Ile-De-France Products: Parisians finding goods in their own backyard

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This blog post is shared to us by our partners, Context Travel

WEEKLY BASKETS OF LOCAL ILE-DE-FRANCE GOODS ARE AVAILABLE AT PARIS CO-OPS.

Paris is quickly turning towards the “locavore” movement, with more and more local producers in Ile-de-France providing market to table products grown in city’s surrounding region. The eco-trend is sweeping the City of Light, as dozens of local producers are joining co-ops, making it simple for Parisians to access goods grown in the Ile-de-France region. This movement has made its way not only into the French home, but also among the culinary scene; from coffee shops to high-end bistros, Parisians are finding there is quite an abundance of products grown (nearly) right in their own backyard.

Yannick Alleno, Michelin-starred chef and famed master of French cuisine, opened the impressive Terroir Parisien, another success to add to his international restaurant repertoire. Nestled between the academic buildings of the Latin Quarter, this bustling bistro yields classic French fare with ingredients sourced exclusively from Paris and its surrounding areas. The products, as well as the recipes, pay homage to the produce and traditional plates rooted in Alleno’s native region. Adding to the vintage bistro feel, the interior of the restaurant houses a large blackboard, listing the specialties and plats du jour.  As a testament to the local sourcing, Alleno lists not only the ingredients but also the town from where they were sourced. Passionate about feeding his city on a local level, Alleno has also played an active role in the locavore movement; he has encouraged the region’s farmers to reintroduce vegetables and greens into their crop rotations, as many have reduced their produce to simply grains and cereals. Alleno once said, “My cuisine is like my city, and my city is Paris.” If you want to get a taste of authentic local plates of yesteryear, make sure stop by Alleno’s terroir, now with a second location at Palais Brongniart.

A TRADITIONAL FRICASSÉE DE POULET AT THE TERROIR PARISIEN

This past year, newbie restaurant Holybelly has seen a great success on the burgeoning coffee scene in Paris. This cozy spot  is a great place to pop in for a cup of joe or the latest organic tea.  If you’re feeling peckish, be sure to order a bite from the completely local menu. Although both owners are French, they spent time in Australia and fell in love with the market to table movement that was sweeping the culinary scene Down Under. Eager to bring this locavore mentality back to their homeland, the barista-chef duo opening Holybelly as a testament to local, fresh ingredients sourced right outside of Paris. The menu changes each month, depending on whichever veggies or cheeses are in season–be sure to stop in for anything from kale and aged gouda salad to the French classic boudin noir!

We’re thrilled to see this local trend catching on in Paris! If you’re interested in the evolving food scene in the City of Light, be sure to check out one of our Context Food Walks, available on a group or private basis.

Le Terroir Parisien has two locations at 20 rue Saint Victor, 75005 Paris and Palais de la Bourse, 75002 Paris

Holybelly is located at 19 rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 Paris

Kids-friendly Louvre tour

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We are offering this amazing kids-friendly Louvre tour.

 This Louvre treasure hunt was designed for families with young children (between 6 and 12 years old) to visit the Louvre museum with a licensed guide in a more kid-friendly engaging way.

Most of the time, with a classic guided tour, young kids lose attention within the first 15 minutes and only their parents are truly enjoying the visit. With this treasure hunt, a true prize competition will split the family in 2 teams. At the beginning of the tour, the guide will explain the rules and hand over 1 questionnaire with around 40 different questions/enigmas to solve and paintings/sculptures to recognize or photograph. The treasure hunt visit will go through a broad range of collections (Greek and Roman, Renaissance Italian, French), asking specific and detailed questions about many of the Louvre's masterpieces.

KEY INFORMATION

•  Type of Tour: Private Treasure Hunt

   Duration: 2 hours

   Tour Highlights: A child-friendly treasure hunt around sculpture/painting in the Louvre Museum with a treasure hunt leaflet for each child and (a prize for the winner)

   Max. Size of your Party: 6 pax maximum (2 adults + up to 4 children maximum). Children between 6y and 12y old.

   Price: 290 EUR for a party of 1 to 6 pax + 12 EUR per adult for the entrance tickets

   Cancellation: Free cancellation if we receive your notice at least 1 week before the tour date, 100% cancellation fee otherwise
• 

Adventures by Disney: FROZEN

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Experience all the beauty and majesty our tour of Norway has to offer as you explore the quaint villages and stunning landscapes that served as the inspiration for the animated comedic-adventure, Disney's Frozen. You and your family will follow in the filmmaker's footsteps as you hike, raft and traverse the awe-inspiring terrain.

Discover Bergen

Begin your adventure with a visit to this storybook village, which serves as the inspiration for the kingdom of Arendelle, home to Anna and her sister Elsa in Disney's animated adventure, Frozen. Be sure to get a glimpse of life in the 14th-century with a visit to the Bryggen district and its historic wharf area for a look at the unique wooden architecture, craftsmen's workshops and local restaurants.

Journey Through Fjord Country

Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this dramatic Scandinavian region rich with diverse landscapes ranging from beautiful island coastlines to snow-capped mountains. You'll see Western Norway's best known fjords, including Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord—both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Along the way you'll meet local storytellers, fishermen and farmers who will share tales of life in this stunning part of the world.

River Rafting Experience

Feel the exhilaration while you and your family float along the pristine waters of one of Norway's breathtaking rivers as it carries you through the gorgeous Norwegian landscapes of natural beauty and wonder. Professional local guides will ensure a wonderful experience for Adventurers of all ages.

Learn Norwegian Folk Dancing

Take part in the rich history of one of the region's most beloved pastimes—folk dancing—where you'll feel like a local from Arendelle as you whirl around like Anna in Disney's Frozen.

Trout Fishing Amid Glaciers

Float on the glacial blue waters of Lake Loen for a net fishing experience to catch some of the native trout during this unique activity that will have you feeling like a true local.

Visit Stave Churches

Get a close-up look at these wooden masterpieces that remain an important part of Norway's heritage as well as its contribution to the history of world architecture. This unique style also served as the inspiration for much of architecture in the film Frozen.

CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla

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Built in the 80s, the CuisinArt Resort & Spa was one of the first luxury resorts on Anguilla and even today is one of few on the tiny Caribbean island. The hotel impresses upon entrance; pretty domed buildings -- reminiscent of those in the Grecian islands -- dot the lush, sprawling grounds, and high ceilings create an airy atmosphere that fits in well with Anguilla's laid-back island vibe. The decor also incorporates an island theme -- brightly-colored furniture and floral prints are prevalent -- but seems a bit dated to some. Nonetheless, the gourmet restaurants, island's only golf course, and a large, modern spa made this a quality luxury pick.

Considering its small size and difficult-to-reach location, Anguilla attracts mostly couples and families looking for a tranquil vacation. At CuisinArt, guests can participate in activities such as cooking classes, wine tastings, fitness classes, and golf. Though these are geared largely towards adults, families can certainly find plenty to do at the resort; there are on-site tennis courts, and non-motorized water sports are offered at the hotel's white-sand beach. The beach is certainly beautiful -- and has the white sand and turquoise waters visitors come to the Caribbean to see -- but it's not as wide or nice as the one at the nearby Viceroy Anguilla, a newer property with a sleeker, more modern vibe.

As a CuisinArt property, the hotel prides itself on its food -- and for good reason. On-site dining options include a Japanese restaurant, an Italian restaurant, a Mediterranean restaurant, a poolside cafe, a beach grill, and a lobby bar. Though many foods must be imported to the island, the menus here boast fresh seafood as well as ingredients from the hotel's hydroponic farm -- a rare find not only in the Caribbean but at hotels in general. The restaurant decor, like the decor throughout the hotel, feels more island-y than upscale, but contributes to the relaxed atmosphere. 

Ayada Maldives

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Ayada Maldives is a brand new luxury resort located amidst a pristine reef within the southern rim of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the southern Maldives, 268 miles south of the capital Male. The island based resort occupies approximately 15 hectares of undisturbed and indigenous vegetation and offers uninterrupted views of the breath taking Maldivian landscape. 

Ayada Maldives is committed to providing all visitors an authentically luxurious journey of the very finest on offer in the Southern Maldives.

Nestled within the lush vegetation of the island, guests can avail themselves to a variety of dining experiences found in the seven restaurants; each offering a unique culinary experience, an extensive 3500 sqm AySpa & Health Club by ESPA, a renowned dive and watersports center managed by Dive Kingdom, Kids Club and tailor made experiences that will showcase the destination highlights of the Southern Maldives.

Given Ayada Maldives unique location within the central region of the reef, the island is surrounded by long stretches of white sandy beaches and a crystal clear shallow lagoon; an ideal setting to simply relish the uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean or to discover an myriad of exceptional and abundant marine life. 

Proximity to the southern tail of the reef makes this a perfect destination for diving and surfing enthusiasts who are keen to explore a unique and undisturbed seascape.

An unforgettable and indulgent journey of luxurious pampering awaits you at Ayada Maldives. Savor the infinite viewsof the spectacular sunsets,delight in the magnificent coral reef, unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments, revel in the long stretches of pristine beach, partake in authentic Maldivian experiences or simply relax with the impeccable personalized service by your Butler.

Adventures by Disney - Ecuador: Amazon and Galapagos Islands Trip Highlights

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Get ready for an adventure to the middle of the earth—the equator! From the rain forests of the Amazon and the Yasuni National Park to the more arid Galapagos Islands, this region offers experiences in culture, animal encounters and with plant species accessible nowhere else in the world. With your natural historian at your side, you will see why many of the sites in Ecuador are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Snorkeling on Santa Cruz, Galapagos 
  

   
  Mountain bike past iguanas, Magnificent Frigatebirds and Blue-footed Boobies to the coast of this small island. Wade into the pristine waters and float weightlessly as you snorkel alongside sea lions, a variety of reef fish and the occasional marine iguana or sea turtle. 
• Explore Life in the Amazon 
  

   
  As you journey down the Napo by riverboat and motorized canoe, you'll make stops to visit a remote community, chat with the locals and learn to make jewelry and other handicrafts.
• Cooking Class in Quito
  
  Engage in preparing Andean specialties like ceviche with fresh ingredients while Junior Adventurers prepare dessert at Zazu, a favorite local restaurant.
• Visit to Limoncocha Biological Reserve 
  

   
  As one of the most biodiverse places in the world, Limoncocha has an abundance of natural beauty and wonder. This tropical paradise is home to night monkeys, howler monkeys, giant otters, over 350 species of bird and—the king of the Amazon—the black caiman.
• 
  The Historic Center of Quito 
  

   
  Stroll through the colonial core of one of the best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. Visit local markets, artist studios, a chocolatier and one of South America's most beautiful Spanish cathedrals, La Compañía de Jesús.
• Canoe into the Heart of the Rainforest 
  

   
  Venture forth by motorized canoe from the stately Anakonda riverboat to a lush world where you might see a 3-toed sloth or one of the Amazon's famed pink river dolphins.

Istanbul Immersion: the Asian Side

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This three-hour immersive orientation walk,  offered by our partners Context Travel, takes us across the Bosphorus Strait to the Asian side of the city in order to explore a face of Istanbul that most visitors miss. Unlike a traditional "Bosphorus Cruise," which zips past a couple of big monuments on a tourist boat, we make use of Istanbul's public ferry system to cross the water, immersing ourselves in everyday life, and visiting off-the-beaten-path parts of the city that go undiscovered by many travelers.

Designed as an orientation to the city, this approach enables us to step back and see Istanbul from a distance, explore some of the larger geographical and historical themes that have shaped the city, and enjoy the Bosphorus, one of Istanbul's many charms.
We begin our tour at the main pier in the historic center, where we’ll board one of the public ferries to the Asian side, learning along the way how to purchase tickets and use Istanbul’s fantastic boat system. Used by locals, the ferries are a great way to immerse oneself into the rhythm of Istanbul. As we cross through the busy sea traffic that plies the Strait, our docent will point out the major monuments, discuss the role of the waterway in modern commerce, and paint with broad strokes the overall story of the city. As we ride, we'll enjoy a small glass of strong tea, a sophisticated tradition on the ferries.

We'll spend the bulk of our time together exploring two former villages—now neighborhoods of Istanbul—on the Asian side: Uskudar and Kuzguncuk. Our tour will take us to a conservative part of town where there are a number of traditional mosques. Depending on chance, we may be able to ring the imam and slip into one of the least visited of these. Uskudar provides a good jumping off point for introducing visitors to one of the big themes of Istanbul: the tension between secular Turkey and growing religious conservatism. We'll gain valuable insight into these questions by passing by several local monuments and discovering the hidden nooks and crannies in this often-overlooked part of the city.

We’ll then head up the Bosphorus, following a walking path along the water that affords some of the best and most iconic views of Istanbul’s European side. Along the way, our docent will explain how the city developed and grew around this body of water, and the contemporary relationship between each side—European and Asian. Often, the conversation tends towards very “daily life” topics like traffic, commuting, rents, and how the city works (or doesn’t) for its 16 million inhabitants.
Our adventure will eventually deliver us to a small fishing village where Ottoman viziers and other notables built their villas. Today, officially a part of Istanbul, Kuzguncuk still retains its original character and provides yet another contrast in the amazing city. We’ll also explore different cosmopolitan traditions. For example, Kuzguncuk is an area where Jews, Greeks, and Armenians have lived together sharing the same daily habits for centuries. This multi-ethnic fabric has created a unique architecture and community, which we’ll explore in the back roads and alleyways of this atmospheric part of the city. Our walk will carry us past churches built next to synagogues and mosques, and cause us to reflect on the diversity of experience typical of Istanbul.
Our walk may end in Kuzcunguk, a nice place to enjoy lunch. Or, we may return to the ferry piers in Uskudar, depending on the desires of the group. Regardless, we'll emerge from our time together with a deeper sense of the historical and cultural context that frames Istanbul, and will be prepared to visit the rest of the city on our trip.