Showing 1-16 of 16 results
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Petanque: Games of France
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 29 March 2012
Petanque, or Boules, or in Italy, Bocce, is played all over France. The south plays it a little differently than the north, but in general, the goal is getting your large metal balls the closest to the little white or yellow marker ball that is thrown onto the ‘court’ randomly. The south plays it with [...]
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Chateau Montrottier Near Annecy, France: Castles of France
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 25 March 2012
Chateau Montrottier is near Annecy and right next to the Fier Gorges. You can see both on our June French Alps Tour if you join us. We still have a few places left. The oldest buildings of the Chateau date back to the 1200′s and the most recent buildings to the 1400′s. The Chateau is a fortress [...]
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The Unique Chalet Architecture of the French Alps
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 21 March 2012
One of the things we do on our French Alps Tours is to make a quick stop to look at the unique architecture of the mountain homes called chalets. They all may look alike from the exterior but there is a reason why they are built the way they are. Take a look at a typical [...]
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Annecy, France: Venetian Carnival Part Two
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 13 March 2012
Here’s part two of the Annecy Venetian Carnival, an stunning event featuring costumes that will blow your mind. Enjoy. For stunning photos of the event, check out our photoblog. http://www.france-and-beyond-photoblog.com/2012/03/annecy-frances-venetian-carnival-last.html; http://www.france-and-beyond-photoblog.com/2012/03/annecy-france-venetian-costume-carnival.html; http://www.france-and-beyond-photoblog.com/2012/03/annecy-france-2012-venetian-carnival.html; http://www.france-and-beyond-photoblog.com/2012/03/annecy-france-venetian-carnival-march.html
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Annecy’s Venetian Carnival, One of the Finest Festivals in France (Part One)
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 8 March 2012
Every year Annecy holds its Venetian Carnival. There are several events but for us walking around town and videotaping and photographing the costumed beauties is what we try to do every year. It’s free! It was also such a lovely day that it was wonderful to be outside. Of course, everyone else had the same [...]
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Marseilles, France – Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 28 October 2011
The stunning basilica that you can see sitting on the hill from almost any point in Marseilles is the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde. It was built in the 1800′s on a site where a 13th century church once stood. It has an lower church and an upper church of the Neo-Byzantine style. [...]
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Visit the French Alps on a Small Group Tour This Summer
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 15 October 2011
Are you starting to think about your summer vacation? Then you have to check out our French Alps Tours. This year it will take place again in June. With enough interest, we may offer it in September too. Wander the Medieval town of Annecy, nicknamed the Venice of the French Alps, and take a boat ride [...]
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Annecy, France: Venetian Carnival, 2011 – Part Two
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 9 April 2011
A second and final video of this year’s Annecy Venetian Carnival which was held March 18-20th. The handmade costumes are magnificent – this is a festival to put on your list. For photos of the festival, check out www.france-and-beyond-photoblog.com.
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Annecy, France: Annual Venetian Carnival, 2011
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 5 April 2011
Every year during Carnival time, Annecy has a Venetian costume and mask Festival. In previous years the weather was so terrible I chose not to go. This year too was wet and gloomy but not so rainy so Bernard and I attended for a few hours.
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Outdoor Market of Thones, France: Villages of the French Alps
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 22 March 2011
One of the big cultural differences between America and France is the French Market. Almost everyone heads out once a week to the fresh outdoor market in their town (no matter how small the town) to buy their fresh products - from cheese, meat, to vegetables, fruit and wines.
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Return of the Pasture Animals to the Valleys from the Mountain Pastures: Festival in Annecy, France
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 27 November 2010
Every year in the French Alps in October, the shepherds/cowherds bring the cows and sheep down from the mountain pastures to the valleys and barns for the winter. In French it’s called Le Retour des Alpages.
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Visit to Annecy and Talloires and the Fier Gorges: Tours of the French Alps
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 12 October 2010
If you read my blog, you know I just led my first French Alps Tour in September and we already have five sign-ups for our June 2011 tour too. So if you’re interested, don’t delay. We’ll lead a tour in September 2011 too.
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Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 31 July 2010
Here’s another recipe out of my French Alps Cookbook (coming this summer). There are so many variations of this recipe in books and on the internet but the French like things simple with limited ingredients, so here’s one of the French versions. This is perfect for summertime when the cherries are fresh.
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Fete de la Musique – Festival of Music in France on June 21st
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 10 July 2010
Every year on June 21st France has a Fete de la Musique. It’s held in every city in France (except very small ones). It started years ago as a venue for amateur musicians to share their talents on the streets. It’s grown to be quite an exciting event with exceptional musicians featured all over the country.
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Southeast France Overview
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 3 July 2010
If you have already visited the charismatic glamour of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum in mainstream France, southeast France is waiting for you with its humble enchantment. Southeast France is heaven for green tourism.
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The French Alps: Undiscovered France
Blog: Video Diary of an American in France - 29 May 2010
The French Alps have much more to offer than you expect. If you are a nature-lover, a sports-enthusiast, adventure-addict or a history-freak, the French Alps have something for you.
Showing 1-16 of 16 results
