Frans in France Day Trips - Versailles & Trouville/Deauville

Though we spent most of our time in Paris, a few days were devoted to getting out of the city to enjoy a slower pace of life. The first trip was to the famous Palace of Versailles or Chateau de Versailles. Just 40 minutes from Paris, we gathered the ladies and hopped in an UberVan to the palace. Totally worth it over the train! 

The line to get into the Palace was MASSIVE. Since it was a beautiful day we opted to forgo the 2 hour wait and explore the vast gardens. Fully in bloom, they buzzed with energy and lush greenery. If you visit the palace out of tourist season, make sure you rent a golf cart to explore and feel truly like royalty. The wait wasn't worth our effort but it sure would have made for a great Snapchat (follow me @deeschwiring). 

Who can resist frolicking in a garden? Eventually we made it to Marie Antoinette's estate but were disappointed when her residency was under construction...

(Dress: Joe Fresh / Shoes & Bag: Zara / Sunglasses: Kate Spade)

The second trip we took was to the beach. When we booked the train, I was not entirely sure what to expect but it seriously exceeded my expectations. 

Just two hours by train from Paris, Trouville/Deauville are located in Normandy on the western coast of France. Two very different towns, Deauville reminded me of the Hamptons - high end shopping, pristine beaches, horse races and mimosa filled brunches. Trouville is a quaint fisherman's town with cobble stone streets, local artisans and a more relaxed vibe. We enjoyed our time so much we almost did not go back to Paris...

The beach in Deauville is straight out of an 1940's movie. Parisians flocked to Deauville for the weekend to escape the intense heat of the city.

Now over to Trouville...

For dinner, we decided to try our luck at the Fish Market. Classified as a historic monument, this space is jam packed with fishers selling their fresh fare. Oysters straight out of the ocean, the best I have had in my life. I could have stayed for hours indulging in all they had to offer. It was one of the most delicious and affordable dining experiences we had during our time in France.

Sadly, we had to eventually say au revoir to the sea as the sun set and we reluctantly returned to Paris. 

Bisous Bisous

Naturally Giner

Pinchers with Bourgeois Bob

With the long Memorial Day weekend stretched before me, I made sure to get out of dodge. I had not visited my dad (aka Bourgeois Bob) and stepmom since before the Holidays, so a trip down to South Florida was the perfect destination. 

Big surprise, I was not the only person who decided to travel this holiday weekend. A mix of oversold flights and bad weather did not lend to an enjoyable traveling experience. My quick afterwork Thursday night flight turned into a Friday morning fight to an airport 2 hours from my actual destination and then a car ride across the Everglades. 

After cancellation, delays, detours and a few road bumps, I finally made it. I had just enough time to shower and throw on a sundress before my dad was ushering us into the car in order to make Happy Hour at Pinchers Crab Shack.

I love coming to Pinchers when I visit. You are guaranteed a great cut of fresh off the boat fish that is lightly seasoned with heaping side options. I hate when fish is over-sauced and spiced.

Unlike NYC, where we get excited about $1 Oyster Happy Hours, Pinchers has Oysters, Calms, Shrimp and Wings for $0.70,

I told you we rushed to make Happy Hour. We started with Oysters. Not as meaty as our Long Island Blue Points, but less salty and very tasty.

Next were the steamed clams and butter. I haven't had clams for the longest time, I had forgot how incredible they are.

I do not like wings so Dad and Denise took care of those.

I was almost too full to order, but then decided...what the heck, I'm on vacation! Dad and Den ordered the Crab Cake. They were in love with the coleslaw...another thing I hate.

I opted for the Blackened Grouper. My sides were string beans and homemade french fries. Everything was so fresh and delicious. Nothing was over sauced or salted.

The cool thing about Pinchers is it is also a fish market. Not the cheapest, but the fish is about as fresh as you are going to get.

Gosh the sun felt so good after months of frozen tundra.

Love my Daddio. More to come about South Florida adventures from Naturally Ginger and Bourgeois Bob later this week.

We may or may not have had a dinner party and invited this guy to come along.

I could just pinch your little cheeks. xoxo thanks for reading.