Embrace your inner bohemian – Things to do in Montmartre, Paris
While other Paris neighbourhoods drift in and out of fashion, bohemian Montmartre, scattered across a large hill to the city’s north, has long been my favourite area of the city. With its unique streetscapes and reputation for liberalism, revolutionary politics, extravagant entertainment, and as the birthplace of modern art, there are lots of things to do in Montmartre, and it certainly has character. Moulin Rouge Neighbouring districts Montmartre and Pigalle are the notorious entertainment centres of Paris, and some of the liveliest bistros and restaurants are found in these areas. One of the city’s icons, the Moulin Rouge (red windmill) is where the can-can dance was created. While nowadays the…
Saint Remy de Provence – the essence of Provence
For the ultimate Provencal experience you can’t surpass Saint Remy de Provence. From the tree-lined boulevard leading into town to the charming historic buildings, magnificent local produce and reputation for having inspired Impressionist genius Vincent Van Goph, there really are lots of things to do in Saint Remy de Provence. Saint Remy’s Old Town While slightly challenging to navigate, Saint Remy’s historic centre is charming. Although no longer surrounded by ramparts and a moat (the moat was transformed into the town’s ringroad), the maze of beautiful but narrow streets, decorated with shuttered windows, shady squares and cooling fountains, is a delight to wander around. Amidst the picturesque scenes in the…
How to save money in Paris
Glamorous Paris has an extravagant and luxurious reputation but you don’t need the Sun King’s budget to be able to enjoy a visit to the City of Lights. Here are my top tips on how to save money in Paris. When to visit Paris Paris enjoys the best bright, sunny weather between June and August. However, if you are looking to keep costs to a minimum visiting between April – May or September – October will mean you are not hit with peak prices. The weather may be more mixed at those times but you can always plan your museum trips for the iffy days. Paris also hosts various events…
The Rodin Museum in Paris and why I love it
The ‘Musee Rodin’ or Rodin Museum is one of my all-time favourite places to spend time in Paris. I never tire of visiting and always recommend friends go there to enjoy the sculpture, art and the peace and tranquility of the gardens in the heart of always bustling Paris. The museum building is compact but the garden surrounding it means it never feels crowded. There are so many galleries and museums in Paris that small establishments can be overshadowed by the larger, more famous galleries such as the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. However, if you are a fan of sculpture the Musee Rodin is a must-see. Even if you’re…
Europe’s Best Islands
When we think of islands it is usually the tropical kind but travellers looking for island destinations should not overlook Europe. Some of Europe’s islands offer enormously diverse scenery, fascinating history and incredible beaches with crystal clear water. Here are my favourites. Santorini, Greece If you have ever been seduced by an image of the Greek Islands, it was most likely by a photograph of Santorini. Nestled amongst the Cyclades islands, Santorini was created by volcanic activity that left the island in the semi circle shape it is today. Settlements are on the clifftops making for spectacular sunset photos but also making beach access a bit of a mission. Santorini…
A Day in Cassis
A last minute change of plans during a trip to Provence left a friend and I looking for accommodation between St Tropez and Marseille the night before catching a flight from Marseille. Where should we overnight that would be enjoyable but also within easy reach of the airport? It looked like an opportunity to explore Cassis had landed in our laps. About 20 kilometres east of Marseille, Cassis sits nestled at the foot of high cliffs and gazes out at the Mediterranean. It is a good place from which to explore the spectacular calanques (inlets) along this stretch of coast. This one-time fishing village, now a picturesque little town, is…
5 Towns to Visit on Your Next Daytrip to France
Day trips from the UK to France have been popular for a long time. Throughout my childhood my parents would regularly bundle my brother and I into the car to head over to France to fill the car with booze…er, introduce us to France’s wonderful culture and food, ahem. Read on for some great spots to visit on your next daytrip. Getting there There are several ways to get to France for the day. You can zoom under the Channel using the Channel Tunnel or take a cross-Channel ferry such as DFDS Seaways Ferries. It is possible to take your car on either and I would really strongly suggest this…
Spectacular Provence Beaches
Having grown up only a whisper away from France, in the UK, I had always rather disregarded the beaches, assuming they would be very similar to UK beaches, with shingle and cold murky water. In northern France they have vast sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Being the other side of the channel, the water is not very different. But with regards to the Provence coast, how wrong could I be? What a difference a land mass makes Of course Provence is on the south coast of France and the Mediterranean. This makes a huge difference. The water is generally sheltered and beautifully clear. Don’t be…
Market day in Bonnieux
Lavender of Provence
Nothing quite prepares you for the beauty of Provence in summer. If the sunshine and blue skies over dramatic hills, glittering beaches and endearing little village houses do not convince you, a visit to a Provence lavender field will. Lavender blooms between June and August and harvesting begins in mid July. Early July is the most reliable time to see the lavender at its best but the exact time depends on which region you visit. The Plateau de Valensole, north of Antibes and the Plateau de Sault, north-east of Avignon, are the two main areas for lavender. High above the warmer coastline the Plateau de Valensole is the largest lavender…
