Christmas market, Paris, France by Evan Bench

Once you’ve arrived in Paris, there are many markets to explore, and during the holiday season you’ll find that stalls pop up throughout the city. Little groups of wooden chalets offer a wide variety of delicacies and gifts from all over France, and they have become a traditional part of the Parisian Christmas season. Whether you’re on a family outing or are indulging in a wintery romantic break, the markets are an ideal place to find a few Christmas gifts and keepsakes. From homemade treats, including sausages, gingerbread and mulled wine, to handcrafted toys and gift ideas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The Christmas markets of Paris are found scattered throughout the city, and one of the largest takes place on the Avenue des Champs- Elysées. In 2012, it opens on November 19th and stretches between the Place de la Concorde and the famed Champs- Elysées roundabout. Elsewhere, if you’re looking for a festive market ensconced in modern architecture, visiting La Défense is ideal. Here, you’ll find 350 stands in a vibrant and Christmassy atmosphere, all offering mouth watering foods and gifts to tempt you.

If you’re travelling with children, then Paris offers some ideal festive markets that are aimed towards keeping youngsters amused too. The Trocadero’s Christmas Market and Ice Rink has over 120 stands, but also offers snow villages and an ice-skating rink to enjoy. Meanwhile, Santa’s Village at Saint-Germain-des- Prés won’t fail to keep the family entertained.

Christmas Market on the Champs, Paris, France by Evan Bench

With Paris being so simple to get too, it’s easy to make a day trip to the French capital. A channel crossing is ideal if you want to really feel like you’re going abroad, allowing the British coastline to fade away, and the thrill of nearing a new nation to cause excitement. For families, such a route is ideal, allowing children to have space to stretch their legs and indulge in the adventure. Meanwhile, sailing across beautiful seas with the spray below and blue skies above will truly get any romantic trip well underway.

Christmas is a great time of year to take a holiday, and though most people try to spend December 25th with close family and friends, enjoying a few days off earlier in the month is a great way to get into the festive spirit. The Parisian markets are a wonderful place to browse and shop whilst letting the Christmassy ambiance thrill you. And, if you’re looking for the perfect wintery day trip this year, heading to see the Paris markets will give you an entirely new take on this beautiful European city.

A-087262, a freelance writer, provided this article for P&O Ferries. The opinions expressed are those of the author and any data provided does not originate from P&O Ferries. The following is a link to the P&O homepage - https://www.poferries.com/

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It is very common for a couple to seek a vacation abroad together to escape the hectic lifestyle at home. Whether it is to get away from the children or work, a romantic trip can help to put the spark back into a relationship.

Cruise Ship by kansasphoto

But what are the most popular cruises in Europe for two people seeking a loving holiday? Here are the top 4 hotspots.

Dublin in Ireland

When looking for a cruise, choose an itinerary that stops by Dublin in Ireland. It is the capital and most populous city in the country and has a wealth of things to do including shopping facilities and a charming mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture to explore. It has a wealth of history and culture and after all the sight-seeing, you can cosy up together in a traditional Irish bar whilst easting traditional Irish cuisine.

Inverness in Scotland

Inverness is a city in Scotland and it is the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway with peaceful highlands to enjoy. Situated on the banks of the River Ness, it is very picturesque and quiet; and you can even watch a school of dolphins frolic in the nearby Moray Firth.

Inverness Castle, Scotland, UK by Duncan Brown (Cradlehall)

Paris in France

Paris is renowned all over the world as the city of love. It is one of the best cities for couples to snuggle under the Eiffel Tower, wander down the quaint cobble-stone streets, and visit the elegant and classic French fountains. Can you think of anywhere better to rekindle the magic than in the romantic capital?

Greek islands

The Greek islands offer unbelievable beauty especially Mykonos, Santorini and Athens. It is widely reported that the best sunsets in the world can only be viewed in Santorini and the island offers fantastic views of the volcanoes as well as quaint villages to explore.

In contrast, Mykonos has gorgeous cobble-stone streets and has the trademark as a ‘Little Venice’. It is beautiful to see the little houses with balconies, windows and door built right on the sea.

If you plan on celebrating a special break with your loved one, why not choose one of the European destinations mentioned above for a romantic, fun holiday.

This article was provided by Cheapcruises.com, the specialist website that offers the very best cruise deals. For affordable Mediterranean cruises and cruises all over the world, visit the site today.

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Normally, Roman archaeological sites can be classified under the rather boring description of “a series of small walls”.  It’s true that kids have remarkable imaginations but some ruins defy anything more imaginative than jumping on to them and then off again.  For no real good reason this is normally strictly prohibited on archaeological sites.  Manchester’s Roman Fort has, however, been so mangled by the placing of one of Britain’s foremost industrial cities on the top of it, that a different and very refreshing approach has been taken to its ancient built heritage. They’ve rebuilt sections, including a full scale gatehouse.  Even if the kid’s imaginations don’t need much stoking, yours might, and Mamucium is one Roman ruin that is well worth a visit.

Manchester Cathedral / Pimlico Badger

Cotton Buds

Like any city Manchester’s history is encapsulated in its architecture.  Manchester and industry are inextricably linked and the city’s earliest industrial origins were in the mid to late 16th century.  The cotton trade helped turn the medieval town into one of the most important cities in the British Isles.  Humphrey Chetham, a cotton trader and manufacturer in the 16th century is responsible for helping to establish the trade and the Chetham’s Library was built by with some of the proceeds.  Like all good northern industrialists he wasn’t afraid to indulge in a little philanthropy, and the resulting library is something of a surprise amidst Manchester’s mostly modern architecture.

Monuments, Massacres and Modernity

There’s not much in the way of monuments specifically dedicated to the lower orders of this land who built the country’s wealth and empire.  However, if there was ever a fitting candidate for the role it would be found in Manchester’s industrial architecture of the 19th century.  This history is not all dark satanic mills, but includes such ‘monuments’ as the Free Trade Hall.  Built on the site of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre, the Hall was constructed by public donation to celebrate the repeal of the Corn Laws.  The massacre was designed to discourage the plebs from demanding the vote and the Laws were designed to keep them hungry.  The Free Trade Hall was badly damaged during the Manchester Blitz but the façade remains intact; if there was ever a site that encapsulates the struggle and resilience of the bottom 95 per cent of the population, it’s probably this one, and Manchester is the city to host it.

Radical Capitalism

Despite being the home of many a radical, left wing movement, Manchester has remained a city of industry, innovation and originality.  It has, in its time, managed to combine rampant socialism and rampant capitalism at one and the same time.  Today, it continues to exist as a vibrant modern city of culture, politics and innovation.  Steadfastly refusing to be outdone by newcomers to the idea of architectural innovation (London) and is not afraid to express itself in modern design. A visit to the Imperial War Museum, Urbis or the Beetham Tower, will give your Shards and Gherkins a run for their money.  When it comes to school trips Manchester style, the city’s built heritage offers an insight into everything from Roman Britain to the best of modern architecture.  History, industry and revolutions of various kinds have all made their mark on Manchester’s identity.

Carlo Rossi is a freelance writer based in Manchester and blogs about parenting, entertainment and travel covering everything from LEGOLAND Discovery Center school trips to contemporary architecture tours. When he’s not online or cycling around town, you can’t get him out of the kitchen for his love of food.

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In the capital of Denmark you can find literally everything you could imagine about culture. Thanks to absolutely flat plain, which is so typical for Denmark, Copenhagen is the perfect place suitable for the construction of beautiful castles and palaces. From the Royal Palace Amalienborg Slot, through Rosenborg Castle and Christiansborg Palace to Borsen palace.

What you definitely should not miss are many small museums in the city. Museum of Danish design, fabulous Museum of Hans Ch. Andersen, Karen Blixen Museum in a short distance from Copenhagen…etc… But on a small area of Copenhagen there is still squeezing something else – it is independent State of Christiania that was founded in the 70′s of 20th century.

For the lovers of modern architecture there is a new library building named the Black Diamond, or a brand new opera house built as a gift for Danish people.

Perhaps the best feature of Copenhagen is the possibility of long walks through the city – through the Pedestrian Zone Strøget or through some of the parks.

View Copenhagen – the capital and largest city of Denmark in a larger map

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