Tag Archives: france

Adventures by Disney: Europe

Now that we’re coming to the Adventures by Disney trips in Europe and North America, I will have to break up these sections into even smaller increments because there are so many travel options. Today I will focus on Adventures by Disney’s trips in England, France, Ireland, and Germany. Adventures by Disney offers two separate trips in England and France: the Gateway to London and Paris tour and the England and France Family Vacation. Despite the names, however, both seven-day six-night tours include only London and Paris. I find that a bit disappointing, because many of the other Adventures by … Continue reading →

The Top Ten Most Common French Surnames

Did someone in your family speak French as a first language? As you put together your family tree, you may have discovered ancestors who emigrated from France to the United States. The most common French surname is Martin. This name is derived from the first name Martinus, which is Latin. Martinus refers to the Roman god of fertility and war, who was named Mars. There was a popular 4th-century saint named Martin of Tours, who was very popular with people who lived in Europe during the Middle ages. It is possible that the surname Martin was adopted by people who … Continue reading →

Chef Gordon Ramsay

If you have ever seen the reality show “Hell’s Kitchen,” you may be wondering “Just who is this Gordon Ramsay guy and what gives him the right to yell at these young chefs?” Well, let’s take a look at how Gordon Ramsay got where he is. After a potential soccer career was derailed by injuries, Ramsay turned to another interest – cooking. He studied Hotel Management at a local college then worked as a commis chef at the Wroxton House Hotel in the late ‘80s. He moved to London, then after working at Harveys for almost three years, decided to … Continue reading →

Another Way Brangelina Can Profit from their Kids

And the rich just get richer… By now you know that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt pimped out their kids… I mean sold the rights to their newborn twins’ first pictures for a record breaking $14 million. Of course, the couple donated the money from the photos to help impoverished children of the world live a better life, so the move was justified in their minds and their personal bank accounts are not heftier for doing so. Now, consider the latest report out of France (where Brangelina and crew have set up house), which claims that Pitt and Jolie have … Continue reading →

France Bans Baby Shows from Airwaves

French authorities are no longer allowing parents to use TVs as babysitters. If you live in France and you’ve gotten into the habit of plopping your baby in front of the TV so you can have a few minutes to get things done around the house you’re out of luck. France’s broadcast authority just announced that it plans to ban French channels from airing TV shows aimed at children under 3 years old. The reason: Experts say continuous exposure to TV decreases a child’s development. In a ruling posted yesterday France’s High Audiovisual Council said it wanted to “protect children … Continue reading →

Popular Paris Landmark Preps for Major Makeover

More than a century after it was introduced to the world and nearly 30 years after it received its last round of renovations Paris’ Eiffel Tower is preparing to undergo another facelift. The French landmark, which was originally designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair Fair, was meant to welcome only about 500,000 visitors, but these days the towering tourist attraction hosts about 7 million visitors a year. Eiffel Tower managers say even with the addition of new elevators that were installed in the early 1980s, lines can last up to an hour or two during the high … Continue reading →

Tori Spelling Gives Birth and Angelina Prepares to Hide Twins

It’s a girl (and no real shocker) for actress Tori Spelling and her husband Dean McDermott. According to reports, Stella Doreen McDermott was born Monday afternoon via scheduled c-section in Los Angeles. She weighed 6 lbs, 8 oz, is 20 inches long. Spelling’s rep noted that Stella’s middle name is that of McDermott’s late mother. Baby Stella joins big brother Liam who turns 15 months this week. Stella also has a 9-year-old half brother Jack from McDermott’s pervious marriage. Stella is the first daughter for Spelling and McDermott. Meanwhile, Brangelina’s twins have yet to make their debut. According to reports, … Continue reading →

International Hotels that Treat Your Kids Like Royalty

And you thought getting a free pair of mouse ears and some chocolates on your pillow was exciting. Wait until you see the types of goodies some luxurious family friendly resorts around the world are doling out to young guests to impress the entire clan. If you have always treated your child like a prince or princess then you’ll want to check out these ultra-luxe properties that go the extra mile to give kids the royal treatment: FRANCE The Hôtel Plaza Athénée on chic Avenue Montaigne in the heart of Paris has the market covered when it comes to upscale … Continue reading →

French Connection

Madonna is mad, and apparently you don’t want to see Madonna mad. Just ask the staff at the ultra swanky Carlton Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes, France. That’s where the Material Girl has been camping out for the last week while in town for the Cannes International Film Festival. According to French newspapers, the pop super duper star was irate when she discovered that a camera crew from a French television station snuck into her suite while she was out whooping it up at a late night party. The paper claims that Madonna was furious when footage of her hotel room … Continue reading →

Affordable Accommodations in Europe

With the worth of the U.S. dollar continually dipping in a growing number of European destinations it is up to savvy travelers to make every cent count when touring abroad. One of the ways you can save when traveling internationally is to take advantage of deals offered by lesser-known lodgings. The following hotels are currently providing guests with outstanding savings on standard rooms. Take a look: ITALY Baglio Santacroce is located on a hillside near Erice, Sicily, with sweeping views of Mount Cofano and the Gulf of Cornino. The hotel has 62 rooms that are split between a renovated 17th-century … Continue reading →