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A Trip Round The French Riviera

Julius — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 22:59:24 +0000

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 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 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 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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Five places to shop in London

Julius — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 08:30:49 +0000

London has long been part of a central axis of fashion and shopping alongside Paris and New York City. But unlike the other cities, the shopping scene in London is renowned for extending its scope beyond the tastes of the Blair Waldorf’s of the world. From high-end designer stores and boutique shops, to hip markets and bazaars, when it comes to things do to in London, shopping is a must. Depending on your tastes and your budget, here are a few of the world-famous areas for those looking to fill their closets.

The Apple Market

Located right in the heart of the Covent Garden district – a district jam-packed with funky stores and constant entertainment – is the Apple market. Sometimes referred to as the Covent Garden market, it is an indoor swath of boutiques, specialty shops and jewelry stores, clothing stands, cafés, and bars. The market has a reputation for its authentic English feel and moderate prices. Every Monday, the market holds a Vintage day for those looking for unique items hard to come by anywhere else.

The interior of Convent Garden Market, London, UK by Diliff

Portobello Road

Every Saturday, the Portobello Road Market takes over the entirety of Portobello Road, stretching over ten football fields in length, so visitors should be prepared for a marathon of shopping. The market, located in Notting Hill and most famous for its portrayal in the eponymous film, is actually the largest antiques market in the world. The street invites all walks of life, catering to everyone from tourists and locals to the most hardcore artifact-seekers. Vintage stores and cafés dominate the bottom of the hill, but as one heads further up the road, a younger vibe prevails as the stands transition into fashionable flea markets. Needless to say, your feet will be hurting by the time you’re done.

Regent Street

In the Mayfair/Knightsbridge districts of London is the crown jewel of ritzy shopping: Regent Street. Posh locals and affluent travellers patrol along Regent Street, fashioning tailored suits and handbags worth more than an old Fiat. Here you can step into designer stores and luxury boutiques to survey the latest fashion trends, and are guaranteed to feel in vogue with Regent Street purchases in your collection.

Oxford Street

Those looking for the latest fashions at more affordable prices know that there is no better destination than Oxford Street. Intersecting with Regent Street at what is known as Oxford Circus, Oxford Street is the home to stores like H&M, Niketown, and Kate Moss’s ultra-trendy Topshop. Here you’ll find younger crowds and college kids along with your run-of-the-mill tourists looking for a stylish something without having to worry about the price tag.

Oxford Street, London, UK by Ysangkok

Camden Market

Many would argue that Camden Market is one of the best marketplaces in the world, and after one visit there you will be hard-pressed to disagree. Located in the über-hip Camden Town district, the local market certainly reflects its surroundings. It’s hard not to get lost within the sprawling clothing bazaars, handcrafted jewelry shops, independent market shoot-offs, bars, and restaurants, and if the shopping isn’t enough, tattoo parlors litter the walls along the buildings. For those looking for something a bit more vibrant, there is even an EDM (electronic dance music) store in the mix, full of neon clothes and glowing accessories, with its own bondage shop in the basement. The alternative clothing and overabundance of hipster attire for bargain prices should be enough incentive for any young traveller in the area to stop by. Needless to say, Camden Market attracts over a hundred thousand visitors every weekend during the summer.

Article has been written by Party Earth. Party Earth is an international media and entertainment company that features reviews, editorials, and listings of the best bars, clubs, festivals, concerts, events, and more in 19 cities around the world.

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Arezzo – unique antiques fair in Italy

Julius — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:25:53 +0000

Arezzo Antiques Fair (Fiera Antiquaria di Arezzo) is the oldest and also the biggest antiques fair in Italy with over 500 stalls. The fair offers antiques and restored works in the wonderful historic center of the city of Arezzo.

The main section of the fair is located in Piazza Grande, Piazza San Francesco, and the Logge Vasari which transforms the whole city center into one great market place.

Arezzo Antiques Fair is held in the first weekend of every month and has an average attendance of 20.000 people each weekend. The exhibitors come from all over Italy and offer a panorama of cultural traditions, costumes and artefacts from Italy’s history.

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