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Christmas in July
Forget the intense heat of the canicule, and reserve your trip to the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, Colmar and Paris, with this exclusive itinerary from French Detours and Kuoni Tumlare.
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Step into a real-life snow globe, where timbered villages glow with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine lingers in the crisp winter air, and centuries-old Christmas markets fill the streets with magic. This holiday escape takes you on a journey through the heart of France at its most enchanting — from the storybook charm of Strasbourg and Colmar in Alsace to the sparkling streets of Paris, dressed in their festive best. Wander through bustling Christmas markets, sip spiced wine beneath the glow of cathedral spires, taste seasonal delicacies, and discover French holiday traditions that have been cherished for generations.
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Whether you’re strolling along the Seine under Parisian lights or savoring a warm pastry in a medieval Alsatian village, this trip is a celebration of all the simple, joyful moments that make the holiday season unforgettable.
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Speaking of charming Alsace, the town of Colmar is a fairytale gem that is definitely worth a detour any time of year! We rediscovered this beautiful town, some 30 years after our first visit!
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Coming Soon
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We are all about getting off of the beaten track, but if spending more time in Paris sounds like a good idea, International Property Shares may have the perfect co-ownership home for you soon! Stay tuned!
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Provence just got more Attractive!
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Do you find yourself wishing you could spend more time in Provence? Well this dream just got closer to becoming a reality with a huge price reduction at the spectacular home called Bello Visto in Cairanne! Spend 3 months per year, enjoying all of the seasonal festivities that the Vaucluse area is known for: see the Tour de France at Mont Ventoux, participate in the wine harvest in Cairanne or Gigondas, and attend Christmas Markets! A quarter share of this spacious home with expansive views is now only $165,000! Contact us for more information or a showing!
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Need help planning the perfect trip to France? We have expanded our Travel Planning Services!
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Celebrating 80 years of Baumanière!
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On June 25, the small village of Les Baux-de-Provence overflowed with la crème de la crème of French chefs to honor both the 80th birthday of Chef Jean-André Charial and the 80th anniversary of the legendary restaurant L'Oustau de Baumanière, founded by his grandfather Raymond Thuillierin 1945.
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The day included a festive déjeuner champêtre in the gardens of La Cabro d'or, lead by Chef Michel Hulin. After apéro dans les potagers, guests walked to Carrières des Lumières for a film of Baumanière's history, followed by a touching speech by Mr Charial outside. Among the guests were our friends Catherine and Jean-Benoît Hugues, producers of the exquisite Castelas olive oils , which is used at the restaurant. Catherine recounts "les très humble stars de la journée étaient Mme et M Charial qui nous ont offert des moments magiques et nous ont montré qu'ils formaient tous ensemble cette grande et belle famille des maisons de Baumanière." Back at Baumanière, there was a cocktail dînatoire, filled with delicious food and wine, followed by cake by the pool and a drone fireworks display in the sky. A beautiful tribute to a culinary icon—and a shining star in Provence.
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Driving in France can be, well an adventure. This photo, from 2005, shows my husband Dean calling for roadside assistance in rural Provence. (I am happy to report that it all went smoothly!). Having a car provides endless freedom, but you have to be willing to accept potential challenges. For example, when the GPS takes you down "roads" that I would tend to call goat paths!
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In Corisca we found ourselves taking a series of 90-degree turns onto stone-lined streets that became increasingly more narrow. After the 3rd turn, we were all but wedged between the stone walls with one more turn to go! Going out the way we came was NOT an option. Deciding that we would just have to pay damages, my husband wished me good luck (I always drive) and we advanced ever-so-slowly. And we made it, without a scratch! Vive l'aventure!
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Want more helpful tips on travel to France?
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Before we leave, I wanted to share a great memory of watching the end of the Tour de France in Nice in 2024. Don't miss a moment of this year's Tour de France!
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