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Must see and do!
Notre-Dame de Paris
One of the oldest, grandest and most famous cathedrals in the world, Notre-Dame de Paris (“Our Lady of Paris”) recently celebrated it’s 850th birthday, and has been a pivotal element of the character of Paris throughout its history. Situated on the Île de la Cité, arguably the oldest part of Paris with a history of settlement going back to the 2nd century BC, construction of Notre Dame began in 1163 and the building replaced an even older cathedral that dated from the 4th century.
The Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg
One of the oldest and largest museums in the world, The Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg is also one of the grandest and most opulent palace complexes in the world. From its beginnings in 1764 as the private collection of Catherine the Great, The Hermitage now houses more than three million items, including the world’s largest collection of oil paintings.
Catherine Palace
One of the grandest royal residences in the world, the Catherine Palace is a stunning reminder of the pomp and grandeur of the Russian Romanov dynasty. Almost completely destroyed by the Nazis during World War II, over more than fifty years it was stunningly and authentically restored to all its former glory.
Saint-Chely-du-Tarn
One of the most fairytale-like villages in the Gorges du Tarn would have to be Saint-Chely-du-Tarn. Nestled on the steep banks of the Tarn river in southern France, clinging onto and between the rocky outcrops of the gorge, Saint-Chely-du-Tarn has all the charm and melancholy of a French village hundreds of years old with all the modern amenities required by the modern tourist.
Gorges du Tarn, southern France
If a quiet afternoon drive in southern France, exploring a peaceful, winding river through a stunning natural gorge sounds like your idea of a relaxing break, then then Gorges du Tarn may just be the ticket. For those with an historical bent, there are countless ruins to see, including castles, villas, and other buildings. For those that prefer to get a little more physical, the Gorges du Tarn is one of the most popular places in France for hiking, kayaking, climbing and abseiling.
Pont du Gard
Some of the best reminders of the scope, grandeur and brilliance of the Roman Empire are in France, and the Pont du Gard (Bridge of the Gard) is one of the best (and most intact) remaining examples of Roman architectural engineering anywhere in the world.
Pont Ambroix
About half way between Nimes and Montpellier in southern France is the old Roman fortified town of Ambrussum, which today is an archeological site in the middle of French farmland. A mere one hundred metres east of the northern end of the fortified wall lie the remains of Pont Ambroix – an arched Roman bridge across the small Vidourle River.
Carcassonne
Of all the medieval and fortified towns throughout southern Europe, the Languedoc town of Carcassonne is easily one of the most famous. While officially founded in the fifth century there remains evidence of Roman occupation even now under the main buildings. Recalled for its pivotal role in the Albigensian crusades and the history of the Cathars, today the old fortified town is one of the biggest and most unique tourist drawcards in France.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Parisians love their gardens, they love relaxing outdoors, and they love mingling. It’s no wonder then that the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) are so popular with the locals.
Monet’s Garden, Giverny
Not many people could claim to have arguably the most famous garden in the world, but one look at the idyllic lily pond and you know you recognise this scene. You can thank the brilliant French impressionist painter Claude Monet (1840-1926), who not only painted this gorgeous garden scores of times, but also built the garden very nearly from nothing.
Peterhof Palace
Only a man as powerful and as influential and the amazing Peter the Great could have created not only one of the world’s greatest cities, but also one of the world’s greatest royal palaces. The stunning Peterhoff Palace, just outside of St Petersburg is one of the world’s greatest residences, heavily influenced in it’s design and layout by the equally impressive French palace of Versailles, and is deservedly recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
St Paul de Vence
Amongst the many acclaimed medieval hill-top walled villages in southern France, St Paul de Vence enjoys an esteemed place. Increasingly popular not only amongst international travellers, this quaint and mostly intact stone settlement is also adoringly frequented by the natives of south-east France. Today it is the most visited medieval village in France.
Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens
Any place that had been not only the playground of the powerful Medici family but was also a residence for Napoleon and the Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Italy would have to have been a grand place. The Palazzo Pitti (or Pitti Palace) doesn’t disappoint. Not just a grand building with all the trappings of money and power, but a lush, formal garden with amphitheatres, lawns and grand cascades.
Bardini Garden
If peace, quiet, serenity and nature are your thing, then the Bardini Garden is a must see. Covering four hectares overlooking the Arno River, and with some of the best views of the old city of Florence, the Bardini Garden is a haven.
Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gardens
After climbing the Spanish Steps and checking out the Trinita’ de Monti church, take a short walk to the north-west along the Piazza della Trinita dei Monti and enjoy the marvellous Borghese Gardens. These are the second largest gardens in Rome, covering about 80 hectares (148 acres), surpassed only by the Villa Doria Pamphili.
Villa Adriana
Emperor Hadrian had it good. The Roman Empire was at its peak, he was the boss, and he could do what he wanted with all those riches – no one would or could argue. What he chose to do was to build the biggest and baddest holiday house the world has ever seen. Thus was born Villa Adriana – or Hadrian’s Villa.
Greve in Chianti
You know those Tuscan villages you read and dream about, the ones with a village piazza right out of the pages of a romantic novel? Greve is one of those villages, the of the wine-growing region of Chianti (between Florence and Sienna), and host of Chianti’s largest wine fair.
San Gimignano
If you’re touring through Tuscany, it’s likely that you’re doing so because you’re interested in either Italian food and wine or Italian history. You can enjoy a fantastic example of both in the UNESCO World Architectural Heritage listed medieval village of San Gimignano.
Pompeii
Pompeii is one of those very, very special destinations. It’s not the only archeological dig in the world that ordinary people can walk through, but it is one of the very few such places where you can really feel a part of the ancient city, and understand the lives and suffering of its last inhabitants.
Gondolas in Venice
Don’t you dare say that the idea of a gondola ride through the canals of Venice sounds cliched or a tourist trap. Those things may (or may not) be true, but if you visit Venice without doing it, you will kick yourself!