Illustrating the Elegance of Monte Carlo

France is truly a marvelous country as seen from the narrow towns to the largest quarters; in fact, for some visitors, Monte Carlo is simply the most glamorous and richest among the many places found in this region. Known as the most fortuante among the four quarters of Monaco, Monte Carlo is ordinarily mistaken as France's capital; though the truth is, France has no official capital. Monte Carlo comprises 30,000 local French citizens, but this population swells during holiday season because of the varying travelers who are eager to experience what is dubbed as French glamor.

But what really illustrates French elegance? Monte Carlo's French glamor is mainly defined by the various attractions and marvelous buildings such as the luxurious casinos. Another exclusive attraction found in Monte Carlo is the celebrated Circuit de Monaco where exalted events usually take place; these events include like the Formula One Grand Prix, the Monte Carlo Masters, some world boxing championship, and first-rate fashion shows.

Other than the extraordinary occasions, Monte Carlo is also home to many must-see places including the Napoleon Museum, the Monaco Cathedral, and Prince's Palace. But the most celebrated among Monte Carlo destinations is the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, which present privileged ballet and opera shows. Surely, with these incomparable places and occasions in this French quarter, Monte Carlo is worthy to be called the French jewel.

Encountering a Pure Island

Today, island vacations are somewhat standard that during holidays and summer, islands are packed with sightseers of varying nationalities. During these seasons, it is difficult to get a reservation and in case you are lucky enough to book one, it is the crammed beaches that blot the vacation altogether. Sadly, I had this experience and since then, I assured not to get into this dire situation again.

I consider one of my most providential moments the day I found out the enthralling Porquerolles Island, an uncrowded faction of Iles d'Hyeres. It is the biggest and most eminent faction of the said trio island, which is found in Southern France. My vacation in Porquerolles was perfect since I could bask in the shining sunshine and vast water without ever worrying about my own space. I just enjoyed the enormity of the whole island and the majestic view it created. But aside from being uncrowded, Porquerolles boasts of its longer days, warm water, grand delicacies, tasteful wine, sailing ventures, and intact culture.

During my recent visit, I saw an island practice called Porquerolles Cup, a sailing race done to commemorate a French feat from the 18th century. History declared that pirates challenged a French vessel to a race and the release of an earlier captured French ship stood as the important prize. The French prevailed and what happened to the pirates is mysterious. To let it known, the cup is only among the varying traditional practices that define the culture of the diminutive Porquerolles village.

A Fine Meal For A Shivery Winter Evening

A shivery evening can be the perfect time to savor hot and succulent concoctions that nourish and warm the body. A favorite French dish of mine, the "Pot au Feu", or Pot on Fire, is a savory heartwarming soup stuffed with meat cutlets and vegetables such as onions, leeks, turnips, cabbages, and carrots. This dish is easy to execute since whatever available ingredients you have can be used in creating this flavorful French stew. Formerly, this stew is the traditional ware for poor people because scrap meats and leftover vegetables were the usual ingredients. But nowadays, it is considered as a traditional French food, not only among the financially challenged, but also among the upscale crowd. To do your own version, you can add more vegetables and herbs to make it a more healthful meal and if you don't want to use leftover meat cutlets, you can use any kind of beef cutlets. The finest partner for a steaming bowl of "Pot au Feu" is a glass of French mulled wine such as "Vin Chaud," which is a warmed wine mixed with delectable spices. A spicy drink and a bowl of warm soup is undeniably the perfect meal to heat you up especially on a shivery night.

Christian Dior: A Highly-skilled French Designer Who Had Made His Mark In The Fascinating World of Haute Couture

One of the few remaining houses of fashion in France that manufacture haute couture, Dior is a fashion icon who have survived the brutal and immediate changes in the fashion industry. A French fashion designer, Christian Dior lives on through his astounding and iconic creations that are patronized by many noted people. So when a companion of mine invited me to a Paris vacation, I unhesitatingly accepted the invitation.

Seeing the Dior boutiques in Paris during the journey to France is a marvelous experience, especially if one is not in a hurry to go to other places. On that same journey to Paris, me and my companion spent a lovely day marveling at the wonderful creations of Christian Dior. The prices are quite posh, but the quality and loveliness of each outfit makes it all worth it. The materials used undeniably spell out luxury and comfort, making Dior one of the most renowned French designers in the world, even after his death in 1957. The most stylish masterpiece from the House of Dior is the "Jeanne" handbag designed by John Galliano for Dior. Since it is only available at Harrods, I and my companion had to travel to London just to get a glimpse of this latest fashion accessory from Christian Dior but it was undeniably worth the trip.

A Time off in Pure Grace

If your belief of a European time off is elegance in the true sense of the word, then look no farther than the town of Nantes in France. The city has one distinguished hotel, the Westotel Nantes-Atlantique, that offers direct access to myriad of the attractions of Nantes. Many of its rooms boast of a balcony where the fundamental swimming pool can be seen. In addition, the rooms come fully equipped with the most modern accommodations that concern satellite TV, audio equipments, Internet access, a private bathroom, and a jacuzzi.

For leisure activities, excursionists can have their choice of innumerable popular sports like golf and tennis since the hotel has two tennis courts and two golf courses. For those who fancy the indoor types, there is an in-house billiards hall as well as a modern gymnasium.

Nature lovers will particularly have an enjoyable stay at the Westotel since it sits on a impressive four hectares of green vegetation, but for more picturesque tourist spots, you can readily access the Puy du Fuo, the Xhateaux de la Loire, and the Brittany ports, which are all just a few feet away from the hotel. Of course, an exceptional alternative is to visit Paris, which can be reached within just two hours of travel time via TGV, the ultra-fast train of France, which renders daily 20 shuttle services.