Archive for November, 2014

3 Not-to-be Missed Stops on Your Wine Tasting Tour of France

Posted on November 25th, 2014 by Dusty Fox in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Wine is such a significant part of French culture that it’s fair to say no vacation in France would be complete without sampling at least a few local favorites. And, fortunately, regardless of whether you’re traveling in style or have a tight budget to stick to, you’ll have your choice of many world class wineries–and wines!–while vacationing in this zestful European country.

Casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs alike can both appreciate the sense of history that comes with more French wineries. Unlike a visit to Napa Valley, where 50 years ago seems old school, it’s not uncommon to explore the streets and wineries of certain French towns with roots that date back some 500 years. If you enjoy a good glass of wine, be sure to check out these 3 incredible destinations during your vacation in France:

Riquewihr [Photo Credit: Creative Commons 3.0, Jpkrebs]

Riquewihr [Photo Credit: Creative Commons 3.0, Jpkrebs]

Riquewihr

Located along the famous Alsatian Wine Route, Riquewihr boasts a sweet old-world charm that any European traveler would fall in love with. In fact, Riquewihr has been named as one of France’s most beautiful towns, thanks to its lovely architecture and pedestrian-friendly vibe. Brightly colored wooden homes perched along uneven cobblestone streets create the perfect backdrop for a lazy afternoon stroll. As you make your way through the town, you’ll have your choice of a number of wine cellars where the reds, rosés, and whites flow freely–especially the Rieslings, for which the town is known. Extend your exploration beyond city limits and you’ll find plenty of wineries in the surrounding countryside.

Épernay [Photo Credit: Public Domain, sand]

Épernay [Photo Credit: Public Domain, sand]

Épernay

The famous Moët & Chandon’s cellars in Épernay are a sight to behold, located under ground level at depths of up to 30 meters. They are the largest wine cellars throughout the entire Champagne region, extending over an area of nearly 20 miles. Guests can choose from multiple tour packages, with prices starting at just 21 euros, though at 35 euros, the upgraded tour option is a worthy splurge. Make a day of your visit to the famous Champagne region by hopping on a train in Paris for a scenic journey of about an hour and a half. After taking the tour and enjoying a tasting at the winery, head to the Moët & Chandon store to scout out a few souvenirs for your wine-loving friends and family back home.

Saumer [Photo Credit: Creative Commons 4.0 International, Leon petrosyan]

Saumer [Photo Credit: Creative Commons 4.0 International, Leon petrosyan]

Saumer

Sparkling wines are favored in the Saumer area, but those who prefer a bolder flavored red will have no problem finding Cabernet Franc. While in the town, you’ll immediately notice a medieval aesthetic, with the dramatic chateau of Saumer beckoning visitors from a cliff above the Loire River. There is a surplus of wine bars throughout town, though you can’t go wrong with a stop at Ackerman, the region’s oldest sparkling wine producer, which was established in 1811. Don’t limit yourselves to the in-town wine offerings, though; be sure to book a tour to visit one of the nearby wineries to get the whole experience.

With our private instruction tailored to your needs, there’s no reason your command of the French language should be anything but stellar before your vacation in France. To learn more about private and small group classes, contact us today.

Three Tours Every Traveler Should Take While Vacationing in Nice, France

Posted on November 7th, 2014 by Dusty Fox in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Imagine this: you’re vacationing in Nice, in the south of France. You’ve laid on the beach for a day. You’re over any hint of jet lag. You’ve had a few glasses of wine and a couple of excellent meals already, and the scenery around you is just as amazing as you’d imagined. Now what?

Nice, France [Photo Credit: Creative Commons 2.0, Ioan Sameli]

Nice, France [Photo Credit: Creative Commons 2.0, Ioan Sameli]

With a nickname like Nice la Belle, it’s no surprise the surrounding area is stunning, and naturally there are plenty of ways for visiting guests to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and–my favorite–tastes of the region. If you’re taking French lessons and planning a vacation to Nice, or perhaps just dreaming about how wonderful that trip would be, I highly recommend you consider adding these 3 tours to your itinerary:

Taste of Nice Tour – Fortunately, this food-focused adventure is a walking tour, so you’ll at least feel moderately better about the fact that you get to indulge in your every eating and drinking desire throughout the day. Those who love fine wine, artisanal cheese, and market-fresh food will love this insider’s look at Nice’s most traditional and authentic    cuisine. On the tour, you’ll meander through at least one of multiple farmer’s markets in the city, schmoozing with locals as you go and learning about the area’s fascinating culinary history. In addition to all that wine and cheese, other highlights include candied fruits, fresh-baked bread, and socca–that’s deep fried chickpea dough, typical fare in the south of France.

Electronic Bicycle Tour – Whether you consider yourself athletic or not, you’ll enjoy biking around Nice on this interesting tour. Even kids can join along, and those who prefer to take a break from their rigid workout routine while vacationing need not worry as the electronic motors can easily do most of the work. Much of the tour is uphill, so even the most advanced riders appreciate the extra help. Guests do more than scoot around town, they learn about the history of the area and explore routes that are off the traditional tourist map. At the highest point on the tour you’ll be rewarded with a great view overlooking the city and shoreline so you can snap the postcard-perfect photo that you know you’ll be showing off to friends and family just as soon as you get home.

Entrevaux [Photo Credit: Creative Commons 3.0, MOSSOT]

Entrevaux [Photo Credit: Creative Commons 3.0, MOSSOT]

Train des Pignes Day Trip – Once you’ve gotten to know the ins and outs of Nice, expand your horizons to discover the highlights of the surrounding area by hopping on the Train des Pignes and taking a self-guided trip through the countryside. The system transports locals and visitors to more rural destinations, such as Annot, Entrevaux, and Saint Andre de les Alpes, sometimes on a flashy, modern train, and other times on an older, less glamorous model. Chances are you won’t care once you start admiring the scenery out your window. With vibrantly colored rows of lavender in the rolling hillsides around you and a faint smell of thyme in the air, you’ll just be glad you’ve found the hidden Europe you’ve dreamt of visiting.

Nice is a charming city that welcomes visitors with open arms. Once you’ve explored the city and discovered your own highlights, sign up for a few tours to round out your experience and learn more about this incredible place. Bon voyage!