Travel Globally » France

Top 5 Most Lavish Hotels in Europe

travel globally — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:58:41 +0000

Tourists looking for a luxurious vacation in Europe will never leave in disappointment. Some of the most luxurious hotels in the world are located in Europe as they often combine history, exquisite accommodation and location. They can command a steep rate but many of their patrons agree that every cent spent in these hotels is worth it.

The following are the top five luxurious hotels in Europe:

Hotel de Crillon

In the heart of Paris, France is Hotel de Crillon. The structure was built during mid-18^th century and the beauty of the structure is still there today. Aside from the amazing historical structure and accommodation, it also features an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. The hotels popularity is also base on its specialized personal services.

St. Regis Grand Rome

A personal butler, a room with exquisite design from the 15^th century and a world-class dining experience are only some of the features of the hotel. The structure was built during the end of the 19^th century and made even more beautiful with 20^th century remodeling.

The Savoy London

The 19^th century structure went through some serious remodeling in 2010 with amazing results. The hotel perfectly defines the concept of discreet, technology-driven accommodation with luxury. The Savoy London offers easy access to some of the most popular destinations in London such as theaters and museums.

Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris

The hotel is right in the heart of Paris’ downtown but it still keeps its elegance and serene setting. Featuring a 28-meter indoor pool as well as classic Italian dining experience, tourists often visit Le Royal Monceau Raffles to experience the best of Paris and Italy.

Hotel Villa Spalletti Trivelli

Experience the classic luxury in Italy in Rome with this beautiful hotel. It’s very popular for businessmen because of the soothing setting with world-class amenities. It has a rural setting a very beautiful hotel exterior and amazing high quality interior.

Recommended City Breaks in Lille

travel globally — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:55:31 +0000

Located in the northern region of France is the beautiful and picturesque city of Lille. It is an ideal location for tourists who want to spend a beautiful weekend in a remarkable city. Aside from its natural wonders, Lille is also well known for structures that stood the test of time. The city is the perfect destination for a quick but memorable city break.

Shopping Break in Lille

The city of Lille is the premier tourist destination for shopping in northern France. Among the shopping area is the Euralille which is remarkable not only for its amazing shopping experience but also for its modernistic architecture. This is complemented with Wazemmes known for its market during Sundays. During weekdays, the area is still full of tourists seeking for bargains from boutiques and department stores.

Food Adventure in Lille

Lille is well known in the region as a city dedicated to education with its numerous universities and schools. Catering the demand of students for great food and entertainment, the city never disappoints tourists seeking sumptuous meals anytime of the day. During the day, Lille’s popular Wazemmes district is also the haven of popular restaurants and various clubs at night are also known for their fine meals.

Museum, Structures and More

Aside from shopping and food, tourists can easily visit various remarkable structures and museums. Among them is the “Grand’place” located in the center of Lille. While the park itself looks deceptively simple, it is surrounded by century old houses. For museums, Lille’s Musée des Beaux-Arts is home of various works of art from 15^th to 20^th centuries. Whatever you do in the city you are sure to have a great time having a city break in Lille.

Oh la la, Paris!

travel globally — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:06:50 +0000

France has got to be one of the most popular countries in Europe and is definitely one of the most listed down places where one plans to visit in the future.

Once you get to France you’ll need a place to rest your tired aching body (from such a long trip) and of course where you’ll be staying for the rest of your vacation. Hotels and Bed & Breakfast places are spread out in this country and depending on your budget, these “for now” residences can offer you all that you’ll need to feel comfortable during your stay.

Of course the Louvre and the Eiffel tower are the most well-known tourist spots in France and although being able to go to these sites are great, there are a lot more you can see other then these two. There are a lot of beautiful villages in this country where you can hike trails and enjoy calming and gorgeous sceneries while sipping on a glass of wine and eating some bread. Of course, once your soul is refreshed you can head on back to the city for more amazing sights and delicious food.

Also known as one of the shopping capitals of the world, France not only has the top brands nestled in its arms but it also has boutiques and stores that will dazzle your senses and empty your wallet. There are also street markets for those rare finds like fine accessories and great souvenirs. But that isn’t the best part, not only will you be able to haggle for a cheaper price some stores also offer wine samplers for you to enjoy. Now that’s a terrific way to shop.

If you want to experience something diverse and mix the old with the new, then this is the country you must visit. Enjoy the sights, the people and everything else this magical land has to offer.

Magic Christmas and mushrooms in France

travel globally — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:45:14 +0000

The Christmas market of Aix En Provence, France is called the Oil and Truffle Christmas Fair. Every December, the doors of the Place Jeanne d’Arc open between 9am and 7pm in celebration of the holiday season with fresh truffles and olive oil.

In this city, this is the first time that they press the olives from the year’s harvest to provide a very popular virgin oil that sold along with the truffles for this seasonal fair.

Collecting truffles is a secret kept well between families who know how to train pigs or dogs in the art of finding these precious gifts from nature. Since one pound of these precious truffles sells for as much as $500 in the market, you will definitely want to keep it to yourself when you get a patch.

The local turf is also guarded from ramblers who try to help themselves to other natural treasures, like morrel and chanterelle mushrooms. There is nothing, however, to stop visitors from spending their money on one of the patches of truffles, whose flavour is so special that there isn’t anything else like it and just a little bit will go a long way.

The truffles at the Oil and Truffle Christmas Fair can enhance scrambled eggs to the best ones that anyone has ever had, and they can make a really fine risotto as well. What is even better is making the most of the markets other produce, using your own olive oil infused with truffle to pour onto salad and pasta dishes.

Recommended City Breaks in Lille

Gold medal for ski holidays in Chamonix

travel globally — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:06:07 +0000

The Winter Olympic games of 1924 were held in Chamonix, France. The place is a well-known ski resort near Mont Blanc (4808 m). The place is ideal for snowboarding and skiing, having many ski areas like: Vallee Blanche glacier, Les Planards, Les Grands Montets, La Flegere, Le Brevent and Domaine de Balme.

What you can find in Chamonix is the cable car which crosses the whole Mont Blanc Massif. The mountain is considered the roof of Europe and is the favourite destination of thousands of tourists. Even if “to conquer” Mont Blanc is every climber’s dream, it is better to do this with a guide. Mountaineers should not underestimate the massif and its difficulties.

Chamonix has the highest and the most spectacular cable car in the world, built in 1955. At the cable car station of Brevent you can admire the beautiful Mont Blanc (from above) from Le Panoramic restaurant which is not cheap, but the view is very impressive and worthwhile. The place is good both for skiers or non-skiers who can have a nice lunch outside in the sun. If you fancy some Italian meals you can go to Italy via Mont Blanc tunnel which is a road that pierces the mountain for about 11 km. The tunnel links Chamonix (France) and Courmayeur (Italy).

In January in Chamonix takes place the Kandahar World Cup – downhill race combined with slalom. It is held on Piste Verte in Les Houches since 1928. The resort is good for both beginner and advanced skiers as well as for children. Families will find a lot of ski lessons or supervised activities for their little skiers.

Slide to Chamonix with your family and friends!