Saturday, July 19, 2014

Europe Simply Irresistible Link Party



The lovely Anita at Castles Crowns and Cottages is hosting a European holiday, blog party. I am tres heureuse to be part of this. Merci, Anita for organizing this for us all.

I will take you away  to  France  and share some of my photos with you.
Each time we have visited I enjoy it a little more.







 My bags are packed and I am excited for this little escape and to go to far away places.
{ need to get away from the winter here}

 We will start with some of the wonderful markets,  cheeses that have a smell all of their own, the vegetables were so fresh and looked like they had just been picked from the garden

 A gentleman skillfully weaving the French style market basket

 the pretty fleurs in abundance,



to the beautiful fragrances of the soaps and lavender sachets






















 






We left Paris on the TGV (fast train ) and this is such a great way to travel - fast and efficient.
Then hired a car to travel to Gordes, this is one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Just when you thought you've seen everything along came the wonderful old village built into the cliffside. 



Amazing old maisons and buildings, built from a lovely white stone and with its labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets.

Menerbes is another village that I would like to share with you, Peter Mayle made this place famous when chronicling his first year living here, as a British expatriate.
It had wonderful maisons and the feeling of ... I could live here in this village.

 this was the view overlooking the Luberon valley from a restaurant we dined at. You could almost imagine that was somewhere like where Mr Mayle lived, in his 200 year old stone farmhouse

Had a long leisurely lunch at a vineyard restaurant - La Bastide de Marie, with wonderful authentic local cuisine



Lastly one of my favourite things to do and unwind while on holiday is to spend time relaxing beside the water. 

The French Riviera at Nice was just the place to do that ~ with its clear sparkling blue water

Now I look forward to coming to enjoy all the other wonderful holiday destinations ~ lovely to dream and a great way to spend the weekend
Happy weekend
hugs
Carolyn

81 comments:

  1. Oh how I have enjoyed my tour to France with you. I traveled with you to towns and villages I’ve never seen. I would love to visit Menerbes, and I’ve read all of the books by Peter Mayle.
    So nice to visit with you

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  2. What a treat to see your photos of places you've been!!!!
    A true JOY!!!!!

    ~ Violet

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  3. How beautiful! I love the Peter Mayle books and it's neat to see some of what he was describing in real life! Thanks for sharing your photos with us. Hope you'll stop by my England post too!
    Blessings,
    Sarah

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  4. Sweet Carolyn, I am so glad to see you here, sharing the most romantic getaway of all....oh, Nice! I lived there and the crystal blue waters were mesmerizing and so hard to believe it was REAL! And I'm happy to see my pals here; we had a great day of visiting, and I hope that the rest of the week will also bring in more friends to see what you have shared. Paris - there's nothing like it, and thank you dear friend for coming to visit to let me know you are LIVE! HUGS MY DEAR! Anita

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  5. Wonderful impressions! I really like the market pictures.
    Have a nice weekend
    Christiane

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  6. Oh Carolyn,
    You have really traveled... I love the photo of Gordes.. What a breathtaking village! Thank you so much for sharing your photos and memories.
    blessings,
    Penny

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  7. Hi Carolyn. What a lovely place to visit and I'm so glad you shared!
    d

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  8. So lovely Carolyn! I wish I was at that restaurant right now enjoying dinner! I so enjoyed this trip with you and am also part of Anita's European party, hope you'll stop by!
    xo Mary Jo

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  9. Dearest Carolyn...this post is magnifique! :) I loved Peter Mayle's book...and I struggled with the theme of the party this year...for the past two years it was French...and how at home I felt with that! :) Dear Anita has expanded the territoire, so to speak! ;)
    Thank you so much for visiting my Cotswolds post...those cottages are so dreamy...and the whole area is almost too beautiful for words...I can say the same for almost all of France!!
    Thank you for the journey, friend....
    Have fun at the party!
    Hugs,
    - Irina

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  10. Hello Carolyn, thank you for coming to visit me today! I so enjoyed this post. Your lovely memories and pictures put a smile on my face. Have a happy weekend. Barbara.

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  11. that looks so very beautiful Carolyn,and the sea so very inviting,thank you for sharing your memories,xx Rachel and Speedy

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  12. Hi Carolyn! The idea of this blog party is so fun! Thanks for the wonderful tour in France, you made me dream! I wish I was there right now, your photos are gorgeous and Paris is always so beautiful! Happy weekend my dear, hugs! xo

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  13. Hello Carolyn :)
    I was already dreaming of going to France,but your delightful pictures and text made me want to go even more!Everything looks beautiful and soooo charming!!!
    Tove :)

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  14. Wow! Blog party in France, must be
    absolutely wonderful. It is a beutiful post,
    i love all the baskets.
    Enjoy the weekend
    Hugs/AM

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  15. BEAUTIFUL FRANCE... LOVELY PASIE!!
    LIKE YOUR PICS

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  16. What a wonderful thing to look forward to. Thanks so much for sharing those beautiful pictures with us. I can't wait to see the photos you come back with...
    Have a great weekend
    Si

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  17. Dearest Carolyn,
    Great photos with fond memories... from a lovely destination and above all; you arrived there safely back and forth!
    Such a tragedy again for so many people.
    My Uncle (Dad's brother) went with his wife, 2 sons, 1 daughter and their families to The Netherlands for a big family reunion. He left only a day after this plane tragedy... No words!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  18. Gordes, the Luberon valley, The French Riviera at Nice♡♡♡ Every place is a DREAM place and I also truly enjoyed your gorgeous pictures (enlarged)♪♪♪
    I DO hope you are enjoying your weekend, my friend in New Zealand.

    Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*


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  19. Wow what a lovely place to visit ..I am so glad that you shared
    I love it.
    Big hugs and love x

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  20. Querida Carolyn ! Lindo Patis yo estoy en Francia .. Adoro sus calles y su gente !!

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  21. I had to come by again,properly, because when I saw your comment last night, I was in the middle of cooking dinner! But I just love how you incorporated Peter Mayle's book (I've laughed so many times at his description of the goat races!) and of course, your own photos and lovely memories!

    Thank you dear friend for putting together your beautiful life here for us to share. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the other blogs - I see you were at Penny's to see BEBE in action! That mouse sure gets around the globe and I adore her imagination. BON VOYAGE! Anita

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  22. Carolyn, I loved traveling with you on your trip to France! So many places I've never been...wonderful photos. Anita's link parties are always so much fun.
    Hugs to you!

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  23. Hi Carolyn, the europe blog party is a fsntastic idea. You know i was last week in Paris, so i like to say thank your for bring me back with your great France pictures. Paris is such a wonderful city and a city for little dreamers.
    Wish you a nice weekend, Cla

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  24. What a wonderful experience. I'm sure you would be dreaming of being back in that sunshine. Although I would not trade their pebble beaches for ours.
    Hugs Kay

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  25. Amazing pics, darling!
    Love Peter Mayle :)

    xoxox,
    CC

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  26. Dear Carolyn, your trip to France is lovely and your pics take me along. Such a wonderful and romantic time to spend some of your winter in a special place. Thank you for sharing.
    Wishing you a special weekend.
    Blessings and Hugs

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  27. Hello Carolyn!
    I adore France and I am so grateful for this lovely journey today! The image of the market cheeses pulled at my heartstrings as my very first trip to France was in 1969!
    It has been such a treat dreaming with you!
    withLove!

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  28. looks like you had a great time

    http://differentcands.blogspot.com/

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  29. Oh Yes! Thank You for the beautiful tour.It felt like I was right there.Someday....if only someday.

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  30. Carolyn,
    Your pictures of France are wonderful. When Jess went there, she said Nice was beautiful. I have a soft spot for carousels, so this picture made me smile. I remember taking my kids on them a lot when they were little. I LOVE that picture of the water splashing to the shore. Wouldn't it be nice to have lunch at a restaurant at the vineyards? Here in California, we have some wonderful vineyards with pretty countryside. What fun it would be to browse through the markets at France. How lucky you are, Carolyn, to have experienced all of these pleasures. Your European post was a delight to see.

    love,
    ~Sheri

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  31. Amazing post and amazing place <333 love the pictures and the details

    http://abdelkhalekleblog.blogspot.com

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  32. It was wonderful to get away with you Carolyn!! xx

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  33. Hello Carolyn,
    These are such lovely pictures and they are your very own, which makes it even nicer!
    thank you for a lovely tour! :-D

    Many Blessings, Linnie

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  34. Hi Carolyn,
    Seems you really enjoyed your France tour! It was like you have bring us with you! :D
    very nice post and beautiful photos!
    xxx
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it/

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  35. Ooooh, the market cheeses, the flowers, the villages and architecture, the beaches, the countryside - you make me feel like i am there!

    Visiting you from Anita's link party, Carolyn:)

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  36. Not far from my town... Luberon is a lovely place.

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  37. Wowwwwwww ....i love your post....i am join in on monday.....love from me Ria...x !

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  38. How beautiful! I love Paris and am dying to visit the south, especially when the lavender is in bloom! Thanks for sharing! xoxo

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  39. It's as close to France as I will probably ever get... a lovely trip. I am most intrigued with the old village on the hillside, fabulous!

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  40. Bonjour Carolyn! What wonderful vacation memories! I'm fascinated to learn more about the village of Gordes. Just being on French soil makes my heart happy!
    Tres bon week-end!
    ♡Dawn

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  41. Hello Carolyn,

    Thank you so much for your kind message on my blog, from so far away!
    And bravo for your wonderful photos of France. I am going to Luberon in august, as I always do, and Menerbes is also one of my favorite villages.

    Merci!!!!

    A bientôt,

    Marie-Paule

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  42. Hello dear Carolyn:)

    It's so lovely you coming by me and let your kind comment,THANKYOU!
    I am a very big fan of France.....
    How impressed me your great travel throught all those villages,we where in Gordes tree years ago,just irresistible nice place!!!
    Fantastic post and so invited:)))

    Hugs from Holland,
    V.

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  43. Thanks for a lovely and informative tour. The link party is a great idea; I'm looking forward to exploring.
    Toes crossed that you have toasty toes!

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  44. Hi Carolyn, Aren't the French markets the best? The smells are just amazing. I've never left uninspired. There are a lot of beautiful areas in France with beautiful old architecture and scenery. You had such a lovely trip.
    Have a great week!
    Hugs,
    Julia

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  45. My lovely new friend Carolyn,Thank You so much for visiting Me and then deciding to follow.So sweet Of You.I thought I was already following You but was wrong,I fixed that though.Your newest friend and follower-Hugs and blessings Your way-Denise

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  46. Carolyn hello! I am visiting from the link party and so glad I did. Paris is always a great place to visit and your images are so lovely. I had the pleasure of visiting Paris and I think it is time I do so again. :)

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  47. Ah, magnifique! Beautiful France! Thank you so much for the beautiful photos and sharing your love of France. My favorite country as well.http://thoughtsfromayoungwriter.blogspot.com/

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  48. Oh what beautiful pictures you have shared! The markets are lovely and I am sure that I could get lost shopping for hours (or weeks!) on end! :)

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  49. What beautiful images, Carolyn.
    Thank you for sharing with us.
    Stopping by via Anita's.

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  50. Just lovely, Carolyn. I feel like I had the chance to be there too. Thanks for sharing.

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  51. Your photos are lovely! I have dreamed of visiting France for years. I know I will get there some day. Thank you for the inspiration. It is so nice to meet you too.

    ; )
    Nancy

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  52. Thanks for visiting my blog:-) So happy to discover yours... I loooved this trip to France ... Stunning pictures... The wave at the beach is awesome:-) Thanks for taking us along:-)

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  53. Oh, Carolyn, you know I love your posts about France! And who wouldn't love Provence? Your trip sounds like it was perfection. We went to the Luberon in '08, but now reading this, I want to be there right now! I'm bookmarking this to reread for inspiration!

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  54. How nice. The blog party sounds like such a wonderful idea. I am sure it will be a lot of fun.

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  55. Thanks for visiting... I appreciate your kind words. Your trip about France is so charming. I hope to return one day. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Your pictures refresh my memory of a lovely trip.

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  56. Oh Carolyn!

      Thank you very much for visiting my blog today, unfortunately, I pressed the wrong button, and it could not load your comment, sorry! but I'm reading now in the mail.
    You're so kind! and thanks to this wonderful tour, and I've discovered a great proposal by France France mmmmm delicious! and a way to show it.

    your new AMIGA , I hope
    Luisa XX

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  57. Thanks for visiting my blog. It's a treat to visit here and see the beautiful pictures of France. The riviera caught my eye and must now be added to my own list. By the way... New Zealand must also be wonderful. My sister visited there and loved every minute!

    Thanks for sharing with us...

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  58. cute pictures from France. I love travelling by Europe
    kss
    new post: http://tupersonalshopperviajero.blogspot.com.es/2014/07/black-and-white-plaid-pants.html

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  59. This was a wonderful visit to France. You have introduced me to places in France I didn't know existed.

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  60. dear caroly, this is a nice and wonderful post !!
    YES - europe is a interesting continent. BUT in june we were for 4 weeks in canada... yeaahh... ;-)
    many greetings
    margit

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  61. So envy that you came to that wonderful village! What kind of village is that? I only seen it on TV! XD
    Even the market look so beautiful to me.
    Have a nice day! x

    love,
    g-carinoo.blogspot.com

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  62. Oh beautiful Paris and France...so many lovely photos and I really enjoy following your trip!
    Have a sunny and warm week,
    Titti

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  63. How lovely to see France through your eyes, Carolyn. The photos are fabulous! I am loving this journey from blog to blog - so many creative people. Thanks for a great trip!

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  64. I loved this post with all its beautiful photos. Especially as I was in France back in June. Adored Paris and look forward to going back again one day, stayed in Normandy for the 70th D-Day Anniversary along with my 93 year old father-in-law and basically fell in love with France.

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  65. Dear Carolyne, thank you for this special trip to lovely France! Have not yet been to the Luberon, but want to - one day soon i hope! France is always a good idea - not just Paris ;) Have a super week, hugs from germany!

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  66. these pictures literally look fake-- they are SO beautiful! france is definitely on my list! but wow, that water is SO BLUE! and that village is picturesque. just lovely!
    thanks so much! i've taken a mini vacation with your entry :D
    xx Corinne
    cateyesandthighhighs.com

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  67. Oh friend! I am so coming to you for advice when I one day make my way out there!!! To see those beautiful markets and the crafts people selling their homemade goods is just fantastic! And I could so get lost in those towns!! Thanks for taking us along on this picturesque trip! Nicole xo

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  68. Dear, dear friend. Really true love. Your post is LOVE for Paris. So do I this is precious, her Provence, her wine, her athmosfere, her "cicogne", her...dreams. A you dearest thanks for this wonderful images. Kisses...in my heart. Big hugs dearest friend. NI

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  69. You obviously had a fantastic trip. Thanks for taking us along. Paris and the French countryside are my favorite destinations. Beautiful photos!

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  70. Beautiful posting as always
    Love Jeanne

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  71. it was lovely to take this wonderful trip to France with you. It brightened up my evening! Sarah x

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  72. ¸.•°♪
    Fotos lindas, fabulosas!!!

    Boa quarta-feira!
    Beijinhos do Brasil.

    ♬♫º°

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  73. Randomly found your blog and I’d like to say that you have amazing design,
    beautiful photos and interesting posts! I’m also impressed by your style! Everything
    is perfect!

    would you like to follow each other?
    will be happy to see you in my blog)

    www.dianacloudlet.com

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  74. paris paris paris <3 <3 <3

    http://www.isfashionmypassion.com/search?updated-max=2014-06-02T10:54:00%2B02:00&max-results=4

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  75. Oh my god, dearest Carolyn - this was really a wonderful, wonderful short-trip to France für me, relaxing holidays at some places I've been more than 30 years ago (Paris and Nice) or where I really would like to go: Gordes and Menerbes look so beautiful - I love those medieval places, stone buildings and the special flair of villages in southern Europe! Thanky you so much for the wonderful short-holidays you gave to me!
    Warm hugs, my dear!
    XOX Traude
    ✿ܓܓ✿ܓ✿ܓ✿ ♥♥♥♥ ܓܓ✿ܓ✿ܓ

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  76. You have me oohing and aahing Carolyn. Such beautiful places you have visited. I pray that one day my dream of traveling to Europe will come true. In the mean time I will live it vicariously through you :-) Thank you for the tour.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  77. That’s a lovely place. I am being assigned task to organize a holiday party for our top management and I think referring this location won’t be a bad idea. I am not sure about the budget though.

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Thank you so much for visiting Draffin Bears.
It always makes me happy to read your comments
and I look forward to visiting you.


Carolyn xx