When people talk about Provence, most of them immediately picture large blue lavender fields. But Provence can look quite different too. There are also steep mountain slopes with narrow roads, where not a single lavender field can be seen for miles. This region belongs to the French Maritime Alps, and here lies the famous town of Grasse, about 20 kilometres north of Cannes.
In the east of France lies Alsace. It borders Switzerland to the south, Franche-Comté to the west and the Federal Republic of Germany to the north and east. The Alsace region in its present form was only created in 1973. The administrative district has a chequered history behind it; sovereignty swung between Germany and France, so that the cultures of the two countries mixed strongly in the border region. Continue reading “Alsace – a region with charm”
Montgolfière is the name of the first hot-air balloon, presented in 1783 by its inventors, the two Montgolfier brothers. Even today you can marvel at the brothers’ ideas and numerous interesting exhibits in the Canson & Montgolfier Paper Museum in Annonay.
Every year in June, by the way, the two brothers are commemorated in Annonay with an intoxicating festival with splendid costumes and countless colourful hot-air balloons. Anyone who can choose when to travel to the Ardèche should therefore visit the region in June.
Winters in Paris are cold and grey, the damp climate weighs on the spirits and dulls the soul. This, or something like it, is how painters of every generation have experienced the hectic life of the French capital. What a blessing it was for them when they could escape the grey north to study the calm light and intense colours of the south of the country. In this way a very close interaction arose between the Mediterranean coast and the capital in the north. The painters needed intensive exchange with their colleagues in the cafés, galleries and museums of the big city in order to exchange ideas and be inspired. At the same time, none of the great artists of Impressionism or Expressionism could do without the sunny, shimmering colours of Provence. Here, in their retreats and studios, they soaked up the colours and the light, which they then transported to the north by means of their paintings. Continue reading “Painters in Provence – the land of colour and light”
For lovers, as we know, the sky is full of violins. For visitors to the south of France on holiday in the Ardèche, by contrast, the sky is full of culinary delights that, like the sounds of a whole orchestra, invite you to fall tastefully in love. Forget for a moment thoughts of gazpacho, sushi, raw-vegetable platters or even fast food. Why not live like a king in the land of the Tricolore for once, why not indulge with pleasure on a journey between Provence, the Languedoc and that Ardèche region which, as the “wild heart of France”, recommends itself to gourmet guests with its GENUSS magic (the magic of enjoyment) and the interesting “ESSkapaden” (eating escapades) of a regional fresh cuisine?
Bright yellow mountain broom, blue lavender fields – everything gives off such a strong scent that you know even with your eyes closed: you are in Provence. And thus in a region whose olive oils are among the best in the world. The mild, golden-yellow oil goes superbly with garlic and preserves the full natural taste of the mostly deliberately simply prepared dishes – from aïoli through saffron-yellow fish soup to vegetable dishes that culminate in the famous ratatouille – that “accent du soleil” typical of the region. Continue reading “A holiday of culinary magic and “Esskapaden”: a culinary kaleidoscope à la Ardèche”
The view across a flowering lavender field is certainly one of the most beautiful holiday memories you can take home from the south of France. The strong purple of the blossoms is a blessing for the eyes, and the beguiling scent of this plant, so typical of the region, refreshes mind and soul. But the lavender plant promises more than just a sensual experience. Continue reading “Lavender – the magic of a scent in the land of light”
An inn that is as isolated as possible yet strategically well placed, preferably in the middle of dark forests, happily housed in old stone walls, frequented by shady customers and run by a hardly trustworthy pair of innkeepers, is one of the classic, popular settings, much used in European pulp literature, for criminal and mostly rather bloody goings-on. Continue reading “The bloody inn in Celtic country: the “Auberge Rouge” (L’Auberge de Peyrebeille) near Aubenas”
Provence – the sound of the name alone conjures up holiday feelings. You cannot help picturing the azure sea, fine-sand beaches, a fascinating landscape, black bulls and white horses before your mind’s eye. Provence and the Camargue – these are terms that make riders’ hearts beat faster. Here space and unspoilt nature beckon, here riders’ dreams come true. Fortunately the ambitious rider finds a very varied choice and can pick from a wide range. Continue reading “Horse-riding holidays in Provence and the Camargue”
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