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Tag: Travel
Abbey du Fontfroide, France
The Cistercian Abbey du Fontfroide is nestled in the foothills of the Corbières, south-west of Narbonne. Founded in 1093, Fontfroide, now classified as a Historic Monument and a Great Site of Occitania, crosses centuries, eras and events, witness to history for present and future generations.
Abbey du Fronfroide was founded in 1093, on land given to a few Benedictine monks by the Viscount of Narbonne. It takes its name from the nearby source, the Fons Frigidus, the Froide Fountain. Besides water, the monks could find wood and stone in the massif for the construction of the monastery.
But Fontfroide did not really develop until after 1145 and its attachment to the Order of Cîteaux . The Cistercian monks, under the direction of St Bernard of Clairvaux, wish to return to the purity of the rule of St Benedict, advocating poverty, austerity and architectural sobriety.
The Abbey du Fontfroide is imprinted within its walls with rich testimonies of these residences, including the monumental triptych by Odilon Redon “Day, Night and Silence” as well as stained glass windows by Richard Burgsthal.
Today, the descendants of Gustave Fayet still maintain the Abbey du Fontfroide with the same passion.
We spent the better part of a day wandering and exploring around and through the Abbey with its thick walls, massive stair cases, impressive gates and doors, and graceful archways. Peaceful courtyards beckoned for us to sit and reflect in the silence. Overhead, fragrant flowers perfumed the air. Statues watched over us. Garden paths wove in and around it all.
The sheer size of the Abbey and the grounds are amazing. Look out over the rooftops to the hills beyond.
If You Go: Abbey de Frontfroide is located at Route Départementale 613, 11100 Narbonne, France. Their phone number is +33 4 68 45 11 08
Check more posts for information on France https://travelsandescapes.net
Cossy Champagne…Definitely a Favorite
Cossy Champagne
The Cossy estate is based in the 1er Cru village of Jouy-lès-Reims – just a few minutes outside of the center of Reims, and dates to 1764. They started bottling under their own label in the 1950s, in addition to managing the Cooperative winemaking facility for their village and the neighboring hamlet of Pargny-lèsReims.
Sophie’s wines all clearly have a graceful, feminine touch. They are all from her estate vineyards within a kilometer or two of the winery, so they’re all from essentially the same terroir.
Epernay, France
Home to the great wine production and trading houses, and listed as a Remarkable Site of Taste, the majestic Avenue de Champagne has 110 kilometres of cellars.
The first Champagne House opened in Epernay in 1729, founded by Nicolas Ruinart, a draper at the time, who wanted to try his hand at producing sparkling wine.
Other establishments would also set up on Avenue de Champagne (in particular Moët & Chandon, in 1743). The Avenue de Champagne, previously known as Rue du Commerce, became an important economic hub in the 19th century and other Champagne Houses followed: Perrier Jouët, de Venoge, Mercier, etc.
In February 1925, the Rue du Commerce became the Avenue de Champagne.
Eguisheim, France
Eguisheim, France
Voted favorite town of the French in 2013, Eguisheim is surrounded by gentle hills covered with vines.
In the heart of the Alsace region, the town flows with its concentric circles, interesting alleys, and multicolored houses.
Stork’s nests sit on chimneys. Geraniums flow out of window boxes and pots. Half-timbered houses with their balconies fill the narrow streets.
Take some time to explore the town and the wines.
For us, it was a side trip from Colmar, only 5 km away.
Can I Drink on the Plane?
Drinking on Flights During Covid
Do you enjoy having a glass of wine or a cocktail when you fly?
Have you read that airlines are no longer serving alcohol on flights? Not a big deal to some. To others, it may be.
Since some flyers really enjoy it, they have wondered whether it’s okay to bring their own drinks, cocktails, etc. on the flight. Is it okay to buy a small bottle in the airport once you’re through security and open it on the plane? Is it okay to buy a cocktail in an airport bar and then bring it with you in a plastic cup? Are there any instances where you can drink on the plane?
According to the FAA you may not do that. Why? The serving entity has to be the one holding the liquor license. So, no alcoholic beverages on the plane unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to the passenger.
Keep in mind, this is for drinking only. Other rules apply to what you have in your carryon or checked luggage.
Maybe in time, rules will change and airlines will go back to serving alcohol. Until then…no wine on the plane.
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JY’s in Colmar, France
Housed in an elegant 17th-century residence in the heart of Colmar’s Little Venice, Jean-Yves Schillinger’s canal-side restaurant impresses with its style and substance. This Michelin two-star restaurant delighted us throughout every course.
As for the food, Schillinger’s style marries whimsy with technical brilliance. Every course was a delight, first for our eyes and lastly in our bellies.
Our amuse bouche was an array of stuffed olives presented on a olive wood tray with an olive branch hanging over it. Yummy and pretty.
The soup course was almost too pretty to eat. Tomato broth, olive oil, and vegetables and edible flowers…melt in my mouth.
What appears to be an egg in an egg shell was not. The bite of creamy custard was the perfect palette cleanser.
As a complimentary dessert tray, these bites disappeared quickly.
This experience was our highlight of the day. Be sure to check out JY’s if you are in or near Colmar. By the way…reserve ahead and arrive hungry.
Doors of Colmar, France
So many places have interesting doors. Here are a few from Colmar, France
Food in Colmar, France
A few of our favorites from Colmar, France…
Buildings of Colmar, France
I’m not sure you can find an ugly building in the center of Colmar. As you get closer to the Quai de Poissoniers, nicknamed Petit Venice, you will find a row along the canal of picture-perfect houses. Many are half-timbered houses painted in shades of pink, yellow, and sky blue.
Some of these buildings date back to the 14th century. Many survived multiple wars, seemingly unscathed. This was the old merchants’ quarter where tanners, butchers, and fishmongers lived.
The story goes that different colors were used to display different types of businesses. If you were a fisherman your house was blue. A butcher would have a red house.
Other buildings offer a mix of French and German influence. Half-timbered, storks nests on the chimneys, and signs displaying what the home or building was once for are common along all the main streets and back alleys.
This is a great town for walking.
In the summer this area will be filled with tourists taking pictures, riding the flat-bottomed boats in the canal, and relaxing with a glass of wine or beer at one of the many sidewalk cafes.
Want less people? Head to Colmar in early May or late September.