Europe

Where to stay in Lyon

With a well-earned reputation as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is a wonderful place to base yourself for a few days. As well as the excellent food, the city is home to intriguing hidden passageways, remarkable street art and ancient ruins. Vieux Lyon (the old town) is as charming as you’d expect, with cobbled streets, elegant architecture and wide squares. But there are also many other areas in Lyon which are worth your time. While many visitors may choose to base themselves in

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Glühwein recipe: how to make mulled wine

While summer is reigning in the northern hemisphere, it has been somewhat colder here in the south. To liven things up a little and draw our friends from their homes, we hosted a midwinter dinner. A last minute (but very welcome) addition was mulled wine. This recipe is based on the German glühwein rather than the traditional British mulled wine, and has always been received very favourably. Ingredients Directions Strain and serve warm. Gently heat the wine in a saucepan

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7 things to know before visiting Strasbourg, France

Located in the heart of Europe lies one of the most charming cities in France – Strasbourg. From stunning architecture to mouthwatering food and enchanting markets, Strasbourg is a city that doesn’t disappoint. And, while it’s not as big as Paris, it has much to offer. If you are planning a trip, here are a few things you should know – from a local- before you go. Jen Ciesielski 1. History is important in Strasbourg Strasbourg’s history is quite complex. Since the 5th century, it has

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Christmas in Paris: Food, lights and festive activities

Paris, the City of Lights, takes its epithet quite literally during the festive season. As the festive spirit envelops the city, its iconic boulevards, historic landmarks, and charming neighbourhoods shimmer with thousands of twinkling lights. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine permeates the crisp winter air, as bustling Christmas markets spring to life, offering handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and unique souvenirs. Whether you’re strolling along the Seine, marvelling at the illuminated monuments, indulging in gourmet delights at a patisserie, or

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10 reasons why Lyon is worth visiting

Lyon is a cultured, cosmopolitan city but is often dismissed by visitors ferrying themselves between Paris and Provence. That is such a mistake. Here are a few reasons why you should add Lyon to your itinerary when you travel through France. cascoly via canva.com 1. Lyon was once the capital of silk There is still plenty to remind the visitor of the time Lyon was Europe’s silk capital. A museum of silk, workshop visits, silk shops stuffed with tempting scarves – all

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Delicious discoveries: 9 foods to try in Alsace

France has many delightful and delicious cities for a self-professed foodie to discover. Paris is a favourite with an exasperating array of restaurants to choose from, Lyon is often seen as the city frequently visited by foodies who are looking for traditional and old-school dishes, however, for me, Alsace is my secret destination for true gastronomes. Alsace, located in the Grand Est region of France, borders Switzerland and Germany and with this location, it has many influences which have shaped its cuisine. History will tell you that it was under German rule

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Gougères recipe: French cheese puffs

The first time I tasted gougères was when I visited my husband’s family in the French countryside of the Burgundy region. It was late afternoon in August, and we sat on the shady patio, taking the apéro. I simply love this time of the day when you sit together with family or friends, share a drink, chat, enjoy some local food, and let the day wind out. It was then that the aunt served us a plate of delicious, oven-warm gougères.

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How much does a trip to Paris cost?

If you’re planning on travelling to Paris, you’re probably wondering how much you need to budget for your trip. While your travel costs will depend on your travel style, generally speaking Paris is best for travellers with some spending money. Accommodation costs are generally on the high side and food and drinks are reasonably-priced. Many of Paris’s best attractions are very affordable or even free and, while some activities could set you back a fair amount, there’s plenty to do at lower price points too. How much

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Useful tips for travelling in France

France is well-known for its baguette-wielding stereotypes, along with its fantastic gastronomy, including a plethora of fine cheeses and wines. It’s one of the most popular countries to visit in Europe, with beautiful historical sights like Chambord, Lascaux Prehistoric Cave, Mont-Saint-Michel, and Carcassonne. Beyond the boutique-lined streets of Paris, take time to travel to the forgotten corners, and you will find friendly locals and some of the most beautiful parts of Europe. Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité (liberty, equality, fraternity in English), is the

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Sustainable and responsible travel in France

While nobody could claim that France is an off-the-beaten-track destination that desperately relies on tourist dollars, the country is a surprisingly green place to travel to. With huge investments in rail travel, France has made it easier than ever to explore its time-honoured tourist routes with considerable reductions on our carbon footprints. But there are new and exciting things to discover too. From hiking and cycling routes to sustainable food and farm-to-fork initiatives, France’s developed tourism network makes it easy

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