Tag: France

What Not to Miss in Saint-Martin, the French Half of the Friendly Island

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

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)

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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)

Posted onAuthorRenata12 Comments

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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24 hours in PARIS

Posted onAuthorRenata Green13 Comments

Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport is the third-busiest hub in Europe after London and Istanbul. Therefore, chances are that you have a connection that you probably don’t want to spend sitting on an uncomfortable metal chair, munching on overpriced sandwiches. And this is exactly where this post comes to the rescue: It is designed to transform a dull layover into a short, meticulously planned extra vacation of up to 24 hours in Paris.

Eiffel Tower seen from Trocadero. 24 hours in Paris
Trocadéro is the ideal spot to get grand views of the Eiffel Tower.

Now, you might think that 24 hours are far too few to explore the so-called city of lights. Of course, you are absolutely right, but this applies to almost every popular stopover destination. However, if you follow my itineraries, you’ll be surprised how much you get to see and experience the proverbial savoir vivre.

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PARIS for Free!

Posted onAuthorRenata6 Comments

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

Posted onAuthorRenata7 Comments

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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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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