Highlights of Auxerre

Highlights of Auxerre

Auxerre. The name comes out in a sigh of awed appreciation of such a beautiful city and indeed the highlights of Auxerre are the embodiment of French delight. Of all the picturesque places that we have visited across the Haute-Savoie, Côte-d’Or and Burgundy regions of France, this is one of the best.… Read the rest

Fosse Dionne

Fosse Dionne, Tonnerre

The Fosse Dionne, nestled in the cute town of Tonnerre in Burgundy, is a captivating circular well. We stop in Tonnerre on a whim to stretch the legs en route from Abbaye de Fontenay to Auxerre and by luck we discover this natuaral spring.… Read the rest

Christmas in Montbard

Christmas in Montbard

Christmas in Montbard promises a quaint town which transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland with its cobblestone streets and charming medieval architecture adorned with festive lights and decorations. They cast a warm glow against the crisp, frosty air.… Read the rest

Marché aux Vins

Marché aux Vins

The Burgundy region has a long tradition of winemaking, dating back to Roman times and Beaune’s Marché aux Vins, or Wine Market, is closely tied to this tradition. It began as a way for local producers to showcase and sell their wines.… Read the rest

Beaune

Beaune

Beaune is a captivating town nestled in the Burgundy region of eastern France. We arrive here from Annecy via a little picnic stop near Château de Sercy. The whole area seems renowned for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and prominent wine heritage.… Read the rest

Annecy

Annecy

Arriving in Annecy by train from Chamonix, we set out to explore the past and present of France’s Venice of the Alps. This extraordinarily picturesque city is nestled in the Haute-Savoie region of southeastern France. With its charming canals, stunning lakeside views, and well-preserved historical architecture, Annecy offers a rich tapestry of history, culture and gastronomy.… Read the rest

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens, in London’s western outskirts, is one of the most magical places I have visited. It’s a misty Sunday morning in London and, due to tube closures, it takes me almost two hours to travel the relatively short distance across town to the Gardens.… Read the rest

Rovinj

Rovinj Marina

Rovinj is a really pretty little coastal town with a stunning old town and its own personality. The town centre, complete with a picture perfect marina, makes it very popular with tourists.  Even at this time of year, just past the peak of summer, when the weather (or at least the water!)… Read the rest

Karlstejn Castle

Karlstejn Castle

Karlstejn (Karlštejn) Castle is King Charles IV (1316-1378) original Gothic home. Founded in 1348, the castle served the King of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire. It was a place for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia and the Bohemian Crown Jewels as well as holy relics and other royal treasures.… Read the rest

Konopiste Castle

Konopiste Castle

Konopiste (Konopiště) Castle is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the Czech Republic. Situated near the town of Benešov, approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Prague, Konopiště stands as a symbol of both medieval architecture and the personal legacy of the late Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria.… Read the rest