The opening ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympics are set to begin on July 26th. Even non-sports fans will be excited to catch glimpses of the City of Light as the events get underway.
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Like us, you may be wondering the best way to celebrate the start of the Paris Olympics in fine French style. We chose one of our favorite French cocktails to toast the athletes the tasty Kir Royale.
Even if you’re not interested in the Olympics, no worries. This cocktail is the perfect aperitif any day of the week.
While there are many different types of Kir Royales we’re sharing our favorite recipe.
It’s important to make sure the sparkling wine is completely chilled. You may add Chambord or any other flavored liquor you prefer.The cocktail should have a lovely blush color. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail add a bit more liquer. Garnish with raspberries or any other berry that you enjoy.
Course: Drinks
We have enjoyed many different alternatives to this tasty French cocktail. Adding limoncello makes it a bit Italian and adding ginjinha cherry liqueur makes it a little Portuguese.
Any way you mix it is sure to be a tasty way to celebrate the Olympics and cheer on your favorite athletes while dreaming of Paris. Let the games begin!
This post is part of our series: BEST EVER. These articles will be about food travel experiences that we have found and engaged in ourselves. And, they will all be experiences that we feel you should add to your must-do food travel list.
The trip we took years ago still remains one of our favorites a French Barge Cruise. This was a trip that I had dreamed about for years and it really lived up to my expectations.
What Is A Barge In France?
At first, a river-barging trip may sound like something that may not be that attractive. You couldn’t be more wrong.
Our first BEST EVER is a France barge cruise through Southern Burgundy on the ultra-deluxe Adrienne, a member of the French Country Waterways fleet.
We took this dream cruise on my 50th birthday. To say it was a trip of a lifetime is a huge understatement. From start to finish everything was top-notch, the details were carefully looked after, and it is the kind of experience whose memories will continue to bring joy long after the journey has ended.
The trip is a 6-night/7 day slow and pleasurable canal cruise through the beautiful Southern Burgundy countryside. The adventure begins with a most civilized mid-afternoon private coach pick-up in the lobby of the beautiful Hotel Raphaelin Paris. We opted to stay at the Hotel Raphael for 2 nights prior to the cruise. Let’s just say that it is a deliciously comfortable and luxurious Parisian hotel within walking distance of the Champs-Elysees and many other right-bank Parisian hot spots.
Hotel Raphael Lobby
You start the adventure in earnest with a jaunt on the TGV, or high-speed train, to Dijon that lasts just under two hours. If you’ve never taken the TGV you’ll be impressed by the cleanliness and efficiency on this 200+ mph rail that gets you where you’re going in no time.
Bon Voyage!
You are welcomed on the Adrienne France barge cruise with a champagne reception, of course! The Adrienne has 6 luxurious cabins with the choice of one King or two twin beds. Each cabin has its own private bath with a shower, much bigger than most ocean cruise suites. This means there will likely be 12 people on board. The Adrienne has an English-speaking crew of 6 well-trained members, who will dote on your every need. Each guest completes a profile prior to the trip so the staff knows in advance your food allergies and food and drink preferences. I happen to love vodka as well as wine so they made sure to have my favorite brand on hand in the fully-stocked bar on board.
Chef Cyril always presented wonderful creations.
The beauty of the barge is immediately apparent. The word barge seems very odd considering this is nothing like a typical barge you might expect to see. This opulent floating inn has every amenity you can imagine – salon, bar and separate dining room all done in classic French decor, with lovely carpeting, carved wood furnishings, and lovely brass accents. Central air-conditioning, granite and marble bathrooms and both 110 and 220 electrical outlets in every cabin.
What’s included in the price? In a nutshell, everything! All meals breakfast, lunch and dinner, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and the use of onboard bicycles.
Be Prepared to Eat & Drink While Cruising In France
The highlight of the cruise is definitely the food+wine. Every lunch and dinner we were offered red and white estate-bottled wines. There was an in-depth explanation of each wine and its origin. We greatly appreciated the very detailed history and in-depth knowledge the barge “captain” brought to each presentation.
We also sampled three unique local kinds of cheese at every lunch and dinner. Some were made at tiny dairies specializing in those particular cheeses, some from area villages or monasteries, and some we’re likely never to taste again. It was a cheese and wine lovers’ paradise.
Burgundy Vineyards
The stops during the France barge cruise featured a visit to a Cote d’Or wine-producing area featuring Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards including a private tasting with the vintner.
Michelin Starred Lameloise
Also included in the price of the cruise is a dinner at the Michelin three-starred restaurant Maison Lameloise in the tiny town of Chagny. This was a very special treat but we all agreed that the food on board the cruise was on par with that of the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Our onboard chef, Cyril, was a young self-taught French chef who was adorable and charming and whose world-class cooking skills were quite appreciated by all on the barge. He even provided us with a tour of his small but efficient galley and offered some French cooking tips.
Amazing Itinerary on the French Barge Cruise
Chateau of Longecourt in Burgundy
From our first stop in Dijon to our last stop in St. Leger every port of call had its own unique qualities and wonders to explore. We had escorted walking tours and a visit to a working Chateau where we chatted with the Count whose family has owned the Chateau for generations. We had a tour of Beaune known for its unique tiled roofs and Hospice de Beaune. And, we strolled through a 12th century castle.
The Food Travelists cycling through Burgundy.
To make the adventure even better, as the barge slowly moves from port to port you may choose to walk, run or bicycle along the canals yourself. There is a paved path along most of the canals that allows you easy access to quaint French towns along the way. We hopped on bicycles one day and experienced the smallest towns in a way we most certainly never would have even been able to otherwise, even on a driving trip through France.
If you choose, you can relax onboard and experience going through the many canal locks, watching as the crew make it look a lot easier than I think it really is.
New Found Friends
Our companions on the cruise were wonderful food and travel-loving people. We all became fast friends after our first meal together and enjoyed each others’ company throughout the journey. Sharing of the day’s tales and comparing travel stories made for some late nights over wine, scotch, and other libations.
Since it was my special birthday, the crew made the evening we celebrated my day really special. The Chef created a wonderful birthday torte adorned with a huge spun sugar sculpture. We ate and drank ourselves silly and finished up the evening with Moet & Chandon Imperial at the barge bar while comparing pedicures. Fun was most certainly had by all.
A Trip To Remember
Cheers!
Are There Canal Boats in France?
Yes!! And they are wonderful. Our France Barge Cruise through the canals of Burgundy was and still remains one of my most favorite food travel memories. I’ll always remember the food, the wine, and the friends I made during that week.
This was a trip that we paid for ourselves, it was not a sponsored media trip. We did a ton of research before we booked this trip. If you’re looking to do the same we highly recommend this barge company and this itinerary.
Quick Bites: If you’re looking for a truly special food travel experience check out French Country Waterways France Barge Cruises. It’s a very special week filled with local food, cheeses, and wine that will provide memories for a lifetime.
Many travelers seek large cities like Paris, Rome, or London when deciding where to travel. While we love exploring and experiencing these large cities, we also enjoy spending time in the smaller towns too.
Our recent visit to France had us trekking through the southwest region of the Midi-Pyrénées.
Our journey through Gers.
After tasting our way around Toulouse we headed off to the Gers region in the southwest of France. We always love traveling through France. It’s easy and affordable to rent a car and travel throughout the countryside discovering lovely local restaurants, foods, and wine. We also find it relaxing and inspiring. There are fewer people so we can spend more time meeting the locals and really experiencing the region.
In Gers, you will feel immediately welcome so you will enjoy the seasons no matter when you visit.
What you’ll first notice about the Gers region are the rolling hills, which are perfect for wine production, raising ducks, and the ever-present sunflower fields.
Half timber building in Auch, France.Over 1,500 wood characters carved at the Cathedral of Sainte Marie
We started our journey in Auch. First of all, you’ll want to stop at the tourism office to pick up maps and check out everything that’s going on in town. It’s right across from the UNESCO listed world heritage site Cathedral of Saint-Marie in the main square. The Cathedral, as part of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim routes in France, is a treasure.
Most noteworthy are the beautiful stained glass windows by Arnaut de Moles and the 1,500 wood carvings in the stalls reserved for the archbishop and the count. Because of their intricate and unique nature, you will not want to miss them. Also, you’ll want to see if you’re lucky enough to visit when there’s a concert on the “great organ,” which was commissioned by Napoleon III.
D’Artagnan watches over Auch
Throughout Gers, you will experience the feeling of D’Artagnan, the legendary Captain romanticized in The Three Musketeers. It’s the “all for one, and one for all” spirit that will keep you exploring Auch. Most of all, take time to walk down the Great Staircase and enjoy wonderful views of the Gers Valley.
The nearby Musee des Jacobins and the Tour d’Armagnac are both historical landmarks, especially relevant in that they offer more insights into Auch.
Steep medieval alleyways allowed villagers access to the water of the Gers River.
While you’re up on the top of the hill, imagine the villagers walking up and down the stairs carrying water to their homes and businesses. It seems they would want to eat lots of great food because of their daily activity. For us, doing just a little of that climbing was a way to not only see the sights but also work up an appetite for all the tasty food to come.
Sliced foie gras at Hotel de France in Auch.
After a tour of the town head back to the city centre where you will discover the Hotel de France. We had our lunch there and sampled local sliced foie gras dressed with aged balsamic vinegar and pine nuts, and noteworthy local wines. We finished with the largest and most scrumptious Baked Alaska we’ve ever had.
Beautiful lunch at Hotel de France, AuchThe largest Baked Alaska Ever!
What a way to make a lasting impression! Onward to more of Gers!
Armagnac is unique to southwest France.
Our next stop was a visit to the estate Domaine de Bilé for a tasting of the region’s world-famous brandy – Armagnac. The Vedove family has been creating award-winning fine brandy for over 40 years. While they are how in their 3rd generation, you can visit their facilities for a tasting and education to learn how they produce Armagnac.
The Gascony region is the only place that produces Armagnac. Unlike the large production of Cognac, smaller producers traditionally make Armagnac. Also, Armagnac is distilled only once, thus producing a more flavorful spirit.
You can also taste Floc de Gascogne, which is a combination of fresh grape juice and Armagnac. Made with either red or white grapes it’s a perfect accompaniment with dessert, chocolates, or fruits.
Large glass bottles for aging Armagnac at Domain de BileChateaux Le Haget
Eager for a place to rest our heads after indulging in so much delicious food and wine, we headed to Chateaux Le Haget in Montesquiou a short drive away. You’ll fall in love with this 19th chateaux the moment you lay eyes on it.
Its 10 rooms all have unique character and authenticity. We enjoyed the quiet of the countryside along with the modern amenities like wi-fi, a swimming pool, and delicious breakfast served outside. Families are welcome and the hotel has hosted many weddings and anniversary celebrations on its romantic grounds.
Chateaux Le Haget is also a wonderful place to stay if you’re visiting nearby Marciac for the Jazz Festival. Be sure to read our post on the Magical Marciac Jazz Festival if you’re a music lover.
Dinner at Chateaux Le Haget starts with foie gras.
The hotel also has an adjoining restaurant where Chef Marc Passera serves up regional specialties. Duck pate with fig jam and roasted duck with seasonal vegetables was the perfectly prepared dishes on our plates.
Roasted duck at Chateaux le Haget
At a nearby duck farm we saw the animals were treated humanely and with much respect.
Explore the history at Delord Armagnac
The next day we headed to the small town of Lannepax for another Armagnac tasting at Armagnac Delord. Each Armagnac is unique and must be tried. The Delord Family has been producing fine Armagnac for four generations. You can view the alambic or still that Propser Delord carried from farm to farm in Gascony, which he used to transform white wine into Armagnac.
Learning about Armagnac at Delord.
We learned the proper way to pour the Armagnac into a glass, preferably a snifter. Next, you wrap your hands around the glass and cover the glass to compress the vapors. Finally, you swirl the liquid around and then bring the glass to your nose releasing your hands from the top. Consequently, the aroma is breathtaking.
We were pleased to learn that Delord Armagnac has quite an extensive distribution network in the U.S.
Flaran Abbey
After our visit at Delords’s, we made our way to the Flaran Abbey. It was such a pleasure to drive through the valleys seeing all the sunflowers, farms, and vineyards along the way.
You’ll want to leave plenty of time to explore the grounds of Flaran Abbey. It is one of the best-preserved abbeys in southwest France. Wander through the gardens, the church, and the Simonow art collection. The permanent exhibit features European Masters from the 16th to 20th centuries.
Church at Flaran Abbey
If you’re looking for another place to stay in the region, Ferm de Flaran is a quaint hotel and restaurant along the route.
Ferme De Flaran
Both locals and travelers stop at Ferme de Flaran for respite. The restaurant offers seasonal country cooking. Chef Gerard Tete uses local ingredients to craft his dishes, and he often chooses fresh produce from his own garden out back.
Exquisite Lunch at Ferme de Flaran.
You can expect fresh mushrooms, duck and more to be expertly prepared. Although the restaurant produces elegant cuisine, you’ll find the atmosphere very relaxed and friendly. We saw many folks, some of whom were guests at the hotel, and their children having wonderful family meals.
Ferme de Flaran Hotel room.
Although we didn’t stay at the hotel, we took a peek at some of the accommodations. Many rooms are newly remodeled and are comfortable, well-appointed, and lovely. The hotel has a large swimming pool, parking, and free Wi-Fi. The room rates are very reasonable and for a small up-charge, you can include buffet breakfast and lunch or dinner.
Explore Gers
This is just a taste of what there is to explore in the Gers region of France. Gers is a short trip from Toulouse or Bordeaux. Air France provides many flight options from the U.S. and Europe to the region. We flew direct from Chicago to Paris and then took a short flight to Toulouse to begin our trip.
If this post leaves you yearning for more Gers culinary delights check out this short video below:
Thank you to Atout France for hosting us during our trip to the Midi-Pyrénées. We were not financially compensated. As always all opinions are our own and reflect our experiences.
To learn more about the region or to make travel plans please visit tourisme-gers.com for all the details.
THE QUICK BITE: If you’re looking to explore more of France look to Gers, the heart of the Gascony region in the south west of France.
We were recently invited to sample the Bastille Day menu at The Peninsula Chicago. We were not financially compensated and all opinions expressed are our own.
Happy Bastille Day!
Viva la France! We will use just about any excuse to celebrate France and especially French cuisine. Bastille Day, July 14th is no exception. Bastille Day celebrates French National Day and remembers theFête de la Fédération, which was formed after a year of political struggle in France. Celebrations and parties are held throughout France and around the world.
Peninsula Chicago Pierrot Gourmet Bastille Day
We recently had the opportunity to taste some of the offerings for the Bastille Day menu at the Pierrot Gourmet at The Peninsula in Chicago. Needless to say our appetite for all things French was certainly whetted by the delicious menu constructed by Executive Chef Mike Wehrle and Executive Pastry Chef Dimitri Fayard.
Salad Lyonnaise Pierrot Gourmet
The classic Salad Lyonnais was a perfect start. The lardons were generously abundant and both crunchy and chewy while the champagne vinaigrette was light and tangy.
Bouchot Mussels Petite Gourmet
My personal favorite was the Bouchot Mussels prepared with Pernod, fennel, and fine herbs and served with crunchy country French bread. We were served a tasting portion but we saw the entree portion and it was very ample. The mussels were bathed in a delicious broth worthy of sopping up with crispy toasted bread. Don’t waste a drop.
Short Rib Bourguignon Pierrot Gourmet
Another classic French dish, the Short Rib Bourguignon with cipollini, confit potatoes, and carrots, was an excellent choice as well. The short rib melted in your mouth along with the rich winey sauce.
Trio of Desserts Pierrot Gourmet
The pièce de résistance of course is the desserts. We tried three beauties. Mousse Chocolat Facon Grand-Mere featuring dark chocolate mousse, topped with vanilla bean ice cream, Tarte Tatin with carmelized apple tart, puff pastry, and creme fraiche, and Flan Parisien cooked custard tart with caramel sauce. Make sure you leave room to try at least one of these delightful desserts.
French Martini at The Bar in The Peninsula Chicago
When you’re done with dinner take a quick elevator ride up to The Bar in The Peninsula Chicago for an intimate quiet libation in this country club-type setting. This bar is sure to please anyone you host. Whether you’re entertaining a new sweetie or a hard-to-impress client, they will not be disappointed.
Peninsula Chicago All Things French
The Peninsula Paris
The Peninsula’s Bastille Day menu runs through August 14th. If you want to continue your Francophile cravings, all The Peninsula Hotels will be celebrating the opening of their The Peninsula Paris in August 2014 with the theme “All Things French”. From a French-inspired afternoon tea, and “Chocolate at the Pen” you are certain to find the perfect way to celebrate the French in style.
The Peninsula Paris Terrace tea
Planning a trip to Paris? Champagne overlooking the Sacre Couer sounds spectacular to me! We can’t wait to visit the latest The Peninsula location. We had the good fortune to stay at The Peninsula in Beijing and all we can say is that we were completely spoiled by the staff, food, and accommodations. Be sure to consider The Penisula for your next trip.
THE QUICK BITE: Happy Bastille Day! Celebrate at The Peninsula Chicago with a classic French menu deliciously prepared and served in a French bistro style. Enjoy your scrumptious dinner indoors or out. Don’t miss the latest The Peninsula in Paris!
Do you love Veuve Clicquot champagne? Are you always on the hunt for that distinctive yellow label? Well, if you do, you might be interested to know that one of the best-selling brands in the world became that way because of a ballsy widow, forced to make her way in the world after the death of her hubby when she was only 27 years old left her with a failing business.
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin in France
Indeed, the “Widow Clicquot,” Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, took some huge risks to build a business during the most tumultuous political and financial times. In 1814 during the war, she risked humiliation and utter financial ruin by shipping her exquisite 1811 vintage champagne to Russia – having to pass through a military blockade to do it. Fortune favors the bold, however, and her shipment arrived and her champagne ruled the Russian market for decades.
She also innovated the process of making Veuve Clicquot champagne, developing with her colleagues, a method of clarifying, known as “riddling,” which allows the sediment to gather in the bottleneck so it can be easily removed, leaving nothing but clear and sparkling bubbly.
Portrait of Madame Clicquot and her great-granddaughter Anne de Rochechouart-Mortemart by Léon Cogniet.
The Grand Dame of Champagne was also responsible for some of the greatest marketing innovations in the industry, some of which still hold fast today. Perhaps you’ve seen the bright yellow label standing out on the shelf? The reason it stands out so well is that when considering how to make it so, Madame Clicquot was eating an egg for breakfast and noticed the deep yellow yolk of the egg as it contrasted starkly with the egg white. She loved that yellow yolk color and adopted it for her label, and the Veuve Clicquot brand can be readily seen from across any room because of it!
Learning to Succeed
Madame Clicquot’s example provides so many lessons. Be brave, be bold, believe in yourself and take action. And it never hurts to have good taste. The one belief that has never changed through the years of marketing one of the world’s finest champagnes came from Madame Clicquot herself. “Only one quality, the finest.”
Pouring the Veuve Clicquot
With that kind of vision, tenacity, and good taste, it’s clear (not from riddling!) that Veuve Clicquot remains the Champagne Queen. The next time you see the Veuve Cliquot Yellow label think of the wonderful lady who started it all.
THE QUICK BITE: From a young widow on the edge of bankruptcy, gutsy Madame Clicquot created an empire and became the Champagne Queen.
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The cuisine of France is world-renowned for its sophistication, precision, and elegance. But there’s one item that we find more hearty and rustic than refined. And we love that! It’s the galette, a large thin pancake-like pastry that most often appears in the Brittany region of France. The galette could be considered a country cousin to the crepe. While crepes are known for their thin delicateness, galettes are often made a little heavier, often with buckwheat flour, lending a more rustic bite. Galettes may be filled with savory or sweet fillings.
Accompanying galettes in Brittany or Normandy is a traditional drink that comes from the plentiful apple trees grown there – cider (spelled cidre in the area). But it’s not the cider you would normally think of, sweet and smooth. This cider has a kick and is slightly bubbly with a tinge of alcohol content. It’s definitely a different taste, perhaps one that takes a little time to acquire. But it complements both sweet and savory galettes perfectly.
Food Travelist Galettes Galore Mont St Michel
A couple of recommendations for authentic galettes if you’re visiting Brittany or Normandy:
If you’re lucky enough to visit the stunning Mont St. Michel (and we highly recommend you do!) you’ll find yourself strolling among the shops, bakeries, bars, and restaurants lining the streets of the tiny town. But if you want to try a galette, here are a couple of places you will want to check out.
Food Travelist Galettes Galore Mont St Michel Bakeries
La Ferme St Michel has a great “snacks menu” that includes savory galettes filled with butter, cheese, egg, ham, and/or sausage.
Creperie La Cloche has savory galettes, “super” galettes with a tasty bunch of stuff inside and dessert galettes – something for everyone. They also have cidre.
Food Travelist Galettes Galore Le Moulin De La Galette View
If you’re in Normandy, then you’re likely to visit Bayeaux to see the amazing “tapestry,” the embroidery that shows the entire history of events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in one long piece. When you finish viewing this incredible artifact, you’ll likely be looking for some sustenance. We highly recommend you pay a visit to the picturesque and serene Le Moulin De La Galette. Sitting on the terrace alongside the river will keep you enchanted. Meanwhile, the hearty cidre and huge galettes will fill you completely. We experienced the ultimate indulgence – a savory galette filled with ham and cheese, followed by a dessert galette drizzled with rich, dark, sweet chocolate. Need we say more?
Remember too that Calvados in the lower Normandy region is well known for its apple brandy of the same name. If you have a chance to explore Brittany and Normandy, you will find galettes galore and we suggest you taste a whole lot of them before determining which you like best.
THE QUICK BITE:For a tasty local treat when traveling in the Brittany and Normandy regions of France, get your hands on a galette and you’ll be happy you did.
I make a big deal about my birthday. Always have. Years ago I saw a documentary on French barge cruising and thought it looked wonderful. I made it a goal to take one on my 50th birthday. As I got closer to the big date I enlisted the help of Ellen Zak “The Barge Lady” to help us with our planning. After very thorough research we chose French Country Waterways burgundy region barge river cruise.
Needless to say, it surpassed all my wildest dreams. For 6 days I was pampered, fed the most amazing food, drank delicious French wine & champagne, and visited castles, chateaus, museums, vineyards, shops, villages, and even a Michelin-starred restaurant. The accommodations were far more plush and posh than you would expect on a barge. The Chef left the barge early every morning to bike to the local bakery in every port for fresh bread and pastries. The first guest to rise was sure to get the best selection. The pace was slow and relaxed you could take the day’s excursion or stay behind and slowly float up the river watching the lovely French countryside pass by while sipping wine, reading, or napping. A path along the river made it easy to either bike, walk or run to the next stop without fear of getting lost or left behind. The more adventurous of us biked through some of the small towns discovering what life in the French countryside was like for the locals. Stopping for a glass of wine or croissant was not only condoned but encouraged.
It was indeed a trip of a lifetime. Only 12 passengers were on board so the experience was intimate and friendly. By the end of the journey, new acquaintances became good friends. The piece de resistance was a scrumptious birthday dinner and a wonderful birthday cake topped with a spun sugar tower. It’s certainly a trip I’ll never forget.
QUICK BITE: If you’re looking for a special trip for any reason a French Barge Cruise is definitely one to consider.
