Category: FRANCE

Best Street Art in BOULOGNE-SUR-MER – Part 1: North of Rue Faidherbe

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I’ll be honest with you: as a self-proclaimed street art truffle hound, it was the overwhelming number of amazing murals that initially drew me to the city. Although, once I was there, strolling along the harbor to the endless beach framing the rugged Atlantic, admiring the historic buildings in an old town up a high ridge, visiting farmers’ markets, and enjoying breaks in charming little coffee bars, also the rest of the city had completely won me over.

Nevertheless, as expected, it was the extraordinary street art in Boulogne-sur-Mer that made my three days in the city a colourful treasure hunt.

Best Street Art in the northern area of Boulogne sur Mer by Zabou.
French track and field athlete Jimmy Gressie, portrayed by Zabou.
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BOULOGNE-sur-MER – What to See, Do and Discover

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Paris is the city of lights and love. Bordeaux is renowned for its wine. Lavender blooms in Provence, and the rich and famous flock to the Côte d’Azur. So why on earth did I make my way to Boulogne-sur-Mer? To a city many haven’t even heard of, and which, at first glance, isn’t even very alluring.
Well, typically I go to a place for its attractions, and basically as a by-catch, I sometimes also discover its urban art. In Boulogne-sur-Mer, the street art was the main attraction and actually the sole reason I even ventured to this city located way up in northwestern France.

Grande Rue in Boulogne sur Mer.
Grande Rue leads you straight to the historic upper town.

And while the murals there are truly stunning, the rest of the city gradually won me over as well. With its relaxed, unpretentious vibe, its almost Nordic, understated ambience, its maritime aura, and its noticeable British flair.
It can be exciting when a part of France is decidedly un-French.
It can be very inspiring when a place defies expectations.

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MAGNIFICENT MARTINIQUE: Ten Places Not to Miss on Your Visit (even when exploring by public bus)

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Martinique – doesn’t the name bear elegance and classiness but also exotism? Indeed, the French Caribbean Island of Martinique delights its visitors with golden beaches, turquoise waters, lush greenery in abundance, tropical vibes, and French savoir-vivre.
Undoubtedly, Martinique is a feast for all your senses.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m telling you which ten places – or more precisely: areas – not to miss during your visit to Martinique and how to get there even if you are exploring the island comfortably by public bus.

Martinique Places not miss public bus: Pier and beach of Anse d'Arlet.
One of Martinique’s most iconic views: Église Saint-Henri across from the pier in Anses d’Arlet.
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GUADELOUPE: Complete Guide And Perfect Itineraries (also for travels by public bus)

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Its unique shape of a delicate butterfly makes Guadeloupe one of the most beautiful and outstanding islands in the Caribbean. But the fact that Guadeloupe consists of two separate wings is not only charming. These two parts, which are only separated by a narrow strait, are also geologically very different.
In this post, I put together itineraries including all the information and tips that will help you plan your own trip to Guadeloupe. Especially if you prefer to explore this tropical paradise by public bus.

Parade in Sainte Anne in Guadeloupe
They certainly know how to throw a grand parade in Guadeloupe.

On the one hand, there is the eastern part of Grande Terre, which is best known for its flat and pleasing terrain. To the west lies Basse Terre, the larger of the two wings. Its center is characterized by untamed and mountainous wilderness.

Oh yes, Guadeloupe has many sides’n’sites worth discovering, and I’m taking pleasure in introducing them all in my posts.

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PARIS for Free!

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In my last post on Paris, I introduced the Paris Museum Pass*, which makes every culture vulture’s stay in the self-proclaimed city of light smoother and, most importantly, far cheaper.
While that’s already pretty great, it actually gets even better: There are tons of fantastic things to see in Paris for free! Whether inspiring museums, amazing views, lush parks and gardens, the old saying that the best things in life Paris are free is absolutely right!
So leave your wallet at home and let’s explore Paris completely free of charge.

Eiffel Tower and a Carousel in Paris. Paris for free.
You can make Paris your playground without breaking the bank.
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PARIS Museum Pass: Skip the Lines And See It All For Less

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You’ve been to the Eiffel Tower, you’ve seen Sacre Coeur, and sailed on the river Seine? Great, after you’ve checked the most important tourist sites off your list, you, my fellow culture vultures, can focus on Paris’ amazing museums.
Actually, it’s mainly the city’s museums and monuments that make me come back to Paris again and again.
Therefore, in this post, I’m introducing the key that allows me to skip the lines and quickly open the doors to the best venues: It’s the Paris Museum Pass that grants access to no less than 50 museums and monuments at a very reasonable flat rate.

A visit to the observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is included in the Paris Museum Pass as well. Paris Museum Pass Skip Lines
A visit to the observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile is included in the Paris Museum Pass as well.

Isn’t that far too much, you might ask? Well, you probably won’t visit all of them in one go.
Nevertheless, since with the Paris Museum Pass*, you don’t have to wait in the long lines that often form at the entrance doors, you’ll get to see more than you’ve ever expected.

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What Not to Miss in PARIS: 20 Must-Dos, Not Only for First-Timers

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Paris is the city of light, love, and unmatched charm! No matter if it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, the French capital never fails to enchant. Whether it’s the elegant boulevards or authentic quartiers, the leafy parks or world-famous museums: Paris blends effortlessly beauty, history, culture, and style.
But where to start and what to see?
Fear you not, as in this guide, I put together all the must-dos during your stay in Paris, no matter if you’re one of the lucky first-timers or a hooked regular. This way, you will soak in the essence of the city from the very moment you arrive.

Panoramic View of Paris.
This view never gets old.
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24 hours in BORDEAUX

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Are you heading to the Atlantic coast to take on those giant waves? Or do you want to enjoy an extensive wine tasting in the vineyards and chateaux around Saint-Émilion? Whatever the reason for your visit to this region of France, you’ll hardly be able to avoid at least a pit stop in the proverbial Pearl of the Southwest. I’m talking, of course, about Bordeaux, the charming wine capital of France. And that’s a good thing, because the city is definitely worth a visit, and with my guide for up to 24 hours, you’ll be able to make the most of Bordeaux.

Carousel seen during 24 hours in Bordeaux.
The retro charm of the old carousel blends enchantingly with the exquisite facades of Bordeaux’s magnificent buildings.

Normally, I would foresee at least two to three days in Bordeaux, even more if you really want to immerse yourself in the French savoir-vivre with leisurely strolls through the picturesque streets and plenty of breaks in cozy cafés. But sometimes, time is limited. Even more so, it should be used to its full potential, and below, you’ll find a perfectly designed itinerary.

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BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Right Bank of the Garonne

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After having introduced in my post BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Left Bank of the Garonne the best murals you’ll spot around the city’s historic old town, here is the best street art you’ll find alongside the right bank of the river Garonne.

Portrait by MAS.ONER decorating the facade of the Gymnase Thiers in the Bastide neighborhood on the right bank of the river Garonne.
Portrait by MAS.ONER decorating the facade of the Gymnase Thiers in the Bastide neighborhood on the right bank of the river Garonne.
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