BYOV: bring your own vegetables

France Trip: Around Sancerre

Sunday, April 19, 2026

'Headed to Sancerre for two weeks for Couer de France, École de Langues and to drink my weight in very reasonably priced fancy Sancerre white wines.

While a bit remote, and not the most convenient of public transit, the location was absolutely stunning. These were my daily views walking to/from class and dinner...Sancerre is magic.

Also, of course, with a healthy dose of well-cared-for street cats.

France Trip: Paris, Musée d'Orsay, Around Montparnasse

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Saw an absolutely fantastic temporary exhibit at the Musée d'Orsay on street billboards. Also, of course, amazing impressionist art, mixed in with lovely modern impressionist art to create a truly novel experience. I'd never been to this museum, and it was really lovely.

Lunch in the museum cafe was also easy and pleasant.

Did the last day in Paris with a walk around Montparnasse - the Jardin Luxembourg, the cemetary, whatever else! Our hotel was in this neighborhood - easily accessible to 4 metro lines, on a little street absolutely packed with creperies. What's not to love?!

Pondering how the food anywhere could be so fantastic all of the time.

I mean, even the ham sandwiches are fantastic.

France Trip: Loire Valley

Friday, April 17, 2026

'Thought we'd throw in a day-trip tour of some chateau around the Loire Valley outside of Pris. Above is Chateau Chenonceau, which also has a lovely little winery.

Above is Chateau Blois on the right, the town where we had lunch.

And this is Chateau Chambord, with a lovely modern stained glass exhibit on the upper floors.

France Trip: Versailles

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Can't do a trip to Paris without a day trip to Versailles, apparently! Last time I was here, I was in high school, so it was nice to experience the gardens and the music-synched fountain shows again as an adult.

The opulence. The audacity,

France Trip: Paris, The Eiffel Tower and The Louvre

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

It was a busy tourist day, but we got through it! The views from La Tour Eiffel are lovely. It wasn't my friend's top choice of activities, nor was The Louvre, but if it's your first trip to Paris, you kinda gotta go. They're iconic, and quite lovely!

We did The Louvre after the Eiffel Tower. The Louvre was absolutely mobbed, but the trick is to enter through one of the less popular wings...and slowly work your way to the more popular spots.