Travel & Places – Page 4

September in Greece: The New Ecclesiastical Year of the Orthodox Church

September sweeps into Greece with a sense of transformation, a vibrant blend of history, tradition, and hope. For Greek Orthodox Christians, the first day of September isn’t just another stretch of the calendar. It marks the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year, a spiritual reset deeply entwined with centuries-old customs and the rhythms of rural life. Whether in bustling cities or remote villages, the air tingles with anticipation, prayer, and communal activity, drawing an unbroken thread from the past to the present.

Grasse: Where the Art of Perfume Comes Alive

Nestled between the scenic slopes of the southern Alps and the dazzling blue of the Mediterranean, the town of Grasse stands as a vibrant testament to centuries of perfume artistry. This picturesque French town, with its winding serpentine streets and hidden courtyards, welcomes visitors into a world where scent is elevated to craft and history intertwines with the air itself. Yet, as charming as Grasse appears, its true treasures often remain behind closed doors, accessible only to those invited into its secret perfumed sanctuaries.

Furious Feline’s Journey: Cat Naps in the Mediterranean, Wakes Up in Austria!

Sometimes, vacation souvenirs are a little more unexpected, and livelier, than fridge magnets or postcards. This was certainly the case for a family returning from their Croatian holiday, whose homecoming took a dramatic and furry twist no one had seen coming.

The Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens on the Côte d’Azur: A Paradise Between Sea and Mountains

When one thinks of the French Riviera, sparkling turquoise seas and elegant Boulevards may come to mind. Yet, hidden within this glamorous coast lies a quieter realm, a paradise of parks and gardens where nature’s artistry and human vision unite. The Côte d’Azur, with its gentle Mediterranean climate, is a canvas for garden designers, botanists, and plant collectors, their creations blending French prestige with Italian grace. Here, beneath a sky gently brushed by the Mediterranean sun, visitors encounter not only dazzling floral vistas, but also an extraordinary horticultural heritage embracing centuries of style, innovation, and ecological awareness.

The Train de la Côte Bleue: France’s Most Scenic Railway and the Blue Train Legacy

There is a place in the south of France where the Mediterranean meets dramatic cliffs, sunlit beaches lie undisturbed, and azure waters shimmer beneath painted wooden boats. Here, along one of Europe’s most impressively scenic lines, runs the Train de la Côte Bleue. Not just a means of transportation, it is a moving balcony offering extraordinary views and a living testament to the historical elegance of French railway travel. To fully appreciate this railway gem, it helps to understand its delicate dance with the legendary Train Bleu, the luxury express that once defined continental glamour, adventure, and artistry.

Hidden Provence: 5 Secret Corners You Must Discover

If Provence conjures images of endless lavender fields, bustling markets, and sun-soaked squares dotted with pastel shutters, you’re not alone. But while the region’s postcard-famous towns—Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Gordes—draw admirers year-round, the true soul of Provence lies down winding lanes and in hamlets only the locals whisper about. Here, time slows, life feels gentler, and the stories are stitched into the very stones beneath your feet. For the traveler searching for the undiscovered, here are five secret places in Provence that promise wonder and quiet joy.

Aix-en-Provence celebrates the Cézanne year

Located about 35 kilometers north of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence is a city where history and beauty intertwine. With a population just shy of 150,000, the very name “Aix-en-Provence” evokes images of pastoral charm and timeless appeal, a reputation the region has held as a coveted destination for over two millennia.

Discovering the Musée Calvet: Avignon’s Timeless Treasure

Nestled in the historic heart of Avignon, the Musée Calvet stands as a beacon of culture and artistic heritage. It’s an essential destination for anyone eager to experience the rich tapestry of art, history, and craftsmanship that has shaped Provence, France, and the wider world. This museum, understated in its elegance yet powerfully compelling through its collections, offers much more than a simple gallery visit, it provides a journey through centuries of artistic achievement.

Istanbul’s Street Cats: Guardians of Tradition, Culture, and the City’s Enchanting Spirit

Istanbul is uniquely situated at the crossroads of two continents, Europe and Asia, and serves as a vital link between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The city straddles the Bosporus, a narrow strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, which in turn opens into the Mediterranean to the south. This strategic location has made Istanbul a cultural and geographic bridge between East and West for centuries. Its enchanting streets reflect a captivating blend of ancient traditions and contemporary life, offering a lifestyle where the past and present harmoniously coexist.

The Fine Art of Being Naked Around the Mediterranean

Imagine a morning when there’s no space between your skin and the sparkling, cool Mediterranean, when you glide from salt water to sun-warmed sand without a barrier between you and nature. You lie down, just as nature intended, and let the sun soak into your bare skin, experiencing a freedom so pure it feels almost illicit.