Highlights
France is packed with amazing regional destinations. This page outlines short trips taken in France and Belgium during 2011 – 2013 while we were living in France.
Colmar and the Route des Vins in Photos – September 2019
Photos from this picture perfect Alsacian region of colorful half-timber buildings and vineyards.
French Alps – June 2013
Sleeping and Dining in Barcelonnette
Hotel and restaurant reviews of this hiking and skiing center.
Hiking to the Col de Mary
Awesome 15 K hike to this Haute Provence Pass.
Hiking Les Eaux Tortes and le Laverq
Another great 15 K alpine hike with fabulous views crossing snowing patches and fording streams.
St Tropez – June 2013
Golf Barbaroux, Provence
Photos from St Tropez
Impressions of this fishing village turned playground for the yachting set.
Sleeping and Dining in St Tropez
Hotel and restaurant reviews.
St Tropez, Walking the Littoral
A costal walk outside of St Tropez. Post includes pics of blue jellyfish.
Tarn Gorge – June 2013
Dining and Sleeping in La Malène
Hotel and restaurant review.
Hike to le Rocher de Cinglegros
This 15 K hike with fabulous views of the Tarn Gorge is one of my favorites in France.
Aven Armand Cave
A stunning cave worthy of a visit.
Montpellier-le-Vieux
A day hike through this area’s interesting dolomite rock formations.
Tarn Gorge to Roquefort via Millau
Scenic drive with views over Millau.
Tour of the Société Caves, Roquefort
A tour of the caves where the famed blue cheese is produced.
Luberon, Provence – May 2013
Sleeping and Dining in the Luberon
Reviews of a hotel and restaurants near Gordes.
The Ochre Cliffs of Roussillon
Photos from one of the official most beautiful villages in France including its famed ochre cliffs.
Gordes
Photos from another classic Provencal hilltop village.
Hiking in the Grand Luberon
13 k ridge trail with valley views of Provence.
And to Finish…
Photos of the glorious red poppies.
Chinon, Loire Valley – July 2011 and February 2013
Chinon Home Base
L’Ardoise Restaurant Review, Chinon
New Restaurant in Chinon
This tiny new restaurant really knows how to pack in the flavor.
Le Grand Pressigny
A photo journal of this pretty Loire Valley town known for its flint and impressive prehistory museum.
Chateau Chenonceau
Arguably the best chateau in the Loire Valley. Well, at least my favorite.
Villandry In Winter
On a sparkling winter day is when the bones of this stunning garden truly shine.
Gardens of Villandry
One of the most spectacular gardens in Europe located on the grounds of the Villandry Chateau.
International Garden Festival
A fun mix of garden and art installation by designers from around the world.
Sarlat, Dordoge – February 2013
Cave Art in the Off Season
Visits to the area’s famous prehistoric caves known for their amazing cave paintings including – Lascaux II, Font de Gaume and the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies de Tayac.
Winter Pics from Beynac
Photo journal of this charming medieval village, officially one of the most beautiful in France.
Goose Festival – Sarlat
This festival covers the full spectrum of the goose industry, from the cute goslings to the fattened livers.
Sleeping and Dining in Sarlat
Hotel and restaurant reviews.
Belgium – September 2019 and December 2012
Bruges, Belgium in Photos – 2019
Bruges, the fairy tale medieval city of canals, towering spires and ginger bread cuteness, is a photographer’s delight.
Christmas Visit to Belgium – Brussels
Post includes Christmas lights and market as well as visits to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the popular Magritte Museum.
Christmas Visit to Belgium – Bruges
Great mussels, chocolate and beer in addition to more Christmas lights and markets.
Gavarnie – Hiking the High Pyrenees – June 2012
Hiking the Cirque de Gavarnie
A stunning 15 mile loop hike up over the Cirque de Gavarnie, past the Breche de Roland and back to Gavarnie through the Bellevue Plateau.
Hiking the Cirque de Troumouse
Another stunner, this 8 kilometer loop hike has fabulous views of the cirque.
Home Base Gavarnie
Hotel and dining options in Gavarnie.
Short Day Hike out of Gavarnie
A pretty 3-mile hike in the hills above Gavarnie.
Bayonne, Ham Festival in the Basque Region – April 2012
Ham Festival – Bayonne
It’s all about the ham in Bayonne.
More Pics from Bayonne
Photo journal of this picturesque Basque town.
Spanish Cider Side Trip – Lunch at a Sidreria
A fun lunch including all the cider you can drink just a short hop over the border.
A Table – Bayonne
Restaurant review of this cozy little restaurant.
A Stroll through Pau
A photo journal of this small city about an hour inland from Bayonne with great views of the Pyrenees.
Pizza Semi-Feuilletée?
A Pau restaurant that makes pizza with a buttery pastry crust.
Miscellaneous Paris
Restaurant Reviews
Candelaria, to Taco or Not to Taco in Paris
Pramil and Bistrot de L’Oulette – Good Food at a Good Price in the Marais
Le Florimond, Paris – A Truly Fun Dining Experience
Jules Verne, Lunch at the Eiffel Tower
Full description of a fabulous lunch over looking Paris.
Le Souk St Germain – Superb Moroccan in Paris
Who knew that after two weeks in Morocco the best Moroccan food I’ve ever eaten was actually in Paris.
Other Paris Posts
Losco – Great belts in the Marais District
The title pretty much explains it.
Monet’s Garden in Giverny – Not So Far From the Madding Crowd
A visit to the famous gardens outside of Paris on a gorgeous spring day.
Holiday Lights of Paris
Photo journal of the Christmas light displays in Paris.
ever eaten was actually in Paris.
Paris in Winter – Is it Worth It?
Can you really beat the crowds in the off season?
37 thoughts