Mini Travel Guides

When planning what to do in France, the first thing that usually comes to mind is vistiting Paris. While the French capital does have a lot to offer, there are many other wonderful places to visit; here are my travel tips on what to see in France during your next vacation.

Nice

Situated along the Mediterranean, this coastal town is renowned for its beauty. A walk down the Promenade des Anglais will give you a tour of Nice‘s best beaches as well as a great view of the Côte d’Azur. If you want to experience some history and culture, visit Terra Amata, an archeological site from about 400,000 BC, or the Musée Matisse, which features the work of Henri Matisse and is free to enter.

Nice by Justin Knabb

St. Malo

While many people may think of St. Malo as nothing more than a ferry port, the city actually has a lot to offer. First of all, impressive walls surround what was once a medieval city. Once inside, you will be able to walk the medieval ramparts and the reconstructed city, perusing restaurants and shops along the cobblestone streets. And because of the city’s location, they serve excellent seafood.

The walled city of St.Malo by Thomas Dowson

Metz

The city of Metz is more of a European city than a strictly French one. While there are some parts of the city’s past that are a bit dark, such as during WWI, there is also a rich cultural heritage that exists in Metz. One example of this is the New Church, which was built between 1901 and 1904 for the Protestant community during the annexation of the region by Germany. Moreover, the Metz Pompidou is a very large modern art gallery that everyone should see at some point in their lives. If you’re in the mood to be outside, take a stroll through one of Metz’ many national parks.

The New Church in Metz by Thomas Dowson

Albi

The city of Albi was added to the list of France’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2010. Evidence has been found that suggests Albi has existed since the Bronze Age and that a modest Roman settlement once lived here. The real draw to the area, however, is the medieval architecture. To see some of the best the city has to offer, check out the Old Bridge (Pont-Vieux), the Saint-Salvi quarter, and the church that resides there.

The Pont-Vieux by Sebastian. b on Wikimedia Commons

Loire Valley

For those who love exploring European castles and wine tasting in picturesque vineyards the Loire Valley is a must-see destination. Among the vineyards you will not just see grape vines but also charming buildings in states of repair and disrepair. Some fantastic wines come from this region, and if you’d like to sample some of the best visit Antoine Cristal at Le Clos des Murs, or Vineyard of Walls. He came up with this method of wine cultivating as a way to shield the vines roots from the sun, producing a higher quality of wine. If you’re in the mood to check out the beautiful castles of the region you can use this website to choose from 19 featured castles in the Loire Valley.

Loire Valley Vineyard by Thomas Dowson

The city of Annecy is a charming medieval town along Lake Annecy in the Haut Savoie region. The lake itself is just a stroll away from the Old Town, and medieval streets and canals give Annecy a quaint feeling. When visiting this town, make sure you stop by on a Sunday for their famous market, called the Best Market in France by the Michelin Green Guide and featured in our twelve of the best European markets post. Colorful stalls line winding streets and you can sample some of the tastiest cuisine in the country.

Annecy by Kimberly Sullivan

Sisteron

The city of Sisteron is the gateway to Provence and allows for unique scenery as it sits in a narrow gap formed by a river that is cut into a mountain. Evidence shows that the city has been inhabited for over 4,000 years, with the Romans being the first group to traverse through this gap. Latin inscriptions can still be found on the rocks in the area. Not only does Sisteron have 300 days of sunshine each year, it also holds 3 museums and quaint architecture in a natural setting.

Sisteron by Thomas Dowson

Montpellier

Montellier is a University town that offers high speed train access to major railway hubs like Paris and Barcelona. Visitors can find both old world and modern architecture, and the miniature Arc de Triomphe is a must-see. Montpellier is also a major wine producer, with more wine apparently being producers in this one city than in the entire country of Australia in a year. If you’d in the mood for shopping, head over to Rue de la Loge, which also sells great chocolates.

Montpellier by Wolfgang Staudt

Avignon

Avignon is located in southeastern France and is well-known for its Pont d’Avignon and the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). There is a lot of history here, as this beautiful destination stretches back to pre-Roman times. One thing visitors should not miss, however, is the Festival d’Avignon, an event that combines formal aspects of theatre, dance, cinema, and music, as well as a program of informal events. Avignon along with Aix and Arles is one of Kimberly’s three A-list Provence towns.

Pont d’Avignon by Thomas Dowson

Strasbourg

The city of Strasbourg is just off the border of France and Germany and reflects a mixture of both cultures. It is also the seat of many major European counsels, such as the very important Parliament seat it shares with Brussels. Some must visit sites include the Cathédrale Notre Dame, which holds the tallest church steeple in France, Petit France, which was once the Red Light District of the city, and the Orangerie, a beautiful park.

Strasbourg by F Antunes

Bayeux

Bayeux, on the Normandy coast, is best known for the Bayeaux Tapestry. You can see the beautiful 70-meter long  tapestry that tells the story of Harold II and William the Conqueror, on display at the Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux. The piece is thousands of years old but the colours on the thread are still bright and the detail  is impressive. The town is close to the D-Day landing beaches.

Bayeux by Panoramas

Lille

Lille is a small city in the North of France located right near the Belgian border. On a high speed railway it is only 90 minutes from London and 30 minutes from Brussels, making it an easily accessible getaway. When visiting, make sure to stop by Vieux Lille, the old part of the city filled with boutique shops, antique stores, and cafes. Also see the Citadel of Lille, which is now a park with criss-crossing trails circling around and through the fortress. The Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille is also a must-see, with an amazing collection and impressive architecture.

Lille by verseguru

Rouen

Situated on the Seine River, Rouen is most famous for being the site where where Jean d’Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. There is also Le Gros-Horloge, one of Europe’s oldest working clocks, that is now set on the ‘bridge’ of a 13th Century building. The clock actually has a museum to it, which offers behind the scenes tours, taking visitor through the pavillion and the belfry, where you get to see the dials room, the bells chamber, and the clockmaster’s workshop and flat.

Rouen by Thomas Dowson

Vannes

The medieval city of Vannes is full of  half timbered houses and old narrow lanes. A cathedral acts as the centerpiece, and visitors enjoy taking in the small town, old world feel. The city is located at the heart of the Gulf of Morbihan, a sheltered inland Gulf that is perfect for sailing.   Near the docks are formal gardens that make for great photos.

Vannes by heatheronhertravels

Rocamadour

Rocamadour is a medieval cliff-face town that is quite a treat for travelers. Down bellow on the valley runs the river Alzou, above which the buildings of the Medieval village look as if they are barely hanging on to the mountainside. Don’t worry, however, as the town is perfectly safe to visit and you will not slide off any cliffs. In Rocamadour, you will be able to enjoy excellent Midi French cuisine while taking in Medieval art and artifacts on display at various locations in the town. There is also a vast history here, as pilgrims began flocking over some time before the 9th century. Over the centuries that followed Rocamadour began to be linked with an important pilgrimage tradition, and many religious sanctuaries were built because of this.

Rocamadour by Thomas Dowson

Dijon

Dijon is a historical capital in the region of Burgundy. There is a lot to do in this vibrant city, with one of the most enjoyable activities being visiting the wineries. Take a wine tour with Wine and Voyages or with a more off-the-beaten path itinerary created by Authentic Tours. Nature lovers can visit Dijon’s many parks and gardens, such as Parc des Carrières Bacquin, Parc de la Combe Persil, and Jardin de l’Arquebuse. The city hosts an international gastronomic fair in November, one of our featured in our 25 festivals in Europe post.

Dijon vineyard by fakelvis

Mâcon

This small city in central France is the capital of the Mâconnais District and the southernmost city in Burgundy. During WWII Mâcon was the first zone in the unoccupied “zone libre” between Lyon and Paris. Nowadays, there are many great sites to see when visiting this city, including the Mâcon Cathedral in the town center, the Theatre of Mâcon, and many chateaus. There is also many water based activities and the motor boating Grand Prix is held here every September.

Mâcon vineyard by Grimbil

Bonifacio

Located on the French island of Corsica, Bonifacio is a like an open-air museum with an array of historic buildings, pristine beaches, and unique land and sea scenery. Not only did Homer mention the “well-known port of seamna” in his Odyssey, there are still artifacts from Roman civilization from as early as 300 B.C. that can be seen today, such as ship wrecks, several ports, a villa, and a granite quarry. The Church of St. Dominic is an example of Corsican Gothic architecture. For those who want to experience the natural wonders of the area, an International marine park, terrestrial paths, and an underwater trail are must-dos.

Bonifacio by vigour

Cannes

Famous for its cinematic experiences, Cannes was once a small fishing village. This social hub really comes to life in May during the Cannes International Film Festival, when the rich and famous come out to play. Although there are many high-end clubs and casinos in the area, there are also budget-friendly options for those who want a night out on the town without spending a fortune. Visit the Old Town with its narrow winding streets and climb up to the top of the castle for superb views. You should also check out the Covered Market, the biggest and best market in Cannes.

Cannes by ChrisYunker

Giverny

Giverny is a must-see on anyone’s trip to France, especially art lovers. The famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived in Giverny for 43 years. His house and its gardens are a popular tourist attraction attraction and will take your breath away as you see the myriad flowers and Japanese-inspired water garden.

Monet’s Garden in Giverny by nikoretro

Chantilly

Like the lace, Chantilly is elegant and lovely. It is also the horse racing capital of the world, training around 3,000 thoroughbreds in the nearby countryside and forests. If horse racing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the many parks, forests, lakes, and chateaus that the city has to offer. Visit the Musee Conde to see works by Botticelli, Ingres, and Poussin and wander through the Parc Asterix, a theme park and one of the most popular tourist attractions in France.

Chantilly by dbeck03

Senlis

Senlis is a royal city with over 2,000 years of history. Over 100 cultural, patriotic, sport, leisure, and mutual aid associations exist in the city to organize myriad festivals and events. If you get the chance to visit this small town filled with Gothic architecture, make sure to visit the Cathedral Notre Dame with its gargoyles, statues, and sculptures. There are also many museums located here to help you learn more about the art, culture, and history of the region.

Senlis by rachel in wonderland

Toulouse

Toulouse is located in the Haute-Garonne department in southwestern France on the River Garrone. This city is one of the bases of the European aerospace industry and is the home of CNES’s Toulouse Space Center, the largest space centre in Europe. When traveling in Toulouse, make sure to visit the Capitole de Toulouse where you can see beautiful architecture. You should also visit the Jardin Royal for beautiful landscape, Les Abbattoirs for a dose of modern art, and Saint-Sernin Basilica, the largest Romanesque church in Europe.

Place du Capitole in Tolouse by chakchouka

Nantes

With its old city center and narrow streets, strolling through Nantes has somewhat of a Parisian feel to it. Located on the Loire River, this is the 6th largest city in France. Once occupied by the Gauls and the Romans, the city was Christianized in the 3rd century. One must-see sight in Nantes includes the Château des ducs de Bretagne, (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany), a very important castle that is home to the History Museum of the City of Nantes. There are also myriad of churches, as well as 2 mosques (a 3rd mosque is under construction). If you love shopping, the Passage Pommeraye is a beautiful 19th century galleria that you should definitely visit.

Annual Gay Pride Parade in Nantes by manuel | MC

Marseille

Marseille is the 2nd largest city in France and the largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. It is also the oldest city in France, dating back almost 30,000 years. If visiting this historical city, make sure you take in an Opera performance at the Opera House, which was the main cultural attraction from the late 18th century until the late 1970′s. The region is also known for its gastronomy, such as Bourride, a fish-dish composed of monkfish, mayonnaise, and diced vegetables, and Panisse, a pastry made from chickpea flour.

Marseille by Paehder

25 Places to See in France

Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.

It hurts to admit it, but my only visit to France has been an accident. A flight delay gave me a night (and a very early morning in Paris), and sneaking a visit to the Eiffel Tower on my way to the airport was all I could squeeze in.Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see Paris the way it is meant to be seen, while discovering all its corners and streets, visiting the museums, and trying (yet failing to) manage French. For now, I made a list of museums that I shouldn’t miss the next time I go there, including tips from fellow writers on some of the best museums in Europe. You’ll find plenty more tips on what to do in Paris on Europe a al Carte.

Louvre Pyramids

You might want to consider buying a museum pass while you are at it. A 2-day pass costs €38, and it grants you free entry to all permanent collections and enables you to bypass any queue at Musée Maillol. The list of the Paris museums accepting this pass is given on this page.

Musée Rodin

Musée Rodin is dedicated to the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin, the creator of The Thinker. The museum was opened in 1919, 2 years after his death. The museum is open every day (except Mondays) from 10 am to 5.45 pm and contains his sculptures, drawings, sketching, paintings and his own art collection.

Musee Rodin by Jeremy Branham

Musee d’Orsay

Transformed from a railway station, Musee d’ Orsay offers a wide range of collections and artists, from the works of Monet and Van Gough to Oscar Wilde-themed exhibitions and music events. For instance you can catch the exhibition Beauty, Morals and Voluptuousness in the England of Oscar Wilde until January 15th January 2012.

 Musee d’Orsay by Amanda Kendle

Napoleon Apartments at the Louvre, Paris

Neha recommends a visit to the Napoleon Apartments at the Louvre. It is all grandeur, elegance and glamour; it’s hard to image living in such opulence. You could also pop into Cafe Marly at the edge of the Louvre courtyard.

 Napoleon Apartments by neha

Musée Maillol – Fondation Dina Vierny

The museum was named after the French Catalan artist and sculptor Arsitide Maillol. Muséé Maillol is highly recommended for modern art lovers. The collections include Bombois, Rimbert, Séraphine, Degas, Picasso, Henri Matisse and more.  Matisse fans can find a lot more of the artist’s work at the Musee Matisse in Nice, one of our ten things to do in Nice.

Portrait de femme by Henri Matisse in Musee Maillol by dalbera

Musee de la Publicite

Musée de la Publicité  is a must for all advertising majors, employees and enthusiasts. I am still fascinated by all the creations from agencies and marketing departments, and this is a great place to discover radio spots, commercials, posters among other things. Admission fees are 5,34 € and 3,81 €. The museum is open all days except Monday.

Musee de la Publicite by Martin Menu

Musée National de la Céramique

Paris museums aren’t all about paintings and sculptures. If ceramics appeal to you, Musée national de la Céramique can take you back as far as the middle ages. Only closed on Tuesdays, it is open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Vase de Sevres outside the Paris Ceramics Museum by sylaf

Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air

Founded in 1980, Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air gives sculpture fans to enjoy its collection is open air, and doesn’t charge an entrance free. The museum, located in Seine, features the works of Alexander Archipenko, Jean Arp Marino di Teana, Yoshikuni Iida and more. The oldest works date back to 1950s.

Piece by Bernard Pages at the Outdoor Museum of Sculpture by Alexander Kirk

Musee d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

Designed in 1937 and opened to public in 1961, Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris is a good choice for contemporary art lovers.  Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris is open from Tuesday to Sunday 10 am-6 pm. It is free to visit permanent collections. Located in Palais de Tokyo.

Paris Museum of Modern Art by feuillu

Musée Marmottan Monet

Worthy of its name, Musée Marmottan Monet has the biggest collection of French impressionist Claude Monet in addition to the works of Berthe Morisot, Alfred Sisley, Édouard Manet and more. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. The museum is open from 10 am to 6pm from Wednesday , to Sunday (and until 8pm on Tuesdays. The entrance fee is 5-10€ and kids (under the age of 7) can enter without charge.

Musee Marmottan Monet by imd paint

Musée-galerie de la Seita

Musée- galerie de la Seita displays tobacco-related objects and products. Its exhibitions offer a thorough education about the history of tobacco production and consumption. The museum is open from 11 am to 7.00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday) and the tickets cost 3,81 € and 2,29 €.

More Paris Tips

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10 Wonderful Paris Museums

Tips on what to see in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.

Some of the best spots in Europe to visit during the summer can be found along the Mediterranean.  And Nice, France is one of them.  Of course, while Nice is world renowned for its beautiful coast, the city has things to offer throughout the year, from Christmas markets to Carnival celebrations.  Below, you’ll find a list of ten things to do while visiting Nice, France.

Photo by Justin Knabb

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Walk Along the Prom

Walk the Promenade des Anglais, named for the early English tourists who came to Nice.  The promenade stretches along the beaches of Nice and offers an amazing view of the Côte d’Azur. Along with the views, throughout the year several events and activities are held on and around the promenade, and of course, there are always opportunities to take a seat in one of those famous blue chairs.

Photo by W.M. Connolley. More here.

Explore Terra Amata

Terra Amata is an archeological site which is believed by many to show evidence of human habitation from about 400,000 BC, including the use of fire.  The site is also home to the Musée de Paléontologie humaine de Terra Amata, which displays some of the finds.

Try Some Local Dishes

Sample some of the local cuisine such as socca (best described as a pancake based on chickpea flour), pissaladiere (a sort of pizza/tart made with onions and anchovies), or Niçoise salad (a salad often topped with anchovies).

Photo by Gudlyf. More here.

Wander Through One of the Many Gardens

Nice self-identifies as the green city of the Mediterranean and has several beautiful gardens including the Jardin Albert 1er, created in 1852 allowing you to take in the beautiful palm trees and flowers of the coastal city.

Photo by Omar A. More here.

Admire the Work of Henri Matisse

Matisee lived in Nice from 1918 until his death in 1954 and you can see his work at the Musée Matisse. The museum has been open for nearly 50 years with a great collection of work donated by Matisse and his heirs.  The museum is open year round and, even better, offers free entry.

Photo by debs-eye. More here.

Listen to Jazz

Nice is host to a wonderful international jazz festival known, appropriately enough, as the Nice Jazz Festival.  Held annually since 1948, the 2011 edition of the festival will be held from July 8th to July 12th.  The five day event sees musicians from around the world perform. If you enjoy jazz music, or just want a reason to be a part of a great party, don’t miss the festival.

Photo by benoit.darcy. More here.

Have Fun at Nice Carnival

If one festival isn’t enough for you, or you just happen to be in Nice in February instead of July, check out the Carnaval de Nice.  The celebration is a two week affair culminating on Mardi Gras which draws over a million people to the city.  Some claim that this celebration has been going on since the 13th century in the area.

Photo by adrigu. More here.

Go Shopping in Old Nice

This area has about 600 different shops offering enough local products and souvenirs to fill your suitcase.  If shopping isn’t your thing, the area is still worth checking out due to the beautiful architecture, the Place Rossetti, the Opera house, and several churches.

Photo by savagecat.  More here.

Take a Day Trip to Eze

While there is plenty to do in Nice itself, the surrounding area has a rich history and beautiful scenery.  If you find yourself itching to get out and explore the countryside, follow Kimberly Sullivan’s advice and head to Èze. Just a short drive from Nice, the medieval city looks down upon the coast. Read more about Èze in Kimberly’s post, Views from the eagle’s nest in Èze, France.

Photo by Kimberly Sullivan

Visit the Nice Christmas Market

When I think of Nice, I think of beach vacations. I think of the Mediterranean. I don’t necessarily think of Christmas markets. But as Kimberly wrote on Europe a la Carte, Nice makes a wonderful winter get-away as well. You can find everything from Christmas trees to ice skating. Check out Kimberly’s great post The Christmas Market in Nice, France.

Photo by Kimberly Sullivan

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Ten Things to do in Nice, France

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It is generally thought that the precursors to the modern museums were the so-called ‘cabinets of curiosities’. Wealthy individuals, established families or institutions collected a variety of objects ranging from fine art and sculpture, archaeological and historical objects to rare or curious natural objects and specimens. These collections would be private, and only open to ‘respectable’ individuals. The British Museum in London has in a sense re-created the feel of these early museums in their enlightenment galleries.

The oldest public museum in France, Musée des Beaux-Arts et d’archéologie (Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology) in Besançon, started out as the private collection of Jean-Baptiste Boisot, an abbot. He bequeathed his personal collection to the Benedictines of the city of Besançon on condition that the collection was open to the public two days every week. This was in 1694, nearly a century before the Louvre became a public museum in August 1793.

There are three aspects to this museum: archaeology, paintings and drawings.

The archaeology collection of the museum has some striking pieces, including the entire sarcophagus of an ancient Egyptian (21 Dynasty) royal scribe named Seramon, (above) and a few mosaic pavements from Roman villas. The mosaic below is the central motif of what is called the ‘Neptune Mosaic’ that dates to the second century BC. The archaeology collection also has a number of artefacts from various sites in the area.

The painting collection has some well known pieces of European art from the 14th to 20th centuries. Including some well known artists, such as Titian, Brueghel the Elder, Rubens, Goya, Renoir and Matisse. But the museum is particularly known for its collection of drawings. With over 5,500 Italian, Dutch and French drawings, this is one of the largest collections in France ranging from the end of the 15th century to the middle of the 20th century.

Henri Matisse, Nature morte au lierre, 1916.

So if you are visiting the France-Comte area of eastern France, and crave some high culture, this museum is a must.

The photographs I have used in this post have been taken from Magika42000′s photostream for this museum on Flickr.

Musée des Beaux-Arts et d’archéologie de Besançon: France’s Oldest Public Museum

Browse through our travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

The Black Madonna has been a figure of mystery for centuries. Some say she’s simply a statue of the Virgin Mary carved from black wood, or perhaps has soot on her skin from the smoke of thousands of candles.  But speculation goes much deeper than that.

Throughout Europe, especially in France, about 500 Black Madonnas, painted or carved in wood or stone, stand in Catholic churches, with a few in museums. Most date from the 11^th to the 15^th centuries. These medieval images of the Virgin holding the Christ Child gaze benignly on their devotees, who come as pilgrims and associate them with miracles and healing.

Many scholars say that the Black Madonna is a link to religions that existed long before Christianity. Her shrines are often in locations that were once pagan shrines to Diana, Artemis of Ephesus, Cybele and other goddesses. Some Black Madonna figures look just like the Egyptian goddess Isis with her infant son Horus, showing the influence of old ways on changing faiths. Even further back than that, she may represent the archetypal Earth Mother, the ancient, eternal power of the feminine force.

She’s a fascinating figure. Whenever I travel in Europe, I seek her out, finding her in immense cathedrals and hidden crypts. Sometimes she and her son both wear golden crowns and are encased in elaborate brocade robes, with only their faces showing. Sometimes she’s a simple, dark figure, the color of fertile earth, wearing a plain gown and an expression of mercy. Always she conveys a sense of depth and mystery.

Here’s where you’ll find a few of the better-known Black Madonnas, or Vierges Noires:

France: Chartres, Rocamadour, Puy-en-Velay

In the great cathedral in Chartres, 50 miles southwest of Paris, there are two Black Madonnas. Notre Dame de Pilar, a 16^th-century copy of a figure from the 13^th century, stands in her gown of gold in a side chapel of the cathedral. She perches regally atop a high pillar, surrounded by candles.  Notre Dame de Sous-Terre (“Our Lady of the Underground”) is tucked away in a crypt near a holy well that dates from pre-Christian days. During the French Revolution, the sculpture in the crypt was destroyed, and in 1856 a replica was sculpted.

Rocamadour is a town 100 miles north of Toulouse, set against a high cliff with spectacular views of the countryside. A long staircase rises from town to the church (there is also an elevator). Pilgrims sometimes crawl up the 216 stairs on their knees to reach the Chapelle de Notre Dame, a separate chapel devoted to a lovely, carved Black Madonna. This shrine has been a sacred place of renown for centuries, credited with numerous miracles.

Le Puy-en-Velay, 274 miles south of Paris, is a charming town set on hills. Climbing one of those hills takes you to the Romanesque Cathédrale Notre Dame. The small Black Madonna is in the cathedral against a curtain backdrop, resplendent in her full golden robe, with only her face and the Christ Child’s showing. On August 15, the Assumption of Mary is celebrated by carrying the Black Madonna statue in a procession through town.

Switzerland: Einsiedeln

The Black Madonna of Einsiedeln is a Gothic wood carving that dates probably from the 15^th century. Wearing a brocade robe and gold crown, she’s in a black marble chapel in the basilica of a Benedictine monastery. This Madonna has long been considered a shrine of healing; hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit every year. The elaborate, baroque abbey church is 20 miles southeast of Zurich. Every day, the Mass and Liturgy of the Hours are sung by the Benedictine monks in Gregorian chant. Near the abbey a nativity scene said to be the world’s largest holds some 500 wooden figures.

Spain: Montserrat

La Moreneta is a statue said to have been carved by St. Luke. It was brought to Spain, hidden, and discovered in the 9^th century and now stands in a basilica next to a monastery. This small Black Madonna is seated with the child on her lap. If you get to the basilica at 1 pm you may hear one of Europe’s oldest and best-known boys’ choirs in their daily singing of the Montserrat hymn. A funicular and walking path lead up to the Holy Grotto, considered to be the site where La Moreneta was discovered.

Poland: Czestochowa

The “Queen of Poland” is hugely influential to Poles and a steady stream of visiting pilgrims. This is another icon traced to St. Luke, who is said to have painted it on a cypress table top (No wonder Luke is the patron saint of artists.)  It came to Poland in the 14^th century. This Black Madonna, with a mournful face, wears a robe with a design of lilies; Jesus is in a gold-trimmed red robe. Both have crowns. The national shrine is in a chapel attached to a baroque basilica on a hilltop in south-central Poland. A large Pauline monastery is a part of the sanctuary, run by the Pauline fathers who celebrated their 700^th anniversary in 2010.

Written by Marilyn McFarlane for EuropeUpClose.com

Related posts:

1. Amazing Amasya in the Turkish Black Sea Region
2. Le Puy-en-Velay: Stepping Back in Time

With Valentine’s day coming up next week, I thought I would post about about my favourite cheese – which just so happens to be heart shaped.

France is well known for the overwhelming variety of cheeses. I once heard that there was a different cheese for everyday of the year. In truth, there are more than 365 different cheeses and some of the lessor known cheeses, made using very traditional methods by only a small number of artisans, are in danger of disappearing from the list altogether. But each cheese is associated with a specific region, and named after that region.

If you think you know your French cheeses – take this quiz, and post your scores!

My favourite cheese, however, is made in the area where I live – Neufchâtel-en-Bray, which is in the pays de Bray region of Normandy. Neufchâtel cheese is said to be one of the oldest cheeses in France, and certainly in Normandy – where it is older than the better known camembert and brie.

The earliest record of Neufchâtel cheese is 1050, where it is mentioned as a tithe payment. But from the end of the 18th century onwards this cheese becomes well-known and much liked, it was sent to Rouen and Paris, as well as being exported to the United kingdom. The cheese comes in a variety of shapes, but the most popular shape nowadays is heart-shaped, or the coeur du Neufchâtel.

There is very little known for certain why it is made in this shape, but legend has it that this originates from the end of the 100 Years War. It is said that the women who made the cheese did so in the shape of the heart to express their love to the non-French speaking English soldiers. Who knows if this is true, but it makes a nice story, certainly for this time of the year.

The cheeses come in three different sizes, the small ones are not much bigger than a golf ball. I bake the small cheeses until the inside is runny, and then serve them on lettuce with a red-currant jelly.

If you have not yet planned anything special for your loved one – it is not too late to book a city break in Paris, or even a quiet, rural break somewhere in the country.

Coeur du Neufchâtel: Cheese for Valentines

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

A couple weeks ago I wrote about mainland France’s region of Alsace. All my own experiences from visiting Alsace and anything I have read about the region comes back to one thing, the beauty of the mountainous landscape. But, in researching my post last week about the new and as yet still proposed memorial to French victims of Nazi concentration camps, I discovered information about a concentration camp in Alsace – Natzweiler-Struthof.

I have never heard about this camp, I did not know there had been a concentration camp in France. Interestingly, no one I know has heard about this camp either. Natzweiler-Struthof was in fact the only Nazi built concentration camp in what is today France. During World War II the Alsace-Lorraine region was annexed by Germany and was an integral part of what was the German Reich. I wonder then how many Europe A La Carte readers knew about this site.

Photograph by penwren on Flickr

Natzweiler-Struthof was in use from 21 May 1941 until the beginning of September in 1944, when the camp was evacuated to another camp Dachau. Over the next three years some 52 000 prisoners were brought to this camp from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the Soviet Union. On November 23 1944 this was the first concentration camp in Western Europe camp to have been liberated by American troops.

Today there is a memorial site at Natzweiler-Struthof, closed from Christmas to the end of February. But the memorial’s website has a rather poignant virtual tour, as well as all sorts of other interesting information, in French, English, Dutch and Italian, for anyone who has the remotest interest in this part of Europe’s history. The website has all the practical information anyone might need to visit the memorial when they are in the Vosges mountains.

When enjoying some of the most beautiful areas of France, of Europe – such as the Vosges mountains in the Alsace region, I think it is important that we are least mindful of some of the darker aspects of the continent’s history.

One of the buildings that housed a crematorium when the camp was in operation during World War II. Photograph by Lybil Ber on Wikipedia

France’s only Concentration Camp: Natzweiler-Struthof

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Tomorrow, 27 January, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day – the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp by the Soviet troops in 1945. This anniversary had been variously observed by different groups and nationalities for some time, but it was only in November 2005 that the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 60/7 designated 27 January an international day of remembrance.

The abandoned railway station at Bobigny, Paris. Photograph by Jérémy Saint-Peyre on Flickr.

This week the national French railway company, SNCF, handed over to local officials the former railway station in the Paris suburb of Bobigny for the creation of a new memorial to the French victims of the Nazi concentration camps. Not only was the state-owned SNCF’s equipment and staff used to transport some 76,000 French and other European Jews to Germany, and on to various concentration camps, it was from the station in Bobigny that these final journeys began. Fewer than 3000 people are thought to have returned to France.

For the first time, SNCF last year expressed its “sorrow and regret” for the role the company played in the deportation of Jews during World War II.

There is no timetable for the construction of this new memorial. But when it is complete it will join the Mémorial de la Déportation on the Île de la Cité behind the Notre Dame Cathedral – looking out onto the waters of the Seine River.

Photograph by paspog on Flickr

The Île de la Cité is generally perceived to be the sacred center of France, and built on the site of a former mortuary, this is an appropriate place to remember the 200,000 people who were deported by the Nazis to their death in the concentration camps. This memorial is one of the most poignant memorials I have ever visited.

Photograph by beccabrian on Flickr

Standing behind the Notre Dame Cathedral you are abundantly aware of the hustle and bustle of a busy city all around you. You then descend a set of steps down on the very tip of the Île de la Cité, where you become surrounded by walls and the city all but disappears. You can still hear the sounds of the city, but you can only see the sky above and the river through the bars of window.

Photograph by Airships on Flickr

Another evocative part of the monument is a narrow chamber on which the walls have been covered by 200,000 crystals – each with light shining through them. Each one intended to represent the life of a French citizen who died in the concentration camps.

And, as with many other Holocaust memorial monuments, the exit of the chamber bears the words; Forgive but never forget.

A New Holocaust Memorial For Paris

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

The French region of Alsace, yes it is French, may be smallest region in Metropolitan France (i.e. excluding overseas territories) – but it is rarely out of the news. In the last 20 centuries this region has changed hands seventeen times. And today even the gaff-prone French President showed he could not quite keep up with historical events. While addressing farmers Mr Sarkozy let slip that he was ‘in Germany’. Needless to say the farmers, who often feel a hard done by bunch at the best of times, were not amused – some going so far as booing their monsieur Le President.

Strasbourg, a very European city, by French Moments on Flickr

Poor man; Alsace has in fact been French since the Second World War. All this changing of hands has not been all bad – Alsace is a very attractive tourist destination with much to see and do. For a number of reasons the region is often thought of as the heart of Europe. Alsace lies on the French border with Germany and Switzerland, and not that far from Luxembourg. And Strasbourg, the capital and principal city of Alsace, is often thought of as the capital of Europe.

Choucroute, by Andrew Howe on Flickr

Despite this, Alsace still has a strong, local identity and culture – the area is staunchly French, but in many respects it is very German in its tastes and appetites. Traditional cuisine includes baeckeoffe, flammeküeche and choucroute. If it is fine dining you like while on holiday this is definitely the best region in France to visit, after Paris Alsace has more Michelin starred restaurants than any of the other regions of France.

Château St Ulrich, by a.laruelle on Flickr

Alsace’s chequered history may have caught Sarkozy out, but it has resulted in an amazing architectural heritage. Besides some very picturesque medieval villages – which often feature window boxes and red geraniums – there are numerous churches, chapels, châteaux and fortresses from every period of the regions past.

Château de Haut-Eguisheim by Philippe_28 on Flickr

This amazing architectural heritage, evidence of which goes back to Roman times, is made all the more picturesque by the Vosges mountains. Alsace is often said to have some of the most beautiful mountainous scenes in France; waterways meandering through rolling countryside and medieval villages provide the perfect holiday setting for all tastes and interests.

If you’re planning a  visit to this lovely region, you can find the some great deals on Strasbourg hotels using the LateRooms search box below.

Alsace: France’s Smallest Region, not to be Overlooked

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Meribel is a ski resort nestled in the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps and part of the Trois Vallées ski area, one of the biggest in the world. It’s an ideal spot for anyone learning how to ski as it has excellent nursery slopes and plenty of options when it comes to instructors and ski schools.

Beginner’s skiing in Meribel is well catered for, as it has been the take off point for many first timers over the years. Meribel Altiport is the location for the resort’s best-known green run, which is named after the tiny airport it is situated next to. There is a free bus that travels all over Meribel and if you stay on right until the end of the route you will find yourself at Meribel Altiport.

Altiport is not an airport in the traditional sense, more a small landing strip, typically used by two seater planes, so you’re not going to find yourself knocked out by a jumbo jet landing metres away when you’re trying to get up on your skis. In summer Altiport is a golf course, wide and tree lined, which gives good definition to the snow in winter on bad light days. Being slightly out of town it also has the benefit of being mostly free of through- traffic so it’s a great location to learn the basics undisturbed. There are other nursery slopes above Meribel Village and Central Meribel that have these same characteristics and have been selected as nursery slopes because they are less likely to present beginner skiers with problems like ice. Once you progress from beginner status it’s also easy to access the blue runs, which are slightly further up the mountain.

These nursery slopes are where most of the ski schools will come to give their lessons and classes so you can expect to see other large groups of wobbly people struggling up on to their skis and snowboards. When it comes to booking lessons, you can either go for an instructor on a one to one level, or in small groups, or you can join a ski school. Group ski school lessons will normally be ten skiers or under but if you prefer something more personal, the individual instructor may be a better option. If you don’t speak fluent French and will need your lessons in English, this is something you should specify when you book. There are a number of ski schools in Meribel, including the ESF, which has 400 Alpine ski instructors, Magic In Motion, which tends to operate smaller classes and Les Piou Piou Kindergartens, which is run by the ESF and aimed at very tiny tots. There’s also a British run ski school called New Generation, which offers classes as well as private tuition.

As most beginner skiers tend to spend their first few days walking around covered in bruises, if there comes a point where you need a day off from the rough and tumble of the slopes, Meribel also has a great selection of other activities to offer, from a flight in a hot air balloon, to a night at the cinema. There’s also plenty of spa options where you can get a massage to ease those aching muscles and get you back on the slopes, raring and ready to go, the next day.

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About the Author: Charlotte is a travel writer from Alpine Action who offer Meribel chalets to rent for group ski holidays in the French alps.

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