Posted by admin on July 27, 2008 under One stop travel guide to Paris | 
What better time to be in Paris than for the annual Apple Expo Remix? This year’s Apple Expo begins on September 17th through to September 20th ‘08. The convention will be held at Paris’s Porte de Versailles Convention center, located in Paris’s 15th arrondissement.
Some of the highlights of this year’s expo will be of interest to fellow bloggers. A workshop on blog journalism will cover such issues as how to check one’s sources on the internet For all of you bloggers out there who like to do your fact-checking (yes, some of us do try our best to get the facts!), you’ll want to make sure not to miss this workshop.
And here’s one for budding movie directors: Cinema and Music Creation. If your videos are not complete until you’ve found just the right soundtrack to go with your video, then I know you’ll be at this workshop. (September 19th). The description sounds too tantalizing to pass up:
“Cinema and Music creation -the bond between a film director and the score’s composer are sometimes strong enough for their collaboration to become recurrent, resulting in the birth of mythical “cinema couples”, but we also sometimes see the creation of “digital couples”. The Mac platform has become the preferred tool for film score composers, who are always on the lookout for new emotions and new sources of inspiration.” A live composing session is part of the workshop.
What will be the only thing missing from the Apple Expo? Apple. Apple-Expo organizers don’t give the answers as to why Apple won’t be partcipating the convention which has been running since 1998, but it’s suggested that preparations for the new Apple store at the Carrousel du Louvre may explain no Apple participation this year. Cedric Taillandier comments about what will happen to the space normally reserved for Apple (comments in French)
New Apple Store at the Carrousel du Louvre
Even if Apple won’t be participating in the Apple Expo, you may already know that Apple will soon become a fixture of the Carrousel du Louvre. Although the actual opening date is still under wraps, the new Apple store should look pretty good in the neighborhood of IM Pei’s pyramid. 
Early in June, Apple confirmed it will open a store in the Carrousel du Louvre, the shopping center in the Louvre Palace next to the famous museum and glass pyramid. It’s been reported that Apple will occupy 7,696 square feet of space on two floors.
Would it be a surprise to you if the new store’s opening might possibly coincide with the dates for Apple Expo?
Practical tips about the Apple Expo Remix ‘08:
You can get a FREE electronic entrance badge if you order online (otherwise it costs 12 Euros at the door).
Remember that hotels in Paris book very quickly for September, so book NOW!
Discount flights. Did you know that Air France offers discount flights specifically for conventions such as the Apple Expo and the Paris Auto Show.
Apple Expo Remix ‘08
Porte de Versailles Convention Ctr Hall 5
Metro: Porte de Versailles
September 19-20, 2008
Posted by admin on July 26, 2008 under One stop travel guide to Paris |
From September 1st to October 29, 2008, Air France will be offering flights from New York to Paris starting at $357.00 one way. This translates to approximately $830 and change when you include all the taxes (including a Septemer 11 security charge).
Posted by admin on July 25, 2008 under Prague's Travel and Accommodation News |
Festival oriented on classic music will take place in Rudolfinum hall from 16th of August till 4th of September. Festival is dedicated to memory of Antonin Dvorak, one of most famous composers ever. Famous musicians like Ion Marin, Charles Dutoit, Isabelle Faust, Augustin Dumay, pianist Nikolaj Luganski or Mikhaila Ovrutsky promised to take part in this fantastic festival.
Posted by admin on July 23, 2008 under One stop travel guide to Paris |
Senator Barack Obama will be visiting with French president Nicolas Sarkozy this Friday, July 25,2008 in Paris. Republican candidate, Senator John McCain was received at the Elysees Palace for an ‘unofficial visit’ earlier this year as part of a military delegation.
As Parislogue readers know, one day in Paris is hardly enough time to appreciate this city’s layered history, but there are some points of interest that should be at the top of Obama’s ‘must-see’ list. He probably won’t be able to see all of these sites in a day and still have time for a traditional French ‘dejeuner’ at the Elysees Palace but . . . he can try. Bon courage!
The Arc de Triomphe
Built by Emperor Napoleon, the Arc de Triomphe was built to glorify and commemorate French battle victories. Here rests the unknown soldier and the eternal flame is relit every evening at 6:30 pm.
This is also the arch through which passed triumphant World War I American troops, specifically the US Army’s all-black 369th Regiment. The Harlem Hellfighters, The Chicago Colored Volunteers were just two of the regiments who marched along the Champs Elysees Avenue at the end of World War I.
Since the Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated in 1837, millions of Americans have climbed its steps to admire the ’spine’ of Paris, running from the Place de la Concorde to Bastille, but for freed slaves such as Wiliam Wells Brown, the view represented a newfound sense of freedom: “You could look out over a city where you are finally free, even from bounty hunters and fugitive slave laws.”
Picpus Cemetery
Not as famous as Pere Lachaise where many of the world’s most famous artists, writers, and musicians are buried, the tranquil private Picpus Cemetery houses one extremely good friend to the United States : General Lafayette.
An American flag still flies over Lafayette’s grave. It’s been suggested by some that Lafayette’s contribution of ships and volunteers during the American Revolution may have tipped the balance in favor of a victory for the American colonies. Although Lafayette died peaceably, many of the other Picpus residents, including sixteen Carmelite nuns, were arbitrarily thrown into a pit after having been guillotined at the Place du Trone during the French revolution. In those days, the nearby guillotine (which had been relocated from the Place de la Concorde) was knocking off approximately 55 heads per day. After the Reign of Terror, the plot of land was subsequently purchased by an aristocrat (one of the few who hadn’t lost her head) and was kept as a burial ground for family members.
This was the one place in Paris where the American flag continued to fly throughout the Nazi occupation during World War II.
Les Invalides
Les Invalides was originally built by Louis XIV as a military hospital. Nowadays, it houses Napoleon’s tomb as well as an enormous military history museum, Musee de l’Armee. Needless to say, Obama won’t have time to visit the entire complex, but I would recommend taking a look at military engineer Vauban’s city fortification relief maps. Twelve of Vauban’s fortifications have recently received Unesco World Heritage Site recognition. An important lesson that might be gleaned from Vauban’s military advice to King Louis XIV: “You’ve gotta give a little to get a little”. Vauban actually suggested ceding French territory in order to better defend and consolidate the nation’s borders.
Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame marks the center of Paris and the very roots of the city’s creation on the two islands of Ile de la Cite and Ile Saint Louis. After the Vatican, it’s possibly one of the most well-known Roman Catholic cathedrals in the world, but it’s also a historical landmark for some of the extraordinary events in French history. Here’s where Napoleon crowned himself emperor of France (and of whatever else he managed to conquer). Here’s where thousands recently gathered for the funeral services of Cardinal Lustiger, France’s Jewish Roman Catholic cardinal.
From an architectural point of view, Notre Dame represents one of the most beautiful expressions of religious faith wrought by human hands into an architectural masterpiece that has endured for centuries.
Memorial to the Martyrs of the Deportation
Just behind Notre Dame Cathedral, in the Square d’Ile de France on the easternmost tip of Ile de la Cite, a memorial to French citizens deported to Nazi concentration camps reminds us that the sense of freedom William Wells Brown experienced while he stood the top of the Arc de Triomphe was not the case for the 175,000 World War II French deportees, of which 11,000 were children.
Joan of Arc statue, Place des Pyramides
The Joan of Arc Statue was sculpted by Emmanuel Fremiet, commissioned by Napoleon III, a sister statue is located in Philadelphia, PA
Joan of Arc is the patron saint of France. She was responsible for winning decisive battles during France’s Hundred Years War with England. She brought the Dauphin Charles VII to Reims where he was crowned King of France. Her faith and determination to drive the English out of France inspired the king and French soldiers to defend their nation.
IM Pei Pyramid at the Louvre
Amid much controversy, the IM Pei design for a pyramid allowing a dramatic entrance into the Louvre museum was approved during the Francois Mitterand presidency. The contributions of a Chinese born-American I.M. Pei and Irish architect Peter Rice to a palace which originally was conceived by Philippe August as a military fortification is a great symbol of how the world is capable of evolving from defensive walls to welcome mats. France continues to open its arms to world talents when it comes to adding to the city’s most famous landmarks.
Rue Francois Miron
It’s just a street that’s been around for a long time - since the Romans. So what’s the big deal? Francois Miron deserves a nod of recognition. He was an adviser to King Henry IV. It was Miron who suggested to the king that aristocrats and commoners should live side by side. Consequently King Henry IV constructed Place de Vosges where he would ostensibly live when he was in Paris. A number of Paris constructions including the Louvre Palace were meant to be royal residences in Paris (even though the early kings rarely remained in Paris for any substantial time). The message here - might be - avoid the snare of viewing the world through rose-or blue-colored lenses from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
American Cathedral and the American Church in Paris.
Neither the American Cathedal or the American Church of Paris newcomers. Both churches have been operating since the late-1800s. The American Cathedral was consecrated on November 25, 1886, the same day that the Statue of Liberty was inaugurated in New York City. (It’s role in past French/American relations includes the assistance of Church member Dr. Thomas Evans who helped the Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, escape to England during the Franco-Prussian war)
The American church, a non-denominational place of worship likes to refer to itself as ‘God’s United Nations’. Its global missions include Habitat for Humanity, missions in Ghana, Open House which brings Israeli and Palestinian children together, Association of Christians against Torture, to name a few.
MEMORIAL DU MARECHAL LECLERC DE HAUTECLOCQUE - MUSEE JEAN MOULIN
Jean Moulin and Marshal Leclerc were two key figures of the French resistance movement during World War II. Gare Montarnasse. Jardin Atlantique upper level.
Nearby, just off of Rue Depart, one can find Place Josephine Baker. This isn’t much of a landmark - but it’s a start. The square isn’t far from the venue of Baker’s last performance (at Bobino on Rue de la Gaite.
1920s Singer, dancer, and movie actress Josephine Baker took Paris by storm when she performed in the Casino de Paris, and later on, the Folies Bergeres. Eventually, she became a French citizen. Because of her contributions as a resistance fighter in World War II, she was the first woman to receive France’s highest military honor, the Croix de Guerrefor her service to France. She smuggled coded messages out of France to Portugal on her sheet music. (This did not stop creditors from physically expelling her from her Chateau Millandes when she failed to get the last payment registered in time).
Cite Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration
Palais de la Porte Doree
293 Avenue Daumesnil 75012
1930s
CitГ© nationale de l’histoire de l’immigration
Palais de la Porte DorГ©e
293, avenue Daumesnil 75012 Paris
The newly created immigration museum replaces the Oceanic and African arts museum which was dismantled and melded with the Musee du Quai Branly collection. In its place, the immigration museum gives a home to the story of immigrants coming to France. The current exhibit focuses on immigrants of the 1930s.
Free Concert at Musee du Quai Branly
The Musee du Quai Branly, inaugurated by former president Jaques Chirac highlights African, Oceanic, Amerindian and Asian arts. Architect Jean Nouvel designed the museum building and its gardens. This would be the ideal place to wrap up the day with the 7 pm free garden concert.
Emmanuel Dilhac is the artist/musician ‘who makes stones sing’. His concert Woolloo Belou invites spectators to ’share in his discovery of the prehistoric sound’.
Musee du quai Branly
37, quai Branly
75007 - Paris
Tel. : 01 56 61 70 00
Fouquet’s Restaurant
99 Champs Elysses
Finish up with dinner at Fouquet’s Restaurant on the Champs Elysees - where Life Magazine fashion photographer Gordon Parks used to hang out.
Finally, a day trip to the American Cemetery at Colleville in Normandy, is most important - to remember those Americans as well as all the Allied soldiers who sacrificed their lives to make France a free nation. For those of us who can visit France nowadays under peaceful conditions, may we never forget that peace is a privilege to be cherished - and never taken for granted.
Posted by admin on July 22, 2008 under One stop travel guide to Paris |
It’s not too early to start staking out your spot for the triumphant arrival of the Tour de France in Paris. This year (2008), the Tour de France cyclists will zoom along the Champs Elysees, do their final circle round the Arc de Triomphe on Sunday, July 27th.
If you plan on being in town for that Sunday, you may want to take an early stroll down the Champs Elysees to choose among the innumerable cafes ranging from burger joints to ornate tea salons, but sentimentally speaking, I’d be hard put to go anyplace other than the Publicis Drugstore, 133 Avenue des Champs Elysees. That’s the place where we first saw the Tour de France tear up the pavement.
Not only that, but the Publicis Drugstore is perfectly situated at the corner of the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe so you do get a great vantage point.
There are other cafes along the Champs that have a more time-honored reputation such as Fouquet’s or La Duree, but ‘Le Drugstore’ holds a particular place in my heart - as being one of the few places on the Champs where as a poor student, I could afford to splurge on a ‘Salade caifornienne’. Even back then ‘Le Drugstore’ was a stylish place to wander about on a Friday or Saturday night.
Still, to this day, I don’t know how we managed to find a table to watch the Tour de France several years ago, but I think we ended up standing on tip-toe.
These days ‘Le Drugstore’ has reinvented itself - evolving with each generation. It cheered along France’s soccer team in 1998, creating a facade to match the team’s colors and, at the beginning of the new millenium went through another revamping. 
If you’re wondering why I’m making such a big deal about a ‘drugstore’, the first thing to understand is that the Publicis Drugstore has never been anything comparable to an American ‘drugstore’ or a British ‘chemist’. The closest shop concept in the U.S. might be a ‘Sharper Image’ if the ‘Sharper Image’ also included a Brasserie and a more upscale restaurant.
Add to that a movie theater, a cigar boutique, and an international newspaper and magazine kiosque, a winery complete with winetastings … you start to get the picture. This is your down-the-corner Mom & Pop ‘drugstore’ gone Gucci with everything under the sun - even pharmaceuticals (but you’ll hardly recognize the traditional green cross that you see posted for the typical French ‘pharmacie’.
Another good reason to scout out Le Drugstore well before July 27th is to catch the Design Lovers which will be highlighting some of France’s most revered designers including Philippe Stark and Jean Nouvel. The fun begins today July 18th and will last through August 29th. You’ll find some samples of France’s top designware right here at Le Drugstore at surprisingly affordable prices.
When you do arrive at the Champs Elysees (get off at the Metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile or Metro: George V), be sure to pick up a Tour de France t-shirt. A great souvenir for wearing to your work-out when you’re back home.
For those that can’t stand the crowds (I hear you!), Google has come up with a great way to enjoy the arrival of the Tour de France in Paris without ever leaving your computer station. I know that nothing compares with actually being there and absorbing the anticipation of that first cyclist leading the pack . . . but the Google visual map of the Tour de France route is frankly amazing. The video image of various towns in France makes you want to hop on your Velib bike and retrace the route.
Trivia: Did you know that the Tour de France’s final stage didn’t originally end up at the Champs Elysees? Originally, the race ended at Parc des Princes. It wasn’t until 1975 that ‘La Grande Boucle’ graced Paris’s most famous avenue and circled the Arc de Triomphe.
You can find more Tour de France Trivia Tidbits (in French) but I’ll translate some of these for you in the next few days. ““Ten Anecdotes on the Tour de France”
publicisdrugstore
133 avenue des Champs-ElysГ©es
75008 Paris
TГ©l : 33(0)1 44 43 79 00
Brasserie Reservations Tel: 01 44 43 77 64
MГ©tro : Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, Georges V
Other suggestions for Champs Cafe/Restaurants:
ALSACE (L’) - An all-night Champs Elysees brasserie serving big fresh seafood platters and Alsatian specialties: foie gras au gewurztraminer, choucroute (sauerkraut with ham and sausages). Daily 24 hrs. €€ (Cards: all) 39 ave des Champs-Elysees (8th), 01.53.93.97.00. Franklin D. Roosevelt
(This is one of the traditional Champs Elysees cafe/brasseries with plenty of outdoor seating)
Deli’s CafГ©
76 Champs Elysees
Metro: George V or Franklin Roosevelt
(We tried Deli’s Cafe once - I noticed that it was listed in ‘Sortir a Paris’, but I honestly can’t say that it really stood out in my memory - except that it should be less pricey than some of its more glamorous neighbors).
Posted by admin on under One stop travel guide to Paris |
World Heritage Sites normally conjure of images of jaw-dropping natural beauty - or architectural feats like the Taj Mahal and the Egyptian pyramids wrought by thousands of anonymous hands, yet, now and then, personal excellence gets recognition.
Certainly Sebastien Le Prestre, Seigneur de Vauban, King Louis XIV’s Marshal of France, brilliant tactician and royal military engineer is a name recognized by many who’ve visited the French northern coastline. His fortifications are easy to recognize once you’ve caught onto his star pattern formations. (You can even see the similar star pattern in Quebec City’s citadel - whose layout was approved by Vauban).
One of the reasons Vauban was considered the best man to rebuild the fortifications of almost 300 cities throughout France was his equally remarkable ability to break through a city’s defenses. He had numerous occasions (56 sieges) to prove his worth in battles where his attack strategies had good results.
Just as he sought out the weakest points in a city’s fortifications when he attacked, likewise, he optimized every building device in his defense constructions to create a vantage point that ‘had no blind spots’. Often he would use the natural coastline’s topography as part of his fortification plans.
One of my favorite places to admire Vauban’s engineering skill is along the coastline of the Normandy fishing port St. Vaast-la-Hougue. Thanks to friends, France and Toby Fleming, who introduced us to St. Vaast, we’ve returned many times. This town is famous, not only for tasty oysters, but also for huge naval battle, The Battle of Barfleur and La Hougue, 1692, and the remaining Vauban fortifications which nowadays make for a great seaside ramble. It’s also one of the 12 locations chosen to be recognized by Unesco as part of the World Heritage site honoring Vauban.
Considered by many to be Vauban’s masterpiece, The Citadel at Lille is a great example of his star-shape formation particularly when viewed from an aerial photo. Although we have yet to visit the Citadel, any Vauban fans will want to include a stop in Lille as part of their tour. How handy that you can get to Lille with Eurostar!
Another fun seaside town which is just a train ride from Paris, Rochefort, is also home to the reconstruction of the ‘Hermione’ the ship which Lafayette outfitted for his participation in the US War for Independence or the American Revolution. Rochefort was a military hospital town and you can quickly grasp the stark geometric lines of classic military construction.
Rochefort-sur-Mer
Vauban was much more than a military engineer and an officer. He had plenty of ideas (like Thomas Jefferson) about a myriad of subjects. One of his more unusual concepts was suggesting to the king that he should actually give up some territory to consolidate France’s fortifications. Although this advice was unorthodox for its time, Vauban’s real downfall was suggesting that Louis XIV should establish a ‘flat tax’.
Vauban had the audacity to suggest that even aristocrats might pay a tax. This brilliant idea ended up getting him banished from Versailles and died within in a year’s time.
UNESCO ’s choice of Vauban to classify as a World Heritage Site is an overdue and well-deserved honor. Although Vauban’s remains were scattered during the French revolution, his heart was recovered (and is currently interred in the church of Les Invalides.
Even if you don’t have time to do a weekend trip up to St. Vaast-la-Hougue (approximately a three-hour drive west from Paris), you can find some of Vauban’s original fortification plans and models at the Relief Map Museum located at Les Invalides (next to the Military Museum and Napoleon’s tomb).
The current show, Siege Warfare includes relief maps from Louis XIV’s era.
Musee des Plans Reliefs
Invalides - metro: Invalides or Varenne
‘La Guerre de Siege’
Musee des Plans Reliefs
St Vaast Photos by Chris Card Fuller ©2008
Posted by admin on July 21, 2008 under One stop travel guide to Paris |
Can I really afford to be shopping for souvenirs? Of course you can’t. But, on the other hand, how can you go back home, stare your friends in the face, and say, “Yeah, I was in Paris, I had a really great time - and, by the way did you get the postcard I mailed you from CDG? No, that won’t do. But even if your budget for souvenirs is severely limited, a little creative research will find some amazingly cool items available for under 20 Euros.
Coloring Books - Not Just kid stuff
Okay you dragged the kids through the Louvre. The only fair thing to do now is buy a coloring book so they can draw a mustache on Mona. But here’s the scoop. Coloring books are no longer just for kids. In fact, you may decide to stash your souvenir coloring book away in a drawer - because they look far too good to be scribbled upon. Buy one for your kids and one for you.
L’Art a Colorier by Anne Weiss
Price: 5.95 Euros
Starck Crazy
Who says you have to be rich to have a Philippe Starck designed living room? All you need for inspiration is a fly inhabiting your minimalist furniture free apartment. That’s what must have put a bee in Starck’s bonnet when he came up with this super design for a very affordable and USEFUL Paris souvenir:
A fly swatter.
Le Publicis Drugstore
Price: 9 Euros
(Design Lovers July 18-Aubust 28, 2008)
Is Your Cup Half Full or Half Empty?
The Laurence Brabant coffee mug answers the question with a ‘fuller than you think’ cup of coffee or wine.
Price: 14 Euros (petit) 16 Euros (grand)
Le Publicis Drugstore
133 Champs Elysees
Metro: Charles De Gaulle Etoile
(Design Lovers July 18 to August 29, 2008)
Really Cool Guys offer to Help Dry the Dishes
Beauville Dish Towels
Although you may not still be able to find the Eiffel Tower design in the linen dish towel format, Paris Magic is available . Beauville dish towels hail from the Alsace region of France. I’ve been collecting (and framing these dish towels for a while). My favorite is the Beauville cat collection. You’ll find Beauville dish towels at BHV (Bazaar Hotel de Ville) department store, Metro: Hotel de Ville.
Paris Magic Dish Towel
Price: 20 Euros
Hello Kitty! 
Oh so cute for your pint-sized friends. Although the 2008 couture for KIDS (and their Moms) might be a shy bit over 20 Euros, the friendly website offers some remaining goodies at 20 Euros and thereabouts. I know ‘Hello kitty’ is hot with Parisian kids because I’ve seen the familiar design popping up on numerous occasions when I’m walking around town.
Price: 20 Euros for the sleeveless body for wee ones
27.50 for the t-shirt (these are summer sales prices - if you don’t catch the summer sales, wait till January!)
Splitting the Eiffel Tower
In truth, Nadie Delepine’s Eiffel Tower’s pierced earrings are NOT under 20 Euros. More like 40 euros and change, but I had to include them in this post - because when a French friend (Murielle) who knows a thing or two about style, she REALLY like them.
Sometimes you just have to throw your cares to the wind and say - okay so, what if I have to sleep under Pont Neuf for the last night in Paris, my best friend really deserves a pair of Eiffel Tower earrings. OR, if you happen to have TWO girlfriends, who only need one earring to add to their six diamond posts (it could happen), you have STILL only spent 20 Euros and change per souvenir. By the way, if you are seriously contemplating this suggestion, it is high time to decide which girlfriend to keep rather than how to afford buying gifts for both of them.
Easy to pack Soledad
A ‘trousse’ in French is a handy catch-all for makeup, pens, pencils, spare change, Metro tickets, etc. Just the thing to throw in your carry-on at the last minute. And maybe the one souvenir you’ll end up keeping - just for you.
Soledad
Price 12 Euros
Pubicis Drugstore
Design Lovers (July 18-August 29, 2008)
Souvenir Shopping Addresses
Publicis Drugstore
133 Champs Elysees
Metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile
Hello Kitty by Victoria Couture
36 Rue Etienne Marcel
Metro: Etienne Marcel
Nadine Delepine
14 Rue Princesse
Metro: Mabillon
BHV (Bazaar de Hotel de Ville)
Table linens and kitchenware department (Beauville dish towels)
Rue de Rivoli (opposite Hotel de Ville)
Metro: Hotel de Ville
Boutique Les Enfants du Louvre
Hall Napoleon
Musee du Louvre
>>More Shopping
Posted by admin on July 18, 2008 under Europe Accommodation |
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Very popular with local tourists, but yet to make it onto the wider tourist radar, Bojnice Castle in western Slovakia is the kind of place where you just have to take dozens of photographs.
Some people have told me that Bojnice Castle inspired the Cinderella Castle in Disneyland - I’ve got no idea if it’s true, and there are certainly some similarities, but Bojnice is even better because it’s real. It also has a fascinating history, starting out as a Bendectine monastery in the 12th century, and then belonging to the Palffy family for several hundred years - Count Palffy’s life was the inspiration for a few of the many ghost stories that get told about the castle.
To get inside you have to go on a tour but it’s reasonably priced at 160 Koruna, and you can usually get on an English tour (they said you should book ahead, but you can also turn up and be lucky!). If the inside furnishings of a castle don’t thrill you, then just head out to Bojnice to admire the outside and make sure you walk right the way round to get all the great views. You can reach Bojnice in less than two hours from Bratislava.
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Very popular with local tourists, but yet to make it onto the wider tourist radar, Bojnice Castle in western Slovakia is the kind of place where you just have to take dozens of photographs.
Some people have told me that Bojnice Castle inspired the Cinderella Castle in Disneyland - I’ve got no idea if it’s true, and there are certainly some similarities, but Bojnice is even better because it’s real. It also has a fascinating history, starting out as a Bendectine monastery in the 12th century, and then belonging to the Palffy family for several hundred years - Count Palffy’s life was the inspiration for a few of the many ghost stories that get told about the castle.
To get inside you have to go on a tour but it’s reasonably priced at 160 Koruna, and you can usually get on an English tour (they said you should book ahead, but you can also turn up and be lucky!). If the inside furnishings of a castle don’t thrill you, then just head out to Bojnice to admire the outside and make sure you walk right the way round to get all the great views. You can reach Bojnice in less than two hours from Bratislava.
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Copyright © Europe A La Carte
Posted by admin on under Europe Accommodation |
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I’ve eaten lunch many times over the last few years at The Grange Restaurant, 35 High St, North Berwick tel 01820 893344. The three course lunch menu costs ВЈ9.95. The dishes are freshly prepared using local produce. It’s a delicious lunch at a very reasonable price.
There’s always a good choice on the lunch menu with at least four dishes for each course. Last time I was there I had the broccoli and Stilton soup as a starter, monk fish as a main course and chocolate torte to finish. The food is beautifully presented and the staff are charming.
North Berwick with the Bass Rock in the background
North Berwick makes a great day out from Edinburgh. It lies on the coast of East Lothian, around 25 miles east of Edinburgh. There is a frequent rail service from Edinburgh to North Berwick.
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North Berwick with the Bass Rock in the background
North Berwick makes a great day out from Edinburgh. It lies on the coast of East Lothian, around 25 miles east of Edinburgh. There is a frequent rail service from Edinburgh to North Berwick.
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Posted by admin on under Europe Accommodation |
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Could this be a crowd pulling addition to Cologne’s reputation as an art city? The Ford factory in Cologne has metamorphosised into the Love Factory with a colourful paint job to celebrate the launch of the new Fiesta.
The Love Factory, Cologne
Well visitors are always looking for something different to do, so why not an art tour of an industrial estate? The adjacent factories and their employees will be feeling very dowdy and forlorn and demanding that their premises be loved up too.
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The Love Factory, Cologne
Well visitors are always looking for something different to do, so why not an art tour of an industrial estate? The adjacent factories and their employees will be feeling very dowdy and forlorn and demanding that their premises be loved up too.
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Copyright © Europe A La Carte
