France
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A Brief Introduction to the Highlights of Alsace
Alsace is arguably the most unique region of France. As a place that has changed hands five times between France and Germany over the last 150 years, it is now a cultural crossroads where French finesse meets German gusto. Tucked… Read full article
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Four fantastic cycling tours for a true taste of France.
Few countries stir the imagination like France. You may have already pictured yourself bicycling through small villages composed of beautiful stone buildings, quaint cafés, and Romanesque churches that gaze across the valley at each other under the Provençal sun. Explore… Read full article
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Nadine’s Top Hotel Picks
She’s Not A Hotel Critic But she’s dreamed of being one. I have a confession to make. It has been somewhat of a secret dream of mine to be a hotel critic. There you have it, the cat’s out of… Read full article
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All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
“All the Light We Cannot See” was on almost everyone’s top books of 2014 list and was also a finalist for the National Book Award. This intriguing story follows two young people, Marie-Laure a blind girl who lives with her… Read full article
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A Year in Burgundy Directed by David Kennard
My knowledge of wine is limited to what I can remember from the several wine tours I’ve been on with ExperiencePlus! and I’m confident that I would I would fail the “Davis test” (have a friend pour room temperature red… Read full article
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Breton Crêpes
John Giebler (our Director of Tours, and occasional tour leader in France and Italy) shares his favorite crêpe recipe in honor of the new ExperiencePlus! tour in Brittany and Normandy. This is a recipe I used to make when I… Read full article
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Tarte Tatin
Two sisters, Carolina (1847-1911) and Stéphine Tatin (1838-1917), from Lamotte-Beuvron, a small village in the Loire Valley of France, are considered the creators of this wonderful tart. The sisters owned and ran the Hotel Tatin. The elder sister, Stéphanie, dealt with… Read full article
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Roasted Asparagus with Hollandaise
April marks the beginning of asparagus season in Germany and in France and is cause for celebration because it also means that spring has finally arrived. In Germany asparagus fever continues until mid-June and takes many forms including competitions to… Read full article
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Haute Cuisine: Movie Review
A new movie is on the playbill. As the film transports you to Paris and into the kitchen of personal cook to President of the Republic of France, we warn you: you may find yourself either looking to hop on… Read full article
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Seven Ages of Paris by Alistair Horne
Reviewed by ExperiencePlus! traveler Pam Brills. If you have visited Paris, or plan to in conjunction with a bike ride through France, this is a must read. Alistair Horne is a prolific British writer who has authored a number of… Read full article
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Peach Raspberry ‘Tart’
As we release new dates and tours for the 2014 season, particularly with our Paris to Lyon Plus! Marseille tour, and welcome in the final bounty of summertime fruits, we present a simple spin on a traditional French tart, sans… Read full article
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Chard Quiche – From the Field to Your Plate
Many of you may remember Josette Smyrl who coordinated our hotels and meals in France for years. Josette has retired and lives in Provence with her husband and gardener extraordinaire Sam. Her culinary expertise is well-known in Fort Collins, Colorado… Read full article
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Accommodations We Love – Part 7
If our itinerary descriptions have whetted your appetite and you’re starting to daydream, let us help you set the stage with these splendid backdrops. Proudly announcing Accommodations We Love Part 7…with some properties from new departures in Catalonia, & Slovenia.… Read full article
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Zucchini Salad with Mint and Provençal Rosemary Almonds
With summer often comes an abundance of zucchini from the garden – and the ongoing challenge to find new ways to prepare them. Co-workers begin to avoid you and your zucchini cakes, muffins and breads. We understand the never-ending challenge… Read full article
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Provençal Melon with Beaumes de Venise Muscat
The ExperiencePlus! Bicycling through the Best of Provence Plus! the Luberon and Aix-en-Provence tour now goes through Beaumes de Venise. A lot of France’s melons grow nearby around Cavaillon, and Beaumes de Venise is known for its sweet Muscat dessert… Read full article
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The Land of Painted Caves by Jean M. Auel
Ayla is Back! Jean M. Auel’s Earth’s Children series introduced us to one of the original beautiful, strong, and self-sufficient female protagonist back in 1980 and in this last installment of the series, The Land of Painted Caves, we find… Read full article
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Accommodations We Love – Part 6
We’ve chosen several multi-night stays in this edition of Accommodations We Love. We don’t stay longer at these hotels because we fear you’ll never want to leave! Read up on hotels in Chile, Scotland, France, Argentina, and Italy this month.… Read full article
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Crème Brûlée
When you travel to France, chances are you’ve got some culinary must-tastes on your list. While crepes and the delicately-crafted pastries in the corner patisseries are delightful, one dessert you must try is crème brûlée. The translation of this dessert… Read full article