One of the many highlights of my time in Sancerre was dinner at Table d`Arnaud at Château de Sancerre. 🍷🇫🇷

As you know I`m spending a fortnight in Sancerre immersing myself in the French language at Coeur de la France, where students from around the world come together to learn not only the language, but also the culture and way of life.

For me, one of the best ways to learn is around the table. Sharing a beautiful meal, chatting with locals and putting my French into practice has been just as rewarding as the classroom itself.

Travel has a wonderful way of teaching us so much more than what`s in a guidebook.

#LyndeyMilan #Sancerre #ChateauDeSancerre #FrenchCuisine #FrenchWine #LearnFrench #LanguageImmersion #FoodAndTravel #CulinaryTravel #WineLovers #France #ExploreFrance #TravelFrance #FoodieTravel #Gastronomy #TravelInspiration #BonjourFrance #FrenchLifestyle

An epic lunch with @matthewjukes jukes @noblerotwine celebrating his role as international guest judge @ras_nsw celebrate 200 years of agricultural excellence at #sydneyroyal #wineshow. Better still, anyone can attend hear him and other luminaries at the Sydney Royal 200: The Wine Show Conversation in Sydney on 31 July. Think former Chairs of Judges @iainriggs , @stargazerwine , @pj.charteris and current Chair @mikedeiuliis alongside a stellar line-up of industry experts, all generously donating their time and expertise, including @tpatersonwine, @robdiletti, @melanie_chester, @laurenaisla, @sevans150 and There will be rigorous discussion, a lineup of exceptional wines and a meaningful look at behind the scenes of a wine show.
Book tickets here -> https://www.universe.com/events/sydney-royal-200-the-wine-show-conversation-tickets-5RTPKL

See you there?

One of the highlights of our time in Sancerre was visiting a local chèvrerie, where exceptional goat`s cheese, the region’s Crottin de Chauvignol, is crafted using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.

There`s nothing quite like tasting chèvre at the source, especially when it`s paired with the region`s world-famous Sancerre wines. Even more interesting to taste the crottin at different stages in its aging with different vintages and wines. It`s experiences like these that make travelling through France so memorable. 🇫🇷🧀🍷

#LyndeyMilan #Sancerre #GoatsCheese #FrenchFood #FoodTravel #CulinaryTravel #France

There`s something rather special about learning a language in the place where it`s spoken. I took the plunge and enrolled for a fortnight in Coeur de la France in Sancerre where students from around the world come to immerse themselves in the French language, culture and everyday life. Couples, families and solos, like me. It’s quite a challenge.

Set in one of France`s most picturesque wine regions, it`s a wonderful reminder that travel isn`t just about seeing new places; it`s about embracing the culture, the traditions, new experiences, meeting local people and discovering a destination on a deeper level.

Have you ever learnt a language while travelling?

#LyndeyMilan #Sancerre #LoireValley #LearnFrench #FrenchLanguage #TravelFrance #CulturalTravel #WineCountry #FranceTravel #TravelInspiration #coeurdelafrance

Some of the best culinary discoveries happen beneath the surface…. 🍷🇫🇷

Every barrel or tank holds the promise of another vintage and another story.

While immersed in French language school in France, the school encouraged us to always speak French as we enjoyed the language and culture beyond the classroom. We practised speaking French in local shops, cafés, restaurants and markets, then joined excursions to wineries and caves, where guided dégustations were conducted entirely in French. It was an unforgettable way to learn.

Sancerre was one of the original Appellation d`Origine Contrôlée (AOC) regions, receiving its designation for Sauvignon Blanc in 1936, with Pinot Noir following in 1959. The AOC recognises products whose quality and character are intrinsically linked to their place of origin and traditional production methods.

Sancerre`s Sauvignon Blanc is among the finest in the world and is superb with the local Crottin de Chavignol goat`s cheese, itself awarded AOC status in 1976. It perfectly illustrates how the best food and wine often come from the same soil. The region`s Pinot Noir is equally delightful, offering a style that`s distinctly different from neighbouring Burgundy.

Every destination has a story to tell, and in Sancerre, that story is written in its vineyards, its cellars, its food and, of course, its wines. 🇫🇷🧀🍷

#LyndeyMilan #Sancerre #TasteFrance #FrenchWine #SauvignonBlanc #FrenchCuisine #FoodTravel #Gastronomy #WineTravel #TravelInspiration #TravelWIthLyndey

When in the UK, I like to try or revisit the best of English dining while catching up with friends. 🇬🇧🍽️

Lunch at @thewolseley took me back and celebrated everything I love about classic British cooking, seasonal produce, classic technique and dishes produced without fuss. For me, classic calves liver and bacon; for my friend, bubble and squeak (albeit with a stylish presentation). Previously at brunch, I had really good kedgeree with soft poached duck egg.

@elystanstreet serves more contemporary fare from Chef Phil Howard. Australian wines remain on the menu, which is lovely to see. Fabulous young sommelier too. I enjoyed my modern version of vitello tonnato (called by another name) and some great combinations with underlying classic technique.

#LyndeyMilan #LondonDining #TheWolseley #BritishCuisine #SeasonalCooking #ChefLife #CulinaryTravel #FoodWriter #LondonEats #Hospitality #TasteOfLondon #FoodAndTravel #RebeccaMascarenhas #PhilHoward

A beautiful few days in Chelmsford celebrating family, love and a very special wedding. 💕💍

There’s something so wonderful about bringing generations of extended family together, sharing stories, laughter, reminiscing and creating new memories that will be treasured for years to come.

To make the weekend even more memorable, my gorgeous grandson Raffy celebrated his 7th birthday on the very same day! 🎉🎂 Double the celebrations, double the joy.

Now it`s back to London with @thelucysparkles & family, a full heart and feeling incredibly grateful for precious family moments before the next adventure begins. 🇬🇧✨

#Chelmsford #FamilyWedding #UKTravel #LondonAndBeyond #FamilyTime #LyndeyMilan #Wanderlust #Celebration #TravelMoments #LucySparkles

@janpatt888
@angiemilan55
@laurenalderton92
@gbljones
@kjones6458

A morning immersed in creativity at the V&A & Turpentine South, where two remarkable exhibitions celebrated the power of artistry in very different ways. 🎨✨

The Schiaparelli exhibition was a dazzling exploration of fashion as wearable art. From Elsa Schiaparelli`s extraordinary imagination to the exquisite craftsmanship behind each couture creation, every piece told a story of innovation, confidence and fearless creativity.

In beautiful contrast, David Hockney`s A Year in Normandie offered a moment of quiet reflection. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry and traditional Chinese scrolls, this extraordinary work unfolds as one continuous panorama in the round, capturing the changing seasons of the Normandie landscape with colour, light and remarkable detail. This was Hockney’s last great work before he died, finished by painting and drawing on IPad. Quite incredible. Standing before it, you`re reminded how nature itself is an endless source of artistic inspiration.

Whether through fashion, paint, or food the most memorable creations begin with curiosity, imagination and a story worth sharing.

#LyndeyMilan #VAMuseum #Schiaparelli #DavidHockney #AYearInNormandie #LondonCulture #ArtExhibition #FashionAsArt #CreativeInspiration #MuseumVisits #LondonLife #ArtLovers

If Provence had a love language, it would be markets, long lunches and villages that refuse to rush. 💜🍅🌻

In Aix-en-Provence there is a daily market packed with flower stalls that made me want to buy bouquets I couldn`t possibly fit in my suitcase, fruit and vegetables so beautiful they deserve their own photoshoot and local artisans showing and tasting their wares.

A day trip to the Luberon began visiting Mirabeau, the tiny village where Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources were filmed. Walking its quiet lanes felt like stepping onto a deserted movie set. Then a delightfully long lunch at a local restaurant wth a limited but delicious contemporary menu.

I never tire of shopping or eating in regional France.

#Provence #Luberon #AixEnProvence #FrenchMarkets #TravelFrance #TravdelWithLyndey #LyndeyMilan #FoodAndTravel #SlowTravel #FrenchVillages #LyndeyMilan #DiscoverFrance