Orkney : Scotland’s somewhat forgotten archipelago

Orcades Écosse

When you think of Scotland, places like Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and the wild, rugged Highlands probably spring to mind. A few other classic images are synonymous with the destination. But it’s true that the small archipelago in the north of Scotland, known as the Orkney Islands, rarely gets a mention. And yet, it’s a world apart… Where are the Orkney Islands? Just fifteen kilometres off the north coast of mainland Scotland and south of the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands form a unique world that was under Viking and Norwegian rule for centuries. The archipelago covers a total area of … Read more

If you’re looking for the “greenest” capital in Europe, Oslo is the place to go

Oslo

With all the talk of global warming and increasingly frequent heatwaves, it’s cities—especially the largest ones—that often suffer the most. This has led some urban planners and developers to promote the idea of extensive green and wooded areas in urban zones, a strategy currently under discussion for Paris, to create what are known as ‘cooling islands’. The main goal of this is to lower the temperature by several degrees during heatwaves. And it works so well that many cities, particularly in Europe, have adopted the formula. That said, the pace of change varies from one country to another, with some … Read more

What to see and do in a week in Lisbon and its surroundings

Lisbon

Lisbon is a firm favourite for European travellers, and it’s set to remain so this summer! Its easy accessibility and still-affordable prices for both travel and expenses on the ground are two of its main draws. But you can also add the variety of its neighbourhoods, its monuments, its pretty cobbled streets, its unique atmosphere, and a consistently warm welcome. So, what is there to see and do in a week in Lisbon and the nearby region? Three days to discover the Portuguese capital… Explore the Alfama district by wandering through its winding alleyways, peaceful squares, and terraces. Here you … Read more

Discovering Paris with expert guides

Discovering Paris with expert guides

Paris rewards those who take time to understand its stories. While independent exploration has its merits, guided tours offer deeper insights into the city’s heritage. The format of guided tours in Paris varies significantly based on group size and focus area. Small group walking tours, typically limited to 8-12 participants, allow for more interaction with guides and easier navigation through crowded areas. Private tours offer flexibility in timing and itinerary customization, while larger group tours often include transportation between major sites. Essential monuments and historic sites Paris guided tours can range from broad city introductions to specialized thematic experiences. Art … Read more

France’s Most Beautiful Villages: Beuvron-en-Auge

In the heart of the Pays d’Auge, in Normandy, with its half-timbered houses typical of the Norman bocage landscape, apple trees lined up in the surrounding orchards bear witness to an ancestral tradition: that of cider and calvados. This picturesque atmosphere finds its most accomplished expression in one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages: Beuvron-en-Auge. Located 30 kilometers from Caen and 25 kilometers from Deauville, in the Calvados department, this village of 200 inhabitants constitutes a remarkably preserved testament to the timber-framed architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries. Its label, obtained in 1991, rewards the exceptional conservation of its historic buildings … Read more

Morning rituals at Lisbon’s markets

Lisbon, Portugal- June 11, 2018: Beautiful and vintage Ribeira market in Lisbon in Spring

The clock reads 4 AM as trucks pull up to Lisbon’s Mercado da Ribeira. Fish boxes clatter against concrete while vendors arrange their stalls under fluorescent lights. The air carries notes of salt and seawater. This daily sequence, unchanged for generations, supplies fresh seafood to Portugal’s capital. Fishmongers sort their catches with practiced efficiency – each movement refined by years of repetition. They arrange silver-scaled sardines in precise rows, stack red snapper on beds of ice, and position octopus tentacles with careful attention. The market’s concrete floor remains wet, footsteps leaving momentary impressions as workers navigate between stalls. María Santos … Read more

Rouen, France: Where Gothic Shadows Dance with Modern Light

Rouen

Time flows differently along the Seine in Rouen. As the river bends through the city, it mirrors centuries of architecture in its gentle current – each ripple catching fragments of pointed spires and half-timbered facades that have witnessed nearly a millennium of Norman history. The Artisan’s Touch: A Legacy in Wood and Stone In the medieval quarter, cobblestone streets tell stories through their worn surfaces, leading to workshops where woodcarvers still practice their craft. These artisans shape oak beams into the distinctive patterns that define Rouen’s historical buildings, maintaining techniques passed down through generations. Their tools echo those used by … Read more

This autumn, here is the European destination with the sunniest and warmest beaches

Crete

Autumn is approaching, bringing with it the desire to escape the first chills. If you’re looking for a destination to extend summer, Crete is an excellent choice. This Greek island, at the heart of the Mediterranean, has just been named the best autumn destination by Lonely Planet. This well-deserved recognition highlights the many attractions Crete offers to travelers seeking sunshine and a change of scenery. Crete: An Ideal Climate to Prolong Summer One of Crete’s main draws is its exceptional climate. As autumn gradually sets in across Europe, the Greek island continues to enjoy mild temperatures. In September and October, … Read more

Athens with family: a surprising destination

Athens

Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, is often perceived as an open-air museum, a place steeped in history and archaeological sites. This image may seem unappealing for a family vacation. However, the Greek capital is brimming with places to discover with children, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment. The city has many assets to attract families. Between its impressive ancient ruins, picturesque neighborhoods, and green spaces, Athens offers a rich and varied travel experience. Children, as well as parents, will find something to enjoy in this destination that combines learning and fun. The must-see Acropolis: a journey through time The … Read more

Iceland: A Tale of Three Cities Beyond the Ice

Iceland

Iceland, a land known for its dramatic landscapes, also boasts cities that are as captivating as its natural wonders. Far from being mere stopovers on the way to the next waterfall or volcano, Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Húsavík each offer a unique urban charm set against the backdrop of Iceland’s wild beauty. This journey through Iceland’s three main cities will reveal the cultural heartbeat, innovative spirit, and quiet allure that define this Nordic island nation. Reykjavik: The Colorful Heart of Iceland Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, blends quirky architecture, vibrant street art, and a lively cultural scene into a compact city … Read more