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Tour France: Off The Beaten Track in Provence
Tour France: Off the Beaten Track in Provence...If you do enough research and talk to enough people, you can find stunning villages to wonder through all on your own. No problem. Provence is a region of Beauty. Touring Provence is a great way to spend your vacation. Just make your visit to France special by getting off the "beaten track" and enjoy some sights with local color! It's even more special when you can do and learn things you'd never get access to on your own. Over the next few posts, we'll highlight some of these exclusive access activities.Can you find a newly discovered excavation site? Bliss did!
And, have a private tour of a closed Provencal church --one with origins from before the year 500 ?
Visit a Roman bridge and learn to photograph with a professional photographer?
An
And Make sure to find time to enjoy the local dining and wonderful people!
It's truly Bliss!
A Bientôt....let us know when you want to do something off the beaten track.
Tour France: Spring in Paris & Provence
Tour France: Spring in Paris and ProvenceWhat a whirlwind arrival. Talk about "hitting the ground running". What a beautiful day! Sights galore. Wonderful views. It was bliss!
Let's orient ourselves to Paris.
Two of our professional photographers. Anthony's trips with us are great!! And Michel is tops! They are both enjoying the mid day sunshine!
Of course, they might be smiling because of their lunch!
Then, of course, the photographers in our group started snapping away --while the rest of us admired our surroundings.
To finish the day, we enjoy a non touristy rooftop view and a glass of rose....It was Bliss!What us to save you a space on one of our summer trips --Bastille Day? August Lavender season? Let us know now! wendy@blisstravels.com
Tour France: What is Bastille Day in Provence?
Tour France: What is Bastille Day in Provence?Bastille Day --July 14, is the day the peasantry stormed the Bastille (Paris prison). The revolutionary spark was presumably lit by Marie Antoinette's suggestion about the starving peasantry to "let them eat cake." Of course, we'll never know her real intent. And, truthfully, by the time the Bastille was "stormed", there weren't many prisoners left. However, the day has become a major celebration in France, much like July 4th is for us in America.Paris is lit up. There are parades, military services and fireworks over the Eiffel Tower. It's truly a sight. But, we find our Bliss in Bastille Day in Provence.If you tour France and have the chance to visit Provence on Bastille Day --you can find:Stupendous special markets with special street fairs and fun fair attached to them
Group meals with Provencal specialties that entire towns attend (and you can too)
Running of the bulls through the streets
Bull fights (but not the kind that hurt the bulls)Outdoor "toasts"Parades
We have one such trip planned --and it's going to be a once in a lifetime --probably 6 person --visit to Provence --where we spend a weekend doing all of these things--as well as wine tastings and a stay in the Luberon --the most beautiful part of Provence.Tour France: Find Out About Summer Vacation in Provence (Bastille Day)
Tour France: Summer Vacation in Provence is spectacular.Sunflowers. We stopped by the side of the road to photograph the sunflower fields.
Provencal Markets --All sorts of great foods and treats (see our earlier blog about how to shop the markets).
This particular Lavender field was a field we walked to --it was in a hidden, off road place. Up in the hills are Roman ruins that are not excavated, and also below --about a 1/2 mile walk is a watering hold where we went swimming. Not a tourist spot at all. In fact, a local friend showed it to us.
And, Bastille Day! What is Bastille Day and what are Bastille Day celebrations like?
See our next post. We're going to tell you all about the fun activities and what you can do in France during BASTILLE DAY 2012.
A Bientôt,Bliss Travels!
Provence Foods! Goat Cheeses - the "insider experience"
French cheeses. No other country produces more cheese!I have a number of clients who come on trips and say they love French cheese, but not goat cheeses. I have NO clients who leave us after a trip and haven't found at least one goat cheese they absolutely love! It's true 100% of the time.
We have some great insider experiences we've offered to "foodies" who want to explore cheeses. Below is a selection of carefully chosen goat cheeses from 3 local artisan producers, along with local figs, that we provided for a private lunch.
This begins our private visit to a very small local goat farm and artisan cheese producer. She makes the best fresh goat cheeses in the area. The flavor changes depending upon the time of day and also the season the animal is milked. Some of the cheeses are seasoned with herbs or peppercorns. Some are plain.
There are different goat cheeses made in each area. One of the best, and hardest to find in the US is Banon --a goat cheese wrapped and aged in chestnut leaves. We usually have this as a cheese course in a tiny auberge we go to. The texture of these cheeses depends greatly on its age.
If you find French cheese Bliss, then maybe you ought to visit Provence.--Wendy
What is Insider Access & Insider Photos from Provence & Burgundy
What is "insider access"?
A Perfect Day in Provence with "Insider Access"
Her private work space!
A special meal was prepared for everyone. Some had a duck confit. Some had orange and fennel salad with a fish wrapped in parchment.
Our fabulous host came to see us off!
A True Story of Americans in Provence: Insider Info!
A Recent Liberation, A True Story of French American Relations
By Wendy Jaeger and Bill Mathesius
In recent years there has been much banter about the supposed strained nature of Franco-American relations. Americans believe the French dislike them. And, for their part, the French believe it is the Americans who dislike them. I wish I had a euro for each time a French person has asked me why we Americans dislike them so much. Each side tells its own stories of rejection and animosity. Americans tried to ban imports of French wine and our dislike was so intense we actually tried to change the name of our favorite fast food from French fries to “Freedom” fries – never mind that the deep-fried potato dish has no origin in French cuisine! For their part, the French feel invaded by American fast food and policy and have set about destroying “McDo,” as they call McDonalds (which, perhaps, may not be an altogether bad thing).However, on a “people to people” level, things are much better than advertised. In fact, maybe they were never as bad as the press would have us believe. Over the years I have had the pleasure of taking many small groups to France as a part of my culinary/travel business, Bliss Travels. My clients are always surprised by the kindness and generosity of the people we encounter—not because we expect them to be otherwise. Rather, we wouldn’t expect anyone to give so freely of their time, of their knowledge, of themselves. That summer was no exception.I once more delivered a group to one of my favorite towns, a mid-size town nestled in a valley of the Luberon. It is an “authentic” town; little English is spoken. The town and the surrounding countryside are populated by families who have lived there for generations. There are no trains or planes to take you there. (In a charming and typical French twist, there is a train station office in the town, but the closest set of tracks is 100 kilometers away.) Perhaps this is why the town doesn’t change much from year to year.
We chose an “off” day to walk the pedestrian part of the town. This town is known for its outstanding weekly market which, like a hard rain, spills and fills every corner of the town. It winds through the streets and squares, going on for miles. As a result, one can never really “see” the town itself during market day. My group arrived late afternoon to sample the fresh fruit, wine, candies and crafts and to uncover gifts for their children. My two pre-teen daughters were with me to help pick out treats. We stopped at a children’s candy store to ask a question.
The “responsable” – the man in charge – was an elderly gentleman sitting a stool and resting his hands on an intricately carved cane. Though clearly a shopkeeper, he was crisply dressed in a black vest which was buttoned over a well worn white dress shirt, it in turn buttoned to the neck, and black pants with slight shiny patches at the knees. All that was missing was a black beret jauntily perched upon his head. He appeared to be in his later 60’s and spoke only fragmentary English. When I spoke to him in French, he asked me where I was from. When I responded “America,” he half-smiled, saying, “Bravo!” At first, I thought this sarcastic. In recent years, American policy has been neither popular nor fully understood by the French. I responded with a frown of confusion and a tilt of my head. Seeing my look of concern, he said “Non, non . . .” and repeated himself : “Bravo!” and added, in thickly accented English, “American are hero!” My face must have relaxed because he said “I tell you –my story.”
As my children stood next to me, I translated his story, sentence by sentence, the “responsable’s” extraordinary experience. His childhood was spent on his grandfather’s farm, several kilometers from the center of town. When he was about six years old, he was “helping [his] gran’pa” farm tomatoes when a tank and several trucks filled with soldiers pulled up to his field, guns pointing towards the farm house. After a breathless, fear-filled moment, the boy realized that the soldiers were Americans – they had come to liberate the town from the Nazi occupation. The boy and his grandfather greeted them with relief and cheer.The soldiers, however, were starving for fresh fruit and vegetables, having existed on nothing but army rations for months. When they saw the tomatoes this little boy was tending, the tank commander asked if he could have “a taste,” miming a bite of an invisible tomato in his hand. The boy looked to his gran’pa, who nodded. The boy offered the commander the red tomato in his hand. The commander closed his eyes and bit into the fresh fruit. With the seeds and juice running from the corners of his mouth, the soldier let his head fall back and an ecstatic smile appeared. His gran’pa ran to the farmshed and reappeared with a crate of tomatoes for the tank commander and his troops. The box of tomatoes was passed among the helmeted collection and the offering disappeared. Though neither spoke a word of the other’s language, the commander thanked the farmer; the farmer thanked the tank commander. They both received a “taste” of what they most wanted! The tank commander radioed his experience to his headquarters and with applause and shouts in the air, he and his troops pulled out.
However, the farm was not empty for long. The commander’s transmission had been monitored by all of the other tanks in the area; the message that the tomatoes were superior and the farmer was generous did not go unnoticed. Tanks and troops rolled in for days, all asking for “a taste” of the tomatoes. The crop of tomatoes was delivered by the grateful farmer and was consumed entirely by the grateful American troops.And, it seems, nothing has really much changed over the last half century. We Americans keep coming back for more Provencal produce! As our candy seller said, “Bravo!”The candy store manager remembered this liberation “as if it were yesterday.” “Look!” he said, pointing to the “goose bumps” on his arm. He was, in that moment, that six-year-old boy.My children listened to this tale, hearing the lyric sounds of the French language and receiving the story in bits and pieces of interrupted English. They were amazed. We don’t hear often how we were heroes once, how the French were grateful to see us, how we were grateful to them and their tomatoes, and how we both may still share those qualities.
.Wendy, owner of Bliss Travels, teaches French cuisine and designs one of kind culinary and cultural adventures in France. Bill Mathesius, a retired superior court judge, is an avid photographer. After their first experience in Paris, coordinated by Bliss Travels, much to their surprise, Bill and Marty became novice Francophiles.
Summer Vacation in Provence: 5 Tips for Shopping in Provencal Markets
Summer Vacations in Provence: 5 Tips for Shopping the Provencal Market 
The markets of Provence are world renown. They are bustling, beautiful and bursting with mouth watering produce, cheeses, meats, breads, olive oils and wines. Just to name a few specialties. And, once your hunger and thirst have been quenched, you will notice flowers, linens, jewelry, artisan products, gifts, clothing and more. 
A perfect vacation day in Provence begins with a market tour. And just wandering the markets can be great. (Though we also like to send clients on a hunt for specific picnic or cooking class ingredients –part of the fun is learning to find and purchase.) How do you decide which of the cheese stands has the best cheese? How do you find the best baguette or artisan breads? Below are some tips for getting the most out of the Provencal markets.
- Tips for buying Produce. Buy local! French law requires that all produce be marked not just with its category I, II, III (rating), but also its origin. I always stress buying and eating seasonally. I also believe local is better. So, first, look for the country. If it doesn’t say France, don’t buy it. Then look for the specific area of France. Most people think that a sign that says “Provence” is a sign indicating “locally grown”. And, to a degree, it is. But, if you look carefully at the market produce stands, some will not just say Provence –but will say the town’s name. That’s when you’re at a truly local (and probably organic) stand. That’s where you want to look to buy first. (And, if you know anything about the micro climates/towns, you’ll be able to decide whether you prefer strawberries from Carpentras or Aix-en-Provence –because you’ll know that they each have their own flavor –much the way wine from North Burgundy is different from wine from Southern Burgundy –even if they’re both Pinot Noirs.)
- Tips for buying cheeses. There are great cheeses from all over France. And certainly, importing cheese does not impact the quality the way it does for produce. Still, there are small local producers whose products are high quality, specially made, and cannot be found elsewhere. In Provence, this means goat cheeses.(There are no cows in Provence –so there are no cows milk cheeses made there..) The fresh goat cheeses are local. So try them. Look at what else they carry. If the cheese monger has a wide selection –he is likely to be an expert -- a knowledgeable collector of a wide variety of cheeses. If they carry one thing –just goat cheeses –then they are probably producers, and can provide you with a unique artisan product. You should look for one of these extremes. They indicate special expertise, in two different ways.
- Tips for buying Meat and Fish. Look and smell. Fish should look glossy and the eyes should look good. There should be no smell. Meat should look moist and fresh and also have no smell. It should be clear they are being kept cold. If you smell something, or it looks “tired”, this is not what you want. (Believe me, you know more than you think.)
- Tips for buying oils, jams and other “bottled and canned” products. The same principle applies. Look for a small artisan producer. Find a family business. Focus on small quality production. Look for handwritten labels (but proper canning procedure.) And taste. If you can’t taste, don’t buy. Artisan producers are very proud of their products and as such, offer tastes. They are convinced that you will buy it if you taste it. That’s the culture. So, if they won’t allow you to taste, that’ telling you something.
- Wait in line! If there are three vendors selling the same type of product –and there usually are –choose the one with the longest line (of locals). Why? Because these vendors come every week, have the same physical location at the market each time, and become as well known to market regulars as your local grocery is to you at home. If there’s a long line (of locals), there’s a reason.
Superb Wine Trips to Burgundy and Chateauneuf du Pape
Our current Grand Cru wine trip for September 2012 (on Lot18) has all but one room sold out. I expect that one will sell in a matter of days.
So, due to popular demand, we are expanding our Fall Foliage in the Luberon to include an Ultimate Wine Experience:
LUBERON EXPERIENCE:Fall Foliage in Provence
(Ultimate Wine Tour too!)October 18-23 in Provence
Travel off the beaten track and see the real Provence. Experience things most tourists don’t have access to. The trip is led by the owner of Bliss Travels, who has 30 years experience in France, and the itinerary includes a personal pre trip consultation to customize the trips meals and daily activities to cater to the preferences of the travelers.6 days and 5 night trip. Includes all lodging, pick up and drop off at the Avignon train station, daily sightseeing with private guide, 2 meals per day and wines, and private ground (van) transportation. $2,400 per person for all items in the below itinerary (not including the "Ultimate Wine Tour" below)
7 Photo Categories (contest): Spring/Summer in Provence
"Bliss - Full" photos of Spring and Summer in Provence, the LuberonPlease give us caption suggestions --either in comments or via email. We will post our favorites and give you credit --and link to your blog if you are chosen!A Bientôt,Wendy1. Sunflowers!
2. Painted buildings --from colors mined in Provence.
3. Color co ordinated flower boxes!
4. Happy couples -dare we say "blissful"?
5. Lavender cakes --yes, you heard right. These are absolutely wonderful --and only found here!
6. The amazing cliffs, and the unbelievable, otherworldly blue of the water.
6. The fabulous chefs we get to watch, work with, and whose specialties we adore!
7. Wines, and where they come from!
Provence (Luberon) Special July/August Itineraries!
A perfect week in July or August --These are truly special travel itineraries with exclusive access to events and activities not available anywhere else. One for a week of festivals, fireworks and bull fights. The other for a week of Luberon experiences with option to attend photography, painting or cooking lessons. Tell us what you would do differently (or in addition)! wendy@blisstravels.com. 
Bastille Week - Day 1: Tuesday, July 10th- Pick up Avignon 2pm and transfer to Provencal inn in a Medieval village.- A selection of local aperitifs and a privately guided walking tour through a medieval village and private tour of a 1000 year old church, not usually open to the public.***- 3 course, gourmet “welcome” dining experience at an authentic Provencal restaurant.**Day 2: Wednesday, July 11- Gourmet breakfast- Private transport to a perched Medieval village. Explore the ruins and the church, and wander through the gardens below. Panoramic views of the countryside- Private wine tasting of wines from Chateauneuf du Pape and lunch in a 500 year old bakery not open to the public. The chef prepares a 4 course gourmet menu, specially designed by Bliss Travels. ***- Visit an artisan jam and sorbet maker in her home garden behind her olive grove and vineyard. Learn how this artisan works and taste her products.- Visit a winery and museum (The nearby village is where Peter Mayle lived when he wrote “A Year in Provence”.)Dinner on your ownDay 3: Thursday, July 12- Gourmet breakfast- Visit the largest antiques market outside of Paris to shop and stroll the stalls. And, visit one of the deepest springs in the world. Tour the spring and the nearby ancient paper mill **OR- Or, take the morning to relax then spend the afternoon in a cooking lesson with a famous area chef, followed by a multi course gourmet dinner**
(Private transportation and translation/guide provided for both. 6 people for antiques market required.)
Day 4: Friday, July 13- Gourmet breakfast- Tour a village designated as one of France’s “most beautiful" during market day and visit the restored Chateau. Learn about the village’s illustrious history (home to Albert Camus and Henri Bosco)**- Special gourmet picnic on the Chateau grounds, and a tasting of area olive oils and goat cheeses will be included with the picnic**- Afternoon back at your hotel to relax, shop, hike or sightsee- Dinner on your own Days 5 and 6: Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15- Gourmet breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruits, yogurt, coffee/tea and juices- Go to St. Remy for Bastille Day for the weekend festivities- Check into a luxury boutique property in the town center. (Hotel has private gardens and a pool with magnificent views)- A private guide to take you through the sites and also help you to choose things you can do on your ownWeekend festivities include:- Markets and street fairs- Bull fights (Tickets must be ordered in advance)- Running of the bulls in the streets and cowboys herding the bulls in the streets (You will be accompanied to these, and all the traditions will be explained)- Parades and evening dancing- A group meal hosted by the town (eat with the locals)- FireworksIn addition, you may tour the galleries and museums with a private guide or independently. Nostradamus lived in St Remy. Van Gogh lived and painted in St Remy (his sanatorium is in the village). There is an important archeological dig and there are Roman ruins in several locations nearby.- Celebrate with a tasting menu at a Michelin starred restaurant. Dinner and wines includedDay 7: Monday, July 16After breakfast, you will be taken to the Avignon train station where our trip ends.All inclusive Provence: and $3,100 (without antiques market trip) to $3,300 per person in a double room.--ONE room at $2,900 per person.609 462 6213. wendy@blisstravels.com
AUGUST ITINERARY -special extras, painting lessons by a renown Provencal painter, photography tips and on the spot sessions, hikes, Roman ruins and independent time to relax!
This trip is exclusive to a private group of 12 until the end of April.
Sunday, August 5:-Pick up in Avignon at the TGV station. Private transfer to hotel/inn with stop for an olive oil tasting, at a working olive oil mill originally used by the Romans-Privately guided walking tour through a medieval village, and a privately guided tour through a 1000 year old church with foundations made of Roman stone (not usually open to the public)*** (optional photography lesson)- Have a gourmet dining experience under the starsMonday, August 6: - Breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruits, yogurt, cheeses, cereal and coffee/tea and juices.- Private transport to a tiny Medieval village. Hike to the top of the village to visit the ruins, and the church, or wander through the gardens below. You will have panoramic views of the countryside- A private lunch in a 500 year old bakery, opened just for use –with a specially planned meal of 3 courses and local wines (and an optional private wine tasting in the cave –no charge). ***- Visit a 2,000 year old Roman bridge and learn about the Roman roads in the area (optional photo tips)- Dinner on your own in the villageTuesday, August 7: - Breakfast.- Learn to paint***/**** or have 1 on 1 photography instruction. Capture the Provencal landscape with a renown Provencal painter or with our professional photographer- Local color: a 2 course café lunch at a local cafe- Visit the Bories village (ancient structures) or hike the cedar forest.Wednesday, August 8- Breakfast, with fresh baked breads and croissants, jams, local fruits, yogurt, cheeses, cereal and coffee/tea and juices.- Visit the local Ocher mines. (This is where Provencal pigments are found). Take one of the walking tours and then explore the art in the village and enjoy a lunch on your own. (optional photography session --color)- Afternoon/evening on your own to wonder the village, swim, hike or relax.Thursday, August 9: - Breakfast- Option for a second painting lesson or photography session*** /****- Lunch on your own- Private transport to a village designated at one of France’s most beautiful. Learn about the village’s illustrious history (home to Albert Camus and Henri Bosco). Tour the beautifully restored chateau- An early dinner in the form of a gourmet picnic on the Chateau grounds is included** and you have the option to remain to hear a piano concert in the Chateau that evening. (Additional cost for tickets, and tickets are limited and subject to availability)Friday, August 10:- Breakfast- Visit the local Provencal market set up outside your door. (If you are traveling as a family, the kids/teens will have their own outing to the market this morning.) (optional food photography)Choice to:visit a secluded family run Auberge, built into the base of the cliffs that surround you. Enjoy an authentic, traditional Provencal lunch and sip the local wines. Afterwards, you can hike through the ruins of a fort more than 1000 years old.Or, spend the late afternoon in a cooking lesson followed by a multi course dinner with wine pairing. **- (For families, kids/teens can also have a special local cooking lesson of more kid friendly specialties followed by their own dinner at the inn).***Saturday, August 11:- Breakfast- Tour the largest most beautiful market in Provence. Pick up your gifts and favorites for a picnic on the train back to Paris.Private transfer to the TGV station in Avignon where our trip ends. Priced from $2,900 per person, all inclusive Provence.609 462 6213. wendy@blisstravels.com to get on the list for a spot.
5 Reasons Why July 10-20 Are the Best Summer Weeks in Provence!
The best time to go to Provence. People always ask me that. The answer --well, apart from "anytime" --might not surprise you. For summer time, the best time is July 10-20. And here are my top reasons:1. Bastille Day in Provence! Paris is Paris. And Bastille Day is quite an event. But, in Provence, in certain towns and small cities, they have the running of the bulls through the streets. Imagine sitting at a cafe, having a rose, or coffee, and watching the French cowboys herd bulls through the Medieval streets. The boys and young men jump the barrier and chase the bull trying to hold onto his tail. And there are bull fights (the kind where the bull is not hurt.)
2. Fireworks over a castle or ancient fort. When the night sky lights up a castle and then the fireworks pop up over that, that might even be better than the Eiffel Tower. (This is a hard choice to make!)
3. It's prime festival season. There are wine festivals, village fetes and all manner of special celebrations. Even a melon festival! That means there are parades, special markets, special tastings and lit up village squares where you dance the night away!
4. The best beach weather! The Mediterranean is great in July. The weather is great. The excitement level is wonderful. The sky is blue. And there are street shows to watch almost every evening -as you have your dinner outside looking at the sparkling sea.
5. Lavender. Need I say more? You are assured of lavender all July --and first half of August (depending upon the weather that season. And you are assured of lavender related festivals and special events!
Of course, we love Provence almost all year round! It's Bliss!
Paris & Luberon (Provence) See Who Rates it Top Place to Visit
It occurred to me the other day that all the experts and large publications rank vacations and destinations. So, I decided to do some research. And, you know what? Paris, Provence and the French Riviera dominate every list and every writer's mind.Here is how SIX experts rate France in 2012 (I had to narrow it down or I'd be writing all day!)1. The New York Times writes about Provence regularly --several times a year, waxing poetic about its incomparable beauty and superior dining and lifestyle.2. US Travel & News Report Paris #1 Best Vacations in 2012.3. National Geographic Luberon (Provence) Top 50 Tours of a Lifetime in 2012
Insider Tips on Paying for & Planning a Trip to Provence (Luberon)
I'm going to share some "tricks of the trade". When you book that vacation to one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, France --specifically Provence and Paris, there are many things professionals think of that you don't consider. So, to get the most out of that "trip of a lifetime" to one of those "must see" places, see below for special tips from Bliss Travels. They could save you more than $1,000, not to mention give you peace of mind.
FIVE FINANCIAL THINGS TO CONSIDERRemember the added costs.Look at what's included and not included.Sometimes people decide to book their own trips -sort of a la carte -- so that they can do exactly what they want and also "get a better deal". Sometimes, people use search engines or decide to book through someone --whether it's a huge clearinghouse or a small boutique company. No matter what you decide don't forget to include (or ask if THEY include):1. Train tickets to Provence (from Paris or elsewhere). (The best train deals are found in French on French websites and in France itself. You won't find them on sites here.)2. Transfers to get you to the Paris train station and back -whether you want a private car, will take a cab or prefer to navigate the subway. (Time, stress, and money are all considerations)3. A last night in a Paris hotel. Special tip: Most trains from Provence into Paris do not arrive in time for you to take your flight home to the US the same day. Many large internet travel sellers don't tell you this. After you book, you find you'll need train tickets, extra hotel nights, transfers....So the "deal" wasn't all that great once you discovered the "extras".4. Ground transportation while in Provence. There are no trains in the Luberon, and almost none in the Cote du Rhone. Anyway, the most beautiful villages, sought after vineyards, and stunning coast line are not (for the most part) on the direct train route. Cars are very expensive. Roads are unmarked (except highways) AND it can cost more than 150 dollars to fill a tank of gas in a large rental car. Major roads have very expensive tolls --really. It's not uncommon to pay 20 euros/30 dollars for a toll. Figure this as you budget or compare travel packages.5. While most people do remember they have food costs, they often forget they are dealing with an exchange rate --so multiply your budget by 1.4 (or so) to get the amount of dollars you will really need so that you don't go over your budget. If you're buying a package, make sure to find out what meals are included, and what type of meal (is it a sandwich and a bottle of water or is it a 3 course meal with wines and coffee...)? Whether you do it yourself or book an all inclusive trip, it's a nice balance to have one "big meal" --the traditional 3 courses with wine, and then shop the markets for that "other" meal. Not only does it "balance the budget", it's a great way to try the local fare and enjoy the bounty that is Provence!There are more tips, and I'm happy to answer questions too (wendy@blisstravels.com) , but this should get you thinking realistically about your trip costs and better able to compare "apples to apples" as the saying goes.FOUR VACATION TIPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR ENJOYMENT1. Make sure you situate yourself in a convenient place, one, hopefully, that's beautiful, centrally located, but also authentic and not a "tourist trap". Go for the lesser publicized places.2. Pack light. Rooms are small. Cars are small. Travel is easier --especially train travel --if you can just wheel a little case through the station instead of wrestling with tons of things you don't need. Hint: pack a folding travel bag like a Longchamps bag in your case. That way, if you do buy things to take home it's no trouble.3. Don't move around too much. If you are taking a typical 8-9 night trip --your first night is on the plane. Your last night is in Paris (or elsewhere) so that you are there in time to get that (typically) morning flight home. That gives you 6-7 nights. Stay in 1-2 places. One for 4-5 nights, the other for 2 nights. It gives you variety without hassle. And, it cuts down on endless day trips -which, if you're doing it yourself, can be very tiring.4. Consider booking at least part of your trip (the part not in a large city) with a (boutique --not tour bus size) all inclusive company so you don't have to navigate roads, take tons of time figuring out what to do and where to go, and so you can just relax and have somebody there to help you make the most of your vacation time! (It also gives you the added budgetary advantage of knowing exactly what your costs are --as long as you've done your homework above.)BUT if you do book with someone-- make sure you will not be herded around with a big group, that you are not staying so far away from things like a village or town center that you are held captive by the groups' schedule, and that you find someone who will listen to your specific interests and ideas when planning. Find someone that will allow you to have a flexible schedule, and as much independent time as you want.And, most of all, Bon Voyage! We wish you a Blissful vacation!
Spring in Provence: Bliss Travels Newsletter
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OUR NEWSLETTER!
Spring and Summer fun in Provence and along the Mediterranean. We have great dates and special itineraries available. Tour the Provencal markets. See the Bastille Day fireworks. Witness the running of the bulls. Ancient villages, impressionist art, wineries and so much more. Book your trip now. 
5 Things To Do and Appreciate in Provence!
What do you do in Provence? Lots. What make the top of the "Bliss" list?1. Festivals. Of the local kind. We have our favorites, built around our favorite foods or products. The French celebrate every quality crop and artisan product from cherries to melon to wines....Find the best of the local festivals and street fairs and enjoy the pomp and the weekend.
2. Bulls. (No not that kind!) Not many people know about the bull fights, the running of the bulls and the other "cowboy" activities. Find the best time and spot to combine all of these. And see something most people don't ever get to see!
3. Roman ruins. Most people don't realize that France has ruins of many thousands of years of age. And, they aren't behind glass, walled off, or patrolled by park guards. They are a wide open part of the countryside and landscape and they can be built into your daily experience. For example, we often take the 2,000 year old Roman road (or the ruins of that road) on our walk into the village for market day. We picnic on a more than 2,000 year old Roman bridge --and go swimming in a hidden swimming hole that's part of a more than 2,000 year old Roman aquaduct.
4. Art. Practically every major painter lived and/or painted in this area. Renoir had a home here. Van Gogh lived here. Cezanne too. Chagall. Yep. Cocteau painted, or rather, drew, a chapel. Matisse. Picasso. Leger. The list is endless. Being able literally "see" what they "saw" is eye opening and helps you to both appreciate and understand their art.
4. Nature. For seasonal wonders, spring might even outdo summer --though it's a close call! Poppies and cherry blossoms are ethereal. But, lavender is pretty remarkable too! You decide!
5. And nature's bounty! Nowhere else can you eat like you do in France. The simplest things will shock you with the intensity of their flavor. Knowing the origin of your cherry or egg or tomato was only a few yards away, and picked moments earlier only adds to the enjoyment.
And that's just for starters. Hope your spring or summer vacation is Blissful.
Top New Food Trends in Paris & Provence
TOP NEW FOOD TRENDSAs culinary and wine specialists, we watch the food and drink trends in France closely. As everywhere, the trends are for fresh, seasonal and local. But, as usual, the French take this to a new level...Top restaurants have been getting rid of menus. Many places now offer only seasonal, not printed, menus. These vary by the day-- by the time, even the table. You are asked what you don't or can't eat. Special requests are always honored. But, after that, it's up to the chef. Brilliant, if you think about it. Now the chef can buy top product, even if there are only small quantities. There is no waste. Nothing is left "un ordered". It's local, fresh, conserves energy, limits waste, and, most importantly, allows the chef to showcase his or her talents --which is the reason you are there to begin with! Below was a wonderful seasonal dish of asperges et seche, offered only that evening, and only until it ran out!
The other thing this trend away from printed menus created was the trend to little plates, and tiny tastings of many things. Freed from the need to purchase XX kilos of something, each plate could be prepared with small tastings of small batch artisan products and heirloom treats. Plus, this means the chef has greater opportunity to be creative -as you can clearly see from the mini tasting plate below.
The highlights were numerous. However, see bass with a sweet potato puree seasoned to perfection and another plate of baby squid with black ink risotto and lardons were stand outs!
This trend continued to dessert, which is served in two courses. Traditionally the sweet is followed by a chocolate. Here we had homemade macarons and miniature cream puffs.
We are excited to see what the Provencal chefs make of these trends this spring and summer given the extraordinary access to produce that they have. I think this year will be a banner year for French cuisine as these new trends migrate across the country (and even the world). We are on the cusp of a new style of dining. And, it is timed in such a way that popular movements like Slow Food and local farm to table programs will only magnify and speed the development of these new trends.As always, Bliss will be ahead of the curve and exploring these new trends and others.A Bientôt,Wendy
Top 4 Reasons to Visit Provence in May!
4 Reasons to Visit Provence in May.Of course, there are many more than 4 reasons. But, let's just look at the top 4!
1. Beautiful Spring Scenery! May is the time for poppies, cherry blossoms, almond blossoms, and all sorts of spring flowers.
2. Space and warmth! ...You beat the crowds and enjoy the season's first picnics!
3. Everything is new. Spring vegetables are appearing in the markets.
4.It's Bliss! Experiences most tourists don't have. Exclusive access events and opportunities. Do what you want --at your pace. Everything custom designed with ease! May 15-21, 2012
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