1 week family trip to Paris and another region of France now priced

When short for time, it is hard to fit in a meaningful exploration of Paris and a taste for another region of France while still meeting the wishes and needs of all family members. As I often travel with my own family through France, I am intimately familiar with the logistical challenges, and have first hand experience on what works and what does not, what costs money and how you can save some. My trip of the month suggestion has now been updated with two detailed trip outlines, all priced, for family travel  http://www.experienceauthentique.com/tripsuggestion.asp . Two combos to consider: Paris & La Rochelle/Ile de Ré,  and Paris & Loire Valley by bike.
Consider travelling when oversea flights are at their lowest point, and crowds are small; March break is a perfect time slot to enjoy quality family time in France.

The tale of Olentzero, a Christmas story from the Basque country

A long time ago, deep in the forests of the Basque mountains, a fairy found an abandoned baby boy. She gave him the name of Olentzero and the gifts of strength, bravery and love. She then left him on the doorsteps of a childless couple who was thrilled to be given the joy of raising a child. Olentzero grew up in their loving home surrounded by beautiful mountains. His foster parents eventually died as he had turned into a mature and hard working man. Feeling now lonely in the mountains, he remembered a house in town where orphans lived; he could relate to their loneliness. He decided to carve some wooden toys for them that he would bring on his next trip to town on market day. The children were so happy to play with Olentzero’s toys and story telling that Olentzero made it a regular habit to come and visit them. He gained tremendous popularity among all children in the town over the years as he often took the half day trip down the mountain carrying wooden toys to the less fortunate ones.

Once, as he was in town in the middle of a thunderstorm, a lightening hit a house that started to burn. Olentzero noticed two children totally frightened at the window. Without hesitation, he made his way to the house full of flames, extracted the children safely but got himself knocked down by a falling beam. He died on the spot, his body left in the flames. Soon after the fairy appeared and said that she would not let him die based on his exemplary life. She announced that he would forever be able to deliver toys to the children in needs throughout the Basque country.
Therefore every year towards the end of December, Olentzero dressed in black comes down from the mountains with a bag full of toys to offer to the least fortunate children throughout the Basque country. Today children sing songs in the streets to call Olentzero with messages of love and giving, strength and bravery.

Some people do not believe in his existence but let’s not forget an old Basque proverb : Anything, anyone with a name exists if we believe in its/his/her existence.

Interesting twist on Paris in NY Times article

A food-obsessed traveler uses the Zagat guide of the Napoleonic era ( 19th century!) to explore the culinary wonders of this city in the 21st century.

Evelyne Dufau starts Le BLOG d'Expérience Authentique

 http://www.frenchsouthwest.com/  goes through a major update once a year in the Fall  to launch the program for the following year. Some of you will have an appetite for more frequent snacks on French travel & culture. Throughout the year, Le BLOG d'Expérience Authentique, as a great complement to the web site, will showcase the Southwest of France, its culture and people; it will report on news and festivals relevant to future travels to that region,  as well as major events in Paris and other parts of France. You will find a forum where travellers share their experiences and French locals whose insight I value their passion. Subscribe to the blog  to stay in the loop whenever a new post is published. Alternatively send me an e-mail to get notified by e-mail of new posts. Upcoming posts with true French content will go live in December when I am spending time in France. Stay au courant through LE BLOG d'E.A.!