Travel, life, loves and laughs.
This gorgeous medieval building, the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices du Beaune), had a very useful and serious purpose. Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins, the Hôtel-Dieu was originally established to provide medical care and accommodation for the poor and sick.… Read the rest
We stumble across the Château de Sercy whilst meandering through Burgundy. On the way from Annecy to Beaune, this lovely chateau is an example of how France’s medieval history can just pop up. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere.… Read the rest
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
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
After a day out and about in Rovij and surrounds we make our way to Pula for the evening.
Roughly a 40 minute drive along the beach lined coast, Pula is another charming seaside town on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula.… Read the rest
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
The centerpiece of the stunning medieval town of Cesky Krumlov (Český Krumlov) is its magnificent castle complex. The castle, founded by the Vítkovci family in the 13th Century, is one of the largest in Central Europe. The castle reflects a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles shaped by centuries of expansion and renovation.… Read the rest
Leaving Karlovy Vary behind us, we are on the road to Hluboká nad Vltavou and its stunning Chateau amidst the rivers, forests and fields of Southern Bohemia. Actually, our destination is Cesky Krumlov but after a few hours in the car we are ready to stretch our legs and as calm our nerves.… Read the rest
Cesky Krumlov Dreaming. If there was ever a place where it’s possible to find yourself in a fairy tale, this MUST be it.
We left Karlovy Vary this morning, headed for Cesky Krumlov. I have heard of its beauty and charm previously but nothing has quite prepared me for what we encounter.… Read the rest
After a bit of a lazy start this morning we head out to explore some more castles and spa towns in the West Bohemian area of the Czech Republic. We have Loket nad Ohří and Mariánské Lázně in our sights.
Surrounded by a loop of the river Ohří, this tiny town almost becomes an island.… Read the rest