For over nine years, Neil and Joan have been spending their summers cruising the canals and rivers of Western Europe aboard their now thirty-one-year-old Dutch motor-cruiser, the “Estate.” This year they are again sharing their experiences with you.Shortly after purchasing our boat, Estate, in Holland in 2001, we also bought some old, Dutch, “clunker” bicycles. At least that’s how they look. ... Read Full Article
Boating in France: Cold and Wet in Burgundy
For over nine years, Neil and Joan have been spending their summers cruising the canals and rivers of Western Europe aboard their now thirty-one-year-old Dutch motor-cruiser, the “Estate.” This year they are again sharing their experiences. May, 2010 Train strikes and volcanoes started our 2010 boating season. Once we got through those challenges, we had a couple of weeks of very ... Read Full Article
Lyon, France- A Cultural Treasure Trove
Lyon (often spelled “Lyons” by Anglophones) and its suburbs form the largest metropolitan area in France after Paris. Located in the Rhone-Alpes region, Lyon is known for its contributions to the world of art and gastronomy. Moreover, Lyon is where Auguste and Louis Lumiere, the fathers of cinema, attended school (at La Martiniere, Lyon’s largest technical school) and invented early film ... Read Full Article
European Appetizers and Cocktails: France
Here are some popular Hors d’oeuvres in FranceCrudités are a common and tasty French appetizer. This simple dish consists of raw vegetables (typically carrots, radishes, and celery) that are soaked in a vinaigrette dressing overnight and served just as they are the next day. Sometimes hard-boiled eggs and black olives are added to the tray. An assiette de charcuterie ... Read Full Article
Boating in France: The Burgundy Canal to Dijon
Last week we decided we needed some time out of port and on the canal, so we headed up the Burgundy Canal towards Dijon. We have been to Dijon by train from St Jean de Losne a couple of times this summer; that’s only about a 30-minute trip. The trip by boat takes us two days for the 24 locks and 30 kilometers at 6 km/hour. Six years ago we cruised the entire 242 km. length of this canal and knew ... Read Full Article
Discover Paris Again
You've been to the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral, gazed up at the Eiffel Tower and the Arch of Triumph, taken a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River. Now you want to discover the lesser-known treasures of Paris -- which is what we did on our latest visit to this fabulous city. John and I checked out a few old favorites and looked up places we'd never seen. We did our usual endless walking, ... Read Full Article
Exploring Champagne and Burgundy in France
If you want to travel beyond Paris, be sure to consider the Champagne-Ardenne region and/or Burgundy. These two areas have so much to see and do that you will be very busy. And if you are a lover of champagne or fine wine, you will be in heaven. Champagne-Ardenne When you pop a bottle of "champagne", you can be sure it is produced right here in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. ... Read Full Article
Beaune, France: Burgundy’s Wine Capital
Beaune, located about 25 miles south of Dijon along the famous Route de Grande Crus, is an exquisite town of winding medieval streets set in the midst of the Bourgogne (Burgundy) region's most celebrated vineyards. We love the charm of this totally walkable little French town. If Beaune isn't already on your list of places to visit in Burgundy, read on and you'll add it now. Beaune ... Read Full Article
Discover Dijon, France
Dijon, France is a charming, walkable town that offers lots of interesting nooks and crannies for the adventurous tourist. There are several museums, and fascinating churches as well as shops and restaurants galore.Dijon is located in the heart of the Burgundy wine region of France, so the food is hearty and delicious"¦great cheeses, Beef Bourguignon and, of course Dijon mustard.Follow the ... Read Full Article