From Paris to Rabat

I had my first tantalising taste of Morocco when I visited its capital, Rabat, a few weeks ago. I ate more food than I believed possible, bargained for gifts to bring back to Paris, took long early evening walks and drank several cups of ‘nous nous’ (a special version of Moroccan Cappuccino). Traces of the…

Diary of a Trip to Tours #5: The River Loire

During the trip to Tours, I managed to experience a small but terrifying part of the Loire – France’s longest river. Words escape me in attempting to describe it: It is a wild, wide force of nature with a long and interesting history. It is a fascinating basin of currents aggressively flowing in different directions….

Diary of a Trip to Tours #4: Cathédrale Saint-Gatien

I can still vividly see the stained glassed of the Cathedral of Tours if I close my eyes. This is what you get for spending hours in the impressive confluence of Romanesque and Gothic architecture that is the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Gatien. Apart from the windows that illustrate religious accounts, the Cathedral’s windows offer…

Diary of a Trip To Tours #3: Gare de Tours

The Station of Tours is – in and of itself – a historic monument, an architectural feat and a vision. There are four statue that crown the station’s façade – each a representation of four French cities : Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nantes and Limoges. These are of course automatically now on the travel itinerary. Supported by…

Diary of a Trip to Tours # 2: Hotel de Ville, Palais de Justice

Tours was also quite architecturally interesting. In this respect, the Hotel de Ville and the Palais de Justice is particularly interesting to gawk at, in the light of day and more so under a dark sky.

Diary of a Trip to Tours #1: Walks through old alleys

Visited Tours a weekend but one ago; and fell in love with the place. Walking through the old city was particularly invigorating. Thanks to a decision to protect its cultural heritage through a conservative urban policy, it is still possible to enjoy a well-preserved ‘old city’. The next chapter will definitely involve visiting the several…

Brussels Break: Art Nouveau Dining

Also not too far from Paris – the heart of Europe, Brussels. Can be done in a weekend (and was done by this Blogger). Though I am back in Paris my taste buds and other senses are still very much in the restaurant, Le Perroqeut (the Parrot), Rue Watteeu 31, Brussels 1000. Not only is…

Cheese, Castles and Roses: Day (or two) Trip, Provins

A gorgeous town within a day’s trip from Paris, a home to wonderfully skilled Rose cultivators and stunning medieval fortifications – Provins is a stunning – and romantic – place to visit. For lovers of Cheese, Provins is also home to the best Brie on the face of the earth. To my understanding, Provins is…

A fonder heart: Weekend Away in Tours

Today’s the last day of a beautiful weekend away from Paris. And I must say tha although I love Paris (infinitely so), a bit of time away is always a good idea. Besides, as ‘they’ say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. I’ll post more on Tours a bit later but needless to say the…