a formal "bonjour". Always say "merci" and "au revoir" as well. We Americans like to pop in and out of stores and, if we aren't seriously considering a purchase we don't like to "bother" the staff. The French see it differently. Whereas we might find it rude to 'interrupt', they find it rude not to say hello and goodbye.
2. Comment on the items for sale. Talk about them. Ask questions. Find out where they're from, or how they're made, or how to wear them etc. There's a lot of merchant pride and there are a lot of small artisans and producers who take great pride in their work, and they will likely show you even more special things, once they see that you care about their craft. Plus, you'll learn a little something and connect with someone. (Bliss always makes it a point to introduce people to at least one artisan producer or craftsperson on our trips so people can learn about the product but more so, connect with a different person and culture --the raison d'être for travel!)
3. When you make a purchase in the United States, you hand the money to the merchant and they put the change back in your hands. In France, the money goes on the little tray in front of the register and the change gets put there as well for you to pick up. Rarely do you see a "hand to hand" transaction.4. More than likely, if you buy something, you will be asked if it's "a gift". If it is, it will be charmingly and uniquely wrapped for you. It's so great to return home and give a gift that not only is unique, but looks unique. So, if it's a gift, by all means say so!5. Remember to visit some of the smaller shops and boutiques, as well as window shopping (or as the French phrase translates --licking the windows!) the big named designer shops. So you can get a taste of the region and culture instead of the world popular market.
6. If you're in the countryside --Provence, for example, find out what the specialty of that town is, and then visit those shops. If you're in Sault, it's Lavender. If you're in other places it's pottery or paint pigments or cherries or a particular type of cheese or candied fruit...You get the idea. Local is extremely significant in France. And local means a very small area. (Let me tell you a story. One evening I was sitting at a friend's dinner table, in a small village in Provence. She had a fabulously delicious olive oil on the table. I complimented her on it and asked if it was local (almost rhetorically, because I assumed it would be). She said no. I was shocked and said, "really?" Her response was telling: "No, it's not local, it's from my grandfather's tree." Now, that's really local!!!Have a Blissful Holiday shopping experience! And write us if we can help!Wendy@blisstravels.com