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MOIRA FITZPATRICK'S TRIP TO EUROPE |
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Dear Colleagues & Friends:
Greetings from Vancouver - we enjoyed a particularly sunny, dry summer this year, which prompted severe watering restrictions in the rainforest! But it is November now and the reservoirs are being replenished, and some of the ski hills have opened early - hoping to make up for the dearth of snow last season. In the meantime, I managed to escape to Europe late September where again the weather was wonderful. I spent time in England, Provence, Paris, Tuscany and Venice; I thought you might be interested to know about some of the fantastic hotel properties I visited. Also, I came across some wonderful art exhibitions, museums, restaurants and participated in some very interesting city walking tours. I hope you will find some suitable suggestions for your client's European holidays in 2016. We are all so devastated to hear about the tragic events in Paris this last week, and would like to thank so many of our travel associates for their great support, encouragement and commitment to continue to visit this wonderful city - and suggest that clients include Paris in their future itineraries. Please call Moira directly for bookings, "VIP" treatment and an added amenity at all of the hotel properties. |
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| FRANCE - Provence | ||
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September 28th to October 1st & 2nd 2015
First stop on my European itinerary was Le Mas de Pierre. Just 20 minutes north of Nice airport, this idyllic, 5-star hotel nestles at the foot of Saint Paul de Vence, one of the oldest walled, medieval towns on the French Riviera, famous for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries, such as the Foundation Maeght.
The 54 room/suite hotel comprises 48 rooms, 6 VIP suites and a 4500 sq ft Private Villa, which accommodates 6-8 guests, and includes a study, kitchen, dining-room, lounge, 3 bedrooms with bathrooms, private garage, swimming pool, BBQ and 1.5 acre garden. The new building La Bastide des Fleurs contains the six adult-only VIP suites, each with a pool-side cabana and private butler. A gourmet restaurant La Table de Pierre features Mediterranean cuisine prepared by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer. The bar La Princesse offers drinks by the fireplace or on the terrace at any time.
St. Paul de Vence Tourist Office guided tours serviceguide@saint-pauldevence.com
Fondation Maeght 623, Chemin des Gardettes
A visit to the Maeght Foundation was first on my list of attractions. The museum, which opened in 1964, is a unique example of a private European Foundation presenting modern and contemporary art in all its forms. Designed by Catalan architect Josep Lluís Sert,, the museum is decorated with paintings, sculptures, drawings and graphic works of modern art from the 20th century and contemporary artists -- Bonnard, Baraque, Chagall, Calder, Giacometti, Léger, Miró, to name a few. St. Paul de Vence Cemetery Exploring the St. Paul de Vence Cemetery proved to be interesting and enlightening. Famous people buried in the cemetery include Marc Chagall, who lived in the village from 1966 to 1985. For almost 20 years, he painted local landscapes featuring romantic couples, goats and cockerels floating across the village and its ramparts, in the fragrance of immense bouquets of flowers. Folon Chapel Place de l'église,06570 I also enjoyed a visit with the guide to the Folon Chapel, where I discovered admirable works designed by the Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, who developed a bond with St. Paul de Vence over 30 years. His works include a mosaic, stained glass windows, sculptures and paintings, all embellishing . the walls and the ceiling of the chapel. RESTAURANT L'OASIS - Relais & Châteaux 6 Rue Jean-Honoré Carle, 06210
I enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Restaurant L'Oasis where a unique menu combines contemporary and Provencal flavours with infinite Asian flourishes - the renowned fusion cuisine of the Raimbault brothers. This two Michelin star restaurant has a lush setting where guests can sit in the shade of the patio, surrounded by palm trees and exotic flowers or on the verandas of the conservatory.
Scenic Drive
October 1st to October 2nd 2015
From Nice, I traveled to Aix-en-Provence, the sun-drenched, laidback hometown of Paul Cézanne and Émile Zola - a charming city with monuments, distinctive architecture, winding streets full of shops, museums, gardens, galleries and other attractions. The cultural capital since Roman times, Aix-en-Provence hosts an annual summer festival that includes operas, plays, concerts and recitals. I stayed at the lovely 18th century Hotel & Spa Le Pigonnet, which is within walking distance of the city centre. This contemporary style, 44 room/suite luxury boutique hotel features magical and immaculately maintained gardens and hotel terrace with a wonderful view of Mount Sainte Victoire, once a favorite subject of Cézanne. I enjoyed a delightful dinner at La Table du Pigonnet, expertly prepared under the guidance of Chef Thierry Balligand. The hotel also offers cocktails at the intimate inside bar or champagne with a light meal at the garden lounge bar, Le 5. |
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FRANCE - Paris |
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ITALY - Tuscany |
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October 6th to October 8th 2015
Next on my itinerary was Italy and the Relais Borgo Santo Pietro. Located 35 minutes southwest of Siena, this splendid, restored 13th century Tuscan Villa is surrounded by 13 acres of landscaped gardens. Guests can stroll through the forests to the beautiful nearby Abbey of San Galgano and the small chapel of Montesiepi or visit the world famous wineries of Chianti and Montalcino. Just 45 minutes away is San Gimignano with its spectacular views over Elsa Valley, plus a plethora of art galleries, wine shops and delightful restaurants. An hour away, Florence promises a shopping paradise and renaissance treasures.
This 15 room/suite hotel includes the self-contained Santo Pietro Master Suite, which takes up an entire floor, plus 7 garden suites resembling cottages with carved fireplaces, private terraces and gardens. I enjoyed a wonderful tasting menu on the candlelit terrace of the gourmet dining room Mia Modo, plus lunch at the more casual pool-side Treehouse Restaurant & Bar, while admiring gorgeous, strutting peacocks. The hotel has recently opened a new cooking school that features traditional Tuscan dishes. Other activities include an artist-in-residence program, Tuscan wine tastings, truffle hunting, flower deco courses, basketball, badminton, bocce, and trampolining, and golfing at the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course in nearby Siena.
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ITALY - Florence |
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October 8th to October 11th 2015
From the Tuscan countryside to a romantic urban retreat set atop Florence's Piazzale Michaelangelo -- La Villa La Vedetta was my next stop. Surrounded by an Italian garden and its own private park, the hotel features panoramic views of the city, including the famous Duomo. The 18-room hotel offers an array of two and three-night packages that include golf, gourmet, cooking classes, spa treatments, as well as guided tours of Chianti country and its castles.
October 9th 2015
I dined at the famous La Bottega Del Boun Caffe, owned by Borgo Santo Pietro, overlooking the River Arno. This Michelin Star restaurant combines classic Florentine style with elegance and glamour, and focuses on fresh locally grown food and the finest Tuscan wines. Guests can also dine al-fresco beneath the magical shadows of the medieval tower of San Niccolò.
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| ITALY - Venice | ||
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October 11th to October 13th 2015
Next I traveled from Florence to the heart of Venice, just a few steps from St. Mark's Square, where theLondra Palace has been a favorite gathering place for artists, travelers and tourists for over 140 years. Each of the 53 individual rooms are decorated in Biedermeier style and feature elegant upholstery, brocades and marble bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a view of St. Mark's Lagoon on one side, and the rooftops and bell towers of Venice's historic centre on the other.
I dined royally at the hotel's gourmet restaurant Do Leoni, which combines traditional Venetian cuisine with elaborate innovative dishes that delight even the most refined palates. My culinary experience was enhanced by the elegance of the indoor dining room, which includes crystal, original paintings, and a veranda on the Riva degli Schiavoni. The wine and champagne list offers a rich selection of prestigious labels made by the Maitre-Sommelier Samuel Baston. October 11th to October 13th 2015
A must for all tourists, I visited the Peggy Guggenheim Collection located on Venice's Grand Canal. One of Europe's premier museums devoted to modern art, it includes masterpieces ranging in style from Cubism and Surrealism to Abstract Expressionism. The collection has become one of the most respected and visited cultural attractions in Venice. Among the artists represented are Picasso, Duchamp, Léger, DalÃ, Miró, Mondrian, Kandinsky, and Pollock. October 12th 2015 at 1:00pm
CONTEXT TRAVEL TOUR
Shylock's Venice Tour
Context offers this 3-hour Shylock's Venice Walking Tour exploring the area known as the Jewish ghetto, founded in 1516 and so vividly depicted in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. The tour offers special insight into what was once a thriving Jewish community- its history, culture, religious practices, and even food. With a small group, we visited three Synagogues, as well as two moving memorials to Italian Jews lost in World Wars I and II. |
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| ENGLAND - Surrey | ||
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and hope our US associates enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving! |
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Moira Fitzpatrick Please call Moira directly for reservations, "VIP" treatment and an added amenity at all of our properties. Phone: 1.604.602.1282 Fax: 1.604.737.8944 Email: mfcons@bismail.com |
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