There’s no doubt life is better in flip-flops. If the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions the beach is a solitary bungalow on a remote island, here’s a challenge for you: find and enjoy some of the best city beaches in the world. Even amid the urban hustle and bustle, you can immerse yourself in the laid-back, cocktail-soaked, sea-breeze-infused atmosphere of these sandy dream lands.

Bruxelles Les Bains (Brussel Bad), Belgium

Beach time in Brussels | Stephane Mignon/Flickr

The capital of Belgium has its very own beach at Beco Quay (Quai de Beco) – every year for a month a real beach appears, featuring huge stretches of sand, palm-trees, exotic plants… Visitors play beach volleyball and beach soccer, or cool off by splashing about in fountains and pools.

Brygge Islands, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Brygge Islands | © Christian Alsing/ Visit Copenhagen

You may think you’re too far north to afford the luxury of going for a swim in the open, but that’s because you haven’t been to Brygge Islands – a wonderful free pool by the harbor in central Copenhagen. The water is clear and refreshing, but you probably won’t want to jump off the quay and into the water unless you visit in July or August.

Paris Plages (Paris Beaches), France

Beach along the Seine, Paris | Eric Huybrechts/Flickr

The closest coast is 200 km (124 mi) from Paris, but that doesn’t stop the French. For four weeks from late July, several tons of sand are pumped onto the Seine’s banks in the French capital. More than 2 km (1,5 mi) of sandy beaches invite all those citizens and guests who are exhausted from the heat to enjoy a Seine-side holiday. The beaches bustle with free classes, rollerbladers, cyclists, a mobile library and plenty of people enjoying other fun activities.

Repulse Bay Beach Hong Kong, China 

Repulse Beach, Hong Kong | Mark Lehmkuhler/Flickr

Escape from the madness of Hong Kong and discover the sun and golden sands that grace the southern part of the island. This oasis of calm is set against a background of modern buildings and mountain slopes. 

Venice Beach, Los Angeles, USA

Venice Beach, LA | DenisDenis/Flickr

This iconic beach is perfect not only for sunbathing, but also for renting roller skates or a bike. You can roll down a seven-mile bike alley to Will Rogers State Beach.

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”If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” – Ernest Hemingway

”Whoever does not visit Paris regularly will never really be elegant.” – Honoré de Balzac

”There is but one Paris and however hard living may be here, and if it became worse and harder even – the French air clears up the brain and does good – a world of good.” ― Vincent van Gogh

”Paris is the city in which one loves to live. Sometimes I think this is because it is the only city in the world where you can step out of a railway station – the Gare D’Orsay – and see, simultaneously, the chief enchantments: the Seine with its bridges and bookstalls, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Tuileries Gardens, the Place de la Concorde, the beginning of the Champs Elysees – nearly everything except the Luxembourg Gardens and the Palais Royal. But what other city offers as much as you leave a train?” ― Margaret Anderson

”An artist has no home in Europe except in Paris.” – Friedrich Nietzsce

”People wonder why so many writers come to live in Paris. I’ve been living ten years in Paris and the answer seems simple to me: because it’s the best place to pick ideas. Just like Italy, Spain… or Iran are the best places to pick saffron. If you want to pick opium poppies you go to Burma or South-East Asia. And if you want to pick novel ideas, you go to Paris.” – Roman Payne

”Paris… is a world meant for the walker alone, for only the pace of strolling can take in all the rich (if muted) detail.” – Edmund White

”Paris is a place in which we can forget ourselves, reinvent, expunge the dead weight of our past.” – Michael Simkins

“The whole of Paris is a vast university of Art, Literature and Music… it is worth anyone’s while to dally here for years. Paris is a seminar, a post-graduate course in everything.” – James Thurber

“That Paris exists and anyone could choose to live anywhere else in the world will always be a mystery to me.” – quote from the movie “Midnight in Paris”

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>>> Discover more thematic collections of travel quotes.

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Tap water is so old-school when you now have free sparkling water dispensers on the streets. Ask Parisians – they know best.

Paris has for a long time had eight drinking fountains with free sparkling water, but they have remained largely unknown… until now, when the city has announced plans to distribute at least one sparkling water station in each of its 20 arrondissements.

But why?

When the first drinking stations were installed back in 2010, the head of Paris’ water board explained that Parisians had confessed they’d drink more tap water if it were carbonated. In an effort to keep the city’s inhabitants hydrated, the authorities brought sparkling water to the streets, for free.

Another reason for doing this is to tackle the ecological problems a huge city like Paris inevitably encounters. Instead of buying a new plastic bottle every time and then throwing it in the trash, locals and visitors can now refill their own bottle.

Why bubbly? Ask Parisians, who are obsessed with it.

But how?

Each water tank is connected to the main water system of the city, with a carbonator added in. The water is served at 44 degrees Farenheit (7 degrees Celsius), so it’s always refreshing. Just press the button:

#eaudeparis #freesparklingwater

A post shared by Réno (@rennaud) on Sep 13, 2014 at 11:53am PDT

So where can you find the sparkling water drinking fountains in Paris?

Water dispensers are installed around the main tourist areas and you will recognize them by signs in French and English: ‘eau pétillante/sparkling water‘.

We’ve discovered this extremely useful map of all the free drinking fountains in Paris. The ones with sparkling water are marked in yellow.

Pin it for later, because you never know when you will feel like a refreshing sip of free sparkling water.

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Beaujolais Nouveau and the third Thursday of November have been intertwined for years. This tradition was originally only observed in France, but recently many other cities around the world organize events in honor of the young wine’s arrival.

What is Beaujolais Nouveau?

This is a type of red wine produced from the Gamay grape variety grown in the Beaujolais region of France. It’s notable for being released after a short fermentation of just a few weeks. As you can imagine, the young Beaujolais doesn’t arrive unannounced, but rather arrives as a noble figure – greeted by parties and impatient enthusiasts.

The origins of the tradition

The tradition of celebrating the new harvest was established by wine producers from the French town of Beaujeu in the beginning of the 19th century. Since 1985, the celebrations have taken place on the third Thursday of November every year, regardless of when the wine was harvested. On the stroke of midnight it is announced: “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!” (The new Beaujolais has arrived!”), and tastings of the young wine officially commence – in bars, cafes, restaurants…

Fun facts

You must taste the Beaujolais while it’s still young – between November and March. Because of the accelerated fermentation, its taste is unique every year. By law, all grapes must be harvested by hand.

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“The journey, not the destination matters…”

Having said that, here are a few random snapshots of castles in Europe for you to consider. We reckon they make the perfect travel antidote for that moment when you feel like giving up on normal life and becoming a Medieval princess or knight.

Old Castle – Celje, Slovenia

This 12th-century castle has always been one of the biggest and most magnificent forts in Slovenia, no matter how often its residents have changed. One of the attractions of the castle – Frederick’s Tower – reveals the intriguing legend behind an impossible love story: the romance between Frederick, son of Count Herman II, and a beautiful maiden named Veronika. Count Herman II did not approve of their love, so he threw Frederick in the tower and left him there for more than four years until he died.

Veliki Tabor – Northwest Croatia

The poor maiden from the story of the previous castle managed to run away from the angry count at first, but was eventually caught and imprisoned by his soldiers in Veliki Tabor Castle and later drowned in a large vat in the castle’s yard. Her body is believed to be built into the wall connecting the entrance of the castle and the pentagonal tower.

Centuries after these horrific events, the castle is now a museum displaying old vehicles, ethnographic items, swords and many more interesting exhibits. The building itself stands out as one of the most important historical examples of secular architecture in Croatia.

Brissac Castle – south of the city of Angers in France

The original castle here was built in the 11th century, and in the 15th century it was renovated by the Duke of Brissac. The twin towers, however, remained the same and can still be seen with their original facades. This castle is known as one of the most haunted places in the world – people claim to have seen and heard the ghost of the Lady in the Green Dress, a victim of a double murder that happened here in the 15th century.

Neuschwanstein Castle – near the town of Fussen, Bavaria, Germany

This famous castle was built by King Ludwig II, who is known as ‘The Fairytale King’. The spectacular surroundings of the castle – which sits atop a hill in the Alps of Bavaria – contribute to the fairytale ambiance it exudes. King Ludwig II is known to have admired and supported legendary composer Richard Wagner; the castle is actually built in his honor and the interior is inspired by some of his works.

Fun fact: Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to create The Magic Kingdom.

Birr Castle – Birr, County Offaly, Ireland

Birr Castle was built in the 12th century and now serves as the residence of the 7th Earl of Rosse, which is why the residential part of the castle is not open to tourists. However, you can visit the gardens, which are home to many beautiful rare plants, as well as waterfalls, rivers and lakes. As you explore the grounds you’ll find the ‘Great Telescope’, which was built in the 1840s by the Third Earl of Rosse and for 70 years remained the largest telescope in the world. It is nowadays arguably the largest historical scientific instrument still working.

Castle of Dona Chica – Braga, Portugal

The combination of architectural styles – Art Nouveau, Renaissance and Romanesque – as well as the creative mix of construction materials makes the appearance of this castle unique. The name Chica comes from the nickname of its original patroness, Francisca Peixoto Rego. Over the years the castle has changed hands many times, leading to plenty of discussion as to what should be done with it. However, none of these ideas have been turned into a reality, and the castle remains one of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in the world – a must-see for those into ruins and abandoned sites.

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Here are a few more fun facts about the Eiffel Tower to give you a glimpse into some of its secrets.

1. The Eiffel Tower was erected for the World’s Fair in 1889. At the time the buildings of Paris were mostly low, meaning you could see the tower from almost everywhere in the city. Many Parisians, however, weren’t excited about this opportunity, finding the tower ‘useless and monstrous’. Much of the science and art society of Paris, including Alexandre Dumas and Guy de Maupassant, joined the ‘Committee of Three Hundred’ (one member for every meter of the height of the tower) protesting against its ‘ugliness’ and imagining that it would fall over and destroy the most emblematic buildings of the French capital. Maupassant, strangely enough, allegedly had lunch at the restaurant at the base of the tower every day. Why? It was the only place in Paris where he could enjoy a tower-free landscape.

2. It took two years, two months and five days to build the Eiffel Tower.

3. The tower was meant to last for 20 years and then be dismantled. However, it was left standing mainly because of the scientific research taking place there, especially the first radio transmissions broadcast from the antenna at its top.

4. The radio antenna at the top was used to intercept German spy messages during World War II.

5. After sunset, 20,000 lights twinkle from the tower for five minutes, every hour on the hour. It’s one of the most magical sights you can see in Paris.

6. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world until 1930, when the Chrysler Building in New York was finished.

7. Gustave Eiffel built himself a secret apartment under the peak of the Eiffel Tower. It remained secret for a very short time, after which he received numerous offers to rent it out for as short a period of time as one night – all of which he firmly declined. He gathered regularly with fellow scientists in the apartment over a drink, or to conduct a new experiment in the small laboratory attached to it. You can now visit the apartment, almost untouched, where the wax figures of Eiffel and his daughter welcome a wax sculpture of American scientist Thomas Edison.

8. Since its inauguration, the Eiffel Tower has been repainted 18 times. It has changed its color several times, being red, yellow and brown in the past. During every repainting, 15 tons of eroded paint are removed, while 60 tons of new paint are applied.

9. The elevators of the Eiffel Tower are greased every day. With beef fat.

10. The lines at the Eiffel Tower are as notorious as the tower is famous. There are, however, a few ways to skip them and magically find yourself far ahead of the crowds.

• You can buy tickets for the tower up to two moths in advance from its official website here.
• You can book a table at one of the restaurants located in the tower – 58 Tour Eiffel or Le Jules Verne. A lunch or dinner with a view will cost between 45 and 230 euro per dish.
• You can climb the stairs – 330 to reach the first level, 670 to the second. From there, you will wait just a few minutes for the elevator to the top. The stairway ticket costs only 7 euros.

11. Le Jules Verne restaurant plays host to an average of two marriage proposals per day.

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L’église de la Madeleine

6 pm – I take the metro and go down to the banks of Seine to enjoy the lovely sunset. I exit at La Madeleine and marvel at the extraordinary church for a while. Then, I head down to Place de la Concorde, one of Paris’s main squares. It is not dinner time yet, so I decide to satisfy my sweet-tooth with a 150 year-old French classic.

Ladurée, a 150-year old macaron bakery

6:15 pm – Luckily, Ladurée is on my way. The luxury Pâtisserie established in 1862 and it has become the world’s best-known seller of premium macarons. They sell an average of 15 000 macarons every day! I had to make a quick stop!

Coconut, pistachio and rose macaron

6:30 pm – Only 3 macarons later, I walk out the store. The winners were Coconut, Pistachio and Rose. So sweet and tender! Anyway, I would love to see the sun set over the Seine, so I hurry up to the closest bridge. I stop only to snap a couple of photos of the Obelisk and the Arc de Triomphe in the background.

6:45 pm – I walk over Pont des Arts just in time. The river, the colors, the amazing architecture around…What a stunning view! I sit in awe here for a second admiring the sunset.

Sunset over the Seine

7 pm – Pont des Arts is also famous for the love locks attached to it. The tradition started back in 2008. Couples used to attach padlocks marked with their names and then throw the key into the Seine river below as a romantic gesture. This tendency grew so popular that the bridge became structurally weaker carrying the weight of all that love. Unfortunately, in 2015 the Parisian authorities took drastic measures and began detaching sections of the bridge railings together with the padlocks. They have replaced them with love locks inspired graffiti.

The love locks on Pont des Arts

7:30 pm – I walk along the river until I reach Île de la Cité,  the famous island where the city was founded. I cross over Pont Neuf and go on gazing around until I end up in front of the magnificent Notre-Dame de Paris. The cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. I take my time to admire this elaborate work of art – sculptures, stained glass, rose windows. It is difficult to take your eyes off Notre-Dame, especially in the twilight.

Our Lady of Paris

8 pm – I need a break to recover after devouring all that beauty. I find the perfect spot across the street – Shakespeare and Company Café. Time for some French hot chocolat!

The Bohemian Café

8:30 pm – Overwhelmed by this gorgeous spring day, I realize I am starving. I head back to Monmartre. Looking for a good meal as well as a good time to end up the night right, I walk upon a truly unique bistro. Le refuge will serve you wine in baby bottles while you are eating fondue. It is also great value for money. If you choose the fixed menu, you’ll be served an appetizer, cheese or meat fondue (go for the cheese!), dessert and wine for as much as 22 euros. A pretty good deal, right?

Dinnertime!

9:30 pm – On my way to the hostel, I cannot stop myself from walking by Sacré-Coeur once again. A quick night photo shoot and I am done!

Sacré-Coeur by night

10 pm – Time to call it a night. Merci Paris and a bientot!

Next time you end up in Paris with a day or two on your hands, make sure to hit a few of these places, but do not hesitate to explore and find your own favorite spots in the city. After all, that is what the true Paris experience is all about!

Bon voyage and bon appétit!

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There are some cities in the world you must visit. These iconic urban centers house a melting pot of culture, tradition, modernism, and more. These cities are a modern culture, and you can soak up every drop of it with a little careful planning and budgeting. So if you’re looking to travel to cities when you are allowed, here’s where you should go. 

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is the biggest city in the world. It spans far beyond the city limits and houses over 37 million people. However long you want to visit Tokyo, it would be impossible to cover much of this megacity. Whether you are interested in religion, culture, spirituality, food, fashion, or even shopping, there is something for everyone in Tokyo. 

Tokyo is not a cheap or even affordable city. You can easily spend up to $250 on a room if you don’t plan well and don’t do your research. In terms of traveling within the city, you should get a Japan Rail Pass for maximum savings. Other forms of public transport can get expensive, and many people choose to hire a car for the day instead. 

New York City, USA

New York City has inspired movies, video games, and songs. It is a modern icon and a legend in terms of places to stay. The Times Square New Years Bash is watched by millions of people across the world and has heralded the new year for decades. NYC, as it is popularly known, attracts people interested in art, theatre, movies, food, and more. Plus, the city that never sleeps is relatively just a short ride to the U.S. capital, where you can soak in more cultural and heritage sites while trying DC’s finest historic hotels.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

Rio is the second most populated city in Brazil and one of the most historical cities in the world. So much so, in fact, that a large part of the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city was founded in 1565 and is home to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, an iconic tourist destination ever since it was installed. 

Rio is the perfect beach city with bustling nightlife and gorgeous white-sand beaches and low mountains in perfect harmony. An iconic event that happens in Rio is the Carnival. The Carnival occurs before Lent, which draws millions of tourists from all over the world. If you plan to attend Carnival, you should book your tickets at least a year before. 

Seoul, South Korea

If you like all things tech and skincare, Seoul is the perfect place for you! Seoul is iconic because of its amalgamation between historical and religious sites and modern, cutting-edge architecture. While it has a reputation for being expensive, it can be a lot cheaper than Europe or even North America. As long as you spend smartly, you can absolutely go to Seoul on a budget.

If you’re stumped about what to do in Seoul, you can simply wander around the streets and click what you come across. Seoul is filled with quirky cafes, a litany of festivals that take place all around the year, and more bars and restaurants than you can eat from. Even if you don’t have a plan, you can spend days packed with activities and events. 

Paris, France

Can any list of iconic cities in the world be complete without mentioning Paris? Paris, known as the city of love, is iconic because of several reasons. The Eiffel Tower is one, drawing millions of people across all continents to take pictures of this testament to love. History buffs can stroll through Paris’ famous and historic lanes, also known as rues, and connect them to events that shaped the modern world. 

Culture buffs can spend the day browsing through the Louvre Museum, provided you last the long lines. If you’re into food, you can spend weeks in Parish eating somewhere new every week. Whether you like baking or any other culinary arts, you will find yourself spoilt for choice among the cute cafes that line the historic city streets.

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Explore the Old Town

Locals often recommend starting your visit in the Old Town. Wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses. Place de la Cathédrale and Rue des Marchands are particularly charming.

Visit the Local Markets:

Check out the local markets where you can discover fresh produce, local cheeses, and Alsace wines. The covered market, Marché Couvert, is a great spot to experience the local flavors.

Try Alsatian Cuisine:

Indulge in Alsatian cuisine, known for its delicious mix of French and German influences. Locals recommend trying specialties like tarte flambée (flammekueche), choucroute (sauerkraut with sausages), and local wines.

Enjoy Canal Walks:

Take a leisurely stroll along the canals of Colmar. Locals often enjoy walking along the Lauch River and taking in the picturesque views. Boat tours are also available for a unique perspective.

Visit Little Venice (La Petite Venise):

Explore the area known as “Little Venice,” characterized by charming canals and half-timbered houses. Locals appreciate the romantic atmosphere and recommend taking a boat ride or enjoying a meal in this area.

Attend Local Festivals:

Check the local events calendar for festivals and events happening during your visit. Colmar hosts various events, including the Colmar International Festival, which celebrates classical music.

Discover the Unterlinden Museum:

Locals recommend a visit to the Unterlinden Museum, housed in a former convent. The museum showcases a rich collection of art, including the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.

Visit the Bartholdi Museum:

Learn about the life and work of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, at the Bartholdi Museum. Locals appreciate the insights into the artist’s legacy.

Take a Day Trip to the Wine Route:

Colmar is located in the heart of the Alsace Wine Route. Locals suggest taking a day trip to explore the picturesque vineyards, charming villages, and sample local wines.

Engage with Locals:

Strike up conversations with locals in cafes, markets, or shops. They may share hidden gems, lesser-known attractions, or tips for an authentic experience in Colmar.

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Lavender is used in medicines, food recipes, and beauty products worldwide. However, these unique flowers are grown in large fields far from where most final consumers reside. If you are interested in the origin of the lavender essential oil you love, read this guide to learn more about the lavender fields in France. You can visit many of these fields during the blooming period to admire the beautiful flowers before harvest. 

Plateau de Valensole

An escorted tour of France helps you curate the best places to visit to enjoy the local culture and attractions. However, the historic architecture, world-class museums, and yummy cuisines are not the only attractions in France. Join a tour package to Provence to see the stunning fields of lavender during their blooming period.

When you get to Provence, start your adventure from Plateau de Valensole, the area with the best concentration of stunning lavender fields. This area is between the valley of Durance and the Gorges of Verdon. There, you can go from one lavender field to the other, reveling in the beautiful sights of the purple flowers.

In Plateau de Valensole, you can see the two different types of lavender flowers grown in the area. The first is fine lavender, which is unique to the area, while the second is lavandin. Fine lavender is rarer than lavandin because it does not exist in other parts of the world except Provence.

Also called true lavender, you will find rows and rows of fine lavender in large fields within the area. They are always the last to bloom, usually in the last week of June. However, the first week of July is the best time to visit as you can see the lavender in full bloom before the holiday visitors descend on the fields with their cameras.

Lavandin is more popular and often grown in other parts of the world. However, these hybrid lavender flowers are still primarily grown in France before the essential oils are exported to other parts of the world. While cruising through the fields, ensure you do not pluck the flowers. You should only walk between the rows.

Pays de Sault

Another popular area for those looking to take stunning pictures of lavender fields is Sault. The road leading to the village offers a panoramic view of the lavender fields. The fields are more concentrated than in Valensole, so that you can go from one to another by foot or bike. Again, it is better to get a tour map from the local tourist office to guide you through your excursion.

Many people from across the world go to Sault to have photoshoots using the lavender fields as backgrounds. The pictures include the stunning village behind the fields in the frame, ensuring a stunning result. The hills that border the village on one side and the forest on the other end up adding unique touches to the captured scenes.

Like the lavender fields in Valensole, the ones here are often interspersed with olive trees and stone houses. Asides from providing shade during sunny days, the green and grey colors contrast nicely against the vibrant purple of the lavender flowers.

Viewing the lavender fields in Sault is straightforward, as you can follow the “lavender path” on the walking tour map. This path will take you through most of the lavender fields in the area, with only a few located in other parts of the village.

Luberon

Luberon is another area with a lot of lavender fields in Provence. However, exploring it is different from the experience in Valensole and Sault. Unlike the other two places, the lavender fields here are not concentrated in geography. Instead, they spread across the entire town. The benefit of this is that you can tour the whole town as you discover the lavender fields.

While you’re in Luberon, don’t get so consumed by the thoughts of the lavender fields that you forget to appreciate other beautiful sights around you. The entire town looks like something out of a storybook. However, the lush foliage and cobbled lanes leading to the hilltop villages are more stunning than anything you have ever read. You’ll always find something pretty to see wherever you turn in Luberon.

Other Lavender Fields in France

The three lavender hotspots always steal the attention of tourists. However, there are some less-visited lavender fields you can explore in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. The former is close to all three regions, while the latter is closer to Sault and Luberon.

When viewing the lavender fields in France, you’ll almost forget that the flowers serve a purpose other than being beautiful. However, the fields are the source of livelihood for the farmers, so ensure you adhere to etiquette while you’re there. Also, some farmers fence their lavender fields. So you should respect their wishes and stay away from them.

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