Limoges is tucked away in the lush Haute-Vienne department of south-west France. In between two regional parks, Limoges is famous for being the centre of French porcelain, yet its history in the decorative arts spans way back to the middle ages. While it’s not the most visited or well-known of […]
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Taking the Petit Train d’Artouste into the Pyrenees Mountains
Set in the French Pyrenees Mountains, the Petit Train d’Artouste is the highest narrow-gauge railway in Europe. Leaving from the Artouste Ski Resort above Laruns, the drive up is an exhilarating road of switch-backs and rocky outcrops. The tourist train takes you up to the Lac d’Artouste, which sits at […]
Kayaking on the Vienne River in the Charente
France is criss-crossed with lots of amazing rivers and tributaries. Kayaking is a popular past-time along these waterways, and summer brings many canoe hire cabins along the most beautiful routes. If you are visiting the Charente, you can hire kayaks from Confolens Canoë (amongst others). Offering many kinds of vessel […]
L’Entrecôte Restaurant in Bordeaux
L’Entrecôte was first opened in Toulouse in 1959 by Henri Gineste de Saurs. There are now 6 restaurants around France and in Barcelona, Spain. We first discovered L’Entrecôte in Bordeaux about 5 years ago, on the recommendation of a friend; and it has become a firm favourite. A prime example […]
Regional Drink – Pineau des Charentes
There are many delightful foodie and drinkie treats that originate in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Regional specialities vary from area to area, and include things like the delicious Gateau Basque, Chèvre à la Coupe cheese, and Echiré butter. By far one of my favourite regional delicacies is the cognac by-product, Pineau des […]
Regional Cuisine – Gateau Basque
Cream or cherry? That is the question about Gateau Basque… There are few arguments in our household, but the main topic of family strife remains this unanswered conundrum; which filling is best in a traditional gateau basque – cream or cherry? What is Gateau Basque Gateau basque is one of […]
Searching for Prince Charming in Arcangues
A nostalgic look at the town of Arcangues in the Basque Country, Pyrénées-Atlantiques; from our guest contributor, Bérengère Bonner-Le Fur. Resting place of Operetta Singer Luis Mariano, and home to a grand château and golf club, see Arcangues through Basque eyes. Setting the scene You know how it goes, Crown […]
Cycling in Southern Vienne
Tree-lined routes, fantastic road surfaces, stunning views, and the obligatory cafés for coffee and cake stops. If ‘Le Vélo’ is your passion, then the southern Vienne area of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is certainly a base that you should consider for a cycling holiday. Cycling in France The French are keen cyclists, one […]
The Bassins de Lumières Illuminations at Base Sous Marine in Bordeaux
A relic from the once German occupied city of Bordeaux has been transformed into an impressive art space. This giant ex-submarine port building provides ample space for immersive experiences; and the juxtaposition of industrial concrete and fine art has a captivating charm. Read on to learn more about the Bassins […]
Visiting Planète Crocodiles (now Terre de Dragons) in Civaux, Vienne
The Terre de Dragons (was La Planète des Crocodiles) in Civaux is a menagerie of reptiles, set in an amazing dome building in the Vienne department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It turned out to be a delightful afternoon activity, that certainly exceeded my expectations. While Terre de Dragons is definitely aimed at […]