"Traveling enables us to see the world through the eyes of someone else, and to understand their aspirations and assumptions. It's about empathy, which is not only important to the work of our diplomats but to all of us as we seek to understand different cultures
as well as our own."
John Kerry
"Travel literally forces us out of our routines and, in doing so, gives us the freedom to see things with fresh eyes."
Annabelle Selldorf
Where we are headed next
as well as our own."
John Kerry
"Travel literally forces us out of our routines and, in doing so, gives us the freedom to see things with fresh eyes."
Annabelle Selldorf
Where we are headed next
From Barcelona to Monte Carlo and Beyond
In my last posting I wrote about Barcelona as a destination. We plan to spend a week there in the near future. But after that week we will rent a car and explore the nearby region. Below are some of the places we are planning to visit.
Andorra
I am hoping to take a side-trip to Andorra while we are in Barcelona. Andorra is the 6th smallest country in the world. It is located on the border between Spain and France. Andorra La Velia is the capital of Andorra. It is nestled in a picturesque valley at the junction of two mountain streams. With its charmed cobblestone streets and small stone houses, it is like being transported back in time to the 13th century. It is home to the country's parliament building, Government Exhibition Hall, and a piazza that is used for various cultural events throughout the year. The entirety of Andorra is renowned amongst tourists for being a tax haven because of its independence from the European Union. Neighboring Europeans and visitors from all over flock to Andorra to take advantage of the tax-free prices on clothing and other luxury items.
Nearby El Serrat is one of the many picturesque mountain villages in Andorra. Many stay here while hiking or skiing nearby, but the breath-taking views of the Pyrenees supposed to be fantastic. The Madriu Valley, which cuts through about a tenth of the principality of Andorra, with its jagged cliffs and dramatic glaciers, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as stunning views, the region abounds with traditional shepherd’s cabins and quaint hamlets, which are the precious remains of an ancient Pyrenees farming culture.
I am hoping to take a side-trip to Andorra while we are in Barcelona. Andorra is the 6th smallest country in the world. It is located on the border between Spain and France. Andorra La Velia is the capital of Andorra. It is nestled in a picturesque valley at the junction of two mountain streams. With its charmed cobblestone streets and small stone houses, it is like being transported back in time to the 13th century. It is home to the country's parliament building, Government Exhibition Hall, and a piazza that is used for various cultural events throughout the year. The entirety of Andorra is renowned amongst tourists for being a tax haven because of its independence from the European Union. Neighboring Europeans and visitors from all over flock to Andorra to take advantage of the tax-free prices on clothing and other luxury items.
Nearby El Serrat is one of the many picturesque mountain villages in Andorra. Many stay here while hiking or skiing nearby, but the breath-taking views of the Pyrenees supposed to be fantastic. The Madriu Valley, which cuts through about a tenth of the principality of Andorra, with its jagged cliffs and dramatic glaciers, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as stunning views, the region abounds with traditional shepherd’s cabins and quaint hamlets, which are the precious remains of an ancient Pyrenees farming culture.
Besalu, Spain
Besalu is a Medieval village which is close enough to Barcelona that it makes an easy side trip from the city. It has the old world charm that makes you feel like you've stepped into a time machine. The village dates back to the 11th century. The village has restored the picturesque bridge and maintained the areas of the Jewish quarter that make the village a walking museum.
 |
| Besalu |
Besalu is fairly small, and we could walk around the village in an hour, but there is so much history to see, we will want to take our time and explore. We plan to explore some of the cobbled alleys and stroll along the banks of the river. The area is known for its seafood paella, and there are quaint cafes to enjoy the paella or other foods. There are artists shops and other shops to explore and a museum of miniatures. Also - while walking around the city, I have been told to keep an eye out for the odd chair or two. Look up, down and behind things - the city has a strange and fun fascination with chairs!
Rupit, Spain
 |
| Rupit |
Carcossone
Our first overnight stop when we leave Barcelona will be Carcossone, France. Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral. Carcassonne is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is one of the few sights in the world that genuinely justifies the epithet "breath taking." Many movies have been filled here, including Camelot.The old town is famous for its double walls and 53 watchtowers. It is also France's second most visited tourist spot (after the Eiffel Tower). So it can be quite touristy. The fortified old town of Carcossone is on a hill above the more modern town below. The best time to visit the walled city is in the evening after the crowds of tourists have left. We actually have hotel reservations within the walled city, so we plan to spend the night. We are looking forward to exploring the city when there are less tourists.
Toulon
On our trip from Barcelona, we will spend our second night in Toulon. Why Toulon? We are headed toward Monte Carlo and don't want to just drive straight through from Carcossone. We plan to spend some time stopping along the way to see the sights. This seemed like a good place to stop. It is not a real touristy spot, but it is on the Mediterranean Sea, with nice beaches and a good half way point to our next stop. So what is there to do in Toulon?As I mentioned above, it is on the water, so there are some nice beaches if we decide we just want to relax and enjoy the beach for awhile. There is also a cable car, which I definitely plan to take to the top of Mount Faron to see the views over the Bay of Toulon.
Menton
Our next overnight stop will be in Menton, which is on the French/Italian border. To get to it we go through the small country of Monaco. I chose Menton because of its location near Monte Carlo, and because it is less expensive for hotels in Menton. And a friend of mine had stayed in Menton and said that it was a charming place that she enjoyed. Menton is known as the "Pearl of France."
Our next overnight stop will be in Menton, which is on the French/Italian border. To get to it we go through the small country of Monaco. I chose Menton because of its location near Monte Carlo, and because it is less expensive for hotels in Menton. And a friend of mine had stayed in Menton and said that it was a charming place that she enjoyed. Menton is known as the "Pearl of France."
We will probably explore Monaco on our way to Menton, but will have the evening and the next morning to do a little exploring of the city. It will be a short stop-over. On our way back through Monte Carlo, we will probably explore a little more. I may wish I had more time in Menton, as there are things to see, and there is always the wonderful beaches of the French Riviera.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, just behind the Vatican which is the smallest. It is also the most densely populated country in the world. It is surrounded on 3 sides by France and the 4th side is on the Mediterranean Sea. Monte Carlo is the largest ward in Monaco. Famous for its casinos, the Grand Prix, and for being the playground of the rich and famous. Monaco is a constitutional monarchy ruled by Prince Albert II, who is the son of our former movie star Grace Kelley.
We will only have one day to explore. There is an old town which is up on the hill with good views of the harbor below, considered to be one of the prettiest harbors in the world. We could tour the palace, which allows us to see the throne room and main courtyard. We can watch the changing of the guard which takes place daily at 11:50 a.m. We may walk through the casino, just to see it. Neither of us are really casino people. Mostly I just want to wander around, have lunch by the harbor or in old town, and maybe drive up through the hills of Monaco.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, just behind the Vatican which is the smallest. It is also the most densely populated country in the world. It is surrounded on 3 sides by France and the 4th side is on the Mediterranean Sea. Monte Carlo is the largest ward in Monaco. Famous for its casinos, the Grand Prix, and for being the playground of the rich and famous. Monaco is a constitutional monarchy ruled by Prince Albert II, who is the son of our former movie star Grace Kelley.
We will only have one day to explore. There is an old town which is up on the hill with good views of the harbor below, considered to be one of the prettiest harbors in the world. We could tour the palace, which allows us to see the throne room and main courtyard. We can watch the changing of the guard which takes place daily at 11:50 a.m. We may walk through the casino, just to see it. Neither of us are really casino people. Mostly I just want to wander around, have lunch by the harbor or in old town, and maybe drive up through the hills of Monaco.
Aix en Provence
Aix en Provence is on our way to our next stay, and we plan to make an afternoon stop there. It is known as the "City of Counts" because the Counts of Provence once lived here. It has several impressive old aristocratic palaces and hundreds of fountains. Cezanne is from this area, and you can visit his atelier and gardens and take a walk in his footsteps. Outside of the historic city center, about a ten-minute walk from the Atelier Cézanne, is the beautiful hillside park Terrain des Peintres (Painters Park) popular among Impressionist painters including Cézanne. It is now a public park.
After we leave Aix en Provences we will be headed towards Arles, but I hope to stop and see the Roquefavour Aqueduct. on our way. It is an old Roman aquaduct, built in 1842. It is in perfect condition, and would make a nice stop along the way.
Arles
Arles is our next stop. It is on the Rhone River. Arles is famous for being the home of Van Gogh, and where he cut off his ear to give to a prostitute. We will spend the night in Arles and the next morning we will board our ship, the AmaDagio for a 7 night cruise from Arles to Lyon. Our stops along the cruise will be Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Belleville and finally Lyon. From Lyon we take the train to Paris where we will spend 4 nights before heading home.
While in Arles we will be taken to the village of Les Baux de Provence to see the castle and their exhibit of medieval weapons. We will also visit an olive farm. We will also be given a tour of the city, and we will visit the cathedral and amphitheater.
From this point in our trip to Lyon we will be on the river cruise and will be seeing whatever the cruise people have planned. I know I missed a lot of famous areas along the French Riviera. If I had more time we would explore Nice and Marseilles and even check out the nude beaches of St. Tropez. But this will be our trip, and we will leave those places for another time.
Aix en Provence is on our way to our next stay, and we plan to make an afternoon stop there. It is known as the "City of Counts" because the Counts of Provence once lived here. It has several impressive old aristocratic palaces and hundreds of fountains. Cezanne is from this area, and you can visit his atelier and gardens and take a walk in his footsteps. Outside of the historic city center, about a ten-minute walk from the Atelier Cézanne, is the beautiful hillside park Terrain des Peintres (Painters Park) popular among Impressionist painters including Cézanne. It is now a public park.After we leave Aix en Provences we will be headed towards Arles, but I hope to stop and see the Roquefavour Aqueduct. on our way. It is an old Roman aquaduct, built in 1842. It is in perfect condition, and would make a nice stop along the way.
Arles
Arles is our next stop. It is on the Rhone River. Arles is famous for being the home of Van Gogh, and where he cut off his ear to give to a prostitute. We will spend the night in Arles and the next morning we will board our ship, the AmaDagio for a 7 night cruise from Arles to Lyon. Our stops along the cruise will be Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Belleville and finally Lyon. From Lyon we take the train to Paris where we will spend 4 nights before heading home.While in Arles we will be taken to the village of Les Baux de Provence to see the castle and their exhibit of medieval weapons. We will also visit an olive farm. We will also be given a tour of the city, and we will visit the cathedral and amphitheater.
From this point in our trip to Lyon we will be on the river cruise and will be seeing whatever the cruise people have planned. I know I missed a lot of famous areas along the French Riviera. If I had more time we would explore Nice and Marseilles and even check out the nude beaches of St. Tropez. But this will be our trip, and we will leave those places for another time.
No comments:
Post a Comment