Portsmouth fishing fleet, UK by Roger H. Goun

How to keep occupied when on a low budget

There are many attractions in Portsmouth which don’t cost a single penny in order to enjoy them. Portsmouth has a very long seafront (approximately 4 kilometres) and two piers (Clarence and South Parade) are situated there as well. When walking, cycling or driving along the seafront, there are many events which are organised throughout the year, such as the bandstand which overlooks the seafront. During the summer months, a host of bands and artists perform at the bandstand and several styles of music can be enjoyed at no cost whatsoever.

Portsmouth is a city of culture

Unlike other towns and cities in the United Kingdom, Portsmouth’s cultural attractions have not suffered greatly because its many libraries are still open. Portsmouth has numerous museums which are still free to enter (although giving a donation is recommended). They are also open extensively throughout the year as well.

Enjoying the great outdoors

Despite being hugely developed over the past few hundred years, especially since the end of the Second World War, Portsmouth has many areas which have copious amounts of nature. Hilsea Lines is found in the north of the city and were originally built in the 19^th century in order to protect Portsmouth and its affluent residents from French and Spanish forces if an invasion took place. As the likelihood of this happening soon diminished, Hilsea Lines returned to civilian use and now houses a sanctuary which is host to much nature. Running through Hilsea Lines is a canal and this attracts an abundance of birdlife.

Just a few hundred yards away from Hilsea Lines is Farlington Marshes. With a path running through the top of it, many walkways are in Farlington Marshes which offers those who visit this picturesque area the opportunity to see many birds and animals. Free to enter, Farlington Marshes is a very popular destination, especially as there are many car parks throughout.

Home to the last remains of Henry VIII’s warship the Mary Rose and also both HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, Portsmouth continues to attract thousands of visitors every year. As the upmarket shopping complex Gunwharf Quays opened in 2001 and the hideous Tricorn Centre demolished in 2004, Portsmouth is a far more pleasant place to live and visit, especially as it regularly hosts events which attract people from around the world.

About the author: Russell Hill is a journalist and freelance writer. He loves green tourism and enjoys exploring cities rich in culture and heritage. He gives preference to staying in fully furnished corporate apartments rather than hotels. One company that inspired Russell was Executive Apartments, a fully furnished corporate apartment rentals provider in Washington, D.C.

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Popular tourist attractions in Exeter

One of Exeter´s most popular tourist attraction is perhaps it´s greatest achievement, the honey-coloured 12th century Norman Exeter Cathedral, which towers over the city. The mesmerising ceiling in the largest of its kind that is unbroken in the world, an astonishing feat considering the city was flattened by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Take the 45-minute guided walk and you will get more from your visit.

Exeter Cathedral, UK by Antony McCallum

Other historical buildings of interest include the 14th century Guildhall, the oldest municipal building that is still in operation in the UK and resided over by the city mayor. You can also learn more about the history of the city in the Exeter museum which exhibits artefacts dating back to the Roman era. You will also find Egyptian history in the tomb-like Egypt Room which stores a 3000-year old mummy.

And if you enjoy a surreal tomb-like ambience don´t miss the Underground Passages Tour, a guided ghost walk through the network of medieval vaults which is guaranteed to send a chill down your spine. Redcoats guided tours do a wide range of walks from murder to religion and take you into some of the most fascinating parts of the city such as the Exeter catacombs. If you need to hire a car for travel around Exeter, there are various rental services available and also don’t forget to book out car hire insurance.

Exeter – High Street, Guildhall, UK by Franzfoto

Exeter Quay

A modern look at Exeter can be found by the Quay where the docks have been revitalised with trendy bars, cafe and clubs. The dull, red-bricked warehouses have been replaced with glass front chrome frame buildings which emanates pizzazz and elegance with continental-style alfresco dining. This is the place where suited young professionals like to hang-out to sip on espresso and tuck into an assortment of French and Italian breads.

The Quay area was originally designed by the Romans, but took a dip in fortune when opposing merchants built a weir across the River Exe to guide trade to nearby Topsham. There´s not much trade coming into the harbour these days and the slow and relaxed atmosphere offers open-air jazz evenings on Sundays. Bikes and kayaks are also available for hire.

As part of the rejuvenating process of the city, Exeter´s premier attraction, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery also got a makeover. Close by is the Bill Douglas Centre which pays homage to a history of cinema featuring fun films and a massive collection of memorabilia that dates back as far as Charlie Chaplin. If you love film you will love learning about the characters and performers ranging from Mickey Mouse to Marilyn Monroe and James Bond to Luke Skywalker. Learn more about movie mayhem from around the world as well as a behind the scenes look at how visual media is put together.

Other local attractions

Exeter is also well placed for getting to the coast and seeing more of what Devon has to offer. Plymouth and Weymouth are the neighbouring seaside locations whilst you can get close to nature along the many walking trails of Dartmoor National Park and the zoo at Paignton. Just up the road from Exeter and well worth a visit in its own right you will also find the charming town of Topsham.

Conclusion

Exeter is a fine city to visit. With a significant history, there are many architectural delights and splendours to observe. Modernisation has lead to many new shops being made available for the visitor and local alike. Exeter is also handily placed for local tourist spots in the Devon & Cornwall area.

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If you’re considering cycling holidays in France this year here are five reasons why Calais shouldn’t simply be discarded from your list of potential destinations.

Calais

Just 21 miles from the cliffs of Dover, Calais itself is home to several historical attractions, including La Forteresse de Mimoyecques. The fortress is what remains of a German bunker constructed to fire shells at London during the Second World War. Comprising a maze of tunnels and chambers which can be accessed from the hillside it’s here that Joseph Kennedy – the brother of US President John F Kennedy died during an air raid in 1944.

Before leaving Calais itself, pay a visit to the oldest building in Calais, the Watch Tower. Constructed in the 13th century it suffered from an earthquake in the 16th century, a fire in the 17th century and the ravages of the Second World War in the 20th century.

Tower in Calais / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Nick

Montreuil

Steeped in history, the cobbled streets of this quaint village were apparently the inspiration for Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. For those of you with an interest in battlefields, there is of course the battle site of Agincourt close to Montreuil. The Battle of Agincourt took place in 1415. Around 6,000 English soldiers took up arms against a French army comprised of highly skilled noblemen who outnumbered them by approximately five to one. Even if you’re not a history buff, there are no prizes for guessing who won the day.

Further afield you’ll find the site of the Field of the Cloth of Gold which commemorates the much vaunted meeting between Henry VIII and King Francis I of France in 1520.

There’s also a stunning chocolatier in Montreuil. After a hard day’s cycling you deserve it.

Montreuil-sur-Mer / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by openroads.com

La Coupoule (Eperlecques)

Continuing the war theme, the World War Two concrete bunker – or blockhaus- can also be found close to Calais. Eperlecques was the German bunker where Hitler intended to launch his deadly V2 rockets on London. Thankfully, the European Allies bombed it before he had a chance to carry out his deadly plans. Now known as La Coupoule you can still see the huge crater caused by one of the Allied bombs and gaze in disbelief at the door to the bunker – it’s a hefty seven feet thick.

St Omer

Away from the stark reminders of modern and not so modern history lies the elegant town of St Omer with its iconic Gothic cathedral. With hundreds of miles of waterways, 150 homes are located in an area named Audomarois and can only be reached by boat. Time to park the bike for a short while and explore the surrounding rivers and woodlands.

For lovers of wildlife there are over 200 species of birdlife. As you ride you may notice a distinct aroma of cauliflower. If you do, you’re not imagining it. The marsh surrounding Audomarois produces five million heads of cauliflower every year. If an overdose of cauliflower is your version of gastronomic hell there are plenty of cheese cellars throughout the region and if you head back to Montreuil you’ll find a specialist winery. You can pop back in and see the chocolatier while you’re there.

St-Omer, France / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by openroads.com

The Beaches

The region of Calais also conceals a number of beaches for you to linger on after your cycling efforts. Head to Wimereux where you’ll be able to join the locals hunting for shrimps or you can continue along the coast to the Bay of Wissant.  The resort of Le Tuquet has countless grass-covered dunes with a cycle track leading the way around them.

Wherever you travel in France, you’ll find acres of rolling hillside, welcoming vineyards, ancient castles and gastronomic delights. Perhaps as you begin your adventures this year you might consider a brief stop at an often forgotten town.

Kate Smedley recommends stopping off at Calais during your cycling holidays in France

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Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza may be known as the party capital of the world, and a must-do vacation for the New Year, but it’s also one of the best summer destinations. The Balearic Island has a pleasant May climate, with clear days and temperatures in the mid-twenties. From June to September, the weather is warm and pleasant. Beach temperatures range from the mid to late twenties, making it a perfect place to laze around and get tanned in the mornings, and partying in the evenings. The northern region has olive groves and wooded areas, and is truly stunning. The beaches are packed till August, and less crowded from September onwards, so if you cherish your peace and quiet, that’s when you should plan your trip.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Sim

St Tropez, France

St Tropez is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Europe, and where the A-list crowd prefers to go. This tourist attraction owes its popularity to the influx of artists and musicians after the Second World War. It is known for its sunny beaches (with public tanning areas and private huts as well. The beaches also offer plenty of activities including windsurfing, sailing, yachting, diving and other water sports. These beaches combine glamour, leisure, nightlife and other activities to make an irresistible package.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Michael Gwyther-Jones

Malta

Malta, Gozo and Comino offers plenty of beautiful places for swimming. Sandy beaches are a popular choice, especially for families with children, but swimming is very popular on rocky beaches as well. Beach clubs and swimming pools are an excellent opportunity for those who like comfort. If you do not want to be surrounded by a crowd of people on the sandy beaches, it is better to visit them on weekdays.

Paradise Bay is probably one of the most beautiful beach scenery in Malta – the beach is located in a beautiful bay near the town of Cirkewwa. You can use chairs, umbrellas and enjoy a meal in a beach restaurant. Beach itself is small, but suitable for snorkelling.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Shepard4711

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is one of the two islands that lie off the western coast of Italy (Sicily being the other), and is not as crowded as the other Italian hotspots. It has stunning white beaches punctuated by the little coves. Apart from the obvious attraction of Mediterranean weather, Sardinia offers several attractions for the discerning tourist: from the Nuraghi (prehistoric cone-shaped buildings) to Nora, the archaeological sites where Carthiginian remains have been uncovered; from the Roman remains in Cagliari to the hillsides, meadows and hamlets of Barbagia.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by claire rowland

Santorini, Greece

Santorini in Greece, with its beaches, little hamlets and even an active volcano, is one of the hottest summer vacation spots in Europe. Traditional buildings (from as early as the 16th century), wineries, ruins and restored villas, and villages with their cobbled pathways, cafes and restaurants offer travellers a holiday they can cherish. The weather is mild from April to June, and September and October are the best times to visit the island. The sunsets here are known to be among the most spectacular in the world, sitting in perfect isolation on the outer ring of the Cyclades.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lyn Gateley

While all these destinations can be stunning, it’s your interests and tastes that can make your holiday perfect. Choose what works best for you, pack your designer swimwear and head off on a holiday you’ll remember and boast about for years to come!

This article was brought to you by the people at Beach Cafe – online retailers and specialist in designer swimwear and travel tips.

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Because of its American influences, Jazz was not initially well received in France, but once French musicians adopted their own style in the 1920´s, a take on traditional folk music and “gypsy jazz,” it became increasingly more popular and since the 1930´s has become a quintessential part of the French music scene.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by bastien09

The Beginnings of the Nice Jazz Festival

During the Second World War, the Americans ironically influenced the Parisian Jazz scene and their new and exciting brand of bop music caught the attention of Christian Estrosi, the Deputy Mayor of Nice. In 1948, he wanted to give something back to the people of the Cote d´Azur and on the 28th February, the world´s first ever Jazz festival was organised in Nice´s Pleyel auditorium.

Because the two styles conflicted with French audiences, the first festival got mixed reviews and unleashed passion and repulsion in equal measures from commentators. There was somewhat of a hostile feeling towards the new American style of bop whereas the “old French style,” was much revered.  It was a gap that would keep widening until the 1970´s when modern jazz partisans revolutionized American influences and again used the Nice Jazz Festival to pioneer the growing new trends.

One of the qualities of the Nice Jazz festival is to extend this special brand of music to a wider audience other than a restricted circle of Jazz connoisseurs and subsequently the spirit of open-mindedness would reach new peaks in 1972 with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach and Charles Mingus. Today Nice´s Jazz Festival stages a wide variety of Jazz influences and styles. These range from urban funk to gospel, urban funk and jazz originating from Africa.

There´s more to Nice than Jazz

Nice is recognised as a jewel in the crown of France´s glamorous Cote d´Azur and with its cosmopolitan ambience, radiant landscapes and relaxed atmosphere has plenty to offer sun seekers, culture vultures and sight-seers.

The stunning scenery along the Bay of Angels and the bustling promenade des Anglais is where most tourists and chic locals congregate, but if you want to escape the city limits, hire a car and drive into the surrounding hills. Art aficionados should visit the Matisse Museum and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC), whilst history buffs should head for the Roman ruins of Cemenelum and the Terra Armata museum.

Nice Jazz festival 2012

The week long Jazz Festival attracts in excess of 45,000 visitors so you are best to book your hotel early. There is plenty of affordable accommodation, but expect to pay somewhere in the region of €70-€100 a night for a three-star hotel. Alternatively you can get a guesthouse for around €45. If the location of the Jazz festival influences your choice of hotel the principal venues are gardens of Albert 1st and the gardens next to Place Masséna.

The line-up for this year´s festival will include (in alphabetical order):

• Ahmad Jamal,
• Avishai Cohen and Wynton Marsalis,
• Didier Lockwood,
• John McLaughlin & the 4th Dimension,
• Kind of Blue Revisited featuring Alex Tasses,
• Mike Stern,
• Rick Margitza and the former Miles Davis band,
• Roy Hargrove Quintet and
• the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra

The festival takes place between 8th – 12th July 2012.

Author Bio:

Nathan is a prolific writer who specializes in music and travel/holiday homes related articles. Having read this article why not book an apartment in Nice and go to see the festival for yourself?

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gavin Baker

Leuven is famous Belgian university town, the local Catholic University was founded in 1425 by Pope Martin V and is the oldest university in Belgium and one of the oldest in Europe. Due to disputes between Flemish and French-speaking population, University had to be divided into two separate branches in 1968 – the Flemish Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, which remained in Leuven and the French-speaking Université catholique de Louvain, which was established in Louvain-la-Neuve. This city was founded in the province of Walloon Brabant.

The first mention of Leuven dates from the year 891, from the time when Carolingian King of East Francia and Holy Roman Emperor Arnulf defeated Viking army.

Convenient location at the river Dijle helped Leuven to become a major commercial center of the duchy. The city became a center of cloth. Famous linen was exported from here already in the late 14th century.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Eddy Van 3000

Leuven’s golden period occurred in the 15th century, when was founded already mentioned Catholic University. It has now about 27,000 students. Another important period was the 18th century, when a local brewery began to prosper. It later grew into the largest brewing company in the world called Interbrew, recently renamed to InBev. This brewing company includes well-known brewery Stella Artois.

During the First and Second World War Leuven suffered significant damage. For example, in July 1914, was burned and destroyed the university library with 300,000 rare books and manuscripts. After the First World War the library was renovated. During the Second World War, however, the library was again damaged by fire, in which disappeared other writings and rare books. Although a large part of the University of Leuven was severely damaged by fire and bombing during the wars, most of the sites managed to repair and make its original form.

One of the most important monuments is considered Leuven Town Hall built between 1439 – 1463, which is a typical example of late Brabant Gothic. Its facade is decorated with 236 sculptures from the second half of the 19th century. Very beautiful is also a church of St. Peter built in the turn of the 15th and 16th century. In its interior you can see the rare picture painted by Dirk Bouts – the Last Supper (1464-1468).

You can stroll through the cobblestone old-town squares, that are lined with houses, some of which date back to the 13th century. Most of these houses are now luxury hotels and pensions. Many historic buildings serve the needs of universities, which are hostels for students and professors, or perhaps a conference centres.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jim Trodel

Beautiful building near Leuven is Arenberg Castle built in the 16th century, which is a typical example of brick architecture, and combines late Gothic style with the Renaissance. Arenberg family donated the castle with a park covering an area of ​​29 hectares to the University of Leuven in 1916.

Interesting collections can be seen at the Vander Kelen-Mertens Municipal Museum, which represents both modern and ancient art. On display are not only paintings and sculptures, but also photographs, films, design and architecture. Art lovers will especially enjoy the Art Museum, located in a building designed by Stéphane Beel. The building elegantly combines old and modern architectural elements.

The city also features a nice botanical garden Hortus Botanicus Lovaniensis. Founded in 1738 it is the oldest botanical garden in Belgium. Owns a large collection of plants, trees, shrubs, and tropical and subtropical plants.

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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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Houses were occupied until the Second World War, but the area was protected already for several years, and no changes which would change the character of the street or houses were allowed. The writer Franz Kafka lived here in the house no. 22 between 1916-1917. The last owners and the tenants moved out in 1948, and despite of receiving high quality houses, they left with protests.

Golden Lane was reopened to the public on 1 June 2011 after one year of reconstructions. It is probably the most romantic and famous part of Prague Castle. You can access the Golden Lane if you buy a ticket for a Long (350 CZK) or Short (250 CZK) Tour around the Castle.

You can take really interesting Virtual Tour by visiting the following website:
https://virtualni.praha.eu/nocni/zlata-ulicka.html

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The complex consists of the palace with 126 rooms, opera house, Diana’s Temple, the Temple of Venus, the Hermitage, the Chinese pavilion, dance hall, puppet theatre and a large French garden. The castle was a home of the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn for almost thirty years. Even Empress Maria Theresa lived here in 1773.

After the death of Count Esterházy, the family left and the castle remained empty for nearly a whole century. During the Second World War, the chateau served as a hospital and was damaged. In the past few years the castle has been partially renovated and rebuilt into a hotel. Today there are 26 rooms ​​available.

There is a museum and music hall. Every year it hosts International Music Festival and Weeks of music.

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Amiens Cathedral / Maurice

The destruction and bombing of the city during the First and Second World War, miraculously didn’t destroyed the great Cathédrale de Notre-Dame, which is the main reason for visiting Amiens. It is a wonderful representative of the French Gothic style and it is also the highest cathedral in all of France. It stands on the place of the burnt Romanesque basilica. It was built between 1220 – 1236 and at that time it was the largest in France. The building is 145 meters long, 112 meters high. Arches inside the vault measured 42,3 meters. The cathedral was not built just to their astonishing height, but also as a place to be imposed on the head of John the Baptist brought from a failed crusade. The construction involved three architects, the most famous of them was Robert de Luzarches.

The city tour can proceed in the district St. Leu, which is the oldest and most attractive part of Amiens. It extends north from the cathedral and you can get into it through one of the bridges over the river Somme. You will find the narrow cobbled streets with flowers, restaurants, cafes, as well as antique markets and small art studios. The local squares are lined with canals, and therefore this area is often called Little Venice – La Petite Venice. If you will be tired, you can get into a boat and get a ride on the canal between the flowering gardens. The streets around the cathedral have beautifully renovated building, such as the medieval bell tower or a house, which houses the Museo de Picardie. This museum has a wide focus, you will find here something from each side, plus a few hidden archaeological pieces. Here you can see the works from the Roman period up to the 20th century, but excels mainly in the collection of French paintings and sculptures. Statues of glowing white marble from the 19th century are very charming, as well as works by Picasso and Balthus located on the second floor.

Another interesting museum is located in the building of the Hotel de Berny from 17th century.

One of the famous people that were born in Amiens was the writer Jules Verne (1828 – 1905), whose house Maison á la Tour you can visit here. Verne wrote a large part of his fantasy novels right here.

Other sights include the Perret tower standing next to the station from August Peretti, or a number of churches, such as Ste Jeanne d’Arc, St Acheul, Sainte Anne or Saint Firmin. In 1970, the University of Jules Verne was founded here in Amiens.

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