energy from cheese?

And we are not talking feeling energetic after eating it.  Can you light up a town with cheese?  Apparently, in France, naturally they can.  Bon appetit:

http://www.grubstreet.com/2015/12/france-cheese-power-plant.html#

Paris 2015

Wishing I was healthy enough to travel, this article suggests some fabulous spots, old and new, on the Right Bank. Everything from Museums to restaurants and hotels.   In my mind, I'm ready to pack, fly and walk.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/27/travel/what-to-do-in-36-hours-paris-right-bank.html?hpw&rref=travel&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well

French ovaltine?

since I am drinking ovaltine every morning for extra iron and vitamin D content, we did not want to take a chance and brought some with us along with lovely new container of Marshmallow Fluff.  Although the Ovaltine survived TSA at the airport, Fluff was seized and did not make it onto the plane.  As we then learned upon arrival, one can purchase Ovaltine in France called Oval-malt or something similar.  Marshmallows are nice but not as good as Fluff.

A new sculpture garde in Le Muy

Interesting article - art director is grand nephew of former French PM Mitterand.  Something to look forward to in the fall or next spring:

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/24/arts/domaine-de-muy-sculpture-park/index.html

Fragonard expansion

Over the last few years I have watched as my favorite perfumerie has expanded and grown, including new stores and housework merchandise in Marseilles and Cannes, and additional locations in Paris.  The younger generation has truly taken over and changed this 150 year old business.  It appears now they are opening a store in Avignon too.  Although I enjoy getting the extra goodies they send with my mail order packages, a shop in Avignon would be nice for the housewares that we have not yet explored, much of which has a flair from Morocco, and even from Asia and Vietnam.  We know it will always smell good.  The scent I have worn for 30 years.

Tesla in Aivgnon

Traveling to Provence is never easy.  Maybe that is what makes it so special, that is hard to find, hard to get there, but once you are there, perfection.

We were rather surprised this visit when we left the train in Avignon near the car rentals was what appeared to be a dealership for Tesla.  It may be seasonal but we will find out.  It is so new it is not yet on the Tesla website, but how fabulous that the French and Tesla are in the future now and here.

Dreamcatchers in France

At home in the native American communities we see dreamcatchers, designed to have near your bed when you sleep to catch your dreams and fulfill them.

This year at our weekly village market there was a new vendor who seemed to be Peruvian with many dreamcatchers, catching le reve of Provence and holding it nearby, ready to be lived and fulfilled as it has been for me and my family.  I know this year I was only able to be here for a short time, but my dream continues to return and breath the Provence air, see the light, eat the wonderful food and experience the joy and serenity.

France in Phili

Looks like a beautiful exhibit in Philadelphia for those who love impressionist painting and cannot travel overseas.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/24/arts/design/paul-durand-ruel-the-paris-dealer-who-put-impressionism-on-the-map.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=Moth-Visible&module=inside-nyt-region&region=inside-nyt-region&WT.nav=inside-nyt-region

A French Castle for the bucket list

Although Avril is now too old to travel back to her country, the Vendee region of her origin has places to go and people to see, and of course, food to eat.

It also has a restored castle where one can stay at a reasonable price during a future trip.  September?

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/12/travel/a-french-castle-now-open-to-all.html?hpw&rref=travel&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well

Fabulous exhibit in Paris- Musee Marmottan

Right now is a different exhibit that ends July 5 which is largely impressionists the art of the toilette.  For the fall, this one opens in September:

http://marmottan.fr/uk/exposition_à_venir-musee-2590

Reopening of the Lambert Collection

It has taken several years, but the Lambert Collection of Modern Art is reopening in its enlarged space in Avignon.  Described as one of the best contemporary art collections in France, it features more than 1200 works from the 1960s.  For more information, hours etc. www.collectionlambert.fr

Summer 2015 - dates

It's here summer 2015, and so are the sales and festivals.

Sale dates: June 24 to August 4, 2015.
Provence sales may not be starting until July 1, 2015 so check locally where you are staying.

The annual Avignon theater festival, always exciting and fun just to walk in the city and see the performers, will run from July 4 to July 25, 2015.  Parking is difficult so be ready to walk.

For a setting brought to us by Pierre Cardin after his restoration of the castle belonging to the Marquis de Sade you can also try the Festival de Lacoste - not about alligator clothing but about the music and dance.  Runs from July 9 to July 24, 2015.  Reservations recommended - 0892-68-36-22.

Bon voyage

Fitzgerald's Antibes

As the summer approaches, we begin to dream of Provence and other travels.  Apparently so did the New York Times in this lovely piece about F. Scott Fitzgerald and his love of the French Riviera and his former home in Juan Les Pins which has been a art deco hotel the Belles Rives for many years.  Worth reading and worth visiting, to have a drink and read "Tender is the Night"

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/travel/on-the-french-riviera-fitzgerald-found-his-place-in-the-sun.html?hpw&rref=travel&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0

Another spot on outskirts of Paris to visit

Sounds worthwhile:


http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/09/opinion/a-complicated-future-for-a-banlieue-on-the-outskirts-of-paris.html?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Feditorial-observer&action=click&contentCollection=Opinion&module=Collection&region=Marginalia&src=me&pgtype=article

Paris' Canal St. Martin

Looks like some great spots in this trendy neighborhood, to eat, to style, to linger over cafe'.  Exchange rate is still good.  Travel soon?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fodors/ultimate-guide-to-pariss_b_6623000.html

je suis charlie

View Photo

The French mint building - magnifique

this looks like a fabulous spot to visit in paris with the best restaurant when it opens.  Wish I could get on a plane soon to check it out, as the US mint in Washington is not a highlight.

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/06/monnaie-de-paris-guy-savoy-restaurant/?_r=0