Go Organic in Paris

These days it’s all about going green, natural, organic, or anything else that is friendly to the environment (and to our bodies). When you’re home, it’s easy to support local farms through farmers’ markets or buy organic goods from the supermarket, but traveling internationally could pose a threat to your health-conscious lifestyle and eating habits…unless you know where to go to find organic products and eco-friendly services.

In 2009, with the help of President Nicholas Sarkozy, Paris became proactive in supporting organic agriculture. The government cut subsidies given to large farms and redirected the financial aid to smaller organic and family owned farms. Paris has been the center of these organic or biologique (or bio) changes and boasts a number of successful organic and natural supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants, wine shops, and even hotels.

Supermarkets and Organic Markets

For those of you lucky enough to rent an apartment and enjoy an extended stay in The City of Light, grocery shopping is a must. Biocoop and Naturalia are two organic supermarkets in the Paris region. Biocoop has more than 300 stores throughout France and offers organic and fair trade products as well as eco-friendly cosmetics.

At Naturalia , you can pick up anything you need from your typical grocery items like pasta and cheese to useful household items like insect repellent and water filters. If you’d like to make the most of the chore of food shopping, take a trip to one of the several food markets throughout Paris.

Do as the celebrities do and shop at Marché Raspail , which is Paris’ most famous outdoor food market. It is wholly organic on Sundays (open from 9 am to 2 pm), offering products ranging from produce and meat to jams and vegan pastries.

You’ll go home with an array of delectable and good-for-you goodies. If you do shop at the Marché Raspail, be prepared to spend a little more than usual, as this market is also Paris’ most expensive organic food market. In the 17^th arrondissement, the less expensive but equally impressive Marché Batignolles attracts visitors interested in fresh and organic food. This market is open on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm, and offers a variety of products. You can even grab a quick lunch while you shop!

Biocoop
9 Avenue de Villars
Metró: Saint Francios-Xavier

Naturalia
11 rue Montorgueil
Metró: Les Halles

Marché Biologique Raspail
Boulevard Raspail, Entre la rue du Cherche-Midi et la rue de Rennes
Metró: Ligne 12 – Rennes
Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm

Marché Biologique Batignolles
Boulevard de Batignolles
Metró: Rome or Place de Clichy
Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm

Boulangeries, Patisseries, and Restaurants

Paris is known for culinary excellence and fresh-baked goods—croissants, baguettes, and fruit tarts that will make your mouth water. These days it isn’t too hard to find an organic boulangerie or pâtisserie while meandering through the streets of Paris. Moisan is a 100% organic bakery known for its organic loaves of bread that are crispy on the outside but warm and fluffy on the inside.

This boulangerie provides many companies and hotels with their pastries and breads. Stop by to pick up a few pastries for breakfast or sit down and enjoy an organic lunch with Moisan’s assortment of sandwiches and quiches. Even though it’s organic, prices are no higher than the average boulangerie, so go ahead and indulge!

Crepes are also another favorite in Paris, and you can find delicious buckwheat crepes at the organic hotspot Breizh Café. Breizh Cafe uniquely blends the owners’ ethnic backgrounds—Breton and Japanese—into tasty organic dishes at a reasonable price. They are most famous for their buckwheat crepes filled with a variety of fresh ingredients. Wash down your meal with a cup of coffee or one of the homemade ciders.

Bio and vegetarian (and even vegan) restaurants have grown popular in Paris, popping up all over the place. Au Grain de Folie is a small organic and vegetarian restaurant not to miss! This tiny restaurant in the 18^th arrondissement offers salads, casseroles, tarts, and other dishes that are inspired by French, Greek, Turkish, and Indian cuisine. Before you go, call ahead for a reservation and stop at the automat for cash since Au Grain de Folie does not accept credit cards.

For another intimate dining experience, go to Le Potager du Marais, another small organic and vegetarian restaurant with the high quality that matches Au Grain de Folie. The menu is quite extensive, offering numerous appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Even though the cuisine is vegetarian, non-vegetarians also rave about the food (especially the soups and desserts—chocolate mousse anyone?) Because the restaurant is small, try to go earlier or make a reservation.

Boulangerie Moisan
2 Rue de Bazeilles
Metró: Censier-Daubenton

Breizh Café
109, rue Vieille du Temple
Metró: Saint Sebastien-Froissart

Au Grain de Folie
24 rue de La Vieuville
Metró: Abbesses

Le Potager du Marais
22 rue Rambuteau
Metró: Rambuteau

Wine Shops

Wine seems to have caught onto the organic trend also. These “natural” wines are not only made from organic grapes, but the winemakers also harvest these grapes in their natural soil—the soil they originated from. Winemakers pay close attention to their grapes and treat them with the utmost care, producing fresh wine for you to enjoy.

In the 10^th arrondissement, check out Le Verre Volé, a unique wine bar and restaurant, for an assortment of natural wines. While you can order wine by the glass (along with something to eat), you can also buy bottles of wine for a reasonable price. You can enjoy your wine at one of Le Verre Volé’s cozy tables, bring it on a picnic in one of Paris’ beautiful parks, or simply savor a glass in the comfort of your hotel room.

For a wider selection, stop by La Cave des Papilles, which has over 1000 different wines from all the French regions. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to suggestions or recommendations. Good prices, good service, great wine: what more could you ask for?

Le Verre Volé
67 rue de Lancry
Metró: Jacques Bonsergent

La Cave des Papilles
35 rue Daguerre
Metró: Denfert Rochereau

Accommodations

These days, eco-tourism is an up and coming movement happening in travel. Two notable hotels in Paris pride themselves on their popular “ecotourism”: Hotel Gavarni and The Gentle Gourmet Bed and Breakfast. Hotel Garvarni, located near the Eiffel Tower, is a new kind of hotel—an eco-hotel. It is sustainable as it uses renewable energy and controls the flow of water consumption to avoid water waste.

The service staff use eco-friendly detergents on the linens, and the hotel provides guests with an organic and fair trade breakfast. The best part about Hotel Gavarni is its exchange rate. Here, one Euro is equivalent to one US dollar! Imagine that: saving the environment and your precious pennies at the same time!

The Gentle Gourmet B&B, located near the Arc de Triomphe, is known as the “vegan place” in Paris. Run by three environmental activists and vegans, the Gentle Gourmet B&B uses organic and cruelty-free products (even the bedding, towels, and toiletries). The passionate owners provide guests with numerous activities and travel ideas that are all vegan friendly, including an organic wine tour and tours of the Kitchen Gardens throughout the regions of France. They even offer takeout picnics!

As the name suggests, The Gentle Gourmet Bed and Breakfast is not solely about a place to stay; it is also a place to eat. Two of the owners are chefs at the B&B, concocting vegetarian and vegan specialties (made from organic and seasonal ingredients of course) for the complimentary breakfasts and optional dinners. Even if you don’t decide to stay at the Gentle Gourmet, stop in for a gourmet dinner.

Hotel Gavarni
5 rue Gavarni
Metró: Passy

The Gentle Gourmet Bed and Breakfast
17 rue Duret
Metró: Argentine

Written by Laura Photo Credits : smith /digitalmama / acrib

Five Free Favorites in Florence

Florence is loaded with history, art, and culture that will keep you busy (and in awe) for days. Unfortunately, entries to most of the famous and popular sites can get pricey, especially if you aren’t a member of the EU. But don’t fret just yet! There are plenty of things you can do in Florence without spending a euro, while still getting a rich experience of Florentine culture.

1. Musicians in the Piazza

One of the best things about the bustling piazzas in Florence is the free entertainment. Whether you’re walking around the cobblestone streets during the day or strolling around after dinner in the evening, piazzas are the perfect place to stop and relax. In the Piazza Repubblica, jazz musicians (and sometimes guitarists) serenade the square. Sit on a bench in the sun and people-watch while listening to the tunes.

After dinner (or anytime in the evening), wander down to the Piazza della Signoria and sit on the steps to the great Uffizzi Gallery. The musicians vary from night to night, but they usually play covers from American bands such as Simon and Garfunkel, The Eagles, and everything in between. Speakers project the music throughout the piazza, so you can get a great show from anywhere. It’s the perfect way to end the evening!

2. San Miniato al Monte

San Miniato al Monte offers exquisite panoramic views of the city of Florence. You can even take a peaceful walk though the wooded grounds where 3000 Cyprus trees are planted. However, the greatest attraction is inside the monastery. Around 5:30 pm each evening, the monks conduct an hour and a half service with Gregorian chanting in the candlelit crypt. It’s free to watch and is definitely a sound not to miss.

3. Wine Tasting at Enoteca Alessi

What’s better than authentic Tuscan wine? Free authentic Tuscan wine! Check out this little wine-bar from 5pm to 7pm for free wine tastings throughout the week. (It’s near the Duomo) When you’re done, you can head over to Grom gelateria for gelato. I highly recommend the flavor combination of ciaccolate extranoir or baccio with pear. After all, dark chocolate compliments a good wine!

4. Free Museum Days

Florence houses some of the world’s most famous museums such as the Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello National Museum, the Pitti Palace and many more. If you’re visiting Florence, visiting all or many of these museums could take a toll on your wallet. Fortunately, there are several opportunities to get into these state museums free of charge. In the winter months, museums do not charge an entry fee on February 8^th.

If you’re a woman, you can get into the museums free on March 8^th, which is International Women’s Day. And if you’re in Florence over the summer, keep your eyes and ears open for any news about admittance to the Accademia. During the summer nights, the museum has a free entry once a week allowing tourists to see “El David” in his glory.

5. Le Cascine Park

On a nice day, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city by heading over to Le Cascine Park. Just 15 minutes outside of the city center (toward the western part of Florence), this park is located along the Arno River and is the perfect place for those who want a break from the city or those who want get a little physical.

The park is equipped with basketball courts, tennis courts, a public swimming pool, and areas where you can run, bike, and go horseback riding. If you’d rather take it easy, bring a blanket with you and set up your own little picnic on the grass. Every Tuesday, there is a huge market that carries everything from food to clothes, so bring a few euro with you (or just a camera—there have been spottings of caged squirrels at the market) because you may find some treasures!

Written by : Laura Photo Credits: Andrew&Palmera / iabo77 / Anti Simonen / MLHS / ilkka.rinne

Five Design Hotels in Paris and the South of France

Artsy, funky, stylish and colorful are all ways to describe design hotels and each of these hotels in France has a very distinctive modern style. If clean lines, bold colors and simplicity are design elements that suit your taste, then staying at any of these design hotels would be the perfect fit for you.

Casa Honoré

The Casa Honoré is located on 123, rue Sainte, 13007 in Marseille. It is equipped with all of the modern amenities one would need, including air-conditioning and wi-fi connection. Each room is situated around an outdoor patio. The rooms themselves are mainly decorated in white with several bold contrasting colors. This makes for a clean yet bold statement and a truly modern feel. The design here is so unique and dramatic that when checking out, you are given the option to purchase linens and other pieces that you might find to your liking. Breakfast is offered each morning, but for the rest of your meals you’re on your own. This should not prove too difficult because of the hotel’s location in the center of the city. There are plenty of fine dining options within walking distance and this gives you a chance to explore and take in the sights offered by Marseille.

9Hotel

Equally distinct in its design, but found in the city of Paris, is 9Hotel, located on 14, rue Papillon in the Opéra quarter. The interior is very modern and plays heavily upon whites, blacks and woods. While the décor is modern, none of the comforts are forgone in favor of design. Each room has free internet access along with the standard amenities. The hotel is known for commitment to service and for having such a personable and helpful staff. It is a newer hotel, built in 2000, and if modern comforts are something you crave in a hotel, along with pleasant reliable service, this would certainly be the place for you.

Hi Hotel

This hotel is a work of art in itself. Located in Nice, the Hi Hotel is more a work in design than a building. Each room has managed to meld the function of furniture into art. Its use of bright techno colors and sleek modern furniture create a décor that is both simplistic and modern. Staying here is almost like being inside a modern art museum. Along with its distinctive design, which was created by Matali Crasset, this hotel is eco-friendly. The hotel also houses the Happy Bar along with an eco-spa and the hotel’s own beachfront. All of your meals can be taken care of by the hotel and there is even a sushi bar, along with a variety of vegetarian options available. The hotel can be found on 3, avenue des Fleurs and is a standout in both modern design and thinking because it follows a philosophy of service based on free-thinking.

KUBE Hotel

The KUBE Hotel takes form and shape in a new direction. Hidden down a side street in the Montmartre section of Paris, this hotel is initially not easy to find, but is hard to miss with its distinctive glass entrance. It carries the cube theme throughout its whole design. Mixed with the cubes are quirky elements of design such as bean bags and decorative pieces of faux-fur. It is also the site of the city’s first ice bar, the Ice Kube. It is part of a chain of Murano hotels but certainly has its own distinct style that makes it stand out in the city of Paris. This fact, along with its hidden location, adds to its charm and quirkiness, marking it as truly a unique boutique hotel.

Five Hotel

Finally, there is the Five Hotel, which is decorated almost as if you were in a fantasy. It is located on 3, rue Flatters in the Latin Quartier of Paris. Whether you choose one of their decadent concept rooms or a standard room, staying in this hotel will truly be a unique and almost dreamlike experience. While the rooms themselves are not very big, the attention to detail and ability to create a certain vibe is truly amazing. Each room is given the scent of your choice to enhance your sleep and your relaxation. The walls are decorated with bright hues and photographs. The design also utilizes colored lights to give the effect of stars or add to the color and atmosphere of the rooms. The multilingual staff is happy to help you find restaurants or entertainment within the city. Its departure from traditional Parisian style rounds out this exploration of design hotels and identifies it as something special within the city.

Do you have a favorite design hotel in France? Share your secrets in the comments!

Written by: Molly Photo Credits : briancarlocknyc / numstead / bitboy

Q&A with Barolo Author Matthew Gavin Frank And Giveaway

If you love food, wine and Italy – we have a real treat for you today. Author of the book, Barolo - a story about his six months in the village of Barolo, Italy – drinking the wine of the same name, working the vineyards, cooking in the restaurants, getting to make friends with both the locals and shopkeepers.

Today, Matthew is doing a little Q&A with me and has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book to one lucky reader.

Stay tuned, details on the book giveaway will be at the end of our interview.

1. Why Barolo? Out of all the places to write about in Italy – what made you choose Barolo and how did you ever wind up there in the first place?

Growing up in a microwave-and-saturated-fat-centric family, it took me a while to realize that the food world was larger than a radiated lamb shank paired with Crystal Light pink lemonade. There was some impetuous revolt growing in me in my late teens in response to the crappy undergraduate meal-plan dinners (if you could call them that) served in Hopkins Hall, where I worked for a while—a very short while—clearing trays and washing dishes.

I remember the particular dinner that inspired this culinary rebellion. It was this disaster of Creamed Chipped Beef on Texas Toast. It broke me. I began reading books on food and wine, determined to do better than this, which took a while actually. At some point, I came across an article on Barolo wine and vowed to go to the region where it was made. After a couple days, lazing in the vineyards, eating fresh pasta and white truffles, I vowed to return to live there and, upon returning to the States, trashed my microwave in vulgar ceremony.

2. I’m assuming that Barolo is your favorite wine. What other wines do you drink – Italian or otherwise?

You are absolutely right, but I drink anything that tastes good. From the Piedmont, I also love Docletto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco, Langhe blends, you name it. There are so many wonderful wines from the Rhone Valley, and from Portugal, Argentina, Slovenia, etc. that are great values as well. My wife is from South Africa, so we’ve been finding some great wines from her birthplace. Lately I’ve been into Chenin Blancs from there. Great summer barbeque wine. Some grilled whitefish, a glass of Chenin Blanc… That’s mid-May to me.

3. In the book, you talk about a special, rather old and very expensive bottle of Barolo that Sandrone gave you. Do you still remember how that tasted? Can you tell those of us who will never be lucky enough to sample a wine like that about it?

Oh, I’m moaning just thinking about it. That wine was my primary payment for a season’s-worth of farm-work. I remember opening it, decanting it in this stone kitchen of a farmhouse in Barolo, Italy. I left it there for an hour, and then returned. The entire kitchen was perfumed with the stuff. Violets and tar. The wine was so rich, it was almost like a liqueur.

4. Can you share a secret, an undiscovered treasure with us – hopefully something that isn’t in the book. Perhaps a gem of a place you ate, a special spot to watch a sunset, a reasonably priced wine available in the states for someone to try.

Try a Dolcetto by Sandrone, or Paolo Scavino. Great, reasonably priced stuff. The sunset from the sentiero (or rural hiking trail) between the hamlets of Barolo and La Morra is stunning. It turns all of the local castles orange. Osteria delle Saracca in Monforte d’Alba recently opened. The meal was sublime, and the architecture is this fabulous mesh of the ancient and the modern, like techno music blasting in the Colosseum.

It was the first time I tried the Piemontese peasant dish called finanziera, a vinegar-stewed mélange of off-cuts and organs, splendidly prepared. Like all great art (which great food is), the dish aimed to agitate even as it comforted and pleasured. In it, I tasted cocks’ combs for the first time and, as such, woke the next morning early, guttural, and way too loud.

5. What is the one Italian dish from that region that you would happily eat your weight in?

On my last visit to Barolo, I ate this meal at Osteria La Cantinetta: carne cruda (raw heirloom beef tenderloin with arugula, porcini mushroom, and white truffle oil), agnolotti al plin (tiny Piemontese Italian ravioli stuffed with braised veal and leek, sauced with sage butter and veal stock reduction), wild boar braised in Barolo wine, and hazelnut panna cotta. If I had to choose one dish, it may be their agnolotti al plin. Anyhow: I’m still pinning my residual burps into my lavender-scented scrapbook.

6. I love the Italian language and often write lists of some of my favorite words. Care to share one of your favorites….

I like colazione—because it’s fun to say, and because it means, breakfast.

—

Thanks Matthew!

For the book giveaway, all you need to do is make a comment on this post from now through midnight, EST on May 31st for a chance to win. I’ll pick the winner using the Random Number Generator.

And for those who don’t want to wait – you can purchase the book in my Amazon Store.

Good Luck!

Best Kept Travel Secrets Free eBook

Late last year the folks at Tripbase had a fun idea. They selected a few travel bloggers, travel writers and travel experts to contribute three best kept travel secrets. And once they contributed, similar to other blog memes out there, they needed to select three others and keep it going until a huge outpouring of travel secrets were collected.

Little did we know that months later over 150 experts would have contributed over 500 tips, which was compiled into an eBook, which has been made available for free download. Not only am I a contributor, but other big names like Peter Greenberg and Johnny Jet are in the mix as well.

But wait – it gets better. Not only can you download one book with all of the travel secrets, but you have your choice of seven,that’s right seven different books – each with a different theme, including travel tips, Italy, U.S. worldwide, beaches, family travel and food. And all seven are all available for free download.

But wait – it gets even better. Tripbase has partnered with Charity : Water, which is an excellent non-profit organization that helps provide clean and safe drinking water to those that otherwise don’t have access. Tripbase has committed to donate $1 per download up to $5,000, 50 cents to $10,000, and 25 cents to $15,000.

I’ve contributed

downloads

Download Free eBooks

led by Tripbase

I am extremely excited and proud of my contribution, and of being involved in such a great project that can help give back. I hope you will share my enthusiasm and help to give back by downloading any of the free copies now!

You can check out more about the campaign and follow the progress on the Tripbase Charity : Water page.

Foods of Southern Italy

You know how I feel about Italy and Italian food. It’s love. Always love. And though I know quite a bit about the food in Northern and Central Italy, other than fish, lemons and limoncello that I sampled on the Amalfi coast – I have yet to try many other Southern Italian specialties.

Here to tell us more about foods in Italy’s southern region, is none other than my Travel Tip Tuesday partner – Cherrye.

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Southern Italy food is characterized by spicy red pepper, fresh fruits and vegetables and a healthy combination of meat and fish-from both the mountains and the seas that surround the land.

Some of the most famous contributions to Italian food are abundant in the south, especially olive oil, wines and cheese. Here is a quick roundup of some of my favorite dishes from five of the regions in southern Italy.

Campania

Yes, yes, Naples gave birth to the pizza and it is likely their most famous invention-and one my husband and I celebrate a couple of times a week-but another tasty treat from Campania is the lemon-infused digestive liquor, limoncello.

Limoncello is not only a great night cap with friends, but can also be used in cooking. Check out our delizia al limone recipe, yet another great dish from southern Italy.

Sicily

Sicily is famous for their rosticceria, fried appetizers, and one of the most popular items on the list is arancini.

Arancini are rice balls, traditionally filled with ground beef, tomato sauce and a few green peas, then deep fried to golden, uhm, little orange perfection. They are often eaten as an appetizer to pizza or served as part of an antipasto platter.

Calabria

For the first year or so that I lived in Calabria I was hesitant to try their famous ‘nduja spreadable sausage … not so much for fear of the flame, but rather for fear of unknown meat. Still, ‘nduja won and once I tried it, I was hooked.

Here in Calabria, you will often find ‘nduja-filled arancini, ‘nduja bruschetta or even pasta or gnocchi in a ‘nduja sauce.

Basilicata

The food in Basilicata is a simple combination of fresh vegetables and spicy red pepper, but if you find yourself near Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Sassi cave dwellings, then be sure to find time for breaking bread. The Pane di Matera, or bread from Matera is made exclusively with durum wheat and is characterized by its thick crust and soft interior. It also has an impressive shelf life for homemade bread.

Puglia

Ever-more-popular Puglia is gaining in notoriety, not only because of the laid-back cities and the sea, but also, or perhaps, even more so, for its food and wine. One of the most famous Pugliese pastas is orecchiette, so-named because the pasta is shaped like orecchiette, or little ears.

There are a variety of sauces that go well with orecchiette, but one of my favorite dishes is Orecchiette con cime di rape-pasta and broccoli rabe.

What is your favorite thing to eat in southern Italy?

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Cherrye Moore is a Calabria travel consultant and freelance writer living in southern Italy. She writes about travel for MNUI Travel Insurance and about living and traveling in southern Italy on her site, My Bella Vita. She and her Calabrese husband also own Il Cedro Bed and Breakfast in Catanzaro.

Photo Credits : ewanr / CyboRoZ / Sara Maternini / BasilicataTravel / tinybanquet

France Travel Series : The Nice Side of Cemeteries

Cemeteries usually aren’t at the top of any travel itinerary, particularly not one for the French Riviera. Beautiful beaches? Check. Decadent seafood dishes and gelato in every flavor? Check. Winding streets and bright colored buildings? Check. Ancient graves and tombs? Not so much.

No doubt there is an abundance of things to do in Nice, France and the surrounding seaside towns. Checking out les cimetières du Château de Nice, however, can give you a rare glimpse into centuries of life in Nice. The family tombs hold generations, dating back to the early 1800′s. If you’re seeking a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of Old Nice or a break from the crowded beaches, wander through the cemetery nestled on Castle Hill.

The history lesson is worth it in itself. Graveyards can tell stories that the living can’t—and encourage you to make up your own. Reading the tombstone of a family who lost several small children in the late 1800′s made me wonder about the leaps we’ve made in modern medicine. I also realized that many of the young men who died between 1914 and 1918 or the early 1940′s were most likely victims of the World Wars. While reading tombs can be somber, it can be moving—like the tomb that held three generations of clearly loved fathers and brothers, from 1900 to 2007.

The cemetery gives you a peek into many facets of French culture, particularly religion and family. The cemetery is separated into Catholic, Protestant and Jewish sections. It’s interesting to see the differences between the large, ostentatious Catholic tombs and the simple Protestant tombs: the ideologies of both faiths are also reflected in death rituals.

All Souls Day, known as La Touissant, is dedicated to praying for the souls of the deceased as well as cleaning and replacing flowers on graves—and is still widely practiced in France. Most of the graves are extremely well cared for, with an abundance of fresh flowers. It’s lovely to see that the departed haven’t been abandoned—and also speaks to the generations of Niçoise that remain in Nice.

Once you’ve had your fill of the cemetery, you’re in the perfect spot to look down on the brightly colored buildings of Old Nice and the imposing structure of the Modern Art Museum. Directly across from the cemetery is a gorgeous view of the city of Nice. Stroll through the shade to the other side of Castle Hill to check out a waterfall, beautiful gardens and mosaics, a children’s playground and an amazing panoramic view of the Mediterranean. Bring a picnic and take advantage of the sprawling grassy areas and scattered benches.

To reach the cemetery, climb up the Montée Menica Rondelly from Place Ste. Claire in Vieux Ville or wander over from the Montée du Château. The cemetery is clearly marked next to the colline du Château on a city map of Nice.

–

If you’re looking for a cemetery tour guide, Christine is currently living in Nice, France and blogging about life on the French Riviera at C’est Christine and tweeting @camorose. Christine’s first trip to France was at age 11, where she fell in love with pains aux chocolat, modern art and Galeries Lafayette.

Travel Tip Tuesday : Europe is Cheap – Go Now!

The Euro to Dollar ratio has been steadily dropping, which is making European travel for those on this side of the pond more attractive every second. Yesterday, I ran across a BBC article, which stated that the Euro is at a four-year low compared to the dollar. As of this writing, the Euro is $1.23, which certainly isn’t cheap, nor equal to the dollar – but it sure as hell beats what I paid last year in May, which was around $1.50.

So, for those who have been wanting to travel to Europe – I say GO. GO NOW. Don’t look back. Don’t think too much about it. Make plans, even last-minute ones, just to take advantage of this 25% savings over last year’s rates.

And if I may be so bold, I’d like to help you make it happen. Let’s get down to business.

Airfare

Now, undoubtedly, one of your biggest expenses will be airfare. And while there isn’t much good news on the airfare front, my advice would be, if you are going to drop a giant chunk of change for airfare – find a cheaper place to stay in Europe and stay longer. That $1000 RT ticket is a hefty price-tag for just a 4 or 5 day trip. But if you stay for 10 days to 2 weeks, it becomes more valuable the longer you stay.

Also, limit your movement from place to place. Pick one city and delve in head first. Getting to three or four other places can add considerable expense to your trip.

** Read this post for tips on scoring airfare deals.

Accommodation

The other big expense you will incur is room and board. If you are a traveler that doesn’t mind hostels or couchsurfing, then you’ll have no trouble finding a good deal on a room. But for those of you who don’t like sharing a room with others or strangers, you’ll likely have to look further for cheap sleeps.

Finding a good deal doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice things like cleanliness or comfort. You may need to be a bit further away from the city center (but that often provides other benefits, like off-the-beaten-path discoveries, cheaper food and perhaps a bit of peace and quiet) or not have 800-thread-count sheets, but there are nice places out there for reasonable rates.

Look to monasteries, budget hotels (1 and 2 star), bed and breakfasts – even apartments for larger groups. Often you can find some hotels which include wi-fi (if you need that) and breakfast, thought I would forgo paying for the hotel’s breakfast in favor of a local cafe.

** Here are some helpful resources for finding inexpensive places to stay in general, in Paris, Rome and throughout Italy.

Food

Eating will likely be another big expense, especially if your first thought is to eat sit down meals at gourmet restaurants every day. That isn’t my idea of Europe on the cheap. Pinching pennies along the way will certainly leave room in the budget for at least one fab gourmet experience though.

** Check out my suggestions on how to save money on food in Cheap Eats.

Sightseeing

Some of the most wonderful sights to see in Europe are free. There are free churches, museums and sometimes just wandering the streets taking photos can be great fun. There are also ways to get discounts on tickets, free museum days and on-line coupons that can bring down sightseeing costs.

** Check out these free or cheap things to do in Paris, Florence, and Rome.

Here are a few other posts that give helpful tips on budget travel.

When all else fails, and after scouring my site and others, if you still feel you want or need some help or specifics on getting to Europe on the cheap, I can still help. Often having the help of someone in the know can be of great value, as well as a time and expense saver. I am available for consultations and often just getting a little advice can pay off in the end and also give you peace of mind.

What is your best tip for travel on the cheap?

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Let’s see what Cherrye is talking about for Travel Tip Tuesday today.

Note: Just wanted to give my readers a heads-up. For the next few months Travel Tip Tuesday will be published every other week so that we can all enjoy our summer vacation!

Letters To Juliet : A Travelogue for Italophiles

Once upon a time, there was a man called Shakespeare who penned a story set in Verona, Italy called Romeo and Juliet. And though the story was fictional, the Casa di Giulietta, a lovely courtyard with a house and balcony at 23 Via Cappello in Verona, as well as a bronze statue of the 13-year-old, still exists.

Fast foward just a few years to me watching the trailer for a new movie called Letters to Juliet. My eyes are fixated on the beautiful Italian scenery, like a family clinking glasses at a huge table set among lush, green Tuscan vineyards, aerial shots of Verona and Siena, wrought iron balconies suspended in mid-air set against the background of stone and terracotta walls and characters dining on a Veronise piazza, that makes my pulse race. But my brain is saying “Oh, no, not another overdone, cheesy, predictable, Hollywood love story.” [Insert eyeroll here.]

Generally, when I see these type of trailers, I’m not one to run out to the theater and if I choose to watch it at all, for the setting and glimpses of the Bel Paese, it’s a quick add to the bottom of my Netflix queue.

But, as I found myself playing the trailer every few days, I also happened upon this article from USA Today, which may have just shifted my opinion, ever so slightly. As it turns out, the movie, though based on a fictional story, showcases a glimmer of truth.

Apparently, for the last 70 years, ladies volunteer in Verona to answer letters that romantics searching for relationship advice, have placed on the wall under Juliet’s balcony or have sent in by mail. And these secretaries answer every letter that has a return address.

Combine this charming detail with the fact that 90% of the movie is shot in Italy and of course, I am hooked. Knowing full well that the rest of the movie will be schmaltzy lines, a predictable plot and most likely bad acting (save the wonderful Vanessa Redgrave who will undoubtedly own every scene), I decide to see it anyway.

My assumptions about the movie in general were correct, and as expected, the star of the show for me, was of course Italy. The people, the language, the food, the wine – and the scenery. Though there are portions of the film that were shot in Verona (and those scenes are so lovely, that I have vowed to add Verona to my ‘must-visit’ list), the majority was filmed in Tuscany. Which if you know anything about me, is just fine with me!

The city of Siena makes a guest appearance, as well as Montalcino. The Caparzo name is present throughout the movie, which makes one wonder if they were a sponsor. Bottles of their wine are placed on dining tables, their sign appears prominently at a vineyard entrance and many of the scenes are shot on location on their vineyards and properties.

One of those properties is the Borgo Scopeto Relais, which in the movie is the hotel where characters stayed while looking for ‘Lorenzo’. It’s a stunning, secluded property, complete with swimming pools, gorgeous views and typical Tuscan architecture. And the good news – you too can rent it.

Another star? The adorable, modern, candy-apple-red, Fiat 500 convertible, also known as the Cinquecento (a fav Italian word of mine) that looks as stylish squeezing through the small cobbled streets of Verona as it does winding along the dusty roads of vineyards in Tuscany. I need to get me one of those cuties!

One result of the movie is for certain – Verona will now be covered with throngs of tourists, anxiously lined up three-deep, stuffing their letters into the wall, praying that they, too, get a written reply. Undoubtedly, that reply will take much longer to arrive, as the secretaries will be inundated and campaigns may need to be launched for more volunteers to keep up with the sheer influx of post-movie love notes.

Who knows, perhaps I’ll volunteer. It happened in the movie, after all.

Photo Credit: vavva92

The Five Towns of Cinque Terre

Located on the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a rugged coastline, made up of “The Five Lands” or the five villages: Vernazza, Corniglia, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, and Manarola. The Cinque Terre is so appealing because it does not display any modern developments in its architecture. Many of the residents over the centuries have built terraces on the cliffs that overlook the sea from the coast. The villages are only connected by paths (specifically the Blue Path of Cinque Terre that connects all five villages and is a famous hiking trail), boats, or trains—nope, no cars. You definitely will not need to spend more money renting a car if you choose to visit the Cinque Terre; you can just focus on these almost mythical lands themselves.

Vernazza

One of the truest fishing villages of the Italian Riviera, Vernazza has no car traffic on its streets. There are quite a few sites to see in this coastal town. The Santa Margherita d’Antiochia is a famous church in Vernazza, which was built in 1318. It’s built on a rock right in front of the sea. Appropriately, it has a rich story behind it—traditionally, it is said that this church was built because the bones of Saint Margaret were found in a box on the beach. Another unique place to visit is the Doria Castle which was built in the 15^th century, strategically placed to protect Vernazza from piracy. In Vernazza, as in each of the villages, there are not only hotels to stay in, but B&Bs, and farmhouses, not to mention wine bars and restaurants.

Corniglia

This village dates back to Roman times, and sits on a steep cliff, surrounded by vineyards. It is divided into four sides, with the first three overlooking land, and the fourth above the coast. From this height, you can see the four other towns. In order to get to Corniglia, one must climb up the Lardarina staircase (33 flights and 337 steps). If you don’t want to brave the stairs, there is also a road and a bus that will take you into the village. The Church of San Pietro is certainly a place to go—built in 1334 over a ruined 6^th century building, the church was constructed in beautiful Baroque style with some Gothic elements as well. The ruins of a Genoise fortification, documented to have existed in 1556, and located on a cliff overlooking the sea, is another sight not to be missed. Like the other towns of Cinque Terre, Corniglia life is centered around history and the coast.

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is uniquely protected by hills and olive groves. In the 16^th century, Monterosso defended itself from vikings by erecting 13 towers, of which only 3 remain today.

One of these remaining buildings, the Aurora Tower, separates the old part of this village from the new part. Aurora is definitely a must see. There are also quite a few unique churches to explore like the Abbey and Church of San Francesco, which was once transformed into a hospital, and then into a warehouse in the 1800s. But in 1894 it was restored, and now houses important art like The Crucifiction (attributed to the painter Van Dyck). For anyone more interested in nature or lounging than history, Monterosso actually has the largest beach (with sand) in all of the Cinque Terre, and is beautifully preserved.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore is known for its wine, which is produced by the village’s local vineyards. It is also known for its history, which dates back to the 13^th century. You can still visit the Castle of Riomaggiore, originally built in 1260 after the dominion of Nicolo Fieschi. Back then it was used as a fortress. Now it is used for cultural activities. For adventurous souls, scuba diving off the coast is also offered. Besides Monterosso, Riomaggiore is the only other village of Cinque Terre to have diving available.

Manarola

Manarola is the calmest of the five towns, perhaps because it was the last to be discovered by tourists. There are natural paths to hike on, including one called The Lovers Path, which is a very scenic path that leads to Riomaggiore. You can also go swimming in the Mediterranean in a little cove on the coast. It’s very calm, cool water—and virtually a Mediterranean swimming pool. Once you dry off, there are plenty of historic churches to visit, as well as the ancient 8^th century bastion/castle of Manarola. As for wine, Manarola’s local Sciacchetra wine was even lauded for its high quality in early Roman documents. When in Manarola, drink like the ancient Romans do!

Which is your favorite Cinque Terre town and why?

Written by : Stephanie Photo Credits : tylerco83 / Alexandros80 / leemcarthur / Allie_Caufield / Rob Inh00d

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