A medieval port abandoned by the sea
Montpellier 30220
Review © 2007, Wcities
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A medieval port abandoned by the sea |
Aigues-Mortes Montpellier 30220 |
Once the 13th century port from where Louis IX departed at the head of the ill-fated 7th crusade, time has proved the town's name meaning 'dead waters' to be entirely apt. The retreating sea has left a small town of about 5,000 inhabitants surrounded by medieval walls, canals, marshland and salt mountains. The town offers a perfect day out from Montpellier but can equally be used as a base for exploring the Camargue. The functional medieval layout of the town with its impressive ramparts, dominated by the Tour de Constance, is remarkably preserved. Within the walls, the airy church of Notre Dame des Sablons with its contemporary stained glass windows is worth visiting and the central Place St-Louis is the perfect spot to relax. Many shops and galleries welcome those seeking more contemporary pursuits. Beyond the medieval town, one can follow the canals on foot or by bike or take one of the many boat tours. If the natural beauty of the Camargue beckons, sign up for a trip on horseback or by four-wheel drive. Finally, one should try some of the distinctive 'vin des sables' from one of the many local producers. The Office de Tourisme (at la Porte de la Gardette) has an excellent little guide giving opening times, addresses and telephone numbers for all these and many other activities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: domien decloedt |
Riverside stroll through new Montpellier |
Le Lez Montpellier 34000 |
The completion of the first wave of building work by the banks of the River Lez lets one enjoy a pleasant stroll along paths that follow the river through the new quarters of Antigone, Port Juvénal and the Richter faculty. The architecture is largely the work of Ricardo Bofill. Facing the fountain in front of the Hôtel de la Région is a statue by the Catalan sculptor Fenosa, depicting Roland carrying his exhausted horse. The wide banks beside the river offer a pleasant spot for a picnic, ball games or a siesta. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: crazyman62 |
 Photo: Bao Nghia |
A green expanse to the east |
Bois de Vincennes Paris 75012 +33 1 4742 9056 (Ministry of Tourism) http://www.boisdevincennes.com/ info@visitluxembourg.org |
The largest park in Paris was originally a forest named Vilcena which surrounded Lutèce (the Gaul name for Paris)and became the property of the King in the 11th century. Following its destruction during the Revolution, the army installed themselves here in 1794. It was only in 1857 that Napoleon III decided to transform it into an English-style park. It took three years work. Today, it looks very much the way it did after the renovations: vast lawns, charming paths and a stunning network of waterfalls, islands and pools. The three lakes, Minimes, Saint Mandé and Gravelle were put in at this time. When the city of Paris took over the park in 1860, they added the lac de Daumesnil. Visitors can hire boats on the lakes, explore the tropical garden, the Buddhist and Tibetan temples and visit the musée des Arts Africains et Océaniens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mohamed habibi |
 Photo: Pascal Jeanblanc |
 Photo: Hervé Dugourd  |
 Photo: Sonya Louise |
 Photo: Jean-christophe 94 |
 Photo: Nanak26 |
 Photo: Andreas Schjønhaug |
 Photo: Emelie Persson |
 Photo: judgedread93 |
 Photo: Francois Le Runigo |
 Photo: Helen Clarke |
 Photo: jane vc. |
 Photo: cronopio's |
 Photo: Katie Priest |
 Photo: .:: gOnzO ::. |
Built by Napoléon |
13 Quai de la Loire Bassin de la Villette Paris 75019 +33 (0)1 4239 1500 |
Situated to north-east of the capital, the Canal de l'Ourcq was built in the 19th century by Napoleon to provide Parisians with drinking water. Towards 1850, drinking water was found elsewhere and the canal network (which includes Saint-Martin and Saint-Denis) was then used to goods traffic. The 20th century saw the start of tourism and the emergence of pleasure boats on the canal. On sunny days, visitors can enjoy cruises, which depart from the Bassin de la Villette. It is recommended to book in advance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: courambel |
 Photo: Pierre Caron |
 Photo: lapsangsouchong |
Pleasant and Not Too Expensive |
Plage nº 5 Boulevard La Croisette Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400 +33 4 9338 1459 |
A water-skiing instructor on this private beach will be happy to instruct you in the rudiments of this difficult sport. Sunbeds are EURO 7.32 per half day and EURO 10.67 per full day. A set menu at the fresh fish restaurant will set you back around EURO 20.58. The hotel has a pleasant atmosphere in which to soak up the sand, sea and sun. The hotel has a view of Cannes and its surroundings and the town centre is a stone's throw away. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nicola Gourdie |
 Photo: lindsaykp |
 Photo: Jonas Lamis |
 Photo: bertlo |
 Photo: Joe Di Talia |
 Photo: Ronald Wielink |
 Photo: Steve Goett |
 Photo: Liqin Xu |
 Photo: Marcel |
 Photo: Wazzza |
 Photo: Magic1000 |
Living It Up On The Riviera |
Carlton Inter-Continental Cannes 58, boulevard La Croisette Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400 +33 4 9306 4494 http://www.cannes.interconti.com/ |
Located in the heart of La Croisette, the famed Carlton hotel has a lovely, private beach. It offers a range of water sports, such as water-skiing and parascending. The restaurant offers a superb Provençal buffet, to be enjoyed while basking in the warm sun of the Riviera. Together with the hotel's restaurant, the Carlton is an ideal destination for a holiday at a luxury hotel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: williamhan - travell |
Throwback to the 1960's |
A9 La Grande-Motte 34280 +33 467 29 0337 http://www.lagrandemotte.fr/en... |
On the sands of the Gulf of Aigues-Mortes, the architect Jean Balladur created not only an entirely new seaside resort but a very distinctive town. The buildings in this resort are characterised by multi-coloured pyramids and undulating curves. If the modernism often appears superficial and kitsch, this has not stood in the way of its success. Over thirty years later, the town welcomes around a hundred thousand holiday-makers every year despite its steep prices. To keep them amused, the town offers an enormous range of facilities, including numerous golf courses, a casino, marinas and then, in the unlikely case that one has any spare time left, there are always the beaches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: chichoumeille |
 Photo: pkriens |
 Photo: Frédéric De Vries |
Wide sands leading to the Camargue |
Port-Camargue Montpellier 30240 |
This long beach extends for several kilometres from the new marine resort of Port Camargue to the canals and lagoons of the Petite Camargue. A few small roads from the fishing port of Le Grau-du-Roi allow access to the lighthouse of the Espiguette and the surrounding dunes and beaches. In summer parking is not cheap and you need to arrive early or late to properly appreciate this special place. Out of season, solitude beckons. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: renaud.deligny |
Private beach club at Catalans |
Corniche Président Kennedy Marseilles 13007 |
This private sandy beach on the Catalans resort, near the Palais du Pharo, does charge an entrance fee, although beach umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent and there are a number of volleyball courts for the sports lovers among you (tournaments also take place here). In addition, the beach is dotted with various snack bars and cafés, making it a not-to-be-missed spot for summer get-togethers.Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Blossom Mary |
Tranquil beach |
Villeneuve-les-Maguelone Lontpellier 34000 |
Desperate to find a stretch of beach that is not overcrowded during the summer months? It's possible on this isolated beach that stretches over 7 km from the Maguelone Cathedral along the Vic lagoon. Outside of the summer months one can find oneself quite alone. Park your car by the canal bridge, and a fifteen minute walk (or less if you take the Petit Train) is generally enough to escape the crowds who accumulate at each end of the beach. It's also a popular nudist beach. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joan Fabrégat |
 Photo: Serpodile |
Bargain Beach |
Boulevard Jean-Hibert Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400 +33 4 9339 9274 |
To the west of Cannes, are a host of beaches that are generally cheaper than those situated on the Croisette. Midi Plage is situated here and is a real bargain. For EURO 5.79-7.62 you get a spot on the pontoon, and a meal of mainly fish for EURO 9.15-20.58. This private beach is very close to the old part of Cannes and is walking distance from the town centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Janez JP |
Come on board |
19-21 Quai de la Loire Paris 75019 +33 1 4240 9697 http://www.pariscanal.com/somm... resa@pariscanal.com |
This popular cruise spans the River Seine and the St. Martin Canal, taking visitors of the Musée d'Orsay on a three-hour trip to the Parc de la Villette, and back again. Departing from the Museum at 9:30am, or from the Park at 2:30pm, the cruise costs EUR 16 for adults; EUR 9 for children aged 4-11. Gather at the landing stages in front of either venue. Reservations are essential. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: katiaboutchou |
 Photo: Izorama |
 Photo: Daniel Campo |
 Photo: Laura Derksen |
 Photo: P. Floc'h-Anderson |
 Photo: Garrett MacLean |
 Photo: Erik Kolderie |
 Photo: Thomas Hardy |
 Photo: DAN & LEILA PARKER |
Sandy Beach along the Seine |
Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville Quai François Mauriac Paris 75004 http://www.paris.fr/portail/Cu... |
Every summer since 2002, the beach comes to Paris to refresh Parisians who stay at home on the summer or tourists visiting the Capital. Two thousand tons of sand and dozens of palm trees are brought alongside the Seine River, attracting millions of visitors. To sunbathe, about 400 deckchairs are available and if you get hot, go to the swimming pool before relaxing in the Jacuzzi next to it. Sport lovers will enjoy Paris beach since they can climb, play beach volley or tennis or jump on the trampoline, go roller-skating and more. At night enjoy listening to a concert while having an ice cream. Several restaurants and bars are located on both sites. The first site is located on the right bank of the Seine River between Quai du Louvre and Quai des célestins. The second one goes from Quai de la gare to Quai François Mauriac on the left Bank. A fluvial shuttle commutes between the two sites. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aurélien |
 Photo: Shari Kaplan |
 Photo: Elena Menshutkina |
Nice's much-loved promenade |
Promenades des Anglais Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6000 |
A big favourite with locals and visitors alike, including rollerbladers, cyclists and dog owners, this much-loved promenade hugs the seashore for several kilometres. The promenade's characteristic blue chairs, scattered along the way, provide the perfect vantage point from which to take in the expanse of azure blue stretching as far as the eye can see. It took its current form in 1822, when Lewis Way, an Englishman who lived in Nice during the winter months, financed the two-metre wide path. It is free of charge to stroll. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stéphane Turlier |
 Photo: Lina Valov |
 Photo: rosacarvalho |
 Photo: squamloon |
 Photo: david cantrell |
 Photo: Stéphane NGUYEN |
 Photo: maggie siskind |
 Photo: jhuyr |
 Photo: les2mi100 |
 Photo: p3rikart |
 Photo: Danilo N.C. |
 Photo: Wytze Alers |
 Photo: LE Ba Khanh |
 Photo: big.marsellus |
 Photo: cpraveen |
 Photo: bogdan.solga |
Summer fun |
Corniche Président Kennedy Marseilles 13007 |
This sandy beach, complete with volleyball nets, is situated on the J.F. Kennedy coastal road. The CLPJ (Leisure Centre for Young People) organises a number of watersports and other activities here for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and volleyball. With the first rays of summer, the population of Marseilles flock here at weekends to bathe in the sea and the sun. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: MigMoug |
Local Hang Out |
Boulevard Jean-Hibert Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400 +33 4 9339 7220 |
Riviera Beach is a pleasant private beach on the Boulevard Jean Hibert. The prices here are very reasonable and the beach is mainly frequented by locals. The atmosphere is truly Mediterraneanwith a view of the Esterel mountains. so if you're looking to take in the local vibe, this is the place to come. You can play volley-ball or rent a sunbed (EURO 7.62 for half a day). The lunch-only restaurant is also reasonably priced, and a plate of fish will cost you around EURO 8.38-18.29. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: amit.gaharwar |
 Photo: KMAC |
Memorable landscape of an unusual lake |
Centre touristique municipal du Salagou Clermont-l'Hérault 34800 +33 467 96 3165 |
The vast expanse of water of this unusual and surprising lake stretches over 100 hectares. The red soil that characterises this region creates a highly distinctive landscape. To the south of the lake rises the Montagne de Liausson, more of a rugged hill than a mountain it nonetheless offers a beautiful view across the valleys. One can also tour the lake either on foot (count on a good 7 hours of walking) or ideally by cross-country bike. Numerous campsites and hostels are found around the lakeside and the spot is particularly popular for water sports (especially sail boards) and fishing. From Montpellier take the N109 (direction of Millau) but turn south towards Clermont l'Herault when indicated. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: snowblindz |
 Photo: Tom Conway |
 Photo: Agnieszka Morzyk |
In the heart of the city |
Quai Branly (Esplanade des Invalides) Paris 75007 +33 1 4742 9056 (Ministry of Tourism) info@visitluxembourg.org |
The main axis of the city - it is part of the layout of Paris. The right bank indicates the northern part of the capital, the left the southern side; it is west of this bank that the elegant Saint Germain-des-Prés district is to be found. The Seine is spanned by 36 bridges, one of the most beautiful being the Pont Alexandre III. It is also lined by the most prestigious buildings in Paris, including the Grand Palais and the Invalides. An original way of viewing these sites is to embark on one of the many pleasure boats stationed close to the Alma Bridge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: paul-henri |
 Photo: julie scholz |
 Photo: chloe |
 Photo: Marcia Salviato |
 Photo: Marek Discantiny |
 Photo: papillion_1 |
 Photo: lefrerethierry |
 Photo: Lindsay Wright |
 Photo: thisIsStephenBetts |
 Photo: Michael Ashcroft |
 Photo: Shayne Krige |
 Photo: JONATHAN CENCE |
 Photo: Beth Gibbons |
 Photo: auwa |
 Photo: williamreynolds14 |
 Photo: Ituiu |
 Photo: Brenton Downey |
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The Venice of the Languedoc |
Sète Montpellier 34200 |
Nestled between the sea, the Etang de Thau and the Mont St Clair, the town of Sète was established in the 17th century. Wander down the canal bordered by colourful houses to the Vieux Port. Home to one of the largest Mediterranean fishing fleets, the town has a huge range of restaurants in which you can sample their catch. For a view over the town and its surrounds, climb up to the top of the Mont St Clair. You can also visit the Cimetière Marin, where the author Paul Valery (1871-1945) is buried, or the Centre Georges Brassens (1921-1981) dedicated to the memory of the famous singer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jana Hettler |
 Photo: www.davidtett.com |
Pink flamingos |
Chemin des étangs Lattes 34970 |
The Méjean natural park is an oasis of green, a mere cycle ride away from Montpellier. Simply follow the Lez in the direction of Port Marianne and Lattes from where you will need to follow the signs for the Maison de la Nature. General information and exhibitions on the wildlife and environment of the Méjean lagoon can be found in the Maison de la Nature in front of which there is a welcome drinking tap for the thirsty. Follow either a 4 or 7 km circuit which leads to the edge of the lagoon from where the famous flamingos and other waterfowl can be observed. Those wishing to explore further can cycle on towards Palavas, Maguelone or Carnon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Olivier ROUX |
Major river in Lyon |
Lyon |
The Rhône is one of the largest rivers in France and is the mainstay of industry from Lyons to Marseilles with its factories, dams and power stations. Ever since ancient times, this river has been one of the main means of transporting goods. During the Middle Ages this trade helped the towns along the river to prosper. It is particularly true of Lyons, ideally located between the Low Countries and Italy. The Rhône is one of Lyons' main landmarks and the banks from the Gerland district up to Parc de la Tête d'Or park have been recently redeveloped to offer cyclists, skaters and walkers an unusual way of exploring the city. If you want to discover Lyons by boat, head towards the North rather than the industrial zone of Feyzin in the South. Don't worry though, you can still sail, water ski and swim in some parts of the Rhône. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Loren Baxter |
 Photo: Ben |
 Photo: Chase Edmond |
 Photo: Renee Bulow |
 Photo: eddard-h |
 Photo: Claudio Bortolussi |
 Photo: Jesse Schwebach |
 Photo: Stuart Fleming |
 Photo: Peter Meuris |
 Photo: lskiwi |
 Photo: Martha Richards |
Big River |
Quai Funcheron (A7) Lyon |
There is a statue in place Bellecour that represents the Saône river as a sensual, well-rounded woman. Don't let this fool you as the Saône is certainly more forceful than its neighbour the Rhône when the elements get going. If you go to the Museum of Gallo-Roman civilisation, you will see how long it took for the river to establish its course. These days the banks of the Saône are more attractive and stroller-friendly than those of the Rhône. A craft market is held every Sunday morning on the left bank from quai Fulchiron to quai Romain Rolland. On the right bank, second-hand book sellers gather every weekend (if the weather is fine) at quai de la Pêcherie and quai St Antoine. One of Lyon's biggest outdoor markets stretches from beyond the book sellers up to pont Bonaparte. For those who prefer walking and swimming to bargain hunting, we recommend you go northwards up the Saône towards Ile Barbe. There are several riverside restaurants (known as "guingettes") where you can sample fried fish and frogs' legs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Clément Labadie |
 Photo: David Decharte |
 Photo: stevewells-photo.com |
 Photo: elfaust |
 Photo: Salmita |
 Photo: matubu |
 Photo: Marta Strickland |
 Photo: Bob Williamson |
 Photo: Abigail Cahill |
 Photo: Fabrice Caterini |
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No gondolas |
Port de Suffren Paris 75007 +33 1 4418 0803 http://www.vedettesdeparis.com/ comm@vedettesdeparis.com |
It's okay if you can't go for a cruise on river Seine in a gondola but then who wants an arched black boat in Paris? Your guided tour lasts a whole hour on the intoxicating Seine. Take in the lovely breathtaking sights of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, with or without your loved one. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: pepa espinoza |
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