Recently updated on January 15th, 2020 at 07:05 pm
I have found over the years that travel is always filled with many wow moments. Sometimes it is the scenery, the accommodations, the people, or of course the food that makes these great moments turn into wonderful memories. My Trafalgar trip through France on the Highlights of France tour was no exception.
France, known for its elegant and delicious cuisine did not disappoint me or my friends, as we explored the country and tasted the wonderful food choices that appeared before us. We enjoyed the crescents and brioche served with tasty cheeses, the crepes with sugar or even better, sprinkled with Grand Marnier sold in small cafes. No visit to France is ever complete without a steaming bowl of French onion soup, topped with creamy melted cheese. Especially when combined with a glass of wine, enjoyed while sitting in a cafe along the Champs Elysees! A new and wonderful taste combination for me was the popular ‘moules avec frites’ (mussels with fries).
But the real WOW moment was an elegant lunch served on a side excursion near Nice. We made our way up the Grand Corniche road, enjoying the view as we moved further up the mountain. At last we arrived at la Bergerie d’Eze – a rustic French restaurant where we were welcomed by the owner with a glass of Kir (a popular French cocktail made of crème de cassis and white wine). We enjoyed our aperitif from the terrace and the view was spectacular, looking down into the valley with the sparkling blue sea shining in the distance.
As we moved to the dining room, the service began in typical French fashion. Nothing is ever hurried. Bottles of wine were strategically placed on the tables, waiting to be poured into our glasses. Then the aroma of garlic filled the air as plates of escargots (snails) were served. The taste was as wonderful as the aroma that preceded it.
While I could have ended my lunch right then, of course I didn’t! The main course followed with a choice of duck or Beef Bourguignon. And dessert was a rich creamy vanilla ice cream paired with fresh strawberries. A wonderful final end to this meal or so we thought! Soon enough, waiters appeared with a glass of grappa, a sweet wine to finish the meal. WOW what a wonderful meal in the perfect setting. One I definitely won’t forget!
We then waddled back to the bus, everyone with a content smile on their face. The bus slowly began the descent down the mountain and eyes began to close. I believe I may have been among the first to doze off, as I relaxed and replayed the wonderful tastes of everything that had been served. I was certain we must have been close to heaven.
Sandra Machaj from West Chicago, USA
