Vacations & Events | A French Collection

The Way of St James – Camino de Santiago

Saint Jean de Port - St James Way - Camino de Santiago

Have you ever thought of walking the Way of Saint James or Camino de Santiago?

The term "The Way of St James" or the Camino de Santiago, is not actually one path (chemin), but rather it describes many Christian pilgrimage routes, dating from medieval times that journey from various locations in Europe, to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It is here, in this cathedral, that the remains of St James the Apostle are said to lie in rest. For the Christian faith, it is a most sacred site, and second only to Rome for pilgrim travel. - Pilgrimage Traveler

Walking the Chemin de Saint-Jacques-du-Puy

The four main pilgrim routes in France are known by their starting points and today we take a look at the Chemin de Saint-Jacques-du-Puy (which starts in Le-Puy-en-Velay as the name suggests) and ends at Saint-Jean-de-Port and also the Chemin de Compostelle. This is a popular path and we are grateful to Sharon Warren for sharing her insider knowledge about these paths having walked them many times.

Rodin Museum – Why This Is the Most Beautiful Museum in Paris

Musée Rodin, Hôtel Biron, 7th Arrondissement, Paris

Musée Rodin is a sophisticated museum housed in a pretty 18th century chateau called Hôtel Biron on rue de Varenne in the 7^th arrondissement. Surrounded by elegant dwellings, lush private gardens and foreign embassies, this museum has to be my favourite, as is the arrondissement it lives in.

Peaceful reflection is the norm in the sculpture garden and hushed admiration of the art works within the walls of Hôtel Biron is how I would describe the vibe of visitors to this museum.

There is so much to share with you about this museum. The history involving evicted nuns no less; perfectly designed gardens; paintings, and sculptures including The Thinker, The Gates of Hell and Balzac; and the architecturally magnificent Hôtel Biron. Let's find out why the Rodin Museum is the most beautiful museum in Paris.

20 Photos of France – A Stunning Gallery

Wow, where do I start to choose photos to include in a photo feature post of France? With so many charming little villages, ancient walled towns, boat filled harbours, extravagant chateaux and beautiful rural regions throughout France captured on my camera, choosing just 20 to share in this post for you was challenging.

20 Photos of France Just For You

If you are missing travelling to France, or just love a good daydream at any time, then this special post is just for you ... Enjoy visiting France along with these 20 photos!

The Best & Most Picturesque Golf Courses in Normandy, France

Golf Courses Normandy France - Etretat golf course

If you’re looking for a golfing holiday in Europe, then Normandy is the place to go. It's the heart of some of the best golf courses in France. With generally cheaper green fees (compared to the UK), golfing in France can make for an affordable holiday or short break. Take the morning ferry from the UK, and you could be on the 1st tee by early afternoon.

The rich history and wonderful cuisine of Normandy is another reason to visit this stunning area. Famous for their cheeses, seafood, and cider this region of France has much to offer.

We’ve chosen 5 golf courses that offer golfers of different levels the opportunity to enjoy playing in the Normandy region of France.

Carousels in Paris – A Complete Guide to Finding Merry-Go-Rounds in Paris

Paris Carousels - Your complete guide on where to find them

Carousels or merry-go-rounds, have always been a favourite of mine. In reality they are little more than an amusement ride that moves round and round in a circle but I think they are magical and I cannot resist them, especially the beautiful carousels in Paris. Once you start exploring Paris you'll find them dotted over the city and if you're like me, they'll draw you to them with their lights, music and happy children.

Have you noticed that many carousels turn in an anti-clockwise direction? Historically this is because they were designed for children to be able to wave with their right hand (closest to watching parents and minders) while holding on with their left. The French claim the invention saying they are derived from Louis the XIV’s jousting competitions.

Parisian VIP Shopping Experience at Galeries Lafayette

Parisian VIP Shopping Experience at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

Paris is the home of style and fashion and the grand and glamorous department store Galeries Lafayette, is home to some of the most stylish and modern fashion in Paris. Not only does the store offer the latest in apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty and perfume, it is all artfully displayed in the breathtakingly beautiful Georges Chedanne and Ferdinand Chanut designed store. The glass and steel dome and Art Nouveau staircases were finished in 1912.

This flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris always impresses me with its new merchandise displays, lovely cafes and stunning Christmas displays. I've shopped in Galeries Lafayette stores in a few countries including Dubai, Beijing and Paris, and I must say that Galeries Lafayette Haussmann remains my favourite store.

Marie Antoinette Estate and Queen’s Hamlet, Versailles – A Visitor’s Guide

Marie Antoinette Estate and Queen's Hamlet at Versailles

Marie Antoinette is the only queen who imposed her personal tastes on Versailles and the Trianon Estate, which her husband Louis XVI gave to her in 1774. She escaped the rigours of court etiquette in her private Petite Trianon and its surrounding gardens, theatre and in her own fairytale hamlet, where no one could enter without her personal invitation.

Wishing for a simpler life away from the pomp and political turmoil of the times she escaped to the Trianon Estate, which while only a thirty minute or so walk away from the palace, was worlds away in terms of appearance and ambiance. This Estate is truly my favourite area of Versailles and is always much less populated by the massive crowds that visit Chateau Versailles. Sometimes you have the paths around the gardens almost to yourself, and it doesn't take much imagination to understand why the young queen loved her Estate so much.

Fête des Voisins or Neighbours Day

Fête des Voisins or Neighbour’s Day - A French Tradition

How well do you know your neighbours? Maybe not as well as you would like? Possibly you leave early each morning and don't return till later in the dark? Then let's take a leaf out of the traditional celebration calendar of the French and celebrate Fête des Voisins. This annual festival is a great chance to spend time with your neighbours and get to really know the people that live around you.

Fête des Voisins, literally means neighbour’s day and is celebrated on the last Friday of May each year. The idea was created in France and is now observed around the world.

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