💋💋💋 It's New Year's Eve... How 'bout a little French Kiss 😘

Mistletoe & The French Kiss

 New Year's Traditions in France: There’s lots of mistletoe! and a lot of kissing! 

If you missed the opportunity to sneak a little smooch from your secret crush over Christmas,  in France you’ll have a second chance as the French whip out the mistletoe not for Christmas, but for New Year's Eve!

The Druids started off the Year's tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, believing that mistletoe has mystical powers that ward off evil spirits. But unlike elsewhere in the United States and Northern Europe, ‘S’embrasser sous le gui’ (to kiss under the mistletoe) happens on New Year Eve’s, rather than at Christmas. It brings good luck and, if you’re in love & only kissing one person it predicts a wedding before the end of the following year.

So the French, in their stereotypical sensuality go for a lot of kissing!  It’s not just kissing under the mistletoe either. In France, you’re not just aiming to kiss one person at midnight, you’re supposed to kiss everyone! 💋💋💋 Some historians trace the tradition of kissing on New Year’s Eve back to ancient Rome. The Romans would throw a huge celebration called the Festival of Saturnalia, where we gather lots of kissing occurred. This tradition filtered down to Europe. Some argue that in the Renaissance period, people would throw masquerade balls to ring in the New Year. At the stroke of midnight, they’d remove the mask and kiss to purify each other from evil. Bisous bisous. And in France, the kissing doesn't stop at midnight.... They're just getting started... Let's just say the French are very big on kissing!  💋💋💋They're a very sensual people!   Who else could have invented The French Kiss! 😘

May Your Holidays be Grand

 Dearest Guests,

As the year draws to a close, we at Adventures To Tuscany want to extend our warmest wishes for a truly Joyous & Grand Holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones.

We are incredibly grateful for your trust in us to plan your unforgettable Beautiful Villages of Provence adventure. Knowing that our passion for this beautiful region resonates with you, fills us with immense joy.

We eagerly anticipate the time when we can finally meet you all in person. Sharing the beauty & magic of Provence with you – from rolling vineyards, sprawling lavender fields and charming villages to delectable cuisine and hidden gems – is something we truly cherish.

May the spirit of the Holidays bring you peace and happiness. We look forward to welcoming you to Provence in a few short months for an unforgettable experience.

With warmest regards,

Tommy & Terese

We wish you every possible happiness for this Holiday Season

You're gonna LOVE Provence!

 We're just at 6 months out from your upcoming Adventure To Provence this coming June!   This video from Wolter's World talks about a lot of the places we'll be visiting on the Tour, and even addresses why we do our Tours the way we do...  I think he over-emphasizes what he calls the "hoards of tourists", but of course it is true that Provence is one of the most aspirational vacation destinations in all the world, so yes we will encounter some crowds here and there, but they're not that bad...  We'll have you in several of the destinations that Mark talks about in the video, including Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, Gordes, The Pont du Gard, The Lavender Fields, Roussillon, The Abbeye de Senanque, Mont Ventoux, and a wonderful & classic Provençal Wine Estate!  Hope you're getting excited!  It'll be here before you know it!

Venasque ~ Your home-base village

   Hi Guys, hope you are all well... We wanted to give you some idea of the beauty of Venasque, what will be your home-base Village in Provence... but we couldn't decide between these two video's so we've included both of them!  Venasque is an incredibly beautiful little stone-built medieval village just down the road about a mile from our Villa, Château du Soleil ...  

The French Cultural Ministry lists only 164 villages throughout the whole country as 'Plus Beaux Villages de France'  ("The Most Beautiful Villages in France") With over 32,000 villages in France, a country that relies on tourism, getting this official designation is a really big deal! The villages in the 12,000 square mile region of Provence have just 17 of these designations... We will be taking you to four of them; Venasque, Gordes, Rousillion and Les Baux-de-Provence! 

In this first Video, they use a drone to show you how Venasque is truly a hilltown with high elevation perched on the edge of cliffs... you'll realize this as we drive ups the switchbacks to get to the village!

In this second video, they walk you through the various pedestrian streets of Venasque, and you might want to pause the video at exactly 4:05 in; if you look out in the distance, right in the middle of the screen, you'll see our Villa Château du Soleil (big yellow villa)... and the last mountain Range in the far background  behind the Villa and a little to the right at about 1 o'clock, is Mont Ventoux (what the locals call Old Baldy) in the Alps!  That mountain will be the site of our Le Provençal Classique Road Rally on Monday! Mont Ventoux has become famous as one of the big mountain climbs of The Tour de France Bicycle Race! When we ascend Mont Ventoux on our Le Provencal Classique  Road Rally, you'll have a whole new respect for the athletes that peddle up this monster during the race!

Pardon my French...

 We Americans have lots of misconceptions about France & the French... and most often these things are simply not true... But never-the-less, these myths are often long-lived and they can make some folks feel slightly anxious. We've been fortunate to become friends with a lot of French people and we can tell you they're not much different than we are...Here a few of the misconceptions that are most common...

Myths and Misconceptions:

• All French People Are Rude: This is a widespread stereotype, but it's inaccurate. French people can be direct and value clear communication, which can sometimes be misinterpreted as rudeness. However, they are generally polite and hospitable.
• They All Eat Baguettes and Cheese All Day: While French cuisine is renowned, it's diverse and includes many regional specialties. Daily diets vary greatly, and while bread and cheese are staples, they're not consumed exclusively.
• They Are All Fashionable: While France is a global fashion hub, not every French person is obsessed with designer clothes. Everyday style is more about classic elegance and well-fitting attire than following the latest trends.
• They Are All Against Americans: There can be some political and cultural tensions between the US and France, but most French people are not inherently anti-American.

Key Cultural Differences:

• Work-Life Balance: The French generally prioritize work-life balance more than Americans, with longer vacations and a stronger emphasis on enjoying leisure time.
• Food Culture: Food is a central part of French culture, with meals often lasting several hours and enjoyed with family and friends.
• Social Interactions: French social interactions can be more formal, with a greater emphasis on politeness and respect for personal space.
• Direct Communication: As mentioned earlier, French communication can be more direct than in the US, with less emphasis on indirectness or "softening" criticism.
• Healthcare: Healthcare in France is a public system, providing universal coverage for all citizens. Like everything else, it has its pros and cons...

We think it's important when visiting France to remember that you likely came here to experience the quaintness & charm of The Old World... It is Europe, and there are indeed differences... but we encourage you to try to understand and embrace these differences; if France was exactly like the US, you wouldn't have wanted to come here!  (pro tip; as you meet local French people, don't spend all your time telling them the "how's & why's" of the way we do things in America... trust us, they likely already know, and if they thought your way was better, they'd probably be doing it that way)

A Phoenix Rises: Notre Dame Reopens its Doors

 Today marks a momentous occasion in the history of Paris and, indeed, the world: the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. After five years of meticulous restoration following the devastating fire of 2019, this iconic symbol of French history and faith once again welcomes visitors and worshippers. Those of you heading to Paris in just a few short months will be among the first in the world to tour the newly reopened Cathedral!

The magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral has always been among
the top sights of Paris, but for those of you heading to Paris
before or after Provence, you'll be among the first in the world
to visit the newly reopened Cathedral!

The cathedral's history is deeply intertwined with the very fabric of Paris. Construction began in 1163, a testament to the ambition and artistry of medieval Europe. Over centuries, Notre Dame witnessed countless historical events, from royal coronations to the French Revolution. Its architecture, a masterpiece of Gothic style, has inspired artists and architects for generations. The soaring spires, intricate stained glass windows, and the haunting beauty of its interior have captivated millions.

The fire of 2019, a tragedy witnessed by a global audience, threatened to extinguish this beacon of history. Yet, from the ashes, a phoenix has risen. The restoration project has been a monumental undertaking, a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of collective will. Craftsmen and artisans, many employing traditional techniques, have painstakingly rebuilt the cathedral, ensuring its continued existence for generations to come. Terese & I have watched this rebuilding closely over the years, as Terese spent the last 6 years of her professional career overseeing North American Sales for Ponant, a French Expedition Cruise Company that pledged $100,000,000 toward the rebuilding of Notre Dame.

The reopening of Notre Dame is a cause for celebration for several reasons. First and foremost, it represents the triumph of human spirit over adversity. It is a powerful symbol of resilience, a reminder that even in the face of destruction, beauty and hope can prevail. 

Secondly, the reopening signifies the preservation of an invaluable piece of cultural heritage. Notre Dame is not merely a building; it is a repository of history, art, and faith. Its reopening ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to experience its grandeur and learn from its past.

Finally, the reopening of Notre Dame is a celebration of community. The restoration effort has been a collaborative endeavor, involving artisans, architects, engineers, and countless volunteers. It has brought together people from all walks of life in a shared commitment to preserving this beloved landmark.

The reopening of Notre Dame is a momentous occasion, a reminder of the enduring power of human creativity and the importance of preserving our shared cultural heritage. As visitors once again step through its doors, they will be not only experiencing the majesty of this architectural masterpiece but also bearing witness to the triumph of human spirit over adversity.