Nestled in the heart of central France in the Auvergne region, Montluçon offers a delightful blend of medieval charm, great cuisine and a warm welcome. From exploring the picturesque old town with its timber-framed houses to indulging in local foods and cheeses, this vibrant town has something to offer every visitor. Discover some of the top things to do, see, and eat in Montluçon.
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So you want to be a chalet host and cook?
Well this is the course for you…
What a fun experience I had this summer attending a Snow Cooks course for a week with Mel in the most gorgeous alpine village of Peisey Nancroix. We stayed in a lovely restored large village house that is over 200 years old, within walking distance of the local amenities.
Enjoy a weekend in Beaujolais and find yourself surrounded by rolling hills, grape vines as far as the eye can see, pastel stone houses with pantile roofs all within about one hour and 40 minutes of the Haute Savoie and Geneva. The contrast in the countryside is astounding, considering this is so close to the alpine mountainous region of the Haute Savoie. I had the sense I was delving deeper into the heart of real France, into one of the most important wine regions and one of the main things that France is known for.
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About a 9 hour drive from the Haute Savoie is Todi in Umbria. Todi is about half way between Perugia and Terni, or Orvieto and Spoleto. Umbria is in the middle of Italy in the most beautiful countryside with an abundance of hilltop and medieval villages and towns. Not to mention fabulous restaurants, wonderful food, delicious wines and incredible olive oils.
Fun fact Umbria is the only region of Italy without a coastline!
Deep in the beautiful Umbrian countryside, near Todi in Italy, we discovered a hidden treasure. The wonderful olive farm of Passo della Palomba really is a taste of paradise and certainly a taste of some of the best olive oil that Italy has to offer. This delightful 19th century estate has been expertly and lovingly restored by Alessandro and Claudia Gilotti and their sons. The restoration took 4 years using original materials to retain its former glory. Now at Passo Della Palomba you can enjoy a peaceful holiday in this tranquil location.
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I think at times we all miss foods from our homes and childhood. I know I do, and certain foods evoke great memories. Although I’ve happily chosen France as my home and take huge pleasure in all of the glorious french foods, restaurants and local produce; I still need mint sauce with my lamb, marmite on my toast (or should I say tartine) and I love a shortbread with my English Tea! Well now you can enjoy all those treats you may have been missing
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Here is my roundup of a few Christmas markets/Marché de Noël going on around The Haute Savoie, Savoie, Rhone Alpes and Genevois region in 2019
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A profusion of bright colours from their flowered headdresses rush towards me. The large brass bells clanging and glinting in the early morning sunlight setting off their huge brown eyes.
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So the year in Food & Wine Festivals in France continues. The importance of celebrating regional foods and wines in France is wonderful. The chestnut, giant omelettes, chocolate, Chablis and spicy peppers are including in the round-up of what to eat and drink during September and October.
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There is nothing quite like taking a great hike in the mountains in the Haute Savoie in the summertime. In the Morzine and Les Gets there are endless hiking trails to follow. Most of them have a great restaurant on the hike! So your fitness and gourmand needs are all met!
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