Unexpected experiences in Mulhouse

I love the cities in South France and Alsace- Colmar or Strasbourg as well as the small villages along the wine route, they are so full with energy and spirit. Visiting them is the best way to feel the essence of Alsace. 

Eager for delightful surprises I visit Mulhouse which is very close to Colmar. This is the second biggest city in Alsace, after Strasbourg and it is very famous with its automobile museum and the railway museum which are the biggest in the world.

The old city of Mulhouse is really charming and it is worth taking a pleasant walk and enjoying this very colorful and romantic city. Place de la Reunion is a beautiful square full with little shops, restaurants and reveals nice views towards the old buildings around.

The most fascinating building here is Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). The beautiful pink building was built in 1553 and today hosts the historical museum.

Located on the most beautiful square of the city the museum shows the history of Alsace and the Alsacian daily life. The collection is not big but I spent a pleasant afternoon here.

The fascinating building of the pink city hall.

 

The characteristic old city center with its very picturesque houses.

Close to the Town Hall is the protestant St. Stephen Church. The imposing religious building is 97m high and offers cultural events, even concerts.

Cobblestone streets and romantic walks, old churches, museums, small shops and restaurants.

Musee des Beaux-Arts- the museum of fine arts, offers nice exhibitions of mainly French artists. The collections are very good organized and the entrance is for free.

Going back to the train station I passed Port de Plaisance, the small harbor.

Visiting Mulhouse was a very enjoyable tourist experience for a short stay in France.

Nice the Beautiful

The natural beauty of Nice and the mild Mediterranean climate has evolved the city into one of the most important cultural sites and destinations in the region in the recent years. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in France-in addition to numerous sights-Nice offers a fantastic swimming opportunities and turquoise blue water.

 

In 18^th century the British aristocracy discovered the French Riviera and in Nice proposed a construction of a walkway along the Mediterranean- Promenade des Anglais.

 

 

The pleasant promenade is a nice walk with fantastic views along and an easy way to access the old town.

 

The promenade is a nice area to view the sea and enjoy the breeze.

 

There are also many activities on the beach-swimming, water sport, beach volleyball.

One of the landmarks here is Hotel Negresco constructed in 1912.

 

This is such a relaxing place to feel the sun and the delight of being in Nice.

 

Here it is worthwhile climbing up the steep way to the terrace with the cascade.

This is an absolutely beautiful place to spend a time chilling out.

 

Once at the top, visitors are wonderfully welcomed by the generous and lushly landscapes towards the sea and the city.

 

Majestic view towards the promenade and the harbor...

... and the city.

 

It takes effort to drag ourselves away from here and continue our way along the entertaining route to the old town, a place with its own charm and flavor. The old town combines a great selection of restaurants with a great variety of shops- chocolate, olive, art stores, fabric stores, and not to forget the market with its lovely fruits and vegetables.

 

This is definitely a wonderful way to spend the day, just soak up and enjoy the atmosphere.

 

The main square of the city is Place Massena.

 

The fountains, the park, the beautiful atmosphere...

 

A busy place full of life and activity.

 

Place du Palais notable by the presence of the city clock.

 

Nice is really beautiful, the charming city attracts those seeking for relaxation and inspiration. Nice should be discovered and enjoyed in its entire aspects-historical, natural, cultural, international,artistic. 

Cannes and its elegance

Côte d'Azur, The French Riviera is the southeast corner of France. The extraordinary charm and sunny weather has made the region a well-known sea resort area.

Cannes is the jewel of the French Riviera, chic and magnificent like its festivals. This is one of the most splendid natural heritage sites.

Cannes is such an amazing city and offers many options to spontaneously leave your daily routine behind and enjoy its beauty.

It is a sunny summer morning when we arrive but the city is already a scene of an intense activity.

Tourists from all over the world enjoy the bride beach and the warm water beneath a brilliant blue sky.

The long Promenade de la Croisette is really impressive boulevard along the sea. Just a glimpse towards the large the luxury hotels, reveals what and exquisite city Cannes is.

The elegant InterContinental Carlton Cannes Hotel is declared as a National Historical Building in France.

Most of the hotels here are wonderful examples of French Art Nouveau architecture. Fantastic!

Here we can gain a perfect view and ideal perspective of the city and its sights.

There are several places to rest and enjoy the views around and the Mediterranean spirit. We enjoy every moment spent here.

Beautiful sandy beach with a lot of private beach clubs.

Simply chill out and enjoy the holiday.

Here is also Palais des Festivals et des Congrès which hosts Cannes Film Festival.

The walk of fame.

Cannes unique panorama-the perfect destination for people who really know how to enjoy themselves.

Finally after pleasure-filled hours we leave the city, its charm and elegance. Good spent time here simply makes us happy. 

Strasbourg

Visiting the old town parts of the European cities is truly worthwhile experience.There are not that many places in Europe like Strasbourg.

Located in the region of Alsace in Eastern France and close to the boarder with Germany, Strasbourg has it all- rich history, French-German culture and it is the official seat of the European parliament.

 

 

The historical center of Strasbourg is located on the island Grande Ile. This is wonderful example of a medieval city.

 

 

The most fascinating part of Strasbourg is Le Petite France, offering narrow cobblestone alleys with picturesque canals, old asymmetric half-timbered houses in vibrant colors. Here the River Ill splits into many canals. The atmosphere reminds us Venice. We spent most of the time in this area- enjoyed, admired and loved it.

 

 

Le Petite France is a magic place. The area also offers a great choice of shops and restaurants.

 

 

Nice, very authentically area and charming atmosphere.

 

Cobble streets and nice buildings in French-German architecture, unique in shape, color and size.

Vivid atmosphere and good restaurants at every corner. The best place to taste the local Alsatian food.

 

Really nice old houses located near the canals. A fairy tale trip back in time.

  

Such a gorgeous little area.

 

 

 

Very close is located Barrage Vaughan. The long bridge was built to defend the city and control the access to the city from Rhine. Not to be missed is the view from the top. This place is also particularly nice at night with the illumination and its water reflections.

Rally enjoyable place for a great walk along the old dam and the three old towers.

The beautiful cathedral in the heart of Strasbourg is so immense and breathtaking with its stained glass windows and the 600 years old and 18 meter high astrological clock. We took time to visit and every corner of it and admire the magnificent architecture of this UNESCO site.

 

 

 

Notre Dame de Strasbourg is unbelievably huge and has just one tower. This is a truly gorgeous place to admire.

 

The square in front, Place Kleber is also very beautiful with many restaurants and tourists. There is always something happening here.

 

 

We visited the city on Easter and got fascinated by the vivid international atmosphere. Tourists and families came here to celebrate and enjoy this sunny spring day.

 

A tour in Strasbourg should include visiting the European quarter and the European Parliament.

European Parliament can be easily reached by public transport or a walk around the river. This memorable place reveals the sense of unity and glimpse of what Europe is.

 

 

Majestic building and amazing architecture, surrounded by some lovely canals.

 

 

 

Strasbourg has a lot of parks but our favorite is the Parc de l'Orangerie.

 

 

On our way back to the city we visited the gardens of Palais du Rhin, impressive with its Prussian architecture. The palace was built as an official residence of the Emperor.