France Just For You Chez Vous
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March 2021
Dear Travelers,
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Spring in France has sprung a little early this year, bringing back some much needed sunlight for the soul.
Like many countries around the globe, the vaccination campaign in France is moving forward, also bringing some much needed hope that things will soon be getting back to normal. It is projected that everyone who wants to get vaccinated in France will be able to do so by the end of the summer.
The situation is mixed across the country, with some regions having very few new cases and others seeing some spikes. The government has not communicated as to when restaurants, museums, cultural sites, etc. will re-open, but we hope to know more soon.
France is also working closely with the EU regarding when European borders will re-open to international travelers. We, like you, are eager for this news.
As the re-openings draw near, I hope the article about southwestern France gets your travel juices flowing again. When I think of Carcassonne, I always think about when my parents visited from the US a few years ago.
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They stayed in a small hotel in the center of the city, and found themselves quite alone in the streets after leaving the restaurant for dinner to walk back to the hotel.
My mom swears that a mist had begun rolling into the ancient cobblestone streets, and the golden lights were just enough for her to catch a glimpse of the ghost of a valiant medieval knight turning the corner into a darkened alley just before them.
I think it was more of a mix of the glass of local Cabardès wine with dinner and the romantic novels she reads. But who knows? Maybe there is still a Knight Templar roaming the labyrinth of Carcassonne... so keep your eyes open while there and maybe you will see him, too!
With warmest regards from France,
Laura Crotet, Senior Trip Planner
France Just For You
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Market day (with everyone wearing masks) in the town of Langeais in the Loire Valley
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Visit Languedoc Roussillon & the Cathar Country
Part of the bigger Languedoc-Roussillon region, the Roussillon area spans from the Spanish border to the city of Narbonne and includes the eastern fringe of the Pyrenees mountains. This area is also known as French Catalonia, and the Catalan history and traditions are still very much evident today.
In our blog post on this beautiful region in the southwest of France, we recommend some lovely Mediterranean coastal areas to visit, as well as the must-see areas inland, such as the medieval city of Carcassonne. We also delve into the fascinating history of this region, Catalan culture and traditions and, of course – the cuisine!
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Top: the medieval city of Carcassonne. Bottom left: the coastal town of Collioure. Bottom right: Perpignan
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Interview: Vincent's Motorcycle Diaries & Tours
For a rare few, travel and hospitality is in their blood. This is true for the Martinez-Thyebaut family. The dynasty started with Florence and Philippe, Emilie’s parents, who ran a wonderful B&B in a 15th century farmhouse near Chinon called Les Bournais. They shared their passion for the Loire Valley, as well as their kindness and joie de vivre, with all their guests. They are now newly retired and enjoying this new chapter of their lives.
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Next is Emilie and Guillaume. Wanting to share the hidden beauties of France, they launched France Just For You in 2012 after extensively traveling themselves throughout France and the world. The way they travel - getting off the beaten track and connecting with the locals – is at the heart of France Just For You.
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Next in line is Emilie’s brother Vincent (pictured below), who is starting a tour company to organize guided motorbike tours in France. Vincent lived and worked for many years in Canada. Before coming back to France, he and his partner Julie traveled for 1 year by motorcycle from Montreal to Argentina.
We sat down to interview Vincent and learned more about his incredible journey down the American continent by motorbike and the idea behind his exciting new motorcycle tour company in France.
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Photo: Emilie's brother Vincent
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Online exhibition: Explore the Impressionist Galaxy
Thanks to the Giverny Museum of Impressionism, you can now explore the world of Impressionism from your computer (the website does not load on cellphones, unfortunately).
In this virtual gallery/galaxy of Impressionist art, discover masterpieces from 70 different artists from across the globe.
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Grocery Shopping in France
Grocery shopping in France can be quite a different cultural experience, especially for our travelers from outside of Europe. From smaller portions, a sprawling dairy section, and five different types of strawberries, a trip to a French grocery store can be a day out in itself!
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In this blog post, our Senior Trip Planner Laura (originally from the US) writes about what to expect in French grocery, and the differences from those in America.
Interesting fact: Did you know... grocery stores in France aren't allowed to throw away unsold food? France was the first country in the world to ban supermarkets from throwing away or destroying unsold food. Since February 2016, shops must donate wastage to food banks or charities.
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Recipe: Riz à la Catalane
This rice and chorizo recipe is quick to make, so it's a great option for a week night meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the Catalane touch makes it a little spicy, depending on the heat of the chorizo you choose. Bon appétit, or as they say in Catalan, tenir gana!
Bon Appétit !
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In next month's newsletter we will be doing a whistle-stop tour of the Loire Valley (where we live), telling you all about the best cycling routes and sharing some photos of castles you absolutely must visit on a trip to the Loire Valley!
Take care and stay safe and well, wherever you are in the world.
Sending you our warmest wishes,
Emilie Thyebaut
Founder of France Just For You
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