1741, Strasbourg

by Wen France

We dined at 1741 just a few days before Christmas. It was directly opposite the Palais Rohan. From the outside it was beautiful decorated for Christmas, inside we were seated on the top floor in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Our table for two felt very spacious and private. Their staff were very friendly and professional. Since we don’t speak French and all the staff were trying their best to explain the dishes to us in English. I loved every single dish, they were so refined and elegant. Every course was truly delicious. I’d love to come back to 1741 on my next visit to Strasbourg.

Colmar Christmas Market

by Wen Christmas Market

The city feels like it was pulled straight from the 16th century. The fairy-tale setting of the old town is even more magical at Christmas. The whole town is decorated like in a dream. The old town of Colmar hosts 5 magical Christmas markets with a variety of food , trinkets, wines and rides for children.

Another big reason to visit Colmar is the incredible food options throughout the city. There are lots wooden stalls are dedicated to local produce, such as foie gras, Christmas sweets, and Alsatian wines.

It is a great place to take postcard-like pictures, in the storybook-like towns along the colorful tinted houses. The houses are decorated and lit up. You could easily spend a few days here wandering the cobbled streets from market to market especially at night.

Aachen Christmas Market

by Wen Christmas Market

The location of Aachen is very accessible from the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Try their Punsch or Glühwein (the local mulled wine). Aachen’s Cathedral is the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Germany. Aachen’s main Christmas market is concentrated on the large squares around the cathedral in the old town area. There are around 120 stalls at the main market.

The local specialty is the Aachener Printen (a type of Lebkuchen with Christmas spices). You will find the giant Printen cookies guard the entryway to the Christmas market.

Monaco

by Wen Monaco

A Day Trip to the Medieval Village of Eze

by Wen France

Things to Do & See in Eze

Eze is located between Nice and Monaco. It is a 1000+ years old village on a high cliff (1,401 feet above sea level). Looks like we will have some uphill walking/climbing today.

We rent a car and drive from Toulon and it takes about 2 hours. We arrive almost around noon. The tourist information office is excellent providing assistance in many languages, maps and time tables of the buses and trains. Hence, we book a walking tour from the tourist information center. I’d suggest that you arrive early because you cannot drive up with your own car and parking in the tourist parking lot is limited. It takes us quite a while to find the parking space.

Lunch at Le Pinocchio
We have lunch at “Le Pinocchio” at the base of the old village. Afterwards we take a leisurely climb up the winding street to the old village.

Upon entering I feel transported back to the Medieval period while walking up the uneven stone streets through narrow passages. Beautiful old town hanging on a cliff side overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with fabulous views.

1. VIEUX EZE

The village is very well preserved and chic. It’s full of winding medieval cobblestone streets with quaint little shops and cafes. Many of the old residences have been converted into jewelry shops, art galleries, souvenir shops, and boutiques.

Church of the Penitents of the White Brotherhood
The construction of the chapel dates from the year 1306.

2. LE JARDIN EXOTIQUE D’EZE

The garden has an interesting collection of exotic cactus. Quite a climb but worth it for the views. Go there and be wowed!

Panoramic view over the coast!

A breathtaking view!

3. Eglise Notre Dame de l’Assomption

Located at the foot of the Village. The inside is an explosion of Baroque colors and dramatic design.

Easy Day Trips in Toulon

by Wen France

Toulon is located in the southern of France between Marseille and Nice. It is not a major tourist destination like other cities in France. We are visiting Toulon mostly because our friend’s mother-in-law lives here and she is on a vacation to somewhere else. We are lucky to stay at her place and have our friend Zoe tour us around Toulon.

Things to Do & See

1. COURS LAFAYETTE

Typical french market with huge selection of fruits, cheese, vegetables, and various merchandise. It’s the heart of the old town near the harbor. The market stretches for many blocks. We bought some food and went home made our own lunch. Closed around 1pm.

Breakfast at La Cade
Our friend Zoe said she must get the baked chickpea pancake each time she visits Toulon. It tastes really good and unique!

Lunch
We bought fruits, olives, cheeses, veggies, meats, and breads from the market. Made ourselves a great meal!

2. TELEPHERIQUE DU MONT FARON

Fun gondola ride to the top of Mt. Faron. You will need to take the bus to the lift. We purchased the ticket at the tourism office near the Cours Lafayette market. The top of Mt. Faron is a pleasant stroll for an hour or so.

3. RADE DE TOULON

The Rade de Toulon is the largest French naval port in the south of France and the Mediterranean. If you want to get on the water there are various tourist boat tours. We took the boat to Porquerolles. It’s very enjoyable!

4. PORQUEROLLES

Porquerolles is the largest and most westerly of the 3 islands in the Îles d’Hyères. Day trip to Porquerolles was a lot of fun. Rent a bike when you arrive. It’s the best way to visit different beaches, shores and vineyards.