Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has built a reputation for challenging the boundaries of urban design with projects such as NEOM. These boundaries are once again being tested with the New Murabba project which will be developing the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh. The crown jewel of this development is undoubtedly The Mukaab, an iconic landmark that will end up defining Riyadh’s skyline.
For more details, please click on the link:
Saudi Arabia aims to develop the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh as part of Saudi Vision 2030 plan
It looks like a city out of a science fiction movie: Space pods, flying dragons and floating rocks. But this is the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia, which wants to transform its capital into one of “the most livable cities on Earth.”
…big enough to fit 20 Empire State buildings. It offers “an immersive experience” with landscapes changing from outer space to green vistas, …. The project is due to be completed in 2030.
For more details, please click on the link:
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/20/middleeast/saudi-arabia-mukaab-mime-intl/index.html
from February 10 to 26, 2023
Nice Carnival is one of the biggest carnivals in the world! Every year thousands of visitors come to take part. Two top events: the flower battles and the carnival parade.
Here we are, winter is back! The best season to treat yourself with a short trip to end or start the year on a high note after the Christmas festivities. Choose a trip which includes typical villages, ski resorts as well as sunny beaches and festive events! An exotic destination? No! Just a winter weekend on the French Riviera!
Here are a few suggestions of themed weekends to enjoy and discover the beautiful Riviera in a different light during the winter season! Find the perfect combination for your winter weekend with a destination offering unique, authentic stays.
THE NICE CARNIVAL
The Nice Carnival is one of the biggest in France and most famous in the world! For 2 weeks (and 3 weekends) in February, experience a succession of night shows and decorated floats in a joyful musical atmosphere! A battle of the flowers takes place every year: 20 flowered floats parade in the streets and distribute over 100,000 regional flowers to the public. A grandiose show, filled with enchantment and colours!
During your stay, take the opportunity to visit Nice’s town centre: history, culture, art and gastronomy, the city has a lot to offer.
THE FÊTE DU CITRON (LEMON FESTIVAL) IN MENTON!
Insatiable zest for life! Lemon, pulp and cocktail lovers, welcome to the city of Menton for an event that’s unique in the world: the Fete du Citron. This winter, during your stay on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera, take a few days to experience this spectacular event which takes place in February and lasts 15 days.
The programme: discovering the lemon in all of its aspects!
● Taking a tour of the Biovès Gardens with its sumptuous citrus sculptures
● Taking part in exhibitions and Bloemencorso parades by day or by night
● Taking a tour of the Crafts Fair and the Orchid Festival in the Palais de l’Europe
● Dancing to the rhythm of the marching bands, shows and folklore…
● Enjoying the highlight of the show in front of the firework
Naturally, the city’s various bars and restaurants have it at heart to give a taste of the famous fruit: in a dish, in a dessert or in a cocktail (to be consumed in moderation of course).
A WEEKEND FULL OF FRAGRANCE ON THE MIMOSA ROUTE
Let’s continue with the colour yellow and take the Mimosa Route: a sensory getaway, at its best between January and March. The Mimosa Route has you discover the treasures and landscapes of the French Riviera, between sea and mountain, in a mild climate.
Starting in Bormes-Les-Mimosas up to Grasse, a 130-km circuit goes through the little villages on the Riviera with the golden flowers as a backdrop. This is sure to awaken your senses. Offering their fragrance and colour, thousands of golden bunches play with the sun and contrast with the blue of the sky and the sea.
For more details, please clock on the link:
https://cotedazurfrance.fr/en/discover/extended-winter-weekend/
…. For the travel industry, that environment includes a heightened global commitment to dealing with climate change. It includes the very real threats of overtourism on fragile ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities. It includes the transformation of the energy economy and the integration of new energy sources, supply chains, and technologies.
For more details, please click on the link: https://skift.com/2023/01/21/what-i-learned-in-davos-about-managing-travels-new-complexity/
No. 1 / 3
Turkey is a richly historical land with some of the best cuisine you will ever taste, scenery from beaches to mountains and the great city of İstanbul.
With shores, forests and mountains peppered with millennial ancient ruins, the Turkish Riviera is the perfect destination for history aficionados, nature lovers and beach-buffs.
Starting from Antalya on the East and stretching over to Muğla on the West, is Türkiye’s one of the most popular holiday regions located by the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. This lush coastal region offers you ancient cities, castles, ports, temples and much more to discover….
The Turkish Riviera is Turkey at its most staggeringly beautiful: sandy sweeps of shore hug a coastline lapped by jade waters and backed by forest-blanketed slopes. The Turquoise Coast is prime sun-and-sea territory, but step off the beach and you’ll find ancient cities such as Xanthos, Tlos and Arykanda perched precariously atop hills, and ornate tombs carved into cliffs at Pınara and Myra. Hike between ruins on a section of the 500km-long Lycian Way and you’ll be richly rewarded with scenery worth the sweat.
The cool, calm waters of the Turkish Mediterranean are ideal for a relaxing sailing holiday – with nothing on the agenda but swimming, sunbathing, eating and hopping ashore for a spot of sight-seeing. Although much of the coast has been invaded by package tourists, there are still a number of unspoiled areas …
The Turkish Riviera or the “Turquoise Coast”, boasts some of southern Europe’s most incredible holiday destinations. This is a true coastal paradise, set at the meeting point of Europe and the Middle East.
CUSTOMERS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
- Why ANTALYA is so popular?
- The Antalya region easily lures history lovers because of ancient ruined cities like Aspendos and its perfectly intact Roman theatre or Side with its landmark temple of Apollo and the ruins of the old city in the heart of the new one.
Why BODRUM is so popular?
- Bodrum has an excellent Riviera location, and is famed for sun, sand, luxury, and nightlife, the Turkish Riviera offers plenty of resorts and tourist infrastructure. The stunning beaches and dramatic coastline, and greenery makes it easy to understand why tourists flock in their masses.
- Is FETHIYE or ANTALYA better?
- Antalya beaches Lara/Side are long and sandy with high rise hotels.
- Fethiye has mainly pebble sand beaches and buildings/hotels – especially Oludeniz – of 3 floors maximum.
- Which is better FETHIYE or BODRUM?
- Bodrum has lots of partying, loud music ….
- Fethiye on the other hand is quiet at night, calmer nightlife perfect to rest and relax.
- Is BODRUM or MARMARIS better?
- Marmaris has more humidity and is a hotter resort than Bodrum with its cool breeze.
- Is BODRUM better or ANTALYA?
- From a beach perspective, Antalya is the winner.
- Please find the Comparison in the below graph.
BODRUM vs ANTALYA
- Small size, easy to explore.
- Offers a charming coastal town vibe and accessible beaches.
- Explore the Picturesque countryside or the beautiful stretch of winding coastline in no time.
- Not a mass tourism destination (quieter).
- Visit historical sites around Bodrum: Ruins of the Mausoleum of Mausolus; Bodrum Castle.
- A short ferry ride away from the Greek Islands of Kos and Rhodes.
- Partying mainly in the town of Gumbet, just west of Bodrum.
- Nightlife happens in the city center, particularly in nearby Gumbet.
- Explore coves, bays, and beaches. Bodrum has several wondrous beaches nearby.
- DAY TRIPS FROM BODRUM:
- PAMUKKALE: Hot prings and travertine terraces.
- EPHESUS: Ancient Greek and Roman ruins.
- BLACK ISLAND: Volcanic island featuring healing mineral pools.
- KOS OR RHODES: Greek Islands near the Turkish south coast.
ANTALYA vs BODRUM
- Large city, bigger than Bodrum with its sprawling port city.
- Very accessible and a crowded destination.
- This huge coastal city is the largest international sea resort in Turkey with a lot to see & do.
- Antalya has the upper hand in Partying, with large clubs and is the region’s largest city.
- Authentic Turkish cuisine can be easily found in the numerous local restaurants.
- Coves, bays, and beaches re in abundance. Nature lovers have more variety and options for adventure around Antalya.
- Families with children have lots of activities: Waterparks, Theme parks, Accessible Public Beaches, Fun Nature Excursions.
- Attractions:
- stunning beaches,
- wonderful waterfront and harbor,
- walled Old Town home, cobbled streets,
- Archaeology Museum
- Historic Sites:
- Hadrian’s Gate,
- Hidirlik Tower,
- Clock Tower.
- Aspendos Theater, one of the world’s largest intact Roman amphitheaters.
- Waterfalls: Düden, Manavgat, Kurşunlu.
- National & Urban parks, green spaces.
- Antalya is much warmer than Bodrum and has an extended summer season.
- Antalya has some excellent public beaches within the city.
- Nightlife mainly takes place in the all-inclusive resorts rather than inside the city.
- DAY TRIPS FROM ANTLAYA:
- PAMUKKALE: Hot springs and travertine terraces.
- KÖPRÜLÜ CANYON: Canyon for hiking, whitewater rafting, natural scenery, and archaeological sites
- ALTINBESIK CAVE NATIONAL PARK: National park home to the world’s largest underground water cave, as well as abundant wildlife.
- TERMESSOS RUINS: Ancient ruins set within a gorgeous mountain landscape.
- ÇIRALI: Coastal town home to one of the best beaches in Turkey.
- Olympos Ruins.
- Legendary Chimaera Mountain.
QATAR LANDMARKS & BEYOND
DOHA TOWER
An iconic tower standing high above Doha’s West Bay.
The iconic Doha Tower, known also as Burj Doha, rises 238 metres above the West Bay in Doha, Qatar. Its phallic shape rises 46 stories above the ground, with a further 3 floors stretching underground. The French architect Jean Nouvel, who designed the building, described its shape as suggestive of “a fully assumed virility.”
ASPIRE TOWER or THE TORCH DOHA
Enjoy panoramic views from Doha’s tallest building
Also known as The Torch Doha, Aspire Tower is a 300-metre high-rise hotel in the Aspire Zone complex in Doha, Qatar. The hotel is centrally located and near to several local attractions, including Villaggio Mall Shopping Center and the Khalifa International Stadium.
Aspire Tower is one of the tallest structures in Qatar. For a view over a spectacular cityscape and a little fine dining, check out the Panorama Restaurant at the top of the tower itself. The Torch Doha or Aspire Tower is now a luxury hotel and meeting space. Dine in the hotel’s revolving 360 restaurant. Another way is to go for a sky-high spa treatment in the health club and get access to the gym and cantilevered swimming pool, which offers superb views from the 19th floor.
TORNADO TOWER
Snap a shot of this distinctive hourglass-shaped building. Tornado Tower’s distinctive hourglass shape is instantly recognisable. Also known as QIPCO Tower, this building’s 52 floors stretch almost 200 metres into the skyline.
SIDRA PUBLIC ART
Enjoy one of Qatar’s world-class public art installations. You’ll find a renowned art installation by the controversial British artist Damien Hirst. Known as The Miraculous Journey, this installation consists of 14 large bronze sculptures depicting the human journey from conception to birth. With sculptures ranging in height from 5- to 11-metres tall, Hirst has charted the miracle of birth in vivid detail. The reality for some may be shocking as among the scenes depicted is a breech birth. There was some controversy surrounding the unveiling of the sculptures initially, but this divisive art piece is now widely praised. While some were upset with the harsh realism of the scenes, this fascinating public art installation is certainly worth a visit.
AL ZUBARA FORT
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site for a glimpse into Qatari history. Located near a now-deserted town of the same name, Al Zubara Fort is a large fort dominated by 3 huge circular towers and a single rectangular one. The fort was built in 1938 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani to serve as a coast guard station. It’s now used as a museum and hosts regular exhibitions on the history of the area.
Located about 105 km from the capital, the remains of the deserted town and the fort protecting it are a UNESCO World Heritage site that lies on the northwestern coast of the Qatar peninsula and can make for an interesting day trip. Be sure to bring snacks and plenty of water and note there’s little in the way of shade while exploring here. It’s probably best to avoid arriving around midday and early afternoon when the heat is at its most intense.
BARZAN TOWERS
Visit these aptly named 19th-century towers day or night. The Barzan Towers date to the late 19th century and were erected to stand guard over the precious rainwater that collected in the nearby valley. Barzan means ‘high place’, and with watchtowers that stand over 16 metres in height, the place is well named. The towers were also used for observing the moon to accurately pinpoint the start of Ramadan.
The towers are just 15 km north of Doha and are open 24 hours a day, so there’s never a bad time to visit. With enormous staircases and impressive buttresses, the architecture here offers some great photo opportunities for visitors, with the best views available from the top. There are some shops nearby too, so you don’t have to worry about finding refreshments while visiting.
AL WAJBAH FORT
Catch a glimpse into Qatar’s storied past at this 18th-century fort. One of Qatar’s oldest historical sites, Al Wajbah Fort dates to the late 18th century. The site of significant battles between the Qatari people and Ottoman forces, the fort holds a special place in the hearts of the locals and evokes a strong sense of national pride for many. With thick walls and 4 high watchtowers, the fort contains weaponry displays and exhibits detailing its history.
THE PIGEON TOWERS
Don’t miss this unique and intriguing pigeon-related attraction. Qatar’s Pigeon Towers are undoubtedly one of the country’s most unique and intriguing attractions. A popular photo opportunity for tourists and locals alike, the towers also serve an extremely practical purpose. Home to thousands of pigeons, the distinctive towers have been designed to collect their droppings for use as fertiliser by local farmers.
IMAM MUHAMMAD IBN ABD AL WAHHAB MOSQUE
A striking place with a great view of the city. Dazzling both inside and out, the Imam Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque is a spectacular structure, deserving of the title of Qatar’s national mosque. Built to reflect the older, more traditional homes in Qatar, everywhere you look you’ll be met with classic Islamic architecture and design features, from the bright white walls to the carpets at your feet. Note that this is an active place of worship, though, so dress appropriately.
LA CORNICHE
Take a waterfront walk or go for a jog on the running track. La Corniche is a lovely seafront promenade extending for 7 km along Doha Bay. Offering great views of the water and city skyline, this wide pedestrian walkway is a popular gathering spot for local families and travellers alike. Stroll La Corniche at dawn to watch the golden rays reflecting against the central business district’s high-rise towers, or explore during the bustling evening hours and look out at traditional wooden dhows bobbing in the bay. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants along the way where you can relax while taking in the views.
SOUQ WAQIF MARKET
Expect to haggle in this busy shopping labyrinth. Spread over 4 blocks near the Corniche, Souq Waqif is a lively centuries-old market that once served as a trading hub for the Bedouin looking to buy and sell camels and more. Those not in the market for a camel will find plenty of other eye-catching goods to buy from gold jewellery to colourful fabrics and even Aladdin-style bronze lamps.
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART
Designed by revered architect I.M. Pei. With its stunning architecture and huge collection of art and artefacts, the Museum of Islamic Art is one of the best things to do in Doha and one of the city’s most celebrated sights. Set along the Corniche promenade on Doha Bay, the museum houses collections of ceramics, manuscripts, metalworks, textiles and other fine art pieces of the Islamic world from 14 centuries ago to modern times.
Journey through 1,400 years of Islamic culture. Tradition meets modernity at Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). An iconic building in the Doha waterfront, this limestone structure emphasises art’s connection to Islam without necessarily focusing on religious items. The museum also holds a library that houses more than 15,000 rare manuscripts and texts from around the world, including a Quran from the 7th century.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR
Experience Qatar’s history in a heartbeat. The building was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar. The National Museum of Qatar offers an immersive and informative experience of Qatar’s history. Just off the waters of Doha Corniche, this architectural marvel offers a vibrant space with an incredible view across the bay. The museum tells Qatar’s unique story in 3 parts: Beginnings, Life in Qatar, and The Modern History of Qatar. Most notably, it displays the Pearl Carpet of Baroda, which features 1.5 million hand-embroidered pearls, sapphires, and diamonds. A fully landscaped park allows you to learn about Qatar’s indigenous plants. After your tour, head over to the museum’s café to experience a traditional food forum
MSHEIREB MUSEUMS
Explore Doha’s fishing roots from 4 historical houses. The Msheireb Museums trace Doha’s history from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village. The museums pay homage to 4 historic heritage buildings in the oldest part of the capital: the Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House, and Radwani House.
Each building focuses on different aspects of Qatar’s history, including ancient slavery, the discovery of oil and gas, traditions, and the development of Arabian Gulf countries.
KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE
Qatar’s hub for culture and creativity. With its grand Greco-Roman amphitheatre and numerous performances and festivals year-round, Doha’s Katara Cultural Village is a 1-stop destination for arts and culture. Katara was built on reclaimed land near The Pearl and designed in a way to hark back to traditional life with its maze of alleyways and Pigeon Towers.
THE PEARL
Built on a former pearl diving site. Set on a manmade island of 4 sq km, The Pearl is a modern district with a great choice of sports, entertainment and shopping venues to explore. Many come here just to check out the snazzy yachts at the marina or enjoy some water sports at one of the beaches.
For the kids – and thrill-seeking adults – there’s Megapolis, a lively indoor fun park with a bowling alley, escape room and arcade games. The dining scene here offers a tasty variety, from artisanal sweet treats to indulge in at Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar to the Andalusian-style meals fit for royalty at Yasmine Palace.
VILLAGGIO MALL
There’s even an Olympic-sized ice rink. Shoppers stepping into Villaggio Mall might think they’ve taken a sudden magic carpet ride to Italy, with its Venetian-inspired canals and gondola rides. Everything is inside and air-conditioned, so there’s no need to worry about wilting in the desert heat while browsing for the latest fashions, enjoying some lunch or catching an amusement park ride at Gondolania Theme Park. The mall is home to several luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Gucci, but there are also budget-friendly shops to check out if you lack a sultan’s fortune.
FALCON SOUQ
Ancient Bedouin hunting technique. While modern Qatar has little practical need for falconry, the tradition of keeping and training these magnificent birds lives on and is recognised by UNESCO as a culturally important practice. It’s not an unusual sight to see men and boys proudly carrying their prized falcon on their arm as they stroll through the city streets and markets.
The Falcon Souq, found adjacent to Souq Waqif Market, offers an engaging peek into the world of falconry. See shops selling all sorts of falcon-keeping paraphernalia or visit its monthly auction, where the more coveted birds could fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
BANANA ISLAND
Just a 25-minute boat ride from downtown Doha. Those in search of some beach time can hop aboard a luxury catamaran at the dock near the Museum of Islamic Art and head out to Banana Island. Expect to enjoy a day of lounging by the pools, kayaking, banana boat rides, waterslides and a bunch more water sports and fun activities for the family.
KHOR AL ADAID
Explore the beauty of the inland sea. Khor Al Adaid attracts nature lovers with its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. If UNESCO refers to a nature reserve as ‘a remarkable landscape’, you know you’re in for a treat when you head for this inland beach.
Watch the sunset from the summits of the sand dunes or watch flocks of migratory birds occupying the shores. In this conservation area, you can enjoy picnicking, overnight camping, stargazing, and fishing. You can only get to Khor Al Adaid on a 4×4, as you won’t be able to conquer the dunes with an ordinary car.
AL THAKHIRA BEACH
Enjoy the mangroves along this long stretch of coastline. Al Thakhira Beach, located 60 km north of Doha, is a popular place mainly for family gatherings. Benches on the beach, a walking promenade, and playgrounds for the young ones make for an excellent getaway for those with kids.
A beautiful addition to this Northern Qatari beach is mangrove forest stretching out along the coastline. While you’ll get a view of the mangroves from the shores, it’s more fun to join a kayak excursion. The biodiversity is stunning, and it’s incredible to see the many species of birds that call this place home.
FUWAIRIT BEACH
Take a relaxing swim at this picturesque seaside. Fuwairit Beach sits on the northernmost tip of Qatar, almost 100 km north of Doha. Due to its long distance from the capital, this beach is rarely crowded. Flanked by beautiful rock formations, its shallow and calm water invites you for a cooling dip with picturesque views.
The beach lacks amenities and eateries, so it’s a good idea to pack your own umbrella and picnic. Fuwairit Beach is closed from April to July, when hawksbill turtles lay their eggs on this stretch of sand.
ZEKREET BEACH
Check out Qatar’s wildlife and limestone rocks. Zekreet Beach is often described as ‘remote’, and its location on a peninsula in West Qatar validates this statement. Located 100 km west of Doha, you will need to rent a 4×4 to reach this beach and enjoy a scenic drive over the rugged terrain.
Bring your goggles to enjoy snorkelling in the ocean or stay inland to see gazelles, deer, and ostrich roaming around freely. Facilities are non-existent on Zekreet Beach, so make sure to pack all the food and gears you need for an adventurous day on the west coast of Qatar.
UMM BAB BEACH
Relax under the shade of date palms. Umm Bab Beach lies around 35 minutes south of Zekreet Beach. It’s not just the fine sand that draws in beachgoers – it has plenty of date palms providing shelter from the sun. You can easily spend an entire day on this shoreline, thanks to beach facilities such as barbecue grills and play zones for kids.
Where to get your traditional boules, baguettes, and brioche, plus sustainable sourdough and the perfect miche for jambon sandwiches, in the bread capital of the world
by Dayna Evans Mar 28, 2022, 9:06am EDT
https://www.eater.com/maps/best-bread-bakeries-paris
In Paris, bread is an art form and everyone has opinions about the best artists. There’s a boulangerie — or a bread bakery — on practically every corner in the City of Lights, and about as many kinds of bread to choose from: classic, crusty golden baguettes; pain de seigle rye loaves; and buttery, flaky brioche. Many bread bakers adhere to old-school traditions, making loaves that look and feel like peasant breads of yore, while others are decidedly new-school, making everything from American-style sourdough to babkas and focaccias.
Buying baguettes for a dinner party? Go ahead and tear off the nez — the nose, or pointy end — of the baguette on your way over. It’s French tradition that the baguette buyer is allowed to take a little reward.
1. MAISON LANDEMAINE JULES JOFFRIN
With over a dozen locations in Paris, plus one in Lille and a few in Tokyo, Maison Landemaine might not seem like the authentic expression of the artisanal boulangerie, but the hits still hit. The baguette tradition is crusty and chewy in all the right ways, especially paired with cheeses from the nearby Laiterie cheese shop on Rue des Poissonniers.
2. SHINYA PAIN MONTMARTRE
Shinya Inagaki has made bread for some of the most beloved sourdough bakeries in Paris (think Fermentation Générale and the Terroirs d’Avenir boulangerie). At his own operation in Montmartre, Inagaki is making sourdough breads his own way. Olive focaccia, brioches, multigrain breads, and scones are just some of the specials Inagaki scrawls on butcher paper at his tiny storefront on Rue des Trois Frères.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/shinyapain_montmartre/
3. MAISON JULIEN LES SAVEURS DE PIERRE DEMOURS
The 2020 winner of Le Grand Prix de la Baguette de Traditional Française de la Ville de Paris, a coveted award recognizing the city’s best baguette, Taieb Sahal makes a standard-bearer for traditional Parisian baguettes. Crusty, airy, and with a warm yeasty smell, the baguettes at Maison Julien in the 17th represent French bread at its finest.
Website: http://www.maisonjulien.com/
4. MAMICHE
You’ll likely encounter a line when visiting the original bakery outpost of Cécile Khayat and Victoria Effantin’s wildly popular Mamiche bakery, but the wait is worth it. Using natural leaven, Mamiche’s breads are excellent, from the hearty pain de campagne to the lightweight pain de mie, as well as a traditional “miche Mamiche.” Don’t miss the babkas and viennoiserie, too. You can’t go wrong with any of it.
Website: https://www.mamiche.fr/
5. THE FRENCH BASTARDS – ST FERDINAND
With three locations across Paris and a name that’s fun to say, the French Bastards’ bakery could get by on novelty alone. Thankfully that’s not the case: Breads with honey and figs, hazelnuts, plentiful seeds, rye flour, and more comprise the menu at the three French Bastards locations, and they’re all delicious. Take a hearty loaf to go, and eat a caramel eclair on the way home.
Website: https://thefrenchbastards.fr/
6. FARINE&O
The Rue des Martyrs location of Farine&O frequently has a line around lunchtime, with working Parisians picking up sandwiches, pastries, and sodas to go. The line moves fast and the wait pays off: Baguettes, brioche, and rotating daily offerings will satisfy even the most discerning of bread-heads. Don’t forget to pick up a croissant — they’re flaky beyond human understanding.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/FarineetO/
7. LEVAIN, LE VIN
The concept — and cheeky play on words — at Christophe Fertillet’s Levain, Le Vin is all about pairing great naturally leavened breads with great natural wines. Sit for a planche of breads crafted in-house by Fertillet and charcuterie to match, or take loaves of bread to go along with one of the carefully curated bottles of wine that line the shop’s shelves.
Website: https://www.levainlevin.com/
8. BOULANGERIE-PÂTISSERIE TERROIRS D’AVENIR
Part of the strip of shops on Rue du Nil that make up the sustainable agriculture organization Terroirs d’Avenir (or, terroirs of the future), the boulangerie has sourdough breads that are inspired by the organization’s mission. All manner of breads are on offer, from focaccia to multigrain tin loaves, and since the boulangerie is only a stone’s throw from the primeur (or fresh market), fish shop, and butcher, you can have dinner sorted out before you reach the end of the block.
Website: https://www.terroirs-avenir.fr/
9. BOULANGERIE UTOPIE
While many boulangeries around Paris will sell bread, pastries, and viennoiserie (think anything laminated), most excel at one area or another. At Utopie in the 11th, it’s safe to pick between any of the sourdough croissants, elegant pastries, brioche, and inventive breads made with ingredients like sesame and curry powder; kalamata olives; and guava and cranberry.
Website: https://boulangerieutopie.com
10. TOUT AUTOUR DU PAIN
A baguette at Tout Autour du Pain is a classic option for picnics, parties, or just midday snacks. Perfectly golden and crisp, they’re the platonic ideal of a baguette. Buy one for later and one to eat immediately in the petite plaza directly across from the shop.
11. GENERAL FERMENTATION
As the name implies, the M.O. at Fermentation Générale in the 11th is everything fermented. From kefir and kombucha to natural wines, ciders, and pickles, the menu is a dream for anyone who loves sour flavors. Sourdough fits perfectly in that mix. Every bread is tangy and tart, with a depth of flavor reminiscent of San Francisco sourdoughs.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/fermentationgenerale
12. TEN BELLES BREAD
Alice Quillet and Anna Trattles’s sourdough bread bakery Ten Belles Bread was initially confusing to some Parisians, as they didn’t sell baguettes and they used the word “bread” instead of “boulangerie” in the name. The bakery won almost the whole city over with their bread loaves, though. They offer just the right amount of sour, with a custardy inside and crusty outside. Ten Belles sells great coffee, pastries, and lunch specials, too, so you’ll absolutely want to come with an appetite.
Website: https://www.tenbelles.com
13. LE BRICHETON
In a tiny storefront in the 20th, Le Bricheton is the choice for the truly devoted bread lover. It has limited hours, and the bread sells fast, but if you happen to be in the neighborhood, this tiny bakery is an essential visit. Breads are made from organic flour, sourced in France, often with ancient grains like Khorasan wheat.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/LeBrichetonOfficiel
14. BOULANGERIE POILÂNE
You’d be hard-pressed to find a visitor to Paris who isn’t heading to Poilâne at some point during their trip. That’s because the bakery has been making delicious sourdough wheat loaves for almost 100 years. You’ll recognize a Poilâne miche by the signature swoopy “P” scored into the bread before baking, as well as its brown color imparted by the proportion of stone-ground whole wheat in the dough. Looking to make sandwiches with jambon de Paris? The loaves can be sliced to order.
Website: https://www.poilane.com
15. LE BOULANGER DE LA TOUR
While not every visitor to Paris has the time or money to visit the historic Tour d’Argent restaurant, Le Boulanger de la Tour is more than sufficient as a backup. A rotating menu of breads is available from the famed restaurant’s bakers. They’re so good, you can close your eyes and almost imagine you’ve nabbed a seat in the restaurant’s historic waterfront dining room.
Website: https://tourdargent.com/le-boulanger
Source: Fodors.com I Lily Heise Lily Heise | May 2, 2022
A quick train ride from the French capital will whisk you away to these idyllic villages.
One of the most popular attractions of France is its delightful villages. Nevertheless, it can be challenging to squeeze Provence or Burgundy into a short trip. Fortunately, one doesn’t have to travel far from Paris to savor French village life. Leave your suitcase at your Paris hotel and hop on a local train to visit these beguiling medieval hamlets, royal towns, and former artist haunts. Indulge yourself in some of the best day trips from Paris.
1. PROVINS
One of the loveliest medieval villages in all of France lies within a verdant valley east of the capital. A former fiefdom of the Counts of Champagne, Provins rose in importance in the Middle Ages courtesy of its position on European trade routes and its renowned fairs. The wealth brought in by its commerce was used to construct sturdy city walls, spacious merchant houses, Gothic churches, and the Tour César fortress. Much of this heritage has survived the centuries, earning Provins a position on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Its tradition of fairs also lives on to this day via lively Medieval-themed fairs held in June and December.
INSIDER TIP: There are hourly direct trains from Gare de l’Est to Provins (Line P), a journey which takes an hour and 20 minutes
2. BARBIZON
Decades before the Impressionists took to painting en plein air, an earlier generation of artists began immortalizing the fields and country folk around this picturesque village southeast of Paris. Among these were Corot, Millet, Rousseau, and Daubigny, who formed what became known as the Barbizon School, a movement that advocated Realism in art. Barbizon later attracted Monet, Renoir, and Sisley, before they moved their easels to other destinations around Paris. A number of their former studios and lodgings, like the Auberge Ganne, can be visited. After touring these, you can hike through the fields which inspired them or extend your day at the nearby Château de Fontainebleau.
INSIDER TIP: It’s 40 minutes by train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avron (Line R), then take bus 21 or a taxi to Barbizon.
3. MORET-SUR-LOING
Bordering the Fontainebleau forest and hugging the Loing River is this enchanting village. Its quaint churches, medieval gateways, half-timbered buildings, and riverside mills also inspired the Impressionists, in particular Alfred Sisley. The prominent artist spent the last 20 years of his life living and painting in Moret-sur-Loing, which you can learn more about on self-guided walks through town.
After your art fix, you can enjoy various outdoor activities, from canoeing or kayaking on the Loing to hiking or biking the dozens of trails that depart from the village (bike rentals are available at the tourist office).
INSIDER TIP: It’s a 45-minute train ride from Gare de Lyon (Line R) to the Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons
4. NEMOURS
Further along the Loing River is this lovely town whose roots go back to prehistoric times. Nemours’s 600,000 years of history are well documented in the Ile-de-France Prehistory Museum or can be taken in on a stroll around the town. Your amble will take you down charming cobbled streets, past graceful Gothic churches, and to its formidable Medieval castle, now a museum.
Finish off along the bucolic river—on foot, bike, or kayak.
INSIDER TIP: The train takes an hour from Gare de Lyon (Line R) to Nemours-Saint-Pierre
5. CHÂTEAU-LANDON
Although it might seem sleepy today, this hilltop village south of Nemours was a powerful town back in the Middle Ages. An influential crossroads of commerce and home to a residence of the Kings of France, Château-Landon also developed into a prominent religious center as the final resting place of the revered Saint Séverin. An abbey built in his honor still crowns the town, which can be visited from the outside, and numerous other medieval sites around town. You can carry on soaking up the village’s tranquil ambiance with a walk along the Fusain River, where you can admire a historic washhouse, ancient mills, and pretty views up towards town.
On a side note, Château-Landon has a special connection to one of Paris’s most famous sites; the unique white travertine stone from its quarry was used in the construction of the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur.
INSIDER TIP: The journey is an hour and 15 minutes from Gare de Lyon (Line R) to Souppes-Château-Landon, then take Express Bus 34 to get to the town center.
6. VERNON
Every year thousands of people descend the train at Vernon station and hop straight onto the shuttle bus to Claude Monet’s house and gardens in nearby Giverny; however, this beautiful village has a lot to offer in its own right. Hundreds of years before the arrival of the painters in the late 19th-century, Vernon occupied a strategic location on the border between the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of France. Evidence of this era remains in the 12th-century castle, the formidable Tour des Archives, and the impressive Notre Dame Collegiate Church. The streets surrounding the church have some half-timbered houses or, for a more impressive sight, seek out le Vieux-Moulin, a 16th-century watermill sitting precariously above the Seine on the remains of a bridge. To view Impressionist perspectives of the area, stop at the Musée Alphonse-Georges Poulain, where several original Monet paintings are on display—something you can’t see in Giverny.
INSIDER TIP: Trains depart every two hours from Saint-Lazare and take 50 minutes.
7. AUVERS-SUR-OISE
Although Giverny usually steals the limelight as the artist destination near Paris, this village north of the capital attracted its fair share of paintbrush-wielding artists, most famously Vincent van Gogh. The troubled artist spent the last months of his life in Auvers-Sur-Oise, capturing its residents, buildings, and neighboring fields in over 70 paintings. The town has made it easy to walk in the Dutch painter’s footsteps thanks to panels at the various sites he commemorated on canvas, many of which now hang at Paris’s Musée d’Orsay. You can visit or have a meal at the inn where he lodged, l’Auberge Ravoux, see his grave at the town’s cemetery or tour the studios and homes of the other artists who were equally inspired by Auvers. Many of the village’s sites close in the low season, so plan to come from April to October.
INSIDER TIP: On weekends from April to October, there’s a direct 40-minute train from Gare du Nord to Auvers-Sur-Oise, which departs around 9:30 am and returns at 6:30 pm. Otherwise, there are regular hour-long trains from the Gare du Nord (Line H) with a change at Persan-Beaumont.
8. SENLIS
This pretty town northeast of the capital has impressive remains chronicling its 2,000 years of history. Senlis boasts some of northern France’s best-preserved vestiges of Gallo-Roman times, including sections of its city walls, defensive towers, and arena. The town continued to prosper over the centuries, as seen in the imposing Romanesque to Renaissance cathedral, many half-timbered houses, 18th-century mansions, and the unique Royal Chapel of St. Frambourg with stained glass windows by Joan Miró. Since it’s on the way, you can combine a visit to Senlis with the sumptuous Château de Chantilly.
INSIDER TIP: Take the TER train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly and then bus 15 or 645, a total journey of an hour.
9. BOUGIVAL
This former haunt of the Impressionists is tucked away in the western suburbs of Paris. On summertime afternoons, you could find the likes of Monet, Sisley, Morisot, and Renoir swaying on the dance floor of its relaxed riverside bars, an ambiance beautifully captured by Renoir in his 1883 painting Dance at Bougival (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston). After wandering through the streets of the quaint village, which are especially scenic in the Saint-Michel quarter, you can relive its artistic heyday by tracing the Impressionists’ palettes along the Seine and the Ile de la Chaussée island, guided by placards. The serene setting attracted other creatives, such as novelist Alexandre Dumas and composer Georges Bizet, who worked on Carmen at his riverside villa.
INSIDER TIP; Direct trains from Gare Saint Lazare (Line L) to Bougival take 30 minutes. From the Bougival station, Bus D can transport you to the historic center or to and from the RER A station at Chatou-Croissy.
10. CHEVREUSE
Hidden within the fields and forests of the Chevreuse Valley is this idyllic hamlet. Dominated by the Medieval Château de la Madeleine, Chevreuse’s cobblestone streets, small cottages, and stone bridges spread along the Yvette River. The village is a perfect stop on a day of hiking through this protected natural park, which contains pristine woods, flowering meadows, several other adorable hamlets, the 18th-century Château de Breteuil and the 12th-century Vaux de Cernay Abbey, the remnants of France’s largest Cistercian monastery (closed for renovations until 2023).
INSIDER TIP: It’s a 50-minute journey on RER B to the Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse. The village is a 30-minute walk or take bus 39-17.
11. MONTFORT L’AMAURY
Found 50 kilometers west of Paris, Montfort l’Amaury is the chicest village surrounding the French capital. A prestigious royal town in the Middle Ages, it regained its glory in the 20th century as the countryside getaway for French celebrities ranging from singer Charles Aznavour to designer Philippe Starck. In addition to trying to peer over the walls of the village’s glamorous residences, you can meander its narrow lanes lined with climbing roses, admire the stained glass windows of the Saint-Pierre church and climb up to the decaying castle, which affords gorgeous views of the town and surrounding countryside.
INSIDER TIP: There are direct trains from the Gare Montparnasse (Line N) to Montfort-l’Amaury-Méré, which takes 35 minutes.
PANO LEFKARA, Cyprus
As one of Cyprus’ most authentic and beautifully preserved villages in terms of landscape, architecture, traditional pastimes, agrotourism and heritage, Pano Lefkara is arguably one of the island’s most sustainable tourism destinations. The ongoing and tireless efforts to retain the village’s original charm and character have made it famous worldwide.
The village is located in Larnaka region’s mountainous areas amidst unspoiled landscape comprised of mountains, forests, groves, nature trails and endemic and indigenous flora and fauna. In fact, the name Lefkara comes from the colour of the limestone that surrounds the village: Lefka means white in Greek, and ori means hills, mountains.
Lefkara is famous for being home to the traditional Cypriot embroidered lace, the well-known «lefkaritiko». It is the finest example of what embroidery and folk art in Cyprus has to offer. It is said that the famous Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci visited Cyprus at the end of the 16th century and came to Lefkara, where he bought a large ornate tablecloth that he gifted to Milan Cathedral
EARTHSHIP
What is Earthship?
An Earthship is a style of architecture developed in the late 20th century to early 21st century by architect MICHAEL REYNOLDS. Earthships are designed to behave as passive solar earth shelters made of both natural and upcycled materials such as earth-packed tires.
The Earthship is an autonomous self-sufficient house built with natural and recycled materials with energy conservation in mind. Designed to produce water, electricity, and food for its own use. Earthships are defined by six basic design principles, all of which take advantage of the existing natural phenomena of the earth: building with natural and repurposed materials, using thermal and solar heating and cooling, solar- and wind-generated electricity, water harvesting, contained sewage treatment and self-sustained food production.
BUILDING WITH NATURAL AND REPURPOSED MATERIALS
Earthships incorporate many natural and reclaimed materials in their construction. Used Automobiles Tires are the perfect form for a rammed-earth brick. There’s no shortage of USED TIRES—at least 2.5 billion are currently stockpiled in the United States, with 2.5 million more discarded every year. Tires can be seen as a globally available “NATURAL RESOURCE.” Other materials such as CANS and BOTTLES are optional, although bottle brick walls are a familiar stand-out feature of many Earthships. All interior walls are packed out between the tires and plastered with adobe MUD. Mud can also be used for floors, and reclaimed WOOD and metal are often used.
Global Model Earthships have been built in France, Germany, Mexico, Canada and across the United States. For more Details, please click on the below link:
AIR FRANCE – KLM Air France-KLM hikes fares for sustainable flights:As from the beginning of 2022, French regulations will require the incorporation of an average of 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel on flights departing from France. A “Sustainable Aviation Fuel” contribution will be included in the price of each ticket from 10 January, from €1 to €4 in the Economy cabin and from €1.50 to €12 in the Business cabin, depending on the distance.