-
Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy
I had my Tuscan photo-op fantasy fulfilled while driving through the Val d’Orcia. Verdant hills, quintessential cypress rows, perfectly manicured vineyards, historic ridgetop villages—these are the vistas that abound in the Val d’Orcia. Throw in a perfectly sunny day in autumn, and you’ll be propelled into a photo-taking frenzy like I was. Although I must say, while I was fortunate enough to snap some striking shots, there is no replacement for experiencing this slice of Italian countryside other than being…
-
Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy
It started off as an overcast October morning in eastern Tuscany’s Val di Chiana. Charles and I had spent the prior day, in the rain, exploring San Gimignano and Siena, both beautiful historic cities—but both overrun by tawdry tourist shops and overpriced restaurants serving mediocre food. We were seeking a more authentic Tuscan experience, and it was suggested that we visit Arezzo. A city known to art lovers, Arezzo is home to Piero della Francesca’s most celebrated fresco cycle, Legend…
-
Hotel Le Canberra, Cannes, France
Charles and I stayed at the Hotel Le Canberra in Cannes for several nights not too long ago, and I must say, it was the perfect little gem of a hotel. It was the end of September, which is the best time to travel to the Riviera—rates go down because it’s past the peak tourist season; the weather is ideal (warm days and cool nights); and the streets and beaches are free of all the hubbub that inundates the region…
-
The Luberon, Provence, France
Experience the magic of Provence as I relive my driving tour of the Luberon. This fertile basin is located in central Provence, bordered to the north by the Monts de Vaucluse and to the south by the Luberon Massif. What lies in between is a land lush with lavender fields, ancient olive groves, and well-kempt vineyards. The region is also home to some of France’s most picturesque villages-perchés – Medieval towns built on rocky crags with commanding views that stretch…
-
Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Spain (Part 2)
If you’re continuing your Montjuïc expedition from the Jardí Botànic, keep reading this paragraph. If you decided to split up your Montjuïc adventure over two days, skip to the next paragraph. When you exit the Jardí Botànic, head back to Avinguda de l’Estadi and continue walking west to Plaça de Sant Jordi, where you’ll bear right onto Avinguda dels Montanyans. This will lead you to El Poble Espanyol, or the Spanish Village. For day two, you’ll begin your journey at…
-
Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Spain (Part 1)
Parc de Montjuïc spans an ancient hill overlooking the southern edge of the port of Barcelona. It is the city’s largest public space and is filled with more than a day’s worth of sites to see and explore. Yet, like Barcelona’s very own Xanadu, it also provides a scenic and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Your visit to Montjuïc should start with an adventure on the Telefèric del Port – an aerial tramway that dangles…
-
Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain
On your next trip to Barcelona, be sure to visit the architectural wonderland commonly known as Park Güell. It is a bit of a hike to get to (literally), but well worth the climb. Nowhere else in the city can you see and explore so many works by Antoni Gaudí in such close proximity – it’s truly a Gaudí admirer’s paradise. The property was originally envisioned as a residential oasis by entrepreneur Count Eusebi Güell who, at the turn of…
-
Marché du Pont de l’Alma, Paris, France
One of the best and largest open air food markets in Paris is the Marché du Pont de l’Alma. Also known as Marché Président Wilson, it runs along Avenue du Président Wilson from Pont de l’Alma to Trocadéro and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7am – 2:30pm. While it is technically located in the 16th arrondissement, it also serves the residents of the 7th, right across the Seine on the left bank. The numerous stalls are filled with beautiful,…
-
Mirazur, Menton, France
One of the most spectacular meals I’ve ever had was at Mirazur on the French Riviera. The dining experience was one of a well-directed, well-rehearsed gastronomic operetta, led by the Argentine chef extraordinaire, Mauro Colagreco. The restaurant’s cliffside location offers incredible views of the Mediterranean coast from Menton to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and beyond. Built into the hillside below the restaurant, a terraced garden cultivated by Colagreco and team provides fresh produce and flowers that make their way onto each and every…
