Rennes Cathedral, France by chelmsfordblue

Gayeulles Park is one of the largest in Brittany and a popular destination during the warmer months. It consists of three manmade lakes, pedalos, a swimming pool, an ice rink, a campsite, a miniature golf course, a farm for children and facilities for sports including tennis, squash and several other activities. With so much going on, it’s easy to spend a full day at Gayeulles Park, and it’s guaranteed to keep the whole family happy.

Rennes Cathedral

A trip to the Cathedral is an essential part of any trip to Rennes for architecture lovers. The work of architect Mathurin Crucy, 57 years of work went into its construction. Though the outer façade is quite simplistic and unassuming, the inside of the Cathedral is lavishly adorned with exquisite paintings and gold designs.

Breton Parliament

Breton Parliament represents the link between Brittany and France. The building itself is a sight to behold, made from granite and freestone with gilded characters embedded into the walls as a representation of justice. After a destructive fire in 1994, the Parliament underwent a massive restoration programme and is just as impressive today as it was in the 17th century.

Rennes houses, France by Mitch Altman

The Short Film Festival

The annual Short Film Festival is entirely dedicated to short films in the fantasy genre. It draws fanatics from all over the world to the city of Rennes. Though fantasy was previously a very specific niche, the event is attracting more and more visitors every year and the city has a unique buzz over the duration of the event. It usually runs for four days in October. As is the case for all planned functions, it’s worth booking a hotel well in advance if you plan to stay in Rennes whilst the Short Film Festival is taking place.

Rennes Eco-museum

Rennes Eco-museum, situated in the south of the city, tells the story of thirteen centuries of farming. It’s housed in a beautifully restored farm building and also serves as an observatory of ancient breeds of animals that have been preserved. The region’s history is explored through displays of costumes, tools and farming equipment, as well as reconstructed kitchens and larders. Of course, there are several other museums scattered throughout the city, but the Eco-museum is a fascinating location that provides a real insight into times gone by.

Rennes, France by Mitch Altman

Conclusion

Rennes is a city steeped in history with a diverse mix of attractions for visitors. It may not be one of France’s most obvious holiday destinations, but it can provide an interesting break for tourists.

Rennes is a great place to visit and has a number of great campsites for holiday makers. Especially noteworthy are “Camping des Gayeulles” and “Chateau des Ormes”. So take your camping equipment and pitch up your tent, if you need to buy any new camping items visit the Outdoor World Direct store which stocks all things camping.

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Atomium, Brussels, Belgium by Angus

The historic city of Brussels has a fascinating history and is home to several iconic landmarks. Belgium’s capital is perhaps best known these days as one of the homes of the European Parliament, but it’s important to remember there is so much more to the city than that. And because of its convenient location it can be easily reached by tourists from the United Kingdom, France, Scandinavia and Germany.

One of the more quirky landmarks in Brussels is the Atomium, a highly distinctive structure that’s located in the city’s Heysel Park. It stands at 102 metres high, and consists of nine inter-connected steel spheres. Originally created for the 1958 World’s Fair, more commonly known as Expo ’58, several of the spheres are accessible to the public by escalators, and the views across the city are truly spectacular.

Quirky, Charming, Spectacular

Close to the centre of Brussels at the intersection of Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraatand Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat, you’ll find one of the world’s most famous statues. The Mannekin Pis has become a cultural symbol of the city, and dates back to the 17th century. The urinating boy is often dressed in some sort of relevant costume, and it has become something of a must-visit for tourists from all over the world.

Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium by Vase Petrovski

Measuring more than 110 metres in length, the Grand Place is a huge square in the centre of the city. It’s home to the Town Hall and several important cultural buildings, and presents a wonderful photo opportunity for visitors to Brussels. Because of its location in the very heart of the metropolis, the Grand Place is often used as a meeting point for visitors, as well as a collection area for large groups of tourists.

As well as the many historic buildings that are found in Brussels, there are several more modern landmarks which are well worth a visit. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, for example, was opened in 1935, and is a masterpiece of art deco architecture. Sitting at the top of Koekelberg Hill, it’s in a wonderful location and should be on the itinerary of every traveller who comes to Brussels.

David Showell lives and works in southern England, and has visited many European cities. He always likes to hire a car when he’s in Europe.

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One of the most amazing attractions in the area is the Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach in Scotland. The waterfall drops more than 150 feet into the gorge and an incredible bridge spans it all. There are viewing platforms to better see the remarkable waters and it is a popular spot in the area.

If you are planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands and in particular the area around Ullapool, be sure to include the Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach during your trip. This guide will provide information on the site, nearby accommodation options and other exciting attractions in the region.

A view of the magnificient, Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls / Wojsyl

Travelling In and Around the Destination

Travellers who plan to come to Scotland to see the Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach should plan to travel first to the small village of Ullapool. Ullapool is just ten miles from the gorge and is a beautiful destination in the Scottish Highlands. Most travellers will arrive by car to the area which is recommended as this area of the United Kingdom is quite spread out. If you plan to rely on public transportation, however, your best choice is to take the regional bus from Inverness. The journey will cost just £12 each way and the trip is made at least once each day.

History of Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls

While it is unclear when the falls were first discovered by humans in Scotland, it has been proven that people were writing about the incredible scenic attraction as early as the 17th century. It wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century, however, until the architect John Fowler built the first suspension bridge for viewing the falls and for crossing the Droma River that the attraction was visited by the masses. Today that same bridge that crosses over the gorge and is an impressive structure.

Visitor’s Information

The Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach is a completely unmanned attraction. There is no staff onsite regularly which means visitors should take personal responsibility when touring the area and pay close attention to all signs. The area is open daily throughout the year, but it is recommended that you only visit during daylight hours. The falls will be most impressive after heavy rains, and they are best avoided during a drought. Admission is just £1 per person to be left in an honesty box on site.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors to the Scottish Highlands will have no shortage of attractions to visit after touring the Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach. In nearby Ullapool some of the most popular attractions include the Ullapool Museum as well as taking a boat tour in warmer weather. Attractions throughout the area include the impressive Eilean Donan Castle and hikes on famous paths like the Speyside Way and the West Highland Way.

Eilean Donan Castle fairly near to Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach / lenivor…

Accommodation Options in the Area

If you are looking for accommodation options as close as possible to the Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach, your best options are the small inns and guesthouses in the village of Ullapool. There are also several pubs and inns that accept overnight guests throughout the Cairngorms National Park. For something more private, you might enjoy the Scottish apartments in the city of Inverness. Rental apartments give visitors a way to truly see the city from a local perspective. With a private kitchen, this kind of accommodation can often be cheaper than staying in a hotel.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by ocegep

The building is really monumental, and if you are disappointed by haunted Dracula’s castle Bran, be sure to set off in Hunedoara.

Fortress was founded here in the 13th century and up to 17th century was reconstructed and modified. At first in the 14th century by its owner, a general and Regent-Governor of the Kingdom of Hungary – John Hunyadi, and later in the 15th century by his son, Matthias Corvinus. Further alterations were no such significant. Inside the castle is a museum where you can find more information about the history of the castle.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cernavoda

There is no railway in Hunedoara, but you can take a bus from the nearby Deva. As I wrote, Hunedoara is a relatively small city, so finding the castle would not be a problem – you can go from the bus station along the main street up to the dirty river, go over bridge and you should see the towers of the castle.

Corvin Castle is open every day but the opening hours vary depending on the season. Basic admission is 10 Ron (approx. €2,3).

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Basic information
Maribor is an important transport hub, especially for those travelling from Central Europe to Croatia or from Eastern Europe to Italy. But this city deserve more, not just passing through. There are galleries, museums and also the university, which was founded in 1961. But the main attraction is the four hundred years old, still nascent, grape-vine in Lent – the oldest part of the city. Through the city flows the river Drava, where you can try a traditional raft ride.

History of Maribor
Maribor originated from the village below the Markburg castle. It was first mentioned in 1208, the name Maribor is used only since the late 19th century. There is also a large railway junction (the oldest railway crossing Slovenia) and the highway to Zagreb, Ljubljana and Graz. Until the World War I, there was a large minority of Germans living in Maribor. But they had to leave after the first, and then also after the Second World War, so now the city is purely Slovenian.

Old Vine (Stara trta)
The old grape-vine on the banks of Lent was discovered during the renovation of the port. It was found that this forgotten grape is perhaps the oldest in Europe (three hundred to four hundred years old). Ceremonial harvest of these precious berries of wine is at the end of October. However the wine of this origin can hardly be bought. You could get it only as a present and only if you are really very important visitor to the city of Maribor.

Maribor’s Squares
Core central area of ​​Maribor includes the Main Square (Glavni Trg) and Slomškov Square (Slomškov Trg). On the Main Square you can see the Plague Column made by the sculptor Joseph Straub, which commemorate the tragedy of 17th century, when a third of Maribor’s residents died of black death. On the same square you can admire the old Renaissance Town Hall (Rotovž), through you can walk to Town Hall Square (Rotovški Trg). On the Slomškov Square you can see the monumental church and great facade of the classicist theater.

Lent International Summer Festival
Bank of river Drava, formerly a major port or residence of rafters and small craftsmen, is now a promenade with many cafes and restaurants. It is suitable for pleasant walks. Lent is also a place of the annual international music, theater and entertainment festival. It is held for approximately two weeks at the end of June.

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The first castle on this place was built around the year of 1280 by Count Floris to secure the mouth of the river Vecht. In 1296 the Count was kidnapped, held captive and later killed, the castle was destroyed. A new castle here was built on the ruins by Duke Albrecht in 1370. At this time Muiden Castle was used as an aristocratic residence, served also as a court and state prison.

At the beginning of the 19th century the castle fell into disrepair, and for a while it seemed like the castle will be demolished and sold out for building material. But King Willem eventually didn’t allow demolition, and the castle was restored in 1895. In the years 1948-1972 Muiden Castle underwent reconstruction, which repaired some previous inadequate treatment. Today the castle serves as a national museum and a venue of many cultural events.

Pieter Hooft Corneliszoon
The most famous inhabitant of the castle was known Dutch writer, poet and historian Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, who lived at the castle in the years 1609-1647. He was also a Knight in the Order of Saint Michael. Hooft used to invite other well-known artists here with whom he enjoyed and worked. The interiors of the castle are just surviving from this period. At the end of the 17th century Muiden Castle was integrated into a new and enlarged earthwork fortress .

The castle is now open to the public all year round with guided tours only. From April to November it is open from monday till saturday from 10:00 till 17:00. On Sundays from 13:00 till 17:00. Then from November till April only on weekends from 13:00 till 16:00. No photography is allowed inside the castle.

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Bodiam castle is situated in the undulating countryside of southern England and was originally built as a protection against possible invasions of French during the The Hundred Years’ War. However French army has never come here. So today, more likely version is that the castle was built by Sussex Knight as his headquarters. The castle was inhabited until the 17th century, when it was during the civil war (which began in 1642), damaged in an attack by parliamentary troops. The roof has been destroyed which made it useless and non-recoverable. In 1664 thus became unoccupied and remained abandoned.

Fortunately, thanks to the sandstone, which was used as its building material, it has withstood the ravages of time and remained preserved until today. In 1919, Bodiam Castle was restored by Lord Curzon, who later gave it to the state.

Now the castle is open to the public and is one of the major attractions of the region. From the outside it looks perfectly intact and you will find also impressive interior remains which show you how the castle was equipped.

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The first mention of the original village dates back to the 12th century. Most of the monuments in this city, as well as throughout Luxembourg, were bombed during the war.

The village is now a popular summer resort with a swimming pool, camping and a youth hostel. You can follow any of the numerous trails which lead you through the forests of the Mullerthal valley.

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The water appears almost everywhere in this picturesque medieval town full of water mills. Already in the 12th century a few fishermen came here with their families. However everywhere around there was a swamp. Therefore, the first local settlers were forced to build their houses on piles. The water from the marshes were drained into the channels soon and on the Sorgue river were built water mills. The captured energy was used for the processing of silk, wool, and also for the manufacture of handmade paper. Thanks to this, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue soon became the center and the most important city of Venaissin-Comtat area (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur today). Several of these water wheels, which ensured the prestige of the city are still spinning here.

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L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue boasts many beautiful sights. Especially picturesque buildings you will find on the streets Rue du Dr. Roux, Jean and Rue Jean-Théophile. In the heart of the medieval city there is a tower Tour Boutin, sometimes also called the Tour d’Argent, which is the oldest building in town. It was built at the time when L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was ruled by the Counts of Toulouse. However the purpose of this tower is not known.

Another important building is near standing Chapel of Notre Dame des Anges, which was built in the 1222. In the 17th century, it was reconstructed and re-built into Italian style, which ranked it among the most beautiful baroque buildings in Provence. The windows on the north side had to be bricked up in 1666, due to cold winds, which are regularly blowing. Also the interior of the church is worth seeing! Over the altar that is made of Carrara marble there is a picture of “Assumption of the Virgin Mary”, painted by Reynaud Levieux in 1630.

In many homes you will find souvenir shops for tourists. At the waterfront of Sorgue river there is an antique market every weekend, which is the 2nd largest of its kind in France after that one in Paris.

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The history of Cēsis town dates back to 1205, when the castle and many other smaller fortified buildings were built here by German crusaders known as the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. The first settlement began to emerge here around the castle and soon Cēsis became the capital of Order’s Master. At that time the city belonged to the Hanseatic League and even had the right to mint coins. Cēsis is also likely birthplace of the Latvian flag. The history of the red-white-red flag is not clear, and Latvian flag is one of the oldest flags in the world.

Cēsis, Latvia by Beercha

During the 16th and 17th century, almost the entire town was destroyed by wars, fires and the damage was completed by the Russian occupation. Although the city was destroyed several times, it was still reconstructed.

Cēsis has also become the place of one of the most important battles of the Estonian and Latvian War of Independence. Although Latvia’s independence was proclaimed in 1918, but the Soviet Union did not agree. Latvians had to fight for their freedom, so together with Estonia they created common army with 8000 soldiers and fight in Cēsis against Baltic Land Defence with 6000 soldiers. The battle lasted as long as five days, but finally Estonians and Latvians won important battle of independence.

Currently the city benefits from the development of tourism and not only Latvians, but also foreign guests. It boasts several historical monuments, the most important is undoubtedly an Old Castle built in the 1209. It was built of bricks and its dominant features are two large towers at the west end. The West Tower was the mightiest with the walls of 5.25 meters strong, in which there were the offices and rooms of the castle lords. The South Tower was the highest one with five floors and 32.5 meters height. The core of the castle is formed by the central courtyard, which was previously surrounded by residential buildings. In the vicinity of the castle now stands few half-timbered houses.

Cēsis castle, Latvia by Brunswyk

In 1960 the castle underwent extensive reconstruction, during which there were found three skeletons of women and two children and about 6500 other items. The castle is situated in a spacious Pils park by the river Gauja, and is partially open to the public. Castle park covers an area of ​​65 hectares and is decorated with beautiful, even though dilapidated statues. The park also includes the singing fountain, lake, Russian Orthodox church and a stage for various cultural events. On the opposite side of the park there is situated local brewery Cēsu Alus, in which beer is brewed since 1590. It is the oldest brewery in Northern Europe.

Near the Old Castle is now a “New Castle” from 18th century, which has a typical salmon-pink color. It houses Latvian History Museum.

Another interesting sight is the Gothic church of St. John, from the late 13th century. Originally it had a Gothic look, but it gradually changed over the centuries. Its three-aisle basilica is 65 meters long, 32 meters wide and 65 meters high. The church houses the organ from 1907, that is equipped with 2000 whistles.

In the centre of Cēsis you will find Vienibas laukums square with lots of beautiful buildings and excavations as well.

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