Bonjour
Trevas takes a well-needed vacation
Louis Jadot winery
This June, Sonoma Ranch neighbor Trevas Younger took a 12-day trip to France. She went with a small group of friends from New Mexico.
Where did you go?
Bonjour France! We went to Paris, Lyon, and then Beaune, followed by a wine-themed Rhone River Cruise that took us to the Burgundy region; quintessentially French towns like Vienne, to Avignon, to Arles, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, ….. and all places in between.
Is there a special reason why you chose this destination?
The choice was easy: I am a foodie, home wine-maker and enthusiast, with French DNA in my blood. A vacation was long overdue but as a small business owner of three assisted living centers, the COVID-19 pandemic demanded my constant focus and attention. My business, Heritage House Assisted Living & Adult Day Care, not only survived the pandemic but now thrives. With a strong management team in place and staffing shortages addressed, I was finally able to get away and France was the perfect destination. A river cruise seemed easy and uncomplicated.
Did you try any special cuisine?
The word “cuisine” has its etymology in French - and for good reason. The French style of cooking is legendary and we tried it all: from French pastries and breads to abundant and varied cheeses; from escargot to macarons; it was all quite savory. And don’t forget to pair it all with the perfect French wines!
What activities did you participate in while in France?
We toured many vineyards in the heart of the wine-making region in France, each tour culminating in a wine tasting. We toured small boutique wineries and vineyards to multi-million dollar operations like Louis Jadot (which was educational and my favorite.)
We visited a chocolate factory where we smashed cocoa beans the size of oval softballs, discovered the art of sourdough bread and cheeses, and we visited many local farmer’s markets and toured ancient Roman ruins and aqueducts.
Before embarking on our river cruise we stayed in a 12th-century Abbaye, which had been converted to a boutique hotel in the medieval walled town of Beaune with a 74-step spiral staircase that we climbed at least three times a day.
What was the local culture like?
The culture was all about wine, hillside vineyards and the perfect terroir, and all else French! Inspired by all five senses.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
We enjoyed a deluxe, 5-course French meal deep underground in a medieval wine cellar that was home to 3,000,000 dusty bottles of fine French wine. You read that right, three million bottles. In Vino Veritas!
What was your favorite part about the vacation?
Downtime on the Rhone River, cruising in style, learning about French wines, hiking the ancient Roman ruins, sightseeing and artisan shopping was memorable. Our small vessel was the Van Gogh with no more than 70 passengers and crew that docked all day until evening.
Were there any disappointing parts of the trip?
Air travel delays, gate changes in the nick of time and returning home without our luggage was no fun but the lost luggage was eventually found a day later.
Would you go back?
Yes, again and again…. Same sentiments for Italy. I only need travel companions! Let’s go Stroll Las Cruces!
Do you have any recommendations for someone going to this area?
Go with someone fun-loving, who loves you. Of course, go online or read everything you can find about attractions, people, terroir, food, wine and culture before departure. Have a latte or two because while on vacation there is no such thing as tired.