The Château of Azay-le-Rideau is a true gem of the Loire Valley. Nestled on a small island on the Indre River, this stunning Renaissance castle stands out with its elegance and attention to detail. The Château d’ Azay-le-Rideau is surrounded by lush greenery, including a romantic park and gardens that add to its peaceful and romantic ambience. I first visited Château d’ Azay-le-Rideau in 1980 with my mother. Standing before Château d’ Azay-le-Rideau decades later, the small white castle with its same turrets unleashes a flood of memories of a Loire Valley Castle expedition that left an unfor ..read more

Staying in a boutique hotel in the Marais, Paris is one of the best ways to experience Parisian culture. Le Marais, located in the heart of Paris, is one of the city’s oldest and most fashionable neighbourhoods. The lively Marais district is within walking distance of many of Paris’s most popular attractions, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Pompidou Centre, spend your days exploring the city and your evenings enjoying the vibrant nightlife that Le Marais has to offer. These best hotels in the Marais, each with its own distinct style and personality, are often housed ..read more

The Ile de la Cite, a small island situated in the heart of Paris, is the beating heart of Paris. As one of the city’s most historic and picturesque areas, no trip to Paris is complete without some time spent ambling the narrow streets and alleyways past Ile de Cite’s iconic landmarks, including the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral. Ile de la Cité embodies the true essence of Parisian charm and beauty. Ile de la Cite Travel Tip: The Banks of the Seine River is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Paris. This might seem surprising given that Paris is full of historic and architectural gems.&nbs ..read more

A Paris to Versailles day trip is rather an essential outing to add to any trip to Paris. The majestic 2300-room Château de Versailles commissioned by King Louis XIV is a splendour worth seeing. Along with the Château, a Paris to Versailles day trip includes a visit to the sprawling gardens, the Grand and Petit Trianon, the Theatre and the Queen’s Hamlet. The Château de Versailles, A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is an experience full of opulence and grandeur along with a first-hand glance at how the French monarchs lived. Versailles Travel Tip: It is obligatory to book a ticket and ..read more

I first moved to Paris in the month of February. What I remember, aside from the heady mix of excitement sprinkled with fear, are the flowers. Delicate pink blossoms appeared while hyacinths and daffodils dared to show themselves. February in Paris comes with a cold wind but Paris, with fewer crowds, less expensive accommodation, longer days, and a few early blossoms, is well, Paris after all. Always a good idea! Here are the best things to do when visiting Paris in February. Weather In Paris In February Is it cold in February in Paris? Does it snow in Paris in February? These are two questi ..read more

One of the remarkable things about visiting the Château de Brissac in the Loire Valley is that this château has been in the same family for more than 520 years. Still to this day, the Château de Brissac is privately owned by a member of the Cossé-Brissac family, one of the oldest families in France. The sheer height of this French château is another splendid discovery. At seven stories high, one’s eyes soar skyward examining the towers and windows. Which floor do you imagine your rooms being on?! Where Is The Château de Brissac? The Château de Brissac is found at 1, rue Jeanne Say in the vil ..read more

If you’re looking for a spa in Paris or a Paris hamman, look no further than the serene experience found at the Mosque of Paris Hammam. The Mosque of Paris Hammam had been on my list of Paris things to experience for quite some time. On a chilly January day, a friend and I decided to hit up the steam rooms, surrender to a gommage and recline sipping mint tea amidst stunning mosaic tiles. For this first experience at the Hamman de la Grande Mosquée de Paris, I was not sure what to expect. Here is what to know before you go. The Mosque de Paris Hammam: Frequently Asked Questions 1. Where Is The ..read more

January in Paris? Is it a good time to visit Paris? Well, as Audrey Hepburn once said, “Paris is always a good idea.” When visiting Paris in January, there will definitely be fewer tourists than in high season. The advantage for the traveller is less crowds, cheaper flights, fewer lineups and seeing real Parisians settled into their winter life. Amidst the grey, January in Paris pops with a burst of yellow. Look for the round golden blooms of mimosa outside the flower shops. Hyacinths and tulips also make an appearance! Sit at a café, listen to street music, and soak up all that January in Pa ..read more

The Basilica Of Saint-Denis is listed as a French National Monument. Most importantly it is the burial site for most of the French monarchs. Why Should I Visit The Basilica Of Saint-Denis? The Saint-Denis Basilica Cathedral is a sacred spot in France. The long-time legend of Saint-Denis, the first Bishop of Paris who was beheaded by Roman priests, ends right here. Saint-Denis Basilica Cathedral became the place for French monarchs to be buried beginning in the 6th century. Today it holds the remains of 42 kings (all the French monarchs except for 3) and 32 queens. Sixty-three princes and prin ..read more

After peeking through the stunning bronze doors on a visit to Montmartre, I knew I wanted to visit La Cimetière du Calvaire. Harboured in the shadow of Saint Pierre de Montmartre and Sacré Coeur this tiny cemetery holds a certain allure. Perhaps for the curious traveller, it is the fact that La Cimetière du Calvaire is only open once a year on November 1st, Toussaint (All Saint’s Day). After waiting several years due to COVID restrictions, the doors to the Cimetière du Calvaire opened on November 1, 2022. I knew I was going to visit, rain or shine! Here are 7 things to know before visiting th ..read more