Greece part one: Athens

I’ve never felt more grateful to arrive in Athens where we recently began our Greek island-hopping adventures. We chose late August knowing there would be fewer people around, both in Athens and in the islands. Plus, the meltemi (very strong winds) usually calm down by then. Taking care to follow all safety precautions, including wearing masks during the flight and in all public places, we settled into the NEW Hotel in the heart of Plaka.

Owned by world-renowned art collector Dakis Joannou and designed by the award-winning Campana brothers, NEW Hotel boasts not only 360-degree views of Athens (including the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, Syntagma Square, and the Parliament) but it houses an impressive art collection, including works by Jeff Koons, a personal friend of Joannou’s. (Koons also designed his yacht!) Surrounded by an impressive collection of over 2,000 art books on loan at the 7th floor Art Lounge, we feasted on an exceptional meal fusing Greek and international cuisine.

What most appealed to me at this design-savvy 5-star address was that nearly all of the furniture and interior elements were repurposed from the hotel which previously stood in its place. Brilliant concept! Each of the 79 well-outfitted rooms is designed in one of three themes, vintage postcards and “evil eyes” among them.

The dining room where breakfast is served is cleverly composed of recycled furniture and wooden elements.

The evening found us on a walk around the neighborhood of the NEW Hotel where we discovered many charming cafes and a good dose of history. The Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds were both visions to behold as the sun began to set.

Having already visited many of Athen’s sights on a previous Greek island-hopping adventure, including the majestic Acropolis, we favored the culinary side of the city and headed for dinner with friends.

The following afternoon we hopped aboard a ferry for an 8-hour journey to the remote island of Astypalea.

Travel by Bag

While I love to design bags, clutches, and purses, more recently I created something a little different, a combination of my sashes and purses. This hands-free bag, or what I consider a more chic version of the fanny pack, is essentially a sash or a belt, worn by both men and women. As with all of my collections the Kasia Dietz city sashes are limited edition, inspired by travel and made in Paris. What’s more, these stylish sash bags available in one or two pocket versions are reversible! All photos by the talented Catherine O’Hara.

Each sash bag is inspired by a city as these sashes are perfect for running around, or even simply just running.

I remember the days when money belts were used for traveling. These sashes worn around the waist/hips or across the body safely hold money, smartphones, passports… the ideal unisex travel accessory! Travel by bag to Paris, London, New York or Tokyo, take your pick!

I hope you enjoy these sash bags as much as I loved creating them! Stay tuned for more in the months ahead.

Favorite French Destinations

For those of you based in Europe, or for anyone planning a visit to France as soon as borders open once again, I’m sharing a few of my favorite French destinations. Aside from Nice and the French Riviera, each of these cities or towns is a 2-3 hour express train ride from Paris. Included are tips on where to stay and dine as well as cultural suggestions. Bon Voyage!

A top destination in Provence is the city of Avignon. I enjoyed my visit there so much that I introduced my mom to this Provençal gem last year. We stayed at the regal hotel La Mirande neighboring the Pope’s Palace. I also suggest renting a car and exploring the stunning landscapes of the Luberon. Hotel recommendations include the luxurious Coquillade Village and 5-star family-run Baumaniere. For a dose of high-class R&R, book a stay at hotel Saint-Remy in the heart of dreamy Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

If you don’t mind a long train ride (just under 6 hours direct), head straight to Nice on the Côte d’Azur. This dynamic city where life takes on a slower pace will charm you with its vivid colors and local cuisine. While you’re here, make sure to visit Cannes, Antibes and Èze, each one uniquely captivating. For fragrance and art lovers, Grasse and Mougins will win your hearts.

Often referred to as a ‘mini Paris’, the elegant city of Bordeaux is in a class of its own. From here you can head to Arcachon and Cap Ferret for a more remote destination, or join the surfers for sunset in Biarritz.

For a taste of island life where fresh oysters are always on the menu, head to Île de Ré just west of La Rochelle. The best way to discover this picture-perfect maze of villages is by bike.

A town that I can’t seem to speak highly enough of is Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy. One of the best ways to explore this wine region is by bike. The capital of the region, Dijon also merits a visit.

Heading north to Normandy, the charm of Honfleur is undeniable. Follow the paths of Impressionist masters Gustave Courbet, Eugene Boudin and Claude Monet, and stop at Étretat for a cliffside spectacle. For a real taste of Normandy, head to Cherbourg and become lost in the surrounding villages. A more sobering experience is taking a walk along the D-Day beaches.

There’s much to explore in Brittany, but one city I highly recommend visiting is Saint-Malo. From here it’s just a quick drive or bus ride to one of France’s treasures, the pre-Romanesque church of Mont Saint-Michel. Stay overnight for a sunset you’ll not soon forget.

If castles thrill you as they do me, you’re in for a real treat in the Loire Valley. A lovely base from which to explore the region is the hillside city of Blois. From there you can drive or bike (25 kilometers) to the Châteaux de Chambord. Another picture-perfect setting is the town of Amboise, home to the Château d’Amboise. Here too sits Leonardo da Vinci’s last home, the Château du Clos Lucé. One of the most regal castles not to miss is the 16th-century masterpiece, the Château de Chenonceau.

Biking in Burgundy

Last weekend we set off on our first post-confinement adventure. Where better than to one of my most beloved towns of Beaune in the Burgundy region. During our first trip to Beaune four years ago, we had become smitten with the history and charm of this picture-perfect town and vowed to return. Given the need for social distancing, biking through the vineyards made for an enchanting weekend escape.

The ideal setting from which to begin the biking adventures was 16th-century Hôtel Le Cep, our favored address in the heart of Beaune. This time we even had a chance to discover Le Cep’s new wine tasting cellar Saint-Félix. From here we hopped aboard electric bikes available at the hotel and hit the long and winding roads.

We quickly learned that the bike path from Beaune is clear and easy to navigate. Biking past the verdant vineyards felt intoxicating! And we hadn’t even tasted a sip of wine yet.

Our first stop along the southwest route was to Pommard, a village famous for its Côte de Beaune wine production. Soon afterward we passed Volnay and its vineyards, producing famed wines since the 6th century.

The electric bikes proved a smart move as they allowed us to bike further and longer without tiring as easily.

Having been stuck at home for months without so much as a park to visit (Paris parks remained closed during the confinement), we fluttered along the paths like birds who had just been set free. And truth be told, with nary a soul on the paths, it was only birds that accompanied us.

Our last stop before heading back to Hôtel Le Cep was for a taste of what the region is so well known for. We found the most charming spot for an apéro in the village of Meursault and indulged in a glass of Bourgogne.

The following day we decided to bike northwest of Beaune and see what unknown villages and views awaited.

Fearing we wouldn’t find an open restaurant as lunch hour had passed, we stopped at the picturesque village of Savigny-lès-Beaune, home to a château museum, a Romanesque clock tower, and a church dedicated to St. Cassien. At the only open eatery, we savored lunch paired with a heavenly glass of Hautes Côtes de Beaune.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent blissfully biking along the vineyards, stopping to inhale the views and remark on how well nature feeds the soul.

Our last awe-inspiring view was the hill of Corton, set in the middle of four famous wine-growing villages – Ladoix-Serrigny, Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses, and Savigny-lès-Beaune. More to explore next time.

Filled with the sights and tastes of Burgundy, it was time to return to Beaune and board the train to Paris.

Art and History Lessons From Home

Anyone else missing going to museums and learning about art while getting a lesson in history? Well, now you can, and from the comfort of your own home. Join these leading tour companies as they adapt to this unprecedented time during which travel is restricted, and will be for a time to come. Companies including Context Travel, Take Walks, and THATMuse are offering alternative methods of learning, from home! Ready to stimulate your mind by joining classes in history and art led by leading experts in their fields?

Join a historian at Context Travel for Context Conversations, inviting guests into the real life of the people, history, and culture of the world’s greatest cities. Online live learning seminars include ‘The Colosseum and Roman Forum in the Time of the Emperors’ and ‘Tate Modern: What is Art?’ Each live lecture via zoom is 40€.

In Take Walks Tours from Home, join Archaeologist & TV Host Darius Arya as he presents ‘Ancient Rome for All Ages’. This three-part series highlights the foundational myths to the rise of the emperors to Rome’s decline. Other Tours from Home include ‘NYC Met Museum Tour With a Twist’, ‘Journey into St. Mark’s Basilica, the Venetian Gem’ and ‘Descend into the Darkness of Paris’ Catacombs’. Each hour-long tour costs 9€-10€.

Meanwhile, a leader in museum treasure hunts in Paris and London, THATMuse is helping families Play With Art at Home by offering free portrait party kits to help kids learn about art. This skillfully crafted educational kit includes Michelangelo connect-the-dots, French Neo-Classical perspective exercises from David’s Oath of Horatii, and a deciphering a da Vinci exercise. Join the THATMuse blog to keep up to date with all the artful fun!

A Taste of Japan in Paris

Ready to discover a taste of Japanese culture in the heart of Paris’ Haut Marais? What was once a quincaillerie, or hardware store now houses a newly opened cultural complex. OGATA presents a portal into the food, art, and design of Japan, brought to life by Tokyo-based architect, designer, restaurateur and chef Shinichiro Ogata.

Within OGATA, I was pleased to find a tea shop offering Japanese sweets, a ceremonial tea salon which I’ll certainly be back to try, a gallery featuring carefully curated art from tableware to furniture, a crafts store displaying delicately hand-crafted housewares, an intimate bar, and a gastronomic restaurant. Sake, anyone?

I took a seat at the bar of the second-floor restaurant and prepared to feast on a modern Japanese meal helmed by chef Kazuki Watanabe. Beginning with a bento box, every sweet and savory dish brought me back to memories of dining in Japan. The multi-course meal ended sweetly with matcha blanc-manger.

I knew I’d return for dinner and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony dating back to ninth-century Japan.

For fellow Japanophiles coming to Paris, read more about OGATA in my feature for Bonjour Paris.

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