Potatoes are versatile vegetables that can be prepared in a myriad of ways. This recipe for simple sautéed potatoes with peppers and onions is so delicious it could steal the spotlight, but also make a wonderful addition to almost any dish! Pair them with eggs for a hearty breakfast, a …

Contributor blog post by Margo Lestz: Many nations are represented by the symbol of an animal. Normally, they choose one whose characteristics reflect those of the country: The United Kingdom chose the brave lion and the United States claims the majestic bald eagle. What animal do you think represents France? … The barnyard rooster. …Continue reading …

Contributor blog post by Margo Lestz: Did you know that the city of Nice, France almost had a 49 foot (15 meter) tall statue of the Virgin Mary standing atop the Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill)? In the 1980s, the idea of the “Virgin on the hill” came to the …

The forecast was for sweltering weather, those blue sky-cicada-filled days that scream for poolside lounging in Provence. As I packed the car, I wondered (again) why I was joining a Bliss Travels trip with founder Wendy Jaeger? I do not consider myself a “tour” person – what would the group …

There is nothing like wandering through a French market filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, bread, soap, honey, and so much more. It’s a lively place—the heart of France, the heart of the village. Today, I was meandering a French market in the stunning hilltop village of Bonnieux in …

Contributor blog post by Jemma @French Lessons Blog: I was 10 years working in my office job – real, salaried employment! Jo says, pausing with me on the terrasse before organizing her day here at Bellevue. She shakes her head. But I was let go on la veille de Noël …

Hungry in France? Wait a minute! Isn’t France all about the food? Isn’t it known for its boulangeries, pâtisseries, cheese, bread, croissants, steak frites, and Michelin-star dining? Don’t people go to France for the food? Yes, yes, and yes. There is wonderful food everywhere, as long as you play by …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: I’m a non-smoker and always have been. I’ve lived with smokers, I have family members who smoke, I have friends who smoke. I don’t begrudge anyone’s choice to smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars or pipes. What I DON’T like is when smokers think its their …

On July 14, 1789, an angry mob stormed the Bastille in Paris, a prison that housed only seven inmates. To incensed crowd, the medieval structure represented a landmark which symbolized all of their frustration with the reigning monarchy, a weak economic environment, high taxes and a lack of personal financial …

Contributor blog post by Krista Bender: I am just back from exploring the vineyards of the Rhone Valley…. I adventured with my classmates to some of the top vineyards in Hermitage, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Avignon. It was a beautiful 73 degrees and sunny in the alpes ….nothing better than wine tasting …