Located just 20 miles inland from Marseilles, Aix-en-Provence enjoys the warm weather of the southern coast of France without the crowds that coastal beaches bring. Aix’s long history shows itself in the medieval quarter, punctuated by the Gothic-style Cathedral of the Holy Savior. Just around the corner, and a couple centuries later, is the Mazarin Quarter, marked by its impressive 17th century mansions and private gardens.
Often called “the city of a thousand fountains,” Aix-en-Provence radiates a picturesque beauty that historically has drawn artists from all over the world, such as Émile Zola and Ernest Hemingway, to its quaint cafés and tree-lined avenues. The city’s most famous artist, Paul Cézanne, perhaps captured Aix’s beauty the best in his impressionist paintings of the city and countryside, some of which can be seen in his studio.
Aixois industry boasts a variety of local products, including soap, lavender, linen, olive oil, and calissons, a traditional almond-melon confection. Found in the region of its namesake, Provençal cooking is marked by such culinary delights as garlic soup, ratatouille, and Daube provençale, a slow-cooked red meat stew. As you wander the crooked streets and explore the boutiques of the Cours Mirabeau (the main street), perhaps stop in a café or one of Aix’s many museums, or take a trip just outside the city to appreciate its agricultural and Provençal heritage that inspired so many.
Paris is the cosmopolitan capital of France and - with 2.2 million people living in zone 1 (Central Paris) and another 9.9 million people in the suburbs (la banlieue) - is one of the largest cities in Europe. Located in the north of the country on the river Seine, Paris has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historical associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed the City of Light, it is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Central Paris is officially divided into 20 districts called arrondissements, numbered from 1 to 20 in a clockwise spiral from the centre of town. Each arrondissement has its own unique character and selection of attractions for the traveler.
One of the best value and most convenient ways to see the sights of Paris is with the Paris Museum Pass (previously known as Carte Musées et Monuments), a pre-paid entry card that allows entry into over 70 museums and monuments around Paris. Those there are too many to list, highlights include: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Père-Lachaise Cemetery, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and the Picasso Museum.
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, lies on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, only 43 miles south of Helsinki. At the historical heart of the city is the hill of Toompea, covered in cobbled streets and filled with medieval houses and alleyways. The lower town spreads out from the foot of the hill, still protected by the remnants of a city wall. Around the city wall is a series of well-maintained green parks, perfect for strolling.
While the old town has been well-preserved and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997, it is now in better shape than ever, with the bigger roads converted into fashionable shopping streets.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, located in the Central Belt region of the country. With a population of approximately 450,000, "Auld Reekie" (Edinburgh) manages to combine the ancient and the modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere. Watched over by the imposing Edinburgh Castle—the symbol of the city—Edinburgh mixes medieval relics and Georgian grandeur with modern living and contemporary avant-garde.
Tourism is an important economic mainstay in Edinburgh, "The Athens of the North." The city is Scotland's thriving night-life center and a feast for the mind and the senses, playing host to great restaurants, shops and an unequalled program of city festivals throughout the year. Hogmanay (the Scottish New Year) kicks off the festivities, which culminate in the high summer with the Tattoo, the International and the Fringe, among many others.
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1995. Tourists visit such historical sites as Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Georgian New Town. In fact, Edinburgh is one of Europe's major tourist destinations, attracting around 13 million visitors a year, and is the second most visited tourist destination in the United Kingdom, after London.
Be sure to walk the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Royal Mile is the backbone of the 16th-century Old Town and most of the buildings date from this period. Also visit Holyrood Park, containing Arthur's Seat (an extinct volcano you can climb), three lochs and the stunning Salisbury Crags.
London is the capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, and is the largest city in Western Europe. Situated on the River Thames in southeast England, London is historically one of the great world cities and remains a global capital of politics, culture, fashion, trade and finance. London will serve as the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
London boasts a vast number of attractions for the traveler. Among the most famous are Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster (including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament) in Westminster. Shoppers can head to Portobello Road, which claims to be the world’s largest antiques market, for antiques, souvenirs and other knick-knacks or simply a walk through time.
London has a large variety of shows from fringe to Broadway-like musicals and productions. The West End district is where you’ll find the last type, with famous imported Broadway shows and some very good local productions.
Steam Train trips - Online Booking Now Available, The Jacobite Steam Train - Award Winning Fort William to Mallaig Railway line, The Scarborough Spa Express Steam Train, and The Cambrian Welsh Steam Train Trip.
provence_marche1.jpg Nyons In my previous post I described how I center my Provence travels around the glorious marchés. If you are fond of markets, there is really no other place I think of where you can indulge yourself as much as you can
Address: Pikk jalg 9, Tallinn, Harju maakond 10130 | Show on map
Telephone: +372 631 3181
Fax: +372 644 3220
Website: http://www.bogapott.ee/
Method of payment: Cash, Credit card
Bogapott ( http://www.bogapott.ee) is an art shop, cafe and ceramic studio. Who wouldn't love the idea of sitting in a peaceful Old Town courtyard in summer, drinking coffee from cups, made on the spot? It's no just the atmosphere and diversity of this place in Toompea which is unique, but also the works of artists you can't buy from any other places in Tallinn.
The Tallinn Card holders will get a souvenir with each purchase, having the value above one hundred kroons.
