Le Petit Train ...

I love these "Petit Trains." Here in Monaco this little red train was waiting for me -way up on the cliff of the old town -only about 6euros and what a fab way to do a bit of sight-seeing - certainly better than walking!!

Down in Cannes however- I had a choice either the white petit train for a sort of "History Tour" which included the older parts of Cannes or a " Croisette tour" on the blue train - this travelled the trail of the rich & famous

Luxury hotels,beautiful beaches,luxurious yachts, Palm Beach Casino.of course I took them both - who wouldn't !!

Viva! Le Petit Train
images me

L'ile sur Sorgue

a picture says a 1000 words - this pretty village in Provence is an antique- lovers paradise

I hope you like it it's one of my very favourites.

cafe creme sitting in the morning sunshine

le jogging !!

I prefer the cafe creme.
images - me

"Creme Brulee and Rue Mouffetard"

Rue Mouffetard in the 5th arrondissement is awash with real foodie shops - we wandered into a petite bistro one evening about 7pm - ordered salad composee and creme brulee.

I must say this creme brulee was- to die for !! -the best I have ever tasted - all made and served by a sweet elderly lady and her husband.

On" Le-weekend" I tried to replicate her recipe in my own kitchen - it's all about getting that lovely crackling crunch as you pierce the caramel crust with the tip of a spoon

I think I succeeded!!

with-out the caramel crust - looks good but lacks character

Que Pensez-vous ??-

"Beautiful Monaco - so classy !!

Monaco is in the news at the moment with Prince Albert at long last engaged to the love of his life. I loved this elegant principality. So clean and orderly - and the harbour awash with the most luxurious yachts. I sat myself down on the board-walk and dangled my legs into the crystal blue mediteranean - Was I dreaming ? no I have the pics to show I was really there !!
Magnifique !!

Cartier, Chanel and just along the way a fab little art gallery with the most gorgeous paintings for sale - unfortunately all just out of my price range. Drat !!

I was actually on the Grand Prix circuit here - the walls are tiled in large white tiles and of course the cars are Maseratti -Ferarri- Mercedes Benz, loved this tunnel.

Beautiful Vence ....

Vence is a quintessential french hill-top village, nestled into the hills behind Nice and Cagnes-sur-Mer - a haven for artists. Many beautiful little galleries abound in the rustic chemins of Vence. The artists Matisse, Chagall & Dubuffet all worked here. "Boulangerie Du Peyra" makes the best ever croissants !!

"Leche - Vitrine" ... my favourite pass-time

Leche-Vitrine is a fabulous French expression literally meaning "window licking"or translated into English - window shopping - as you can see by my pics, this is easy to do on Rue Montorgueil.

...Le Citroen Deux Chevaux

Citroen Deux Chevaux literally means 2 horsepower - but what this gorgeous quaint French car lacks in power it certainly makes up for in character.

I love this car!! Now if I were to follow my dream and live in France I would most certainly search out one of these treasures - and preferably in faded blue.

Buskers sur "Le Pont Saint-Louis"

This photo was taken in" L'Heure- Bleue" that beautiful soft evening light in Paris that seems to go on for hours. this group of "plus vieux parisien" were happily performing Blues music on the Pont-Ile-Saint-Louis.

I listened to them for about 30 mins before strolling across to Ile St-Louis for a delicious rhubarb ice-cream from Berthillon's Ice-creamery.

On my return they were still playing and the gem of a lady in the green dress and pretty croquet beret was still moving to the beat - she looked up at me after I had taken this photo and smiled - what a treasure !!

"Galleries La Fayette"

I felt totally awe-struck standing under this imposing glass dome . "C'est Magnifique !!













Clothes are arranged according to "Les Marques"
Christian Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, Prada, Petit Bateau.















What a gorgeous Department Store
and the "Gourmet Food Hall" is spectacular. I wish we had a" Galeries La Fayette" here in Australia.

Eygaliers ...What was going on in this Village ??

We called into this gorgeous Village about 10km south of St Remy de Provence
it was jam packed with cars ,trucks and people dressed in period clothing and horses - horses - and more horses !! it was like we'd stepped back in time.

I Love Laduree

I simply love this elegant Laduree tea room on Rue Bonepart in the centre of the" St-Germaine-des-Pres" area - if you look on the 2nd shelf you will see my favourite "macaron pistache' Yummo !!

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Amid the exquisite 19th Century decore you can treat yourself to a "Millefeuille Framboise"

Caramelized puff pastry with vanilla cream fresh rasberries and chantilly creme.!!!

you will think you've died and gone to heaven.

Any-one for Salade-Composee ?? it was delicious !!

Long lunch in St Remy de Provence

I love a long lunch any-time any-where !! but this day lunching on Blvd Victor Hugo in St Remy de Provence, was the best! and sitting next to a gorgeous Frenchman made it even better.

"La Belle Crepuscule Rose"

My Beautiful Crepuscule with rain-drops, gently hangs her head almost too shy to face the day

she's the softest colour of apricot and one of the few remaining roses flowering in my garden.

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" Voici le soir charmant, ami du criminel

Il vient comme un complice, a pas de loup; le ciel

se ferme lentement comme une grande alcove,

et l'homme impatient se change en bete fauve."

Charles Baudelaire

" Delightful evening, partner of the crook

steals in, wolf- padded, like a complice; look

Heaven, like a garret, closes to the day

And man, impatient, turns a beast of prey"

A Bistrot in Montmatre

I came across this gorgeous little Bistro in Montmatre - so French & cutsie !!

La Maison Storher

I found this treasure on Rue Montorgueil - What a delightful patisserie !! beautiful high ceilings with wall hangings and pretty chandeliers. These delectable "Tarte aux Fraises des Bois" caught my eye . Oh La La !! Must go back real soon.