Postcard From France: "La Mère de Famille" Founded In 1761

La Mère de Famille.,

fine chocolates jam and desserts

since 1761

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Postcard From France: Paris Is For Lovers

"Les Amoureux"

Les Jardins du Palais Royal, Paris

Août 2010

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Postcard From France: Goodbye To My Life In The French Countryside

Under gray skies and a soft rain, we closed down our house in the Auvergne countryside, said goodbye to our friends and neighbors and drove away.

I will not lie. I cried. Like every year.

Now the countdown begins. Only 11 months till I come back, but sooner if I can.

My husband and I are now in Paris, where we are spending two days before flying back to New York and to reality. Stay tuned for some Paris photos as soon as I can.

Au revoir, chèrs Marinette et René, Claudine, Michel et Jean-Claude, Marthe et Sebastien, Corinne et sa petite famille, Charlène. Patrick et Marie-Christine et tous les autres au village. !

Restez en bonne santée et gardez bien nôtre petite colline en Auvergne.

Avec toute mon amitié,

À l'été prochain.

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Postcard From France: Behind Stone Walls

I often wonder what beauty can be found behind stone walls, iron gates and wooden doors like the ones above. If only I could enter....

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Postcard From France: A Visit To La Chaise-Dieu

During this stay in the Auvergne, we visited the beautiful Benedictine Abbey of La Chaise-Dieu and the charming village that surrounds it. The gothic abbey, which is situated at more than 1,ooo meters altitude, was founded in 1043 and is home to a magnificent organ, stunning tapestries and a circa 1470's fresco depicting a "Dance Macabre" or "The Dance Of Death", a motif that became popular during the time of the Black Death.

Once a year, La Chaise-Dieu becomes the site of a world renowned baroque music festival created by pianist Georges Cziffra.

This year, the festival celebrates its 44th year.

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Postcard From France: Who Says The French Don't Like America?

Who says the French don't like America?

I spied this biker chick in Clermont-Ferrand and was immediately intrigued by her rather noticeable stars-and-stripes jacket. It was only afterwards that I saw that the bike was decorated with a small American flag as well.

See, there is love for the States here in France...

A quick hello to my great friend Violaine, with whom I went to school here. She was sitting in a café with me when these photos were taken. She smiled and said: " I sense that this will end up on your blog!"

You were correct, Violaine! Thanks for the wonderful après-midi in Clermont.

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Postcard From France: Way Up High

The view from the top of Puy Mary

Just when I thought I had visited most of the beautiful spots in the Auvergne, I was blown away by the stunning views from the top of Puy Mary, an ancient volcano. At 1783 meters high, it is the tallest strato volcano not only here in the Auvergne but also in Europe. Le Puy Mary is estimated to be 6.5 million years old.

The road leading to the top is closed from November to May, but even in summer, the drive up is a real nail biting experience. It is well worth it, however. The view from the top is spectacular.

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