Contributors

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Enjoying Crepes on "Chandeleur"!

The French holiday, Chandeleur, is today February 2nd. Originally a feast to commemorate the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of baby Jesus. this holiday is also known as the "jour des crêpes". The French serve crêpes on Chandeleur. It is traditional in France to hold a coin in one hand and a crêpe pan in the other, and flip the crêpe into the air. If you catch the crêpe in the pan, you will be prosperous for the year.

Some of the French proverbs and sayings for Chandeleur are similar to "Groundhog Day" predictions in the US and Canada: À la Chandeleur, l'hiver cesse ou reprend vigueur On Candlemas, winter ends or strengthens À la Chandeleur, le jour croît de deux heures On Candlemas, the day grows by two hours Chandeleur couverte, quarante jours de perte Candlemas covered (in snow), forty days lostRosée à la Chandeleur, hiver à sa dernière heure Dew on Candlemas, winter at its final hour So be sure to have a Crepe today in honor of Chandeleur!


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Thirteen Desserts of Noël in Provence

If you’d like to celebrate Christmas with a provençal tradition, the "big supper" (le gros souper) ends with a ritual 13 desserts, (representing Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles). The desserts always number thirteen but the exact items may vary according to local or family tradition. Here is the list :

Dried fruit and nuts Raisins Walnuts or hazelnuts Dried figs Almonds Dates Dried plums

Fresh fruit Apples Pears Oranges Winter melon Grapes Tangerines

Sweets Biscotins (biscuits) from Aix; Calissons d'Aix,almond-paste pastry with sugar icing (marzipan) Candied citron Casse-dents of Allauch (cookies) Cumin and fennel seed biscuits Fried bugnes Fruit tourtes Oreillettes, light thin waffle cookies Pain d'epice Pompes à l'huiles or fougasse à l'huile d'olive, a sweet cake or brioche made with orange flower water and olive oil Quince cheese/quince paste Yule log Two kinds of nougat, symbolizing good and evil Black nougat with honey (Nougat noir au miel), a hard candy made with honey and almonds White nougat (Nougat blanc), a soft candy made with sugar, eggs, pistachios, honey, and almonds

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

New! Outback Retreats in the South of France








New! Outback Retreats

Take time off for a weekend or week of self-improvement in tranquil surroundings in the Sunny South of France. Enroll in one of our all-inclusive* workshops held in the Autumn, Winter and Spring...


Enjoy spectacular scenery amidst nature
Yoga for well being throughout your pregnancy
Join us for a weekend of Pre natal yoga retreat. Exercises will focus on simple, safe stretching movements to help you to relax and strengthen your muscles during the months preceding the arrival of your baby.  It helps remove tension and soothes minor ailments of pregnancy including heartburn, back pain, anxiety, and nausea, to significantly improve your daily life. 

Give yourself a Competitive Edge through Coaching, Training and Nutrition
Athletes and executives, reach your peak potential through a week of personal development. Our Executive Coach uses performance enhancement techniques you help you succeed in your sport or workplace. The week includes daily sessions with a personal trainer and nutrition counseling by a performance nutritionist.

Overcome Performance Anxiety with Aikido & Creative Expression
Performing Arts professionals, learn vital Aikido techniques and mental preparation techniques to overcome nervousness to harness your tensions, and help you maintain a positive attitude. Stay focused. Connect with your audience.

South of France French Cuisine & Wine Workshop
The French are world renowned for their fine food and wine. If you have always dreamed of being able to prepare delicious French meals, why not escape to the spectacular Alpine foothills to learn the art of French cooking in a fun, relaxed atmosphere? Learn to easily prepare delicious meals from local, organic products, Taste wines at the local vineyards and learn how to select wines to accompany your meals.  An experienced French chef will share his wealth of experience and passion for cooking with your in a relaxed atmosphere. Daniel speaks French, English and German fluently, so lessons can be given in any of these languages and tailored to individuals or groups.

How it Works…
Our retreats are held from September to April from Monday to Friday or can be held over a weekend in the tranquility of the Alpine foothills in the South of France conveniently located only 40 minutes from Nice International Airport.

Prices begin at 375€ for a weekend and up to 2000€ for a week. Price includes lodging, meals, lessons, coaching/training sessions as indicated in the description, and transfers to and from Nice International Airport or Cannes Train Station.

Professional musicians and athletes, we can work with you to provide private classes, just for your group. Special diets can be catered for, either for individuals within the group or for the whole group.

We welcome all enquiries. Whether you want to participate with a group of students, members of your musical ensemble, orchestra, club or a simply group of friends.
  
For complete details, pricing and to register, email: info@outbackriviera.com

*airfare not included

Wednesday, September 26, 2012


NEW THIS AUTUMN!

Outback Riviera’s Self-Improvement Workshops

We have been busy putting together a selection of some great self-improvement workshops in the "Outback"
Take advantage of lower off-season airfares. Offer yourself a break from your regular routine and get back to nature. Attend a self-improvement workshop in the beautiful South of France. Choose from Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching, Performance Workshop for Musicians, Employee & Team Performance Coaching, Pre Natal Yoga, and Practical English. 
Workshops run from Monday to Friday from October to April. An all-inclusive week starts at 1100€*.
Visit our "workshops page" on outbackriviera.com or email us for complete pricing and details.
Join us for a week in the "Outback" and enjoy the view...
Bridge over the Siagne River, St Cézaire sur Siagne
*airfare not included