{"id":56230,"date":"2016-06-17T10:29:36","date_gmt":"2016-06-17T14:29:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/?p=56230"},"modified":"2016-06-17T04:39:21","modified_gmt":"2016-06-17T08:39:21","slug":"weekend-links-tour-de-france-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oliverands.com\/community\/blog\/2016\/06\/weekend-links-tour-de-france-edition.html","title":{"rendered":"weekend links: tour de france edition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bonjour!<\/p>\n

When Liesl mentioned that she\u2019ll be traveling to southern France in August, it got me reminiscing about when I lived in France for a few years. I was fortunate to be able to explore most of the corners of France and I thought I\u2019d offer my recommendations if you happen to find yourself in \u201cThe Hexagon” in the future.<\/p>\n

France is ranked as the first tourist destination in the world and with good reason, every region offers something different, so there is something for everyone. Grab your passport and off we go!<\/p>\n

I thoroughly enjoyed my self-guided tour of La Toile de Jouy Museum<\/a> in Jouay-en-Josas, a western \u201csuburb\u201d of Paris. Inside this chateaux museum you can learn the history<\/a> and view many examples of this quintessentially French fabric. (I\u2019m positive you are familiar with these classic monochromatic prints of country scenes.) This past year they have been celebrating Oberkampf’s bicentennial<\/a>. Wait for your return home to buy yardage of this famous fabric, as the boutique mostly sells items (at Parisian-style prices) made from these prints.<\/p>\n

\"La<\/a><\/p>\n

image source<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The next time I\u2019m in France I\u2019d love to stop by the Christian Dior Museum<\/a> in Granville. The museum is located at the designer\u2019s childhood home which is pink. Obviously the color had an impact on him<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Pink<\/a><\/p>\n

Pinterest link<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Well it seems that pink houses are popular in Normandy. If you\u2019re in that region why not visit another famous pink house? Drop by Claude Monet\u2019s house and gardens<\/a> in Giverny. Don\u2019t forget to stop to smell the flowers as you stroll through his gardens (you just can\u2019t experience the wonderful fragrance from the photos on the internet).<\/p>\n

After a drive along the pretty pink granite coastline of northern Brittany, take a boat ride to travel to the picturesque Ile de Brehat<\/a>, a small car-free island where you can get away from it all.<\/p>\n

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While you\u2019re vacationing in Brittany, purchase a classic yellow rain coat<\/a> by Guy Cotten for the child in your life. I bought one of these for my oldest (toddler size) and all three of my children wore it. They were so adorable in it!<\/p>\n

What is it about medieval walled cities with their cobblestone walkways? They captivate me every time! My top three favorites to tour are: P\u00e9rouges<\/a>, Cordes sur Ciel<\/a> (the view from the top is spectacular!) and amazing Carcassonne<\/a>! Explore one and discover what an old place France is.<\/p>\n

\"Carcassonne<\/a>
\nimage source<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

If you are able to make it to Provence and love lavender, then you must pay a visit to the Lavender Museum<\/a>. The boutique includes anything and everything lavender, of course!<\/p>\n

\"Lavender<\/a>
\nlavender image source<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

And not too far away is an Olive Oil Mill<\/a> where you can purchase black olives, olive tree wood items, olive oil soaps, and tapenade<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re feeling outdoorsy and adventurous take a hike along the Grand Canyon of Verdon<\/a>. The turquoise green waters next to the white limestone make an unforgettable landscape. It\u2019s such a jewel, you don\u2019t want to miss it.<\/p>\n

\"Grand<\/a><\/p>\n

image source<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Quick Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n