Tag: France

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

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Due to French centralism, Bordeaux has always been overshadowed by Paris. In my opinion, quite unjustly. France’s most important wine-producing city is a true treasure trove, and not just architecturally. In recent years, many dilapidated neighborhoods and the former quays along the Garonne River have been renovated and spruced up. Subversive art also flourishes on the city’s walls. In this post, I’ll take you on a tour to explore the best street art Bordeaux has to offer alongside the left bank of the river Garonne.

Mural by Jean Rooble introduced as the best street art in Bordeaux on the left bank of the Garonne.
“We must accept each other’s personality and sexuality without judgment, and stop viewing differences as a danger or deviance. I played with the balance and symbolism of colors and with gender codes by using certain caricatured images to challenge stereotypes”, explains street artist Jean Rooble about his work, which is one part of his diptych called Gender Equality.
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Perfect Guide For a Day Trip to SAINT-EMILION

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Saint-Émilion is a breathtaking blend of sun-drenched vineyards and medieval charm. Every winding alley and every old stone building tells a story. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine lover, or looking for the epitome of the Southern French way of life, here’s a perfect guide for a day trip to the charming village of Saint-Emilion. I promise you an unforgettable experience!

Vineyard in Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion also enchants with its surroundings. This, however, is Château Villemaurine, only one of supposedly almost a thousand wine estates in the region.
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What Not to Miss in BORDEAUX, the Charming Wine Capital of France

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It all began with a student exchange ages ago. Since then, I’ve probably visited Bordeaux more often than any other city, not just in France but in the entire world. While on my early visits, I focused more on the café culture, the clubs, and the laid-back charm of southwestern France, only now, in my advanced years, am I discovering the cultural treasures that no visitor should miss when visiting Bordeaux.
Therefore, I’m delighted that you’re joining me on this rediscovery of a city that has been so dear to my heart for such a long time!

Place des Grands Hommes in Bordeaux
The Place des Grands Hommes is one of the city’s many squares that combine history, beauty, and the legendary French savoir-vivre, the art of living your best life.
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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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