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My French Neighbor
[/caption]Honor a loved one
Cap Canaille, Bay of Cassis
- Cliff over Cassis Bay, Cap Canaille
With belated apologies, I seem to have picked up a pre-summer cold so will be taking a break until Monday, May 21. In the meantime, by all means look back through the more than 350 articles that span history, culture, cuisine and more – an encyclopedic look at our favorite destination – France.
Favorite Crêperie on Île Saint-Louis
Au Lys D'Argent on Ile Saint-Louis
Fifteen years ago, I eagerly anticipated my first trip to Paris. A well-traveled friend recommended I find a café “that called my name”, and that is exactly what happened to me.
I was wandering the city alone one day, when I spotted a charming little crêperie on Île Saint-Louis. I slipped inside and chose a table by the window, where I could watch people amble past to shop or pick up a famous Berthillon ice cream cone next door. The pleasant owner waits on each little table that is outfitted with tiny baskets of sugar chunks.
One memorable meal included a savory cup of carrot soup and quiche. Another time, I chose a delicious buckwheat crepe with ham and cheese. And did I mention the sweet chocolate crepe with fresh cream – a very pleasant memory, as I enjoyed my crepe and took out my sketch book to ‘record’ the scene.
Whether we stop in for a light meal with wine or a simple mid-afternoon dessert, we always find the same comfortable atmosphere. Once a couple flirted discreetly at their table in the back room. A mother and daughter from the states shared a corner booth and toasted one another and their trip. We frequently saw tourists practicing their French on the very accepting owner.
During our last trip to Paris, we had the good fortune to find a charming vacation rental right on the same street. Naturally, our first destination was our crêperie, Au Lys D’Argent. I can’t begin to describe our disappointment in seeing the place locked up, seemingly undergoing renovations. It was as if someone had encased the Eiffel Tower in canvas, hiding the stunning icon from the visitors’ eye.
We were not to be denied, though. On our third pass, we found the crêperie had re-opened. I ordered my favorite quiche and salad and couldn’t help but think of my friend’s long ago advice. Au Lys D’Argent has steadily called my name since that first trip. I suggest the same for all travelers to France. Find that special place that you can return to again and again, as if you are re-visiting an old friend.
We’d love to hear from you! swsheridan@francedailyphoto.com
Copyright © 2005-2012, LuxeEuro, LLC. All rights reserved.
Happy Mother’s Day
Beach near Erquy France overlooking the English Channel
Wishing you a Mother’s Day as serene as this photo overlooking the English Channel.
The Auvergne PDO “Cheese Road”
Wander the Cheese Road of Auvergne
You frequently hear about renowned wine routes in France, but did you know there is a charming “Cheese Road”? It’s true, and the Auvergne region of central France is proud to be the only region in the country to produce 5 PDO cheeses (Protected Designation of Origin – much like the AOC wine designations).
The diverse lay of the land, from Monts du Forez and Puy de Sancy to the Monts Dore and the Cantal, allows for the artisan production of different, flavor-filled cheeses. The savory collection of PDO cheeses includes Cantal, Saint Nectaire, Fourme d’Ambert, Bleu d’Auvergne and Salers. The cheeses range from a creamy Highlands cheese with nutty flavor to the powerful wild blue cheese with, of course, a strong aroma; and in between the Salers robust farmer’s cheese that combines spicy and floral flavors. The cheeses reflect the nature of the land.
Follow The Auvergne PDO Cheese Road and expect warm hospitality, easy access and parking and thorough information about the five unique cheeses. Your “tour” will include visits to production areas – yes, even cow milking – to learn about the history of cheese production and ripening. And perhaps best of all, you have the opportunity to taste and purchase the local products.
- Gorgeous views surround Le Mont Dore
We have often enjoyed stopping by a “cav” for a wine tasting and purchase of regional wines but never imagined the same could be true for cheese. For example, Msr. and Mme. Pons of Monts Dore offer daily tours to explore cheese making, tasting and, naturally, purchasing. And you can hardly go wrong with traveling about the gorgeous Auvergne region.
We’d love to hear from you! swsheridan@francedailyphoto.com
Copyright © 2005-2012, LuxeEuro, LLC. All rights reserved.
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