Vacation Packages

Regardless of where you begin – In the Cities – or in the Countryside, the Treasures of French Travel are abundant and obvious. Treasures of all varieties. Human. Scenic. Cultural. Historic. And, with France’s well deserved reputation for food – Culinary.

Most interesting, obviously, are the unexpected Treasures. The ones “off the beaten track.” Not usually found in the guidebooks.

Everyone who hasn’t been living in a cave has heard of the Effiel tower. But France has another engineering marvel designed by the same man. Gustave Effiel. it’s the “Pont du Canal”, which crosses the Loire river at the town of Briare. What makes the Pont du Canal unique, is that it is both a bridge(“pont”)and a canal. In other words – a bridge filled with water. Through which canal boats can(and do)float. There’s also a sidewalk on either side for non-boaters.

Of all the magnificent Chateaus “plein” throughout France,one of the most unique is the Chateau le Verriere. Conveniently located 28 kms west of Briare. It’s not the oldest,largest,or most historic. But, for me, the Chateau le Verriere’s “treasure” is it’s charm and familial ambience. Personified in it’s present owner, Count Beraud(pro -”bear-o”)Devogue.(pro – “dee-vogue-wee”)

His definition of luxury says it all : “if luxury is to be measured by the thickness of the carpet or the weight of the silver, then I think there are many places much more luxurious than ours. But I think we offer a real luxury – which is to visit a place that was built by the people who are still living in it.”

Clinging to the side of the Luberon range, halfway between the villages of Maubec and Menerbes, Oppede-Le-Vieux presents you with a 360 Degree view of the the valley below. Here the ruins rest. Embraced by Centuries of vegetation. Except for the private renovations.Progressing slowly. With respect for the legacy of each stone legacy. Here, like Guedleon, but in a different, and for me, profound sense, the essence of medieval life is ever present. Particular when viewing the amazing frescos in Oppede’s tiny hilltop chapel.And, happily Oppede-Le-Vieux is a pedestrian village. Cars must park 100 metres below.

Occasionally – as you travel through France discovering it’s treasures – You’ll find one that is well known – but still worth seeing.Such a place i the palace built in 1905 for Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild.

The Chateau le Verriere is not the oldest, the biggest, or the most Historic of the many French Chateaus. But it’s physical location, surrounded by woods, it’s own lake, the authentic period furniture, and the lovingly prepared fresh, local food and wine, make it, for me, one of France’s best. Important as these qualities are, it’s the personal interest and attention of Count Devogue that makes the “le Verriere experience” truly special Beraud Devogue absolutely delights in sharing his Treasure. Touring and guiding his guests. Fielding questions. Explaining the Chateau’s rich History. Famed especially for their Summer Music festivals,the Provencal villages of Gordes and Lacoste are understandably overcrowded.But, happily, there is one nearby “Village perche” that rests with it’s History and charm intact. And has no cars! Oppede-le-Vieux. Perched on a side of the Luberon range, halfway between the villages of Maubec and Menerbes, Oppede-Le-Vieux, like Guedeleon, radiates a genuine ambience of Medieval Life.It’s ruins cocooned by trees and vines. Remarkably, it’s tiny hilltop chapel boasts some of the oldest and finest frescoes to be seen anywhere. With all this to offer, plus only one cafe, a few boutiques, and no cars, Oppede-le-Vieux is truly a Treasure of French Travel worth experiencing.

Christopher Strong is the creator/director/host of the multi-media lifestyle/adventure series -”Bicycle Gourmet’s Treasures of France”., and the author of “Gliding to the Bonheur.” His behind the scenes story of that filming. Share more adventures of the French Cycling Gourmet.

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