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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
Read what our clients have to say!
6 French Wine & Food Pairings
Friday night Bliss Travels had the pleasure to lead a food and wine pairing. So, off we went to Montclair, New Jersey to meet a great group of about a dozen people to share French wines, stories and photos (courtesy of our photography partner, Anthony Bianciella). We are leading a private one again today! Many of the same wines, but with cheeses this time.Below are some of our pairings and suggestions from these two events.
We compared the Cotes du Rhone (Provencal wines from the area around Chateauneuf du Pape) 
and Burgundy. 
Our two favorites both to visit and to drink.1. Muscat. This is served all over the South of France as an apero. Usually, the accompanying food is salty --such as olives, tapenade, anchoiade. (For cheeses, we pair this with a Bleu, and serve this last, rather than first in in our tastings.)Mas Amiel, Muscat de Rivsaltes, 20082. Cotes du Rhone, white! A Fleur de Pampre, Cotes du Rhone Village, Visan, Domaine La Florane. Great bouquet. Floral. Light and slightly sweet. We paired with this with an aged goat cheese from the region, served on toasts, and topped with a fig confit brought back from Provence on one of Bliss Travels recent trips. For our cheese pairing we are taking orange and fennel pastry spoons, made by a world famous Parisian bakery (we brought them back from Paris on this last trip) and filling them with a fresh, mild goat cheese, a drizzle of lavender honey will complete this amuse bouche! (Want more recipes and food ideas? Contact us!)
3. Burgundy, white. A 2008, Saint Veran, Tirage Precoce, Domaine Corsin. This was served with a smoked salmon. The full flavor of the Chardonnay pairs well with the full fatty flavor of the salmon. This Chardonnay also pairs well with Comte cheese.
4. Roses from Provence. These are under appreciated in the US. Rose is drunk all over France, all summer long. With fish, meats, vegetables...
We recommend the Roses from Provence very highly.. The Bandol's are wonderful (Mediterranean). The Tavels (Northern Provence) are a favorite. Every community will have it's own, and it will pair beautifully with the foods.
We paired ours with an Aioli,made using Bliss Travels recipe. It's a dish we made last May in Provence --and will make again this May when we go with Anthony Bianciella to Provence for our custom spring trip through the region (his photos are here. If you'd like to see more, look at his website).It pairs equally well with our Soupe au Pistou. Click on the link for the recipe and to "see" the lesson.5. Burgundy, red. 2009 Savigny-Les-Beaune, Les Picotins, Domaine Jean-Luc Dubois. This pinot noir paired with sauteed mushrooms and a light ratatouille. It would have been wonderful with our lamb dish as well. We are pairing this with a hard cheese of Sheep's milk , and also with St Marcellin.
Of course, the best pairings are food and wine, where they exist locally. Some of last September's group to Burgundy.
6. Cotes du Rhone, Red. 2010 Mas de Libiun, Khayyaim. A full bodied Grenache. We served with with a herb encrusted rack of lamb. In Provence, we recommend lamb or even a strong local goat cheese to stand up to this full flavored wine. Coming full circle, this red can be paired with a strong, aged goat cheese, on a fig bread, with a fig confit....All of these items live, grow and are made in the same small towns.
Thank you to our wonderful host (and very frequent traveler) Karen! Thank you to Chef Nikko for making dishes to pair with our wines!Want to know more about our trips or learn what our travelers have to say? Read our testimonials. Or contact us at 609 462 6213 or wendy@blisstravels.com. Spring and Summer in France are spectacular!
Photo (re)Blog by Anthony Bianciella: May in Provence
We're reblogging a great description of one of our trips. Rick Sammon also blogged about Anthony's trips with us!
Photo Tours - An Insider is Key!
Wine & Cheese Pairing: 2 Spots Left!
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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!
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
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
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!