|
 When
you think of France, what comes to mind? April in Paris, the Cannes Film Festival,
truffles and wine in Provence, the beaches of Normandy, great artists, ancient
towns and villages?
These
are just tastes of what a honeymoon in France can be all about.
For trips of a good length, couples typically delight in a
combination of experiences, using the monumental landscape of Paris as a beginning
or ending anchor, but taking the time to get lost meandering in the beautiful
countryside; the fertile, chateau-studded Loire Valley, the storied coasts of
Brittany and Normandy, the hills of Provence, and the valleys of Alsace being
favorites. You
can even drive or train into the Black Forest or Bavaria in Germany, or the cosmopolitan
cities of Brussels or Amsterdam to rapidly expand your country repertoire in a
most romantic way! Wherever it pleases you, stay in historic inns, photograph
castles and ruins, attend cooking schools, and make a corner of the country your
very own. Provence,
in the south of France, is famed for its natural beauty - lavender fields, olive
groves and vineyards stretch out in every direction. Many historic towns and villages
are scattered across the region, as well as lovely cities such as Arles, the former
home of Vincent Van Gogh. Like the famous painter, you too will be seduced by
the city's well preserved Roman relics, and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Accommodations:
As with all European countries, a great variety exists. Some of the most expensive
city hotels in the world are in Paris, Nice, and nearby Monaco, with service to
wait on you hand and foot. In
contrast, there is great value and charm in the villas, hotels,
and chateaux of the countryside, many located in richly historic villages and
estates. On the coasts, spa resorts range from modest vintage to exclusive cutting-edge
chic. From tiny bed and breakfasts to huge resorts and city palaces, one common
bond is a focus on excellent food and regional pride. Dining:
In the world forum, French cuisine is mostly about technique instead of flavors,
and it is honestly hard to find a pure French or French-inspired bistro in most
countries without fusion elements from other cultures. Going
to France helps you reclaim the simplicity and richness of the French produce
while maintaining the excellent presentation - from a café afternoon of wine,
exquisite cheeses, and the ever present baguette to an evening of pigeon, beefsteak,
truffles, and farm-fresh vegetables, you won't be disappointed. Special Activities:
Cruises on the Seine and Loire, or along the coasts at Nice and Cherbourg, guided
tours of the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay, truffle hunting with your personal piglet
or hound in season, hot-air ballooning, bicycling country roads, wonderful driving,
art and cooking classes, wine tastings. | 
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