Tag Archives: Travel and Tourism

Michelin’s Top Ten Flavours of France

Posted on by By Vivienne DuBourdieu
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Here’s an insight into the very best of French food from Michelin Food and Travel in conjunction with Roadtrips Inc.

Together, they bring a certain magic to travel.

1. Poulet De Bresse: Quite possibly the world’s best chicken; acclaimed by 19th-century foodie extraordinaire Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin as “the queen of chickens, the chicken of kings.”

2. Braised Rabbit Stew: A hearty Norman classic that’s at its best when simmered in sweet apple cider.

3. Petits Farcis Provençaux: Fresh veggies stuffed with herbs and minced meat, with a uniquely Provençal twist.

4. Bouillabaisse de Pecheur: Until you’ve tasted the Côte d’Azur’s signature dish in its home port—particularly Marseille—you haven’t tasted anything.

5. Freshwater Sander: Another French Riviera classic; best complimented by pulverized olives or a side of crayfish.

6. Petit Gâteau Moelleux au Chocolat: Impossibly moist, unbelievably chocolately fudge cake. Heaven on a plate.

7. Goose Liver Crème Brûlée: Probably best served in Provence, but worth a try pretty much anywhere.
8. Turbot with Candied Shallots: A specialty of Gilles Tornadre at Rouen’s two-starred Gill, it’s a clever twist on a regional standard.

9. Demi-Pigeon Désossé: At its best when coupled with mushrooms, parsnip and clover. Succulence incarnate.

10. “Tomorrow Night’s Dinner”: Honestly, with France’s embarrassment of culinary riches, the best meal you’ve ever had is almost invariably the one you just ate.

Michelin Food & Travel experiences are rooted in the philosophy that great food is a fundamental component of any memorable trip.

Their partners, Roadtrips.Inc, draw on a background of unique, custom-build trips they have delivered to travellers for over 20 years.

Individually planned travel experiences draw on an extensive worldwide network of tour operators who can deliver the kind of trip you want.

Amongst their specialties are tours for truffle lovers, specially designed for people who salivate at the very thought of this earthy-tasting delight – a short season that begins in November and ends in March.

For example, a six-day tour of southwest France includes truffle hunting with experts in Périgord Noir and shopping at Lalbenque‘s bustling truffle market.

The standard itinerary includes carefully chosen restaurants and hotels, although you can customise all elements to your own taste.

Explore Michelin Food and Travel options here.

Hot Hostels – Chapels, Schools & Jails

Posted on by By Vivienne DuBourdieu

Clink Hostel, Kings Cross, London: UK Independent Hostels

Right in the heart of London’s King’s Cross, the aptly named Clink Hostel is a restored, converted 200 year old courthouse with accommodation for up to 200 people.

With its stylish interior, modern facilities and high-tech pod beds, the Clink is far removed from the traditional perception of a youth hostel.

Chill out in the Courtroom Lounge where The Clash were on trial, enjoy nightly entertainment and happy hour in the bar, and sleep it off in a real prison cell – all from £10 per night including continental breakfast.

Chapels and Schools
Once a Methodist chapel, the hostel at Kirby Stephen, Yorkshire has kept the original stained glass windows, pews, pulpit and organ in communal living areas, and has bedrooms and dormitories in a building behind the chapel.

The hostel is right in the town’s main street, close to restaurants and food shops, while Wainwright’s coast to coast path and the W2W cycle trail pass by the town.

Greenhead Hotel near Brampton, Cumbria: UK Independent Hostels

Greenhead Hostel near Brampton, Cumbria, is also in a former Methodist chapel which was built in 1886 to serve the village miners. Situated on Hadrian’s Wall, it’s ideally placed for walkers on the Pennine Way. Prices at Kirby Stephen are from £18pppn and at Greenhead they start at £10 for under 18s and £15 for adults.

Several of the hostels were once village schools; these include Bridges Long Mynd, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire; the Old School Bunkhouse, Chapel-le-Dale, Lancashire and the Old School Hostel at Trefin, close to Pembrokeshire’s unspoilt coast path in South West Wales.

Prices start around £12pp at the Old School Hostel and £15pp at Bridges. The Old School Bunkhouse offers ‘group only’ accommodation for up to 30 people from £200 per night for sole use.

View hostels, get maps, find special offers, and enter competitions here.

Click here for Lighthouse and Railway Station hostels.