These vibrant butterflies make you smile when you first see them. There are several hundred, and they gently wave in the breeze. Image #08508.

Classic and colorful, these windows grace a hotel in the Petite France section of Strasbourg.  Image # 06977.

The distinctive facade of this hotel adds charm to Petite France in Strasbourg, France.  Image # 06978.

This is the window in the foyer of the hotel Chevre d'Or in Eze.  Image # 0303-H26.

In the beautiful gardens of the Chevre d'Or hotel in Eze, this rose captured the artist's heart.  Image # 08050.

This wine shop in Eze has an inviting look from the sidewalk.  Let's check it out.  Image # 0303-H5.

This is one of several dozen doorways for merchants in Eze.  A delightful hiltop villege to visit.  Image #0303-G35.

No street number, no longer visibility through the windows, no indication of age.  Nice door in Eze!  Image # 0303-G34.

Go ahead - look at this twice.  A clever and skillful window treatment in Eze.  Image # 0303-G30.

The window treatments around the Chevre d'Or hotel in Eze are simple yet elegant.  This faces a hidden interior courtyard.  Image # 0303-G26.

Nice cookies really are nice.  Very French.  Slightly touristy.  Taste for yourself.  Image # 0303-A13.

Petite France is the most picturesque and romantic quarter of Strasbourg, France.  The half-timbered houses along the canal provide a timeless backdrop to sidewalk cafes.  Linger with a crisp Riesling and your stress will float downstream.  Image # 06975.

Its a beautiful day in Strasbourg, France.  So grab a table in this outdoor cafe in Petite France, and stay a long time. Mills and tanneries used to occupy this waterfront, which now is populated by geraniums and connoisseurs of fine Alsatian wines.  Image # 06976.

On the French coast east of Nice sits the tiny village of Eze. Presiding1,300 feet above the cobalt-blue Mediterranean, it is easy to forget that this restored medieval town was designed for military defense, not tourist dollars.  Eze's stepped, serpentine alleyways and flower-decked cobbled passageways are home to artisans and antiques dealers.  I climbed the steep hill to reach the Chateau Chevre d'Or, one of the finest hotels in all of France.  It was so worth the climb.  Image # 03031.

The seaside city of Nice has some very nice pleasure and work boats, many with their home city's name proudly displayed.  Image # 08288.

Nice has a great collection of antique and modern boats, most proudly displaying their home port on their bow.  Image # 08289.

The seaside city of Nice has some very nice pleasure and work boats, many with their home city's name proudly displayed.  Image # 08290.

Coe D'Azur literally translates to the azure blue coast, but it is really considered the epicenter of the French Riviera.  This sign in Nice boldly displayed classic colors of the Med.  Image # 08291.

When you are ready for dinner, the swans will lead you to a table beside the canal. Colmar is a great village to walk and enjoy its history. Image # 08509.

The Saint Louis Arzviller Lift replaced 17 canal locks, and raises or lowers a boat 150 feet in 4 minutes. Image #08517.

The core of the old section of Strasburg is punctuated with lovely flowers. Image #08518.

The Apres Tout delivers an over-the-top experience to six lucky guests who cruise on the Canal de Bourgogne.  Wine tastings, tours of chateaus and wine cellars await.  On board, guests are pampered by Caroline, the Cordon Bleu chef.  See more on www.bargeaprestout.com. Magnificent memories await!  Image # 08222.

One of the special treats for lucky guests aboard the luxury barge Apres Tout is to come to the top deck and see the dawning of another day.  Armed with a fresh croissant and a cup of coffee, you just know it will be a wonderful day!  Image # 08223.

Gliding along the Canal de Bourgogne on the luxury barge Apres Tout, the artist was fascinated by these trees that begged to be photographed.  So I did.  Image # 08224.

Soft light, soft colors, subtle trees lining the opposite shore of the Canal de Bourgogne: formula for a lovely walk as the luxury barge Apres Tout follow along to the next lock.  Image # 08225.

Near each of the dozens of locks along the Canal de Bourgogne sits a house which at one time was occupied by the lock keeper.  This one is likely the prettiest of them all.  Image # 08226.

This renowned winery is located west of Bordeaux in the left bank area near St. Estephe.  Image # 06909.

Chateau Palmer has an impressive chateau anchoring their left-bank Bordeaux vineyards, which produce highly respected wines.  Image # 06710.

St. Emilion is of one of the most traditional villages in Bordeaux. It is famous for its world-class Merlot, and secondarily for its macaron cookies baked while you watch. This shop had to re-stock after the artist finally moved on.  Image # 06714.

This is the entrance to Chateau Haut-Brion, one of the most respected "first growth" wineries in the world. Located in the city of Bordeaux, it creates Cabernet-based wine on an "left bank" estate totally surrounded by the city.  Image # 06717.

This is the imposing driveway leading to Chateau Margaux, one of the most respected "first growth" wineries in the world. Located in the Medoc region along the the "left bank" of the River Gironde. Ch. Margaux creates Cabernet-based wine on a spectacular estate. Image # 06718.

This is the imposing Chateau Margaux, one of the most respected "first growth" wineries in the world. Located in the Medoc region along the the River Gironde. Ch. Margaux creates Cabernet-based wine on a spectacular estate.  Image # 06719.

These are the the nostalgic doors at Chateau Margaux, one of the most respected "first growth" wineries in the world. Behind these doors lie the barrel rooms and cellars of coveted wine. Located in the Medoc region along the "left bank" of the River Gironde. Ch. Margaux creates Cabernet-based wine on a spectacular estate.  Image # 06721.

This is the imposing Chateau Lafitte-Rothschild, one of the most respectedBordeaux "first growth" wineries on Planet Wine. Located in the Pauillac region in the Medoc, close to the "left bank" of the River Gironde. Ch. Lafitte-Rothschild creates Cabernet-based wine on a spectacular estate.  Image # 06722.

The vines of Romance-Conti are pampered, to produce the absolute finest Burgundy in the world.  This handsome horse had no idea how special the vines are that it is passing.  It's a job.  Image #08229.

This is the imposing Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, one of the most respected Bordeaux "first growth" wineries on Planet Wine. Located in the Pauillac region in the Medoc, close to the River Gironde in southwestern France. Ch. Lafitte-Rothschild creates Cabernet-based wine on a spectacular estate. This is only one of the barrel rooms, near their amazing cellars.  Image # 06723.

This chateau really looks old!  Located on the left bank, it produces excellent cabernets, and slips under the radar dominated by the first-growths.  Image # 06724.

Here are the ripe Merlot grapes at Chateau Petrus in Pomerol ("right bank"). This was one week before the crush in Bordeaux, and they sure look ready. Probably worth a Euro apiece!  Image # 06725.

Here are the ripe Merlot grapes at Chateau Ausone in St. Emilion (Bordeaux, "right bank"). This was one week before the crush, and they sure look ready.  What a regal future lies in store for these fortunate grapes!  Image # 06726.

Many elements of the Bordeaux wine world are important.  I discovered L'Intendant Grands Vins de Bordeaux, an amazing wine store in the city of Bordeaux.  I was able to escape with a photograph instead of their wines that involved  beaucoup euros!  Image # 07264.

I love early mornings.  These historic shops will soon open and fill with locals and visitors.  The artist felt safe window shopping for first growth wines as long as the shops were still closed.  Image # 06910. 

Wander the fascinating streets of St. Emilion in Bordeaux.  Just behave, as you are being watched.  Image # 06911.

These historic cobblestone streets will soon fill with the traffic of locals and visitors.  I felt safe window shopping for first growth wines as long as the shops were still closed.  Image # 06913.

The hallowed ground of Roman-Conti vineyards are surrounded by a subtle stone wall.  No, I did not get to taste the wine, which is one of the most expensive wines in the world.  Image # 08227.

This amazing work horse plows the rows between the vines in Romance-Conti.  The finest wine in the world deserves a distinctive horse working to create the next vintage of liquid gold.  Image # 08228.

Near St. Emilion in Bordeaux, France, the aristocratic 19th-century Grand Barrail hotel rises from surrounding vineyards.  The setting is almost as memorable as their cuisine in their Belle Epoque restaurant.  More than meets the eye.  Image # 06914.

The  Dordogne River flows gently past the village of Beynac.  Castles are prominently located well above the river, and create a timeless feeling to this scene.  Image # 07033.

The village of Beynac sits just above the Dordogne River.  Take a boat ride on the river, and enjoy the medieval castles that float by.   Image # 07034.

This exquisite rose greeted the artist on his early morning walk in Sarlat.  The street was empty, yet was filled with beauty.  Image # 07105.

Dijon is the political capital of Burgundy.  Among the many beautiful and historic buildings is this courtyard with fountains.  Keep going straight for two blocks to the historic mustard shops!  Image # 08230.

This Dijon shop has been producing and selling mustard for 250 years!  Too many varieties to taste, so repeat visits are recommended.  Image # 08231.

Bacchus was the Roman god of wine.  Also known as Dionysus, he became a symbol of the renowned French wine industry.  Here he presides over a reflecting pool in the gardens of Versailles, oblivious to the cares of visitors.  Is it wine o'clock somewhere?  Image # 07136.

What an idyllic way to spend a summer morning!  Floating on the Dordogne River and admiring the formidable castle presiding over the village of Beynac.  The castle dates from the twelfth century and rises 150 meters above the river.  Image # 07140.

Behind these walls lie the facilities to produce that delicious cabernet that is respected all over the world.  Image # 08040.

This lovely boutique winery is in St. Emilion.  I had a 2-hour private tasting with the winemaker - very impressive, since my French is pathetic.  The wine prevailed!  Image # 08041.

These cellars are impressive for their size and for their age.  Known for exceptional Burgundy wines, the firm began more than 130 years ago, and is still in the center of Beaune, very close of the Hospices.  Image # 08232.

This is the stairway just inside the entrance to this Relais & Chateaux hotel located between Beaune and Dijon.  It is historic, beautifully restored, and worthy of a visit.  Image # 08233.

These cellars are impressive for their size and for their age.  Known for exceptional Burgundy wines, the firm began more than 130 years ago, and is still in the center of Beaune, very close of the Hospices.  Image # 08285.

The Pont du Gard is an ancient aqueduct bridge, built by the Romans in the 1st century AD, that crosses the Gard River in southern France near Nimes.  Image # 06839.

This spectacular Roman acqueduct formerly carried 44 million gallons of water a day to the fountains and homes of Nimes.  Image # 6840.

In the charming Provencal village of Gordes, there is only one safe time to stroll past this shop: before it opens.  Image # 06841.

The wine village of Chateauneuf du Pape ("summer home of the Popes") gives the visitor dozens of tasting rooms to sample the pride of the fabled region.  Most of the red wines are blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.  Learn to say CDP and drink GSM, and you are on your way to becoming a wineaux.  Image # 06842.

This is the attractive approach to one of the top CDP wine producers.  Image # 06847.

The commune of Gordes is a classic old (founded in 1031) hill town, similar to those in Tuscany.  Image # 06850.

I love the sweet light of dawn, and the hill town of Gordes performs beautifully by first light.  Image # 06851.

The village itself is very understated, with a few tasting rooms and restaurants.  Most of the action is outside of the village, on the estates of the wineries.  Image # 08042.

This is the modest winery for one of Tavel's top producers of rose and CDP wines.  Image # 08043.

Winemaker Alain Jaume and his son produce excellent CDP wines in this historic facility in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  Image # 08044.

Surrounded by the vineyard, this ancient wine tower used to be a lookout for Chateau De Vaudieu.  I believe its only use today is to attract artists.  Image # 08046.  

Here is the modest winery for a top producer in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  Image # 08046.

There is not much left of the summer residence of the popes.  These ruins are surrounded by vineyards and overlooks the village of CDP.  Image # 08047.

Gordes sits hundreds of feet above the surrounding valley, which is used for growing grapes and lavender.  A beautiful, relaxed region.  Image # 08048.

This luxury barge offers the finest guest experience of any barge on any of the canals in Burgundy.  Accommodating six lucky guests, it has a skilled crew of five, including a Cordon Bleu chef.  Please visit www.bargeaprestout.com to learn more.  Image #08222>

One of the charms of being on the luxury barge Apres Tout is waking up to this tranquil sight.  Add a fresh croissant and coffee and you are guaranteed to have a great day!  Image # 08223.

I photographed this simple street in the village of Giverny in 2012.  It could have been in 1912 when Claude Monet was in residence.  Image # 02772.

Here's a recipe for stress relief.  Visit Giverny and go to Monet's magnificent water garden.  Stroll the perimeter path, cross the bridge, and sit on the bench near the lupine.  Inhale.  Now, do you feel better?  Image # 07032.

Claude Monet created a large pond on his estate in Giverny, selected water lilies to punctuate the reflection with color, and added the focal point Japanese bridge.  Reflect on this tranquil and timeless place and decompress.  Image # 07103.

Fields of grain will greet you on a short walk outside the village of Giverny.  You will never be far from poppies, a favorite of Monet who planted many of them to provide vibrant color accents for his paintings.  Image # 07114. 

The poppies in the foreground call you as you walk by this Giverny field, then the exquisite textures invite you to linger.  Image # 7115.

The columns that surround the inner courtyard at Mont Saint-Michel create a visual separation for the serene setting.  This unique place was born of an archbishop's vision in the eighth century.  Image # 07116.

At the top of the steep climb to reach the abbey at Mont Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast, deep within the thick walls, lies this jewel.  This tranquil courtyard invites you to linger, to meditate, to think about the times in which it was built in the 8th century.  Image # 07117.

The gardeners needed me for years, used me well, and allowed me to retire with respect so I can watch the gardens in Monet's estate at Giverny.  Life is good.  Image # 07118.

Claude Monet loved roses, and there are thousands planted (and thriving) in his estate garden in Giverny.  Image # 07119.

This bench invites you to sit, contemplate, and imagine that you were here in Monet's gardens in Giverny in 1910.  Little seems to have changed from then, except perhaps a fresh coat of paint.  Image # 07120.

Numerous gravel paths create access to Monet's gardens in Giverny.  The sights are breathtaking, as is the aroma of thousands of blossoms calling for your attention.  Image # 07121.

Monet's home is much larger than imagined before you arrive in his gardens.  He and his large family lived here, he had offices and studios here, and received many guests who wanted to visit or study with him.  He loved the aroma of roses, and planted many near the bedroom windows, so the fragrance of the gardens would enhance restful sleep.  Image # 07122.

When artist Claude Monet was painting on his pond, he built a wooden barge on which he had a large wooden easel to hold his canvases.  He would often work on two or three paintings at once, shifting from one to the next as the light changed the reflections on the pond.  Image # 07110.

How old is this historic door in Corsica?  Corsica is a fascinating island and a part of France.  Image # 07172.

The French island of Corsica has rugged mountains that punctuate flat farmlands, including areas that "farm" sea salt.  Image # 07184.

Oh, the stories held in these medieval walls on the island of Corsica... Image # 07185.

The old city of Bonifacio on Corsica rises directly above dramatic cliffs.  Built for strong defense, this village looks imposing from the water.  This island was the birthplace of Napoleon. Image # 07187.

This unmanned lighthouse sits on a fortified cliff outside the entrance to the harbor in Corsica.  Image # 07188.

Few problems in our world would be nearly as serious if we all enjoyed more gelato.  This spot became my favorite during a very hot afternoon in St. Tropez.  Image #07191.

This was my apartment when I worked in Giverny for 8 days.  It was called Coins des Artistes, and was ideal for my needs in addition to being totally French provincial.  Image # 08066.

I tried to photograph the Rue du Claude Monet in the style he might have used had he painted the same scene.  Image # 08067.

This striking complex sits just off the coast, and rises several hundred feet above the shoreline.  It is elaborate and very much worth a visit.  Image # 08068.

In the spirit of Monet's path of breaking the traditional rules, I made this image of several flowers in his garden.  Image # 08069.

I love the tiny columbine plants, that remind me of wild orchids.  Since this was in Monet's garden, he would have encouraged me to photograph it in an adventurous way.  Here it is.  Image # 08070.

This was one of two outdoor "studios" created by Claude Monet.  He transformed a field into this tranquil water garden, bordered by a changing variety of flowers delivering color and texture to the eyes of the artist.  Image # 07109. 

Paris has many charming neighborhoods, but few can rival St. Germain des-Pres. Among the most famous cafes in the area is Les Deux Magots, where many famous writers gathered to solve the world's issues over good libations.  This is a great place for people-watching.  The life of this culture-rich city revolves around its neighborhood cafes and bistros, where visitors can occasionally pull off the seemingly impossible feat of passing for Parisians. I made this photograph in a steady rain, then went inside to start the party.  Image # 04924.

This is one of the most elegant and opulent buildings in Paris.  Completed in 1875, it skillfully combines several architectural styles, and is just as impressive inside as it is outside.  For more than 100 years, it was the home of the Paris Opera and is now used primarily for the Paris Ballet.  Image # 06702.

The Musee D'Orsay was completed in 1900 as an elegant Beaux-Arts train station, now housing a world-class collection of art from the impressionist period, after those artists were denied access to hanging their art in the Louvre.  It is located on the left bank of the Seine.   C'est magnifique!  # 06907.

Bacchus was the Roman god of wine.  Also known as Dionysus, he became a symbol of the renowned French wine industry.  Here he presides over a reflecting pool, oblivious to the cares of visitors to Versailles.  Is it wine o'clock somewhere?  Image # 07136.

These magnificent gardens were commissioned by Louis XIV in 1661, and took forty years to complete.  The gardens required enormous work to construct the Orangerie, the fountains and the Grand Canal.  Thousands of men took part in this vast enterprise.  Image # 07137.

It is hard to imagine the size of the gardens of Versailles.  Even when walking through them, the scale is overwhelming yet beautiful.  Image # 07137.

The Eiffel Tower is far more complex than it appears from a distance.  Here is a taste of the Tower at night.  Image # 07943.

This iron icon was built in 1889 as a temporary building for the World's Fair, but has endured to this day as the most-visited place in Paris.  Image # 07944.

This arch was commissioned by Napoleon to honor the victories of his armies.  He did not live to see it completed.  Image # 07945.

While I was enjoying the light on the Eiffel Tower, the moon seemed to dance around the top, as if to say "look at me too!".  Image # 07946.

The Tower was built in 1889 as a temporary building for the World's Fair.  Eiffel also was the engineer for our Statue of Liberty!  The view of this gem is impressive from the Trocadero, especially at night.  Image # 07947.

Gustave Eiffel was the engineer who designed this iron masterpiece in 1889 as the entrance arch to the World's Fair.  He also designed our Statue of Liberty.  Both have become international icons for more than 100 years.  Image # 07948.

April in Paris means flowers, and the gardens along the Tuileries deliver on expectations.  Image # 07950.

Paris is a great city for walking.  This wide tree-lined gravel path leads eventually to the Louvre, but enjoy the journey!  Image # 07950. 

The renowned architect I.M. Pei was commissioned to create an expansion element for the Louvre Museum.  His glass pyramid was completed in 1989 and is surrounded by three smaller pyramids.  This large pyramid serves as the main entrance to the Louvre.  It was very controversial when it opened.  Image # 07951.

This triumphal arch is located at the end of the Tuileries, near the Louvre.  It was completed in 1808 by Napoleon to commemorate his military victories.  Image #07952. 

One of the delights in Paris is to walk the streets and encounter frequent markets - some with flowers, many with produce, some with pistachios and macarons...  Image # 07953.

This is the narrowest house in Paris.  It sits only a few blocks down the Seine from the Musee d'Orsay and is very proud, totally unaware of its unique status.  Image # 07954.

Fresh seafood?  Just walk along the streets of Paris and before long, fresh oysters, lobsters and other seafood delicacies will be luring you in for a delicious meal.  You'd better make your selection before a chef buys it out from under your nose.  Image # 07955.

Paris is filled with art.  When you walk along the Seine, you see art in many unexpected forms.  Image # 07956.

If you do not speak or read French and are walking the streets of Paris, just think of this as the health food store.  Image # 07957

The Notre Dame cathedral is one of the best-known cathedrals in the world.  It sits prominently on an island in the Seine, and is truly impressive at night.  Image # 07958.

The Pont Alexander is the most ornate bridge crossing the Seine in Paris.  It was completed in 1900 and connects the Champs-Elysées quarter with the Eiffel Tower side of the Seine.  It is low and lavishly decorated with lampposts and sculptures of cherubs and nymphs.  Image # 07959.

There is a large clock in the Musee d'Orsay, and the view through it, across the Seine, shows the impressive size of the Louvre.  Image # 07960.

The Luxembourg Gardens and Palace were begun in 1612 by Marie de' Medici.  The Gardens remain a dignified and popular destination for Parisians.  Image # 07961.

One of the most tranquil places in the Luxembourg Gardens is this elegant fountain and reflecting pool, named in honor of Marie de' Medici who began the design of the gardens in 1612.  Image # 07962.

These extensive gardens were designed in 1612 by Marie de' Medici, and contain pools, ponds and benches that invite Parisians to take a break from their work and relax.  Image # 07963.