What could be more emblematic of a wedding in France than having the ceremony and/or wedding reception on a yacht, with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop?  Offer your guests breathtaking views of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Grand Palais, the Orsay Museum and the Louvre as you glide down the River Seine.

Imagine your intimate wedding ceremony being celebrated on the open air wooden deck with a white awning overhead. This yacht is ideal for small groups of up to 8 guests or why not just the bride and groom?

Enjoy a glass of champagne with canapés after the emotion of the ceremony or snuggle up in the captain’s cozy cabin during the cold winter months if you are only 2 or 4 people. Dinner can be served on the open air deck or below deck. Suitable for 8 people plus musicians. For groups of more than 8, we would recommend you disembarking after the cocktail reception and moving on to a restaurant, private mansion or reception hall for dinner and dancing.

For elopements (ceremonies involving just the bride and groom), you can extend the pleasure of your wedding day by settling back, enjoying a sumptuous dinner for two on board before retiring to the pretty sleeping cabin below deck where you can spend your first night of nuptial bliss together, floating off to sleep to the sound of the rippling water of the River Seine around you.
Under a luminescent sky, no interruptions, no traffic, just the two of you surrounded by the historical sites and splendor of an authentic Parisian evening.

What could be more enchanting than a private river boat cruise on the romantic River Seine as your destination wedding venue in France?

Whether you got married on a beach somewhere hot, in your hometown or in a medieval castle in the heart of the European countryside, here is an ideal way to celebrate your wedding anniversary.

Imagine spending a weekend in Paris, the most romantic city in the world. During the weekend, surprise your sweetheart with a 2-hour boat cruise on your very own private luxury motor yacht on the River Seine. Enjoy a glass of champagne as you sit under the elegant white awning on the open air wooden deck or for winter anniversaries, snuggled up in the captain’s cabin.

Discover the delights the City of Light has to offer: the Grand Palais, the Louvre, the Invalides, the Orsay Museum, the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. When you feel the moment is right, gesture to the skipper to slow the boat and cut the engine. With the romantic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame Cathedral, you can again declare your love to your beloved before being served another glass of champagne to seal this exceptional moment. We can even arrange for a special dove release with 40 doves as a symbol of your love for each other!

Should you wish to extend the pleasure, settle back and enjoy a sumptuous dinner for two before retiring to the pretty sleeping cabin below deck and float off to sleep to the sound of the rippling water of the River Seine around you.

For the past 2 years, Gérard Uféras has captured some of the happiest moments in the lives of over 70 couples each getting married in Paris. Immerse yourself in the sheer joy and spontaneous enthusiasm these photos portray. From the preparations of the bride through to the civil or religious ceremony, not forgetting dinner and dancing, you will discover a diverse collection of photos of different generations, mixed social backgrounds, diverse cultures and religions in a reportage photography style.

Paris d’Amour is a free exhibition currently being showcased at the Hôtel de Ville de Paris. Showing until 31 July 2010, the exhibition is open every day except Sundays and bank holidays from 10am to 7pm. For more information, click here.

Treat your guests to a stroll through the finely manicured symmetric grounds of Versailles Palace and savor the combination of grand fountains, small alcoved retreats and the omnipresent sophisticated adapted classical music. You will feel like you have been transported back in time to Louis XIV’s era as you let your imagination run wild.

Enjoy the show on Saturdays and Sundays from now through to 31 October 2010. The fountains work from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3.30 to 5 p.m.

For those of you seeking to heighten the sensation, opt for the evening show when the Royal Garden becomes a stunning audiovisual spectacle. Discover pools and groves filled with water and light as they glitter with a thousand lights and impressive laser show. A sure way to wow your wedding guests!

For more information visit the official site at Grandes Eaux and Jardins Musicaux.

Photo Credits: Chateau de Versailles; Versailles Region

Make a wish and it will be granted in this secret hotel in the heart of Paris which recently opened the doors to its unusual concept of sleeping in a Paris monument. Six rooms depicting iconic Parisian monuments and institutions have been stylishly created by designer Sandrine Alouf inside this chic boutique hotel of 29 guest rooms.

If you have ever imagined what it would be like to spend the night behind the majestic clock of the Musée d’Orsay or surrounded by Cancan dancers in the Moulin Rouge, look no further, this is your dream come true! But hush…don’t tell everyone, its our secret!

To splash out and treat your beloved to a night to remember in the heart of Paris, click on the following link to discover the Hotel Secret de Paris. Prices range from 215 to 310 euros per night for a double room.

Photo Credits – Hotel Secret de Paris (Christophe Bielsa)

In the second installment of Stephanie Meyer’s phenomenally successful TWILIGHT series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as they delve deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural.

For those fans who have already seen the second film, New Moon, it will not have escaped your attention that several scenes were shot in Italy. While the book refers to the town of Volterra, the movie scenes were actually filmed in a city called Montepulciano.

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Montepulciano is a beautiful, quaint medieval town perched on a hillside about 1 hours drive south of Sienna. Surrounded by its world famous vineyards, this picture postcard town is an ideal wedding location. Here are a few photos of the city and the main square where the movie scenes were filmed.

We are able to organize civil wedding ceremonies in the Town Hall of Montepulciano, pictured below, however, there are no reception venues, except for a few restaurants, located within walking distance of the Town Hall.

The best solution would be to hire transport and drive about 15 minutes from Montepulciano where you will find some authentic Tuscan villas where wedding receptions can be held. Further afield, between 45 minutes and 1 hours drive, you will find some beautiful castles. Here is a small selection of photos to help you envisage where your dream wedding could take place!

So, if you are a fan of the TWILIGHT series and would like to follow in their footsteps, just give us a call and we’ll bring the adventure to life for you!

Sure, Paris is chic and romantic, but here are some other French regions that also have storybook wedding locales.

France offers a multitude of options for a romantic destination wedding. Should your idea of the perfect French wedding be an outdoor beach wedding, make your way down to the south of France to the renowned French Riviera. Imagine your wedding ceremony taking place under a beautiful floral arch set around the swimming pool of a private villa overlooking the sparkling Azur-blue Mediterranean Sea in a town such as Cannes, Nice, St Tropez, Antibes or Monte Carlo in Monaco. All of these coastal wedding locations evoke not only visions of sunshine, sea and sand but also of luxury, comfort and breathtaking seaside wedding venues and private beaches.

If you move slightly inland but remain in the south of France, you will find your perfect wedding venue in Provence. What could be more enchanting than your European destination wedding being held in the heart of Provence? With its picturesque countryside, quaint and pretty villages set amid vineyards, parks and rolling valleys…your senses will be overwhelmed by the fragrant lavender fields and beautiful yellow mimosa trees and fields of olive trees. We are sure the following names of some of the most famous towns in Provence will conjure up images of a truly magical wedding day for you: Aix-en-Provence, Baux de Provence, Avignon, Arles, Gorges du Verdon, St-Rémy-de-Provence, Cassis, Marseille, Toulon, Grasse, St Paul de Vence, Eze, Eze Village.

If a castle with its own ancient chapel on the estate is what you dream of for your destination wedding, you should head to the beautiful Loire Valley. With its multitude of grand and romantic castles, you and your guests will never be at a loss for things to do and places to visit while there. Its also conveniently located just a few hours drive south west of Paris or one hour on the high-speed train.

For a wedding in the mountains, consider not only the beautiful French Alps, but also the Pyrénées or the Jura—mountains respectively in the south west and north east of France. And don’t forget that mountain wedding locations are not only perfect for summer weddings but also cozy winter weddings. Imagine your wedding reception being held in an intimate log cabin on a snow-capped mountain or in a luxurious chalet or mountain resort. Such famous towns as Chamonix, Chambéry, Megève, Courchevel, Méribel, Mont Blanc or around the beautiful Lake Annecy could become the backdrop of your French mountain wedding.

If, after all that, you still have your heart set on a chic Parisian wedding, the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame Cathedral can be yours if you hire a private yacht on the River Seine. Guided-tours of the major historical attractions can also be arranged for you and your guests incorporating the major landmarks such as the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the Sacred Heart Cathedral on the crest of Montmartre hill with breathtaking views over Paris. Wander through the quaint cobbled streets, visit the Louvre museum, organize an open air bus tour or a rehearsal dinner in an authentic French café or in an exclusive French gastronomic restaurant. The possibilities are endless!

Whether you are interested in a Paris theme destination wedding, or prefer the seclusion of a private castle with an ancient chapel, or the thrill of the outdoors either by the beach or in the mountains, each of France’s regions have something unique to offer. The choice is yours!

Check out our selection of the most chic Parisian venues, impressive ancient castles and the prettiest countryside estates, abbeys and villas here.

Whatever your definition of Provence is from the exceptional fabrics of Provence that you decorate your home with or the lavish “Savon de Marseilles” that you treat yourself to in the bath or where its exact boundaries are, one thing we can all agree upon, Provence is a very special land of extraordinary variety and sublime beauty. It encompasses dramatic landscape, fierce, rock-strewn plateaux, incredible deep gorges, mellow pasture-land, vineyards, olive groves, lavender and sunflower fields, salt marshes and the coastal strip with its lush Mediterranean vegetation. Provence is bathed in miraculously clear light; and hence the landscape that has inspired brilliance in both writers and artists for centuries.

Location:

Provence is a region of southeastern France on the Mediterranean adjacent to Italy. It is part of the administrative région of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

There are literally hundreds of awesome villages in Provence which would render my task very difficult and impossible to list them all; and so I have decided to tell you about the ones I am most familiar with and the ones I fell in love with…from Avignon to Antibes, Aix-en-Provence to Cannes, Dignes-les-Bains to Fréjus and Grasse, Marseilles, Menton, Nice and Orange, St Rémy-de-Provence, and of course St Tropez!

Antibes Ultimately, Antibes is a yachting town, with its massive port called Port-Vauban. Its inner harbor is home to several hundred vessels and the outer port shelters some of the world’s most prestigious yachts on a wide “quai” called the “Millionaires Row”. It’s a bit ritzy but worth your while if you enjoy Yacht-Watching. Antibes also houses the Picasso Museum, tons of restaurants and beautiful beaches.

Aix-en-Provence Aix-en-Provence is the city of art, a city of light and activity. Aix is also a home of art schools and several universities, including some American. The town is filled with fountains, hundreds of fountains bubbling and splashing everywhere, quite a site. The restaurants are abundant and serve anything from fast-food to the highest haute-cuisine. Aix as it is referred to in France (don’t pronounce the “ix”, simply X, as in X marks the spot…). Aix is also home to Cézanne.

Cannes Ah Cannes!! Yes this is by far the queen of the French Riviera, famous for the Cannes International Film Festival and the glitzy hotels, cars and beaches. You never know which famous person you might run into here, a famous producer or perhaps Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Chances are you will never get a chance to speak to them before they are whisked away on their private yacht, it’s quite the town. The beaches are beautiful but I must warn you, you might also run into the stars cavorting topless on the sands… just look the other way! Don’t forget to take a stroll on the town’s most beautiful boulevard called “La Croisette”. This world-famous street, which runs along the shoreline of Cannes, is full of upscale shopping opportunities. It is lined with palm trees and pristine flower beds which are tended to 12 months out of the year. Naturally should you get bored at night you can always join the high-rollers at the casino.

Menton Ok let me breathe in and out now…. Oh! my goodness, this is an awesome town, you have to trust me now… This is by far my most beloved town in Provence, Menton is sheltered by mountains and only a stone’s throw from Italy! Menton has the best climate in France, and basks in an enchanted setting with I am told 300 days of sun a year… Wahoo! Menton is cozy and friendly, the people there speak Italian and French all at the same time with no trouble at all switching from one language to the other. But they also speak English not to worry. You see, at one point Menton was owned by the very powerful Grimaldi family in Monaco, you might remember your mom and dad telling you about a wonderful Prince Charming story about a girl from Philadelphia by the name of Grace Kelly who married Prince Rainier of the Grimaldi family in 1956, (okay okay, this was way before your time, but an important event for both France and the U.S.A,) and became the most loved princess in the world prior to of course our beloved Princess Diana of England. So the Grimaldi family ruled Menton from 1346 to 1848. Now a day Menton is on the French side. It is really an enchanting town, I won’t spend too much time talking about Menton only that it is my most favorite place, its romantic, the streets are adorned with beautiful flowers and citrus trees gracefully paired with Cinderella white lights . Anywhere you turn, you will smell lemon and orange trees which permeate the town. I don’t want to sound like a tour-guide, but you have to go to the Lemon festival. Yikes, there is nothing like it in the world! Have fun …

Nice Everyone has heard of Nice…. I don’t think I have to tell you about this town, very international and great things to do. I can only tell you that in my very humble opinion, this is where I tasted my very first favorite pizza!

Grasse Most people don’t really know Grasse, but should! This is the capital of Perfume, Fragrances and Love. Grasse is an Old Provencal town of towering buildings and narrow streets linked by steep flight of steps. Grasse is the capital of the perfume industry! Ever wanted to have your own wedding night scent? Well this is where you come, to Grasse! Grasse has had a prospering perfume industry since the end of the 18th century. Grasse is the center of the French perfume industry and is known as the world’s perfume capital (la capitale mondiale des parfums). Many “noses” are trained or have spent time in Grasse. It produces over two-thirds of France’s natural aromas (for perfume and for food flavorings). This industry turns over more than 600 million euros a year. I can talk until I am blue in the face, just go there!

St. Tropez or as the French call it “St. Trop”; in 1955 Roger Vadim created”And God Created Woman” in St. Tropez with Brigitte Bardot then wife of Roger Vadim. The St-Tropez season traditionally starts at Easter time and peaks in the frenzy of the national holiday month of August. Each year, in early October, a regatta is held in the bay of Saint-Tropez. This is a draw for many yachts, some up to 50 meters in length. Many tourists come to the location for this event or as a stop on their trip to Cannes, Marseille or Nice.

Gastronomy:

The cuisine of Provence is the result of the warm, dry Mediterranean climate; the rugged landscape, good for grazing sheep and goats but, outside of the Rhone Valley, with poor soil for large-scale agriculture; and the abundant seafood on the coast. The basic ingredients are olives and olive oil; garlic; sardines, rockfish, sea urchins and octopus; lamb and goat; chickpeas; local fruits, such as grapes, peaches, apricots, strawberries, cherries, and the very famous melons of Cavaillon, they are so delicious…

Bouillabaisse is the classic seafood dish of Marseille. The traditional version is made with three fish: rascasse, grondin, and congre plus an assortment of other fish and shellfish, such as saint-pierre. Lotte and sea urchins; crabs and sea spiders included for flavor. The seasoning is as important as the fish, including salt, pepper, onion, tomato, safron, fennel, sage, thyme, laurel, sometimes orange peel, and a cup of white wine or cognac. In Marseille the fish and the broth are served separately- the broth is served over thick slices of bread with rouille.

Ratatouille is a traditional dish of stewed vegetables, which originated in Nice.

Wines:

Pastis fis thé traditionnel liqueur of Provence, flavored with anise and typically containing 40–45% alcohol by volume. When absinthe was banned in France in 1915, the major absinthe producers (then Pernod Fils and Ricard, who have since merged as Pernod Ricard) reformulated their drink without the banned wormwood and with more anise flavor, from star anise, sugar and a lower alcohol content, creating pastis. It is usually drunk diluted with water, which it turns a cloudy color. It is especially popular in and around Marseille. Another very famous wine is the delectable Cote de Provence. Cotes de Provence is a wide area that covers the Cote-D’Azur on the French Riviera from Marseille to Nice. Contrary to what most people think in the U.S., rosé wine has nothing to do with the Zinfandel wines of California. In fact Cotes de Provence is both dry and fruity; it is usually served in the summer months and perfect paired with fresh salads or fish. Try it you will love it!

Climate:

Most of Provence has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, mild winters, little snow, and abundant sunshine. Within Provence there are micro-climates and local variations, ranging from the Alpine climate inland from Nice to the continental climate in the northern Vaucluse. The winds of Provence are an important feature of the climate, particularly the mistral, a cold, dry wind which, especially in the winter, blows down the Rhone Valley to the Bouches-du-Rhône and the Var Departments, and often reaches over one hundred kilometers an hour.

If you have never been to Provence, now is the time to think about going… whether for a visit, a honey-moon or a destination wedding, you will not regret it!

A wedding in Provence: In a next article we will explore all the wonderful sites of Provence for a perfect “Provencal Wedding”

Stay tuned!!!

References: www.wikipedia.org, www.provence.com, The Discovery. Channel.com, The French Riviera.com, google.images.com, la france.discovery.com, chateauxandvillasweddings.com, www.Provence.com

Tuscany’s beauty is matched by only a few places on Earth. The region is a natural marvel of ever-changing scenery from golden meadows of sunflowers with cypress trees on the horizon, green rolling hills, dusty grey olive groves and the glistening waters of the seas under an azure sky. But Tuscany is more than sweeping countryside, as its villages and spectacular hilltop towns also contribute to its distinctive character.

Film-makers have long been enchanted by Tuscany. We all remember James Ivory’s “A room with a View”; this was a huge success which launched the region to stardom. There are many other movies featuring locations in Tuscany or Italy. The most obvious is “Under the Tuscan Sun” or the interior Florence scenes in “Tea and Mussolini” and the award winning “Life is Beautiful” with Roberto Benigni who has become the most beloved comic-actor in the world. And let’s not forget the region’s foremost and gifted Tenor, Andrea Bocelli whose voice has been praised as the most beautiful in the world.

Florence or Firenze is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. A centre of medieval European trade and finance, this city is also considered the birthplace and “cradle of Renaissance” (la culla del Rinascimento) for its monuments, churches and buildings. It was long under the de facto rule of the Medici family who were also bankers to the Pope which contributed to their rise.

SITES OF FLORENCE

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

Florence’s most famous square is Piazza della Signoria, the heart of the historic center and a free open-air sculpture exhibit. The Loggia della Signoria holds some important statues including a copy of Michelangelo’s David. The piazza has been Florence’s political center since the middle ages and Florence’s town hall, the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, sits on the piazza. The palazzo contains elaborately decorated public rooms and private apartments.

Il Duomo – Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Florence’s most popular site is its Duomo (cathedral), la Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. The huge Gothic cathedral holds 20,000 people. Its exterior is made of green, pink, and white marble, and has several elaborate doors and statues. Inside, Brunelleschi’s Dome is a masterpiece of construction.

The Baptistery

The Baptistery of John the Baptist, from the 11th century, is one of Florence’s oldest buildings. Its exterior is made of green and white marble and has three sets of amazing bronze doors. Inside, you can see beautiful mosaics and a marble pavement of the zodiac.

Campanile – Bell Tower

The Campinile, bell tower, is in Piazza del Duomo. The first story was designed by Giotto and it is commonly called Giotto’s Campanile.

Ponte Vecchio

Hanging off either side of this ancient bridge over the Arno are strings of tiny shops selling gold and jewelry, some of them dating back to the Renaissance.

Galleria degli Uffizi

This is one of Europe’s oldest galleries displaying priceless paintings and sculptures from the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art. Artists whose works you’ll see include Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Perugino, and Raphael.

Galleria dell’ Academia

The gallery is home to Michelangelo’s David, need I say more?

Boboli Garden and Pitti Palace

Florence’s largest and most opulent palace was once the main seat of the Medici family. It now contains the Galleria Palatina with Florence’s most important picture collection after the Uffizi. Behind the Pitti Palace you will find beautiful gardens and fountains and a great view of Florence from the Forte Belvedere.

Santa Croce

The largest Franciscan church in Italy, reputedly founded by St. Francis himself, incorporates one of Brunelleschi’s most important works, the Cappella dei Pazzi.

Accommodations

Who among us has not dreamt of owning a Villa in Tuscany!!! Okay we may not be able to own one but we can surely stay at one….While in Tuscany you can choose from world-class hotels in historic buildings , ultra chic boutique hotels or family-run pensioni that haven’t changed much in 30 years or rent a villa, stay on a farm or track down a village room for rent. On the whole, accommodation is more expensive in Tuscany than in many other parts of Italy, and is in high demand from May till late September. In our next article we will explore a destination wedding at a famous villa, stay tuned…

Gastronomy

Eating is definitely one of life’s pleasures in Tuscany as it is all over Italy. Tuscan food is fresh, seasonal and, above all, local. There is no such thing as Italian cooking but rather regional cuisine, and generally you will eat the best of Tuscan produce cooked from Tuscan recipes. Expect to find magnificent meat, beans and hearty bread and fruity olive oil. Antipasti include crostini toscani, sliced bread rounds topped with a chicken liver-based pâté, and sliced meats (mainly prosciutto and salami, often served with melon when in season). The typically saltless Tuscan bread, obtained with natural levain frequently features in Florentine courses, especially in its famous soups, ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, or in the salad of bread and fresh vegetables called panzanella that is served in the warm summer. Of course let’s not forget the luscious frothy capuccino as well as sinful Ice creams so popular throughout Italy. Buon appetito!

Wines

Florence is one of the great wine-growing regions in the world. The Chianti region is just south of the city, and its Sangiovese grapes figure prominently not only in its Chianti Classico wines but also in many of the more recently developed Supertuscan blends. To the west is the Carmignano area, also home to flavorful sangiovese-based red wines. The celebrated Chianti Ruffino district is also a few miles east of Florence.

Climate

Although usually said to have a Mediterranean climate, Florence is sometimes classified as having a humid subtropical climate. It has hot, humid summers with little rainfall and cool, damp winters.

Weather averages for Florence
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average high °C (°F)	10 (50)	12 (54)	15 (59)	18 (64)	23 (73)	27 (81)	31 (88)	31 (88)	26 (79)	21 (70)	14 (57)	10 (50)
Average low °C (°F)	1 (34)	3 (37)	4 (39)	7 (45)	11 (52)	14 (57)	17 (63)	17 (63)	14 (57)	10 (50)	5 (41)	2 (36

Transportation

By Plane
If you arrive in Florence by airplane, you are going to land at Amerigo Vespucci Airport. Although this is not in the center of town, there are several services (public and private) that connect the Florence city center with the airport of Florence (Amerigo Vespucci airport). There are also several services (public and private) that connect the Pisa International Airport with the Florence city center and with the Airport of Florence.

By Train
The train station Santa Maria Novella is in the center of the city, Trenitalia runs trains between the railway stations within the city, and to other destinations around Italy and Europe. Long distance buses are run by the SITA, Copit, CAP and Lazzi companies. The transit companies also accommodate travelers from the Amerigo Vespucci Airport which has scheduled services run by major European carriers such as Air France and Lufthansa.

Other Notes of Interest

Florence has some of the finest shopping in Europe. In Florence you’ll find leather goods, paper goods, and jewelry as well as nice souvenirs and art productions. Florence has a number of open air markets selling food, clothing, and antiques. The most famous is around Piazza San Lorenzo where you’ll also find leather goods.

Some of the most famous clothes designers in Italy now located in Milan were founded in Florence. Gucci, Prada, Pucci, Roberto Cavalli and Chanel have large offices and stores in Florence and its outskirts. The legendary Salvatore Ferragamo, shoe designer to the stars also started in Florence. So ladies, pretend you are playing the role of “Carrie” Bradshaw,( the fictional narrator and lead character of the HBO sitcom/drama Sex and the City, played by actress Sarah Jessica Parker) and hit the shoe stores!!

A Wedding Destination in Florence

Our next article will focus on a superb Restaurant and Villa outside of Florence along with its adjoining Church for your Destination Wedding Ceremony. Stay tuned, its magnificent!

References: www.wikipedia.org, The Knopf Guides, www.fodors.com, The Official Guide to Italy

The French Alps are home to snowy mountain peaks, alpine lakes and lush green valleys and are most known for their outdoor activities of skiing, paragliding, mountain climbing and rafting. It is here that you will find great skiing in the winter, chalets dotting the skyline of mountain villages and scenery that will take your breath away! You’ll almost feel like journeying to the top of a peak to yodel or better yet, to sing out loud like Julie Andrews and the Van-Trapp family in the Sound of Music as you enjoy hearing the echo of your voice and the natural beauty of this region. The highest mountain in the Alps is the Mont-Blanc (4,877 meters or 16,001feet!), on the French-Italian border.

There are a lot of towns in the area, for what at first glance might seem like an isolated section of France, don’t be fooled… you will be pleasantly surprised.

There are fantastic opportunities for skiers and snowboarders with over 200 resorts in the Alps, Chamonix, Megeve and Val d’Isère being the most popular. Chamonix features the world’s highest cable car, and Mont- Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, is near Chamonix. Annecy has lantern lit lanes, Chambéry contains the most history, and Grenoble is the largest city in the French Alps.

The Alps are a very popular and diverse area, to simplify matters let’s look at the 3 main regions: Haute-Savoie (Upper Savoy) in the north, containing Mont Blanc, Savoie (Savoy) to the West, and Isère in the South-East part of the Alps. Since there are so many small famous towns in the Alps, let’s cover the most popular ones.

The Haute-Savoie Region

Mont Blanc and Lake Annecy are located in Haute-Savoie, as well as the town of Évian-les-Bains, the most famous town on the French shore of Lake Geneva, and well-known around the world for its mineral water, “Evian” which I am sure everyone is familiar with… Some of the world’s most well-known ski resorts are located in Haute-Savoie. For instance, Chamonix — a city where skiing and mountain climbing are the most popular activities in the region thanks to the Mont-Blanc, Europe’s second highest mountain.

Annecy

Sitting on the edge of one of the Alps’ largest alpine lakes is Annecy. As the capital of the Haute-Savoie region in France, the city has been nicknamed the “Venice of Savoie” for its many small canals dissecting the city. The city is built around a medieval town center, specifically a 14th century Château and the lake is clean, huge and has a beautiful azure blue color. The city is also the paragliding capital of the Alps and on any given fair weather day, you can watch parachutes floating high above the lake.

Evian-les-Bains

Located on the banks of Lake Geneva, Evian is the home of springs and spas. The town has that effortless charm which is typical of all spa towns; the medical properties of Evian water were discovered in 1789, when a gentleman from another part of the country, realized that it was dissolving his kidney stones! Imagine that… Evian water is filtered by sand of glacial origin, and is very cold and low in minerals. Although many different springs exist in the Alps, bottled Evian water is one of the main French mineral waters. Along the shore and on the lakes there are wonderful romantic walks and boat trips on Lake Geneva. You can also visit Evian’s popular art-nouveau pump house with its tiled cupola built in the 18^th Century on the site of the Cachât River.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Pronounced Cham-o-knee. (Please don’t pronounce the x or you will sound like a tourist). Probably the most famous city in the French Alps, there is a lot to do and see in this mountain oasis. Here you can ski at one of the many areas, visit the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), which is one of the biggest glaciers in continental Europe, or hike to one of the many mountain trails. Sitting at the base of Western Europe’s highest Mountain (Mont Blanc), you can take one of the highest cable cars in the world to the top of Aiguille du Midi. This exilerating ride has the greatest vertical range in the world and will take you up to 3810 meters or 12,500 f. I personally went up there some years ago dressed in my summer clothes and nearly froze my bottom off so bring warm clothes! You won’t regret it, it’s totally awesome…!

Megève

This town is a typical mountain village complete with cows, forests and about 50 working farms in the area. It also has been a jet-set ski resort since the 1920’s, when as the story goes the area was discovered by Baroness de Rothschild. Here you will see some of the most charming châlets in the region. Mixing the old with the new is definitely in vogue in Megève; an old piece of wood salvaged from abandoned châlets is more expensive than mahogany! The famous “Fermes de Marie” hotel has reused parts taken from over 60 farms in the area. While you are there, treat yourself to a luxury meal at the Ferme de Marie.

The Savoie Region

Savoie boasts their wonderful landscapes, legendary history, excellent wines but also a great number of cheeses which rightfully are very popular in France and throughout the world. Oh my goodness, the cheeses in Savoie are extraordinary; in particular the famous “Reblochon”! Made only from the milk of local cattle, Savoyard cheeses are packed with all the flavor and goodness of the mountain pastures. During your visit you should not miss sampling the many cheeses … with a glass of a good local wine!

Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains oozes with the luxurious charm of the Belle-Époque, the period before the 1^st World War when the aristocracy of Europe lived a decadent and leisurely existence. From flower fairs to music festivals, the town of Aix-les-Bains still celebrates with a touch of class. You will also enjoy the Impressionist Art at the Musée Faure. Dr. Jean Faure was a successful pharmacist who made his fortune selling a healing potion called Elixir Bonjean. Upon his death he donated his fine collection of Impressionist paintings, now housed in the Faure Museum. Among other masterpieces, the museum boasts Cézanne’s “Le Bac à Bonnières” and Degas’ “Les Danseuses Mauves”. Also drop into the Casino « Grand Cercle » and place your bets! The opulent ceiling of the gaming hall was designed in 1883 using some 3,500,000 colored glass mosaic tiles.

Chambéry

Chambéry is the capital of Savoie. A tour of this historic center is a riot of trompe l’oeil decorations, brightly colored façades and wrought-iron embellishments. Lying between the Combe de Savoie valley, Aiguebelette lake and the La Chartreuse and Les Bauges highlands, Chambéry also makes an ideal base from which to explore the region. Don’t miss the “Fountain of the Elephants”; Chambéry’s love of the extravagant and whimsy is clearly demonstrated here in this old town.

Courchevel

Is located in the Savoie region of the Alpes, and part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world. This ski resort has its own airport (Courchevel Airport) and a highway linking it to the rest of Europe.

What makes Courchevel different is that it is not one single resort, but spread across four different altitudes; Courchevel Le Praz 1300, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850; each offering a very different image and village feel. Courchevel 1850 is where the rich and famous come “to see and be seen”. The secluded Jardin Alpin sector is where all the spectacular chalets and hotels are located; however there are still reasonably priced accommodations in the center of town. There are gentle beginner slopes and a vast array of intermediate and advanced slopes making it a very busy resort.

Courchevel 1650 is lower down the valley and the price scheme but still has a lot to offer. Here you will often find some of the best snow and quietest slopes in Courchevel. Courchevel 1550 is quieter, with just a few chalets and hotels. A new high speed 6 person chairlift was installed offering a very quick connection to Courchevel 1850. There is also a bubble lift which runs daily from 09:00 am to 7:30 pm taking you into the centre of 1850.

Courchevel Luxury Chalet

Courchevel 1300 sits on a large flat ledge and so is very easy to get round on foot with no hills to navigate. A couple of thousand people live there all year round so it has the feel of a real village all the year round. There is a school, supermarket, 5 restaurants/bars, 2 ski shops, post office, baker, butcher etc. – in fact everything you need. The 2 bubble lifts from the village take you rapidly up to 1850 in less than 8 minutes. The village has lots of little nooks and crannies and is easily the prettiest part of Courchevel. You can ski back to 1300 all season due to the investment in snow cannons.

Courchevel has its fair share of posh clients, none more so than the Saudi Royal family. Last year was quite a spectacle, with the family deciding to extend their stay, which resulted in them reserving an entire TGV train for their entourage of 145 people! Who knows you might find yourself skiing along side of the a Saudi Princes one day…

Charentaise Valley/ Albertville

This is called the Olympic valley, the Tarentaise valley follows the course of the Isère river, all the way from Albertville to Val-D’Isère. There is a fantastic museum here called “Maison des Jeux Olympics d’Hiver,

(House of the Winter Olympics). This museum recounts and displays the full story of the Winter Olympics announced in 1982 to the staging of the events 10 years later. There are also displays showing the history of winter sports, including the evolution of the ski boot.

The Isère Region

Grenoble

Grenoble is foremost a very popular university town but is also home to the 1968 winter Olympics, this city is one of the more major metropolitan areas in the French Alps. Home to a large population of scientists, researchers and students, this city has a lot to offer guests in addition to the hiking, skiing and climbing found throughout the region. The city is sophisticated and charming, particularly in the appealing streets of its historic center.

Accommodations

Although there are a great many wonderful 3 star hotels in the Alps, complete with spas and gourmet restaurants, you must stay in one of the beautiful and charming chalets. The Savoyard chalets come straight out of a pretty picture post-card, with balconies adorned with geraniums and begonias, honey colored walls, and russet-brown or moss-covered roofs; they perch dramatically on the green slopes of the mountains and foothills of the Alpine region.

Gastronomy

A blend of culinary specialties you would find while traveling throughout the region: “Fricassee de Caïon with Coffe Sauce”, made of pork, chopped leeks and celery and herbs. “Longeoles” , little pork sausages filled with wild cumin, anis seeds and fennel, “Crozets”, tiny , grayish pasta shapes made from flour and buckwheat, “ Magland Sausage” , smoked and dried sausage which sells at the famous Paris food shop of Fauchon, “ Gratin Dauphinois”, potatoes baked in a rich cream sauce and flavored with garlic,

And finally my favorite, say cheese!!! “Fondue”, a Savoyard specialty loved throughout the world consisting of Abondance cheese, garlic, Savoyard white wine, and a dash of Madeira wine, “Raclette”, melted Reblochon cheese served with boiled potatoes and cold meats, yummy! Beaufort and Tomme to name a few.

Wines from the Alps: The wines of Savoie are virtually unknown to the rest of the world as the great majority is consumed within the region itself when the wines are young although the “Mondeuse”, “Chignin-Bergeron” and “Rousette” wines age well. Naturally don’t forget to sample the famous Ice-Wines of the Alps!

Climate

As is the case in most mountain communities, the Alps two major seasons for visitors are summer and winter. While fall can also be a nice time to see the foliage and do some hiking, most people come to the mountains to swim in the alpine lakes in the summer or hit the slopes in the winter. At higher elevations in the Alps you should expect cold, snowy winters and warm (sometimes wet) summers. At lower elevations, winters are less harsh and summers can be very hot. Thunderstorms are frequent in the late summer months. Of course it is important to keep in mind that the higher elevation you travel to, the colder the weather regardless if it is January or July.

Average Temperatures in the French Alps: January: 35, February: 37, March: 42, April: 48, May: 55, June: 62, July: 69, August: 66, September: 60, October: 55, November: 42, December: 39

Transportation

Major airlines offer regularly scheduled flights from the US to one of the key gateway airports (Geneva, Lyon-Satolas and Chambery).By Train, Paris Gard du Nord offers 16 trains daily and the T.G.V. (high speed train) from Paris will take you to Albertville in about 4 hours.

Other Notes of Interest

While in the French Alps you must see or purchase the majestic and peaceful “Colombes de la Paix”, the Doves of Peace. These doves hand carved in spruce with an Opinel knife are a good luck charm. Their feathers are as fine as tissue paper, almost like lace. They look at though they are ready to fly, a real treat for the eyes!!! Purchase an Opinel knife, very popular in the Alps and created in 1890 by Joseph Opinel. And for the collector in you, get yourself a genuine “Cowbell”, these cowbells are worn around the cow’s neck and are forged from steel coated with a layer of bronze. Some can weigh as much as 8 lbs.!

A Wedding Destination in the French Alps

And finally, in an upcoming blog we will talk about wedding destinations in the French Alps which are loaded with well connected towns, and are popular year round, making them ideal for a Winter or Fall Wedding Destination. “Just imagine yourself and your groom riding in a horse drawn sleigh to the reception or church, complete with a fur throw to keep you warm…!!!

References: www.wedthemes.com, www.theknot.com, www.wikipedia.com, www.fodors.com, www.frenchalps.com www.favorideas.com,

La Cornouaille

A true capsule of Brittany’s past, Cornouialle once a medieval kingdom is still known today in France as “the most Breton part of Brittany “.

PONT L’ABBE

This is the most traditional of all Cornouaille towns, and thus the most traditional town in Brittany. The town rises above a harbor at the estuary of the Odet River twenty miles south of Quimper. Here the old women still wear the tallest of Brittany’s sixty-six regional coiffes. Pont L’Abbé has long been known for its intricate embroidery, which adorns both coiffes and black velvet costumes.

QUIMPER

The twin steeples of Quimper’s Saint Corentin cathedral, set in the town’s main square dominates the skyline of this old capital of Cornouaille. Several old cobblestone streets lead into the Place Saint-Germain and are still lined with four-hundred year old houses, handsome mansions and chestnut trees. Once a year at the end of July the town host one of the largest and liveliest folk festivals in Brittany, La Fete de la Cornouialle. For a full week the town becomes a stage for the program of parades, dances, musical events and theatrical performances. Quimper is also world renowned for its Faienceries. The faience industry was founded in the 17^th century and today these white-glazed faience depicting painted Breton figures, flowers, and symbols are sold throughout the world.

PONT-AVEN

Pont-Aven draws its many French and foreign tourists with its historic legacy as a once-important artistic community of Post-Impressionists. Shortly after his arrival in Brittany, Paul Gauguin invited a group of young Post-Impressionists to come and paint with him in Pont-Aven; these included both French and American painters who eventually formed the Pont-Aven School of painters. Pont-Aven streets are filled with antique shops, and enchanting chaumieres, (thatched roof cottages).

Saint-Malo

An ancient, wall city surrounded by 13^th century ramparts, Saint-Malo was badly damaged during the bombing raid in World War II. Most of the old city of Saint-Malo was totally destroyed. Devastated after the war, the people regrouped and restored the old city, virtually to the last stone. The old city is almost entirely surrounded by water and by the strong North Atlantic winds. Even as a pastime, sailing in Brittany is a rugged activity, requiring skill, stamina and protective gear. Sailboat races in the Saint-Malo harbor are an on going tradition.

Mont Saint-Michel

Le Mont Saint-Michel is to France, Victor Hugo said “ what the Great Pyramid is to Egypt” The most visited attraction in France, Le Mont St-Michel is an island which rises off the NE coast of Brittany and is joined by a walkway to the mainland. Resting on top of this very high island is a fascinating monastery.

Gastronomy

Seafood platter

Breton seafood platter
The authentic Breton seafood platter must contain at least three types of crustaceans and three of shellfish. However, the composition varies depending on the season, and the life cycle of the crustaceans and shellfish. Frequently it comprises crabs, various types of oysters and clams, periwinkle, shrimps or Langoustines and prawns…served on a bed of seaweed.

Climate

Located on the west coast of France, Brittany has a warm, temperate climate. Rainfalls occur regularly which has helped keep its countryside lush, green and wooded, but sunny, cloudless days are also common.

In the summer months, temperatures in the regions can reach 86 degrees Fahrenheit, but remain comfortable compared to parts of France south of the Loire. Brittany attracts summer tourists from its neighboring countries in Germany, England, Sweden, Denmark but also Spain since their summers are too hot.

Transportation

There are several airports in Brittany which serve destinations in France and England. TGV or bullet train services link the region with cities such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille. In addition if you prefer to travel by sea, there are many ferry services that take passengers and their cars to Ireland, England and the Channel Islands.

Why you should get married in Bretagne

Brittany or Bretagne as it is called in France is the country’s most beautiful and rugged region. Brittany is a fascinating mix of spectacular coastline, ancient towns, magical islands and inland woods. It is a land rich in culture, tradition and history. When you travel through this peninsula, you’ll discover people whose language, customs and dress remain a vivid homage to their past.

Bretons are renowned for their friendliness and many speak French as well as Breton (a Celtic-based language similar to Welsh) and English. The province takes on a medieval feeling as many of the people still wear traditional lace head-dresses and the region seeps with fairy-tale stories and fables. Said to be the final resting place of Merlin and where King Arthur and Guinevere married, Bretons are famous for their supernatural stories, creatures and magical fountains. Brittany has an abundance of Chateaux and Manors which will accommodate any wedding.

References: www.Wikipedia.com,Pierre Deux Brittany, www.fodors.com, www.westernfrancetouristboard.com, www.answers.com,