Update from the Trail

These last nearly two weeks, I’ve been working on my goal of hiking the entire coast of Brittany. This time, I’m making my way from Crozon to Lorient, finishing up the Finistère section of the GR34. I should arrive in Lorient this Sunday evening. That will...

$20 Off Language Lessons

TakeLessons is a website that helps match students with teachers. They cover a number of subjects; to date, they have sold over 2 million lessons. Many lessons are taught by webcam, though some teachers will meet in person. . . TakeLessons is the largest online...

Versailles Fountains Show: Update

On Saturday, I went back to the Versailles Fountain show, for the first time since 2012. It’s a spectacular way to see the palace and its gardens. Be sure to take a look at my post from 2012 for a full description. I am including just a few additional notes...

Lulu Dans Ma Rue: Help with the Odd Jobs

This spring, I needed to hang some baskets, a shelf and a mirror and I knew I’d mess it up if I tried it myself. But it wasn’t a big enough job to necessitate calling in the contractor. So I gave Lulu Dans Ma Rue a try. Here is the end result: Lulu Dans Ma...

Prettiest Villages in Brittany

Thanks to Complete France for this list of 16 Traditional Villages in Brittany You Have to Visit. Île-de-Batz I still haven’t seen all of them. I’m missing four: Bécherel (Ille-et-Vilaine), Pontrieux (Côtes d’Armor), La Roche-Derrien (Côtes d’Armor) and...

My Local Wine Bar: Les Agapes de Nina

This is my new local wine bar, Les Agapes de Nina. Run by Nina herself, she makes you feel like you’re at home. And she picks excellent wines. They also have small nibbles–mostly charcuterie and cheeses. Here’s my new favorite wine, just 25...

Ria d’Etel Boat Trip

In late May, I went on an excursion I’d be wanting to do for a long time, since the Ria d’Etel and the picturesque island village of Saint-Cado first won me over in May 2012. I took the 1 1/2 hour boat excursion from the town of Etel into the estuary. The...

Carte Citoyenne-Citoyen de Paris

Did you know that if you’re a Paris resident, you can now sign up for a Carte Citoyenne-Citoyen de Paris? This resident’s card gives you free and exclusive access to tours, visits, programs and a number of other services. Click here to order your card....

The Best Central European Itinerary

I was working recently with my aunt and uncle to put together an itinerary for a “Best of Central Europe” tour. We wanted to avoid larger cities, but get a good variety of architecture, landscapes, cultures and cuisines. Çesky Krumlov, Czech Republic...

La Semaine du Golfe

La Semaine du Golfe (Gulf Week) is a festival held every two years in the Gulf of Morbihan, in southern Brittany. This festival celebrates the seafaring history and culture of the region. Numerous towns and ports encompassing the Gulf participate, which makes for a...