France from P to P

Ok, we’re probably scraping the bottom of the barrel now…#winegags.  Although the P2P in the URL might actually help with site traffic, I think this might be it for alphabet trips.   Instead, this time, we’ll be focussing on the ABC’s of wine from Amboise, Bordeaux and Cognac…damn it.  Too late… that’s heaps better.

Just like the Western Australian economy, our holidays have devolved from long periods of frivolous over-spending to a more meagre two week get away, where we reflect on the fact our previous situation was more due to luck rather than skill and hope to get more of our GST back as we flee the country.

Being such big “running” fans (I hope I got the spelling right), after landing in Paris, we’ll head straight to Bordeaux to watch (at least the start and/or end of) a marathon around the Medoc, through places like Château Lafite-Rothschild and Château Margaux, with their world renowned running tracks.  We’ll then be as free as the birds as we pick up a pre-booked car and wind our way along a meticulously planned route North through the Loire valley, Normandy and back to Paris…or whatever takes our fancy at the time!  Or more likely, pretty much exactly what I just said.  Otherwise what would the point of the map page be?  But to be honest, most migratory birds do follow pretty strict courses, as far as we know.  So how free are they, really? #oiseaux_libres

So follow us as we head back to France to celebrate our 21st Mensiversary, spend all James’ tooth fairy money, hope something worth writing about happens and see France from P to P!

  • The other P2P  September 9, 2016 - Here we are again on honeymoon, albeit closer to our cotton anniversary than our wedding day. (Note to self: use extensive Levi’s contacts for a sweet denim based anniversary present).  I don’t know why these holidays with wine and/or soft cheeses keep popping up in our calendars every 6-9 months, but I’m not arguing! We’re … Continue reading The other P2P 
  • The Frog Prince September 12, 2016 - Our first three nights were spent in Bordeaux, with a friend we see every year or so, Craig (or Ferret to some readers), and another we see every time we step into Northbridge (NB: we walk through NB* everyday), Michael (or Hanlin, Handbag or “suit guy” to some readers…although he may not be aware of … Continue reading The Frog Prince
  • Pardon my French… September 13, 2016 - …but Saint Emilion is fffffffffffffffff…formidable!!!! After 3 days of partying or whatever that was… we all stumbled on to a tram, crossed the tracks and literally watched as the city changed from un-molesty to much-more-molesty looking, en route (French…who cares anymore…) to the rental car location, nicely hidden away in rue des Touristes DuMass. Craig … Continue reading Pardon my French…
  • La Rochelle…Rochelle September 15, 2016 - A “young” girl’s, strange, “erotic” journey from Milan Saint Emilion to Minsk Amboise. Only a short drive from Saint Emilon is the musical cars town of Cognac (Ed: written when drunk <as per plan>, expect musical chairs is reference to sparcity of vehicular, docking stations).  We were so well organised for this visit, and, of … Continue reading La Rochelle…Rochelle
  • Ooh la Loire September 18, 2016 - After a relaxing 6 days or so it was time to get serious and realise we’re not here to relax and we needed to get moving!  The first, of many long driving days to come, helped us remember the subtleties of European driving such as, using your hazard lights to say something like, “I’m breaking … Continue reading Ooh la Loire
  • Normandy, let’s get some Camembert ‘n’ Cider! September 21, 2016 - Sorry about the cheesey title. From Angers, we had a massive day ahead of us as we set sail for Normandy (in a Polo), with our first stop planned for Mont Saint-Michel. Along the way we passed through many a cute town where Lea was teased by old men holding their baguettes.  She was taken … Continue reading Normandy, let’s get some Camembert ‘n’ Cider!
  • From Rouen to Riches September 22, 2016 - Apologies again for the title…it was either that or “Show me the Monet!” To cover our drive through Rouen, Giverny and, finally, Versailles.  I don’t actually have anything to say for what was a day trip, just really liked the 2 potential titles, but, as it turns out, the one chosen is quite apt.  The … Continue reading From Rouen to Riches
  • It’s déjà-vu all over again September 23, 2016 - Here were are back sitting on a Paris balcony in the Marais, one day short of a year since we last arrived in this most beautiful of cities.  There was a small, and important, difference this time…we caught the train in. A much more Seine move given last time we literally didn’t speak to each … Continue reading It’s déjà-vu all over again