There’s something truly magical about European Christmas traditions. While the twinkling lights and festive markets may seem familiar, each country weaves its own unique cultural threads into the tapestry of holiday celebrations. As we embrace the spirit of slowing down and truly experiencing a place, let’s explore some of the most fascinating Christmas customs that…
With explosions of color and soft floral aromas, spring in Europe is a festival for the senses. There is a long list of options when it comes to celebrating this season of rebirth—some well-known, others off the beaten path. Here are some of our favorites. The Patios Festival in Cordoba, Spain For one week in…
I like wine. And when the cork on a bottle of wine is popped in Provence, it’s an occasion. The moment is made. I also like to travel. New places, new friends, new tastes and smells. It brings my senses to the surface and makes my brain buzz with delight and curiosity. Traveling to a place…
As long as there has been a Paris, there has been life on the Ile de la Cité. Though many of the buildings on the island were demolished during the Haussmann era, vestiges of the foundations and walls from homes dating back 2,000 years can be found in the crypt just near the Notre Dame…
Our UnTours Foundation Co-CEO Jonathan Coleman recently returned from his first UnTour trip, and his first time ever visiting Switzerland and France. Here he shares his first impression of Paris. I arrived in Paris on a train from Basel by way of Strasbourg. For the last leg of the trip, I had the bad luck…
Our UnGuide Anne in Provence shares one of her favorite traditions that dates back centuries: the “Galette des Rois” (Kings’ Cake). This flaky pastry, typically filled with almond cream, is enjoyed during the Epiphany celebration, shortly after the New Year. The guest who finds the “fève” in their piece is considered lucky. Would you like to make your own? Here’s…
We love France, as you probably can tell by the way we tout our popular UnTour programs there in Paris, Provence, and Alsace. But we love all of France, and some areas are best explored by water. That is why several years ago we started partnering with Savoir Vivre to offer barge cruises in France….
Provence has so many appeals, it is easy to overlook its impressive endowment of archaeological sites. Evidence of the Roman presence is all over the area. In fact, Provence has some of the best preserved vestiges of the Roman Empire in all of Europe. Southern France was a very important part of the vast Empire….
We miss travel. We miss France. We miss the the vineyards of Southern France. Our UnTours at Home series has helped us bridge the time until we can return to Europe. Our Provence UnTour staff person Anne Plomb has helped bring France to us on Zoom. Before travel was suspended, Anne hosted Wine and Food…
From his mid 60s to the end of his life in his 80s, Henri Matisse worked in paper. After a long and illustrious art career as a painter, his move into this new art realm pushed modern art and design forward. He cut forms from brightly painted and colored paper and worked with gallery assistants…