Paris is one of those cities that you either love or hate. Either way, you know you are not in Paris alone. There are masses of people everywhere, and it can feel overwhelming even to those who came for the ambience, romance, and excitement of the city. Visitors who aren’t used to so many people …
Travel to Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands
Saint Bertrand de Comminges: Charming French Village
Perched on a hill at the base of the Pyrenees mountains in Southern France, Saint Bertrand de Comminges appears from the ground as a gateway to the heavens. It takes only a few moments after passing through one of the village’s three gates to understand why St Bertrand de Comminges is listed amongst the Les Plus Beaux Villages …
Romanesque Sculpture and Frescos Inside the Basilica of St Sernin Toulouse
Travelling in Europe, we discovered a treasure trove of majestic cathedrals. The Basilica of St Sernin in the city of Toulouse France was no exception. It is the largest Romanesque church in Europe, filled with antiquities, relics, and museum quality frescoes. Also famous for its Romanesque sculpture, the Basilica of St Sernin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on …
What to do in Toulouse France: 34 Possibilities in this Pink City
Toulouse is an eclectic mix of medieval architecture and modern aerospace leaving visitors wondering what to do in Toulouse first. Located on the banks of the Garonne River, its charming streets make it ideal for walking. One look at the faded red-brick facades of the old city and you will instantly understand the nickname “La Ville …
A Closer Look at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris France
The Arc de Triomphe towering at the end of the Champs Elysees fought for my attention as we strolled along Paris’s famous street. As we approached, it was evident to me that Napoleon accomplished his objective of demonstrating his power. At the same time, it seemed unreachable, guarded by a crocodile-like moat, a roundabout of several layers of cars …
Berlin Wall and Other Sites to Visit in Berlin Germany
Berlin is one of my favourite cities. The capital of Germany is a once-divided city with an interesting history. On August 13, 1961, the Berlin Wall went up quickly surrounding what would be called West Berlin. Instantly Berlin was divided, and only those in the west were free. The wall was taken down on November …
Palace of Versailles is a Must See When Visiting Paris
The Palace of Versailles, located just outside Paris France, took me by surprise. It is breathtaking around every corner. Initially, a small hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623 it was enlarged into a royal palace by Louis XIV. The gardens are a world famous immaculate masterpiece. It is a must see located just outside of …
Travel Tips and Photos for Beautiful Bruges Belgium
“Everyone should see Bruges before they die.” (a line borrowed from the movie In Bruges) Have a look and you will see why. Even on cloudy and rainy days in Bruges is an attractive city in Belgium. Unless otherwise noted, all photos on this page ©Rhonda Albom 2012 Travel Tips for Bruges Belgium: We have …
Brussels Highlights: Chocolate, Atomium, EU, Manneken-Pis
I think it is the chocolate that lured us to Belgium. Without a plan or a hotel room we found ourselves with only one day in Brussels, so we set out to hit the highlights. What can I say about a city whose most famous statue is a boy caught in eternal pee? We had …
Heidelberg Castle and Luxembourg City in a Day
I am pretty well convinced that some of our best days are those that are unplanned, like today’s visit to Luxembourg. We started the day with a hike to the ruins of the Heidelberg Castle and then intended to head north to take a few hour cruise on the Rhine river. The views of the …
Salt Mines in Austria and Old Friends in Germany
As we left Salzburg, we headed south about 30 minutes to Satzweven, the salt mines, for an enjoyable afternoon tour. Located underground at the border between Austria and Germany, these no longer active salt mines offer a bit of history and exploration. Salt is not only obtained from current oceans. As the earth changed and formed millions of years …
Salzburg Austria – Musical Home to Mozart and The Sound of Music
Our final port on our Mediterranean cruise was Venice, from which we hired a car and drove to Salzburg Austria, home to both the Sound of Music and Mozart. This was a great choice. We found an affordable apartment and rested, as cruises tend to leave us needing a bit of recovery time. Now we …
Toulon: A Cruise Port in the French Riviera
The French Riviera beaches are stunning, and the cruise ship port of Toulon is no exception. Crystal clear sparkling water gently flowing over the soft sand. This is the image that drew us to the beach, rather than exploring the city. Toulon was our first port-of-call on a 12-night Mediterranean cruise on the NCL Spirit …
Canal du Midí is a Bridge of Water over River Orb: Béziers France
The world is filled with so many interesting things, and the bridge of water in Béziers, France is one of them. I really wanted to see this strange bridge called a pont-canal or Orb Aqueduct. This particular one carries the Canal du Midí over the River Orb in Béziers. So the effect is a bridge …
Carcassonne, Is This Medievel French City Named for A Pig?
Like many medieval walled cities, Carcassonne France has a beautiful castle with a moat. As the story goes, back in medieval times, the town was under siege. The attackers thought by surrounding the castle and the walled city of Carcassone they would starve the inhabitants, therefore simplifying victory. So, the people of Carcassone stuffed a …
