A piece of the French Riviera fit for a Princess

For those of you looking to splurge on a vacation home, look no further. Have I found a place for you! Let’s just say, it is located in paradise, a.k.a. the French Riviera. Luxury does have its price so for the 21 million Euros, which is nearly $28 million USD today, you shall receive a home fit for a princess, literally. “The owner is one of the most famous and beautiful princesses,” states Irina Alekseeva of Sadaka Exclusive Realty agent representing the majestic villa off the glorious Côte d'Azur.

First thing first, I wanted to cut to the chase to know why the princess, who shall remain nameless for the sake of privacy, would sell such a beautiful property minutes away from world-renowned Monte Carlo. In the back of my mind I envision a stunning young lady, resembling Eva Green dressed in an evening gown in Casino Royale, sipping champagne off the terrace during sunset, overlooking the sparkling sea and twinkling city lights. “She is very involved with charity work,” explains Alekseeva, “she wants to invest her money in one of her charity projects.” 

If you are not writing out that check yet to purchase the home after learning of such a generous deed sure to accept the princess into the sanctity of sainthood, then allow me illustrate for you more. This palatial estate includes the basics you would expect, such as original marble fireplaces, numerous large and spacious rooms, a pool with a guest house, and a private beach, just to name a few. From any one of the picturesque terraces or patios, the views are breathtaking! 

Views from the Villa

“It would be paradise,” Alekseeva declares in her charming French accent when asked what it would be like to live in this elegant manor. “You wake up in the morning in your room to views of a blue, peaceful sea,” Alekseeva continues illustrating for me what you can expect for a typical day in this prestigious locale. “You enjoy breakfast on the beach, later plans with friends for a barbeque. For the evening, you put on a beautiful dress and invite your business partners to champagne. Later, accompanied by your driver, you are off to the famous Monte Carlo Casino where you enjoy the most famous opera in the world. Near midnight, a beautiful table in the best restaurant is waiting for you.”

I suddenly think of Eva Green once again, only this time I am she and my driver is the 007 agent himself dressed in a tux as we race down the winding seaside drive! “You have a great image of Monaco, and you are right,” Alekseeva laughs! “It is the most famous place in the world for the exceptional people and for a unique life style.”

Located in the one of the most exclusive communities in the French Riviera, Domaine Prive du Cap-Martin, this historic villa was built in the late 19th century by prominent architect Hans-Georg Tersling. Well known for much of his work on the French Riviera of that time, Tersling was commissioned by European aristocrats and elitists for his designs from mansions to hotels you find scattered across the highly desirable coastline.  

Monte-Carlo Casino

The accomplished architect knew that the cultured and wealthy holiday homeowners on the French Rivera demanded quality, as evident in the exposed stone structure and the room layouts that captures the natural light gleaming from windows throughout this chateau, a must on the Mediterranean Sea.

Alekseeva is well experienced in representing these luxury properties for her high-profile clients from Paris, to Monaco and even to other cosmopolitan cities like Geneva, London and our very own Miami. Again without mentioning names, most of her clients are on the Forbes list. Due to the high priced residential properties, the savvy and sophisticated Alekseeva chooses to represent only the distinguished to be able to give them her full attention in the process. Alekseeva has built relationships within each location for an irreproachable experience for the sale and purchase of her client’s properties. Currently, Alekseeva’s listings range from a 1 million Euro pied-à-terre in Paris to a 100 million Euros mansion near Monaco she calls “a piece of art.” Gasp!  

These pictures can try, but do not do the lavish villa the justice it deserves. Often purchased as a secondary home, Alekseeva explains of the properties on the French Riviera, “it is not only the villa you buy; you buy your social position and a security which is the best in the world.” The down or volatile global economy does not affect her listings much at all. “Monaco is the most secure place in the world for you and your finances, and for the life of your family,” Alekseeva confidently states. “The highest level of education for your children, great climate, entertainment all year round from the Grand Prix to the best restaurants, art galleries and events,” boasts Alekseeva.

If the best location is key in real estate, then the French Riviera is the place to be. However, if you are already fortunate enough to have a villa there, no worries as Alekseeva has more to offer at www.sadakarealty.com. By: Slavica Monczka

24 hours in Paris!

What do you do when you have 24 hours in Paris?  What are the places you have to go and see, appreciate and soak in, meet the locals and dine?  What times are the best?  The video below shows some of the popular must-go places in Paris to note.  The majestic Le Meurice, as well as cute arrondissements you can discover.  Travel with an open mind, and you'll have nothing but a good time and life's greatest lesson.

By: concierge.com

Le Meurice; The Hotel of Kings

A five star hotel is no longer fit for a king when visiting Paris, bien sûr! In France, they have a one-up on the hotel ratings called the Palace Distinction. It is earned after achieving the five stars requirements, and then some. Le Meurice Hotel in Paris was the first to achieve the discerning distinction, although this emblematic avant-garde Parisian hotel seduced me in other ways. My stay at the paramount Le Meurice was nothing less than a palatial experience, while I desperately tried to coax Meurice into divulging some of his stories of famous personalities, past and present, who have left their notch on his bedposts.

Le Meurice is known as “The Hotel of Kings” for three reasons. The obvious being that it has been the preferred place to stay in Paris for international royalty since the beginning of its establishment in the nineteenth century. Secondly, because the hotel has earned this reputation as the king of all Parisian hotels for its incomparable service, style and savoir-faire in hospitality. Lastly, Le Meurice has been blessed with the official Palace Distinction in hotel establishments by the French government; in the luxury world, that is a step above the blasé five star ones.

If only these walls of Le Meurice could talk, they would whisper to me the secrets I so desperately want to know! The visits from the King of Spain, the Shah of Iran, the Grand Duchess of Russia and a slew of other aristocrats from all over the world. The stories of patron Mata Hari, the exotic dancer executed for espionage during World War I. I wonder how Ginger Rogers and Elizabeth Taylor would spend their time in Paris while at Le Meurice? Rockefeller, Roosevelt, Coco Chanel, and Picasso are yet a few other majestic names worth mentioning frequently seen at the reputable hotel.

And then, there is Dali! Artist Salvador Dali would take up residence at Le Meurice for an entire month every year, for over thirty years. For this, permanent tributes to Dali grace Le Meurice throughout; starting from the moment you enter the lobby. “The 18th century mirror is an old evocation of Le Meurice history,” Anne Vogt-Bordure, Director of Communications, explains of the large frozen mirror leaning against the wall upon entrance to the palace. Coolness emanates from the mirror with no reflection. “Frozen because Mr. Dali didn’t drink alcohol at all. He used to drink water, so it is like a historic tribute to the hotel and to Dali.” People often come up and draw their names with their finger in the frost, as did I. 

Suite Dali

The emphasis at Le Meurice during its renovation in 2007 was in “trying to create some bridges from past to present,” states Vogt-Bordure, “to keep the history, but also to move forward.” I believe the same can be said of Paris as a whole.

“We thought Dali was the right person to give a little bit more fun and glamour and humorous image of Le Meurice, to make it a little less serious,” explains Franka Holtmann, General Manager of the palace hotel since 2007. “I still have members of my team that know all the anecdotes of his visits here,” she says of Dali with a sheepish grin. 

It was Holtmann who commissioned renowned designer Philippe Starck during Meurice’s make over as, “I thought he (Starck) was the only one who could conserve the heritage of Le Meurice, and at the same time make it more modern and glamorous.” The innovative and daring French designer Starck has once again accomplished remarkable work. He recreated Dali’s Leda chair and a Dali lamp you cannot miss when you enter the restaurant appropriated named Restaurant Le Dali. Almost immediately, your eyes are captivated by the art draped high above. Ara Starck, the designer’s own daughter, is the artist of the theatrical scene painted on canvas over the entire ceiling in the room. 

Near the ancient symbolic mirror frozen in time, prominently stands another piece of art in the lobby. However, this one is contemporary. “The Kiss” by Zoulikha Bouabdellah was the first recipient of the Meurice Prize for contemporary art 2008, a competition established by Holtmann to support today’s French artists. Holtmann also headed the revamping of the hotel in 2007, where, “in only 5 days and 5 nights,” the main areas of the first floor were renovated. “My goal was, in a way, to wake up the sleeping beauty,” Holtmann says of the hotel, which took a total of two years work of renovations. “Le Meurice was always anchored in art and culture. I wanted a timeless hotel but at the same time really create a liaison with the past and to wake it up!” The Kiss has awakened this sleeping beauty.

Royal patrons and stargazing is not only a thing of the past at Le Meurice. During my stay I recognized the Olson Twins, royalty in the world of fashion, seated next to me at Restaurant Le Dali. Visitors are still as eclectic and diverse as the hotel itself. One escorted entourage of well-known hip-hop rappers, made their way through the hotel as confidently as sophisticated nobility.

I must mention that this palace is perfectly located across the picturesque Tuileries Garden, and flanked by Place de la Concorde, The Louvre and Place Vendôme. The rooms and suites are extraordinary, as you would expect of a palace hotel, flaunting marble and the finest of all furniture and fabrics from only the very best craftsman and designers in France to Italy. Head Chef Yannick Alleno, a three star Michelin award winner, of Restaurant Le Meurice states, “my cuisine is like my city, and my city is Paris.” The opulent restaurant houses a wine cellar with over 600 of the worlds finest wines,” Vogt-Bordure boasts. 

Restaurant Le Dali

My stay at Le Meurice came to an unfortunate end, however with an appropriate farewell gift from Vogt-Bordure. A book titled French Genius for the Art of Living (published by Le Meurice Hotel, 2009), which romantically describes the rich fascinating history of the hotel. “To recall the history of Le Meurice is akin to telling the story of Paris,” author Sabine Roux states. “The years and even centuries have passed, and crowned heads, captains of industry and the iconic figures of art and culture from around the world have come and gone at Le Meurice,” Roux illustrates, “adding new legends to its History each time.” And that, my friends, is the art of living à la française at Le Meurice!

Thank you Anne Vogt-Bordure and Franka Holtmann for their grand hospitality, personal tour of Le Meurice and for my gifts!

By Slavica Monczka

Out Now: Le Style Digital Magazine - for the smart, busy modern woman

Le Style Digital Magazine is now released to the world!  It has since been received many great reviews and love from readers and companies in the industry in France, US and Australia.  Besides the state of excitement and gratitude, Le Style will celebrate this unique publication in yet another stylish French event that will be revealed to subscribers exclusively.

The first issue is specially for the smart, busy modern woman who wants nothing more than a luxurious life.  Featuring photographic beauty of Paris and parts of France with a clean look, including insights on travel and fashion buzz.  Other surprises like Magnifique Men and Luxe contents fill this unique digital publication with readers wanting for the next issue already.

A quarterly published e-magazine for each beautiful season in Melbourne, it showcases French style and news from around the world.  Enjoy it now here!

Honeymoon in luxurious Côte d'Azur

A country of contrasting landscapes, synonymous with romance and renowned for its unrivalled wines and fine cuisine. The Côte d’Azur is the quintessential playground of the rich and famous with the bluest waters, golden beaches and a mountainous backdrop. Glamorous seaside towns sit next to medieval villages and there are endless chic restaurants, bars and casinos. This region also includes prestigious Monaco with its impressive yachts and the glitzy town Monte-Carlo at its heart.

The Côte d’Azur, known in English as the French Riviera, is home to some of the world's most luxurious cities including Nice, Cannes, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Fantastic cuisine and people-watching make up the bulk of the action, along with a thriving beach culture. Provence is famous for its scenery, all vineyards and lavender fields, while the Alps provide a dramatic backdrop.

When to go:
The Côte d’Azur is at its hottest in July and August. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant months to visit.

Currency:
Euro

Website:

www.frenchriviera-tourism.com

Best travel time to Paris

It’s no secret that Paris is one of the world’s most popular destinations. According to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, more than 35 million visitors stayed overnight in the French capital in 2008, and the numbers are growing. Given the high number of tourists -- all with different expectations, tastes and desires -- there is clearly no “best” time to visit the city. Paris has year-round charm and some seasons will be more attractive to certain visitors than others.

One and Only Paris photography

Spring

The famous Parisian springtime might meet all of the expectations of a first-time visitor. The horse chestnut trees lining the Champs-Elysees are thick and lush, and jewel-like flowers are blossoming throughout the city’s many parks. The streets, stores and museums are not yet thronged with summer crowds and there's a slight chance you can get low-season rates with certain hotels and airlines. If you are a tennis fan, you might score tickets to the French Open, which takes place every May at Roland Garros. The primary downside of touring Paris in the spring is the capricious weather: One day it might be sunny and warm, the next day (or days), windy, rainy and cold.

Summer

Summer is the height of tourist season in Paris. Unless you make reservations, expect to wait in long lines at the more famous attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame. The weather can get fairly hot in summer, though cool, rainy stretches sometimes sneak in, and air conditioning is not universal, the way it is in the United States. The benefit of coming to Paris in the summer are the many attractions planned by city officials. Every year since 2002, the banks of the river Seine are formed into a large beach (“plage”) during July and August. Other summer attractions include the outdoor jazz festival at the Parc Floral, Fête de la Musique -- a Paris-wide music festival that takes place on summer solstice -- and the sales: All of the stores from Chanel to Monoprix have sweeping discounts.

Autumn

Fall can be an ideal season to visit Paris. The weather is usually mild and dry, summer crowds have lessened, and Parisians -- having just returned from their summer holidays -- are in good cheer. You can enjoy annual events such as the Nuites Blanches (white nights), where all museums, galleries and other art-related institutions are open to the public all day and night for free. You can participate in the Salon du Chocolat (chocolate fair) that takes place every October, or sample the first Beaujolais nouveau of the season in early November. According to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, hotel prices can take a dip in autumn, particularly around late October and November.

Winter

Unless it snows, winters do not show Paris at its prettiest. The skies are slate-gray and gloomy, the days are cold, and rain is inevitable. The upside is that you can settle down at a bistro with a steaming cup of vin chaud (warm, spiced red wine) or a luscious mug of hot chocolate. You also can appreciate the hearty, warming winter foods, such as cassoulet (white beans and confit of duck or pork) and game-based dishes, including rabbit, wild boar and venison. Perhaps best of all, hotel and airline prices are at their lowest and you won’t have to jockey for position in front of the "Mona Lisa."

Christmas

Christmas season is surprisingly low-key. While major attractions such as the Champs-Elysées tend to be awash in fairy lights, in some parts of the city the decorations appear so halfhearted -- or be absent -- that you might not feel as if it is Christmas at all. On the upside, the city is rife with charming Christmas markets featuring many homemade crafts, from knit sweaters to hand-painted wooden toys. It also is during the Christmas season that a large ice-skating rink pops up at the esplanade in front of the Hotel de Ville (town hall) and an enormous Ferris Wheel is constructed at the foot of the Champs-Elysées. Hotel and airline prices tend to rise during the holiday season: Lack of decorations notwithstanding, people still like to come to Paris at Christmas.

By: Barbara Diggs

Tiffany True Love

Jeweler Tiffany & Co. is bringing true love to life in the latest installment of its What Makes Love True microsite and application where photographers and eventually consumers are uploading candid photos that signify what true love means to them.

The Sartorialist and known street-style photographer Scott Schuman and his girlfriend Garance Dore have been taking candid pictures of couples in New York and Paris and posting them on the website to embody true love. Starting Jan. 25, consumers will be able to upload their own pictures and are encouraged to filter them using the Instagram application and with in-store photo booths.

The jeweler also marketed What Makes Love True through its website, social media pages and additional iPhone and iPad apps.

What Makes Love True intertwined Tiffany and the idea of true love, likely allowing the brand to increase sales on its most famous product – the engagement ring.  Visit the website at What Makes Love True.

By: Rachel Lamb

Luxury presidential suite at $26k a night in Paris

The Latest Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Paris
By Slavica Monczka

The latest and greatest addition to Paris, France in luxury hotel properties is the Mandarin Oriental; a modern Parisian “that is infused with a subtle air of exoticism and romance.” Yes, they grabbed my attention here as well.  If not for those words, then a visit to their presidential suite would most certainly lure anyone. As a recent patron of the establishment, I can attest to this romantic and modern attribute of Paris in everything from the décor, to the amenities, to the cuisine of their restaurants. For a segment in my upcoming televised show, Seductively French, I was graciously welcomed by the hotel’s General Manager, Philippe Leboeuf, for a personal tour of the grounds and discuss its sophisticated elegance. With refined luxury at its core, this Mandarin is seducing guests far and wide, as celebrities and the most affluent people in the world are flocking now to Mandarin Oriental, Paris to experience what they call “a new Paris.”

My experience in the crème de la crème of all presidential suites, The Suite Royale Mandarin, was so over the top I (half) jokingly told Leboeuf I was never going to leave. “We want our guests to feel this way,” he reassures me with a charming smile. However at 20,000 Euros a night, I was able to at least enjoy the moment as an invited guest. For those curious, that would be over $26,000 US dollars in today’s conversion, per night.

This suite totals over 3200 square feet, includes a bar, dining room, a study, private gym and steam room. Moving up, picture this: Vast 360 degree views of Paris from the suite’s rooftop patio. I see Montmartre, the Louvre, Beaubourg, and no view of Paris would be complete without the Eiffel Tower, flirtatiously twinkling at me that special night. Dashing décor adorn with fine marble, silk, and art everywhere. “Every piece of furniture has been designed for this suite,” describes Leboeuf. It charmed the pants right off me (the suite, when I was alone, not Mr. Leboeuf) so I took a bubble bath with their luscious toiletries, and sipped champagne while watching the Eiffel flirt with me, again.

The Mandarin is modern in design and décor but Leboeuf states, “we wanted to still be very Parisian, and romantic. We have our savior-faire and Oriental heritage but we want to portray to be very Parisian, hence all the couture elements.” The one couture detail that blew me away was the headboard in the bedroom featuring silk hand embroidery of artist Man Ray’s Neck by the legendary Maison Lesage that took an unbelievable 650 hours to complete. These truly artistic and glamorous interiors Mandarin describes as “haute couture decoration, distinguished by extreme attention to detail.” Would you expect anything less from the French anyway, or from a Mandarin Oriental for that matter?

The Mandarin Oriental, Paris is not what you would imagine for a typical Parisian hotel. It is not flamboyant and fussy, nor overly ornate and grandiloquent. It is however, elegant, inviting, and pleasing to the eyes from the time you enter the lobby and throughout. “I think the ‘Wow’ effect from visitors is certainly what strikes me the most,” describes Leboeuf of the reaction he gets from a visitor’s first time at the hotel. “People want to see something new, something different in Paris.” Evident, as it is the place to see and be seen at in Paris, according to all the celeb sightings in just over their one-year anniversary. Some names of visitors I can mention include Liam Neeson, Queen Latifah, Maggie Cheung, and French classical pianist Hélène Grimaud. During my time spent there, my celeb sighting was the lovely French actress Catherine Deneuve chatting over drinks with friends in the garden.

Ah yes, the garden. To me, it is a Zen-like escape from the big city with an abundance of vegetation seemingly transporting you to yet another paradise. The restaurant Camélia is a “continuation of the indoor landscaped garden,” and is one of two under Executive Chef, the awarding winning Thierry Marx. I very much enjoyed my dinner there of scallops in “the essence of white truffle,” but can you hardly be surprised? The dish was a sort of East meets West (much like the hotel itself) where Marx’s intent was to blend ingredients common to French cuisine to that of the culinary traditions of Japan.

Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx is the restaurant not to be missed. I don’t know if I can say I was more impressed with the fare or the stunning design. The space is entirely white, as it is “the ultimate symbol of timeless elegance.” If you can get past the impressive design décor to enjoy another sensory pleasure, be sure to try the Soya Risotto, and the L’Oeuf Éclat. Feel free to send me a thank you for this suggestion any time after your visit.

All in all, it is an exquisite place to stay while in Paris, as it is also centrally located, near the best shopping and site seeing. It is a symbol of what they refer to as “a new Paris” with an eclectic touch from the art it houses, to the cuisine they serve, to its Oriental aura. Leboeuf stresses to me that quality service is the “very essence of hospitality,” and at the end of the day this is exactly what a visitor wants from a luxury hotel.

Thank you to Philippe Leboeuf and staff for all their generosity and warm reception. Until we meet again Mandarin, where I can wallow in your “subtle air of exoticism and romance,” I shall visit you in my sweet dreams.

 

And you can visit them at www.mandarinoriental.com/paris/

For more from Seductively French, to go www.seductivelyfrench.com/home

Something old, something new

Another treasure on Saint-Honoré, rue

The Mandarin Oriental brought to you

A Parisian gem, a Paris anew.

-Slavica Monczka

Win our Paris to Provence giveaway!

 

Diane and Mark Shaskin has did it again.  A couple from beautiful Canada who are passionate in food and photography, they have released a cook book called 'How to Cook Bouillabaisse In 37 Easy Steps, Culinary Adventures in Paris to Provence'.  

 

In this season of giving, our next giveaway helps you create that French feast for Noël or any occassion. Our friends from Canada at Paris to Provence has a new book released called "How to Cook Bouillabaisse in 37 Easy Steps" and it is nominated for Paris Gourmand Awards. We are giving away this great book to a lucky winner on this Sunday(18th Dec) 5pm! Click 'like' on our Facebook Page or email 'Paris to Provence' toinfo@lestyle.org to enter. Bonne chance!

Read our previous article about them here, and visit their website here. 

Photographe: Paris to Provence

A Parisian escape at Antoinette

 

Since we know of this great interior-designed French cafe/restaurant in Singapore named after Marie Antoinette, we couldn't wait to experience what seemed an authentically-decorated Parisian cafe/restaurant who displays an array of the French signature patisseries.  We decided on starting the day with petit-déjeuner at Antoinette (Mandarin Gallery Singapore) last week.  

Upon arrival, guests are enticed by their delightful range of Saint Honore L'Amour, Versailles, Le Royale, Antoinette (bien sur!) and many more.  We were seated to our chaise longue surrounded with a mix of baroque and French decor.  I was ready to dig in one (or more!) of the desserts eventhough it was just before noon!

 

Le Royale

 

  Antoinette

 

  Saint Honore L'Amour

The Saint Honore L'Amour was absolutely delightful and the macarons were such fresh little beauties.  This is as good as it gets.  Nothing could be better than an oeufs florentine with a special topping of shaved black truffles.  Délicieux..

This feminine eatery attracts many ladies for its obvious elegant charm and Parisian decor.  Located in Mandarin Gallery Singapore, alongside many other luxurious brands, we would love to come again to Antoinette for another decadent experience.  It's not often that a cafe/restaurant to offer a beautiful escape to Paris.  Bravo!

www.antoinette.com.sg

www.facebook.com/Antoinette.sg

Musique du jour

A beautiful acoustic French song by the beautiful Carla Bruni entitled Quelqu'un m'a dit. 

bonbonnière

 

The concept behind Bonbonnière, originated in France, around 300 years ago, when a small box of sweets (the french word - bonbons) was given away to guests on happy occasions. Over time the idea spread to other parts of Europe, and in particular to Italy and Greece.  

 

The giving of the bonbonnière is also traditional for christenings, baptisms, communions, confirmations, and graduations.  Nowadays, there are many types of bonbonnières including non sweets such as replacing them with a beautiful French inspired items like soaps or mini-gifts.

We have found some pretty ideas and items from Lashe Occassions that is based in Australia and sells French-inspired wedding bonbonnières, stationeries and more.  We particularly love the Wedding products category on their site which adds variety to what is traditional out there.  Visit Lashe Occassions.com.au.

Images: Lashe Occassions

Real passion, real photography

 

Sophie Delaveau came from a town in the Loire Valley called Tours, the centre of France that is well known for the beautiful Châteaux de la Loire and Jardins à la Française. Living in the west coast of France near the ocean with her dog and cat, it's a wonderful place to live with fresh air, nature, and traditional architecture with old stones. It is absolutely a  beautiful wild landscape. 

Like some other French locals whom I have spoken to, Sophie would like foreign people to know France as not only Paris, but other beautiful parts of France as well. France is a beautiful country that offers such different and beautiful landscapes, cityscapes, traditions, ways of life and it is crucial to the locals that those elements are being known to travellers.

 

 

 

In 2007, Sophie left everything behind to make her passion her full time job. She wanted to do something she loved and could be proud of. Sophie has since been photographing weddings, portraits and other types of photography which she enjoys capturing her own signature of photographing couples, children or her clients.  

Enjoying our profession is key to enjoying life.  Sophie is a perfect example that we all can see through her photos.  View more of her work in our Inspirations menu.

Images: Sophie Delaveau Photographe

A heart shaped France

Some people asked me what is my inspiration and drive in creating Le Style, and I always pause before asnwering because I would get the thought and memories I have with France and the people I have known there that has made a big heart shape in my heart, I'd smile and say France has a big place in my heart.  Period. xoxo

Tour Paris to Provence!

 

 
Introducing Paris to Provence

Baguettes, foie gras, caviar, chocolate, cheese and wine. When I think of France, it is the traditions of food and cooking that come to mind. For a dozen years Diane Shaskin and Mark Craft have been exploring Paris and Provence.  And now they’ve created week-long culinary tours to show case the best of each region.

On their intimate culinary adventures travelers meet and connect with an array of passionate artisans: cheese makers, chefs, wine growers and specialty food producers. 

 

 
What happens on a tour?

The Paris tours begin with a champagne welcome and a cooking class on the left bank, where French bistro dishes are made and enjoyed in the dining room overlooking the Seine. Every day the small group ventures from the boutique hotel: to bake bread with a Parisian boulanger, taste champagne with caviar at a 100-year-old caviar restaurant, and learn secrets of French cuisine at a private cooking class at the Ritz.

The Provence tours are headquartered at a charming villa close to the wine village of Beaumes-de-Venise. The small group enjoys regional food and wines, and explores the Provençal countryside: visiting local markets and hilltop villages, picnicking in the vineyards of the Côtes-du-Rhône and a meal at a Michelin-starred bistro.

Each tour is limited to eight travelers.

 

 
When do the tours take place?

There are weekly tours scheduled for fall 2011. The 2012 schedule will be available soon.  To find out more about the tours, itineraries, accommodations and schedules visit their website Paris to Provence.

Special offers for our readers

Mention you’re a reader of Le Style and you will receive a 100 Euro discount when you book any tour.  

Can’t make it to a tour?  Get a free copy of their e-book, The  Paris Luxury Food Guide, 2011 Edition. It’s packed with all the essential luxury food addresses that you’ll need in Paris.  To get the free guide simply go their website and sign up.  View more photos of Paris to Provence on our Inspirations menu!

 

 

Images:  Paris to Provence

Romantically involved

For those who appreciate the traditional style of weddings at a chateau and taking photos where many photographers have taken gazillion times, what are the choices left for those of us who are different and fun?  How do we create that wedding album that we will keep for life and show to generations and yet keep it romantic and beautiful?

 

I love the photos taken by Stephan Ermisse who brought the newly wed couple here to normal places with their beautiful wedding outfits and yet creating that fun, normal day feel.  It is absolutely fabulous seeing the bride looking and behaving like herself in a white wedding gown, having the time of her life with her better half.

 

A member of The Wedding Photojournalist Association, Stephan delighted us with a modern age photography and yet still embraces the romantic side of the couple.  To contact Stephan for your special day photography, you can visit his website where all his contact details are as well as his fantastic portfolio.

Images:  Stephan Ermisse