One Day Wine Tour from Paris, visit the Loire Valley

Staying in Paris? Why not consider visiting the beautiful wine producing region of the Loire Valley.

Easily accessible by TGV train enjoy a 1 Day Wine Tour from Paris in Saumur.

In the company of Gérald, a bilingual French wine professional sample some of the finest examples of wine produced in the Loire Valley while visiting a highly referenced Domaine close to Saumur.

After a full morning of wine tasting and discovering what life for a vigneron involves lunch follows as un accords mets et vins, a 3 course 'food & wine pairing' lunch hosted by Gérald at Bistrot Les Tontons, our wine bar set in the heart of Saumur in the pretty square of Place Saint Pierre.

Transport is included.

For further information about the day wine tour 'click here - 1 Day Wine Tour from Paris' or contact Sarah-Jane at: info@domainedelabellevue.com.

Awarded 'Certificate of Excellence 2011' by TripAdvisor.

Félicitations - 25th Wedding Anniversary

We were delighted to welcome Susan & Paul Pickles to La Bellevue during September - made all the more special to us as they were celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary!

The cottage, ‘Annie’s House’ was their chosen home while visiting the Loire Valley, one week of several being spent discovering Paris and the North West region of France.

Openly embracing the French culture and great lovers of good food & fine wines, history and local culture, Susan & Paul’s discovery of the Val de Loire couldn’t have been more idyllic aided by a week of glorious sunshine and high temperatures.

Foodie recommendations were encouraged and warmly received and my much beloved restaurant Louis Vins in Paris became a much treasured venue by our wonderful Canadian guests who we look forward to seeing again before their 30th Wedding Anniversary!

Thank you, Sarah-Jane & Gérald for a most wonderful week at Annie's House. We felt like a part of your family staying in your wonderful village. The accommodation was superb, the location is perfect to explore the Loire Valley. We had arranged an evening meal on the day we arrived and breakfast for the first morning, both were delicious. We especially enjoyed our wine tour with Gérald and learned so much about the process & loved the wine. This stay has been the highlight of our 25th Anniversary trip to France and we hope to be back for (or before) our 30th. Thanks again.
Susan & Paul Pickles, Nanaimo, Canada

Louis Vins, 75005 - Paris Best Kept Secret

Having recently received a 'mille mercis' from Fi-Fi, our friend and the proprétaire of Louis Vins for recommending our guests, personal friends and family to dine at his fabulous cave à vin/bar à vin.

I felt it was high time for me to share what I term as "Paris best kept secret".

I recall several years ago walking into Louis Vins and instantly thinking "this is everything one imagines Paris and France to be".


The food is exquisite, the decor divine and what makes Louis Vins unique is 'Monsieur Fi-Fi'.

Not only the owner but also the Head Chef, hence the perfection regarding the food. Fi-Fi makes a point of greeting his guests personally making dining in his restaurant all the more personal and special.






Just off Boulevard St. Germain, a moments walk from Notre-Dame, the nearest metro is Maubert-Mutualité.

This wonderful eatery is ever so French, ever so romantic and has an excellent wine list too - look out for 'Domaine de la Paleine'.






Louis Vins
9 Rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève
75005 Paris
T: 01 43 29 12 12
W: www.fifi.fr

Photos - 2009 Fêtes des Vendanges, Paris

Ready for the weekends event.

The weekends rain didn't dampen the festive atmosphere.

Marching along the cobbled streets of Montmartre bands played throughout the day.

Gérald sharing un verre with Montmartres Oenologue.

Qu'est-ce que c'est ?

A London taxi in Paris ?

Félicitations to Gisella & Sander

Félicitations et congratulations to Gisella & Sander on their forthcoming wedding from la famille Beaumont.

Having driven from Rotterdam for their annual visit to the Fêtes des Vendanges Gisella & Sander stopped by 'La Paleine' to acquaint themselves with the latest vintages.

Sander you are 'Brad Pitt' !!

Fêtes des Vendanges, Montmartre - 2009

Making their annual visit to the Fête des Vendanges, Montmartre and taking a momentary break from writing her 3rd cookery book, to enjoy the festivities, were our dear friends Jennifer & Harald.

Jennifer (McLagan) is the author of the much publicized and controversial cookbook 'Fat - An Appreciation of a Misunderstood Ingredient'.

Last weekend Montmartre, Paris hosted its 76th Fête des Vendanges which drew an estimated 350,000 visitors.

See you in 2010 !

Fête des Vendanges, Montmartre Paris

Since 1934 Montmartre has played host to the colourful 'Fête des Vendanges' and will do so again from 8th-11th October 2009.

Lining the cobbled streets and set at the feet of the Sacré Coeur exhibitions, artisan & vignerons stands, from every department in France, will entice.

Following recent years an estimated 350,000 visitors are expected to participate in the joyous celebration - the 'first cut' of Montmartes vines.

Certainly one of the most colourful wine related calendar events of the year and most definitely one of our favourites to attend.

Gérald will be there representing Domaine de la Paleine.

Don't be shy, stop for une dégustation , wine tasting, a chat with Gérald and soak up the fabulous festive spirit.

A très bientôt !