Bonjour Tous,

I've had time to settle into my new home by the sea and am awaiting the insufferable heat of summer with no air conditioning and the masses of vacationers that descend on the city. But there is room for us all on the beach and a dip into the calm of the Mediterranean is remedy enough for the heat...until the jellyfish arrive! Luckily there are a few other bodies of water around like the river that snakes through the belly of the nearby Gorges du Verdon.

The Gorges du Verdon - Weekends Away
Rugged canyon roads wind through dozens of sleepy towns along the way in, but the view from the top is the reason most visit Europe's largest canyon. Families picnic and paddleboat around reservoirs and sports like canyoning and hydrospeed are practiced where the river runs freely.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art46677.asp

I recently dined at the Zucca Magica, a vegetarian restaurant in Nice that lived up to all I'd heard. The New York Times wrote an article about the place and the recipe for Chard Stuffed With Risotto and Mozzarella is well worth trying.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/dining/06mini.html

Here are some other ideas for vegetarian options in France:
Eating Vegetarian in France
The French are very attached to their meat so vegetarianism seems alien. I was surprised to learn that their interpretation of eating vegetarian even includes fish. A list of my favorite addresses and ideas for vegetarian options in traditional restaurants will help you avoid disappointment.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art171863.asp

Despite the contentment I feel in exploring the Cote d'Azur I will always reminisce about the magic of Paris. The shop I mention below is just one reason why I'll always love that city.

Tombees du Camion – Shopping in Paris
An off the beaten path wander around the neighbourhood surrounding Montmartre in Paris’ 18th arrondissement with a peek into the treasure trove of unique objects at Tombées du Camion.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art37255.asp


Have a beautiful summer!
Melissa Demiguel, French Culture Editor
http://frenchculture.bellaonline.com