Tourists visiting France will always be drawn to the star attractions like Mont St-Michel in Normandy and Palais des Papes in Avignon, not to mention the numerous must-see places in the capital Paris. But there is so much more to see in the world's most visited country than those sites often included in the tourist guides. The simple fact is that many attractions in France are hidden away or simply not well known enough to pull in the crowds, but that does not mean they are not worth a visit.
The Citadel
Neuf-Brisach, Alsace: No foray into France is complete without a stroll around a citadel. There are quite a few of them in France, but Neuf-Brisach on the French-German border is the one to target, it’s the country’s least-known World Heritage Site. Louis XIV commissioned the fortified town to be built in 1697 to bolster French defenses. Its red sandstone walls were constructed in the shape of an eight-pointed star and the sleepy Alsatian town sits inside.
The Roman Site
Alésia MuséoParc, Alise-Sainte-Reine: This remarkable historical site in Burgundy only opened last year and remains undiscovered by the non-French tourist set. While walking around the rebuilt fortifications in the reconstructed Roman camp of Alésia, you will be amazed as you recall that this was the very spot where Julius Caesar ended the conflict with chief of the Gauls, Vercingétorix, once and for all in 52 BC. You will also be entertained by the actors dressed up as Roman legions and battle demonstrations.
The Chateau
Le Brame du Cerf, Domaine de Chambord: The rutting season at Château de Chambord in the fall is a fabulous way of rediscovering the most famous Renaissance chateau in the Loire Valley. There is nothing more magical than creeping into the dewy forest at dawn or dusk to watch serenading stags, boars and red deer from hidden watch towers. The domain (estate) is Europe’s largest hunting reserve.
The Abbey
Abbaye de Valmagne, Languedoc: This awe-inspiring abbey in southern France fuels two great French passions: wine and architecture. Built in the 12th century, it was inhabited first by Benedictine monks who cultivated vines on the estate.
With the French Revolution, the abbey church was deconsecrated and sold to Monsieur Granier-Joyeuse, a wine grower who turned the soaring Gothic stone church into a magnificent wine cellar.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you get the very best in business or leisure travel and at the very best value. Let us help you enjoy learning about history around the world. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
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There are so many recipes out there for classic beef Burgundy, or boeuf Bourguignon. Here is the traditional version that you are likely to have encountered at some point in your life. Universally enjoyed, this slow-cooked beef stew is the ultimate comfort food.
Note: This recipe uses one allspice berry, because it infuses a distinctive flavor that many palates find overwhelming.
If you are a fan of allspice, increase the number of berries up to a total of four, according to personal taste.
Preparation: 8.5 hours (includes 8 hours marinate time)
Cooking: 3.5 hours
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
3 cups dry red wine
2 cups strong beef stock
1/4 cup Cognac (or good quality brandy)
1 large yellow onion, chopped into large pieces
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch-long pieces
3 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
10 black peppercorns
3 whole cloves
1 allspice berries
1 dried bay leaf
3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch chunks
1/2 pound bacon, cut into thick slices, and then coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon softened butter
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound peeled pearl onions
1 pound white mushrooms, wiped clean and bottoms trimmed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Directions
In a large container, gently toss together the red wine, beef stock, Cognac, onion, carrots, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, peppercorns, cloves, allspice, bay leaf, and beef. Refrigerate and allow the mixture to marinate overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Preheat an oven to 300 Fahrenheit Remove the beef from the marinade and drain it on a clean kitchen towel. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a bowl and reserve the marinade liquid.
In a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Fry the bacon in the butter until it is crisp. Keeping the fat in the Dutch oven, transfer the cooked bacon to a plate. Add the drained beef to the bacon fat and cook over high heat, turning often, until the beef is browned. Transfer the beef to a plate. Add the marinade vegetables to the fat and saute them over medium-high heat, stirring often, for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and allow it to cook for about 30 seconds. Gradually add the all of the reserved marinade liquid, stirring constantly to form a smooth sauce.
Drain the fat and return the beef and bacon to the Dutch oven, and stir a few times to combine the ingredients. Cover with a lid and cook in the preheated oven for 3 hours, until the beef is very tender.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a clean bowl. Strain and skim the fat from the sauce and pour it back into the Dutch oven, along with the beef.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute the pearl onions for about 10 minutes, until they turn tender.
Continue cooking them until most of the cooking liquid evaporates. Add the mushrooms, salt, and pepper to the pan and saute them, along with the onions for 5 minutes.
Knead together the reserved tablespoon of softened butter and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour to make a (Beurre manie) dough. Stir the dough into the simmering onion and mushroom mixture and cook it for 1 minute, until it thickens slightly. Add the thickened vegetable garnish to the Dutch oven and bring the stew to a simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve hot.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you get the very best in business or leisure travel and at the very best value. Let us help you eat your way around the world. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
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6008 West Bell Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
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France, known for its art, architecture, Romance and cuisine, but also for a long standing notable history. No one can say they haven't heard of Napoleon Bonaparte, Joan of Arc, or perhaps Marie-Antoinette. But France isn't just about its historical people, there are majestic and ancient fortresses just begging to be explored.
Cite de Carcassonne (Languedoc)
With more than 4 million visitors each year, Carcassonne is among the most prestigious tourist destinations in France, on a par with Mont-Saint-Michel and Paris’ Notre-Dame. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Carcassonne is a dramatic representation of medieval architecture perched on a rocky spur that towers above the River Aude, southeast of the new town.
Peyrepertuse (Languedoc)
Peyrepertuse is one of the famous Cathar castles, located in the Corbieres region of the Aude departement. Perched on a crest at 2,400 feet high, its strategic position made it an important and coveted fortress along the former French/Spanish border.
Bonaguil (Perigord)
Located on a rocky spur between the valleys of the Theze and Lemance Rivers to the far south of the Dordogne department, the military fortress of Bonaguil was the last of the fortified castles built in France. Bonaguil was entirely refurbished between 1480 and 1510 to incorporate the latest defensive systems of the late Middle-Ages. For this reason, it was never attacked and was only ever used as a residence by its owners.
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (Perigord)
The most visited castle in the South of France dominates the picturesque village of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle on the left bank of the Dordogne River. During the Middle-Ages, this mighty English fortress commanded the strategic position at the confluence of the Dordogne and Céou Rivers, opposite the rival French castle of Beynac.
Pierrefonds (Picardy)
The imposing castle of Pierrefonds, located 80 km to the north-east of Paris, sits enchantingly around a bend in the road beside the Compiegne Forest. Built in the 12th century, the castle was destroyed in the 17th century then completely restored by the architect Viollet-le-Duc under the direction of Napoleon III. This unusual reconstruction, often criticized, resulted in a grandiose architectural ensemble, making Pierrefonds a medieval as well as a modern 19th century castle. For this, Pierrefonds is known as “the romantic folly of the Emperor”.
Guedelon (Burgundy)
In the heart of Burgundy, Guedelon is not a historic castle as such for it is more like an open history book. When construction started in 1997, the long-term goal was to build a fortified castle by using techniques and materials from the Middle Ages. The project has proved a success, as it has created 55 jobs and welcomed more than 300,000 visitors each year. Guedelon should be completed in 2022 and will then look like a 13th century medieval castle.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you get the very best in business or vacation travel and at the very best value. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours, Inc.
6008 West Bell Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Need to travel on business or leisure, Rawhide Travel and Tours will make it happen. We will arrange your flights, rail, hotel, car rentals and cruises. Let us assist you in planning your upcoming business trip. We're also available to help you plan that exciting vacation.
Want a small hotel or a luxury resort? Let Rawhide Travel and Tours customize the perfect spot just for you! We have many choices. Let Us Help You Get Lost.
Call us at (602) 843-5100. Check out our website: rawhidetravel.com or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Cruises can totally change your perspective on vacationing for years to come. Your standard for dining, sense of adventure and passion for turquoise blue waters and white sandy beaches will grow exponentially with each port of call you visit. If you’ve been on enough cruises to know the basics, this post isn't for you.
However if you've never experienced a cruise, these, 10 things to know before your first cruise, should go a long way in helping you prepare for your first time at sea!
1. What do I wear?
By and far, this is probably the most common question that is asked about a cruise. First, check your itinerary to see how many formal nights you’ll have. Men can wear a suit or tux – but they can also get away with slacks and a button down shirt and tie. Women can wear a nice dress (think “Sunday Best”) or go ALL OUT in a gown fit for prom, it’s up to you! Dinner in the formal dining room is business casual with the exception of formal night. Pretty much anything goes except for shorts, sandals and tank tops. Otherwise dress for the season and activities you'll be experiencing.
2. What happens if there is an emergency (medical, family accident, etc.)?
What steps do you take to get home quickly? Most cruise lines will allow you to get off the ship at a port of call to catch a flight in case of emergency but you MUST have your passport and photo ID – you can’t do this if you only have a birth certificate. Carnival Cruise Lines offers a Great Vacation Guarantee, where you can receive a full refund (plus 10 percent and all travel expenses), if you decide you want to leave the cruise. Just keep in mind – you must notify Guest Services within the first 24 hours of the cruise and you can only get off the ship at a port of call, never at sea.
Talk with our travel experts about insurance policies that will cover all your travel worries.
3. Is a cruise a good idea with toddlers?
Carnival Cruise Lines offers free camp and babysitting services for children 2 and up, including for kids who aren’t potty trained (staffers will change diapers as long as they’re provided by parents).
4. How much can I take part in with my toddlers?
If your toddler is enrolled in camp during a cruise, there are some times where parents are welcome to join them. This is usually referred to as “Family play.”
5. What cruises are better with kids?
Experience the new Seuss at Sea and Camp Ocean programs on the Carnival Freedom and you will be blown away by how much fun they are – for the kids and the parents! When searching for a cruise with children, check to make sure they have children’s programs that your children will enjoy. there are even teen camps.
Not to be out done by any other cruise line you should consider the Disney brand cruise line for special character interactions, events and themes.
6. How do you prevent getting motion sickness?
This is probably one of the most common questions when it comes to cruising. Buy Sea Bands, the little elastics that you wear on your wrists. They press against your pressure points and help keep sea sickness at bay. You can also bring along Bonine or Dramamine, and when taken before you get on the ship, they help prevent motion sickness. You can also take them if motion sickness strikes. Make sure to buy the non-drowsy formula, or you’ll wind up sleeping through your vacation!
7. How do I pick a room for the person who easily gets motion sickness?
If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a cabin in the middle to lower decks, mid-ship. The higher up you go, the better your view, so keep that in mind!
8. When is the best time to sign up for your shore excursion, before the cruise or once you get on the ship?
We highly recommend that you book your shore excursion before you set sail. The popular excursions sell out quickly!
9. I want to know how to find out what’s included in the price and what’s extra?
This varies depending on the cruise line. Most cruise lines offer your stateroom, all meals in the casual dining spaces and dining rooms, musical shows, club entrances, karaoke and pool area for the price of your cruise. Many cruise lines offer upgraded dining options in specialty restaurants, spa services and some fun extras like martini classes or dance lessons. Getting off the ship at port of call is always free of course, but if you’d like to take an organized shore excursion, there is always an additional fee.
10. How do cruises handle food allergies?
Most cruise lines can work with a range of food allergies, but only in the formal dining rooms. I highly recommend that you speak with a vacation planner at the cruise line of your choice about this topic, as each cruise line handles food allergies differently.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you get the very best in cruise experience and at the very best value. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours, Inc.
6008 West Bell Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Paris, The city of light. it is home to so many wonders, including the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame cathedral, and the Louvre. It shouldn't come as a shock to find out that there are Weird & Wonderful places in Paris that seem to go undiscovered. If you are one of those people who likes to visit a city and come back with tales of the weirdest and most wonderful things you’ve discovered from your travels, Then the following museums are well worth a look.
From strange sewer mechanics, to deformed growths, rodent-themed décor and much more, there really is something for every kind of interest.
Musée Dupuytren
The Musée Dupuytren is one of the most spine tingling yet fascinating museums of its kind. Within this weird and wonderful world of the embalmed and preserved, you can walk through aisles and rooms lined with bottles and jars containing some of the most disturbingly malformed creatures from animals to humans. The museum dates back to 1835 when it was set up by a surgeon who wanted to show off his science and the specimens he had collected. Today, some of the collections date right back to the 17th century and the museum also holds an impressive library, wax models and photography on display.
Musée des Égouts de Paris
A visit to the Paris Sewer Museum should not be missed when you’re in Paris. Take a break from tourist traps and go underground to explore this subterranean network of sewers. One of the most fascinating things about these ancient sewers is not only the fact that you’ll discover a system of tunnels and gothic arches that span over 1300 miles across Paris, but you’ll discover The Ball which was used to clean the sewers. Imagine a large cannon ball which pushed waters though the tunnels as a cleaning and purifying mechanism… that was the height of sophistication. It is not worth thinking about with today’s standards of hygiene!
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
You can’t escape the wonderful art on show in Paris, and nor should you. We invite you to look a little closer at some of the more bizarre but beautiful. One of the best museums and galleries to discover something out-of-the-ordinary is at Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, the Museum of Hunting and Nature. Open your eyes and your mind to the creations
behind these doors. Have you ever seen a gorilla in shoes before? Or a rooster with horns? No, and you probably won’t again. This museum is crazy and chaotic and it makes you question whether the exhibits are a whimsical creation, or whether there is some truth or history to them after all…
Museum Carnavalet
Across the river, opposite the Notre Dame lies the Museum Carnavalet. It’s one of Paris’ most important museums, telling the story of the city from its founding. Set over two stunning 16th century mansions, this museum is decorated with the four seasons; has a verdant courtyard and a wealth of collections, from paintings, to sculptures on show. But what’s arguably most interesting are the smaller, more obscure collections, such as Napoleons toiletries, the personal effects of Marie Antoinette and a lock of hair from Robespierre. Should these collectables interest you, there is much more on show.
It would be a crime to have a limited view of what Paris has to offer. As a city so rich in culture and heritage, there is so much to be discovered from its past. Whether it be through scientific experiments, bizarre animal fancies, curious collectables or inexplicable art; don’t miss out on the weird and wonderful in Paris!
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you get there and if you want to stay in comfort at the very best price we can help. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
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Rawhide Travel and Tours, Inc.
6008 West Bell Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
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One of the highlights of travel is experiencing the cuisine of other cultures. Paris is well known for a variety of tasty delicacies, there is even a list of the top 10 items a visitor should try while exploring the city. One of these highly suggested foods to try in Paris is the mouth-watering Caramels.
This recipe might not be exactly the same as buying caramels on the streets of Paris, but it will be a fun kitchen experiment that you can share with the loved ones in your life.
Ingredients
1 ¼ cups caster sugar
1/3 cup single cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
5 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon salt
For Decoration:
Melted dark chocolate, optional
Directions
Prepare the pan
First, brush oil the inside of the square baking pan (7 by 7 inches). Using canola oil is just fine. *Don’t use extra olive oil, if you don’t want olive oil-flavored caramel. Also brush the parchment paper on the bottom. You can also use a silicon pad.
Make sugar syrup
Then, pour the sugar into a sauce pan. Over medium heat let it totally dissolve without water. Don’t forget to stir occasionally. A pan with a thick bottom is perfect for caramel recipes.
At 356° Fahrenheit, add cream
When the sugar is completely melt and amber brown, place a cooking thermometer into the pan. The temperature could rise quickly. As soon as it reaches 356 Fahrenheit, quickly add in cream and continue stirring.
Simmer
Always on the heat, simmer until 284 Fahrenheit and immediately remove from the heat.
Add in butter & salt
Add in the butter and stir vigorously until combined. Then add in vanilla extract and salt. And stir until silky and homogeneous.
Fill the tin
Pour into the tin and sprinkle with salt.
Cool
Let it for 2 hours, or until completely cooled.
Serve
The tin should be removed easily. Again oil your knife and your fingers. And cut the caramel into pieces.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you get there and if you want to stay in comfort at the very best price we can help. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours, Inc.
6008 West Bell Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
