The Castle of Gruyères — Château de Gruyères in French — is located in the tiny medieval town of Gruyères in the canton of Fribourg. It is one of the most famous places in Switzerland, not only for the castle and the historical town, but also for the cheese. Visiting Gruyères is a very Swiss experience. …
In Périgord, Dordogne France, it’s always foie day. It happens to be the foie gras capital of France (and the world), producing 90% of all foie consumed in France. And the French consume a lot of foie: 18,450 tons — 78.5% of the world’s estimated total production. This region also produces high-quality almost-Bordeaux wines at a fraction …
During my trip to the Basque region of Spain and France, I had to drive north to the southwest corner of France to see the tiny spa town of Eugénie-les-Bains. It is not to be missed. This town has long been celebrated for its healing spring waters and tranquil valley setting, and as we coasted …
I’d heard and read so much about Asador Etxebarri from Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations (he also said it was the best meal of his life) to Chez Pim’s journey there, it was a must on my recent eating/drinking tour of northern Spain. Like Pim, I was grateful to get to eat at various starry restaurants …
Staying in Cantabria, Spain has its benefits: it’s a 30-minute drive to the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, it has luscious green countryside dotted with caves containing early human paintings, and it’s unspoilt by foreign tourists – meaning it still has some really great, secret Cantabria restaurants. One of them is La Lonja in the fishing/port …
So here I am, having a birthday that has been hailed as the new 30. I’m single and childless and gainfully employed. So far, I’m not convinced. Luckily, I had a trip planned. Obviously, the best way to celebrate this birthday was an eating/drinking tour in Europe…specifically Rioja, Spain, Basque country and Bordeaux. France & Spain …
Imagine yourself high in the Alps, overlooking the clear blue waters of Lake Geneva. There are acres of terraced vineyards all around you following a wide path that cuts across the vineyards, winding through medieval villages and Swiss country cottages. Welcome to the Lavaux Vineyard Trail in the Riviera of Switzerland, just 30 minutes northeast …
