One of my favorite places in the world is the lovely little village of Uzes in France. I love, love, love the beautiful, buttery stone walls, colorful markets, open air cafes and the huge main square in the center of town. It is truly a visual and gastronomic delight. It was declared by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful villages of France and I heartily agree.
Maisons Cote Sud
Bardot's birthday was a perfect segue to today's post. St.Tropez is the French Riviera's glitzy, glamorous getaway for the rich and the personal playground of the celebrated. Its notoriety is largely due to Bardot's presence in the 1950s, and though rarely seen, she is still in residence. Although, in reality, St. Tropez is anything but a "getaway." The last time I was there (which was eons ago), it was overcrowded and overpriced. The highway leading into the town stretched for miles on end with back-to-back traffic which ultimately became its own spirited gala. Additionally, the little streets and boutiques were stuffed to capacity with tourists. (Funny, how we consider everyone else a tourist, but ourselves as travelers.) I won't even begin to discuss the exorbitant cost of a meal or cocktail. Nevertheless, I imagine it to be quite a charming place in low season without the droves of sun seekers and party animals. One place that may make it well worth the visit is the Pastis Hotel St. Tropez. This contemporary boutique hotel is filled with 20th century art, paintings and photographs and relaxed, airy decor. You probably won't spot Bardot, but if you're lucky, you just may get to experience St. Tropez as the sleepy fishing village it was before it became the ostentatious haven for jetsetters it is today.
I just got my latest book acquisition in the mail today, Summers in France by famed interior and textile designer, Kathryn Ireland. (Oh, how I love packages!) It is a journal of sorts with lots of family photos and her account of searching for and falling in love with a rambling farmhouse (La Castellane) in a medieval hilltop town in France. Summers appear to include a riotous, never ending gathering of family and friends, trips to the markets and lots of rustic home-cooked meals (recipes included). I adore Ms. Ireland. Have you seen her on the program Million Dollar Decorators? Aside from talented, she is cheeky, exuberant and has a most amusing propensity for finding the perfect bra! I imagine her to be a delightful friend and the woman with whom you would want to share chocolate and gossip with over a glass of wine.
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By now, the secret has long since been outed--that Umbria is (was) a steal in comparison to her more popular sister region, Tuscany. The magnificent and hilly landscape that is so strikingly similar to Tuscany is all but snapped up by wayward Americans and escape seeking Brits. While you may no longer find that pile of rubble ready for renovation, you can certainly enjoy, what in many respects, is still an unspoilt sanctum. So pack your suitcases darlings, and let's head for the hills.
Town & Country/Photos Rob Howard
And three marvelous recommendations if you have time and money to burn...
Palazzo Terranova. This exclusive country house hotel that has scarcely changed since the 17th century, but for the addition of the prerequisite luxuries, is tucked away in the hills of Umbria. It's an experience you won't soon forget as evidenced by its inclusion on Conde Nast Traveller's 2010 Gold List. There for want of nothing, you may learn the fine art of Italian cooking, pleasure your palate with wine tasting or participate in a truffle hunt. Should your heart's desire be merely to exist, you may also rent a private villa.
Hotel Brufani. 94 reasons to visit--every single one of the 94 rooms of this luxury hotel. Built in 1884 and located in the heart of Perugia--central to all of Umbria--it is the perfect base to discover this region and all it has to offer.
L'Orto degli Angeli. Literally translated as "the garden of the angels" you will swear you have stumbled upon Eden. Last, but by no means least, this chic yet ancient property consisting of Palazzo Alberti and Palazzo Andreaozzi, was once presided over throughout its history by no less than three very important Italian families.
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Or rather, the state of mind you'll find yourself in when visiting the small perched village of Mane near Forcalquier in Provence, especially if it includes a visit to Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel and Spa. Yes, you've fretted through the frosts of fall, sloshed through the snow of winter, pondered over politics, toiled on your taxes and now it is time. It is time for rest and relaxation. Time for spiritual renewal--this was a former convent, after all. Time to indulge in luxurious spa treatments with natural beauty products from L'Occitane. Time for Mediterranean meals prepared by the spa's gourmet restaurant, Le Cloitre. Perhaps it is time for the refund check to show up, n'est pas?
1. Spring_and_tulips_-_17, 2. Paris bakery, 3. /// PARIS /// tuleries carnival again; the famous ferris wheel., 4. Beautiful flowers in Paris 113, 5. Secret rose garden in Paris, 6. Versaille Gardens, 7. Paris Outdoor Cafe, 8. Paris 1992, 9. I love Paris in the spring time..., 10. Brave new spring, 11. Paris in the the spring, 12. Cafe In Paris
Maybe it's the heat, or rather, the lack thereof making me think of hot places. Perhaps it's because we finally, finally got a glimmer of sun. Whatever it is, I've got Morocco on the brain. Although, in light of circumstances this is probably not the best time to plan a trip. Thankfully, this house is the next best thing. I very much like the industrial elements combined with the traditional and I have always loved a central courtyard in the floor design of a home.
British Home & Garden
1. Fairytale Irish Castle....came acorss this Castle/Tower above Doolin Point in County Clare....I expected to see a Damsel in distress and knight on a white horse coming to the rescue!, 2. Irish Pub, 3. Irish Castles 100_0017, 4. A Medieval castle in the sea, 5. Welcome to Ireland, 6. The Rock of Cashel Co. Tipperary Ireland, 7. Kinbane Castle Ireland., 8. #Ireland: In good company, 9. ireland, moher, 10. Ireland, an ancient castle at the cliff of Moher, 11. Ireland #1, 12. Ireland
