LA ROCHELLE: A Two-Day Escape to the Wind-Swept Atlantic Coast of France

Even those living far from France – or perhaps even outside Europe – have heard of the Côte d’Azur. They know of the rich and famous, their yachts, and their escapades. It is a dream destination on the Mediterranean, brimming with esprit, charm, and that elusive je ne sais quoi.
But are you familiar with the Bay of Biscay on France’s west coast?
While the name may not tingle on the tongue like Champagne, the region rivals the southern coast in elegance – minus all the fanfare surrounding wealth and celebrity.
Take La Rochelle, for instance. This coastal city is so picturesque, it looks as though it were modeled after a picture postcard. You will find yachts here, certainly, but there are fishing boats, too. La Rochelle’s elegance is complemented by a distinct maritime flair that fills the air with the scent of salt and the endless horizon.

La Rochelle Old Port.
Vieux Port, the heart and soul of La Rochelle.
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Self-Planned Day Trip to MONT SAINT-MICHEL – Easily Organized Even from Paris via Rennes

The legendary Mont Saint-Michel in the tidal flats of the English Channel is one of the most mesmerizing places in Europe. Located about one kilometer off the coast of Normandy, it is surrounded by the sea and steeped in legend. For me, the greatest wonder, however, was how easy it is to visit this extraordinary place independently using public transport. With minimal planning, you can take a self-organized day trip to Mont Saint-Michel even from Paris via Rennes. In this post, I provide you with all the necessary information for optimal planning, ensuring your own trip becomes a complete success and you have an unforgettable visit.

Mont Saint-Michel visited self-organized on a day trip from Rennes which is also possible from Paris.
An iconic sight.
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Best Street Art in BOULOGNE-SUR-MER – Part 2: South of Rue Faidherbe

Although I’m a self-proclaimed street art truffle hound, Boulogne-sur-Mer was the first city I’d ever visited solely for its street art. And what can I say? It was absolutely worth it. During my stay, I discovered around 100 fantastic murals by about 80 artists, some of them world-famous. I featured roughly half of them in my post Best Street Art in BOULOGNE-SUR-MER – Part 1: North of Rue Faidherbe. And here comes now the other half, namely the works located south of Rue Faidherbe.

Best Street Art in the southern area of Boulogne sur Mer by Case Maclaim.
In his portrait of a sailor, the German street artist Case Maclaim perfectly captured the spirit of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
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Best Street Art in BOULOGNE-SUR-MER – Part 1: North of Rue Faidherbe

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

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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A Self-Organized Day Trip Around Saint Martin by Public Bus

Whether you’re coming on a cruise ship, from one of the neighboring islands, or just want to experience the island in an authentic way at your own pace, a self-organized day trip by public bus will grant you a wonderful break from your daily beach life routine.

Old street in Philipsburg.
Even if you explore the island by public bus instead of this zippy vehicle, you will have a lot of fun.
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What Not to Miss in Saint-Martin, the French Half of the Friendly Island

Picturesquely framed by the shimmering blue of the Caribbean Sea, the northern half of the island of Saint Martin is as French as Gauloises and Baguette. Saint Martin distinctively blends tropical allure with a French twist, and in this post, I’ll show you what you absolutely should not miss.

Grand Case, a place not to miss when visiting Saint-Martin.
Grand Case is definitely one of the places not to miss when visiting beautiful Saint-Martin.

From the bustling marina of Marigot with its markets and fine patisseries to the tranquil coves of Anse Marcel and the lively beach clubs of Orient Bay, Saint-Martin offers the perfect balance between relaxation and indulgence. Nature lovers can hike to the viewpoints of Loterie Farm, while foodies enjoy first-class dishes at beachfront bistros in Grand Case.

Whatever floats your boat, you’ll find your little corner of Saint-Martin where time slows down, and paradise seems within reach.

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

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)

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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