France

The Sweet Treats of Paris: Indulge and Explore

Ah, Paris. The French capital is renowned as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. There’s a lot to see and do in the City of Lights, and one thing you absolutely can’t miss is the food. As the home of haute cuisine, France has become a byword for quality among culinary enthusiasts – and if you try any of these wonderful sweet treats, you’ll see why. Choux á la Crème Associated with weddings and celebrations, this mix of puff pastry

Creating the Crepe: Where Did This Popular Pancake Come From?

The crepe is a widely-known dish similar to a pancake and traditionally made from wheat flour, eggs and milk. The thin treat is enjoyed as a sweet or savoury snack all over the world, but where did it originate? Origins The treat actually derives from Bretagne, a northwest region of France. Since the region is known for its cold and rainy weather, the locals enjoy warm cider served alongside their crepes. The Suzette The Suzette is a variety of crepe

Viva la Vegetarian! The Best Places in Europe for Meatless Eats

Vegetarianism is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice, and there are several reasons as to why. It has been said to have many health benefits as well as to help reduce global warming. Although some countries are more veggie friendly than others, it’s never impossible to find a meat-free meal on your travels. Eat Fresh in France Many travellers associate French cuisine with frog legs and snails, but France actually has plenty of delicious vegetarian options as well. A lot

Autumnal Eats: The Best Fall Foodie Festivals

If you’re travelling the world this autumn (or just consider yourself a cooking connoisseur), make sure you’re in the know about these fantastic foodie festivals that are happening throughout Europe. Immersing yourself in local culture and sampling traditional cuisine is an important part of the travel experience wherever your holiday happens to be, so attending a food festival is a fantastic opportunity to get a real feel for local life. Here are three of the very best fall foodie fiestas.

Port-Vendres

Port-Vendres (Carcassonne) Shore Excursions

With a history dating back to the Iron Age the deep-water harbour of Port-Vendres on the French Côte Vermeille has attracted many civilisations over the centuries. Today it is a charming port town which is home to a small fishing fleet and a stylish marina.

Eating Abroad: Dining Etiquette from Around the World

Many countries around the world have very different beliefs when it comes to meal-time manners. If you’re travelling abroad sometime soon and want to make sure you know the ropes, read on for etiquette tips for these popular destinations. Russia Russia has various unwritten rules regarding dining, such as men having to pour drinks for women who are seated next to them. Russians will also encourage you to take second helpings, however leaving a small amount of food on your

Marseille Shore Excursions

The city of Marseille dates back to 600 BC when it was founded by the Ancient Greeks. Over many centuries it has served as one of the Mediterranean’s most important trading posts and is well established as France’s largest port and second largest city.

Toulon

Toulon Shore Excursions

Located on the coast of Provence between Marseille and Saint Tropez, Toulon is a relative newcomer to the world of tourism. Its main role for many years has been as home to one of France’s largest naval bases standing next to an old town which has suffered decades of decay.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez Shore Excursions

The relatively unknown fishing village of Saint-Tropez on the French Rivera shot to fame in 1956 when the movie “And God Created Woman” starring Brigitte Bardot was filmed there. The French actress took a liking to the area and settled locally which created Saint-Tropez’s reputation as a playground for the rich and famous.

Antibes

Antibes (Juan-Le-Pins) Shore Excursions

The chic resort town of Antibes on the French Riviera has served as an important trading post since it was settled by the Ancient Greeks in 340 BC. As a natural, deep water harbour it was an important port for the Roman Empire and in the 14th century became a prized possession of the powerful Grimaldi family. Today the Port of Antibes is the main attraction for first time visitors due to the sheer size and number of mega-yachts which are docked there during the summer months.

Cannes

Cannes Shore Excursions

Located on the Côte d’Azur between Saint Tropez and Monaco, the town of Cannes is well known worldwide for hosting its annual film festival. Its popularity as a holiday resort can be traced back to the 1830s when wealthy British families were attracted here by its mild winter climate.

Villefranche

Villefranche (Nice) Shore Excursions

The Parc du Mont Boron is a Mediterranean forest lying just east of Nice on the Côte d’Azur. This natural barrier protects the delightful town of Villefranche-sur-Mer from the encroachment of its nearby neighbour. This independence from the city has allowed Villefranche to maintain its well established air of exclusivity which helped convince a number of rich and famous people to set up homes here. Best known of these luxurious properties is Villa Leopolda which was built in the late 1920s by King Leopold II of Belgium. Some visitors may find that the villa looks familiar as it appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “To Catch a Thief”.