Finding Paradise in Provence

I absolutely adore France and have always thought the French lifestyle is hard to beat. When I think of France I immediately reminisce about my many happy family holidays in the Ile de Re - which my pug Bogart has told you all about. I've heard countless times how fabulous Provence is, but never had the chance to visit - until now.

I only had three precious days in Provence, which flew by far too fast. Staying in a beautiful village a few miles north of Avignon, I am already dreaming of my next visit. Here is my must-try list of things to do, see, and eat whilst enjoying an idyllic getaway in Provence.

Relax in style

I was fortunate enough to stay at the gorgeous Crillon le Brave, which I cannot recommend more highly. I am a bit biased, as I look after the PR for the hotel, but this is the place to do as much or as little as you like, whilst staying in a plush haven of unspoilt luxury.

Picture spacious gorgeously furnished rooms with delicate French touches. Plop on the plush sofa in the communal bar area, and you are suddenly transported into the pages of World of Interiors Magazine.

There is a charming church next door to the hotel in case you want to get hitched and have an intimate French wedding.

Feast your eyes on Crillon le Brave's miniature version of the gardens of Versailles...

... after all, the scenic views from this hotel are beyond stunning.

Did I mention there is a gorgeous aqua blue swimming pool in the midst of all this?

I saw this glorious piscine (French for pool, get with it!) and immediately knew where I would be spending as much time as possible soaking up needed rays.

Crillon le Brave will take very good care of you, and will not disappoint. I'm already mentally planning a future visit - mom, do you want to come with me now or what? 

Fantastic food

France is for lovers, fashionistas, and foodies. Who knows how on earth French women eat delicious French food all the time and stay so slim - it is a mystery a lot of us would like to know! I ate A LOT during my time in Provence, but the most memorable dishes that I tried in Crillon le Brave's fantastic two restaurants were:

Semi-cooked fois gras with strawberries, preserved rhubarb, and home-made brioche. I would definitely not get bored eating this every day.

A citron flavoured ice lemon mousse, which was lighter than Alexa Chung, but packed with zingy flavour; accompanied by citrus fruit jelly and ginger apricots, arranged like an exquisite edible piece of art. 

This was possibly the best tuna tartare I have ever had - super fresh tuna with mango, hints of ginger, topped with a balsamic glaze. I am desperate to attempt to re-create this pure heaven on a plate, but know my version will not be nearly so good! 

A tender plump rump steak in a French red wine sauce with fresh local veggies. Hearty, delicious, and oh so satisfying.

I think one of the reasons why I love French food so much is because the French have absolutely perfected the basics. A cup of strong espresso paired with a fresh bite-size brioche is simple, yet the ideal afternoon pick-me-up.

Don't even get me started on my love for French baguettes. It actually makes me cringe imagining visiting France on the Atkins diet, knowing you wouldn't be able to sink your teeth into the fresh, dough-filled, savoury goodness. In my opinion, French bread is the best bread on the planet. (Can you tell I like French baguettes or what?!).

Cheese o'clock

I'm sure it doesn't come as too big of a surprise to hear that the cheese in France is pretty hard to beat. Forget about the calories and indulge yourself with a proper Provençal cheese tasting. Treat your taste buds to the local varieties of sheep, cow, and goat cheese - the more the merrier I say!

Only the French would be able to wrap a cheese in leaves and make it look tres chic. I'm going to try adorning a cheese plate with shrubbery and flowers at my next dinner party in hopes of it looking like this.

Take your cheese tasting to the next level with local truffle honey. Just a dab of truffle honey on top of your cheese will delight the senses. It's amazing how easy it is to work your way through a jar of this goodness - must be why it's a delicacy! 

Truffle hunting

Contrary to what most Italians say, white and black truffles can be found in France, and there is a prominent truffle area in Provence. Upon hearing this, I knew that I had to find some - even though I wouldn't really know what a truffle looked like if I was hit in the face by one! So I followed a truffle hunter and his dog into the woods to sniff out this tasty fungi. 

I know she looks like the distant cousin of your childhood favourite, Lassie, but this collie dog is a trained truffle hunter. From a very young age, this dog has been fed and trained with truffles, so she is well acquainted with the scent. It was amazing how fast the process took. I was envisioning myself getting dehydrated in the sunny woods of Provence following a dog on a truffle hunting goose chase. Contrary to my imagination, within minutes the collie started to paw at the dirt and prod her nose into the ground on a specific spot.

At first I couldn't tell exactly what the dog was looking at and started to question her eye sight. 

To me, this looked like just another rock in the ground covered with dirt. You too?

But once you turn it over, voilà, you have yourself a pretty hunk of truffle. Here is what it looks like up close and personal:

You can use your truffle in the kitchen to project some pizzaz into a risotto, pasta, or even a pizza! Apparently truffles are an aphrodisiac, so why not have that special someone over for a memorable supper doused in truffle oil?

Wine tasting

Wine has been made in Provence ever since the ancient Greeks founded the city of Marseilles over 2,600 years ago in 600 BC, so you can imagine there are some pretty serious vineyards in the area worth exploring.

The Provençal speciality is a gorgeous light pink coloured rosé wine. It's a bit too easy to drink glass after glass of this refreshing wine on a hot summer's day. Rosé is my go-to wine of the summer, so I felt right at home in Provence, where everyone has wine with lunch and dinner - naturally!

Full-bodied red wines from Provence are also highly regarded, so a wine tasting is necessary to ensure you taste the best of what the region has to offer. 

As you can see, my friends and I were rather good at that!

If wine isn't your thing (if that is even possible), then try the local specialty drink, Pastis, which is an anise-flavoured French liqueur and apéritif. This drink tastes like black liquorice, so I was immediately not a fan. The locals assured me I was seriously missing out though, so if you like liquorice, then drink up! Remember to dilute the mixture first or you will be flat on your face before you can say cheers.

Take a bit of exercise - Provence style

In case you ever do drag yourself away from the beautiful Crillon le Brave swimming pool, there are many lovely walks and cycle rides in the area boasting picture-perfect views. 

The hills are alive, with the sound of Provence... la la la laaa

I was focusing so hard on not falling off my bike down the steep hills that I failed to take a picture of myself cycling to prove I really did whiz around Provence on two wheels. Many serious cyclists come to this area to cycle up Mont Ventoux, which is apparently amazing.

Having grown up in California, I was immediately drawn to this French version of the California Poppy. The flowers were in full bloom during my visit, so I highly recommend seeing as much of the wildlife as possible over a long walk or brisk run, to help work off all that cheese!

Of course, you could be frightfully French and play a game of Boules, where the object is to throw a heavy metal ball and have it land as close as possible to a smaller target ball. I find this game a bit monotonous, so I would recommend playing Boules like the locals do, with a cigar in mouth or stiff drink in hand.

Bonne vacances en Provence!

Xoxo, 

BLONDON

Oxford: The City Of Dreaming Spires & More

Oxford is just an hour's train ride away from London, which makes it an ideal place for a weekend getaway. The city is filled with gorgeous cobblestone streets, historic buildings with fantastic architectural designs, and is home to Oxford University, the oldest English speaking university in the world. I spent a brief 48 hours in Oxford, but managed to see the sights, party like a university student, and return to London feeling like I had just been away on a mini holiday. Here is what I would recommend trying in this fabulous city:

EXPERIENCE:

Oxford University Eights Week is an annual four-day long regatta, which takes place in May. I just happened to be in town, so I had to see what all the fuss was about. I had no idea how cool this rowing event would be!

The races start off with the lower (slower) divisions, some of whom dress up in amusing costumes and might even row with a beer in hand. I don't know very much about rowing, but it seemed like the lower divisions were having a good time and weren't taking it too seriously. 

Throughout the day the divisions continued to get stronger and stronger, and by mid-afternoon we were watching what could be future Olympians row down the Isis. 

The goal of Eights Week? To become 'Head of the River' (in the 1st division) and to 'win blades,' which results in the winning rowing blades being put on display in the college's boat house, listing the names of the successful crew and all the colleges that have been bumped.   

The riverbank scene is terrific for spectators, even if you don't know a thing about rowing (like yours truly). All the Oxford college boat houses are lined up next to one another with upper and lower decks for the crowds to cheer from. By the afternoon, the riverbank is completely packed and filled with testosterone. 

Make sure you don't drink too many Pimm's and get smacked by the long rowing boats, which are constantly weaving their way through the crowds. Many congratulations to Pembroke, who rowed over and ended the week as Head of the River!

EAT & DRINK:

There are a lot of students in Oxford, and it seems like they are doing a good job of keeping the pubs and bars busy even though these are exam weeks! I always gravitate towards al-fresco dining, which is perhaps one of the reasons why I took a particular shine to The Head of The River pub, which has tables where you can drink and dine on the waterside. 

It's hard to beat Pimm's, the classic British summertime drink, by the water. This tasty beverage is packed with strawberries, oranges, apples, mint and cucumbers. If you ask me, Pimm's is the best way to get your alcohol induced 5-a-day.

This was the first time I tried blackberry and elderflower Pimm's, which is a new favourite. 

Walk down Holywell Street and you might just stumble upon the secluded Turf Tavern pub, which is a bustling 13th century ale house. 

The Turf Tavern is a local favourite for drinks and classic British pub food. Think Sunday roasts, fish and chips, Ploughman's sandwiches, and hearty sausage and mash. Not the best place for a diet, but stick around long enough and you might just see a student go streaking, really!

Turl Street Kitchen was also highly recommended by several friends, but you might have to be a miracle worker to get a table there - I guess we weren't the only ones who were told to go!

EXPLORE:

A quick peek through Exeter College's front door proved that some of the most special places in Oxford are behind somewhat closed university doors. Founded in 1314, Exeter College is in the run up to it's 700th anniversary, which is quite the milestone! If you have the chance then check out some of the university buildings at Oxford, they are truly spectacular. 

Is it just me or does this university library look like something out of House and Garden magazine? This is far from the prison like college library I spent so many hours in!

Scenic views of Merton College

Make sure you go on a leisurely stroll or a picnic at the vast University Park, next to Lady Margaret Hall. If you're a garden lover, then the Botanical Gardens in Oxford are a must-see.

TRY:

An hour of punting is well worth the £20, especially if the sun is shining. The waters of Oxford were tranquil when we decided that going punting was essential. Last time I went punting with my cousin Clarissa I fell out of the punt and into the water, so I was pretty relieved that I managed to stay dry this time!

Avoid the muddy areas if you can, as your pole might get stuck in the mud. If it does, then make sure you drop it - that's what the paddle is for!

Cruising around the scenic areas of Oxford on a boat was just idyllic and rather picture-perfect. 

Make way for ducklings! 

SHOP: 

My good friends know that I go gaga for great stationery, which is why I fell for Pod on High Street immediately. I'm fairly confident that you could find a gift for every member of your family  here - even your spoilt pug!

Blackwell's bookshop has been selling books since 1879. It is a massive shop of historic beauty. I'm all for saving the bookshops and had great fun stocking up on my summer reading here. 

My final verdict? Whether you are here for culture, to study, or to party, Oxford is bound to show you a brilliant time!

YOLO!