French open market by kurmanstaff

Paris has been a home to the open markets for centuries. During the 5th century, the city of Paris (known as Lutetia at the time) opened its first market, known as Palu, to allow locals to buy, sell, and trade with one another and merchants from afar.

Today, there are over 90 open markets across the city of Paris, each offering its own unique flavour to the city. From there, open markets spread to other towns, each providing its own touch of exclusivity when it comes to the treasures you can find if you know what to look for.

The open markets have everything to offer. You might be searching for something unique to the Paris environment to dress up your home or attire, or maybe just a few gifts for your friends. Items can range from exotic cloth material, clothing, beautiful, one-of-a-kind scarves, hand-crafted jewelry, and even a few necessities you forgot to pack for the trip (oops!).

Every market has a different venue composed of different merchants, so no two markets are the same. If you didn’t find what you were looking for in one market, it’s probably time to move on to another in search of the right opportunity. And the truth is: if you couldn’t find it, you weren’t looking hard enough.

But it may not always be the products you’re actually looking for. Perhaps it’s the culture and learning experience that the open market presents that truly drives your eagerness to explore these fine cities. It’s even a great opportunity to really practice your French. And you’re definitely going to put your haggling skills to the test as you do a little bartering to practice your finesse. After all, getting the perfect deal for the right price is half the fun. As a helpful reminder, keep in mind that the markets are crowded, so be cautious where you keep your wallet or purse.

And the best part about exploring these vast, open markets is that you don’t always have to worry about lugging around too many goodies. You can always return to your comfy cabin in the barge to lighten the load and rest your feet for a while.

Enjoying the French culture is more than just seeing the sights. It’s meeting the people and interacting with them through the open markets. Here, you can really get to know the heart of Paris as you share the experience of a French cruise with your friends and family.

Author Bio:

Crystal Groome is owner of Barge Connection – specializing in European Barge Vacations since 1988.  Crystal has specialized in barging vacations specifically for over eleven years and visits Europe yearly to personally inspect individual barges and operators. Check our latest time sensitive specials on Facebook and Twitter (@bargeconnection).

The post Cruising The Open French Markets appeared first on Europe Explored.

Fontaine de Medicis, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris by Vinceesq

Of course you can spend all of your time visiting the usual tourist destinations. Even if you have seen the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral many times before; even if you have previously walked the length of the Champs Elysees and you are familiar with the engravings on the Arc de Triomphe at the end of it; if you have already walked your feet off traipsing though the many chambers in the Louvre; and you have whiled away the time in several of Montmartre’s old cafes; no visit to Paris is complete without at least refreshing some of those experiences. But do make at least a little time to visit some of the many Parisian Parks.

Le Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the favourite parks with the locals. Amongst the many botanical displays you will find statues of France’s Kings and Queens, a wonderful Florentine palace, guignols (which are traditional French puppet shows), and ponds where you can hire a boat.

The Tuileries Garden just behind the Louvre dates back to the 16th century. It stretches from the Champs-Elysées to the Louvre and as well as its many autumnal trees and shrubs you will find many artefacts including sculptural works by Rodin and Maillol.

If you have a botanical interest than visit le Jardin des Plantes in the Latin Quarter where you will find literally hundreds of specimen plants and shrubs that look at their best during the early months of autumn. There is also a small menagerie there.

Jardin des Plantes, Paris, France by Benh LIEU SONG

You may also care to venture as far as the Bois de Vincennes at the eastern edge of the city. This is a huge park and woodland with lakes, winding paths, botanical exhibits, a fairground and a zoo. You can even hire a bicycle there.

These are just a few suggestions, but you might also wish to visit the less well known Buttes-Chaumont, Parc Montsouris which boasts in excess of 1,400 trees, the huge open space of the Bois de Boulogne, or the modern Parc de la Villette.

You are quite likely to find that Paris in the autumn beats Paris in the spring hands down. To book a bus travel to Paris see idbus.co.uk.

This is a guest post by Claire Sim 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_Sim).

The post Paris City Breaks | France appeared first on Europe Explored.

Surprising few things are known for this stable country, which gave birth to one of the first European cities and whose early painters have the merits for the inventing of the oil painting. Probably the lack of passionate nationalist feelings is result from the various cultures that have been melting for centuries. You will enjoy and incomparable vacation if you choose to visit Belgium and have a great stay at any of the vacation rentals here.

Belgium has a population of over 10 million people; it’s bordering with: Germany, Netherlands, France, Luxemburg and the North Sea on North West.

Bruges, Belgium by Coy!

Without even trying to be ostentatious, Belgium is able to enchant the visitors with a number of things: from the historically rich cities and the serene hillocky Ardennes to the wonderful cafes, bars and charming vacation home rentals which will make you feel at home. The official languages are three: Flamand, French and German. The capital of Belgium is Brussels- 80 % of which are French- speaking. Antwerpen is the world’s diamond trade center.

Bruges is the Flanders’s capital. Preserving its authentic medieval architecture, the city is one of the most visited places in Belgium. It has been announced as the European cultural capital in the year of 2002. The city’s central square is a colourful palette of flags, depicting lions and lilies- ancient families’ coats of arms. The square is surrounded by antiques and shops for the world famous needle lace.

Another popular sight is the Notre Dame Cathedral, whose construction took two centuries- from 13th to 15th – with a tower 122 meters high. It is the home for the Michelangelo’s Madonna of Bruges statue made out of white marble, depicting Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus; as well as the sarcophagus of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold. There are plenty of hospitable apartment rentals located near it offering an excellent view of the Cathedral.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a unique edifice, consisting of two chapels, built one over the other. It is believed that the legend for the Holy Grail- the grail form which Jesus Christ sipped and which contained his blood after his dead, starts namely from here. Similarly to many other European cities, the City Hall is the oldest building- the Gothic edifice built between 1376-1420, stands proudly impressing with the facade of a stone lace.

Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges, Belgium by raider of gin

Bruges’s channels, also called The Venice on the North, offer tourist tours, combining in one splendid panoramas and the encounter with the medieval looking city, being a significant part of the world historical heritage. Let’s not underestimate the chocolate shops at every turn, which fragrance acts like a magnet for the visitors. No matter the occasion, which brings you in Belgium, the season or the vacation rental types accommodation you have choosen for your stay, you will surely enjoy a profound and unforgettable holiday with a scent of chocolate.

Article has been written by https://www.vacation-rentals.com/blog/.

The post Belgium – chocolate, lace and something more appeared first on Europe Explored.

Paris

Paris is probably the most romantic city in the world, it’s as if it wants couples to be in love here, and indeed fall in love. Every street corner has a story to tell.

Paris at night, France by agaw.dilim

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a magnificent sight 81 metres high and nearly 150 metres long, with an even more impressive interior, its vaulted ceiling disappearing 38 metres into the gloom.

The building is the famous location of Victor Hugo’s tragic tale The Hunchback of Notre Dame. You’ll have a tremendous view of the whole city from the dizzying heights of the Eiffel Tower’s observation deck more than 270 metres up. Did you know than a quarter of all European visitors to the tower live in France?

Some Parisians will argue that the better view of the city is from the steps of the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur.

On a hill in the north of the city the view on a nice day is spectacular, but the district is more famous as the hangout of artists and thinkers – most notably Renoir, Toulous Lautrec, Modigliani and Picasso.

And don’t forget the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, with pride of place in the Louvre.

There are Metro stops everywhere, so you’ll never have to walk to each stunning location.

Venice

It just wouldn’t right to go to Venice and not to take a ride on a gondola. It might be a bit of a stereotype, but can you think of a better way to see the world’s most famous canal city?You can even have your very own personal serenade as you glide along the water.

Canal Grande, Venice, Italy by admin

Some of Italy’s most important art is in Venice with works but the city’s great masters – including Titan, Carpaccio and Tintoretto – on display at the Gallerie dell’Accademia.

The evening is a beautiful time in the city, when at certain times of year the setting sun casts a pink glow over the city, as Venetians flock to their favourite bars for an evening aperitivo before a sumptuous meal.

Duck away from the major tourist spots, where you’ll pay a fortune for a slice of pizza of plate of antipasti, and you’ll come across some hidden gems where your taste buds will love you for the rest of your life.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is hugely popular with Brits skipping through the Channel Tunnel for a long weekend. It’s a vibrant city with the perfect mix of culture to keep you busy all day, and a nightlife that will exhaust you until morning.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Chris Yunker

Arriving at the Central Station you are right in the heart of the city, just a few steps from Dam Square, surrounded on all sides by the city’s most important buildings – the Royal Palace (which was briefly the home Napoleon Bonaparte when Amsterdam was the Third City of the Empire); the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), one of the most visited exhibition spaces in Holland, and the National Monument to commemorate the victims of World War Two.

The most famous of these victims is Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who hid for two years in with her family and four other people.

Canal tours are the best ways to see the city, with stops that include Van Gogh Museum.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.eurostar.com

The post Top European Getaways for Couples appeared first on Europe Explored.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

This has been the symbol of Catholic dominance in France. It is referred as the “Cathedral of the Nation” and its majestic medieval architecture still stands tall in Paris. It has been captured and features several times because of its dazzling sunset and morning images reflecting Seine.

Distinguishing Features

1. Gothic Style
2. Spiral Staircase
3. Intricate Gargoyles
4. Immortalized thanks to the Hunchback of Notre Dame Story
5. Grand view of Paris and Seine River

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France by Abir Anwar

Strasbourg Cathedral

This is named as the second highest cathedral in France. It was the fusion of several masters in action. The west area was created by Master Erwin of Steinbach, the north tower by Ulrich von Ensingen, while the openwork wire is the creation of Johannes Hoeltz. It needed almost two decades of completion including the interesting ornaments and statues.

Distinguishing Features

1. referred as the Temple of Reason
2. astrological clock made by Schwilgue
3. combined Romanesque and Gothic architecture
4. towering height of 142 meters that huddles with medieval houses

Strasbourg Cathedral, France by notfrancois

Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Nice is a beauty in itself, but the Russian Orthodox Cathedral will give you a glimpse of the strong connection between Nice and Russia during the early 20^th century. You will notice several Russians occasionally flying in to this place because of the direct flight from Moscow that is allowed at Nice Airport.

It may look like Disneyland because of its domes, but this is a religious architecture revered by many. Remember to dress appropriately if you do wish to explore it because strict dress code is implemented by management.

Distinguishing Feature

1. impressive Russian Orthodox architecture
2. five colored domed cupolas
3. hidden jewel in the greens of Nice
4. superb frescoes, paintings, and icons

Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Nice, France by Steve Cadman

The Cathedral of Rodez

Although this cathedral is less known, it is worth visiting during your stay in France. It is located in an old hill; its red hued sandstone can easily be spotted from afar. Your eyes will be captivated by the surrealism in the west façade, the main bell tower. There is still more discover when you decide to include it in your itinerary and there is no reason why you wouldn’t enjoy your stay.

Distinguishing Feature

1. unusual west façade featuring late gothic window juxtaposed the confection above
2. bizarre positioning of the main bell tower
3. elegant interior combined with medieval choir stalls, misericords, and carvings

The Cathedral of Rodez, France by B. Carlson

Cathedrals of today have been transformed into museums. Although some still hold religious ceremonies, its main appeal has been its arts and architectures. Enjoy your travel in France and find cheap deals that will help you save big time.

About the Author: Shaiya Ong is a freelance writer, philosopher, art appreciator, poet, and friend. She enjoys sharing her thoughts on numerous things in relation to www.frenchairportguide.com.

The post Astonishingly Beautiful Cathedrals in France appeared first on Europe Explored.

The name itself suggests an indulgent escape from reality. No place on earth is more romantic than Paris. One of the things that spring to mind is the sultry intrigue of this alluring city and the way it weaves its magic. The Moulin Rouge conjures up pictures of high-kicking girls dancing to the Galop from Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, as depicted on the famous posters by Toulouse Lautrec. Not much has changed, the girls have got more glamorous, the routines more breath-taking and complex, but the exhilaration and the Ooh la la naughtiness of the leggy glamorous ladies in fantastic costume can-canning their way through the night is still the same.

Moulin Rouge, Paris, France by Saroj Regmi

Paris by Night

Paris has got a sparkling magical quality at night. There is nothing more exhilarating than taking an evening tour around Paris and recognising all the landmarks so etched in our consciousness. Covered in a blanket of night and sparkling so dazzlingly, Paris is a priceless gem.  Dress up in Paris style chic to feel part of it and experience the magic. The evening starts off with the Paris Illuminations tour. You will see Paris all lit up, driving along the Boulevards in an air-conditioned coach, taking in lots of illuminated attractions like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde. The Eiffel Tower is mesmerising and spellbinding in its splendid coat of many dazzling lights and colours. You will also see the Paris Opera in all its charismatic splendour. There is a recorded audio commentary in 11 languages to enlighten you with all the fascinating details.

Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France by Guillaume Cattiaux

The Féerie Show

The tour ends up in the Montmartre area, at the famous Moulin Rouge show with its breath-taking exterior. The opportunity to watch the Féerie Show and take in the dazzling Paris nightlife will enchant and delight. It is like being on a movie set. The show itself is enthralling with its gorgeous dancers in their exotic costumes putting on a glitzy cabaret. Forget Las Vegas, with its copy-cat ways. This is the real deal. Every other show is just an imitation. The Moulin Rouge has put on spectacular shows since 1889. The place is steeped in tradition. Sip a glass of champagne while you watch the fascinating show with countless routines with fantastic costume changes, from girls (and boys) doing the splits, miniature ponies, to dancers wrestling snakes in a big water tank. You will be thoroughly entertained for two hours and after the show you will be taken back to the vicinity of your hotel, still tingling with the excitement of having watched the world’s top cabaret show.

Package

This package is made even more attractive by the fact that you will get the tour and the show for the price of a normal Moulin Rouge ticket alone.  This special evening will be not soon forgotten, its magic will stay with you for a long time. It is not called the city of romance for nothing.

Thomas Edwards has been an international traveller since the early ‘80s and has widely covered Europe, the USA and as far afield as Thailand, Hong Kong and China. He has written as both a business, individual and family traveller and a language or two has given him the opportunity to engage with people to a greater degree.

The post Magical Paris Can Can and Will Will Delight | France appeared first on Europe Explored.

Yes, there was an educational aspect to the long weekend, or week if you were really lucky, but for the most part it was great fun just heading abroad to a new and exciting city.

So, what are the best destinations for a school trip to Europe?

Paris

When you’re young (or even as an adult) Paris is one of the most enchanting cities of the world. It has a well-deserved reputation as a city of romance, art, music and culture.

Paris, France by Trey Ratcliff

While the romance will be strictly off the cards for the youngsters they will all have heard of the magnificent Eiffel Tower; erected in 1889 and standing 320 metres tall it is the most recognised icon of Paris, and indeed France.

Not far from here is the Louvre, Paris’ stunning, not to mention enormous museum and of course the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, her curious smile put to canvas more than 500 years ago.

Don’t forget Notre-Dame Cathedral, the centre point of Victor Hugo’s famous tale “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and the resting place of the Unknown Soldier, the Arc de Triomphe.

As the first major destination once you’ve passed through the Channel Tunnel, Paris is by far the most popular, but don’t forget about the next two great cities.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a fabulous city, made up of 90 islands created by miles of canals, with 1,280 bridges connecting them all together.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands by MorBCN

The best way to see the city is by canal tours which stop at all of the major landmarks. One of the most famous stories of World War Two is The Diary of Anne Frank, a German-born girl who sadly didn’t survive the war following her arrest in 1944 when her family and four other Jewish families were discovered hiding in a cramped house. The house in now a museum, a testament to Anne and all of those who didn’t survive.

An impressive stop that must not be missed is the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Built in 1855, citizens of the city were so impressed by its grandeur they declared it the eighth wonder of the world. It was once even home to the French king Louis Napoleon.

Brussels

It might be famous as the home of the European Parliament, but for literature fans out there you’ll be more excited by its connection to Hergé and his famous creation, the intrepid journalist Tintin.

The city is festooned with tributes to Belgium’s most famous cartoon character. There are walks, statues, museums, and even hotels that pay tribute in some way. Check out this list of Tintin related sights and landmarks.

Of course, let’s not forget that other thing that Belgium is famous for, and a favourite of children, chocolate! In November 2012 is the first Belgian Chocolate Fair, which will be kicking off Chocolate Week, how can you resist?

These cities are great for children of all ages you get a real taste of (chocolate) and exciting European cultures.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.eurostar.com

The post Three Great European Cities for School Trips appeared first on Europe Explored.

Once you will be in Paris, you should visit the following top sights in Paris.

1.) The Eiffel tower

The Eiffel tower (French: La Tour Eiffel) is a symbol of Paris and a global icon of France. It is steel tower located on the Champ de Mars, in the walking distance from the river Seine.

The Eiffel tower was built between 1887 and 1889, it is 324 meters high (and its weight is approximately 10,000 tonnes). The tower was built to celebrate the French Revolution. Architect of the tower was Alexandre Gustave Eiffel – a French structural engineer who was also responsible for the design of the armature for the Statue of Liberty. The Eiffel Tower is, with about 6 million visitors per year, the world’s most visited attraction (2nd one is Empire State Building with more than 3.6 million visitors and the Tokyo Tower with 3 million. The tower was the highest structure in the world until Chrysler Building (319m) was completed in New York City. However, due to the addition in 1957 of the antenna, the tower is now taller than the Chrysler Building.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by joel kabahit

2.) Arc de Triomphe

At the end of Champs-Élysées there is Arc de Triomphe – one of the most famous monuments in Paris, which is in the middle of large road junction Place Charles de Gaulle. It was built in 1806-1808 followed the model of Arch of Constantine in Rome. It honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars.

There is a statue of horse at the top of the monument which is extracted from St. Marco in Venice. The names of the generals who were in charge of French forces under Napoleon, was included in the Arc. It is decorated with many reliefs which commemorate the Battle of the emperor. The best known is the product of volunteers in 1972, also known as La Marseillaise. A Number of shields are situated at the top of the monument in which the names of the successful battles of Napoleon are embossed.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Konstantinos Dafalias

3.) The Louvre

The Louvre is the largest palace complex in the world, the most important public building in Paris and one of the richest and most visited art galleries of the world. The Louvre is one of the landmarks of Paris. It is located on the right bank of the river Seine, between the street of Rivoli and the famous Place de la Concorde. The building is memorable not only for its origins and its architecture, but especially for a rare collections of art which contains. Together with other monuments on the banks of the Seine, it is under the protection of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Mariana Schwab

4.) Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world and it is also the most famous Gothic cathedral in Paris. Its construction was ordered by Bishop Maurice de Sully in 1163 and lasted for 182 years during which about 160,000 workers participated on its completion. Notre Dame Cathedral is located on the island of Ile de la Cité.

In addition to a number of valuable works of art, there is also one rare treasure. It is the organ with nearly 8000 pipes. The job as organist at Notre Dame Cathedral is considered the most prestigious job in France at all.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Oh Paris

View Notre Dame Cathedral on the Larger Map

5.) Musée d’Orsay

One of the most beautiful and most visited museums of Paris – Musée d’Orsay, is located on the left bank of the River Seine. Every year thousands of tourists come to admire one of the most comprehensive collections of impressionist works in the world.

Like the famous Eiffel Tower, the building which now houses a museum, was built during the World Exhibition in Paris in 1890. The expected high attendance was a good excuse for the emergence of a new station, which was at that time the very first electrified railway station in the world. In the Musée d’Orsay there are primarily works from the 19th century.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Carles Tomás Martí

6.) The Sorbonne and the Latin Quarter

Sorbonne is a monumental complex in the Latin Quarter of Paris. It is a part of the University of Paris which is France’s oldest university established around the year of 1160. It is therefore one of the first universities in Europe.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Rudi Riet

7.) Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris is located at the summit of the highest point in the city – Montmartre, so this snow-white building is practically visible from almost any place in Paris. Similar to Notre Dame it is the combination of two different styles, the Romanesque and Byzantine.

View Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris on the Larger Map

8.) Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris, located in the eastern part of the city. It is also one of the world’s most famous and most-visited cemeteries. The name originated from the name of Father François d’Aix de Lachaise, who lived in the Jesuit house rebuilt in 1682 on the site of the chapel. The cemetery was declared a national monument on 26 June 1993. There are about 70,000 graves, and includes around 5300 trees.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Olivier Bruchez

9.) Champs-Elysées

Champs-Élysées, also known as the Avenue of the Elysian Fields, is one of the most famous boulevards in Paris. It is sometimes referred as the most famous avenue in the world. It is flanked by prestige and luxury shops. Champs-Élysées is probably the most photogenic part of Paris, and one of the most expensive in the world – for the shop with an area 100m2 you would pay approximately $ 1,500,000 per year.

The street is surrounded with the best Paris hotels (such as the Hôtel de Crillon), restaurants (Fouquet’s), or shops.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cayetano

10.) Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is the largest square and also the heart of Paris. It belongs to the most beautiful squares in the world. In the middle of the square there is a huge obelisk, which is decorated with several fountains and statues symbolizing big French cities. Place de la Concorde was built in honor of King Louis XV. designed by the architect Jacques-Ange Gabriel. Its construction began in 1754 and was completed in 1763.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by ChrisYunker

11.) Jardin du Luxembourg

Luxembourg Gardens are the second largest (after Le Bois de Boulogne park) and probably the most popular public park in Paris. Luxembourg Palace, which is located here, is a home to the French Senate. There are lots of chairs available for visitors to sit and relax. Some parts of the grass are directly reserved for the rest, so you can spread the blanket here or just lie down. You can listen to the live music here as well. If you are looking for the perfect place to relax after many kilometers walking through Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg is the right place.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Anna Fox

12.) Panthéon

Pantheon (Panthéon de Paris) is a historic building in Paris’ Latin Quarter. In the underground crypt are retained major French artists, thinkers and scholars such as Alexandre Dumas senior, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Pierre Curie and Marie Curie-Sklodowska as the only woman.

The building stands on the site of the basilica, that was built in the 6th century and dedicated to the saint patron of the city – St. Genevieve. The church was during the French Revolution transformed into a sanctuary and in 1806 back to the church. In 1885 the museum was founded here.

Pantheon is considered one of the most important architectural achievements of its time and the first great neoclassical monument

View Panthéon de Paris on the Larger Map

13.) Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries is one of the most popular and oldest public gardens in Paris. The biggest mall of Paris covers an area of ​​approximately 28 hectares. It is an ideal place to relax in the city center and ideal place to escape after sightseeing.

Jardin des Tuileries is located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Edwin Lee

14.) Pont Neuf

Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Paris. It is situated in the historic centre, on the River Seine. Its construction began in 1578 and was completed in the 1607. Thus it became the first bridge in Paris that connected the two shores of the island Cité. Its name Pont Neuf, which means “New Bridge”, was derived from the fact that it was the first stone bridge in the city. There were also constructed walkways on the bridge, the first ever in Paris. Since 1889, the bridge is a national historic monument. A major reconstruction of the bridge was completed in 2007.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jean-François Gornet

View Top sights to see in Paris – France in a larger map

The post Top sights to see in Paris | France appeared first on Europe Explored.

The City of Tournai has a rich history, the Celts settled here already in 1st century BC. The first Christian church was built here by the Franks in 431. In the 6th century it was the seat of a bishop, later incorporated into the West-Frankish kingdom. In the 13th century the city belonged to the French kings, and just in the 16th century it became the part of the Netherlands. Only in 1830 the city became a part for Belgium.

Tournai is one of the most important cultural sites in Belgium and it is the 2nd oldest city in Belgium – after Tongeren. The city is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

What to see in Tournai?
You can start at the heart of city – in Grand Place, which consists of Renaissance and Baroque houses with 72-meter high watch tower – Beffroi – built in the 1200. If you look from the tower across the square, you can see the Romanesque church from the late 12th century Cathédrale St. Quentin. In the middle of the square stands the memorial to Christine de Lalaing d Epinoy – heroine who defended the city during the Spanish siege. Not far from the square there are five huge towers of Cathedral of Notre Dame (Cathedral of the Virgin Mary) that you can see from all parts of the city. Cathédrale Notre Dame is one of the finest Romanesque buildings in Belgium.

Another place of interest is the 13th-century Scheldt bridge (Pont-des-Trous). You can also visit the numerous museums such as museum of tapestries, or ethnographic museum documenting life in the 17th century.

Interesting tourist destinations near Tournai are Brussels or Bokrijk – Museum in the nature

View Tournai – 2nd oldest town of Belgium in a larger map

The post Tournai – 2nd oldest town of Belgium appeared first on Europe Explored.