Bitten by the travel bug

If you are my friend on Facebook, this probably isn't news to you. But even if you've already heard, let me remind you:

WE ARE GOING TO FRANCE!!!!!!

It feels really, really good to say that now that it is finally official. We perched on top of that fence for a long, long time before finally making the jump and booking flights a week ago Monday. We bellowed "Blow the wad!" a few times over (a common Crozier phrase) and then with one click of the mouse, our dream is turning into reality. Are we crazy? Some might argue "yes." But I'm pretty sure it's been done before--couples traveling to Europe with a 9 month old that is. We prefer to think of it all as adventurous. Okay, and maybe a bit wild too.

They say (they being primarily Rick Steves), that you can travel around France and feel like you've sampled most of Europe. The French Alps mirror those in Switzerland, the Riveria is much like the coast in Italy, and the Alsace region, a tasted of Germany. Oh and so, so much more. In two weeks time, I've booked 18 of the 19 nights that will be our Tour de France.

We will begin in Paris for two very brief nights (most of which we realize will probably be spent awake, tending to a very confused baby). I know you can spend weeks in Paris alone so we decided that it will not be our focus on this trip (we needed an excuse to go back!) So we have picked 3 major sights that we hope to see--the Eiffel Towel, The Louvre and Nortre Dame. If we can squeeze in more, great! If not, we will still consider our brief visit a success. We have chosen to stay in the heart of the city (right near the Eiffel Tower) so that we will be close to the sights.

Next, we head to the Loire Valley, a region peppered with thousands of castles and palaces from the Renaissance. We'll stay just outside of Amboise for two nights in a super cute 18th century chateau with ivy climbing up its stone walls.

Next we move on to the Dordogne region, a rather remote area with a lovely river that runs through it (sounds like a movie?) We plan to rent a canoe (with a baby!!? I'm not so sure...) and explore the riverside castles and villages by boat. This area is also one of many places in France that draws gourmets as it is the famed home of foie gras and wild mushrooms. And here's the kicker of the trip that makes my heart go pitter pat: we will spend two nights near Les Eyzies-de-Tayac on a real live French farm (with a pool!) and a nightly five course meal with wine served throughout!! I've been corresponding with "Mama" (the owner) and she doesn't speak a lick of English so we're in for an authentic French countryside experience!

Then we will continue our counter clockwise loop around France and make a pit stop in Carcassonne which is a walled, medieval, 13th century hilltop town. We'll see the sights in the city but we planned our one night stay here mostly to break up what would be a very long drive from the Dordogne to Provence. We will stay in a modern-o hotel which will hopefully satisfy our quota for ooober-crazily-decorated hotel rooms (apparently a must on all of our trips).

Next we will spend 3 nights in Provence, basking in the scenery once enjoy by Vincent van Gogh, going on artisan tours of local wine and cheesemakers and hopefully get a glimpse of the lavendar fields (most likely not quite in bloom yet). We're spending our first 2 nights at a restored farmhouse with a pool in Aubignon, WAY in the countryside, amongst many vineyards. From there we'll explore many of the hilltowns and also drive the Cotes du Rhone Wine road. Then we'll head back to Arles for our final night where we'll do a bit more of the "touristy" stuff like seeing the old Roman Arena and the Pont du Gard (Roman aqueduct).

The following two nights will be spent on the French Riviera, in a small town about a 20 minute walk from Antibes. We’ll pop around to the different Riviera towns, hopefully enjoying some beach time without too many crowds. Our little hotel room even has a seaview!

Then we’ll drive to the town of Chamonix in the French Alps for another 2 nights. We plan to take the monster gondola from France to Italy and maybe even try the luge. Our main goal is to enjoy a cute town, eat fondue and admire the gorgeous view of the mountains.

Next stop: 2 nights in the Alsace region, specifically in the town of Eguisheim. We’re staying in a cute German-looking town (think Hansel and Gretel or Leavenworth for you localites). We plan to drive the Route du Vin (Wine Road), try some German specialties and admire the half-timbered, flower-box-in-window cute buildings.

The location of our final night is yet to be determined (although it will most likely be in Paris since we fly home the following morning). We are trying to determine whether we should just crash for the night near the airport after returning our rental car, or stay in another part of the city to squeeze in a few more Parisian sights.

Needless to say, we are SO excited (I also got a wee bit nervous for the first time the other night). I've been busy planning, making packing lists and scouring Craigslist for a lightweight, travel unbrella stroller with sunshade and reclining seat for Miss Isla (anyone have one they'd like to loan us?) One month to go and then Bon Voyage!