See: caves de Byrrh in Thuir. The Catalan drink Byrrh was invented in 1873 in Thuir, not far from Perpignan. The caves de Byrrh offer a fascinating tour of the drink's bottling facility. Built by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame, it contains the world's largest wooden vat.
Wednesday, 20 July 2016
Nice
From the airport
Bus: central Nice is a 15-minute journey.
Eat: Socca. Not a restaurant but a local speciality available in many brasseries and from market stalls around Nice, these chickpea flour-based baked flat cakes come out of the oven looking like crepes and are eaten piping hot.
Bus: central Nice is a 15-minute journey.
Eat: Socca. Not a restaurant but a local speciality available in many brasseries and from market stalls around Nice, these chickpea flour-based baked flat cakes come out of the oven looking like crepes and are eaten piping hot.
Stay: Le Grimaldi. For accomodation that offers a taste of La Belle Epoque, le Grimaldi boasts individually designed rooms, stylish decor, right down to the coffee cups and cutlery, and a central location.
See: Hotel Negresco. Yes, it is an hotel, but in a sense it is also a museum, being one of the last remaining privately owned palaces in the world. The Negresco is decked out in the most opulent furnishings imaginable and acts as a showcase for French art from the Renaissance to the present day. Guests should dress to impress.
Shop: Fancy a spot of pampering? Come to Sephora, a well-designed shop stocking loads of brand-name perfumes, cosmetics and other beauty products.
For dazzling maracoons (lavender, violet, rose, chocolate) in shades to make your head spin, visit the sweet surrounds of Patisserie Canet.
Sunny winter days afford the clearest views over the Cote d'Azur's coastline. From the Gare Routiere, take bus 14 to Mont Boron's peak. Hike for 15 minutes to reach 16th century Fort du Mont Alban, complete with panoramic seascapes.
The Carnival in February is Nice's biggest annual event. Two weeks of parades, floats and flowers. Along the coast, Menton hosts its annual Fete du citron.
Day trip
Bormes-les-Mimosas. This 12th-century village is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the region, with its unspoilt beaches, creeks and coves, plenty of water sports and host of lovely walks. Nearby is the impressive Fort de Bregancon, the French Presidents' summer residence.
Biot. The newly renovated Musee Fernand Leger houses vibrant paintings by the master of Cubism. Take the 20-minute train to Biot then Envibus 10 to the museum.
Everyone flying into Nice wants to get their square inch of ultra-glamourous St Tropez. Join the savvy few who know the area well and choose to take the ferry to St Tropez. Not only it is a more stylish way to travel, you will avoid the inevetible traffic jam to St Maxim.
Poets, artists, film stars, notable celebreties and mere morals too have been seduced by picturresque Villefranche-sur-Mer. Lunch in one of the quayside restaurants before setting off to explore the medieval village and fantastic flea market.
Shop: Fancy a spot of pampering? Come to Sephora, a well-designed shop stocking loads of brand-name perfumes, cosmetics and other beauty products.
For dazzling maracoons (lavender, violet, rose, chocolate) in shades to make your head spin, visit the sweet surrounds of Patisserie Canet.
Sunny winter days afford the clearest views over the Cote d'Azur's coastline. From the Gare Routiere, take bus 14 to Mont Boron's peak. Hike for 15 minutes to reach 16th century Fort du Mont Alban, complete with panoramic seascapes.
The Carnival in February is Nice's biggest annual event. Two weeks of parades, floats and flowers. Along the coast, Menton hosts its annual Fete du citron.
Day trip
Bormes-les-Mimosas. This 12th-century village is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the region, with its unspoilt beaches, creeks and coves, plenty of water sports and host of lovely walks. Nearby is the impressive Fort de Bregancon, the French Presidents' summer residence.
Biot. The newly renovated Musee Fernand Leger houses vibrant paintings by the master of Cubism. Take the 20-minute train to Biot then Envibus 10 to the museum.
Everyone flying into Nice wants to get their square inch of ultra-glamourous St Tropez. Join the savvy few who know the area well and choose to take the ferry to St Tropez. Not only it is a more stylish way to travel, you will avoid the inevetible traffic jam to St Maxim.
Poets, artists, film stars, notable celebreties and mere morals too have been seduced by picturresque Villefranche-sur-Mer. Lunch in one of the quayside restaurants before setting off to explore the medieval village and fantastic flea market.
Biarritz
In less than half an hour you can see Biarritz's highlights and learn the history of the city. Le petit train leaves every 30 minutes from the Grande Plage and Rocher de la Vierge.
If you head towards Anglet from the lighthouse, the coastal road takes you to the Chambre d'Amour, a buzzing area that is great for surfing, shopping, eating and drinking.
Locals shop at Biarritz's foremost marketplace, Les Halles. First opened in 1885, it now houses vendors of fresh produce, meats, fish and flowers. Shops, bars and restaurants surround the market.
Soak
Les thermes marins. Biarritz is famed for its thalasso centre, which has been drawing in visitors since 1970. Feel the tension melt away as you relax in the therapeutic hot pools, or try one of the treatments that uses water, minerals and mud to curative effect in relaxing, tranquil surroundings.
If you head towards Anglet from the lighthouse, the coastal road takes you to the Chambre d'Amour, a buzzing area that is great for surfing, shopping, eating and drinking.
Locals shop at Biarritz's foremost marketplace, Les Halles. First opened in 1885, it now houses vendors of fresh produce, meats, fish and flowers. Shops, bars and restaurants surround the market.
Soak
Les thermes marins. Biarritz is famed for its thalasso centre, which has been drawing in visitors since 1970. Feel the tension melt away as you relax in the therapeutic hot pools, or try one of the treatments that uses water, minerals and mud to curative effect in relaxing, tranquil surroundings.
Gamble
Municipal Casino Barriere de Biarritz. The iconic building of Biarritz is undoubtedly the casino, which has tried the luck of kings and celebs.
Shop
Paries sells divine cakes, chocolates and pastries. Just peeking through the window makes your mouth water. Established in 1895, Paries sells the famed, self-created almond pastry muxu, which means kiss in Basque.
and its lovely teashop looks out to sea. It specialises in flavoured teas, pastries, speciality cakes, hand-crafted caramel and chocolates.The elegant Patisserie Miremont was founded in
Day trip
Fuenterrabia. Just over the border into Spain, this quaint little historical town boasts a citadel and rows of pretty little houses, mot to mention lively tapas and good restaurants, many found around the harbour area.
Saint Jean de Luz. Just 15 kilometres south of Biarritz is the charming seaside town of Saint Jean de Luz, an historic spot on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and, earlier, a whaling port. From here, the coastal road winds south to Abbadia, famed for its chateau and natural reserve.
Municipal Casino Barriere de Biarritz. The iconic building of Biarritz is undoubtedly the casino, which has tried the luck of kings and celebs.
Shop
Paries sells divine cakes, chocolates and pastries. Just peeking through the window makes your mouth water. Established in 1895, Paries sells the famed, self-created almond pastry muxu, which means kiss in Basque.
and its lovely teashop looks out to sea. It specialises in flavoured teas, pastries, speciality cakes, hand-crafted caramel and chocolates.The elegant Patisserie Miremont was founded in
Day trip
Fuenterrabia. Just over the border into Spain, this quaint little historical town boasts a citadel and rows of pretty little houses, mot to mention lively tapas and good restaurants, many found around the harbour area.
Saint Jean de Luz. Just 15 kilometres south of Biarritz is the charming seaside town of Saint Jean de Luz, an historic spot on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and, earlier, a whaling port. From here, the coastal road winds south to Abbadia, famed for its chateau and natural reserve.
general information
Republic
capital: Paris
area: 675 000 km2
currency: euro
capital: Paris
area: 675 000 km2
currency: euro
population: 66 millions
population density/km2: 98
EU member since 1952
National holiday: 14 July
national anthem: La Mareseilaise
population density/km2: 98
EU member since 1952
National holiday: 14 July
national anthem: La Mareseilaise
language: french
- 9 is the number of tons of metal eaten by famous French omnivore Michel Lotito, aka Monsieur Mangetout.
- At 1568 working hours per annum in 2003, the French are the least industrious people in Europe.
- France is the largest country in the EU in terms of surface area but not the most densely populated, partly because of the Napoleonic wars.
- French men are on average 1.72 cm tall. The average height for French women is 1.65 cm. Compared with one century ago, men are 7 cm taller and women 5 cm.
- France has 4 overseas departments (which are part of the EU), 4 overseas territories and 2 autonomous regions.
Vive la France! Discover this beautiful country by walking around the streets of Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Avignon, St Tropez, Strasbourg, Rennes and Bordeaux. Versailles, Mont St Michel and Aix en Provence are rich in history while the adventurous can go skiing and hiking in the Alps. Relax afterwards on a Mediterranean beach or sipping a glass of vino in the many wishes wineries. Sailing around the islands of Brittany is also not to be missed.
Monday, 2 May 2016
Paris
From Orly airport
Train: The RER B4 (OrlyVal) travels between Orly and Chatelet (central Paris) in half an hour.. Trains run every eight minutes from 6am-11pm. Trains Line C2 between Orly and Invalides departs from 6am-11pm.
Bus. The efficient OrlyBus stops at Place Denfert-Rochefeau every 12 minutes from 5.45am-11.30pm
From Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport
Train. Take the RER B3 on a half-hour journey to central Paris (Gare du Nord). Trains leave every 15 minutes from 5.24am-11.58pm
Bus. The Roissy Bus leaves from the airport and stops at the Opera every 15 minutes from 5.45am-11pm
Stroll hand in hand along the Seine, climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower and exchange loving looks in a street cafe.
Thought the city of light and romance was out of your league budget-wise? Well Generator (generatorhostels.com) opens a haute hostel this month, with beds from £19 in a shared room to £38 for a private room. Based in the cool 10th arrondissement by Canal Saint-Martin, this is no dingy baclpacker joint, we're talking roof terrace with sunset views of the Sacre-Coeur, en suites, and a buzzy bar and restaurant. With Eurostar return tickets from £69, Paris is now totally affordable.
The Eiffel Tower or 300-metre tower (today it measures 324 m with the TV antenna) was erected according to the drawings of the engineer Gustave Eiffel, between 28 January 1887 and 31 March 1889 for the World Fair of Paris in 1889.
The National Centre of Art and Culture George Pompidou, commonly referred to as the Beaubourg Centre, is one of the most controversial architectural experiments ever to be carried out in Paris. Each colour of the Beaubourg Centre has its own special meaning: red stands for transport, blue for air conditioning, yellow for electricity and green for gas.
The Arc de Triomphe stands in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle. Napoleon had the 50m high triumphal arch built in 1806 to glorify the Empire. It was finished in 1835. It boasts superb relief sculptures, including Rude's "The departure of the volunteers" known as "La Marseillaise", Etex "The resistance of 1814" and The peace" and Cortot's "The triumph of 1810. Cast an eye over the 600 names of generals and the 150 names of campaigns and victories engraved one by one in the monumental stone.
Due to its beautiful situation on top of the Montmartre hill, the Sacre-coeur is a favourite of both the Parisians and the many tourists. On a clear day, you can see 50 km away from this basilica. In 1875, after the Franco-prussian war, a start was made on the construction of this church, which was only completed in 1914, on the eve of a new war.
The imposing Eglise de la Madeleine gives bustling Madeleine Square its name, but most Parisians know it for the gourmet food boutiques such as Hediard, Fauchon and Maille. There are also many up-market fashion clothing boutiques, particularly catering to the well-dressed gentleman.
Before the Paris metro was built in 1900, a train known as the Petite Ceinture (Small Belt) transported Parisians in a circular route through the city, connecting the major rail stations. It became obsolete by 1934 but the tracks remain in place as a reminder.
Shop. Jump on the eco-friendly bandwagon with a fashionable accessory from Reversible. Bags, lamps and even chairs are made from colourful recycled PVC advertising posters from a factory in Lyon.
Prices for the Paris metro went up again. Save money with a Mobilis day pass offering unlimited travel on metro, bus and trams.
Jussieu (5th) is the eastern corner of the Latin Quarter, dominated by the ugly modern university. But thre is also the peaceful Jardin des Plantes with its Museum of Natural History, the hightech Institut du Monde Arabe and the exotic Mosquee de Paris and its mosaic-tiled tea room and hamman.
If it is your first time in Paris, a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, a stroll by the River Seine and a visit to the Louvre are all must-dos. If you've been there and done that, it is time to discover new places such as the flower-filled Jardin du Luxembourg, Rodin Museum, the spooky catacombs (a network of underground tunnels beneath the city) or drinking and dining in the cool Marais district.
Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore for all the chic shops like Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and the ever-hip Colette. Not far away in Rue Clement Marot theere is Fashion Vintage, a tiny gem of a store where you can rummaged through vintage clothes from YSL, Chanel and Dior. A short metro ride and you are in department stores Printemps and Les Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussman.
Day trip
Chantilly. Into golfing, horse racing or polo? Head to the genteel town of Chantilly, a historic forested location, just 45 minutes north of Paris. There are several resort hotels offering scenic golfing year-round, as well as the famous Chantilly Hippodrome and Polo Club, which host prestigious events throughout the year.
Train: The RER B4 (OrlyVal) travels between Orly and Chatelet (central Paris) in half an hour.. Trains run every eight minutes from 6am-11pm. Trains Line C2 between Orly and Invalides departs from 6am-11pm.
Bus. The efficient OrlyBus stops at Place Denfert-Rochefeau every 12 minutes from 5.45am-11.30pm
From Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport
Train. Take the RER B3 on a half-hour journey to central Paris (Gare du Nord). Trains leave every 15 minutes from 5.24am-11.58pm
Bus. The Roissy Bus leaves from the airport and stops at the Opera every 15 minutes from 5.45am-11pm
Stroll hand in hand along the Seine, climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower and exchange loving looks in a street cafe.
Thought the city of light and romance was out of your league budget-wise? Well Generator (generatorhostels.com) opens a haute hostel this month, with beds from £19 in a shared room to £38 for a private room. Based in the cool 10th arrondissement by Canal Saint-Martin, this is no dingy baclpacker joint, we're talking roof terrace with sunset views of the Sacre-Coeur, en suites, and a buzzy bar and restaurant. With Eurostar return tickets from £69, Paris is now totally affordable.
The Eiffel Tower or 300-metre tower (today it measures 324 m with the TV antenna) was erected according to the drawings of the engineer Gustave Eiffel, between 28 January 1887 and 31 March 1889 for the World Fair of Paris in 1889.
The National Centre of Art and Culture George Pompidou, commonly referred to as the Beaubourg Centre, is one of the most controversial architectural experiments ever to be carried out in Paris. Each colour of the Beaubourg Centre has its own special meaning: red stands for transport, blue for air conditioning, yellow for electricity and green for gas.
The Arc de Triomphe stands in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle. Napoleon had the 50m high triumphal arch built in 1806 to glorify the Empire. It was finished in 1835. It boasts superb relief sculptures, including Rude's "The departure of the volunteers" known as "La Marseillaise", Etex "The resistance of 1814" and The peace" and Cortot's "The triumph of 1810. Cast an eye over the 600 names of generals and the 150 names of campaigns and victories engraved one by one in the monumental stone.
Due to its beautiful situation on top of the Montmartre hill, the Sacre-coeur is a favourite of both the Parisians and the many tourists. On a clear day, you can see 50 km away from this basilica. In 1875, after the Franco-prussian war, a start was made on the construction of this church, which was only completed in 1914, on the eve of a new war.
The imposing Eglise de la Madeleine gives bustling Madeleine Square its name, but most Parisians know it for the gourmet food boutiques such as Hediard, Fauchon and Maille. There are also many up-market fashion clothing boutiques, particularly catering to the well-dressed gentleman.
Before the Paris metro was built in 1900, a train known as the Petite Ceinture (Small Belt) transported Parisians in a circular route through the city, connecting the major rail stations. It became obsolete by 1934 but the tracks remain in place as a reminder.
Shop. Jump on the eco-friendly bandwagon with a fashionable accessory from Reversible. Bags, lamps and even chairs are made from colourful recycled PVC advertising posters from a factory in Lyon.
Prices for the Paris metro went up again. Save money with a Mobilis day pass offering unlimited travel on metro, bus and trams.
Jussieu (5th) is the eastern corner of the Latin Quarter, dominated by the ugly modern university. But thre is also the peaceful Jardin des Plantes with its Museum of Natural History, the hightech Institut du Monde Arabe and the exotic Mosquee de Paris and its mosaic-tiled tea room and hamman.
If it is your first time in Paris, a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, a stroll by the River Seine and a visit to the Louvre are all must-dos. If you've been there and done that, it is time to discover new places such as the flower-filled Jardin du Luxembourg, Rodin Museum, the spooky catacombs (a network of underground tunnels beneath the city) or drinking and dining in the cool Marais district.
Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore for all the chic shops like Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and the ever-hip Colette. Not far away in Rue Clement Marot theere is Fashion Vintage, a tiny gem of a store where you can rummaged through vintage clothes from YSL, Chanel and Dior. A short metro ride and you are in department stores Printemps and Les Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussman.
Day trip
Chantilly. Into golfing, horse racing or polo? Head to the genteel town of Chantilly, a historic forested location, just 45 minutes north of Paris. There are several resort hotels offering scenic golfing year-round, as well as the famous Chantilly Hippodrome and Polo Club, which host prestigious events throughout the year.
Drink: Willi's wine bar. Best for regional wines. This popular venue, with art-deco frontage and polished oak bar, is as renowned for its bottle art (specially commissioned posters from different contemporary artists) as it is for its wines. There are about 250 to choose from, in particular wines from Rhone. Regions like Bandol and Languedoc are also well represented. A few New World wines are available too, as is a selection of sherries. 13 rue des petits champs, www.williswinebar.com
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