Showing posts with label Charente-Maritime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charente-Maritime. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Summer heat

*Photo courtesy of www.campeole.com

I blame the heat for my restlessness these days. I don't see for my eyes are blurry of sunlight, I don't sleep for my heart booms in the silence of the night, and I don't work for my feet linger the sand. Summer is coming, I feel it on my skin. The desire to sense different air is growing. Are you on your way yet? Did you plan your escape from the ordinary? Did you buy an impossibly gorgeous swimsuit? I haven't yet but it's on my list. :)) This summer is going to be our summer - mine and my son's. A luxury, spoiling, rich, and disturbingly beautiful summer.

*Photo courtesy of www.lafrancedunordausud.fr

I am going to get back to the land of lavender and comfy lunches lasting for hours. I want to visit Lourmarin again. http://www.theluberon.com/lourmarin.htm I love its calm and relaxing atmosphere, the secret turns of the narrow streets, the squares occupied by colorful chairs and shiny umbrellas, the gites with their swimming pools and iron wrought beds... But most of all I love the scent of warm earth and the song of the crickets in the nights when the kids are asleep and the wine is still cold.

* Photo courtesy of www.vacances-lagrange.com

Then I'll drive back to the Mediterranean which I left two years ago unwillingly. I'll spend sunny afternoons in Gassin and Ramatuelle - two of my favorite spots. http://www.francethisway.com/places/gassin.php The view is breathtaking, the food - impossible to resist. Thankfully, Gassin still remains relatively calm except during the peak month of August. http://www.art-concept.net/gassin/

*Photo courtesy of www.charlesnealselections.com

Further we are heading to the place where I wish I have a house one day - Cassis. http://www.beyond.fr/villages/cassis.html Nudists are still tolerated on the rocks, just so you know. :)) The port is adorable, the heights, where the villas are located, offer some of the best views of Cote d'Azur. Wine is a religion here and has been made for more than fourteen centuries. It certainly leads to long evenings and vivid conversations. The wine carnival is in September, the fishermen's fete is in June. Both are worth seeing. http://www.ot-cassis.com/index_us.php If you can afford it, stay in Chateau de Cassis - a former castle, now 5-star hotel. You will have a blast! http://www.hickerphoto.com/chateau-de-cassis-france-14234-pictures.htm

*Photo courtesy of www.lafrancedunordausud.fr

When I wake up I want to see this.

*Photo courtesy of www.telegraph.co.uk

When we reach the Atlantic ocean one month later, I want to have my evening wine looking at this. :)









A couple of websites for all fellow summer travellers. :)

Gap Adventures has a 15% discount on Europe tours - http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/promotions/yolo-europe-15/?utm_source=btg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl-051310-amazon-yolo-award

Wonderful website with (not only) luxury offers - http://www.luxuryexplorer.com/luxury-hotels.html

Accommodation rentals - http://www.interchalet.co.uk/holiday_homes_cottages.cfm?apartments=cottages&t=Agay

A website full with treasury destinations and clever ideas - http://www.bugbog.com/european_countries/france_travel_guide/cote-dazur-beaches.html

Enjoy the heat! :))

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Tarot for places - Charente-Maritime

As promised, I will continue with this series. It's fun and helps me find a way to write without following anyone's structure. ;) I am using my Harmonious Tarot again. So, from the Charente-Maritime post I have these places to ask about:

La Rochelle - The Devil http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/16 - ah, surprise, the old guy showed up! LOL On the other hand, the card is spot on - it shows a castle, a keep which La Rochelle is. Spooky? No, not the kind of Scottish castle where ghosts stroll the corridors but the kind of a place with tough and often tragic history (check the Wiki article). There was certainly lots of fear and fire, and battling happening in La Rochelle in the past. The card describes the historical side of the city well enough. In addition, you may wanna be careful at night, don't trust strangers, especially dressed up women ;), don't overindulge, focus on the sightseeing and do less bars. :)))

Gemozac - 9 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/59 - wonderful! A place where one is advised to overindulge! Good food, even better drinks, the chefs are top notch or at least one of them, so make an effort and find the best place to eat. The houses are apparently nicely maintained and decorated, you may wanna take your time and choose the best accommodation of many. People are welcoming, women are polite, and the geese are huge! LOL

Royan - 5 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/55 - hmm... Brides in this city are not always present at their weddings! :))) Seriously, lots of alcohol, even on the floors, be careful to not slip and break your legs. For safety reasons, drink at the hotel or gite. There are nice natural surrounding, forests, lush green fields, the mansions are in top condition, the gardens - well maintained. I'd suggest you leave any designer clothes at home and especially head accessories. Go bare foot and loose your hair. ;) Be aware that fights and disagreements may accompany your trip. If you are experiencing heart pain or have recently broken up/divorced, etc. you may wanna consider Royan to heal your wounds. :)

Beneze - 3 of Pentacles http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/25 - lovely, comfortable, artistic, beautiful gardens with stone benches and rose bushes. Very nice place to go if you're attached - both of you will have a bliss. Conversations will be entertaining, art and creativity will be abundant, and shared comfort will strenghten your connection.

Saintes - 7 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/57 - um... It makes me an impression many of the cards are similar to those I drew for the Loire Valley. It basically describes the unity of France as a destination nicely. Here we have another nice spot for couples if only they leave any serious issues and doubts at home. You shouldn't allow your inner insecurity to spoil your vacation. In Saintes you will have many choices to enjoy yourself, choose wisely and avoid excessive drinking or you won't like your reflection in the mirror next morning. LOL

St Jean d'Angely - 10 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/60 - Oh wow! The ideal spot for families with children. Probably the residents enjoy celebrating too. You may find yourself involved in all kinds of activities - from car races to carnivals and harvesting. Put your nice dresses in the suitcase and add a couple of fancy hair accessories. men, don't forget the "official" suit. Tell the kids to not steal other people's shoes and hit the road to St Jean dAngely, it seems you're gonna have a blast. :)))

Rochefort - Knight of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/62 - oh ho. Any single ladies around? Head to Rochefort and don't think twice! Go tot eh Royal Rope Factory and take long walks in the garden, then stroll along the harbour, you never know who will join you. If he carries a glass or invites you for a drink - that's it. Now, you still want to investigate the guy carefully - look for a Knight, not a robber, but love is definitely in the air!

Île d'Aix - 2 of Wands http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/66 - spot on - it's an island, of course. The waters are calm, the beaches - beautiful. The place offers an opportunity for serene vacation. Listen to the sea birds, surrender to the waves, and indulge yourself in the gardens. Leave the shoes at the hotel and stroll the beaches bare feet. Pick up flowers, shop at the local market, smile, and feel the absolute freedom of your body and mind. If you're creative, you may have a couple of new ideas to work on there.

Île de Ré - The Chariot http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/8 - another ideal spot for couples and families - the blissful travel destination. All is there - the historical sights, the nature - although as it is an island, you may find it a bit bare at times and too sandy, the romantic spots, the dusty roads calling for a lazy stroll on a summer afternoon. Ideal for honeymoons too. There are celebrities there, in case you don't know, but they will most often pass by in their cars leaving clouds of smoke behind. Still, be careful on the small roads - some of these drive too fast. It's a heaven for bicycling - there are many areas where this is the main transportation. Otherwise - get your best clothes and enjoy the romantic atmosphere. Don't forget hats, there is plenty of sun and sometimes scorching but tie them well because the island is notorious for the breeze.

Île d'Oléron - Strength http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/12 - yes, it is strong in terms of being the biggest French Island after Corsica. It is also much greener and wooded than the ones described above. Plenty of fruit trees and beautiful flowers. Be careful for any accidents including snakes, cliffs and rocks, especially if you are travelling with children. The local markets are abundant, the vegetables and fruits - heavenly. Men are strong and adventurous - sea wolves. An exciting spot for single ladies. The famous Fort Boyard from the reality show is half way between Oleron and Ile d'Aix. The island is most colorful - the flora, the fauna, and even the houses are showing the burst of creativity of the population.

Cognac - King of Swords http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/album/389/Harmonious#photo=50 - business place these days. Many of the world renowned cognac producers have their stores and tasting facilities there. On the other hand, seems a good place for single gentlemen. You will feel empowered, attractive (probably the local women will love your posture and outfits!), you may even discover a new side of your own importance as a resident of the Earth - self discovery that is. Good place for writers, philosophers, thinkers, teachers, professors, and students - your mind will be sharp and clear, you may succeed writing your thesis in no time while enjoying the beautiful nature at the same time. Plenty of historical sights too. Not a good place for party goers and those in search of a blast. :)