France
Posted November 24, 2010 by BookingBuddy
You’re never far from good food and great wine when you enjoy a break in Bordeaux. While Bordeaux may be almost synonymous with wine these days, it is certainly not that only attraction here. You’ll find a wealth of beautiful, historic buildings, lush gardens, and a lack of skyscrapers that block out the light. The pedestrianised Rue Sainte-Catherine is the longest shopping street in Europe, and you’ll find it crowded with high-end boutiques, dusty antique shops and quirky independent boutiques. Shopaholics will have a field day here.
See
Place de la Bourse – The Place de la Bourse sits on the banks of the Garonne, and is probably one of the most photographed sights in Bordeaux. This magnificent square houses the Bourse (Stock Exchange), the Customs Museum, and two hotels. The Miroir d’eau (Water Mirror) is a beautiful spot to cool off or just to peoplewatch. It is covered by an inch of water, and a cloud of mist rises from it intermittently, giving the square a romantic, mysterious appearance.
Eat
Fernand – With a welcoming, rustic interior, you’ll feel right at home in Fernand as you tuck into the hearty dishes on offer. Starters range from simple fare such as eggs in mayonnaise and a herring, anchovy and potato salad, to richer items like the homemade foie gras, and foie gras filled duck terrine. Tuck into goose confit, scallops, or a seafood platter filled with clams, whelks and more.
Stay
Seeko’o Hotel – In the heart of Bordeaux’s historic quays district lies a futuristic white structure – the Seeko’o Hotel. This boutique hotel offers airy rooms with balconies and views over the river Garonne and World Heritage-listed quays. You’ll find a very convenient tram stop just outside the hotel, as well as a Vcub station not far away, where you can rent a bike to take you around Bordeaux. Room rates start from around £150.
Check here for Bordeaux travel information.
(Photos: memohotel.com)
Posted October 26, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Get away from the hordes in Paris, with a relaxing break in Tours. Located in the heart of the lush Loire Valley, Tours is the perfect stop for those who enjoy good food and wine. It is also a great jumping-off point if you’re keen to explore the rest of the Loire region. The city itself is compact, and most sights can be reached on foot. The impressive Tours Cathedral boasts an impressive Gothic facade, and its towers can be glimpsed from many corners of the city. Tours is often referred to as a ‘garden city’, and it’s not hard to see why. The tranquil Jardin des Prebendes offers locals and visitors a calming retreat right in the city centre.
Stay
Hotel de L’Univers – Centrally located in the heart of Tours, this hotel is only a short walk from the TGV station – ideal if you’re planning on exploring the Loire region. It is only a short walk from the hotel to the attractions such as the Saint Martin Basilica and Musee des Beaux-Arts. The hotel itself has an elegant, slightly old-fashioned air that perfectly suits the pace of life here. The huge restaurant is open for lunch, and you’ll also find a multitude of dining choices available on the hotel’s doorstep. Room rates start from £115.
Eat
Le Roche le Roy – Treat yourself to some regional specialties with a meal at this smart dining spot. The menu includes delicacies such as poached lobsters, served with a Champagne-flavoured sabayon sauce, and eel braised in Chinon wine. Other dishes are roast squab flavoured with a tangy sauce, fillet of beef served on potato cakes, and succulent scallops on a bed of creamed celeriac. Finish your meal with a decadent pyramid of chocolate with candied chestnuts and a side of Baileys' ice cream, or warm crepes, drenched in citrusy butter.
See
Le Vieux Tours – Spend a few hours in this historic district for a glimpse of what Tours looked like in the medieval period. Many of the half-timbered buildings in the Old City date from the Middle Ages, and are remarkably well-preserved. La Place Plumereau is where the action is these days. This busy square in Le Vieux Tours is bordered with pubs, restaurants and cafes. Grab an outside table, order some regional wine and while away a couple of hours peoplewatching.
Check here for Tours travel information.
(Photo: westernfrancetouristboard.com)
Posted August 17, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Fancy rubbing shoulders with the
movers and shakers of the entertainment industry? Then grab yourself a cheap
flight over to the town of Cannes, on the sparkling shores of the French Riviera.
It plays host to the Cannes Film Festival in the summer months, but you’ll find
the streets filled with a galaxy of stars even during the off-season. Take a
stroll down La Croisette, and see if you can spot your favourite actors at a
cafe or in a luxury boutique. The old town – La Suquet – is filled with narrow,
winding streets and provides a break from the glitzy trappings of the main
promenade.
See
Ile Sainte-Marguerite – The Man in
the Iron Mask wasn’t just a character made up by Alexandre Dumas - he was in
fact based on a mysterious person imprisoned on Ile Sainte-Marguerite in the 17th
century. Hop on a ferry from Cannes to visit this little island and the prison
where the masked inmate was held for over 30 years. Present-day visitors can
stay in Fort Royal as guests at the youth hostel, instead of as prisoners. The
Fort also houses a Museum of the Sea, featuring exhibits picked up from Roman
and Saracen shipwrecks.
Stay
Hotel Splendid – The Hotel Splendid
certainly lives up to its name with splendid views over the harbour and
fantastic rooms. It is housed in a beautiful building, only a short walk from charming
La Suquet and star-studded La Croisette. The rooms themselves are decorated in
a sophisticated blend of old-fashioned style and new technology, echoing the
city’s culture. Room rates from £170.
Eat
La Palme D’or – The menu may be
pricey and the restaurant filled with celebrities and their hangers-on, but the
food at La Palme D’or is generally acknowledged as some of the best in the
city. The food is traditional French fare, often given a lighter, modern twist.
Try the melt-in-your-mouth veal confit, which requires 48 hours notice, or see
what the chef invents today with his ‘Dessert of the moment’. Their present summer
menu features three dishes created especially for Tim Burton.
Check here for cheap flights to Cannes.
(Photo: liberty-international.org)
Posted August 11, 2010 by BookingBuddy
A trip to Strasbourg is guaranteed to
be a feast for your eyes and your tastebuds. This historic city is full of
majestic cathedrals, beautiful old buildings, and quaint neighbourhoods. Enjoy
a stroll along the medieval Ponts Couverts, or spend some time admiring the
workmanship in the grand Church of Saint-Thomas. The Orangerie Park is a great
spot for a romantic stroll, while the Secrets of Chocolate museum provides a tasty
way to find out the process of chocolate-making. The Alsatian region is
well-known for its distinctive cuisine – a mix of French and German tastes.
Take some time out to enjoy heaping servings of sauerkraut, flambé tart, foie
gras and much more
See
Petite France – Strasbourg is a
picturesque city, but nowhere is it more pleasing to the eye than this little
corner. Petite France looks like it came straight out of a fairytale - it’s
full of narrow, cobbled streets, and pretty black and white buildings
overlooking canals. Fisherman and tanners used to work and live here, but these
days, you’ll find quaint little hotels and cosy restaurants, as well as the
occasional souvenir shop catering to busloads of tourists. The old Ponts
Couverts – or Covered Bridges – are situated at one end of the canals. They
have since lost the roofs that gave them their name, but are no less
picturesque.
Stay
Hotel Hannong – Make your stay in
Strasbourg as fuss-free as possible with a stay at the Hotel Hannong. The hotel
is only 10 minutes away from the TGV station, and is just a short walk away
from a tram-stop, allowing you to explore the city easily. The hotel itself is
bright, clean and modern, with beautiful painting and objet d’art adding a
touch of interest. Venture out to the rooftop terrace after dark to enjoy a stunning
view of the city, or to mingle with other guests. Room rates start from £85.
Eat
Brasserie Au Dauphin – Come to this
historic restaurant for a taste of traditional Alsatian cuisine. Start with
some foie grass, or a seafood plat, piled high with whelks, oysters and prawns.
Their specialties include sauerkraut with Riesling, served with six toppings,
and sauerkraut with fish. If you’re not one for sauerkraut, how about giving
the Rhine Boatmen Chowder a go? Made with poached fish and served with fresh
noodles and mushrooms, it’s guaranteed to have you loosening your belt at the
end of the meal.
Check here for Strasbourg travel information.
(Photo: winamax.net)
Posted June 30, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Head over to
Lyons anytime you feel like you need a short break. This French city is steeped
in history, and you’re likely to stumble over impressive Roman ruins and
fairytale castles without even trying. Gastronomes are likely to head straight
for the many bouchons to sample the
city’s famous cuisine – hearty dishes of coq
au vin, pot au feu, and thick cuts of charcuterie.
Art and history buffs are also spoilt for choice here – there are museums
galore, including one dedicated to the Lumiere Brothers, as well as several
history museums.
Stay
Hotel du Simplon – Set in a quiet
residential street, this hotel has plenty of peace and quiet, but is also
conveniently located near the main train station, so you’ll be in your room
resting in no time at all! The interior and rooms emanate a comforting, homely
feel, with cheerful paintings and knick-knacks decorating the walls and
surfaces. The breakfast selection is simple – breads, coffee/tea, jams – but it’s
more than enough start your day on the right track. Room rates start from £55.
Eat
Chabert de Fils – Sample Lyon’s
famous cuisine at this cosy bouchon.
Chabert de Fils serves up hearty comfort food that reminds you of home – if you
had a cheerful Lyonnaise grandmother. Enjoy great helpings of creamy lamb stew,
meaty sausages, or fresh crusty bread served with tangy cheeses and thick
butter.
See
Institut Lumiere – Cinema buffs will
enjoy their pilgrimage to this museum dedicated to the Lumiere brothers, often
credited with inventing moving images. The museum itself is located in the
brothers’ house, where they sort their first film Sortie d’Usine. The museum offers visitors a guided tour which
takes them around the villa and winds up in the warehouse that functioned as
the very first film set in history. . You’ll be able to learn about the
evolution of cinema, and view the Lumieres’ films in the basement.
Check here for Lyon travel information.
(Photo: vanderbilt.edu)
Posted March 2, 2010 by BookingBuddy
The City of Light is one of the most romantic cities around, but it’s not just for lovers strolling hand-in-hand. It boasts some of the most widely photographed landmarks around – the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Sacre-Coeur are some of the most famous buildings in the world. This glittering city is well known as a major art and fashion hub. Take a quick stroll down the Champs Elysees to indulge your taste for haute couture, or take a walk by the Seine and see if you can spot the next Van Gogh. And don’t forget to try the food! Paris is renowned for having some of the best cafes and restaurants, and you don’t always have to pay a year’s wages just to taste some of the best dishes the city has to offer.
Eat
Mariage Freres – This venerable teahouse has been serving some of the most fragrant blends for over a hundred years. The huge emporium on the rue de Bourg-Tibourg is an astounding combination of old-world apothecary, luxurious teahouse, and tea museum. The teas themselves can be almost too pretty to drink, with colourful dried flowers brightening up the tealeaves. The shop also sells a range of tea-scented incense and candles, so your home can smell like a branch of Mariage Freres all the time. As well as buying boxes of tea to take home with you, you’ll also be able to purchase some exceptionally delicate-looking teapots and glasses to brew and drink the teas in.
Stay
Hotel d’Aubusson – Set in a wonderfully grand 17th century mansion on the glamourous Left Bank, this hotel provides guests with a peaceful hideaway from the camera-wielding hordes just outside. The original wooden beams have been retained as a decorative feature in many of the rooms. They come decorated in luxurious rugs and bedding, and each room is equipped with internet access. Room rates start at about £330.
Shop
Le Marche de la Creation Paris Bastille – This weekly art market in the 11th arrondisement is an opportunity for those of you with a good eye to pink up good art at cheaper prices. Artists working in all mediums – photography, painting, sculpting, textile and many more – display their creations on the boulevard Richard-Lenoir every Saturday afternoon. Even if you’re not in the market for any artworks, you’ll have a great time just strolling along and admiring the creativity that pours out of the city.
Check here for cheap flights to Paris.
(Photo: web.sdstate.edu)
Posted August 4, 2009 by BookingBuddy
Floating in the Mediterranean Sea between France and Italy,
La Corse is famous for being place that gave the world Napoleon Bonaparte. The mountainous island is ruggedly beautiful, and has a variety of stunning ecological zones, from warm sandy beaches ringed by turquoise waters, to dramatic snow-capped mountains. Despite its abundant natural beauty, this island has remained relatively unspoilt, so you won’t feel like just another tourist while exploring this captivating region.
StayChez Charles – Overlooking Calvi Bay, this charming hotel in the picturesque village of Lumio looks like it popped straight out of a black and white French movie. The rooms themselves are fairly stark and neutral, but with nature waiting outside, you won’t be spending much time in there anyway. If you’re not the outdoorsy type, then simply relax by the pool with a cocktail in hand, and enjoy the breathtaking views over the bay. Room rates start from about £60.
See Bonifacio Haute Ville – The port of Bonifacio clings onto the tip of Corsica, and it’s old city, or
Haute Ville (literally ‘high town’) is a spectacular sight to behold. Seen from the bay below, the old town almost seems to be suspended in mid-air. The buildings that rise up on top of sheer cliffs seem to be on the verge of sliding off into the sea. Inside, the citadel is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets and crumbling Genoese buildings, some of which look like they’ve been there for several centuries.
EatRestaurant Le ‘20123’ – You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve gone back in time and re-appeared in a quaint Corsican village when you step through the doors of this restaurant. The story goes that the family who owns this restaurant originated from a little village south of Ajaccio (postcode 20123) and wanted to recreate their village in the city. So they did exactly that, by building an exact replica of the village in the restaurant!
As well as a large dose of kitsch, you’ll be served lots of hearty, traditional Corsican fare. Expect thick spicy bouillabaise, boar stew, and tender young goat served with sauce.
Check here for flights to Corsica.
(Photo: thestyleofliving.wordpress.com)
Posted July 21, 2009 by BookingBuddy
The City of Lights is the perfect choice for those of you looking to escape for a short, romantic getaway. However, with so much on offer, you’re likely to want to extend your stay there to explore the French capital’s many nooks and crannies. From high art at the Louvre to low prices at a flea market, you’ll find something to suit your taste in this beautiful city.
StayHotel Keppler – This elegant boutique hotel near the Champs Elysee is pet-friendly –owners are invited to bring their furry babies along when checking in. The animal theme is reflected in their eclectic décor, featuring plenty of animal prints and sculptures splashed liberally around. If your preference is for hotels with minimal, neutral décor, the Hotel Keppler may be a shock to your system. Each room is decked out in a stunning and unique combination of colours and prints – sometimes complementary, sometimes clashing, but certainly never beige. Room rates start at around £250.
EatLaduree – Indulge your tastebuds at this most Parisian of tearooms on the Champs Elysee. You’ll want to try their famed macaroons, of course, but it’s hard to choose just one when they all look so delicious. The little jewel-toned cakes are made each morning in their ‘laboratory’, and Laduree’s bakers create a new flavour for each season. Of course, there are plenty of other tasty treats on offer too should macaroons not be your cup of tea. Why not order a divinely flaky millefeuille with rum-flavoured cream, or a ‘religieuse’ flavoured with rose petals? You may need a new set of teeth after this, but it would’ve been well worth it.
ShopLes Puces des Saint-Ouen – The world’s largest antiques market at Porte de Clignancourt is a must-see for any visitor. Even if you’re not into antiques, it’s a great opportunity for people watching, as the whole world seems to be crammed into this tiny part of Paris during peak periods. If you are a serious bargain hunter, then get there as early as possible, as the flea market becomes so crowded after noon that it may be hard for you to move about. When you get hungry after all that haggling, grab yourself a crepe from one of the many stands dotted around the place.
Check here for
flights to Paris.
(Photo: londonsouthernbelle.typepad.com)
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