What could be better than a trip to France? As the map shows, we started in the South of France – flying into Nice, spending the first few days just south of Cannes, a day in Saint Tropez, a week of biking through Provence, three days in Beaune, and two days in Paris. Perfection.
Our first full day started out a little cloudy so we decided to drive to Saint Paul de Vence, a wonderful ancient hilltop town about 30 minutes from Cannes. In this town is a hotel/restaurant called La Colombe d’OR, known for its art collection – paintings and sculptures covering every inch of space by artists like Leger, Miro, Braque, Calder, and the latest work installed by Sean Scully out by the pool. It is not every day that you can enjoy lunch next to a ceramic Leger sculpture nestled into the ivy-covered wall.
My sister made us a reservation at the famous Club 55 in St Tropez, for a day of incredible people-watching (think women in bikinis, six inch heels, and jewelry that weighs more than they do), and lounging on the beach.
Our biking started near Aix en Provence and finished six days later near Avignon, every day winding through tiny little villages and incredible countryside.
After about 25 miles of riding on the second day, we ended up in Forcalquier for market day with people coming in from all over the region to buy their weekly provisions. Rather than eat at a cafe in town, Chris and I decided to pick up a few items from around the market, strap them to our bikes, and have lunch back at our hotel. Possibly the most delicious lunch I have ever eaten.
Above, looking up to the town of Roussillon – knowing that I have to bike up there. Fortunately they had an incredible ice cream shop where I happily rewarded myself for making it all the way up! Of course I had to try the lavender ice cream (along with several other flavors).
Making our way down from Roussillon only to climb back up to Bonnieux for yet another incredible lunch.
Dinner was also in Bonnieux, and was equally incredible – Cote de Boeuf at Un P’tit Coin De Cuisine.
Beaune! The best meal of the trip thus far was at a tiny little spot, run by a husband and wife team, called Ma Cuisine. Of course I had to order the boeuf bourguignon – i mean it is beef stewed in red wine in the middle of French wine country! The selection of desserts really just put me over the edge.
Breakfast, as usual, was a time to atone for the deliciously decadent sins of the previous night!
Riding bikes was an incredible way to see the vineyards, with service roads (aka bike paths) weaving their way through like a maze.
PARIS. Being a bit of a bread freak, I made sure to map out all the places I was going to drag Chris in order to get a full sampling of all that Parisian boulangeries had to offer.
Before the bread tour, we had a 15 course dinner at Passage 53 that was absolutely amazing.
Here are just a few of the courses…
A final stop at E.Dehillerin, a kitchen equipment and cooking supply store that is just really fun to wander through if you are a culinary nerd like me. For our last night we had dinner at L’Arpege, a perfect way to end a trip I hoped would never end.
PLACES TO STAY:
Tiara Yaktsa – Cannes
Hotel La Panche – St Tropez
Couvent des Minimes – Provence
Le Coquillade – Provence
La Mirande – Avignon
La Terre d’Or – Beaune (B&B overlooking the city)
Le Burgundy – Paris
PLACES TO EAT:
Cannes / St Tropez:
La Colombe d’OR
Club 55
Bonnieux:
La Table de Sylvie
Un P’tit Coin de Cuisine
Beaune:
Ma Cuisine
La Tavola Calda (next door to Ma Cuisine, brick oven pizzas and the best Speculoos Tiramisu you will ever eat!!)
Paris:
Passage 53
L’Arpege
Eric Kayser
Poilane (THE place for true French bread)
134rdt
Frenchie To-Go
Telescope (great coffee)
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