May 2011

Le Grand Voyage: Provence

30 May 2011
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After racing through Bordeaux, I continued on to Provence for the next leg of Le Grand Voyage road trippin’ around France. A few destinations were among the top of the list. First up, Arles; ancient city and inspiration to Van Gogh’s most successful period. Next, Aix-en-Provence and Le Tholonet for some time with Cézanne whose [...]

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Fine Art Friday: Van Gogh in Arles

27 May 2011
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Thought to be as old as 2800 years, Arles is a gem standing proudly amid other Provençal giants such as Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Marseille. Though the smallest of the group, the city exudes the heart of Provence culture with treasures packed along its narrow street, including early signs of Roman occupation as far back as [...]

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Le Grand Voyage: Bordeaux

23 May 2011
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And so my journey through France continues along Le Grand Voyage! After a wonderful week, I headed down south watching the terrain turn from lush green to dryer fields and vineyards. Finally, the wine country of Bordeaux! View Larger Map My time in Bordeaux was, unfortunately, way too short. If I could share only one [...]

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Fine Art Friday: The Art of Curating a Castle

20 May 2011
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Often times while visiting various cultural monuments, I’m looking at how those behind the scenes try to provide a sense of harmony between the space they have to work with and the artifacts they have to exhibit. If you think about it, the Loire Valley châteaux can pose many problems to those hoping to share [...]

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Le Grand Voyage: The Loire Valley

19 May 2011
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Chaumont proudly perched above the village Winding through the vast countryside for over a thousand kilometers, we explored villages, wineries, abbeys, gardens and châteaux of the enchanted Loire Valley. Of all the regions I’ve visited in France, the Loire has to be my favorite. Winding through the enchanting countryside Driving inland from Brittany, the prior [...]

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Mont St. Michel

13 May 2011
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One can easily identify Mont St. Michel off in the distance driving through the open fields of Normandy. This large abbey built atop the tiny island has attracted pilgrims for over a thousand years. With already nearly two years spent in France, I feel a visit out to this precious island is long overdue. It [...]

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Le Grand Voyage: Normandy

11 May 2011
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Hit the road from Paris! What a wonderful drive through areas of France I never imagined I’d visit. Final destination for this leg of Le Grand Voyage was our little hotel in Pontorson – a good starting point for exploring Mont St. Michel, as well as areas of Normandy and Brittany (Bretagne from here on [...]

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Le Grand Voyage: Paris

9 May 2011
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Two weeks in Paris and I’m exhausted. While far from the relaxing, market-parousing, museum lounging, and leisurely wandering I’d hoped to have for Le Grand Voyage, I can’t really complain seeing that the weight of what I’ll be doing with my life in the short term has been joyously determined. Even still, I did manage [...]

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