Tag: France

Best Street Art in NÎMES

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Nîmes is indisputably the most Italian city in France. Consequently, it is rather famous for old structures like the amazing Maison Carrée. In 2023, UNESCO even put this remarkable building on its list of World Heritage Sites. Most rightly so.
However, it’s a shame that far too few visitors are cherishing Nîmes’ wild side and contemporary art. Especially since you don’t even need to visit a museum as you’ll find the best art in Nîmes right on the street, on the houses, and walls of the Gambetta and Richelieu districts.

Street Art in Nimes.
Wall of fame at the Square Clérisseau introducing local street artists Supo Caos and Isaac, the Brazilian muralist Nhobi, Maye from Montpellier, and others.

Nevertheless, you should definitely reserve half a day for hunting for street art, no matter what you call the hunting grounds.

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The Best Street Art in MARSEILLE

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Yes, there is so much to see and enjoy in Marseille, the oldest and second-largest city in all of France. And in addition, you absolutely should make time to explore the city’s best street art which is conveniently mainly located in some of the charming neighborhoods of Marseille, anyway. This way, you catch two birds with one stone. Come to think of it, this is a pretty disturbing metaphor, don’t you think?

Mural in the area around Cours Julien where some of the best street art in Marseille is found.
Keep your eyes open for the best street art Marseille has to offer.
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FRANCE: An Easy Circle Trip to the Five Best Cities to Visit in Provence

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I’m well aware that the French Provence region is rather famous for picturesque villages and endless lavender fields. Well, you won’t find either in this post. I just can’t help it: I’m a big city gal, and therefore, on my first trip to this part of the south of France, I decided to visit five of the best cities the Provence has to offer. In Nîmes, I hunted for street art, and I traced the work of Vincent van Gogh in Arles. I danced sur le pont d’Avignon and enjoyed the much-underrated city of Aix-en-Provence. Finally, I explored the mother of all port cities, Marseille.

Windows in Marseille
I’d argue that Marseille is one of the most authentic cities in Europe.

No, I didn’t get to see any lavender, however, I saw amazing old and new works of art and fantastic architecture. I strolled through alleys, sat in squares, and took it all in. The sound of the sea and the calls of the fishmongers rang in my ears. I was in a French land of milk and honey wine and bouillabaisse.
I had a fantastic time and I’ll be certainly back. And then, I’ll also go check out the lavender.

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Two Days in MARSEILLE – What Not to Miss in the Belly of France

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Marseille is a port city that has been around for a while. In fact, it is the oldest city in France and has always been a major hub for immigration and sea trade. Consequently, its heart is the Vieux-Port where fishmongers sell their catch fresh off the boat to this date.
For me, Marseille has always been a myth, a place of longing. Marseille awakens wanderlust, yet at the same time, it makes you homesick.
Marseille is a city full of contrasts and contradictions.
In this post, I show you what not to miss in two days in Marseille.

Old Harbour of Marseille
My heart will go on: View of Marseille’s old harbor.
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Best Things to Do in AIX-EN-PROVENCE in One Day

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Thou shalt have no other gods before me – Paris takes this commandment very seriously: Because of French centralism, hardly any other city in France has the chance to shine, let alone achieve world fame. And Aix-en-Provence is hit with a double whammy, because it is also in the immediate vicinity and therefore in the shadow of the second largest city, Marseille.
Well, this way, only the real connoisseurs will discover this gem in the heart of Provence. Everyone else misses out on the breathtaking architecture and 250 fountains, hot springs, and thermal baths as well as 300 days of sunshine a year. They won’t enjoy either the iconic bouillabaisse and ratatouille or delicious local wine.
What’s that? You don’t want to miss out on all this?
Then you’ve come to the right place: In this post, I’ll show you the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence, one of France’s most exquisite cities.

Woman riding a bike in Aix-en-Provence
Riding a bike is a great way to explore the streets of Aix-en-Provence.
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What Not to Miss in AVIGNON in One Day – Apart from Dancing on Bridges

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I’d argue that the bridge in Avignon that everyone had to at least verbally dance on is the most famous overpass in the entire world. Show me one child who did not mumble something that sounded more or less like sir ly pong davynong already in kindergarten. Later, you probably had to translate in your French class that everyone is dancing on that stupid bridge. Only, if you were to actually dance across it, you’d end up in the Rhône river! This bridge is broken and only a part is walkable; or danceable, if you prefer.
Anyway, this is not the only surprise the majestic city of Avignon has in store.
So put on your dancing shoes and let’s see what not to miss when visiting Avignon – even if it’s for just one day.

Not to Miss When Spending One Day in Avignon: Palais des Papes
Looking down on Avignon from the majestic Palais des Papes.
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One Day in NÎMES – What Not to Miss in the Most Roman City of France

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Nîmes is said to be the most Roman city outside Italy. In fact, the city’s rich history dates back to the Roman Empire. It still boasts amazing antique monuments such as the Amphitheater of Nîmes and the so-called Maison Carrée.
Yet, on the outskirts of the historic center, you also find some truly remarkable urban art. In addition, you absolutely need to try some of Nîmes’ culinary gems like Brandade, a popular cod gratin, and my personal favorite, the Pâté Nîmois, stuffed puff pastry.
Do you want a glass of regional wine with it?
You know what, let me just quickly put into writing for you what absolutely not to miss when in Nîmes, even if you’re in town for just one day.

One Day Nîmes Not Miss: Roman Amphitheatre in Nimes
The people of Nimes really take good care of things: The city’s Roman Amphitheatre is the best-preserved one worldwide!
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One Day in ARLES – What Not to Miss in Vincent’s Picture-Perfect City

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Already Vincent van Gogh knew it: Arles is one of the most worth-seeing cities in the French Provence region. In 1888, the warm light attracted Vincent to the city where he then created some of his most famous paintings.
Other travellers are attracted to Arles by the numerous relics of Roman antiquity and evidence of the Middle Ages.
Personally, I always appreciate the mix: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Add some delicious food and a glass of good wine: Life in Arles is a feast for all the senses.
In this post, I have summarized for you what you definitely should not miss, even if you only come to Arles for one day.

Amphitheater of Arles
View of Arles’ Roman treasures.
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The Best Street Art in MARTINIQUE

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The French Antilles island of Martinique is so beautiful that, strictly speaking, it needs no further embellishment: cool blue and turquoise tones of the Caribbean Sea, the endless white beaches, the lush green of the lush vegetation – who can match this splendor? Well, some brave street artists have taken up the challenge and competed with nature with their outstanding works. They created fantastic murals. This gives me the opportunity to introduce you to the best street art in Martinique.

Mural in Fort-de-France.
Sadly, this beautiful mural is not only pretty battered, some vandal also left his mark. Nevertheless, the message is still clear: My religion is fraternization, is written on the top. Then there is a wild mix of backgrounds such as ethnicity and nationality. And always the word humanity in between. At the bottom, there is everything desirable for the future, such as respect, education, courage.
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The Best Beaches in Martinique You Can Easily Visit by Public Bus

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As I explained in my post MAGNIFICENT MARTINIQUE: Ten Places Not to Miss on Your Visit – even when exploring by public bus, this French Caribbean Island offers an incredible variety of cultural and natural treasures some of which are indisputably the pristine shores. What many visitors don’t know: Numerous of the most beautiful beaches lining Martinique can be conveniently and very inexpensively visited by public bus.

Two women on one of the best beaches in Martinique that you can reach by public bus.
Life is better on the beach.

In this post, you’ll find comprehensive info on which coach to take and how to get there.

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