The Berlin Wall, which stood from 1961 to 1989 was a symbol of the Cold War era. It divided East and West Berlin. Holds historical importance. Today exploring the Berlin Wall provides an opportunity to delve into the captivating past of the city and reflect upon the events that have shaped our modern world. East … Read more
Germany is a country that boasts a heritage, a fascinating history and stunning natural landscapes. From the cities of Berlin and Munich, to the towns nestled in the Bavarian Alps there are countless reasons why Germany is worth exploring. In this guide we will provide you with all the information to ensure you have a … Read more
Brugge is a perfect blend of incredible history and fairytales in Belgium. Exploring the city through a boat ride and getting drenched with the beauty it holds. This article will take you on a beautiful trip to visit Brugge in Belgium. With the medieval period preserved to its utmost beauty, a classic and beautiful stream … Read more
Welcome to our Hallstatt Lake Travel Guide, your ultimate resource for exploring the picturesque beauty of one of Austria’s most enchanting destinations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the history, sights, and practical tips to make your trip to Hallstatt Lake an unforgettable experience. So, let’s dive right in! History and Location Hallstatt Lake, … Read more
Hadrian’s Wall is a historical boundary formed by a series of stone and turf fortifications, stretching over 70 miles in the North-western English countryside and ideal for hiking.
Hadrian’s Wall is sometimes compared to the Great Wall of China, although it is way shorter and narrower than it.
It is nevertheless an ancient engineering achievement constructed across rugged terrains, rivers, streams, and mountains. It is a fun experience to walk alongside Hadrian’s Wall and visit the museums along the pathway.
The fortresses harboring the barracks and museums, along with the long scenic Hadrian’s Wall walk, make it a must-visit place in the United Kingdom.
How old is the Hadrian’s Wall?
Construction of Hadrian’s Wall began years after Emperor Hadrian ascended the throne in 117 A.D. It was begun in 122 A.D. and completed within six years. Since then it has undergone numerous extensions and additions.
Engage with interactive exhibits at the Hadrian’s Wall visitor center, offering educational insights into this monumental work of Roman legacy.
Why was it built?
The Roman Empire had expanded enough, and now with Emperor Hadrian on the throne, it sought to protect what it had acquired so far.
Thus the clear purpose of the Hadrian Wall was to protect the land from the Caledonians and other barbarian troops.
Who built it?
The Wall was built by the Romans on the orders of Emperor Hadrian shortly after their conquest of Britain.
The inscriptions on various sections of the Wall indicate that the British army had Hadrian’s Wall built.
Heavily armed infantrymen worked hard over six years to build Hadrian’s Wall.
Marvel at the resilience of Hadrian’s Wall under a dramatic British sky, a testament to the ancient world’s engineering.
How long is Hadrian’s Wall?
Hadrian’s Wall is located near the border between present-day Scotland and England.
It was built in an east-west direction and stretches 73 miles from Wall’s end on the River Tyne in the east to Bowness on the Solway Firth in the west.
Hadrian’s Wall is a great place for walking, and nature lovers with a penchant for ancient stonework will hardly find a more beautiful place anywhere else in the world.
How to plan a Hadrian’s Wall walk?
Essential for planning to walk Hadrian’s Wall is that you determine the direction in which you want to walk it.
The classic route walking Hadrian’s Wall follows the construction of the wall from east to west. This offers several advantages. On the one hand, you observe the change in landscape from the urban hustle and bustle of Newcastle to the idyllic expanses of Northumberland to the final destination by the sea. On the other hand, you follow the course of the sun and are rewarded with atmospheric sky colours and sunsets when the sky is clear.
However, there are also hikers who walk Hadrian’s Wall from west to east and thus have the Atlantic wind at their back. Be sure to determine the direction at the beginning of your trip planning.
Visit the iconic Sycamore Gap at Hadrian’s Wall, made famous by ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’, a natural landmark steeped in cinematic history.
How to get to there?
All set to walk Hadrian’s Wall along the footsteps of an ancient Roman soldier?
If you happen to start from Newcastle, we highly recommend taking a train from Newcastle to the Hexham town, followed by catching Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus AD 122. This route covers the major part of the Wall.
You also get to see the forts of Housesteads and Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum close to greenhead. Thus you get to visualize the Wall in a spectacular setting.
Also, there are beautiful and scenic stretches of the Wall near Cawfields and Steel Rigg in the Northumberland National Park, England.
Hadrian’s Wall facts
Emperor Hadrian’s successor Antoninus Pius built yet another wall named the Antonine Wall, located in modern-day Scotland. He abandoned the Hadrian’s Wall and established his center elsewhere in the Antonine Wall. Subsequently, this Wall was abandoned as well, following its failure in defending from the nomadic.
Only 10% of the ancient Wall is currently visible. The Wall has suffered a lot of damage in the past 2,000 years. They were mined for stones to build churches and buildings.
Watch the sunset bathe Hadrian’s Wall in a golden glow, highlighting the enduring legacy of Roman Britain.
There is sufficient convincing evidence for historians to believe that a lot of archaeological sites are yet to be discovered in the vicinity of the Wall in the Hadrian’s Wall map. This fascinating ancient landmark was finally designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
Rovinj located on the west coast of Istria is a remarkable and delightful city of Croatia. The most romantic and picture-perfect city is built on the island that makes this place dreamy and classy.
Through this article we have managed to bring forward the complete guide to visit this place, we have bought forward all the best things traditions alive while blending into modern society. With the sweet climate, sparkling water that you can do at this site. Rovinj, Croatia is an astonishing place that has managed to keep its phenomenal of the sea, shiny and warm sun, and romance in the air, this place is perfect to fall in love.
Explore the picturesque harbor of Rovinj, where colorful fishing boats set a charming scene against the old town backdrop in Istria.
How do you get to Rovinj?
The stunning city of Rovinj Croatia is located on a fishing island. The city is amazingly beautiful from all perspectives. Decorated with 22 islands and islets, lifted by the warm and soothing climate, ornamented by eye-catchy parks, beautifying streets, friendly locals, and varied town events this place is bliss. To reach here from any part of Europe is absolute ease. Rovinj is served by Pula airport and the ferries from the North Adriatic, this place is welcoming travelers from the globe.
What can you do in Rovinj?
With the beautiful sea and the crystal-clear sky with the incredible romantic breeze blowing through the city, the place is a dreamland. With so many things to explore and startling locations, Rovinj Croatia is just a perfect destination.
Wander through the cobbled streets of Rovinj’s old town in Istria, with the iconic Saint Euphemia Church watching over the city.
The best places to visit are:
Go for a stroll around the harbor
Explore the old town
Buy something from the farmers’ market
Visit the St. Euphemia Church and adore its bell tower
Dine at the waterfront
Meet the aqua life at Rovinj Aquarium
Go for cycling around
Know more at the awe-interesting museum
Take a bite of lip-smacking ice-cream
Go to the Rovinj beach
Where to stay in Rovinj?
From luxurious to budget-friendly, the sparkling city of Rovinj Croatia is ready to amaze you with so many hotels. The comfortable and friendly stay blended with the mouth-watering seafood servings will make your time memorable and jawdropping.
Enjoy the romantic ambiance of Rovinj at night, where harbor lights reflect on the water, creating a peaceful scene in Istria.
Some of the best and friendly hotels that will make your stay happening and comfortable at Rovinj are:
Hotel Monte Mulini: The 5 Star Boutique Hotel that combines natural beauty and elegant design, offering modern amenities, this hotel is perfect to book a luxurious stay.
Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico Hotel: With the luxurious stay and the amazing view of the sunset from the window, this hotel is a mid-budget hotel that serves lip-smacking food.
La Fondiaria: A 6-minute walk of Sveti Andrija Beach and amazing terrace view, this luxurious accommodation is classic and astonishing.
Hotel Grand Park: The most luxurious hotel with the amazing cascading structure that blends with nature perfectly creating the environment of perfect stay with delicious food, this is awe-interesting.
Apartments Knezovic: The self-catered apartments with free WiFi on the vivid Carera Street lined with shops, bars, and restaurants and that too 5-minute walk away makes this place fun to stay.
What is the best time to travel to Rovinj?
With the cool and dry during the summer months from June through September, the place turns to be absolute bliss. The wind blowing swiftly and the ferry ride in the calm sea during the period will make you go crazy. The beauty spread across the city of Rovinj will make you speechless.
Discover Rovinj from above with an aerial view that reveals the stunning peninsula shape and the Adriatic Sea’s sparkling waters.
What is Rovinj famous for?
The breathtaking city of Rovinj is the land of fishermen, farmers, artisans, merchants, and sailors. With such a remarkable base of people and a friendly atmosphere, the city of Rovinj Croatia is a hotspot for tourism. With so much history of Romans, the ones that occupied the city in the past, and the glorious harbor, this place is a true epitome of beauty.
The dreamland near the calming blue sea and the romantic climate makes the city of Rovinj a place to fall in love. So book your itinerary to the romantic city of Rovinj Croatia today!
Lourdes, France is one of the most popular destinations in the world when it comes to religious significance and pilgrimage. It is located in the southwest of France, in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains.
Millions of tourists, both religious and not, visit the famous city every year. Its religious sites are visited for both pilgrimage or just to experience the amazing atmosphere the site has to offer. Even before the world-famous apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the 1800s, Lourdes has been famous for its magnificent fortified castle, Chateau fort de Lourdes, which is located on its outskirts.
After the Immaculate Conception first appeared before a peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous, Lourdes became a hotspot for religious pilgrimages. It has become one of, if not the most frequently visited pilgrimage sites in the world. 6 million people visit the city every year. Let’s look at the religious history of the city, learn more about who St. Bernadette is, and what you can do while you’re in the city of Lourdes.
Who is St. Bernadette of Lourdes?
For years now, Lourdes has been synonymous with the power of miracles and religious pilgrimage. The reason for this is the miraculous experiences of Bernadette Soubirous, now known as St. Bernadette of Lourdes.
In 1858, a young peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous was outside gathering firewood for her home. While gathering, Bernadette stumbled into a grotto called Massabielle. In this grotto, she saw a vision of the Virgin Mary. The following weeks were incredible for young Bernadette, she experienced a total of 17 more apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
This was huge news for the town. In one of the apparitions, the Lady revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception. The Lady then requested a chapel to be built at Massabielle, the grotto where Bernadette first saw the apparition. This chapel’s purpose was to be visited by the faithful.
The Lady also instructed young Bernadette to drink at the spring in the grotto and wash in its waters. There was no spring visible in the grotto, even so, Bernadette dug out the soil and found it. To this day, the spring waters still continue to flow which provides thousands of gallons of water to provide for fountains and baths.
Today, the chapel is now a large two-level Basilica, which rises above the grotto. The Basilica can accommodate 2000 pilgrimage, however, this wasn’t enough for the number of people visiting every year. In the 1950s, the Underground Basilica of St. Pius X was built to accommodate around 25,000 pilgrims.
After multiple investigations by the Church and various bodies, Bernadette’s reports were declared “worthy of belief” on February 18, 1862. The first apparition in the garden grotto is now known as Our Lady of Lourdes. Saint Bernadette described the Blessed Mother as so beautiful that if you’ve had seen her, it’d be impossible to love anything else on the Earth.
St. Bernadette was declared venerable in 1913 by Pope Pius X and beatified on the 14th of June, 1925, by Pope Pius XI. She was declared a saint by Pope Pius XI on the 8th of December, 1933. Saint Bernadette is the patron saint of the poor, ill, sheep tenders, and individuals who are ridiculed for their faith.
The Holy Mother Church also recognizes St. Bernadette as a saint of common sense, simplicity, common sense, and Our Lady’s Little Confidante. Her official feast day is on the 18th of February. Miraculously, since her death, Saint Bernadette’s body has remained incorrupt.
The Holy Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Lourdes has been synonymous with religious pilgrimage since the miracle in the Grotto of Lourdes. But what is a pilgrimage, exactly?
A pilgrimage is most often than not a religious activity. In a pilgrimage, individuals called pilgrims travel long distances to reach a sacred place such as a shrine or temple. Millions of faithful individuals, especially Roman Catholics, visit the site every year. They come to experience the site where the visions of St. Bernadette took place. Pilgrims also come to be healed by its miraculous waters.
However, Christian pilgrims have also started to embark on the pilgrimage to visit and pray at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. They also worship at the grotto where the Lady appeared before St. Bernadette.
As for the legitimacy of the miracles, the International Medical Committee of Lourdes began in 1947 and is responsible for judging whether the healing miracles in Lourdes are real. The Roman Catholic Church has recognized 69 miracle cases as real by 2015.
Lourdes’ Water and Its Miracles
The story of Lourdes and its miracles is famous across the world. Whether these stories are true remains on the individual’s beliefs. In this section, let’s look at some of the numerous miracle stories experienced by the faithful.
Mrs. Catherine Latapie
The first-ever miracle documented at Lourdes happened in 1858. A woman named Catherine Latapie felt an urge to visit Lourdes for healing. Two years before visiting, Catherine had an accident where she fell from a tree, injuring her right hand. This injury left two of her fingers permanently paralyzed.
Mrs. Latapie met Bernadette at the grotto, Bernadette instructed her to wash her hand in the spring that appeared. After washing them, the paralyzed fingers regained their movement in an instant.
Louis Bouriette
Another miracle that happened in Lourdes is to the old gentleman, Louis Bouriette. Mr. Bouriette was 55 years of age when he visited Lourdes in 1858. A mine explosion rendered his right eye blind; the same explosion killed his brother who was standing at his side. Mr. Bouriette also washed his right eye in the spring and prayed to Our Lady of the Grotto for a cure.
After washing his eye, the vision came back completely. In 1862, the miracle cure was deemed by the medical community as of “supernatural character.”
Serge Francois
The miracle of Serge Francois is the most recent approved miracles at Lourdes. Mr. Francois was 56 years of age when he embarked on the pilgrimage to Lourdes seeking healing. Two surgeries on his left leg left it completely immobile due to a herniated disc.
Mr. Serge Francois performed the customary ritual when arriving at the shrine in the grotto. He washed his face and drank from the spring waters. He completed this pilgrimage in April 2002. After this, his left leg began healing itself. He fully recovered in 2003, where he approached the medical board to investigate the phenomena. This request was approved by the Bishop Emmanuel Delmas of Angers, France in 2011.
Things You Can Do While in Lourdes
Lourdes, France is a wonderful place to visit for both religious and enjoyment purposes. The city is rich in history, with a beautiful sense of piety and purity. Here are some of the things you should definitely do whenever you decide to visit Lourdes.
Visit The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
A trip to Lourdes isn’t complete without visiting the world-famous Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. This is where the religious tourism of Lourdes all began. This place is a hot-spot for devoted pilgrims from all over the world. However, even if you aren’t as devoted, it is still worth visiting for the atmosphere alone.
Visit a Popular Museum – The Pyrenean Museum
The Pyrenean Museum is also worth a visit if you’re interested in the rich history of the area. It is located in the Chateau-Fort De Lourdes, a huge medieval castle. Inside the museum is a collection of various artworks and artifacts from the region. These include beautiful paintings and drawings.
Enjoy the View of Lourdes from Funiculaire du Pic du Jer
Take a trip to Funiculaire du Pic du Jer to get one of the best views of Lourdes and the peaks of the Pyrenees mountains. This place is perfect for photos and can easily become your new profile picture on social media. The way up can be a long trip, taking around three hours but it is worth it for the scenic views on the way up.
Learn About St. Bernadette Soubirous’ life at Moulin de Boly
Moulin de Boly is the birthplace of St. Bernadette and is located at the heart of Lourdes. It was originally a water mill; the place was renovated in 2012. It is now a museum that features a kitchen, a bedroom, and a water mill. There are informative tours available for tourists looking to learn more about St. Bernadette Soubirous’ life.
Visit the Chateau-Fort De Lourdes
Bask in the majestic Chateau-Fort De Lourdes, an old medieval castle that is perched atop a rocky cliff. You can enjoy the views of the Pyrenees mountains inside of this millennium-old castle.
Chemin de Croix – The Way of the Cross
If you’re planning to go on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, the Chemin de Croix – The Way of the Cross is an essential part of the journey. It is a famous 1.5-kilometer route that runs along a wooded hillside. It features 15 different stations that depict the journey of Jesus Christ on his way to his crucifixion.
How to Get to Lourdes
If you’re planning to go on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, the Chemin de Croix – The Way of the Cross is an essential part of the journey. It is a famous 1.5-kilometer route that runs along a wooded hillside. It features 15 different stations that depict the journey of Jesus Christ on his way to his crucifixion.
Conclusion
That is our article on everything you need to know about Lourdes. We hope that you’ve learned something new by reading the article. We hope that you enjoy your trip to Lourdes whenever you decide to go.
The picturesque village of Rothenburg, situated in the heart of Germany, is an idyllic town with the plush of patrician houses and half-timbered dwellings.
The splendid beauty of the city with the charming medieval atmosphere blended with the beautiful sky and sparkling climate, this place is sheer bliss.
With this article, we will take you on a trip to the picturesque village of Rothenburg. With so many things to see and explore, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is a marvelous place with the half-timbered houses standing on either side of the stoned pathways, and the beautiful architect, still standing in all its beauty.
Where is Rothenburg?
The prodigious and sparkling city of the half-timbered dwellings with the beautiful wooden windows and the stunning barns turned into thrilling hotels, the city of Rothenburg Germany is located in Germany’s Franconian heartland. The awe-interesting view of the city at sunset from the Town, Hall tower is crazy and will fill you with joy.
Stroll through the storybook streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where medieval charm comes to life.
What to do in Rothenburg?
The beauty of the houses blended with modern culture spreads joy all around the city. The sparkling climate and the cool breeze flowing through the wooden windows and the cobblestone streets create a perfect moment to click pictures.
With this the best things to do in Rothenburg:
The Town wall and the Rathaus is a must-see Renaissance architecture
Explore the Marktplatz
Explore the Burggarten – the castle garden
Praise the half-timbered and stone houses at Plonlein
Visit the St Jacobs’ Church
Explore the Medieval Crime Museum
Visit the astounding architectural facades of Baumeisterhaus and Klingentor
Read the Latin inscription, Pax intrantibus, Salus exeuntibus, meaning, “Peace to those who enter in, good health to those who leave again.” On the walls of Spitalhof and Spitaltor
Walk atop the historic town walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber for panoramic views of the town and beyond.
What makes Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber Germany famous?
The well-preserved beauty of the medieval period, and the astounding climate all round the year, the Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber Germany is stupefying.
To make this stunning city more famous, just remember Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows which is filmed here.
Colorful facades and flower-filled windows in the charming old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
When to visit Rothenburg?
The ideal atmosphere between May to September makes the city stunning. The average temperature, ideal climate, no humidity, and the beauty scattered in the medieval era city of Rothenburg create the fairyland effect everywhere.
The city that still preserves its medieval beauty and blends it harmoniously with today is, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber. The beauty of the pathways and the astounding antique structures makes the place a fairyland that takes you to the past.
With so much beauty that city holds, placing this city in the bucket list and planning a trip will be thrilling. So, get astonished with the medieval period of Rothenburg, and pack your backs for a trip to the past today!
Discover the iconic Plönlein in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a postcard-perfect snapshot of traditional German architecture.
Remember for December – Christmas Market
Rothenburg ob der Tauber has one of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas Markets. These markets are only opened for four weeks during the month of December.
Experience the charm of Reiterlesmarkt, a Christmas Market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany.
The stunningly charming houses and the perfect stay points that the city is pure bliss. With the perfect blend of past and luxurious amenities, the best hotels to stay here are:
Burghotel: The luxurious and well-furnished rooms near the Town walls that give the spectacular views of the Tauber Valley from its terrace, this hotel is astonishingly charming.
Hotel Eisenhut: The stunning old-fashioned building turned hotel just next to the Christmas Museum and Marktplatz, is budget-friendly with a bunch of amenities.
Hotel Reichskuchenmeister: Operated by the family, this budget-friendly hotel is ready to surprise you with authentic breakfast and a traditional restaurant, and that too in your budget.
Hotel Klosterstueble: Located in between the remarkable Christmas Museum and Burg Garden, this traditional building is budget-friendly with cozy and quirky rooms.
Akzent Hotel Schranne: The antique furnishing with a friendly environment and budget not too high, this hotel is comfortable and just a block off Marktplatz.
Gascony is one of the celebrated gourmet regions in France that is considered the land of good food and wine. It is also home to fortified villages, towns, and it has an impressive cultural and architectural heritage that attracts many tourists throughout the world. There is a wide list of attractions and monuments that will make your visit to this region worthwhile.
Gascony is also home to the popular story of the d’Artagnan the three Musketeers. The name Gascony evokes sunlight and warmth, making it the perfect travel destination for those that enjoy a traditional and rural way of life.
Although Gascony does not have a clearly-defined territory in France, it lies more on the southwest of France and stretches to the Pyrenees and river Garonne. With so much to offer, Gascony is, without doubt, a pleasing travel destination.
D’Artagnan – The Musketeer from Gascony
The Musketeers were a military in French that was tasked with the responsibility of protecting the king. From 1611 to 1673, Charles de Batz Castelmore, who was also referred to as d’Artagnan served as captain for the Musketeers of the Guard for Louis XIV.
Born near Lupic in France, d’Artagnan was the son of Arnaud de Batz, the merchant who bought the castle of Castelmore. In the 1930s, d’Artagnan left his home in Gascony and left for Paris suing his mother’s name.
He became a Musketeer thanks to the support of his uncle. He then joined the guards in the 1630s and he was able to serve under Captain des Essarts.
Due to his faithful service, Louis XIV entrusted a lot of his secrets to D’Artagnan. Over the years, he was promoted to lieutenant and then to captain-lieutenant for the Musketeers. He was however killed in 1673 during the siege of Maastricht.
Lavardens, France: A picturesque summer landscape in the historic province of Gascony.
Towns of Gascony Region
Here are some of the fortified towns in Gascony.
Auch
Auch is an ancient town and a departmental capital of the Gers. This town is known for its attractions such as the Renaissance Cathedral of Sainte-Marie which has beautiful stained-glass windows.
You can take a tour of this cathedral to have a closer look at these windows, which were dismantled during World War II and later returned. Just recently, the windows were restored with each window costing 110,000 euros.
Other top sites include the Tour D’Artagnan, which is a 14th-century prison. This historic capital also has a great heritage and offers stunning views of the Gers Valley.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is located on Garonne River banks and is renowned for its wine-related activities. This town has a long history and is home to popular attractions like the Museum of Aquitaine, Saint-Andrew Cathedral of Bordeaux, Place de la Bourse, Grand Theatre de Bordeaux, and many more.
You can as well take a stroll at Port of the Moon, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. If you are tired from exploring the town, you can head on to the Parc de Majolan to relax. There is so much to see and do in this historic town.
Luchon
Luchon is a town located in the Pyrenees mountain, and which is famous for its healing water that started during the Gallo-Roman times. This region became a popular spa town, thanks to the thermal baths.
Today, this town is a destination of choice for spa-goers, hikers, skiers, and bikers. As you stroll around the town, the vibe of thermalism is still evident. The town is also surrounded by beautiful, lush gardens, hotels, and picturesque Belle Epoque villas.
Bagnères-de-Luchon: The tranquil Chambert hot spring in the heart of the Pyrenees.Journey to Hourgade Peak: A hiker’s adventure in L´Ourtiga, Luchon, Pyrenees.
Bayonne
Located in the South West, Bayonne is a town in Gascony that is famous for its rich history, art, festivals, and gastronomy. It is also famed for the invention of the bayonet and for its chocolate.
Situated at the junction of Rivers Nive and Adour, this town is home to the 14th-century gothic Cathedral Sainte-Marie. There is also so much to learn in this town including the construction of the ramparts and fonts by the Vauban under Louis XIV.
Bayonne’s Heritage: Exploring the old houses in the Basque region of France.Festive Spirits: The vibrant crowd at Bayonne’s Summer Festival.Socializing in Bayonne: A snapshot of locals at the market terraces.
Lourdes
This town is renowned for pilgrimage and charms travelers with its stunning surroundings. Over the years, this town has developed into a place for Roman Catholic Pilgrimage and where miraculous healings take place.
Considered the oldest bastide in Gascony or Gers, this town was first established in 1255 by the Count of Toulouse. It was constructed on a promontory using a traditional rigid plan. It is home to a Gothic church that was built in the 13the century.
Interesting, ruins were uncovered in the town in 1959, making it an ideal for archaeology enthusiasts to visit. The ruins date back from the 2nd to the 5th century and they revealed thermal pools and baths and an underground heating system.
Montreal, Gers: Discovering the quaint charm of this French commune.Montreal, Gers: Discovering the quaint charm of this French commune.
Eauze
Although Eauze is a small town, archaeology lovers will find a great place to visit. This town features pieces of Ger’s ancient history. It is also the birthplace of Domaine Tariquet, a family-owned winery that dates back to 100 years.
Wine lovers can stop by this winery to taste the two roses, 10 white wines, and Armagnacs that are stored in the ancient cellars.
Éauze’s Timeless Beauty: The medieval main square on May 22, 2021.Eauze’s Architectural Heritage: A medieval half-timbered house, captured in 2021.
Pau
Pau France is an attractive town and the capital of Western Pyrenees. If you want to explore the Pyrenees, Pau would be a good place to start. Besides, there is so much to explore in this town including a castle and the Musee des Beaux-Arts gallery.
Art lovers will have the chance to explore works of different artists such as El Greco, Boudin, Rubens, Marquet, Corot, Ribera and Vuillard.
Pau Panorama: Capturing the essence of this Nouvelle Aquitaine city.Twilight at Pau Castle: An evening glimpse of Aquitaine’s historical landmark.Jurancon Vineyards: The verdant wine-producing fields near Pau in the French Pyrenees.
Reasons to Visit Gascony France
Wondering why Gascony is a good travel destination? Here are reasons why you should plan a visit to this part of France.
Magnificent Medieval Villages of Gascony
A top reason why you should not hesitate to plan a visit to Gascony is that it is home to some of the most stunning villages in the region. Most of these villages acted as medieval homes in the past and have a rich history that will get any tourist excited.
As you plan a visit to Gascony, you should definitely visit the villages like Montreal, Condom, Agen, Auch, and Larressingle. Some of these villages were first used as rest stops that were used by the pilgrims. These villages still preserve their history from medieval times until today.
Armagnac
Gascony Armagnac is the local brandy produced in Gascony. It is France’s most traditional and oldest brandy and is a common ingredient for most Gascony’s cuisines today.
Additionally, this brandy is Gascony’s biggest export and a huge competitor for Cognac.
Gascony’s Rich Cuisine
When it comes to cuisine, Gascony offers some of the best poultry in the France regions. It is also noted for other dishes like the duck pate de foie gras and other pates. You can also expect to find croustade in most restaurants, which usually includes meat, apple pie, or meat and vegetable.
Being a rural place, tourists have an easy time venturing from one joint to another as they work up their appetite.
One restaurant that promotes Gascony cuisine is the Hotel de France located in Auch. Andre Daguin, who is the most famous chef in Gascony once worked in this hotel and brought the best of Gascony cooking to the public. Today, this hotel offers delicious Gascony dishes like the Foie gras, roasted magret, and many more.
Wine Making Paradise
Having been in the business of making wine for almost 2000 years now, Gascony is, without doubt, a winemaking paradise that receives wine tourists throughout the year. Gascon wine is symbolic and the locals love to include wine in their cuisine. Different types of wine complement the region’s dishes, making them an important ingredient.
For instance, white wine complements Foie gras while red wines are usually served with hearty dishes like duck cassoulet and garbure. If you enjoy the Armagnac, you will probably want to serve it with desserts like the Pastis Gascon.
You can also take advantage of your trip to Gascony and visit the numerous wineries and vineyards in the region. You can take different wine routes to experience the rich history of winemaking in this region.
One such route is the Route des Vins et des Vallons du Pays, which is based around Condom town. Taking these routes will let you see the oldest vineyards in Gascon.
For Architecture Lovers
Architecture lovers have so much to explore in this beautiful region. Towns in this region have outstanding pieces that tell a story of the area and its rich culture.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a travel destination where you will enjoy good food and learn more about the 3 Musketeers, Gascony is the ideal destination for you. You will enjoy its slow pace of life, good food and wine, and gentle landscapes. Don’t hesitate to add this beautiful place to your travel bucket list.
Valensole is a surprisingly beautiful plateau filled with the kaleidoscopic swirl of lavender purple and gold. Starting from what are the best things to do in Valensole to the best time for visiting this place, we have included everything in this article for you to understand this beautiful place.
With the fragrance of lavender in the air and the sky filled with shades of pink, this place is a dreamland.
The dreamland of romance and beauty situated at an altitude of 500 meters to the south of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, near Digne-Les-Bains and the Verdon gorges, this place is pure heaven. With amazing lavenders fluttering all over, and the lovely landscape, the dreamland of Valensole France, is a startling destination for photographers and lovers.
How to go to Valensole?
The stunningly beautiful and marvelous city of Valensole is ready to take you to dreamland at any point in time. With the lavenders fluttering and dancing, the sky filled with shades of pink, the air filled with sweet fragrance, and the romantic atmosphere everywhere, Valensole France is phenomenal and glorious.
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Valensole lavender fields, a sea of purple set against the idyllic Provence landscape.
To reach this magnificent city the best options are:
Discover the delicate beauty of blooming lavender up close in Valensole, a sensory delight in the heart of Provence.
When to go to Valensole?
With the beginning of summer, the beauty of the lavenders starts spreading across the trails of the city. With the surprising Valensole Lavender fields, spread throughout the place looks like heaven in purple and gold on earth.
At the end of June and the beginning of July, when the lavender flowers are in full bloom, the Valensole city becomes perfect to welcome the tourists with the purple glory spread all-over.
What to do in plateau de Valensole France?
The land of Valensole is a sparkling beauty. The sheer calmness of flowers smiling at you, and the pink sky above your head, the place is just mesmerizing. With lavender fields spread all over, and the breathtaking view, the hearts of the tourists are sure to skip a beat.
To capture the beauty of the place at once and to surprise the soul, the best things to do at Valensole France are:
Visit the Valensole lavender fields at ‘Route de Riez’
Attend the Valensole lavender festival
Explore the Chapelle Saint-mayeul
Dine at Le Jardin De Celina
Admire the Eglise Saint-Blaise et Notre-Dame-des-Malades
Take a sip of Clos De Villeneuve
Explore the charm of a traditional stone farmhouse nestled amidst the lavender fields of Valensole, a quintessential Provence experience.
What is the best time for Lavender photos?
With beautiful lavender fields and purple and gold flowers, the picture clicked at the Valensole are awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping. The place is the perfect destination for photographers who wish to capture nature in their lens.
Between 6:30 to 10PM in the evening, when the sunsets and the sky is filled with hues, the glowing sparkle of sunlight, and the beautiful lavenders dancing around, the time to capture the picture of the Valensole lavender fields will be extraordinary.
When is the Valensole Lavender festival?
The breathtaking view of the Lavenders is spread all across the city. With infinite beauty and jaw-dropping scenes, the place is just unbelievable. The Valensole lavender fields spread across the endless, and under the sparkling sunlight and cool breeze, the place is perfect.
The Lavande Angevin is the best and the coolest Valensole lavender fields to visit. The beauty of the lavender is celebrated in the Valensole Lavender festival on 3rd July every year.
Experience a magical sunset over Valensole’s lavender fields, where the sky and flowers blend in a canvas of colors.
The fairyland of lavender, spreading joy and beauty, with the purple flowers smiling and spreading their fragrance, the city of Valensole France is phenomenal. So plan your trip to the Valensole lavender fields to capture its beauty, and create a life time memory here!