Europe Explored » Cities https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Fri, 06 Sep 2013 07:49:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Megastars On The Mediterranean https://europeexplored.com/2013/07/29/megastars-on-the-mediterranean/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/07/29/megastars-on-the-mediterranean/#comments Mon, 29 Jul 2013 06:21:43 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=15304 If you’re an A-lister (or just think of yourself that way), there’s one port of call on the Mediterranean that you absolutely must visit.  St. Tropez is the place to go during the popular summer months to spot the glitterati and mingle with them in their element.  Expect to drink champagne, stay out late, and […]

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If you’re an A-lister (or just think of yourself that way), there’s one port of call on the Mediterranean that you absolutely must visit.  St. Tropez is the place to go during the popular summer months to spot the glitterati and mingle with them in their element.  Expect to drink champagne, stay out late, and then recover on the beach with the rest of high society.  Hangovers never looked so good!

St. Tropez skyrocketed to its current repute back when Brigitte Bardot was on location there to shoot the now famous film And God Created Woman.  The movie brought Pampelonne Beach into the spotlight, and celebrities have yet to tire of the place.  St. Tropez has been dubbed Hollywood by the Sea for its status among starlets, but you are just as likely to see fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld or musician Elton John about town.

St. Tropez, France
St. Tropez, France by Michael Gwyther-Jones

People travel to the Mediterranean for the architecture and history, the wonderful fresh foods, and the sun-kissed sparkling waters.  As opposed to Menorca, Corsica, or Sicily, which are all Mediterranean islands, St. Tropez is part of mainland France; its location on the Cote d’Azur (or French Riviera) makes it easy to visit other notable towns in the area.  And if rubbing elbows with celebrities is a prerequisite, then make a side trip to Cannes during its annual film fest!

No one would blame you for wanting to do a little shopping while in St. Tropez.  Shopping choices here, while mostly tasteful, run the gamut from Atelier Ivan Hov’s origami sailboats to VIP Dog’s pet treats.  In between such novelties, you’re in for great finds at Poterie Augier (clay pieces), K Jacques (hand crafted sandals), and Le Depot (second hand designer fashions).

Meanwhile, the most colorful, affordable, and memorable goodies may come from the local fish market or Place des Lices Market, which sells everything from food to antiques.  Even if you don’t buy anything, browsing through the wares in St. Tropez will be a wonderful and interactive experience.  You can also look around for art openings or seasonal waterfront activities if you want to meet people and see a new side of the city.

If you’ve arrived in St. Tropez via private yacht, you’ll find that the best way to look important is to anchor near Club 55.  Once you’re on land, slowly sip your lunchtime aperitif while taking in the scene.  You can spend the afternoon shopping or sunbathing before you head out for the night.  People have come here to take joie de vivre seriously so leave those inhabitations at home!  Don’t know where to go?  Try these hotspots:

  • Jardins de Pan Dei has a great pool bar
  • Le Bar du Sube offers portside cocktails
  • Le Bar Joseph is a favorite in old town
  • Les Caves du Roy mixes champagne with disco
  • VIP Room, especially in August, is as it sounds

Between Marseilles and the Italian border, you’ll hit dozens of French villages that are worth a visit.  St. Tropez, like its Caribbean counterpart St. Barth’s, is simply the best one for star sightings (there’s even a Celebrity Tour).  So do you want to see stars or just feel like one?  Visit St. Tropez!

Katie Bauer is an experienced travel writer and editor. Having been a stewardess on private yachts, a crew member for sail races, and a sailmaker in New England, she now specializes in yachting destinations.  A frequent traveler, she has studied, worked, and volunteered abroad thus bringing a unique perspective to her content. She recommends you book your St. Tropez vacation with International Yacht Charter Group.

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Spending time in St Tropez, France https://europeexplored.com/2013/07/02/spending-time-in-st-tropez-france/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/07/02/spending-time-in-st-tropez-france/#comments Tue, 02 Jul 2013 13:36:21 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=15101 About St Tropez In the early 1960’s Brigitte Bardot kicked off the rush, later followed by like of Liz Taylor and Sophia Loren. St Tropez is as popular as ever, for the sun, the sea and the celebrities. Taking an early morning stroll around the pretty port or down the narrow medieval streets with the […]

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About St Tropez

In the early 1960’s Brigitte Bardot kicked off the rush, later followed by like of Liz Taylor and Sophia Loren. St Tropez is as popular as ever, for the sun, the sea and the celebrities. Taking an early morning stroll around the pretty port or down the narrow medieval streets with the candied almond hues, you will see how charming this city is.

St Tropez, France
St Tropez, France by Spencer Wright

Coming ashore

The port in St Tropez is too small to accept nearly all large cruise vessels, so passengers are tendered to a landing dock, but don’t worry; this is only a 5 minute walk to town. There are no passenger facilities portside, which is a bit of a let-down, but do you really need little things like cafes and small shops? You can rent a car for about €75 or rent a taxi for €3 and then €0.80 per mile which is a reasonable charge. The only problem with St Tropez I could find was the traffic, so allow plenty of time to get to places.

What to do in St Tropez

St Tropez has plenty to do, no matter what you like. If you love culture and history then you would love the musée de l’annonciade. Just inland from the southwest corner of vieux port, stands the extraordinary museum, the legacy of the artists that loved St Tropez has been lovely preserved. Signac, Matisse, Braque, Dufy and many more artists have displays here.

Painter in St Tropez, France
Painter in St Tropez, France by FaceMePLS

Ramatuelle is only 7 miles southwest of St Tropez and is a typical hilltop whorl of red clay roofs and dense inner streets, a proper ancient French market town. With awesome little shops and galleries you cannot miss an opportunity to visit here. With pretty vineyards and fields even the drive up to here is a delight. You can visit Moulin de Paillas, a recently restored windmill; the view from here is priceless. Oh and at Ratatouille there is a famous nightclub called club 55, this is where the rich and famous go to play!

The beaches in St Tropez are possibly the best in the whole of Europe. Pampelonne, the most famous beach in St Tropez is a long stretch of fine sand, divided into small sections, with trendy restaurants, bars and clubs on each one.

What to eat in St Tropez

I cannot stress enough how good the food is in St Tropez, just like anywhere in France everything is fresh, cooked to perfection and always tasty! There are two places that you must go to, these are La table du Marche and Le café.

Pampelonne beach, St Tropez, France
Pampelonne beach, St Tropez, France by David van der Mark

La Table du Marche has an afternoon tea room and a gorgeous summer sushi bar. With mouth-watering regional specialties from Chef Christophe Leroy, sink into one of the oversized armchairs and enjoy a light tomato pistou tart, absolutely perfect.

Le café is a busy terrace restaurant that often doubles as a stadium for local pétanque players (pretty much boules) you too can play. It’s a great way to sink into the local culture; especially on a Saturday night when the games are on, not that the local “beginner” pétanque soirees are on tap, which makes things hilarious. Try the Provençal beef stew or the traditional fish soup.

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The Catacombs of Paris: Experience a Different Side to the City of Light https://europeexplored.com/2013/06/12/the-catacombs-of-paris-experience-a-different-side-to-the-city-of-light/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/06/12/the-catacombs-of-paris-experience-a-different-side-to-the-city-of-light/#comments Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:58:18 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=15039 When people think of Paris, they typically think of it as a romantic city with the world renowned Eiffel Tower. However, just like with most places, there is more to Paris than what meets the eye. In fact, if you really want to experience a different side to the City of Light, you need to […]

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When people think of Paris, they typically think of it as a romantic city with the world renowned Eiffel Tower. However, just like with most places, there is more to Paris than what meets the eye. In fact, if you really want to experience a different side to the City of Light, you need to discover the Catacombs of Paris.

Where Are the Catacombs of Paris Located?

The Catacombs are located beneath the great city of Paris in France. The ossuary is located approximately 20 meters below ground and houses the remains of 6 to 7 million Parisians. The remains were gradually transferred to the ossuary between the 18th and 19th century due to graveyards being closed because of the risk they posed to public health.

Catacombs of Paris, France
Catacombs of Paris, France by Djtox

Notable Deceased Historical Figures

Within the Catacombs, there are many notable deceased historical figures due to the transfer of remains from various churches and graveyards. Such names include François Rabelais, Charles Perrault, Jean de La Fontaine, Simon Vouet, François Girardon, Salomon de Brosse, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, and Claude Perrault.

People that have died during the Revolution were also buried in the Catacombs, including victims of the 1792 massacres. Victims of the guillotine were additionally buried in the Catacombs, including Lavoisier, Camille and Lucile Desmoulins, Madame Elisabeth, Robespierre, and Danton.

Passages at the Catacombes, Paris, France
Passages at the Catacombes, Paris, France by Oh Paris

Available Tours

Visitors can enjoy a 45-minute tour of the Catacombs spanning over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). Visitors should dress accordingly since the average temperature is 14˚ Celsius (57.2˚ Fahrenheit). Along with the total distance traveled, visitors will also need to prepare for walking 213 steps during the tour.

The tour is available daily (except for Mondays and public holidays) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The price of admission varies depending on if you choose full rate, concessions rate, or half rate. In order to enjoy half rates or concessions rates, you will need to have a valid piece of identification with you. Additionally, you may be able to receive group rates.

If you want to be at the Catacombs entrance bright and early for the tour, you can look into nearby Paris hotels to spend the night. If you want to discover the best rates and services, you will need to comparison shop beforehand.

Sculpture Chiselled in the Catacombes, Paris, France
Sculpture Chiselled in the Catacombes, Paris, France by Oh Paris

Conditions and Accessibility for the Tour

When taking the tour, you may experience short delays during busy times since the visitor number is restricted to 200. It should additionally be known that cloakroom and bathroom facilities are not available on site.

The tour is not suitable for families with young children or people with respiratory or heart problems. Additionally, people with reduced mobility will not be able to access the site. Children under the age of 14 will need an adult present in order to go on the tour.

If you want to explore more about Paris’ history, the Catacombs of Paris is a great place to start. However, you will just need to plan ahead and make sure that you do not have any major health concerns in order to enjoy it to the fullest.

Chris McMahon enjoys sharing his travel stories online. He has a particular love for the lesser known gem in popular destinations.

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3 Things to do in Nice https://europeexplored.com/2013/05/04/3-things-to-do-in-nice/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/05/04/3-things-to-do-in-nice/#comments Sat, 04 May 2013 16:23:11 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14751 Located on the edges of the Mediterranean Sea in the south of France, Nice is a beautiful French Riviera city just waiting to be explored. Discover the rich blue sea, diverse shopping, popular beaches and unique restaurants perfect for the whole family. Hopping across the Channel by train is typically faster than taking a Ferry […]

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Located on the edges of the Mediterranean Sea in the south of France, Nice is a beautiful French Riviera city just waiting to be explored. Discover the rich blue sea, diverse shopping, popular beaches and unique restaurants perfect for the whole family.

Hopping across the Channel by train is typically faster than taking a Ferry to France, leaving you with more time to spend in Nice. With so much to do in the fifth most populous city in France, here are the top three things you simply must involve yourself in.

Promenade des Anglais

If relaxing on a sunny beach is one of your favourite holiday past-times then head to the Promenade des Anglais where you can stroll by the sea. Although it is more of a pebble beach than a traditional sandy one, the advantages of a level surface means you can enjoy other means of transport around the area.

Jog, cycle, skate and even rollerblade your way along the walkway and enjoy the warm climate that comes with the beach. If you’re looking to just get some peace, you can choose to sit on the available chairs and benches and just enjoy the sights. Furthermore, there are many open cafes and restaurants within walking distance for you to dine at, making it a complete experience.

Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France
Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France by SteveR-

Musee National Marc Chagall

Museums can be a wonderfully historic experience especially when you’re learning about a new environment. Nice has an extensive religious past and prides itself on having museums to publicise the old sculptures and paintings. The National Marc Chagall museum was created by artists who wanted to bring the ancient biblical works into one multi-purpose building.

There are many works present here, including mosaics and tapestries, sketches, stained-glass windows, biblical message paintings and lithographs. Discover the full collection of famous artist Marc Chagall and watch a story about his upbringing and what inspired his work. With the admission only 7.5 Euros, it is definitely an experience worth going to.

Musee National Marc Chagall, Nice, France
Musee National Marc Chagall, Nice, France by Janet McKnight

Castle Hill

Visit Castle Hill for a breath-taking, panoramic view of Nice. You can see the entire city from a high view, making it the perfect spot for photos and postcards. There is a park located at the top of Castle Hill too which can help the kids relax after the journey up. If you fancy yourself to be a fitness fanatic, you can choose to climb to the top, although an elevator is available.

The beautiful view from atop the hill overlooks the sea, city and port. It is a good place to have a picnic too or just spend a day taking in the sights. There is even a waterfall nearby giving the whole place a nice romantic spark. At the end of the day, you can still enjoy French cuisine at some of the restaurants located nearby.

Nice and a port, France
Nice and a port, France by Simon

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A perfect long-weekend in Paris https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/23/a-perfect-long-weekend-in-paris/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/23/a-perfect-long-weekend-in-paris/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:36:21 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14598 Paris is the most visited city in the world – and with good reason. The French capital is brimming with world-class attractions and has a unique style and charm that is hard to match. There are over 3800 historic monuments in Paris, and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It would take a lifetime to discover […]

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Paris is the most visited city in the world – and with good reason. The French capital is brimming with world-class attractions and has a unique style and charm that is hard to match.

There are over 3800 historic monuments in Paris, and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It would take a lifetime to discover all these incredible locations but if all you’ve got is a weekend never fear. Most of the major Parisian draws are located in the relatively small city centre, and the ones that aren’t are easy to reach on public transport.

Paris at sunset, France
Paris at sunset, France by Oh Paris

We’ve drawn up a rough itinerary to help you make the most of your long weekend in Paris.

Choosing your accommodation

Paris has a great public transport system – and a fantastic metro network so navigating the city couldn’t be easier. That said, you’ll still want to make the most of your trip by choosing a location that puts you right in the heart of the action. There is no shortage of Places to stay in and around central Paris that will put you near some of best attractions and transport links so you shouldn’t have any problem finding convenient accommodation.

Friday: Settling in and enjoying some culture

Afternoon:

After checking in you’ll want to relax into your weekend so take it easy on your first day. A gentle stroll down the Champs-Elysees is the perfect start. Streets don’t get much more famous than this so take your time and mix up a bit of shopping with relaxing in the many grassy areas along the way. Make for the Arc de Triumph and if you feel up to it, ascend the memorial for some great views across the city.

Evening:

The Parisian arts scene is one of the finest in the world and on your first night you should dive in with a trip to the Paris Opera. There are plenty of great restaurants nearby where you can eat either before or after your show but as soon as you’ve finished, head to the nearby Harry’s Bar for cocktails.

Champs-Elysees, Paris, France
Champs-Elysees, Paris, France by Serge Melki

Saturday: Seeing the big sights

Morning:

Start off by heading to the Eiffel Tower – the earlier the better. This iconic landmark draws big visitor numbers and has the queues to prove it. Fit travellers can beat the pack by choosing the much less popular stairs route up one of the structure’s legs – although to get to the very top you’ll still have to take a lift. The view from the top is spectacular so remember your camera. Once you’ve built up an appetite, head to the nearby Café de L’Alma where you can enjoy a delicious Parisian lunch in elegant surroundings.

Afternoon:

The Palace of Versailles and its gardens represent one of the most beautifully conceived structures in the world and are well worth making the short trip from Paris to see. Head to either the Montparnasse or Saint Lazare stations to get your train and be prepared to see unparalleled elegance and sumptuous splendour.

Evening:

When you’re back in Paris make for the Montmartre districts, one of the more bohemian locations in the city and home to the famous Moulin Rouge. This area up on the hill is also home to the famous Sacre Cour church – which offers splendid views across Paris. When the light show at the Eifel Tower starts to sparkle you’ll understand why this is such a magical city.

Palace of Versailles park, Paris, France
Palace of Versailles park, Paris, France by Leo-setä

Sunday: Art and history

Morning:

First thing to do is to head to the most famous of the many museums and galleries that grace the streets of Paris. The Louvre is home to a remarkable collection of works which includes the Mona Lisa and Venus di Milo. Join the crowds checking out these and the multitude of other remarkable works on display. After you’ve finished with the Louvre (and it may take a while!) head to Notre Dame for some gargoyle-spotting. After you’ve had a good look at the inside and exterior of this remarkable building cross the Seine and head for some food in one of the restaurants that fill the maze-like streets of the Latin Quarter.

Afternoon:

More artistic attractions await in the afternoon so head back across the Seine and make for the astonishing architecture of the Centre Pompidou. This modern masterwork of a building represents a building turned inside out with the pipes, lifts and escalators of the museum all attached to the outside of the building. Inside you’ll find the biggest collection of modern art in Europe.

Evening:

After you’ve enjoyed seeing the art of modernity head for an evening dinner boat tour on the Seine. You’ll get to enjoy good food while travelling along one of the most famous rivers in the world. It’s the perfect way to round off the trip and will give you some fantastic memories to carry home with you.

Are you tempted by a trip to Paris? Where would you visit?

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The Old And New Of Paris https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/19/the-old-and-new-of-paris/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/19/the-old-and-new-of-paris/#comments Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:05:29 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14568 Most visitors to Paris fall in love with the city at first sight; well, perhaps not at their very first sight especially if they arrived via Charles de Gaulle Airport, nobody can fall in love with that. And even if you first arrive by train at Gare du Nord it is not until you get […]

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Most visitors to Paris fall in love with the city at first sight; well, perhaps not at their very first sight especially if they arrived via Charles de Gaulle Airport, nobody can fall in love with that. And even if you first arrive by train at Gare du Nord it is not until you get out onto the city streets that you begin to appreciate the place.

Once visited never forgotten, Paris is an irresistible city of contrasts, a place where there is an almost perfect balance between the young and the old, the ancient and the modern. Although it is constantly reinvigorated, most of the buildings are between three hundred and six hundred years also and some are even older than that. And hopefully most of them will still be there for many hundreds of years to come.

Hotel de Sens, Marais area of Paris, France
Hotel de Sens, Marais area of Paris, France by Pline

The Marais area of Paris, with its narrow streets and Medieval and Renaissance architectural styles, is the city’s oldest quarter and dates from the 12th century. Although you might not think it now, it was called Marais as that is French for swamp which at one time it was. The quarter has been through many changes. Initially is was place favoured by royalty and the aristocracy, then following the French revolution it fell into ruin. It was never really revived until the 1960s, but since then it has become an important artistic and cultural centre of the city.

Reputedly the oldest stone house in Paris is Nicolas Flamel’s house in the rue Montmorency in the third arrondissement. Flamel has the reputation of being an alchemist, and according to an inscription outside the house was built in 1407. The ground floor of the house is now a restaurant called Auberge Nicolas Flamel.

The house of Nicolas Flamel, now a restaurant, in Paris, France
The house of Nicolas Flamel, now a restaurant, in Paris, France by Thiebes

The oldest church in the city is the Église St-Germain des Prés. Built in the sixth century it was located just outside medieval Paris and was the church associated with the Abbey St-Germain des Prés, where the Neustria Merovingian kings were buried.

In stark contrast, Le Projet Triangle in the Porte de Versailles area is an example of modern Paris architecture. It has been designed so that it casts no shadow on adjacent buildings and resembles an extremely thin pyramid. Its construction will be completed in 2014 and with its fifty storeys it will be the first skyscraper to be built in Paris in the last thirty years.

A different way to arrive in Paris is to travel by bus. There are frequent buses to Paris directly from London and it is the cheapest way to get there. Alternatively you can go by train, which naturally is faster but is also much more expensive, but if you can possibly avoid it, don’t fly; Charles de Gaulle Airport has the reputation of being the most hated airport in the world.

Byline: This article has been written by Claire Chat a new Londoner, travel passionate and animal lover. She blogs about Pets and Travelling in Europe. If you want Claire to write you specific content, you can find email her here or contact her on Twitter (Claire_Chat).

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Paris – The Great Outdoors https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/17/paris-the-great-outdoors/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/17/paris-the-great-outdoors/#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2013 04:53:43 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14506 Paris in the spring and summer can be glorious. While we usually associate the place with museums, art galleries, great eating places and other indoor attractions, there is much pleasure to be had by just strolling around, wandering along the banks of the River Seine, or sitting by one of the many fountains and enjoying […]

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Paris in the spring and summer can be glorious. While we usually associate the place with museums, art galleries, great eating places and other indoor attractions, there is much pleasure to be had by just strolling around, wandering along the banks of the River Seine, or sitting by one of the many fountains and enjoying the cooling water spray as it is caught by the breeze. Here are a few of the attractions of the city where you can find peace and tranquillity beneath the blue skies of the great outdoors.

Today the green spaces in Paris are the equal of those in any European city. Many once-run-down industrial sites have been converted into parks and there is a wealth of more traditional parks that were constructed in 18th and 19th centuries.

Parc André Citroën, Paris, France
Parc André Citroën, Paris, France by FaceMePLS

Parc André Citroën on the banks of the Seine was once occupied by the Citroën car factory. It covers 35 acres laid out in a modern style and in the centre is a concrete plateau surrounded by water jets which are computer controlled.

The Parc des Buttes Chaumont was once a quarry though it was converted into a park in the 1860s. The designer was Baron Haussman who was also responsible for much of the design of central Paris. There are lakes and waterfalls, sculptured hills and grottoes, and woodland from where you can enjoy great views of the city.

Parc des Buttes Chaumont, Paris, France
Parc des Buttes Chaumont, Paris, France by Ahmad Tarek

Two parks flank the city. These are the Bois de Boulogne to the west and the Bois de Vincennes to the east. In the former you will find vistas over the rolling countryside and you can enjoy activities such as cycling, horse-riding and boating on the various lakes, and the latter contains the Parc Zoologique de Paris, the beautiful Parc Floral de Paris and the Château de Vincennes which dates back to medieval times.

Bois de Boulogne, Paris, France
Bois de Boulogne, Paris, France by Olaf2

The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most elegant of Paris parks. It combines attractive paths with green lawns, beautiful flowerbeds, and trees which surround the Luxembourg palace which was built in the 17th century. The Jardin des Tuileries with its tree-lined paths and ponds lies between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre is similarly elegant.

Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, France
Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, France by Anna Fox

And finally, as evening falls, enjoy the fading light by taking a stroll along Canal Saint Martin and head to the Parc de la Villette where you can watch for free an outdoor movie projected onto a huge inflatable screen. Both English and French movies are shown and most people bring along a blanket or chair and basket with some cheese, bread and wine and share a communal picnic.

Walking is the best way to get round Paris, but to get so some of the more outlying regions you might prefer to travel by bus; busses in Paris are frequent and inexpensive.  And when it’s time to return from Paris to London you can reflect on all that time that you spent in the great outdoors

Byline: This is a guest post by Claire Chat a new Londoner, travel passionate and animal lover. She blogs about Pets and Travelling in Europe. If you want Claire to write you specific content, you can find email her here or contact her on Twitter (Claire_Chat).

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Another Side of Paris https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/04/another-side-of-paris/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/04/04/another-side-of-paris/#comments Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:18:48 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14373 Often when we think of Paris, the things that come to mind are all of the famous tourist sights that are detailed in guidebooks and travel brochures. We think of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysée, the pavement cafés and the Moulin Rouge. However, Paris has another side that few tourists know is there. This […]

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Often when we think of Paris, the things that come to mind are all of the famous tourist sights that are detailed in guidebooks and travel brochures. We think of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysée, the pavement cafés and the Moulin Rouge. However, Paris has another side that few tourists know is there. This is a bustling multicultural community just waiting to be discovered. In this article I will share some of the hidden gems, including the ChinaTown district and the thriving African community.

ChinaTown

When you visit the ChinaTown area of Paris you could be forgiven for feeling like you are thousands of miles from France! Everything you see is written in Chinese from street signs to shop fronts. The streets are filled with Chinese restaurants and delicatessens, Asian supermarkets, bric-a-brac stores and boutiques. There are also numerous Buddhist temples in the area. Everything in ChinaTown, which is found in the 13th Arrondissment neighbourhood of Paris, offers a taste of the Far East. The sights, the smells, the culture and of course the food! Few tourists even know of its existence, but it is easily accessible from the following Metro stops:

  • Tolbiac
  • Avenue de Choisy
  • Rue de Tolbiac
  • Avenue d’Ivry

Chinese New Year Parade in ChinaTown, Paris, France
Chinese New Year Parade in ChinaTown, Paris, France by Georges Seguin

Little India

I first discovered Little India the first time I travelled by bus to Paris. The area extends from Rue Faubourg-Saint Denis to Brady in the 10th Arrondissement neighbourhood. The air is fragrant with incenses and the aroma of various curries while the streets are vibrant with colour thanks to the stores selling beautiful saris in a rainbow of colours and patterns and golden Ganeshes. Little India is a must see area of the city and can be reached via Metro stopping at Château d’eau, Brady Passage or Rue Faubourg-siant Denis.

The African District

Paris also has a thriving African community which is  found in the 19th Arrondissement neighbourhood. The district is alive with African speciality dishes, traditional stores, African markets, material and clothing and even African hair salons and beauty parlours. I was  delighted to find authentic Caribbean restaurants and exotic grocery stores in the heart of Paris! When you visit Paris, hop on the Metro to Barbes-Rouchechouart Rue Goutte d’Or and you will not be disappointed.

Belleville

If you are in the mood for a much more eclectic taste of the many cultures that Paris has to offer, then you will want to head to the Belleville District in the 20th Arrondissement neighbourhood. This is Paris’s artists quarter an it plays home to a diverse range of cultures. This includes a second, and much smaller, ChinaTown as well as Greek, Jewish and Armenian communities. The Belleville stop.

Paris is a wonderfully exotic blend of cultures, and if you know where to look you will find a fantastic selection of authentic cooking, clothing and music from a wide range of cultures from across the globe. I highly recommend that everyone steps off of the beaten tourist track to experience at least one of these neighbourhoods during their stay in Paris.

Tim Baker is a passionate travel writer and loves travelling around the world, one of his best experience was travel bus in Europe and he believes that Paris and London are 2 of the most beautiful cities on the planet.

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A Trip Round The French Riviera https://europeexplored.com/2013/03/14/a-trip-round-the-french-riviera/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/03/14/a-trip-round-the-french-riviera/#comments Thu, 14 Mar 2013 22:59:24 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14163 There’s a Turkish Riviera, an Italian Riviera, a Mayan Riviera and even an English one and the names for all these coastal resorts have been inspired by the stretch of coast in the South of France that first became popular as a winter resort in the 18th century. Eventually, someone found out that the area […]

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There’s a Turkish Riviera, an Italian Riviera, a Mayan Riviera and even an English one and the names for all these coastal resorts have been inspired by the stretch of coast in the South of France that first became popular as a winter resort in the 18th century. Eventually, someone found out that the area was also lovely in the summertime, plus the railways arrived, and voila, it became one of the first modern resort areas largely frequented by the English.

Here are just a few of the towns and their attractions to be found along the coast:

Nice

Probably one of the city’s most famous features is the 7km long Promenade des Anglais, named after those English tourists. It follows the coast, is long and wide and is a magnet for line skaters and skateboarders as well as promenaders (it’s wide enough to accommodate everyone).

The Old Town is not to be missed and neither is the pedestrianised Cours Saleya, home to a fruit and flower market some days, an antiques market the rest of the week, and lots of restaurants and cafes for lunch and dinner. Beautiful Belle Epoque buildings including the gorgeous Negresco Hotel grace the city with their presence.

Nice, French Riviera
Nice, French Riviera by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is of course well known for its rich, famous visitors, and the eye-bogglingly expensive yachts belonging to these people are certainly worth a stroll round in Quai Jean Jaurès.

There’s a 16th century citadel on a hill overlooking the town from which there’s a great view out to sea and if you’re in the mood for a proper walk, take advantage of the 7 mile track around the coast to the Pampelonne beaches, past Bridge Bardot’s house and Roger Vadim’s grave.

Saint-Tropez, French Riviera
Saint-Tropez, French Riviera by Alessandro Prada

Cannes

Home of course to the film festival in May when you’ll be hard-pressed to find a luxury hotel, the old town (Le Suquet) on the hill is accessible all year round and a wonderful place for people-watching while sitting at a cafe. Cannes, too has its share of big boats that can be viewed in the Old Port area.

The city’s equivalent of the Promenade des Anglais, and just as famous, is the La Croisette with the sea on one side and a myriad of expensive hotels and palm trees on the other.

Cannes, French Riviera
Cannes, French Riviera by Christophe.Finot

These are all famous, large towns well-visited by multitudes of tourists, but there are also some smaller towns on the French Rivieria …

Julie is a world traveller who loves combining her passion for writing and travelling in fantastic short travel guides. She also writes for Fortina Spa Resort, one of the top Hotels in Malta, situated in a prime seafront location overlooking the capital city Valletta.

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A Guide to Paris’ Food Markets https://europeexplored.com/2013/01/31/a-guide-to-paris-food-markets/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/01/31/a-guide-to-paris-food-markets/#comments Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:10:01 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=13554 Oh la la! It is safe to say that the French are world renowned for their gastronomy. From the famous Roux dynasty to the revered Michelin Guide, the country is the benchmark for foodies the world over. And it is in the food markets of the city of Paris where tourist and locals mingle to […]

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Oh la la! It is safe to say that the French are world renowned for their gastronomy. From the famous Roux dynasty to the revered Michelin Guide, the country is the benchmark for foodies the world over. And it is in the food markets of the city of Paris where tourist and locals mingle to buy some of the finest French produce that is used in creating these great dishes in the homes and restaurants of the capital city.

Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris, France
Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris, France by Evan Bench

The beauty of these markets is that they sell everything – from meat to fine cheeses and fresh fruit and veg. The stall holders are an attraction in themselves as they call out the deals of the day and offer knowledgeable advice on their produce. And there are different types of markets too – ‘pop up’ stalls which appear for just a few hours on set days of the week, market streets where the vendors have their stalls in front of their shops and the covered or indoor markets. And with 20 different arrondissements (districts) in Paris, each featuring any number of markets on a given day, there are certainly plenty to choose from! Here are some of the best…

Marché des Enfants Rouges

Located in the 3rd arrondissement, this is one of Paris oldest covered markets (it opened in 1628) and as such, it offers a diverse range of foods. It also has the added charm of having plenty of cooked food stalls where you can enjoy a dish of Parisian or even West Indian cuisine!

Marché Raspail

Based on Paris’ left bank, this is perhaps the most fashionable of the markets and it is not unheard of to spot a celebrity or two browsing the goods on offer. With its organic produce and laid back atmosphere, it is certainly one of the most popular with tourists and locals. You’ll find it in the 6th arrondissement.

Marché Raspail, Paris, France
Marché Raspail, Paris, France by Yuichi Shiraishi

Rue Montorgueil

This is one of Paris’ street markets and is situated in the 2nd arrondissement – so expect to see stalls in front of shops and plenty of cafes mingled in amongst the produce stores.

Saint-Quentin

As the biggest covered market in Paris, you will be spoilt for choice if you have the time to visit. You could easily spend hours wandering around the stalls and shops of this bustling area. Dedicated foodies should get themselves to the 10th arrondissement to experience it for themselves.

Saint-Quentin Market, Paris, France
Entrance to Saint-Quentin Market, Paris, France by Guilhem Vellut

Be aware that not all markets have the same opening hours and days – do your research carefully to avoid disappointment! Luckily there are plenty of cheap hotels in most districts of Paris so you can be safe in the knowledge you can put your feet up after a hard day pounding the streets and perhaps enjoy some of your purchases as well!

If you live in the United Kingdom and want to sample the delights of the Parisian markets (and bring home some mementos) your best bet is to take the Eurostar direct from London to Paris. Perhaps less stressful (and often cheaper) than flying, you can shop to your heart’s content (of course bearing in mind any restrictions, especially on things like wine) before boarding the train and having a relaxing journey home.

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