You don’t have to be horse-crazy to appreciate the drowsy charm of this elegant provincial town, but it helps.

Just north of Paris is an attractive, apparently sleepy little town with lots of short people and lots of tall trees that obscure a semi-secretive business of startling proportions. Set on the banks of the Nonette River, Chantilly is the core of France’s thoroughbred training and breeding. It’s where more than 3000 racehorses owned by the world’s mega-rich are nurtured and educated in palatial five-star stables, mostly screened from the prying eyes of competitors.

Le Château de Chantilly, France by Guillaume Cattiaux

In summer, when Chantilly’s flower-filled window-boxes are in full colour, the Paris social set descends on one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world, in the grounds of the Chateau de Chantilly, for the running in June of the celebrated Prix de Diane and the Jockey Club Stakes.

The jockeys are significantly shorter than the average height of Chantilly’s population of 11,500, most of whom are horse-crazy and the evidence of that is everywhere.

Horses can be seen at the myriad stables, on practice tracks and parading around the streets.

They turn up in countless works of art, in a horse museum, on the covers of hotel menus, emblazoned all over restaurant crockery and in the minds and lives of 1700 citizens who are employed, one way or another, in their service.

But there’s more to Chantilly than the horses; it’s also a town of chateaux, parks, forests and lakes. Chantilly forest was once the hunting ground of France’s elite, but is now open to everyone and is crisscrossed with bridleways and cycle paths.

On race days, the weathered faces of elderly women, framed by neatly-kept flowerboxes, face each other across narrow streets to exchange gossip and racing tips, while the town’s many alfresco cafes can be so busy, their tables encroach on to adjacent parking lots.

Le Chateau de Chantilly, France by Nawal_

But Chantilly’s pride is its majestic Renaissance Chateau de Chantilly, set on 7900ha on the edge of town. It is actually two chateaux: the Petit Chateau, dating back to the early 1500s, and the fairytale castle known as Grand Chateau, rebuilt in the 1870s after being destroyed during the French Revolution. Like many other French castles, the Chateau de Chantilly is picturesque and was used for residential purposes, not defensive ones.

Louis XV used the Grand Chateau as a plush weekender to entertain Madame de Pompadour before the original’s demise. Rebuilt from scratch as an exact replica by the Duc d’Aumale, it now belongs to the Institut de France. In a section called the Musee Conde, there’s a fabulous art collection of some 800 old masters and more than 5000 drawings and engravings from the 14th to 19th centuries.

More than 30,000 volumes of rare books and a fine collection of Chantilly porcelain bearing 18th-century Chinese-style designs also feature in this superb museum, which is open to the public. In thechateau’s stone-vaulted kitchens, once the realm of legendary 17th-century chef Vorace Vatel, La Capitainerie is now a superb restaurant with an open-hearth fireplace big enough to barbecue a bull – it’s a beautiful setting for lunch every day except Tuesday.

The fashionable racetrack, Courses de Chantilly, is set within the chateau’s grounds and underneath it is a maze of subterranean tunnels built by erstwhile royal residents as escape routes in case of a siege, something that probably plays on the jockeys’ minds as they pound around its surface each summer.

The chateau’s massive stable complex, built in the 1820s and 300m long, once housed 240 horses and 300 hunting dogs. Today, it is the headquarters of the Musee Vivant du Cheval, the Living Horse Museum.

With 31 rooms, 4000sq m of floor space and 800m of track, this huge equine shrine attracts 200,000 visitors a year. The exhibits include old saddles, carriages, harnesses, veterinary instruments and even carousel horses.

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Wandsworth, London, England, UK by Herry Lawford

There is a steady influx of newcomers to the city every year, including a sizable proportion of new residents who are planning to make London their new home. If you’re thinking of joining them, here are four neighbourhoods that are well worthy of inspection. They are located in four very different parts of the metropolis, and each one of them has its very own individual character.

Wandsworth

Located relatively close to the centre of London, the south-western suburb of Wandsworth is an attractive neighbourhood that has managed to retain something of a village feel to it. The area that lies closest to the river is home to some extremely swish (and expensive) houses and flats, so there may be parts which are only affordable to some. There are also some close-knit communities consisting of narrow streets in which everyone seems to know everyone else – one of the many charms of the borough.

Hackney

A jewel in the crown of the famous East End, Hackney is one of those rare places which are genuinely loved by many of its residents. This area is, and always has been, a veritable melting pot of communities from various parts of the world, and it’s this congregation of cultures which gives it a wonderfully bohemian feel. East London has always been known for its celebration of diversity, and in Hackney this is evident everywhere.

Photo of Hackney, London, UK by Ewan Munro

St John’s Wood

Leafy, dignified and elegant, the north-western suburb of St John’s Wood offers residents a quiet and relatively tranquil existence amid wide avenues and beautiful parkland. There’s something wonderfully continental about the neighbourhood, and the existence of a recognisable café culture among the pavement eateries merely adds to the atmosphere. For commuters, the fact that the centre of London is only a short tube ride away adds to the convenience.

Photo of St John’s Wood, London, UK by Xakaxunknownx

Chiswick

One of those neighbourhoods that feature a healthy mix of residents from all walks of life, Chiswick is popular with locals and visitors alike. In the area around Chiswick Bridge, you’ll find plenty of people enjoying walks along the edge of the Thames on a summer afternoon, and many more making the most of the hospitality offered by the various pubs that are located throughout the neighbourhood.

David Showell was born and brought up in London and still lives in the south-east of England. He works for https://www.carrentals.co.uk/.

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For those with a passion for architecture, there is no better day trip from Amsterdam than a trip to Rotterdam. After the city was flattened during World War II, they have worked to rebuild it into a modern mastery of architecture with a wide variety of building structures. Rotterdam houses Europe’s largest port. It is known for its large number of summer festivals and events, including cultural festivals and impressive sporting events such as the Rotterdam Open Judo Championship and the Dutch Open Badminton Championships.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands by Dietmut Teijgeman-Hansen

2. The Hague

Head out to The Hague for history, museums, and judicial courts. Although The Hague is not the capital of the Netherlands, it has the seat for the Dutch government and parliament and is Queen Beatrix’s residence. There are a variety of palaces, museums, and narrow streets to explore. The Hague does not have Amsterdam’s excitement but instead offers expansive coastline and green space as well as quaint shopping.

3. Haarlem

For a smaller, more quaint version of Amsterdam, make your way to Haarlem for the day.. It is known for having one of the most impressive cathedrals in the Netherlands. Haarlem offers culture, historical architecture, and the internationally famous Dutch bulb fields, giving it the nickname the City of Flowers. While you are there, take a small detour to Zandvoort, which has the best beaches and coastal dunes that the Netherlands has to offer.

4. Utrecht

This university town with a charming medieval city center is another great place to visit.  Utrecht is famous for its numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants and one of a kind double-tiered canals. Explore museums, boutique shops, modern architecture, and museums. There are eleven museums in Utrecht that offer a wide range of collections. If you are visiting on a Sunday, take part in their Cultural Sundays with different events and festivals every month. The city is small enough that you can take in everything on foot.

Utrecht, The Netherlands by CeBepuH

5. Bruges, Belgium

Head out of the Netherlands for a day to the neighboring Bruges, Belgium for history, lace factories, churches, Begijnhof, and exquisite shopping. Take a tour and sample the beer at the De Halve Maan brewery, which is known for its traditional Brugse Zot. Dating back to 1546, it is made from hops, malt, and yeast. Their guided tour takes you through the history of the brewery and their production process. Bruges a wide variety of museums that include collections classic fine arts, Flemish primitives, archaeological excavations, furniture, silverware, folklore, contemporary art, and more. There is something here for everyone. Finally, while you’re in Bruges, you can’t forget to pick up some famous Belgian chocolate.

When visiting The Netherlands, why not check out the range of short term apartment rentals available in the main cities. There are a number of Worldwide Accom apartments in Amsterdam for rent to suit any budget.

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Top attractions

However short your stay in Nice, you should spend some time wandering the narrow streets of Nice’s charming Vielle Ville (Old Town). Many of the buildings date back over two hundred years when Nice was still part of Italy. Compact, full of restaurants, souvenir shops and places to buy local specialities like olive oil and local wine, even in the height of summer it’s nice and cool place. Visit the market at Cours Saleya for flowers and local produce, on eat in one of the cafes that takes over from the market at lunchtime. A few minutes away in Place Rosseti, this is where Italian ice cream can be found.

Not only does the Place Rossetti sound Italian, but this is where you can indulge in the best Italian ice cream, with nearly 100 flavours to choose from. (Marianne Heredge 2008)

From the Old Town it’s only a few paces to the Promenade des Anglais and the Baie des Anges. Local people come and stroll, especially on Sunday afternoons. Beware the kids (and adults) with their rollerblades and skates. Special tracks are laid out for them and if you want a go, hire wheels or blades to fly along this wide esplanade. The beaches are a little stony, looking better from a distance than close up. This doesn’t stop most people and the sea is lovely and warm for most of the year.

August summer holidays! Looking across the beach to Mont Boron, Nice. (Marianne Heredge 2008).

If you’re interested in art, you couldn’t have come to a better place. Popular with many of the top artists who lived here at various times, there are museums of the art of Marc Chagall and Matisse in Nice, as well as collections of Picasso’s work not far away in Antibes, Renoir in Haute Cagnes near Cagnes-sur-mer, Fernand Léger in Biot, and a fabulous collection that belonged to Aime and Marguerite Maeght, art dealers at St Paul de Vence who were friends with artists like Chagall and Matisse. For Asian art, the little Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Nice is a gem and on Saturdays you can be taken through a Japanese ceremony (book in advance). The Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts) and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art have large collections of French and art from other countries too.

Rail enthusiasts will enjoy the scenic Train des Merveilles and Train des Pignes that go from Nice station east up to Italy and west to Dignes. Ideal for going into the Alpes Maritimes for day hikes or visits to villages in the beautiful arrière pays, you will probably need a whole day.

Getting to Nice

Nice is very accessible by air, with budget airlines like Easyjet and BMI competing with Air France and British Airways for cheap prices. In the Winter, when Nice enjoys mild temperatures (cold but brilliant blue skies) you can get rock bottom deals. By train, the TGV from Paris only takes about five hours and offers cheap prices when booked well in advance.

Accommodation

If you really want to treat yourself, the beautiful Negresco Hotel on the sea front not only offers luxury accommodation but some of the finest cuisine in their 3* Michelin restaurant, Le Chantecler. If your pocket won’t extend to this however, there’s everything in between. Lots of budget hotels can be found particularly by the station, just 20 minutes walk from the sea. For example, a cheap but good standard hotel is the Hotel Parisian on rue Vernier close to the station and Boulevard Jean Medécin that leads down to the Old Town with the tramway taking you to the heart of town within minutes.

Dining and shopping

For fans of shellfish and oysters, this is definitely the place to come. Le Cafe de Turin is the best place, down towards the port. Not only the plump North Atlantic oysters, but here you can also try the smaller but more distinctive tasting Mediterranean variety. You won’t be disappointed at any of the cheap little restaurants in the Old Town either, but Nice offers a good selection of haute cuisine restaurants. As well as Le Chantecler, try the more modest Lou Mourelec for good local cuisine.

For shopping, the Old Town shops are full of tempting souvenirs, whether this is beautifully prepared tapenade, special basil flavoured olive oil, or lavender sachets and kitchen accessories in brightly coloured Provence designs.

Forty eight hours in Nice is never enough time, explore car hire Nice options to maximise your time and efficiency. If you don’t manage to see and do everything, don’t worry it’s so easy to back get to Nice that you’ll want to go back time and time again.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Tomas Maltby

Brighton Pier

World-famous for a reason the pier is a Brighton institution and no trip would be complete without at least a quick walk along it.

The remains of the old West Pier can be seen from the promenade of the surviving pier by Grand Junction. The skeleton of metal is still incredibly beautiful, despite years of storm damage and remains a great reminder of its former glory.

The modern pier offers everything you’d expect from arcades to restaurants, including the best fish and chips within hundreds of miles.

The Lanes

If you’re a vintage shopper than The Lanes could well be your paradise. A collection of narrow streets, crammed with various boutiques, it is a warren of fine designer clothes, retro phones, brand-name shaded and cuddly toys.

The hunt for a bargain is on, made all the more enjoyable by the lack of charity street-collectors and the presence of entertaining street performers.

The Brighton Toy and Model Museum

We have yet to discover a toy museum that didn’t instantly send us to a happier time, when our only concern was when we’d have to stop playing to eat and sleep.

Located in the magical arches of a railway station, this museum is right in the city centre and offers a collection of over 10,000 toys. You can even play with a few, while toy trains take long laps around the building.

Brighton Festival

The festival takes place for three weeks every May and the city becomes a hive of excitement throughout that time, so it’s well worth planning your trip to coincide.

The programme changes every year, but you can expect around 700 shows of theatre, musical and art.

The Brighton i-360

Although not open until next year, we thought it was worth mentioning this eye-catching design that will soon dominate the Brighton skyline. The sleek-looking observation tower will stand a full 183 metres high and be able to carry 100 visitors to its top, at one time.

It’s no surprise that it’s being designed by those clever people behind the London Eye, although you can expect a more beautiful view and cheaper prices.

Written by Matt for The Claremont Hotel, a luxurious boutique, family run hotel right in the heart of Brighton.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alejandro Sánchez Marcos

S’Albufera des Grau Nature Park

Whilst Menorca is certainly the lesser visited of the Balearic Islands, during the summer months the number of visitors naturally increases. Escape the busy resort beaches for a day and relish in the natural beauty of the island’s only nature park. The network of wetlands, coastline and farmland welcomes a wide variety of both flora and fauna and a visit here will be sure to keep you at ease with the world. A lighthouse is found at the northern end of the park and a trip to the top will afford unbeatable views over hidden beaches and rocky coves.

Sant Lluis

One of the fastest growing yet traditional towns in Menorca, Sant Lluis, surrounded by picturesque countryside, makes for a great day trip. On your approach the huge traditional windmill will capture your attention so pull up and venture inside. The streets are chock a bloc with inviting pastry shops, the perfect stop for a tasty mid-morning snack, interspersed with small intriguing shops. The impressive church, Eglesia de Sant Lluis, is also deserving of a visit.

Ciutadella

The other main city of Menorca and the old capital, Ciutadella is located on the western coast of the island. A visit here will be particularly enthralling for anyone with an interest in history, as many buildings erected during the 17th century populate the old town. Be sure to stop by at the Castell Sant Nicolas, an old defence tower come exhibition gallery with the best views of the sunset, and the Cathedral; a stunning building that was originally a mosque before it was rebuilt in 1287. The picture perfect port area is the ideal setting for a long and relaxing lunch or dinner at one of the numerous fish restaurants.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Freebird

Somni Dancing Horses

Although not a full day trip, the Somni Dancing Horses are not to be missed. Menorca has long had associations with horses and is in fact famous for its own breed of black horses. Make your way to the stables on the road to Cala Galdana and you can enjoy an unmissable night that will show you the legends and traditions of Menorca whilst you enjoy a mix of equestrian arts and fantasy! After the show, you can often take a walk around the stables and paddocks and get up close to the horses and foals.

There is much to be enjoyed in Mahon itself and across the island of Menorca and this is just a selection of some of the best day trips you can enjoy during your holiday.

Bio: Kerri Ware is a travel blogger and writes for Economy Car Hire, a car hire broker offering great deals for car hire across Europe and beyond. Follow us on Twitter @economycarhire.

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Of all the continents, one of the most diverse and magical is Europe. But with approximately 50 countries, each with its own culture and personality, choosing a destination for adventure travel could take all your time. So outlined below are the top five Europe destinations with a few tips on how to make your trip extra memorable.

Paris

This exquisite city of love is the obvious first-choice tourist destination for Europe. The spectacular architecture, delectable food and wealth of cultural sites make Paris the ultimate European holiday destination.

There’s so much to do and see in Paris that it is impossible to exhaust the city in one trip. You can browse in a few couture shops on the Champs Elysees, share a meal in one of the city’s gourmet restaurants, gaze across the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower or simply watch a very chic world go by while enjoying a coffee in one of the many cafes.

Although the weather is at its best in Paris from June to August, this is also when the city is invaded by tourists and the price of holidays goes up.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by agaw.dilim

Barcelona

Second on our list is the historic city of Barcelona, which mixes its old-world authenticity with the wildly bizarre. This intriguingly eclectic city attracts all types of travellers – families, couples, lone explorers and culture vultures and those looking for adventure travel.

Barcelona has an overwhelming variety of things to do, although a lot of attention is given to Las Ramblas because of the quaint narrow streets and alleys crammed with busy restaurants and vibrant markets.

The food and wine in this city are extraordinary, consisting of large meaty dishes and lighter tapas and an abundance of wonderful seafood.

By far the best time to visit the city is May-June as the temperatures are a little too high for comfort in August and so the most of the city shuts down.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Volkanikz

Rome

The mythical city of Rome is a very close third in the list, with its historic architecture, spectacular food and sleek and stylish locals. The beautiful array of dazzling churches and inspiring museums and galleries mean there is plenty to see here, if of course you can drag yourself away from the numerous cafés and restaurants all offering mouth-watering treats. Be sure to try as many various flavours of the gelato as you possibly can! Although most tourists travel to Rome for the history, it is also a very fast-paced and modern city.

Photo by admin

London

One of the busiest modern cities in Europe, London beats with the lifeblood of countless generations. It was once said that no man could ever tire of London and this is true. By day, take your time strolling around Covent Garden or shopping on Oxford Street, visit the many galleries and museums and maybe have a picnic in Hyde Park or afternoon tea in the Dorchester. By night, head to Soho and sample the vibrant and slightly alternative nightlife!

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by edwin.11

Prague

Prague is a picturesque and magical city that has survived so many attacks upon it over the past 1100 years. Wander down the narrow streets and marvel at the churches, the statue-lined bridges and the daunting hilltop castle that make this a fairytale place. English isn’t always spoken language here, though, so keep a phrase book with you in case of emergencies.

Photo by admin

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Baron

Promenade des Anglais is the most popular promenade here which is situated along the coastline with azure sea. There is the vast majority of hotels, so if you are looking for accommodation in Nice, here you certainly find one, especially those luxurious.

The historic center is a jumble of narrow streets, taste and smell, restaurants, cafes and shops. When you walk through those places, you’d think that people do not spend their time differently than with a food.

Nice has also its own castle, situated on the hill, so it is worth to climb there especially in the evening when it offers great views of the illuminated city. The castle is a place of regular concerts and theater performances in the summer. Nice Cathedral built in 1650 – 1699 is a National Heritage Site of France located in the old town.

If you wish to enjoy the festival days you should come here in February, when the city holds an annual carnival. From museums you can visit Marc Chagall Museum, a national museum dedicated to the work of painter Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. The shops, bars and casinos can be found really everywhere.

Well, Nice is ideal for those who love lazing and luxury and want to spend their holidays with a drink in one hand and sun cream in another one. If you would like to see something around Nice, you can visit Saint-Paul – a medieval village with magnificent views of the coast, Cannes or Monaco.

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You can find there a number of endemic species of plant. The rock is also a home to sea gulls and falcons. If you manage to get onto the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the countryside. Peñón de Ifach is widely popular among climbers who test their strength and abilities here. The number of tourists is regulated due to the protection of site.

Otherwise, the resort of Calpe looks, of course, like any other local sandy beach resort with crystal clear Mediterranean Sea. You can try a wide range of water sports here. You can also visit The Old Church (Iglesia Antigua) here which was built in 14th century and is located just in the town centre.

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It is the oldest monument in the town and the only example of Gothic-Mudéjar architecture in this region. Another interesting sight is the fortress Torre de la Peca, which was built in the 14th century as part of a defensive fortress. Tourist attraction can also be the district Arabal formed by narrow streets and white houses. Do not miss Paternina street, which is adorned with dozens of flowering pots and houses with colorful mosaics. On the hill above the town is the Shrine of St. Salvatore, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Calpe is one of the liveliest resorts on the Costa Blanca. It holds a lot of interesting cultural events. History lovers should not miss the Archaeological Museum or the Museum of the festivities. However Calpe is considered one of the most expensive resorts in Spain, you still can find cheap restaurants here and the access to the beach is free.

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This picturesque port city was named after fennel, which grows here. It is a modern city and tourist center of the island. It has a beautiful beach promenade and is ideal for the lovers of history. Funchal is formed by the centre of the city, eastern old town of Zona Velha and western tourist area with hotels and restaurants. From the coastal side it is protected by the volcanic peaks. Green peaks create a beautiful background of the city.

The historic centre is full of narrow streets of cobblestone. Because of frequent traffic congestion it is better to move on foot here. The heart of Funchal is situated near Avenida Arriaga. You can find here a bustling port with a small fleet. The port was an important transport hub already in the 15th century, and you can still see the fishing and merchant ships here together with luxury ocean-going cruise ships. It is worth visiting the pier Ilheu de Pontinha, where you experience an unforgettable view of Funchal.

The most important monument of Funchal is its Cathedral of the 15th century, which is the work of architect Pêra Anes. It is one of the few buildings that remained almost untouched from the early days of colonization of the island. The cathedral has an interesting, relatively dark interior, where you can see the ceiling with Gothic arches and beautiful ceiling decorations of cedar wood in the Arab style. The cathedral features gilded altar or hand carved and decorated seats.

It is recommended to visit also the Botanical Gardens Jardim Botanico, situated on the steep slopes north of Funchal, which is formed into terraces. It was opened in 1960 and you can enjoy plants here from around the world.

Funchal boasts also several palaces, e.g. Quinta das Cruzes, or fortress Palacio de Sao Lourenco and lots of museums. If you wish to enjoy European culture out of Europe, then Funchal with other Madeira’s attractions is best tip for you!

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