Ever wonder why some croissants in France are straight while others are curved? In Paris, the shape isn't just for style, it’s a code for quality...
When browsing a local bakery, look for the straight croissants, known as Croissant au Beurre. This shape is the gold standard, signaling that the pastry is made with 100% pure butter. These are the flaky, melt-in-your-mouth delights that define the French breakfast experience. On the other hand, the classic crescent-shaped Croissant Ordinaire is typically made with margarine.
This can be confusing for Americans, as they’ve grown up with the "crescent" shape (the literal meaning of croissant) as the universal symbol for this pastry.
This curved shape actually dates back to the Austrian Kipferl, the croissant's ancestor. While the rest of the world kept the curve, French bakers eventually straightened theirs to distinguish their premium butter creations from the budget-friendly margarine versions.
As you plan your European escape, remember this simple rule of thumb: stay straight for the butter! It is the easiest way to ensure you are tasting the very best of France, one delicious layer at a time.
(special note: While it is a deeply ingrained tradition in France, it isn't an "always and forever" rule, especially as you travel outside of major cities like Paris or look at modern artisanal trends. However, the distinction is real enough that you can rely on it 95% of the time in a French boulangerie. If you see both in the case, you can likely assume the straight one is "au beurre")
So we've added this video here not to help you locate the best croissants, (this video's a couple years old anyway) but to point out how obsessed people can get about croissants in France... Pretty much any croissant you get in France will be fabulous! Don't walk across town for a croissant, just go early and get one fresh out of the oven!
We read yet another Facebook post today from a couple who are presently in Paris, couldn't check into their hotel because it was too early, so walked down the street to a cafe for coffee & a bite to eat while they waited... When their check arrived, The waiter asked them for a tip... They didn't know what do, and while feeling pressured, they did what they were used to in their home country (USA) and left 20%... (even though they had heard this wasn't necessary in France).
As Tour Operators, these scenarios anger us... We learned these lessons 40 years ago, when we were "newbies" to Europe and were guilt shamed by waiters... Trust us; we paid the price (experience) so you don't have to...
One of the most common anxieties for travelers in France isn't the language barrier ~ it's the bill. When coming from a country with high-pressure tipping culture like North America, the French approach might feel a bit like a mystery...
The scenario above is a growing trend in high-traffic tourist areas of Paris, and honestly, it’s a bit of a "tourist trap" behavior that many locals find quite rude... It’s effectively a form of "tip-shaming" that relies on your desire to be polite...
If you're put on the spot with the question, "How much tip would you like to leave?", here is exactly how you should handle it:
1. Remember: It is Never Required
The first thing you should know is that the server is asking for a bonus, not their salary. In France, your bill already includes a 15% service charge (service compris).
The Golden Script: If a server asks "How much tip?", a polite but firm response is:
"Service compris ?" Service is included, isn't it?)
This subtly lets the server know that you understand French law and tipping customs.
2. Use the "No Tip" Button with Confidence
Many modern credit card terminals in Paris (especially those using systems like Square or Zettle) now include a "Tip" screen similar to those here in the US.
What to do: If the machine is handed to you with percentage options (5%, 10%, 20%), they should feel 100% comfortable selecting "No Tip" or "0%".
Why: In French culture, asking for a tip is considered unprofessional. By pressing "No Tip," you aren't being "cheap"; you are adhering to local norms...
3. The "Small Change" Alternative
If the service was truly exceptional and you want to leave something, you should decline the prompt on the machine and leave cash instead.
Our advice: just say: "I’ll leave a little something on the table, thank you."
This ensures the money actually goes to the server and avoids the awkwardness of being forced into a percentage-based tip on a credit card.
4. When to Walk Away (Literally)
If a waiter becomes pushy or insistent, you should know that you are in the right to say "No" and leave. In France, "guilt-tripping" for a tip is a breach of etiquette...
Don't feel pressured: Percentage-based tipping is an American import, not a French tradition.
Check the bill: 15% is already there. (it's in the price of the items you ordered)
Cash is better: If you want to tip, a few Euro coins on the table is the authentic French way. (typically €1 to €2)
Be firm: A simple "No, thank you" or "Non, merci" is a complete sentence.
By being prepared for the question, you can avoid that "deer in the headlights" moment and keep your vacation stress-free!
The good news? Tipping in France is a gesture of appreciation, not a mandatory salary supplement.
Here is everything you need to know to tip like a local...
1. The Magic Words: Service Compris
In France, by law, a 15% service charge is already included in the price of your meal or drink. This is noted on your bill as "service compris".
Because waiters are paid a living wage with benefits, they aren't relying on your tip to pay their rent. This changes the vibe from "obligatory" to "extra credit."
2. Who to Tip and How Much
While nothing is strictly required, a little "merci" in the form of change goes a long way.
Cafés &Bars: Round up to the nearest Euro or leave the small change (€0.20 – €0.50)
Casual Dining: €1 – €2 for a pleasant meal. (€1 per person is a common tip for a casual meal in France)
Fine Dining: €5 – €20 depending on the level of service and the total bill.
Taxis: Round up to the next Euro (€14.20 → €15).
Hotel Porters: €1 – €2 per bag.
Tour Guides: €2 – €5 per person for a good experience.
3. When to Tip
You should only tip if the service was actually good. If the waiter was rude or the service was nonexistent, it is perfectly acceptable to leave nothing but the exact amount of the bill.
Pro Tip: Tipping for a quick espresso while standing at the bar is rare. Tipping for a three-hour upscale dinner where the server helped you navigate the wine list is standard practice. (if you had a really nice meal & a bottle of wine in an upscale fine dining restaurant, and the service was really good and your bill was €150, maybe leave 5% = €7 to €10 )
4. How to Tip (The Logistics)
This is where many travelers trip up: You generally cannot add a tip to a credit card machine.
Cash is King: Even if you pay for your meal with a card, the tip should be left in cash on the table.
The "Pourboire": The word for tip is pourboire (literally "for a drink"). When you leave, simply leave the coins or a small bill in the little folder or tray the receipt came in.
Keep it Subtle: There’s no need to make a show of it. Just leave it on the table as you get up to walk out.
The Bottom Line
Don't overthink it! In France, tipping is a "nice to do," not a "must-do" If you had a great time, leave a few Euro coins behind. If you're on a tight budget, don't sweat it ~ the service is already covered.
Bon voyage and bon appétit!
James Taylor, Live in Paris
(they love him in France! ps: he's also my very favorite artist)
"Chanson Française" (the translation)
Petit à petit (Little by little)
L'oiseau fait son nid (The bird builds its nest)
C'est l'hiver, c'est l'hiver (It is winter, it is winter)
Le vent souffle sur la mer (The wind blows over the sea)
La terre est dure, la neige est pure (The earth is hard, the snow is pure)
C'est l'hiver, c'est l'hiver (It is winter, it is winter)
Regardez la lune, là-haut sur la dune (Look at the moon, up there on the dune)
Écoutez la chanson, la chanson française (Listen to the song, the French song)
The Cultural & Lyrical Notes
The French Proverb: The opening line, "Petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nid," is a very common French proverb... It’s the equivalent of "Slow and steady wins the race" or "Rome wasn't built in a day."
The Imagery: The rest of the French lyrics are quite simple and evocative, focusing on classic seasonal imagery ~ winter, wind, snow, and the moon.
The "Franglais": You might notice James sings things like "Donnez-moi le 'high sign'" or mentions "pamplemousse" (grapefruit). He’s leaning into a "Tourist in Paris" vibe, mixing his native English with school-level French for a breezy, romantic effect...
It’s essentially a song about the feeling of being in a different culture and the sweet, slow process of making a life (or as he says "a nest") wherever you are...
Terese & I hope you take his advice; Take a deep breath... Relax... little by little, slow down & meld into the beauty of the Provencal pace... and make this very special moment in Provence your very own...
Sure, you could order another Aperol Spritz... But if you want an aperitif that the true locals are drinking, Try ordering some Pastis! (pass-teeze)
If you’ve been to The South of France during the summer months, you’ve undoubtedly seen locals sitting around cafes & pools sipping on a cloudy pale yellow cocktail... Beloved by many, Pastis has basically become the unofficial drink of summer in France, and most particularly amongst regions in The South of France. So what exactly is it, what does it taste like, and how in the world does it change from caramel brown to pale yellow? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about this signature French spirit, right here...
What Is Pastis?
Pastis is a very upscale, booze-heavy, anise-flavored spirit and aperitif most commonly produced in The South of France. (ya gotta be a little careful here because in French, the pronunciation of anise: is not far off from... well, you know) The spirit generally clocks in at around 40-45% ABV and boasts less than 100 grams per liter of sugar. The name pastis comes from the Occitan word for mash-up.
Where Is Pastis Made?
Pastis was first commercially sold in 1932 by Paul Ricard, exactly 17 years after absinthe was banned. Although distilled across a handful of regions now, the spirit is most commonly enjoyed in Marseille, the Var, the Luberon, the Vaucluse and other areas in Provence / and The South of France.
Pernod has always been our fav!
How Is Pastis Made?
Although artisanal versions exist, most commercial pastis is made by mixing a neutral base spirit with licorice flavoring. In smaller-production distilleries, anise essence/extract may be used instead. Pastis’ legal definition describes the booze as an anise-flavored spirit bottled at 40% or more ABV. (40 ABV = 80 proof, the same as most vodkas, gins, whiskies, etc)How Does Pastis Get Its Color?
On its own, pastis, like many spirits/liqueurs, shows a caramel-like hue. However, when a splash of water is added to it, the drink takes on a cloudy, pale yellow hue. This is because pastis contains terpenes, which become insoluble when diluted below a 30% ethanol percentage. This is how the drink gets its signature cloudiness in the glass once water is added!
What Is the History of Pastis?
Pastis was originally created during the early 1930s as a result of the banning of absinthe. At the time, the French were crazy for anise-flavored spirits, and upon the banning of absinthe, Ricard created and commercially sold pastis as a similar alternative.
What Does Pastis Taste Like?
Pastis is often compared to absinthe, though the two aren’t really that similar. Pastis is more licorice and anise-flavored. If you’ve had Arak, Ouzo, or Raki before, these are similar spirits.
How Is Pastis Best Enjoyed?
Although best enjoyed on its own or with a splash of water, a handful of pastis-based cocktails exist. The most popular creations include the Rourou (made with strawberry syrup), Tomate (made with grenadine), and Perroquet (mixed with green mint syrup). When the latter two mixers are used (grenadine and mint syrup), the cocktail is called a Feuille Morte (‘dead leaf’ in English). Pastis is often substituted for other popular cocktails that call for absinthe, most notably the Sazerac.
When Is Pastis Best Enjoyed?
Pastis is enjoyed year round by a variety of drinkers, though the drink is commonly consumed as an aperitif during French apéro hour. However, on the weekends, pastis is often enjoyed all day long while playing relaxing games of pétanque beneath the sun ~ though fair warning, this stuff packs a serious punch (and might sneak up on you if you don’t pay attention!)
you're gonna love the pool at the Villa! And a little Pastis in your Champagne makes one heck of a summer cooler!
Want to practice?
You'll find these world famous liquors at your local Wine & Spirits shop right here in the USA... Our personal favorite is Pernod! Just pour a little in a glass and add ice cold water to dilute it to your preference... We tend to sip on this once the weather warms a little... It makes a great Summer Cooler! We'll make sure we have this on hand for you to sip at the pool bar at Château du Soleil this summer!
For those of you who are champion drinkers you might like to try Ernest Hemingway's favorite cocktail when he lived here in The South of France; Pastis & Champagne, aptly named Death in the Afternoon! We'll have this at the pool bar as well for those of you who dare!
By Wednesday, the rhythm of The South of France has settled into your soul... While Terese and I head out to gather fresh provisions, wines & champagnes, & local delicacies, we invite you to embrace the ultimate traveler’s luxury: The Gift of an Unstructured Day. There is a specific kind of magic in a Provençal morning ~ stepping out into the crisp air, with no agenda other than your own curiosity... We encourage you to "get outta dodge" for the day... Drive through the rolling vineyards, cherry orchards & olive groves... find a tiny café where the locals linger over espresso, and discover a secret corner of this region to call your own... The Luberon is a treasure chest, and today, you hold the key... Freedom, Independence & Time!
The Joy of the "Solo Wander"~ Discovering Your Own Provence
Where will your curiosity take you? 🚗💨
Avignon & The Palais des Papes: Step back into the 14th century in a city that was once the center of the Western World. The Palace of the Popes is a massive, awe-inspiring Gothic fortress—the largest of its kind in the world. With ten-foot-thick stone walls and towering battlements, it served as the seat of Papal power for nearly a century. Walking its grand halls and looking out over the Rhône River is a truly humbling experience.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: One of Provence's most iconic villages—and Wednesday is Market Day! Immerse yourself in the colors and scents of the open-air stalls. Shopping here is world-class, as Saint-Rémy offers some of the region’s most chic, artistic, and stylish boutiques.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: Known as the "Venice of Provence," this village is famous for its moss-covered ancient waterwheels and the crystal-clear canals that surround the town. A true paradise for shopping, antique lovers, and romantic riverside dining.
Lourmarin: Chic shops and leafy squares make this Renaissance-style village one of the most charming and sophisticated stops in the Luberon... It’s the perfect place for a long, slow lunch under a plane tree.
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: Witness the emerald-green waters at the mysterious, powerful source of the Sorgue River, gushing from the base of a 700-foot cliff.
🕒 The "Welcome Home" Pool Party | 5:00 PM 💦
Make sure to wind your way back to Chateâu du Soleil by late afternoon! We are hosting a special Pool Party Happy Hour starting at 5pm to celebrate the bounty of our neighborhood.
Venasque is world-renowned for its cherries, and the orchards surrounding our villa are heavy with fruit this time of year, and the harvest has begun! We’ve sourced a local Provençal Cherry Liqueurmade from these very trees to create our Signature Day 5 Cocktail:
The "Venasque Velvet" Spritz 🍒✨ A Provençal twist on the Aperol Spritz! This refreshing blend features local cherry liqueur, tart lemonade, and crisp, bubbly Prosecco. Cool off in the water or lounge poolside with a Spritz in hand as we swap stories of our afternoon adventures.
Since it’s June 24th, we are soaking up some of the longest daylight hours of the year. Our open bar (Champagne, Prosecco Beer, and Wines) continues as we move to the terrace for dinner. We’ve timed our dessert and after-dinner cordials perfectly so we can toast together just as the sky turns that incredible, fiery "Provençal Red."
What’s on your itinerary for Wednesday? Start planning your perfect day—the Luberon is yours to discover!
The Story Behind the Song: Ricky Nelson’s "Garden Party"
In the early 1970s, Ricky Nelson ~ the former teen idol who grew up in front of the world on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet—found himself at a crossroads. He had shed his "teen idol" image and was pioneering a new, soulful country-rock sound with his Stone Canyon Band.
On October 15, 1971, he was invited to play a massive "Rock and Roll Revival" concert at Madison Square Garden. The crowd was filled with 20,000 fans who had come to relive the 1950s. They wanted the flat-top haircut and the old hits; they wanted the "Rick" they remembered from their childhood TV screens.
Ricky took the stage looking every bit the modern 70s artist: long hair, velvet trousers, and a setlist of new, country-tinged music. When he started playing a cover of the Rolling Stones’ "Honky Tonk Women," the audience began to boo. They didn't want the artist he had become; they wanted the idol he used to be.
Stung by the reaction, Ricky walked off stage.
But instead of letting that moment break him, he went home and wrote a masterpiece about the experience... He realized that trying to please a crowd that only lives in the past is a losing game. He penned what became the most famous line in the song: "You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself."
The song is famously filled with "Easter eggs" from that night: (start the video again & follow along below):
"Yoko brought her Walrus": A nod to John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who were in the audience (referencing the Beatles' song "I Am the Walrus").
"Mr. Hughes hid in Dylan’s shoes": George Harrison was there, but he was famously reclusive and often traveled under the alias "Mr. Hughes." He was "in Dylan’s shoes" because he was heavily influenced by Bob Dylan at the time.
"I said hello to 'Mary Lou', she belongs to me": A clever double-play. "Hello Mary Lou" was Ricky's own 1961 hit, but "She Belongs to Me" is a Bob Dylan song that Ricky had recently covered.
"Out stepped Johnny B. Goode": A nod to Chuck Berry, who was also performing that night.
"The Garden": It wasn't a flower bed, but Madison Square Garden itself.
Ricky’s ultimate realization became the legendary chorus:"You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself." As we gather at Château du Soleil for our own Garden Party this summer, we take Ricky’s lesson to heart... We aren't here to live in the past or meet anyone else’s expectations... We’re here to be exactly who we are ~ living' the good life, dancing under the Provençal stars, surrounded by friends, and celebrating the "Joie de Vivre" of the moment... We hope you're getting excited! No matter how many times we go to Provence, we're always so excited to go back and live this Provençal Lifestyle!
The mistral winds are calling and Day 4 of our Beautiful Villages of Provence expedition is gonna be a high-octane blend of adventure and elegance! From the legendary heights of the "Giant of Provence" to a moonlit Garden Party, today is all about what the French always call the "Joie de Vivre."
Morning: Rev Your Engines
Fuel up early at our Coffee and Juice Bar, followed by a leisurely Provençal Breakfast Buffet on the Terrace. But don’t get too comfortable ~ adventure awaits just outside the Villa gates!
Today, we launch Le Provençal Classique Road Rally. This isn’t a race; it’s a fun-filled experiential journey through the Soul of The South of France. We’ll line the cars up rally-style in front of the Villa, outfitting both sides of each vehicle with our official "Rally Decals" and two-way radios to keep the camaraderie going all day long!
The Destination: The Summit of Mont Ventoux
Famous as the most grueling climb in the Tour de France, this limestone giant offers vistas that stretch from the Alps to the Mediterranean. As we navigate the rally cars through a dizzying series of hairpin switchbacks, you’ll feel the thrill of the ascent as the lush forests fall away, leaving us high above the treeline in the hauntingly beautiful, white-rock "moonscape" that defines the legendary summit.
The Rally Route
We’ll wind our way through a tapestry of Provence’s finest landscapes:
Emerald Vineyards & Ancient Olive Groves
Fragrant Lavender Fields & Secret Hamlets
The Rugged Beauty of one of France's most famous National Parks
Once we reach The Summit, prepare for a breathtaking group photo and a very special celebratory surprise to mark our ascent. (Trust us, we'll have FUN!)
Afternoon: Bistro Bites & Purple Hues
After conquering the mountain, we’ll leave The Summit and go down the far side of the mountain, descending the winding switchback slopes down to a very special quaint & charming littleBoutique Bistronestled in the foothills. You'll love this place ~ it's authentic French dining at its most authentic! ~ an outstanding luncheon in a fairytale setting so charming, you’ll never want to leave...
On our way back to the Villa, we’re making a detour into one of Provence’s most iconic Lavender Fields... The colors and scents here are otherworldly ~ the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot you’ll treasure forever!
Evening: The Soirée Blanc (The White Party)
After a quick dip in the pool and a relaxed Happy Hour at the Villa, it’s time to transform... Tonight, we celebrate in style with our Soirée Blanc!
A little style suggestion: Dress in Whites and be part of the fun!
As the sun sets over Château du Soleil, the entire Estate turns into a surreal dreamscape... This is a night of pure luxury and magic:
Champagne & Wine: We'll have our Wine Bar set up in the Gardens
Gourmet Garden BBQ: Stroll through the manicured gardens where Chefs Fabien and Coralie will have elegant buffet tables and live grilling stations prepared.
Live Music: Our live band will provide the magical soundtrack to the evening, creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and high-energy.
Dancing Under the Stars: Sip fine wine, wander through the torch-lit gardens, and dance the night away under the Provençal sky.
This night will be a whole lot more than a dinner; it’s truly gonna be a celebration of the good life... We can't wait to see you there in your summer whites! Hope you're getting excited... We're gonna have a blast!
I gotta feeling... tonight's gonna be a good night...
