Lavender de Provence

The lavender fields of Provence are legendary and a sight worth seeking. Photographers, lovers of fragrance, and culinary aficionados must experience the beautiful fields at least once in a lifetime. One of the best places to view the traditional rows of purple—and one of the most photographed—is the Cistercian abbey, Notre-Dame de Senanque, located in the charming village of Gordes between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. Founded in 1148, and surviving a tumultuous history, the abbey is now run by a small Cistercian monk community who settled here in 1988. The guided tours are excellent and the gardens of lavender simply breathtaking. A lovely Mass is held every Sunday at 10 a.m.

Details:
The Abbey, its library, and shop are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 2 – 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Entrance Fees: €7 ages 18 and older; €3 under 18

Jazz Festival — Marseille

Marseille’s 10th annual international Five Continents Jazz Festival hosts top musicians from all over Europe, Africa, North and South America, and Asia for six fabulous evenings. Since the early 1920s France’s lively southern port has been a hub for jazz, drawing legendary musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker to its famed Hot Club de Marseille.

Held in and around the beautiful gardens of the Palais Longchamp, this major summer Festival showcases bright young talent alongside some of the finest veterans, making the festival a highlight in the world of jazz. This year, Al Jarreau, Chick Corea, Maceo Parker, Richard Bona, and Manu Katché gather to pay tribute to Django Reinhardt, Biréli Lagrène, and Didier Lockwood. The festival opens with a free concert by young rising stars.

Five Continents Jazz Festival
WHEN: July 20 – 24, 2010
WHERE: Palais Longchamp
TIME: Concerts begin at 8:30 p.m.
PRICE:
1 night: 28 €
Pass 2 nights : 45 €
Pass 3 nights : 65 €
Pass 4 nights : 85 €
Pass 5 nights : 100 €
OPENING NIGHT: July 19 – FREE
INFO & TICKETS: http://www.festival-jazz-cinq-continents.com

Les Epicuriales in Bordeaux

A center of food and wine, lovely Bordeaux hosts Les Epicuriales—a feast for the palate—every evening through July 4th. The Allées de Tourny transforms into “a village of gastronomic delights.” Food stalls, featuring specialties from more than 30 restaurants, line the tree-lined street and welcome visitors (nearly 300,000 last year!) with tempting international cuisines. A wine tent— Espace Epicuriales—offers a wide array of both celebrated regional wines and vintages from around the world. Local artists sell their crafts in the marketplace and concerts take place on every corner throughout the evening. A summer evening in Bordeaux must include this festive—and tasty—epicurean celebration!

BASTILLE DAY FESTIVITIES

JULY 14—France’s national holiday, and one of Paris’ biggest public parties, is a two-day event celebrating the beginning of the French Revolution. On July 13, Place de la Bastille turns into one big dance party until the wee hours (and then some!). Balls are also held throughout the city and in many fire stations—the firemen are an amazing sight to behold, decked out in their uniforms. On July 14, residents and visitors line the Champs Elysées (get there very early!) for a parade featuring the military’s top brass. Overhead, jets fly in impressive formation along the parade route, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. City-wide festivities (in every bar, café and restaurant) continued throughout the day. As evening falls, gather at the Champ-de-Mars to watch the fireworks at the Trocadéro.

For a truly memorable celebration, the Bateaux Parisiens cruise the Seine from 8:30 p.m. until midnight. Dinner cruises, with live entertainment, include the best seats for the fireworks display! Visit: http://www.cometoparis.com/parisbastilledaydinnercruise.html

Bastille Day Details:

JULY 13
• Dance at Place de la Bastille 8:30 p.m.
JULY 14
• Parade along the Champs Elysées – 10 a.m.
• Jet fly-over the Champs Elysées – 11 a.m.
• Fireworks, Champ-de-Mars/Trocadéro – 10 p.m.

Please note: Chocolatine will not be posting a blog on Thursday, June 17. Please visit us again on Tuesday, June 22

In Paris... Kong is King!

Kong, designed by Phillipe Starck, features an impeccable menu by Japanese master Fumiko Kono, and a glass-domed perch with an unparalleled view of Paris from the top two floors of the Kenzo building. With a bar on the list of “World’s Best,” and the restaurant hailed as one of the most visually stunning dining establishments in the country, Kong represents the new Paris... haute luxury with an open invitation to everyone. Here Louis the XV armchairs sit next to a fluorescent staircase and plasma screens seem to hover above a carpet resembling pebbles. This summer, the Terrace Gallery opens with an open-air patio, a perfect last stop on a perfect evening out on the town.

Kong
1 Rue du Pont-Neuf
Contact: +33 (0)1 40 39 09 00


NOTE: The Picasso Museum will be closed for renovation work August 2009 to 2012.

SUMMER JAZZ IN THE PARC FLORAL

The annual Paris Jazz Festival opens this weekend in the beautiful Parc Floral. Concerts take place every Saturday and Sunday through July. Last year, more than 140,000 jazz lovers attended the events, which are free, with park admission. The 2010 lineup includes famed Scandinavian sax player Jan Garbarek, five female groups/singers, blues & soul bands, German techno, and groups from the Middle East and Africa. The last weekend (July 31 and August 1) brings together a unique blend of jazz and classical.

The Parc Floral, a lovely botanical garden with four distinct landscaped areas and displays of flowers and rare plants, is located on the Esplanade du Château in Vincennes. A tranquil lake, sculpture garden, an “exotarium” with exotic fish and reptiles, and children’s playground make it a favorite destination on weekends.

There are 1,500 seats available for the jazz concerts and early arrival is recommended. Concerts are held at 3 p.m. and 4:30 both weekend days. There are some exceptions, so be sure to check the website: www. parisjazzfestival.fr

DATES: June 12 – August 1, 2010 (weekends only
PARK HOURS: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm daily
PARK ENTRANCE FEE: 5€ (adult); 2.50€ (ages 7-25); under 7 free

SUMMER MAGIC AT CHATEAU DE BLOIS

A lovely summer evening in the Loire Valley must include the Sound & Light Show at the Chateau Royal de Blois. A favorite residence of French royalty since the 15th century, Blois also received Joan of Arc who came here in 1429 to have her banner blessed.

The show, which runs 45-minutes-long (through Sept. 26) was scripted by French historian Alain Decaux and features the stories of love, drama, and mystery for which the chateau is famous. Special effects, atmospheric lighting, and dramatic music fill the magnificent architectural space, drawing spectators into a magical world that transcends the centuries.

Nightly show begins at nightfall, at 10 p.m.; guests can enter the inner courtyard 30 minutes early and listen to music while images are projected around the stone walls. Wednesday evening performances are in English.

Prices for the Son et Lumiere only: €7 for adults, €4, ages 6-17. Tickets may also be purchased as a Chateau & Show combination: €14 adults €6, ages 6-17

Contact: chateau@ville-blois.fr or Tel : 02-54-90-33-33

KEYS TO THE LOIRE KINGDOM

Visitors to the Loire Valley can now purchase a Chateaux Pass (Clefs des Temps) and enjoy entrance to ten beautiful castles, ranging from the medieval Castle of Châteaudun to the opulent Renaissance masterpiece, Chambord. The pass, which includes admission to both the interiors and stunning gardens, costs $42.75, a savings of nearly 50 percent over individual admission prices.

The castles included in the pass:
Azay le Rideaux • Chambord & Chaumont • Chateau de Chambord • Castle of Châteaudun • Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau • Chateau de Chaumont sur Loire • Chateau d'Angers • Chateau de Talcy • Chateau de Fougeres sur Bievres • Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud • Chateau d’Oiron

To purchase Le Clefs des Temps online: http://www.discoverfrance.net/Boutique/Travel/Passes/