The Talking Suitcase

Cruise & Curated Travel Specialist

Europe Travel with Kids

Christmas Market in Nice, France – Holiday Cheer at the Village de Noël

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Village de Noël Nice, France

It’s that magical time of year.  Snow is falling, fires are blazing and Santa Clause is at the mall.   Okay, maybe not in the South of France, but Christmas is definitely in the air.    We have chilly mornings, hot chocolate, Christmas lights strung throughout the town and Père Noël peeking out of storefront windows.

What better place to celebrate the holiday season than on the French Riviera at the Village de Noël or Christmas Village in Nice, France!  Experience the delight of handcrafted gifts, delicious food and play area for kids and kids at heart while visiting Nice over the holiday’s.

Christmas Market in Nice

The fun starts in Place Massena, where you can’t miss the towering Ferris Wheel (Grande Roue).  The large skating rink (patinoire) beckons beginners and experienced skaters for five daily sessions of 1.5 hours each. Find a Christmas tree bucket ride, food and wine chalets with seating area and a decorated area with a ski lift seat for a cute photo opportunity.

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Market Shopping in Nice – Cours Saleya Flower Market & Liberation Market Nice, France

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Guide to Fresh Market Shopping in Nice, France

One thing I love about living in Nice (and traveling through Europe) is being able to shop at the fresh markets. While fresh markets have become more popular in the US, it’s not as common or seen as a daily way to shop as it is on this side of the Atlantic. Maybe the size of the refrigerators has something to do with it…

At some point during your travels in Nice, France you should make time to visit the markets. Two of the most popular markets are Cours Saleya Flower Market & Liberation Market Nice.  Most visitors will end up in Old Town or Vieux Nice, but that’s not the only place to shop. Niçoise markets are colorful and lively, and shouldn’t be missed while on the Côte d’Azur.

Liberation Market Nice

:: Liberation Market Nice – Marché de la Liberation Nice
6am – 12:30
Closed Monday
Directions – Take the tram from Vieux Nice in direction – Henri Sappia and exit at Libération stop

Shop with the locals at the largest fresh market in Nice!  This hidden gem is off the beaten tourist route, but well worth the visit, especially on the weekends when the market is overflowing with vendors.   Everyone seems to know each other, stopping in the streets for a quick chat before strolling off to bump into another friend or neighbor.   I overheard an animated conversation between a woman and one of the vendors as he explained to her the best way to choose citron or lemons.  I loved how, even though the vendor was busy, he took the time to help the woman pick just the right lemons instead of just throwing a few in a bag and moving her along, my, up to now, preferred method!

At the Liberation Market you will hear almost exclusively French, but don’t let that deter you.  Shopping with the locals is the best way to experience the real Niçoise way of life.

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5 Ideas for Day Trips From Paris France

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Day Trips From Paris France
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You’ve booked your trip to France and decided to make Paris your home base for your time in the country. But, if the sights and sounds of the City of Lights lose their appeal or if you just want to get a taste for other areas, there are plenty of day trips from Paris France that you can take from the hustle of the city.

Day Trips From Paris France:

Giverny

If art is something you admire, then a visit to Giverny should be on your radar. This was once home to Impressionist master Claude Monet. He spent years cultivating and painting the gardens here. A small museum that traces the impressionist period paying particular attention to the American artists who came to study under Monet. The gardens bloom from April to October but to see the water lilies in full bloom visit in July and August. To get here a fast train departs Saint-Lazare station to Vernon. Then take a taxi or bus into town.

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Family Friendly Accommodations in Costa Brava, Spain

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Family Hotels in Costa Brava, Spain

The Costa Brava area of Spain is the perfect choice for families with countless family-friendly accommodations to satisfy all travelers and budgets.  We stayed in three different villages during our recent travels.  Below is a peek at our lodgings and why they are excellent options for families.

Camping Costa Brava in Plaja d’Aro – Valldaro

Valldaro moble home

Valldaro game room

Valldaro is family run and feels more like a little village than your typical campground. In addition to a place to rest your head, you can find 3 swimming pools, 2 supermarkets, a laundry mat, 2 restaurants,  a hair salon and a game room.  There’s even a Zen center to relax and enjoy a massage, waxing or other spa services.

There are numerous  accommodation options at Valldaro. You can pitch a tent, hook up your RV, rent a bungalow or mobile home  or choose to stay in one of the new Fun Tents.  There are many families that return year after year, leaving their RV set up,  waiting for their next vacation on Spain’s sunny coast.

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Things to Do in Annecy, France with Kids – Exploring the Venice of the Alps

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Annecy with Kids

After sitting nearly 6 hours elbow to elbow on a crowded train from the Côte d’Azur, we at last pulled into the first stop of our grand summer European tour, Annecy, France. Hopping off, we stretched our legs and gazed up in wonder at the souring alps of Southeastern France.

All in a line, like a row of ducks, we made  our way from the train station, stopped on a small bridge and tried to solve the riddle of where to meet the property manager of the apartment that would be our home for the next week. A phone call did the trick and a little further along, we saw a man waving his hands at us as we waddled our way towards our accomodations.

We were fortunate enough to stay right in the heart of the charming medieval Old Town.  The apartment couldn’t have been better, with the exception of not having A/C. It would have been nice to close the windows and not hear everyone having a grand ol’ time at the bars until 2am…

The area is perfect for families, couples and solo travelers.  Architecture and history buffs will enjoy exploring the Old Town including the Palais de l’Ile and Carillon de la Basilique de la Visitation. Adventure seekers and water lovers will find endless activities such as hiking, biking, parasailing, paddle boarding, swimming and sailing.  There are so many things to do in Annecy, it’s a destination with something to satisfy any type of traveler.

With or without children, there is plenty to do in Annecy.  Since my children are older, they can keep up with Mom and Dad without much problem.  And sometimes I can keep up with them without much problem as well!. We just take more breaks during the day.  Not that I’m complaining 🙂

Things to Do in Annecy, France

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