Category Archives: France

Gourmet France: Famous Cheeses from the Best French Cheese Regions

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Aside from French sweets, Gourmet France is known for its cheeses. So crazy are the French about their cheeses that there are around 400 distinct types of French cheeses grouped into 8 categories. Since it would take forever to go through every single type of cheese, here are the 10 tastiest cheeses from different French cheese regions that every aspiring French cheese connoisseur needs to know.

 

Cheese tasting

Cheese tasting on the Apres Tout barge in Burgundy France

Brie
Considered as one of the best-known cheeses in the world, brie is a type of soft cheese that becomes softer as it ages. Named after the historic region in Northern France where it’s mainly produced, brie has a rich milk and buttery flavor that makes it perfect to eat with bread and paired with either red or white wine.

Camembert
Named after its birthplace in Camembert, Normandy, Camembert is another type of soft creamy cheese that the French absolutely love. Made with raw cow’s milk, Camembert has an earthy flavor that is similar to brie, only a bit stronger.

Reblochon
This creamy cheese is made in the Haute Savoie Alps region and is one of the more popular grand mountain cheeses readily available in markets today. Made from raw cow’s milk, Reblochon has a strong aroma with a nutty aftertaste.

Edel de Cleron
Made in the village of Cleron in the Franche-Comte region, Edel de Cleron is a traditional cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. This soft cheese, known for its woody aftertaste, is best eaten ripe when it’s runny and gooey on the inside.

Delice
The Delice is a type of cheese that is made in Burgundy. Since cream is added in twice with the milk during the cheese-making process, this cheese is rich and exceptionally creamy that you’ll feel it melting in your mouth.

Morbier
Produced in the Eastern region of France, the Morbier is a type of semi-soft cheese that can be made from either raw or pasteurized cow’s milk. The Morbier has a tangy flavor with a hint of citrus and is also fairly elastic.

Pont-L’Eveque
Known as one of the oldest cheeses from Normandy, the Pont-L’Eveque is the only semi-soft cheese with a cross-hatched pale orange rind. Made from raw cow’s milk, it has a creamy smooth texture and a fairly strong pungent aroma.

Mimolette
Traditionally produced in the city of Lille, the Mimolette is a type of hard cheese with a bright orange color and comes in the shape of a cantaloupe. When properly aged, this cheese has a nutty flavor and makes a great addition to any cheese platter.

Comte
Also known as the Gruyere de Comte, the Comte is a delightful hard French cheese with a smoky yet fruity taste. Made from unpasteurized cow’s milk and produced in Eastern France, this versatile cheese is usually melted to make fondue, eaten as a sandwich, or grated over savory dishes.

Roquefort
Known as one of the most popular blue cheeses around, the Roquefort is made from sheep’s milk in the south of France. Similar to the Bleu d’Auvergne, the Roquefort is a rich, creamy, sharp cheese with a pungent aroma.

Taking a barge cruise through the canals of France will give you a chance to taste many different cheeses. The cheeses will be accompanied by complementary wines of the regions as well as great food. Barge cruises range in price from low $3,000’s to over $7.000 per person for 6 nights. Rate includes the cruise, all meals, most non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and excursions. All barges include bicycles for cycling the towpaths along the canals and exploring the nearby towns and villages. Check out our site to learn about the different barges we offer. For more information contact: jan@europeanbarging.com or 888-869-7907  Barge and River cruise specialist since 1998.

Sens, The Cathedral town

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This historical town of Sens, is located at the French Compte region of France on the Yonne River. Its name was derived from one of the Celtic tribes, the Senones.

Sens houses one of the biggest Gothic cathedrals and one of the first to be built in France, the Cathedral of St. Etienne. This cathedral was the basis of other gothic churches and cathedrals around France; it is a marvel on its own. It is where Louis IX of France married Marguerite of Provence. It is popular for the magnificent stained-glass windows made in the 13th to 19th century.

The local government installed a light show in its façade and it is enjoyed by the tourists and locals every night. You can see the show while you’re on a French barge cruise like the La Nouvelle Etoile that offers a wine cruise.

Beside the famed cathedral, is the Palais Synodal, or the Archbishop’s palace, which was turned into a museum for ancient ornaments and relics from the time it was still the house of the Archbishops of France. The Palace also has a collection of archaeological finds and art. If you’re shopping for souvenirs, the Grande Rue is a bustling go-to shopping scene here in Sens located at the center of the town.

You can also visit the marketplace across the Cathedral for fresh produce. If you’re feeling hungry, you can head on to Place de la République where stalls sell cheese and wine and other traditional French food.

 

There are also various parks for an afternoon of reading a book or just admiring the nature. One of the famous parks in this town is is Parc du Moulin à Tan, a vast expanse of greenery, with greenhouses and some farm animals.

Sens will give you a hint of the vibrant history of France with its scenic infrastructures, myriad of traditional French cuisine and overflowing wine.

The La Nouvelle Etoile, offers 6 night cruises in Holland during Tulip season, France along the canals in Alsace Lorraine, Chablis and Champagne regions and Germany in the fall along the Mosel River. This ultra deluxe barge has 4 suites, an elevator and a mini van that is equipped to carry a wheelchair. All meals, wines of the regions and excursions are included in the rates, which begin at $8450 per person.  For more information contact jan@europeanbarging.com  or 888-869-7907

Lyon: Home of Great Food and Architecture in France

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No tourist can say he has experienced the best of France without setting foot in the charming city of Lyon. Situated right in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it is located where two rivers – the Rhone and the Saone – smoothly meet.

Because of this unique location, the Lyon has become a staple stopover in many Rhone River Cruises, including the Arosa Stella, offering short 5 – 7 night cruises.

The city has been around for quite a while. It was occupied as early as 43 BC, when the Romans turned the land into a village for refugees of war. Today, it is the third largest and most populous city in France, but the influence of the early settlers is beautifully preserved in architecture and art.

Lyon is primarily known today for their exquisite cuisine. But before you indulge in their great food, there are numerous sights you must definitely see.

One of these sights is the Opera Nouvel. This historical landmark showcases the architectural creativity of both the old and modern French. The horseshoe-shaped structure standing today was first built in 1756 and improved in 1985. Despite the different architectural trends, the designers decided to preserve the old building and only make minor renovations. The renovated building turned out to have more efficient use of space inside and has been hailed as one of the most genius works of engineering and architecture in the world.

Other scenic places include the Fourvière Basilica, where you can feast your eyes on grand architectural designs on the outside. Inside is the Museum of Sacred Art, where beautifully crafted masterpieces by talented goldsmiths abound.

The Lyon Cathedral, Basilique Saint-Martin d’Ainay, and Iglesia de St-Nizier are a few other cathedrals that are equally as remarkable.

When going on a Rhone River Cruise, make the most out of your stop in Lyon. The city is best explored on foot or by bike. See the sights, learn the history, and – more importantly – eat the food. Only then can you say that you experienced the best of France.  Check out the Arosa Stella video.

The Arosa Stella offers 5, 6 and 7 night round trip Lyon – Rhone River Cruises, starting at $1079 for 2018 cruises. Rates include the cruise, beverage package, all meals and free Wi-Fi.

For more information contact europeanbarging at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com River cruise and barge cruise specialist since 1998.

Viviers: Enjoying Medieval France in the Modern Day

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Nestled on the right bank of the Rhone River in the South of France, Viviers is a lovely city that is known for its fascinating historical landmarks, stunning lavender fields, and friendly folk that will always greet you with a smile. Because of all these, it is well worth a visit.

It is not very difficult to reach this city. It is a stop in many European River Cruises, especially on a Rhone River Cruise offered by the Arosa Stella. When you catch glimpse of narrow cobblestone streets, a labyrinth of stone houses, and a few looming structures, you’ll know that you’ve arrived.

Sights to See in Viviers

Much like Lyon, old cathedrals that date back to the medieval period are plentiful in Viviers. In fact, they are one of the main reasons why many love to visit the place. These aged structures showcase the impressive architecture of the medieval French and, more importantly, continues to tell the story about their struggles and triumphs in the past from the dark ages to the Renaissance.

Some of the most remarkable cathedrals include the grand Saint-Vincent Cathedral, Saint-Michael Tower, Saint-Ostian Chapel, and the ruins of the Saint-Martin Tower. It is with no argument that these cathedrals are stunning from the outside, but they are just as beautiful inside. Enter and you will definitely admire the elaborately carved grottos and sophisticated interiors.

The House of Knights, Hotel de Lestrade mansion, and the Place de Chateauvieux are a few other estates you should not miss.

A guided tour – on foot – is best when in Viviers. It allows you to experience the city at its finest and learn about its unique history, which mainly involves wealthy bishops and their lavish lifestyles.

Now, imagine walking through narrow tree-lined streets while taking in scenic views and enjoying fresh lavender scented air from expansive fields that surround the old city. What a refreshing way to spend a day.

The Arosa Stella includes a stop at Viviers on their 5 night and 7 night cruises. For more information contact Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

Messina Hof Winery Hosts AmaWaterways Wine Cruise

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Uncork local traditions, savor intense flavors and enjoy palate-pleasing adventures during an AmaWaterways Wine Cruise. Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo of the Messina Hof Winery hosts the March 2019 wine cruise aboard AmaLyra. The cruise promotes a wide range of activities throughout the whole trip in order to appreciate wine heritage more through a series of tastings, discussions, and tours around each port.

The AmaWaterways Seine Wine Cruise sets sail on March 21st, 2019 and will last for 7 nights. The cruise is set for the following cities and sights: Paris, Les Andelys, Le Havre, Honfleur, Caudebec-en-Caux, Normandy Landing Beaches, Rouen, and Vernon. Each destination has been preprogrammed with activities for all the cruise attendees to enjoy. Itinerary are as follows:

March 21st Paris – Embarkation and welcome aboard wine toast.
March 22nd Les Andelys – Château Gaillard tour, or Les Andelys bike tour, or Château Gaillard hike, and Scenic cruising.
March 23rd Le Havre – choices of Full-day Honfleur excursion, or Half-day Honfleur excursion, or Routes des Abbayes tour, Afternoon Le Havre city tour, or Fécamp Monastery visit with Benedictine tasting, or Le Havre bike tour.
March 24th Caudebec-en-Caux – choose from a Full-day excursion to American or Canadian & British Normandy Landing Beaches, or Normandy countryside excursion.
March 25th Rouen – Morning walking tour, or Rouen bike tour, or Rouen hike, Jewish Heritage Rouen, or Tastes of Normandy tour.
March 26th Vernon – Scenic cruising, Château de Bizy tour with cider and Calvados tasting, or Bike tour.
March 27th Paris – Wine Museum and Onboard Champagne tasting.
March 28th Paris – Disembarkation

To get on the cruise, rates start from $2,249 per person. (This includes the $750 per person disount). This is good for 7 nights’ deluxe accommodation in river view stateroom. Upgrades in stateroom category assignments are allowed but should be prearranged before the cruise embarks. Europeanbarging is also offering a $50 per cabin on board credit.

The fare also covers for unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Passengers will enjoy fine dining at The Chef’s Table and Main Restaurant, and Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour. Passengers will also get to experience and mingle at a Captain’s Gala Dinner and Cocktail Reception. And for creature comforts, there is complimentary Wi-Fi access on board. When docked, they can get to choose from a variety of guided shore excursions as well as complimentary bicycles and helmets.

The AmaWaterways Cruise is not only a great way to appreciate wine more, it is also a great opportunity to meet and socialize with people that share the same passion and delight for wine and more.

For more information on the cruise and its activities, contact Jan Baumgartner of Europeanbarging.com at 888-869-7907, or send an email to jan@europeanbarging.com.

Jan Baumgartner is an expert when it comes to Wine Cruise, Seine River Cruise, AmaWaterways . To find out about River Cruises, AmaWaterways, visit their website at Europeanbarging.com.