From the excess of the Riviera to the wilderness of Camargue or the big ego of the historical cities, Provence is great from the highest mountain to the serene sea. But at the heart of it all you will find the Luberon - and that is a coup de coeur to last a lifetime.
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Of Love and War: the Legend of the Black Rooster
In the ancient land of Tuscany, nestled between the rival cities of Siena and Florence, lay the fertile Chianti region – a coveted prize in a centuries-old territorial feud. For generations, the animosity between the two cities had simmered beneath the Tuscan sun. A white rooster, a black rooster and a grand horse race Desperate to resolve once and for all the question of who rightfully owned Chianti, the leaders of both cities agreed on an unusual solution: a grand horse race. The rules were simple yet unprecedented: two riders would set off at the crowing of a rooster, one from each city, and the point where they met would…
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Bretagne: a Celtic love story
How did we end up with a Crêperie? Our friends already know the story, which, incidentally, became quite famous in the press at the time. However, the true inception is the best part: what exactly is the connection between salted caramel, King Arthur, galettes complètes, island houses, and Celtic dances? One word answer: a wedding. Of course, not just any wedding, but a wedding like no other, held in a water-surrounded hamlet in Brittany. Besides bringing together a wonderful bunch of people scattered all over Europe and uniting a deeply in love couple, the wedding proved the perfect opportunity to step into a story. To be honest, Carnac was already…
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Purple reign in Provence: step into the postcard
Oh la la! To chase lavender perfection, to truly step into that postcard! this is another quintessential escape reserved for the happy few: lavender season in Provence. As ever, true immersion simply can’t be rushed; you really must take a week for the discovery; anything less would be, quite frankly, a compromise. Consider this as your personal itinerary for a laissez-faire exploration of the finest lavender fields. However, do keep in mind that true revelation comes not to the avid seeker, but to the dreamer. Chasing these fields should always be about magnetic loops and romantic detours, never merely about the pins on a map. Intel: Day One: The Heart…
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MYKONOS #SINEQUANON: THE WINDMILLS OF MY HEART
ONE: The windmills That jump-into-the-postcard feeling: amazing! The iconic windmills that are a synonim for Mykonos and for the Cyclades can be seen from just about everywhere in the bay area or from up the hill in the city. Incredibly famous and photogenic, they are the soul and signature of Mykonos. Built in the 1700 to mill the wheat using the revolutionary power of wind, they have been a symbol of wealth and welvome for all visitors: trade ships, fishing ships, merchants and travellers. The most famous ones are the Kato Milli, the row of six mills on the shore cliff in Chora, next to Little Venice. You can reach…
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#SINEQUANON LONDON: THE UNCROWNED CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
ONE: THE CLASSICS, AT NIGHT 360 view in the heart of London: a late night stroll crossing Westminster Bridge, taking in the view up and down the Thames, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Eye, all in a splendid swirl. TWO: THE HIGH(EST) VIEW London seen from above is more than extraordinary, is utterly dramatic and incredibly enjoyable, especially with a glass of prosecco to complement the view. Book your ticket to The View from the Shard (yes, it’s worth every penny and then some) or/ and to Sky Garden for a true show of wonder. Tip 1: Sky Garden is free entrance, but you need to…
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SINEQUANON Sardinia: Probably The Most Beautiful Beaches in The World
ONE: South of Olbia & Tavolara It’s hard to pick a number one sight in a realm that already has the most beautiful sea ever; but if you must, there can only be one with Tavolara in it. With Tavolara guarding the surreal beauty of the shores of Costa Dorata like an immense, white-scaled fantastic creature, the views are showstopping. Sardinia’s typical beauty, the marriage between lush vegetation, sculpted rocks and epic beaches, is at its best here. From Capo Cerato to Capo Coda Cavallo, absolutely every inch of Costa Dorata is a postcard, with the fantastic creature as a backdrop. Explore the beaches and go on top of Capo…
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February Challenge: The Sensory Raid On The French Riviera
Et voila! everything pops into scented bubbles, wild colours and shocking beauty. For the happy few, this late winter escape on the French Riviera is the surprise conquest of forgotten festivity. THE FIND A sensory raid on the Riviera during Carnival. Nice, Menton, Mandelieu-la-Napoule This is a masterclass in regional celebration. This Riviera adventure is the ultimate antidote to grey skies, the unlocking of unexpected extravaganza. In February, the happy few go to Nice for the Carnival and stay for the myriad parties, for the golden explosion of mimosa, and for the discovery of Menton’s fantastical citrus architecture. INTEL When to Visit: The main window spans two weeks in February…
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Bet you didn’t know: Carnival was born in Nice!
Nice is the original When you think Carnival, Rio and Venice instantly come to mind, but the Nice Carnival is, in fact, the oldest ever documented, with its earliest mention attributed to the Count of Provence Charles d’Anjou in 1294. While the initial festivities were likely more spontaneous revelry before Lent, it evolved significantly in the 19th century. In 1873, a dedicated Carnival Committee was established, transforming it into the grand, structured spectacle we enjoy today. Partly continuing the legacy and partly designed with the mission to attract winter tourism to the Côte d’Azur, this marked the birth of the modern carnival, complete with themed parades and elaborate floats. How…
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Nazaré, Portugal: a story of The Beauty And The Beast
Far enough up the coast from Lisbon, Nazaré is only transited by tourist packs during the day. If you avoid the classical summer rage, you find a blue and white village that has not sold its soul to the devil of leisure just yet. The legend It is an old fishing village, truly ancient. Around the year 700, its inhabitants fought pirates when a legendary duo entered the scene: a monk and a king. The king wielded a sword of bravery, and the monk bore a statue of redemption. Roderic, the last Visigoth king, settled here with his monk and a statue of the Virgin Mary, borne from distant Nazareth.…
