La Bastide de Gordes and Spa

La Bastide de Gordes and Spa

Unique location high within the fortifications of one of the most picturesque hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley in France; luxurious accommodations in the understated traditional Provencal style; warm and intimate ambiance; La Bastide de Gordes had it all. Perched on a rocky ledge at the very rim of a steep valley, the property was a minute’s walk away from the heart of the village, a fortress originally built a millennium ago. It was expanded over the next few hundred years before extensive reconstruction in the 16 th century added some Renaissance elements and gave it the appearance it has retained to this day.

Taillevent Restaurant, Paris, France

Taillevent Restaurant, Paris, France

Since our last visit to this well known Parisian restaurant in the posh eighth arrondissement the property had been revamped and the meal service improved. We appreciated the warm and cordial service and tasty meal during our recent lunch there and were pleased with the changes. In the same way, the classic dishes and attentive service worked well with the subtle modern décor and historic setting, they had just enough

The redecorated interior was contemporary, in shades of brown and gray, contrasting with the historic building.

Restaurant Guy Savoy

Restaurant Guy Savoy

From the outside this small restaurant on a quiet Paris street revealed little of the gourmet treasures and extraordinary service hidden inside. It was a brutally cold day when we last visited Guy Savoy’s main establishment. We arrived early and were waiting across the street for the restaurant to open when we observed other guests entering. We quickly followed them in to find welcoming staff just inside the doors at a reception desk. They whisked away our coats and guided us to a small dining area in the rear of the restaurant.