The story of Ferdinand Cheval and his “Postman’s Palace” is one that few people outside France recognize. Yet, the monument he built to honor his love for his daughter draws an average of 300,000 visitors yearly. They come to the small town of Hauterives, southeast of Lyon, in […]
Solo travel is the passion that started it all, and it’s still my favorite way to see the world. Here are some tips I’ve learned.
One of France’s most charming and popular destinations It seems more and more people want to know about Uzès. The growing crowds and booming rental market say this medieval town is fast becoming a hot spot in the south of France. Uzès is within easy traveling distance from […]
Peta Mathias, the New Zealand book author, TV personality, and former Paris restaurant owner heads straight for the Uzès farmers market when she arrives at her south of France home — especially when she’s been stuck in lockdown for 36 months. On her shopping trips, there are often six or more guests from her culinary tour or cooking classes who are hanging on her every word.
Let’s Eat the World? What’s in a name? I’m finding out while exploring, cooking, and eating in Seville. Let’s Eat the World is the brainchild of Chef Eric and Yetunde of Cook’n with Class in Uzès and Paris. It’s their way of taking friends and followers along with […]
Join the last dance with the Barefoot Blogger on the South of France Memories Tour. I’ve raved about my life in Uzés and the south of France for years. Now it’s time for you to make some memories of your own. Memories you promised yourself. I’m thrilled to […]
Running away from Covid doesn’t work. If it did, dashing back and forth to stay ahead or rush ahead of it failed me. This week Covid caught me. All along, I thought it was my twice-annual allergy sickness. All the same symptoms and feelings. It wasn’t until I […]
When Chef Eric and Yetunde told friends and clients they were going to Seville, I knew I would be following Cook’n With Class wherever they go. Enjoy the adventure in the Spanish capital with me. It’s my first time in Seville. It’s my first culinary experience with Let’s […]
Valentine’s Day is more than a box of chocolates in France. It’s a day to celebrate the myths and legends of Saint Valentine. Roquemaure, a hamlet in the south of France, boasts a special connection to Saint Valentine. Each odd year, on the weekend closest to Valentine’s Day, […]
My dream visit to Paris is now a part of recorded history. Today I’m zipping through France towards Nice. When I say “zipping,” it’s no joke. The direct train from Gare Lyon to Nice is traveling at 294 km. In six hours, I’ll step off the train […]
A walk to Luxembourg Gardens and drinks with a Barefoot Blogger follower were the two things I wanted to accomplish today in Paris.
Uzès Truffle Festival 2023 is here! Let’s take a look back … _________________________________________________________________________ Saturday night I served a fancy pork terrine bought in the Loire Valley to friends who were in town for Uzès’ Truffle Festival. That bite of pork could have been my last. I’m in […]
My recent return to France and a taste of Barcelona was a walk through memory lane. Almost exactly, eight years ago, I stopped over in Barcelona before beginning my new life in Uzès. While passing through Barcelona this time, food was at the top of my list of […]
Here’s a Holiday Gift from France my family and friends LOVE. Yours will, too! One of my favorite chefs in France, Emma Kershaw, introduced her new cookbook during COVID lockdown. “The Day Louis Was Eating” is a big hit with my family in the US and it’s available […]
After spending three months with family and friends in the US, I’m back in Uzès. For the return trip to France, I came by the southerly route: Barcelona to Collioure. While sitting at the beach in Collioure, enjoying the views, the breeze, and an Aperol Spritz at a […]
Searching for lavender fields close to Uzès isn’t just for tourists. Locals take great pleasure in finding them too — off the beaten track — in a charming town — with a great restaurant. Goudargues is one of those special places. Less than an hour’s drive from Uzès, […]
After seven years of living in France, I’ve found a suitable companion. Now I’m learning about life in Uzès traveling with a pet. Meet Fanny. Fanny came into my life six weeks ago. Now, we’re inseparable. My friend Aileen brought Fanny from Sete. Aileen knows how much I […]
After months of lockdown, we’re ready to open again! Tomorrow is the grand re-opening in Uzès of shops and cafes with outside dining. Ready… Set … Let’s Go! There’s lots of activity in Uzès this week with business owners tidying up their spaces after a long, long time […]
Now that I’ve dealt with the humbling experience of failing the French drivers’ code test not once, but six times, I’ll make this post short and sweet After the first disastrous French drivers’ code examination in Nimes — with a translator (read more here) I braved on to […]
Last I wrote about the stress of studying for the French drivers’ code test. It’s one of the most aggravating tasks I’ve encountered since living in France. Now I can attest to the agony of failing it. Yes, I failed the test, along with my two American friends […]