Paul Cézanne was devoted to his hometown of Aix-en-Provence, in southern France, and it's easy to see why. More than a hundred years after the great artist's time, it's still a lovely, livable city. “When you're born here,” Cézanne said, “nothing else is good enough.” He was fascinated by the light of Provence and painted the region's landscapes over and over—some 60 versions of Mt. St. Victoire ... Read Full Article
Tenby, A Coastal Getaway In Wales
One of the absolutely top, perfect breakfasts I've ever enjoyed at a B&B (and I have had a great many) was served in Tenby, a small town on the southern coast of Wales. Tenby is a popular, charming resort town with a long history, a getaway with numerous attractions. But first, the breakfast. Every morning, Stephen and Clair, at Croyland Guest House, set out a buffet filled with a wide ... Read Full Article
Tracking Down Prehistoric Dolmens in Wales
Some of the world's most impressive ancient burial chambers, or dolmens, stand in the green fields and copses of Wales. On a recent trip, my husband John and I tracked down several of these prehistoric sites, and each time I felt the eery sense of an ancient past brought into the present. The dolmens, which date from Neolithic times, have been thoroughly investigated and are protected as national ... Read Full Article
Hiking Ireland’s Scenic Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow, scenic mountain pass in County Kerry, a perfect seven-mile walk for those who want a close-up look at western Ireland's green beauty. It's nothing short of entrancing, and I'm grateful to our Irish friend Dan for arranging an outing through Gap of Dunloe Tours. Another great way to see this stunning area would be to rent a car in Ireland. That way, you can stop ... Read Full Article
Three of Ireland’s Best Hotels
Three of Ireland's best hotels have just one thing in common: superb hospitality. Otherwise, they're as different as chalk and cheese, as the saying goes. These are upscale lodgings with highly individual character. If you are looking for something truly special, also consider spending a night at one (or more) of Ireland's best Castle Hotels. Ireland's Best Hotels The Falls Hotel and ... Read Full Article
Loire Valley: Ladies, Leonardo and Sleeping Beauty
France's Loire Valley is renowned for its magnificent chateaux. Scores are scattered over the landscape and choosing which to see is a challenge. On this leg of our journey, John and I rented a car and made our home base in the quiet village of Chenonceaux, staying in a hotel just 300 meters from the chateau. Chenonceau Chateau is one of the most visited sites in France for good reason. ... Read Full Article
National Museum of Scotland Displays The World
Scotland has scores of museums, all of them interesting, but the National Museum of Scotland, in Edinburgh, is truly exceptional. Its collections of thousands of objects cover natural history, world cultures, geology, archaeology, science and technology, and of course the entire story (pre-history included) of Scotland. The museum is set in the heart of the city, on Chambers Street near the George ... Read Full Article
Hotel or Apartment? How to Choose
After you've decided where to go and how you'll get there, the big question is where to stay. A hotel is still the most popular choice, but there are other options, and plenty of savvy travelers are choosing to rent an apartment or house. My recent trip to France is a good example of the pros and cons of hotels vs apartments; my husband, John, and I stayed in two of each. Our one-bedroom, ... Read Full Article
The Loire’s Castles and Gardens
Touring in the Loire Valley means you don't have to travel far to see the grand chateaus and pretty villages that dot the landscape. The Castles in France are simply stunning. John and I stayed in one place, Chenonceaux, and found a multitude of treasures on short day trips along and over the rivers that wind through this green, broad valley. The farthest we drove was to Fontevraud Abbey. ... Read Full Article
Montmajour, the Oldest Abbey in Provence
Vincent Van Gogh visited Montmajour Abbey at least fifty times, he wrote, just to look at the view across the plain. Today's visitors to Provence, France, are drawn to the abbey for the same reason and to see the impressive old ruin in stone, a French historical monument and the oldest abbey in Provence. It was a significant site from the time construction began in the tenth century, ... Read Full Article