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Nestled at the foot of the French Alps, the French city of Grenoble immediately makes a strong visual statement to any visitor. During summer, the towering mountains that surround it are lush with verdant green forests, while winter sees them transform into snow-capped peaks, but whatever season you visit, it boasts one of the most beautiful natural vistas anywhere in Europe.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-7.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63491" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-7.jpg" alt="Grand Ol' Grenoble France's capital of the alps gafencu travel (7)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-7.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-7-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-7-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-7-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-7-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-7-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-7-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
Boasting a population of just 160,000 inhabitants, the city was first settled over two millennia ago in 43BC by a Gallic tribe. First known as Cularo, it was conquered by the Romans some three centuries later, and passed through the hands of the Kingdom of Burgundy and the Holy Roman Empire before coming under the sway of the Counts of Albon in the 11th century. These rulers later adopted the title of ‘Dauphin’, and when the city joined the French empire in 1349, it was upon the condition that heirs to the French crown would henceforth use that selfsame title.
Today, in addition to being an important centre for academia and mountain sports – no doubt aided by its proximity to the French Alps – Grenoble also boasts a plethora of historic sites, countless museums and art galleries, and much more besides. Without further adieu, we delve into the top sights of this picturesque French city&#8230; La BastillePerched atop Mount Rachais, La Bastille is perhaps one of Grenoble’s most popular tourist destinations.&nbsp;
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-feature.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63494" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-feature.jpg" alt="Grand Ol' Grenoble France's capital of the alps gafencu travel feature" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-feature.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-feature-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-feature-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-feature-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-feature-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-feature-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-feature-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
Its construction dates centuries back to the Middle Ages, and its strategic location has seen it experience a series of military campaigns, including the successful rebuffing during 19th century against the invading troops of the Duchy of Savoy. Boasting a system of soaring walls and Mandarin Caves, the maze-like defensive system built beneath the fort’s very foundations, it was truly a military engineering marvel of its age. Today, in addition to exploring its passageways, travellers can also visit the small but interesting on-site military museum expounding La Bastille’s history. Thanks to its elevated position, it also affords some of the most spectacular views across the city.
The cable car
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-9.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63493" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-9.jpg" alt="Grand Ol' Grenoble France's capital of the alps gafencu travel (9)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-9.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-9-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-9-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-9-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-9-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-9-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-9-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
One of Grenoble’s most iconic landmarks – and the speediest means of reaching La Bastille’s elevated heights – is the Cable Car. Built in 1934, it holds the distinction of being the world’s first urban cable car. Nearly as popular as the fort itself, its bubble-like carriages offer spectacular views across the surrounding landscape beyond the city, be it the wending Isère River or the tower Alpine peaks – including France’s tallest peak, Mont Blanc, on a good day – in the distance. Given the hill’s vertiginous incline, however, this is one attraction that acrophobic visitors may want to skip.&nbsp;
Parc Paul Mistral
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Situated right in the heart of Grenoble, the Parc Paul Mistral provides a lush, verdant oasis amid the city’s bustling atmosphere. Spread across some 67 acres, locals and visitors alike can partake in a plethora of activities ranging from playing handball and street hockey to taking salsa lessons and even signing up for board game tournaments. In the midst of the tree-lined avenues, you’ll also find the Perret Tower. Unveiled in 1925, this structure dominates the park centre day and night, though the addition of twinkling lights during the twilight hours make it a particularly romantic time to visit.&nbsp;
Musée de Grenoble
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Built in 1994, the contemporary Musée de Grenoble is a must-visit for any art aficionado. Mainly housing a collection of modern art, it includes works by such 20th-century luminaries as Andy Warhol, Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky and Joan Miro. Elsewhere in the complex is a section dedicated to fascinating ancient artifacts from the Ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilisations. An exhibition showcasing the mummified body of 6th-century Egyptian prophetess Antinoe is a particular highlight.&nbsp;
Musée Dauphinois
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The 17th century convent that houses the Musée Dauphinois provides an aptly historic setting for its expansive collection of exhibits on the native people of the Dauphiné highlands. Hardened by the volatile Alpine weather, these highlanders soon evolved their own distinctive identity and culture, and interactive exhibitions allow visitors to track their entire history. There’s even a section dedicated to expounding the evolution of skiing from its Stone Age roots right to the Winter Olympics, which Grenoble hosted in 1968. Elsewhere within the museum’s grounds, you’ll find a historic Baroque chapel, an ancient cloister and picturesque gardens to meander through.&nbsp;
Grenoble’s Natural History Museum
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Given that there are over 2,000 art galleries to be found in Grenoble, you may feel worn out by all its culture and art in this fabulously creative city. But fear not, for the Natural History Museum will provide a welcome interlude. In addition to hosting interactive exhibits that allow visitors to physically explore the world of Alpine wildlife, the museum also boasts a veritable treasure trove of some of the rarest flora and fauna to be found across the region. Whether discovering the underwater marine life in the on-site aquarium or strolling through the stunning 20,000sq.m Botanical Gardens, this is one destination that will appeal to people of all ages.&nbsp;
The Sassenage Cisterns
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63486" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-2.jpg" alt="Grand Ol' Grenoble France's capital of the alps gafencu travel (2)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-2.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-2-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-2-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-2-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-2-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Grand-Ol-Grenoble-Frances-capital-of-the-alps-gafencu-travel-2-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
A short 10-minute drive beyond the bounds of Grenoble lies the commune of Sassenage, a quaint town nestled between the river and the mountains. Here, you’ll find the fascinating Sassenage Cisterns – also known as les cuves – a series of vast underground passageways that were carved by the Germe River across millions of years. Thanks to its stark landscape, walking through these caves almost feels like journeying to the centre of the earth. Expect gushing subterranean rivers, awe-inspiring geological structures and natural wonders that are completely a world away from life on the surface.&nbsp;

<h6>(Text: Tenzing Thondup Photos: Grenoble Tourisme)</h6>

Grand Ol' Grenoble France's capital of the alps gafencu travel (5)

Grand Ol’ Grenoble: France’s capital of the alps

The Easter holidays – lurking barely a month away – may just offer stressed out Hongkongers with the perfect opportunity to escape the coronavirus-laden confines of the Fragrant Harbour. Be it a solo trip to explore an ancient city, dancing the night away at Coachella or relaxing with a delicious glass of port in Portugal, here are some of our top recommendations for stress-free Easter getaways.
Istanbul, Turkey
<figure id="attachment_51167" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51167" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-51167" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min.jpg" alt="Easter Getaways" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51167" class="wp-caption-text">Topkapi Palace</figcaption></figure>
A city bustling with a strong historical presence is just one way to describe the Turkish capital city Istanbul. From the exquisite Topkapi Palace – where you can witness the enduring legacy of the Ottoman Empire – to Byzantine highlights like Aya Sofya, Basilica Cistern, Kariye Museum and Hippodrome, these ancient monuments offer an unforgettable experience for any self-confessed history enthusiast. Beyond just its ancient allure, there are some quintessential things that cannot be missed out. For instance, ride the Bosphorus ferries – connecting from the Eminönü district to the Black Sea – to enjoy a view filled with alluring parks, mansions and palaces. Similarly, there are hammams where you can enjoy a warm and soothing Turkish bath to loosen all your muscles – isn’t relaxing one of the main purposes of a vacation. Lastly, make sure to go to Beyoglu at least once – a district known for its best dining and wining options among locals and tourists.&nbsp;
Toulouse, France
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51169" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min.jpg" alt="Easter Getaways" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Located in the Southwest of France, Toulouse – also known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City) – takes something of a backseat to the more popular Paris. With beautiful pink bricks that give it its aforementioned nickname and colourful flowers blooming around the region, it is an ideal destination for both solo and group travels. The Occitane region&#8217;s capital also boasts some of the world’s best museums, cathedrals, monuments. Place du Capitole – the city’s main square, which abuts the city hall as well as the building that houses Salle des Illustres (Hall of the Illustrious) and Vieux Quartier (Old Quarter). The town’s friendly and flat lanes make it safe and easy to skate or cycle around – an activity enjoyed by many tourists and locals. With artistic churches and cathedrals like Basilique St-Sernin, Cathédrale de St-Étienne and Église Notre Dame du Taur, it is a promising destination to celebrate Easter.
Coachella Valley, California
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51165" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min.jpg" alt="Easter Getaways" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
What better time to visit California&#8217;s Coachella Valley than for Easter, which perfectly coincides with the dates of the art and music festival <a href="https://www.coachella.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coachella</a>. Apart from that, venture onto the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, serving a 360° aerial view of the valley from more than 8,500ft, or try your hand at hiking the Indian Canyon trails, which vary from 1.2 miles to 12.3 miles. For a show-stopping experience, there is the Marvyn’s Magic theatre – described as “world-class entertainment” – to witness some phenomenal shows. Moreover, fauna aficionados will surely love The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens for its numerous interactive experiences, including feeding a giraffe and petting a kraal.
Porto, Portugal
<figure id="attachment_51168" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51168" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-51168 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min.jpg" alt="Easter Getaways" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51168" class="wp-caption-text">Douro River</figcaption></figure>
Porto – an up-and-coming touristic destination that makes the final entry on our list of Easter getaways – is where you can witness the perfect fusion of classic heritage and modern architecture. Known for manufacturing port (a type of fortified wine that takes its name from the national name), lining the banks of the Douro River are countless city’s cellars where you can get a first-hand tasting of this famous beverage. If you&#8217;re looking to explore the location’s ancient ruins, Ribeira district – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is well worth a detour, while Oporto’s Casa da Musica’s peculiar geometric construction and the 5D theatre – Look at Porto – let you view and experience Porto in a more contemporary light. Literature buffs, meanwhile, should head to Livraria Lello, a delightful bookshop famed as much for its neo-gothic and magic-inducing aura as its books. Moreover, don’t forget to grab a Francesinha – Porto’s emblematic sandwich.

Easter Getaways: Get your fill of culture, entertainment and history

We all know about Paris&#8217; Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and France&#8217;s second city <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/lovely-lyon/">Lyon </a>also has plenty of claims to fame, most notably its impeccable gastronomic heritage and historic Old Lyon quarter. But beyond the well-trodden paths of other hot Gallic tourist destinations – the French Riviera and Saint Tropez to name but two – France boasts countless hidden gems, all with unique charms of their own. Here are four particular alternate French destinations that merit further exploration.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-43010" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Corsica.jpg" alt="Alternate French destinations - Corsica" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Corsica.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Corsica-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Corsica-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Corsica-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Corsica-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Corsica-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Corsica-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Corsica
Situated in the Mediterranean Sea equidistant from France and Italy, this rugged French island encompasses every possible terrain within its borders, from dense forests and dramatic cliffs to pristine beaches and hip coastal resort towns. Corsica is a true nature paradise, with outdoor enthusiasts spoilt for choice between snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or hiking through the verdant rolling hills. A quaint amalgam of Gallic and Italian cultures, the island is also famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-43009" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Colmar.jpg" alt="Alternate French destinations - Colmar" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Colmar.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Colmar-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Colmar-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Colmar-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Colmar-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Colmar-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Colmar-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Colmar
Abutting the German border, the northeastern town of Colmar is a no-brainer addition to our round-up of top alternate French destinations, mostly due to its stunningly picturesque La Petite Venise (Little Venice) neighbourhood. Situated along the banks of the Launch River, its intertwining canalways are lined with eye-poppingly colourful Medieval houses and Renaissance buildings. Oenophiles, in particular, are in for a treat, with Colmar – part of the Alsace Wine Route – boasting world-famous Rieslings and Gewurztraminer wines.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-43011" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Languedoc-Roussillon.jpg" alt="Alternate French destinations - Languedoc-Roussillon" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Languedoc-Roussillon.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Languedoc-Roussillon-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Languedoc-Roussillon-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Languedoc-Roussillon-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Languedoc-Roussillon-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Languedoc-Roussillon-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Languedoc-Roussillon-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Languedoc-Roussilon
With France being the unquestionable capital of the wine world, it&#8217;s no surprise that yet another wine region makes our list. Languedoc-Roussilon, located on the country&#8217;s southern coast, is famed for its delicious Vin de Pays d&#8217;Oc and sparkling Cremant de Limoux grape varietals. For the alcohol-averse, there&#8217;s also plenty of beautiful beaches, well-preserved Roman ruins and the neighbouring Pyrenees Mountains to explore.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-43008" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Chamonix.jpg" alt="Alternate French destinations - Chamonix" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Chamonix.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Chamonix-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Chamonix-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Chamonix-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Chamonix-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Chamonix-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Alternate-French-destinations-Chamonix-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Chamonix
Rounding out our four favourite alternate French destinations is the ski town of Chamonix. Perched at the crossroads between Italy, France and Switzerland, this resort area abuts the Alps&#8217; tallest mountain – Mont Blanc. A year-long outdoor sports destination, winter months see droves of skiers descend on this town to sample its powder-white snow-covered slopes, while summer is a draw for seasoned hikers. Through it all, the heart-stopping cable car rides provide stunning vistas of the stark mountain range.

Best of France: Four alternate French destinations to put on your travel list

With a national capital synonymous the world over with culture, fine food, finer wines and outstanding architecture, it’s easy to understand why much of the rest of France fails to attract the level of tourist footfall it really ought. But any bold traveller would be well-advised to head some 500km east where they will soon find themselves ensconced in the ancient and undeniably beautiful city of Lyon.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42597" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Exploring-Lyon-Frances-second-city.jpg" alt="Exploring Lyon, France's second city" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Exploring-Lyon-Frances-second-city.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Exploring-Lyon-Frances-second-city-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Exploring-Lyon-Frances-second-city-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Exploring-Lyon-Frances-second-city-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Exploring-Lyon-Frances-second-city-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Exploring-Lyon-Frances-second-city-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Exploring-Lyon-Frances-second-city-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Nestled between two rolling rivers – the Rhône and the Saône – and flanked by verdant hillscapes, this 500,000-strong city is the very antithesis of the capital’s cosmopolitan urban sprawl. It’s not just the visual aesthetic that is different; it’s the whole ambience. The locals are much friendlier than their notoriously conceited capital-dwelling cousins and the whole city is blissfully devoid of the self-conscious bustle now brandished as a badge of honour by the modern world’s major metropolises.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42598" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Fourviere-hill-is-a-top-Lyon-tourist-attraction.jpg" alt="Fourviere hill is a top Lyon tourist attraction" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Fourviere-hill-is-a-top-Lyon-tourist-attraction.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Fourviere-hill-is-a-top-Lyon-tourist-attraction-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Fourviere-hill-is-a-top-Lyon-tourist-attraction-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Fourviere-hill-is-a-top-Lyon-tourist-attraction-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Fourviere-hill-is-a-top-Lyon-tourist-attraction-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Fourviere-hill-is-a-top-Lyon-tourist-attraction-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Fourviere-hill-is-a-top-Lyon-tourist-attraction-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
It is perhaps the city’s abiding stature that is the root of its reflective splendour. The area now known as Lyon was first settled by the invading Romans back in 43 BC. Despite the passing of more than two millennia, traces of that early occupation still abound. As well as the surprisingly intact Roman Baths and the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière (built around 15 BC), there is the Gallo- Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière, rising out of the ruins of a 1,900-year-old Roman theatre.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42604" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Basilique-Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere-in-Lyon.jpg" alt="Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere in Lyon" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Basilique-Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere-in-Lyon.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Basilique-Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere-in-Lyon-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Basilique-Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere-in-Lyon-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Basilique-Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere-in-Lyon-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Basilique-Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere-in-Lyon-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Basilique-Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere-in-Lyon-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Basilique-Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere-in-Lyon-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998, Fourvière is one of the city’s biggest attractions. Aside from its ancient affiliations, it’s also home to one of the city’s slightly more modern claims to fame – the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. Built in the 19th century in the Gothic Revival style, those seeking that Instagram-perfect snap should brave the stairs and head to the top of the north tower for truly stunning vistas of the city.
Another must-see is the nearby district of Old Lyon, once one of the of the must redoubtable Renaissance hubs to be found beyond Italy’s borders and the heartland of the city’s widely-admired printing and silk industries. Today, its cobbled streets and beautifully-preserved architecture make it the ideal spot for an afternoon’s exploration. If possible, set aside time to explore the traboules – a unique set of intra-building passageways dating back to the Middle Ages.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42602" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Place-Bellecour-the-mile-zero-of-Lyon.jpg" alt="Place Bellecour - the 'mile zero' of Lyon" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Place-Bellecour-the-mile-zero-of-Lyon.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Place-Bellecour-the-mile-zero-of-Lyon-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Place-Bellecour-the-mile-zero-of-Lyon-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Place-Bellecour-the-mile-zero-of-Lyon-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Place-Bellecour-the-mile-zero-of-Lyon-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Place-Bellecour-the-mile-zero-of-Lyon-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Place-Bellecour-the-mile-zero-of-Lyon-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
From there, head across the Saône to La Place Bellecour, the largest pedestrian square in Europe and the heart of Presqu’île, the city’s ever-bustling shopping district. Literally Lyon’s ‘Mile Zero’, with all the distances within city limits measured with reference to this point, it’s the perfect place to get your bearings and to decide which of the many nearby museums to take in next.
Two of the most popular options are the Musée de l’Imprimerie, a celebration of the days when Lyon was the leading European printing hub, or the Museum of Textiles, home to a fascinating retelling of how the city became a silk-weaving centre non pareil, with more than 2.5 million fine fabrics bearing testimony to the unique skills of its craftsmen of old.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42600" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Musee-des-Confluences-in-Lyon.jpg" alt="Musee des Confluences in Lyon" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Musee-des-Confluences-in-Lyon.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Musee-des-Confluences-in-Lyon-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Musee-des-Confluences-in-Lyon-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Musee-des-Confluences-in-Lyon-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Musee-des-Confluences-in-Lyon-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Musee-des-Confluences-in-Lyon-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Musee-des-Confluences-in-Lyon-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Visually sated, many travellers have been delighted to discover that, beyond things to see, the city also offers an unparalleled selection of truly delicious items to dine upon and to savour long after your holiday has ended. It’s fair to say that, back in the ’30s, when ‘Curnonsky’, the most famed French food critic of the day, dubbed Lyon the “gastronomic capital of the world”, few queried the validity of his research or his intuition.
Its reputation for menu mastery was further burnished in 1933 when Eugenie Brazier, a local restauranteur, became the first female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars. In her later years, she then became the world’s first chef – regardless of gender – to head two three- Michelin-starred fine dining establishments simultaneously. Today, her legacy lives on at La Mere Brazier, the local two Michelin-starred eatery that bears her name.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42599" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Lyonnaise-food-at-La-Mere-Brazier.jpg" alt="Lyonnaise food at La Mere Brazier" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Lyonnaise-food-at-La-Mere-Brazier.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Lyonnaise-food-at-La-Mere-Brazier-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Lyonnaise-food-at-La-Mere-Brazier-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Lyonnaise-food-at-La-Mere-Brazier-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Lyonnaise-food-at-La-Mere-Brazier-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Tellingly, it was one of Brazier’s protégés, the late Paul Bocuse – arguably one of the most famous and well-loved of all contemporary French chefs – who, back in 1969, introduced the world to nouvelle cuisine, a whollyrefreshing, lighter and more delicate style of Gallic food preparation. Today, his three Michelin-starred L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges remains one of the most sought-out dining destinations in all of Lyon.
While the city is now home to some 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, its reputation for eatery excellence extends well beyond its fine dining establishments. The city’s traditional bouchons – upmarket inns that have fed affluent visitors since the early days of the 18th century – also play a key role in its culinary appeal, offering sumptuous saucissons, hearty stews and a range of other classic dishes, all served in a decidedly down-to-earth and wholly convivial atmosphere.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42601" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Panoramic-views-of-Lyon-from-Fourviere-Hill.jpg" alt="Panoramic views of Lyon from Fourviere Hill" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Panoramic-views-of-Lyon-from-Fourviere-Hill.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Panoramic-views-of-Lyon-from-Fourviere-Hill-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Panoramic-views-of-Lyon-from-Fourviere-Hill-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Panoramic-views-of-Lyon-from-Fourviere-Hill-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Panoramic-views-of-Lyon-from-Fourviere-Hill-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Panoramic-views-of-Lyon-from-Fourviere-Hill-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Panoramic-views-of-Lyon-from-Fourviere-Hill-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Those whose palates yearn for slightly more refined fare, however, are perhaps best-advised to skip these bouchons and head straight to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a covered food hall boasting 56 distinctly gourmet experiences. From fromagers to charcutiers, wine specialists and pastry pros, pretty much every taste is catered for and every sensibility indulged, leaving visitors sated, satisfied, yet hungry for more. In that, it’s a little like Lyon itself.
Text: Tenzing Thondup 
Photos: La Mere Brazier

Lovely Lyon: France’s second city boasts a charm all of its own

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10659 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Arc_de_Triomphe_Champs_Élysées_eff-e1478579421115.jpg" alt="Arc_de_Triomphe_Champs_Élysées_eff" width="900" height="600" />
There are two ways to do Paris – the tourist way and the Parisian way – and they’re both equally worth doing. 
There’s a good reason why crowds flock to the same old tourist spots – they’re awe-inspiring. A quarter of a billion people have been drawn to the Eiffel Tower since 1889 (current visitors number 7 million a year) simply because it’s such an astonishing feat of engineering. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world, standing at 324 metres tall and weighing 10,000 tonnes.
The Arc de Triomphe is a similarly breathtaking masterpiece and one that hits you right between the eyes the second you step out of the Charles de Gaulle Étoile Metro station. The world’s most magnificent monument to irony, it was built to celebrate the glorious homecoming of Napoleon’s Grande Armée – who were, at the time of commissioning, veterans of 128 victories. Unfortunately, Napoleon missed the grand unveiling in 1836, on the grounds that he had been defeated by Wellington in 1815 and was long dead.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10664 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Seine-Concierge-e1478579580139.jpg" alt="Quai de l'Horloge" width="898" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Seine-Concierge-e1478579580139.jpg 898w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Seine-Concierge-e1478579580139-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Seine-Concierge-e1478579580139-800x535.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Seine-Concierge-e1478579580139-419x280.jpg 419w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Seine-Concierge-e1478579580139-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Seine-Concierge-e1478579580139-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Seine-Concierge-e1478579580139-600x401.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 898px) 100vw, 898px" />
And as for Notre Dame – well, you can’t go to Paris and not see it. A hand-carved Gothic Olympus, 182 years in the building, 21 hectares of forest went into creating the beams, while more than 1,300 lead tiles comprise its roof. Add to that its 1,840 organ pipes and its booming call-to-prayer courtesy of Quasimodo’s famous 13-tonne bell, it’s small wonder it attracts 13 million people a year.
Such is the city’s aura and history that even non-tourist Paris has become distinctly touristified. The alternative Left Bank dives in St Germain, the area where the impressionists and existentialists met for coffee and cheap meals, as well as the nicotine-encrusted Montmartre jazz bars where Hemingway et al ate and drank between the wars, have all become part of the gilded establishment and charge accordingly.
The former stomping ground of the penniless Picasso, Sartre and De Beauvoir, St Germain-des-Prés (along with the rest of the Rive Gauche) is now thoroughly gentrified. These famous old cafés charge as much as they dare from the many culture-hungry sightseers who want to sit on the same banquettes and look down the same boulevard as the classic artists of yesteryear.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10663 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Musee-dOrsay-e1478579668261.jpg" alt="Musee d'Orsay" width="900" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Musee-dOrsay-e1478579668261.jpg 900w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Musee-dOrsay-e1478579668261-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Musee-dOrsay-e1478579668261-800x533.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Musee-dOrsay-e1478579668261-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Musee-dOrsay-e1478579668261-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Musee-dOrsay-e1478579668261-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Musee-dOrsay-e1478579668261-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />
Take a few turns down the quieter backstreets of St Germain and you’ll find Le Petit St Benoit, said to be one of the last reasonably–priced eateries in Paris. Reassuringly, it’s an elbows-in-the-ashtray, bill-scribbled-on-the-tablecloth, cash-only kind of place. Authentic pavement dining and as French as a camionneur (truck driver) strike, it happily – and with little discernible irony – serves frogs’ legs and éscargots, along with a range of homely French bistro classics, such as duck confit, unctuous, salted roast marrowbones and hearty stews. A whole meal – including wine – will cost you less than a sniff from the waiter at La Coupole.
For those who really want to do some serious damage to their wallet, the latter is regarded by some as the best restaurant in Paris (it’s not – Bofinger is), but even putting the food aside, it’s well worth a visit to this art deco temple for its remarkable interior décor. A coupole is a stained-glass dome and the restaurant that takes its name boasts a particularly splendid example, along with its famously mural-covered columns (painted by such notables as Chagall and Brancusi). Its oak panelling and soft lighting have barely changed since the days when it was the dining destination of choice for Camus, Man Ray, Matisse and co.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10662 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Les-Deux-Margot-e1478579826688.jpg" alt="Les Deux Margot" width="900" height="601" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Les-Deux-Margot-e1478579826688.jpg 900w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Les-Deux-Margot-e1478579826688-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Les-Deux-Margot-e1478579826688-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />
If you want a truly authentic place to eat, however, a genuinely elegant hidey-hole packed to the gills with pucker Parisians, take a walk along the Seine from the Grand Palais, pausing only for pre-prandial drinks in the betented terrace bar of the Palais de Tokyo – Monsieur Bleu – then walk round the corner to the Rue de la Manutention in the Trocadero region. 
Next morning, take the Metro to Île de la Cité, the site of Notre Dame Cathedral. The queues are understandably long, with many keen to see its magnificent frescoed ceilings and kaleidoscopic windows, but it’s well worth the wait. To be honest, the longer you queue, the more time you have to admire its stupendous flying buttresses (built as an afterthought to stop the walls bursting out under the weight of the roof), not to mention the carved gargoyles and chimaeras, hugely decorative, but whose primary function is to aid water run-off.
From the Eastern tail of the Île de la Cité, stroll across the bridge to the Île de la St Louis, then wander down its central street of cafés and shops, all packed with gifts and crafty gewgaws. It’s a truly pleasant place to potter, even more so because, halfway down on the right, you’ll come across the finest ice cream shop in the world – Berthillon.
From the bottom of Ile de la Cite, hop over the bridge onto the Rive Droite (right bank) and take a stroll past Les Bouqinistes – the famous book stalls of the Seine. Although these second hand bookstalls have been here since the invention of printing back in the Middle Ages, business really took off during the French Revolution, a time when the mansions and châteaux of the Bourgeoisie were demolished and stripped of anything valuable. The political revolution became a cultural one as the books, which had once graced the shelves of the rich and powerful, arrived in the hands of the Proletariat.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10661 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La_Coupole_restaurant-e1478579919393.jpg" alt="La_Coupole_restaurant" width="900" height="598" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La_Coupole_restaurant-e1478579919393.jpg 900w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La_Coupole_restaurant-e1478579919393-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La_Coupole_restaurant-e1478579919393-800x532.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />
As for where to stay, well, there are three real choices depending on your budget. For those who only want the best, it’s hard to beat the George V on Avenue George V, just off the Champs-Élysées. It’s ideally situated for those looking to take in the Arc de Triomphe, the Grand Palais and the Chaillot museums – the Palais de Tokyo, Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Guimet, Musée de l’Homme, Cité d’Architecture. Here you will also find the avenue’s most famous shops – Louis Vuitton, Guerlain and Sephora.
Treat yourself and stay in true Louis XV-style luxury, attended to by a discrete army of staff, who all seem to appear just as it crosses your mind quite what you want. You pay for this privilege, of course – the simplest room here will set you back 1,000 a night, while a cold buffet breakfast for two costs 200. For those that can afford it, though, there’s nowhere better to stay.
For the more Bohemian types, without quite so much cash to burn, there’s the Hotel Artus on the Rue de Buci. Originally the Hotel Buci Latin, it’s slap bang in the funkiest furlong of St Germain, amid the lovely 6th arrondissement and surrounded by an embarrassment of beguiling markets, cool cafés, bars, boutiques and art galleries.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10660 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La-Coupole-e1478580050439.jpg" alt="La Coupole" width="900" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La-Coupole-e1478580050439.jpg 900w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La-Coupole-e1478580050439-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La-Coupole-e1478580050439-800x533.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La-Coupole-e1478580050439-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La-Coupole-e1478580050439-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La-Coupole-e1478580050439-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/La-Coupole-e1478580050439-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />
The hotel is of the designer boutique sort, complete with dark wood floors, marble bathrooms, designer furniture and walls painted in deep, bold colours. Each room features one different art object, each with its own unique back story. At one time, the door to each room had been painted by a different local artist, with a replica design on each key fob, allowing you to easily identify your room. Prices per night are around the 300 mark and it’s worth staying here just for the chance of encountering Sanjay, its unique concierge.
Finally, when it comes to getting around, do as the locals do and take the Metro or RER overland line. The trains are so fast, clean and efficient that – even from the airport – it’s really not worth taking a taxi, something that will take twice as long and cost you many times as much. Taking the Metro, you can travel from one end of Paris to the other in just half an hour for only three Euros. So save your money and treat yourself to one of the other delights that are so uniquely Parisian.

Tag: france

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Tag: france

Blog Section

Grand Ol’ Grenoble: France’s capital of the alps

Easter Getaways: Get your fill of culture, entertainment and history

Best of France: Four alternate French destinations to put on your travel list

Lovely Lyon: France’s second city boasts a charm all of its own

Explore Paris by foot, by metro and by taxi