Mont Saint Michel: A Wonder of Nature and Human Skill

It is a wonder of nature and human skill that attracts more than three million visitors each year. Recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site, with 61 of its buildings protected as historic monuments, it is among the most famous touristic places of France and the entire Europe. Through history, this island inspired artists such as Henry Adams and Claude Debussy, and even became a part of contemporary culture when it was used as an inspiration for the design of Minas Tirith in Lord of the Rings’ Return of the King. Continue reading “Mont Saint Michel: A Wonder of Nature and Human Skill”

France, Travel stories

Normandy, pt. 3: A Cheesy Story

I have traumatizing experiences when it comes to French cheese. When I was little, my uncle who lived in Paris came to visit a few times a year and brought presents. From clothes and toys for us kids, to champagne, boxes of chocolate and sweets, they were products that couldn’t be bought in our country and that always represented the elegance and class of France that we looked forward to receiving parts of. Continue reading “Normandy, pt. 3: A Cheesy Story”

France, Travel stories

Normandy, pt. 2: History Lessons on D-Day Beaches

While visiting the Norman coast between towns Cabourg and Vierville-sur-Mer, a part that is called Côte de Nacre (in translation, Pearl Coast), Normandy graciously showed us another part of itself: one that is bleak and sad, and yet, in a way, very majestic. For this span of coast was the place of what some call the most important event of the World War II and one of the grandest military operations of all time. Five sandy beaches, Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah, gave us a memorable history lesson about the D-Day debarkment and the Battle of Normandy. Continue reading “Normandy, pt. 2: History Lessons on D-Day Beaches”

France, Travel stories

Normandy, pt. 1: Earth, Wind and Sea on the Côte d’Albâtre

In my occasional travels around wonderful France I have learned that all parts of it are beautiful and special in their own ways, and visiting Normandy only corroborated that conclusion. Spending enough time in the region allows you to see its different faces: long sandy beaches, posh tourist resorts, sleepy villages, bustling ports, historic routes and beautiful wildish nature. Continue reading “Normandy, pt. 1: Earth, Wind and Sea on the Côte d’Albâtre”

France, Travel stories

L’amour des voyages

My family and me, we love to travel. LOVE. To travel. That is why we try to take a trip some place beautiful at least once a year. We pick a destination and plan a personalized trip that will fulfill everyone’s wishes: set the budget, decide what places to visit, choose hotels, read and learn about the country we chose before we go. When the time comes, we sit in our car and just leave – choosing which roads to take, taking spontaneous detours and stopping whenever and wherever we find something interesting… Setting our own tempo. Continue reading “L’amour des voyages”