5 Reasons 2 Wheels are Better Than 4

Ask anyone who cycles and they’ll tell you it’s more than just a sport or a form of exercise.  For true cycling enthusiasts, riding is a way of life.  And biking doesn’t just have to be for fun – it’s also an excellent alternative to get you where you need to go while traveling.  All over the world people are skipping the rental cars and hopping on bikes instead.  But maybe you’re not convinced yet how exhilarating and life changing cycling can be, and how much better it is than driving.  Here are 5 reasons why 2 wheels are better than 4.

Environmentally friendly

In this day and age, it’s important that everyone do their part to reduce the carbon footprint they are leaving on the earth.  Our environment is suffering from all the pollution and fuel consumption.  Cycling is the most energy efficient mode of transportation.  No fuel means no noise and no pollution.  If you want to make a difference in the world around you, biking is a simple way to do so.

Stay fit and healthy

Cycling is one of the best ways to stay in shape because it works so many muscles in your body.  It’s especially beneficial while traveling because it lets you taste all the delicious (but fattening) cuisine without worrying about gaining weight.  Biking is also much easier on your joints than other forms of exercise, like walking or jogging.  Plus, it’s been proven to release stress making it good for both spirit and mind.

Easier to see the sites

Ever try to stop and see the sites while riding in a car or a taxi?  There’s the hassle of finding a place to park, avoiding other traffic and just stopping and going in general.  When you’re on a bike, you have the freedom to stop anywhere you’d like, for as long as you want.  You can also explore areas you couldn’t in a vehicle since with bikes you don’t necessarily need a road, just a path and some ambition.  You don’t have to worry about parking and you’ll never find yourself stuck in a miserable traffic jam.

Cheaper

Renting a vehicle can be pretty expensive, as can the cost to maintain it during use.  From insurance to fuel to parking fees, when all is said and done a car rental can really eat into your travel budget.  Cycling is an excellent alternative because it’s inexpensive and doesn’t cost anything to maintain.  You don’t need to worry about the cost of fueling up.  You are the fuel!

Fun

What’s more fun than hitting the trails, getting your blood and adrenaline pumping and feeling the wind in your face?  Cycling is gratifying and something that can be done just about anywhere your travel takes you.  It’s also a great activity to do as a family or with a group of friends.  And, as any cyclist knows, meeting another biker on the road creates an atmosphere of instant camaraderie.  Biking allows you to experience spontaneity and adventure that you could never achieve in the confines of a vehicle.

Those who are already passionate about cycling know all the benefits that riding provides.  But someone who hasn’t yet felt the joy and excitement of biking may need a little more convincing.  These are just five of the countless reasons that biking is better than driving on a vacation, but perhaps the most important one is this:  to truly experience a travel destination, you have to get out there and enjoy it.  Cycling allows you to do this in a way that a vehicle simply can’t.  So what are you waiting for?  Hop on and enjoy!

Souvenirs from France – Dordogne Gastronomy

Located between the beautiful Loire Valley and the towering Pyrenees Mountains, the French department of Dordogne offers all the charm and ambiance visitors could expect from this elegant country.  In fact, there are over 1,500 castles in Dordogne alone as well as breathtakingly beautiful countryside and quaint, friendly villages.  It’s exactly what one envisions when conjuring up images of France.  Named after the river that runs through it and also known as Perigord, Dordogne is particularly known for the delectable and unique cuisine that is prepared there.  Specializing in duck dishes and truffles, here are a few suggestions to get the most out of the Dordogne gastronomy.

Must-Try Dishes:

-Foie Gras

In Dordogne, this delicacy made from duck liver is as popular as escargot.  The flavor is described as “rich, buttery and delicate” and is quite different than ordinary duck or goose liver.  This dish can be prepared and served hot or cold and is quite versatile in that it can be served as a topping on another food, such as steak, or on its own.  At first thought, many people shy away from the thought of consuming duck liver, but the delicious flavor and texture may surprise you!

-Confit de Canard

Another dish made from duck, the name confit refers to the part that is used – the leg.  The centuries-old preparation process is almost as interesting as the taste of the dish itself and consists of salt curing the meat and then poaching it in its own fat.  Confit de Canard is often sold in cans which, because of the unique preparation process, can be kept for several years without spoiling.

-Black Truffle

Truffle, a type of underground mushroom, is one of the most decadent and flavorful foods on earth.  It is also quite rare, which makes it an expensive treat.  There are several different kinds of truffles, but Dordogne has become famous for its black truffle.  The production of black truffle is almost completely exclusive to Europe, and of all the countries on the continent, France is responsible for 45% of the total production.  If you’re visiting Dordogne, you’d be missing out if you didn’t have a taste of this rare and delectable treasure.

While the landscape in Dordogne is certainly breathtaking, and the area’s rich history as fascinating as the day is long, one of the best things about visiting this lovely French region is the mouthwatering food you can sample there.  Enjoy all the beauty and charm of France and indulge in some of the most delicious and decadent cuisine in the world.  There’s simply no better way to experience the true taste of the area.

Interested in Art?

Pressed between the rolling green hills of the French countryside and the white-capped waves of La Manche is the alluring region of Normandy.  Long history has left the present landscape littered with ancient castles and cathedrals as quaint cobblestone streets provide access to endless restaurants, shops and galleries.  And while the D-Day landings in 1944 helped seal its place in the history books, Normandy is also known as the heart of the Impressionist movement, a title that is still a source of immense pride.  Everywhere you go in Normandy you will be reminded of the exquisite art that has been created there for generations.

Places to Go

Given the area’s long, artistic history it’s not surprising that there are a large number of art museums located throughout the region where one can explore and discover anew ancient masterpieces that have inspired and moved people for years.

• Giverny – (Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny) – Once the home of famed Impressionist painter Claude Monet, the collections found here include stunning works created by such renowned artists as Renoir, Monet, Bonnard, Matisse and Caillebotte.   It has been remarkably preserved in its original state, as have the famous gardens, and is a fascinating place to visit to experience some of the most famous pieces of art in the world up close and personal.

• Bayeux Tapestry – This world-famous medieval masterpiece dates back as far as the year 1060.  It presents one of the most intriguing and captivating artistic works in existence today, depicting the epic story of William the Conqueror’s infamous conquest of England.

• Honfleur – (Musée Eugène Boudin) The exhibits in this museum illustrate how painters such as Boudin and Johan Jongkind had a hand in inspiring other artists such as Monet, Seurat and Signac to take advantage of natural light and paint their landscapes outdoors, effectively capturing the beauty of their subjects in a different way.

• Rouen – (Musée des Beaux-Arts) Here visitors can see over 10 incredible collections including renaissance art, romanticism, impressionist, portraits, and sculpture.  It’s a fantastic way to experience a variety of styles and mediums all in one place.

Be the Artist

One of the best things about Normandy is the fact that over the years its history and natural beauty have inspired countless people to express themselves artistically.  With so many landscapes, buildings, cathedrals and interesting people to serve as subjects, it’s easy to get caught up in the atmosphere and let it arouse your inner artist.

A few places in Normandy that present excellent opportunities to get creative include:

• Roeun’s Gothic Cathedral  (inspired Monet)
• Jumieges Abbey (one of the most impressive, yet little-known, sights in Normandy)
• Honfleur Harbor (lined with half-timbered houses)
• WWII Landing Beaches and Monuments

While the country of France is filled with a number of breathtaking destinations and rich, artistic history, the region of Normandy is perhaps the most prolific.  Museums filled with famous masterpieces created by some of the most well-known artists in the world abound while breathtaking landscapes and ancient structures continue to inspire and captivate people from all over the globe.  If art, history and beauty intrigue you, a trip to Normandy should be at the top of your “must-see” destinations.

Souvenirs from France – Loire Wine

While just about every part of France is beautiful, the Loire Valley region is perhaps the most incredible of them all.  Flower covered hills and valleys are home to over a thousand chateaux which magically weave the ancient past with the present and create an air of enchantment not found anywhere else on earth.  The area is perhaps best known for the exquisite fine wines that come from the countless vineyards which grow along a 300 mile stretch of the Loire River.  The Valley is divided into 5 regions, each with its own distinct climate and soils, providing an extensive 65 appellations that include every style of wine, from red, white and rosé to still, sparkling, sweet and dry.  There is no better way to experience and enjoy a little piece of the Loire Valley than through its wines.

Regions

The Loire Valley is divided into five distinct regions:

• Pays Nantais – Located near the city of Nantes along the Atlantic coast of Brittany, wine has been produced here since the Roman era.  The most popular variety produced here is Muscadet, a delicious seaside wine and the largest white wine appellation in France.

• Anjou – Most of the wines produced in this region are of the sweet variety, including Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux which are made from Chenin Blanc.  It is also home to the dry Savennières, the delicious off-dry Rosé d’Anjou and the red Anjou, which is made from Cabernet Franc.

• Saumur – This picturesque city is home to one of the most famous castles in France which was constructed with the same tuffeau limestone found in many of the vineyards throughout the region.  The underground tunnels that were produced as a result of the building of area castles and palaces are now used as cellars for the region’s Chenin Blanc based sparkling wines and the fantastic Cabernet Franc red wine Saumur-Champigny.

• Touraine – Known as the “Garden of France” and famous for being the place where Joan of Arc persuaded King Charles VII to accept the French crown and defy the English, this region undoubtedly holds a place of significance in French history.  The wines produced here include such famous names as Bourgueil, Chinon and St Nicolas de Bourgeuil, made from Cabernet Franc, and Vouvray, made from Chenin Blanc.

• The Centre-Loire – Named for its location as the exact geographical center of France, this region has been growing grapes for more than 2,000 years.  It is the original home of some of the most famous Sauvignon Blanc varieties of the Loire Valley including Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre as well as a superb Pinot Noir.

Styles

The Loire Valley is by far the country’s most diverse wine region, producing wines of every known style, including:

• White wine (crisp and dry or rich and aromatic)
• Rose wine (dry or off-dry)
• Red wine (fresh and fruity or rich and earthy)
• Fines Bulles (“Fine Bubbles” – sparkling wines)
• Sweet wine (“dessert in a bottle”)

Each style of wine provides its own distinct flavors and can be paired with a variety of different foods to bring out their body and essence even more.

Muscadet

The largest white wine appellation in France, Muscadet includes three of its own regional appellations:  Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire, Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu and Muscadet Sèvre et Maine.  Unlike the other appellations that are named for their place of origin, Muscadet is named after the grape from which it is made.  It is another name for the Melon de Bourgogne grape, which was brought to the region from Burgundy centuries ago.

Each winery must have its wines approved by an official tasting board before it can use the Muscadet appellation and only wines which are produced and aged in accordance within the strict guidelines, may be designated Muscadet Sur Lie.  Additionally, only wines that are produced from the best vineyards are permitted to use the Sur Lie designation.   Muscadet wines are absolutely exquisite and are widely known for their excellent pairing with shellfish, oysters and aperitif.

Given its ideal location, right at the heart of France, the Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful and unforgettable places on earth.  Situated amidst rolling green hills and lying peacefully along the coast of the mighty Loire River, it provides the perfect environment for wine production.  With some 65 appellations which include every known style of wine and more than a dozen different varieties of grapes, the Loire Valley is perhaps the most diverse wine region in the world.  From breathtaking landscape to rich history to some of the finest wines the world over, the Loire Valley is beckoning.  So what are you waiting for?  Grab your glass and drink up.  Cheers!