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Top Spot Travel

France

July 9, 2018 by Jeremy

4 Reasons Why You Should Visit Paris

One of the finest cities in the world, the City of Lights is a destination for the ages. Paris is a marvel of the western world, as well as one of the shining pillars of western culture, and is one of those places that absolutely has to be visited at least once. And with today’s fast and efficient transport, it’s never been easier to reach Paris. For example, there are many direct flight(s) Chicago Paris, as well as many, many more, so it’d be a shame to miss out on a visit of a lifetime.

Gorgeous Architecture

Paris has been around for a very long time, and its architecture is proof. Magnificent structures like palaces, bridges, museums are dotted all around the varied landscape of the city, each brick only adding to a grandiose beauty that can only witnessed in Paris. With places like the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Versailles – which are only the tip of the iceberg, as there are hundreds, if not thousands of gorgeous buildings – there’s beauty to be seen in every part of Paris big or small.

The Culture

Whenever someone thinks of Paris they think of glamour, elegance, or things like baguettes and fine wines. One of the biggest reasons why Paris is the world’s favorite travel destination is its culture. With such a long and varied history Paris’ culture is bound to be interesting, to say the least, but there’s something in how people conduct themselves, or how has Paris continuously managed to influence the world. It’s without a doubt one of the world’s culture capitals, and that can be easily witnessed by the sheer amount of Parisian art that’s made its way to the rest of the world.

Art

There are few other places in the world that have been as large an influence on the arts as Paris. No matter the type of art, it can be found in Paris. For centuries world-renowned artists have gathered in Paris and have made the city the most ideal place in the world for artists – from French writers like Moliere or Alexandre Dumas, to painters like Picasso who have moved to the city. And these are but a few of the many thousands that have created art that will be remembered for centuries to come, and the main thing that connects all of these artists is Paris. Their works can be found on display in the many artistic institutions all across the city, only adding to the city’s sense of magic.

Fashion

Paris has been on the forefront of Fashion practically since forever. It’s arguably the biggest fashion capital of the world, and many of the world’s most famous fashion brands have made Paris their home – Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, and innumerable others have all either emerged from Paris, or have made it their home. And that’s been the case for centuries, ever since Parisian nobility became famous for their looks, appearances, and lavish parties.

In the past people used to struggle simply to enter Paris, but with today’s connectivity it has never been easier to visit this city. With direct lines, like for example a flight(s) Atlanta Paris, or many other cities all across the world, visiting one of the world’s most magnificent cities should be a priority.

Posted in France · Tagged France, Paris, travel ·
December 1, 2016 by Jeremy

A Look Into the History of the Tour de France

tour de france

Photo by CC user Ghita Katz Olsen on Flickr.

Every year, viewers tune into their TVs to watch parts of the extensive and world famous Tour de France. Some even travel to get up close and personal with the racers as they cheer on their favorites from the race sidelines. If you’re a bicycling enthusiast, you might already know a little bit about this widely known race. If not, here’s a little information about the history of the Tour de France and what makes this nearly 3,500 km long race across the country so special.

The start of it all

For over 100 years, the Tour de France has captured the hearts of many. Originating back in 1903, the tour was founded by a French cyclist and journalist, Henri Desgrange. At the time, his newspaper sponsored the race and advertised it to other cyclists. During the very first race, a clear winner was produced, named Maurice Garin. He impressed many with an average speed of 25.7 km per hour. This very first race had a total of sixty different cyclists.

Race interruptions

Ever since 1903, the race has been completed and watched every single year. The only exceptions to this were the years of the world wars. Between 1915 and 1918, the race was interrupted by World War I and then interrupted again between 1940 and 1946 due to World War II.

Controversy in the middle of it all

Throughout the years, there have been a few different controversies that have tainted the race, however, the biggest one to date involves bicycle legend Lance Armstrong. During his Tour de France racing career, he has successfully won seven different times, much to the amazement of many. Unfortunately, however, it turns out that enhancement drugs were to credit for his winnings. Once his drug use was uncovered, all seven of his wins were removed from the race’s record books. He was found guilty of doping back in 2012 by the USADA.

The race today

In today’s world the race has changed a bit from its original origins. The first change is that it is now longer. It first started off as a nearly 2,500 km race but today stands out as a 3,500 race across the country. You’ll also want to note that the race itself is spread over 23 days, yet you’ll only find bicyclists racing during 21 of those days. The race is also known to alternate between a clockwise and counterclockwise circuit. The number of teams do vary slightly year to year from 20 to 21 or 22, but each team always consists of 9 riders each. The last Tour de France (2016) started off in Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy and ended in Champs-Elysees in Paris and was held over the summer in July.

For some, the history of the Tour de France is an exciting one due to both how long the race has been around and the controversies that have implanted themselves into the race. If you’re interested in entering into the world of cycling, you’ll want to learn a few more details of not only this race, but the many others found around the world.

Posted in France · Tagged bicycling, France, tour de france, tours ·
November 30, 2014 by Jeremy

Making Hay While The Snow Flies: Enjoy These Winter European Breaks

One of the best places to take winter European breaks is at an old style ski chalet in the French Alps ... photo by CC user timackroyd on Flickr

Winter is truly the best time to laze around and snuggle under the sheets, while sipping a cup of warm beverage with a good book to keep company. However, for adrenaline junkies, winter is the time to do even more adventurous sports, like ice skiing.Some would just want to find something new to do in order to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life. If you are considering winter European breaks at the moment, below are the top things you can do to make the most out of the colder months to come…

Skiing in France

If you love to ski – or would like to try it out at least once – then you should never miss out the chance to conquer the French Alps, which is one of Europe’s top and most beloved skiing destinations.The French Alps boasts a wide range of skiing opportunities for every skill level, and also has the most reliable of snow conditions. Mont Blanc is the most popular spot not just for skiing, but also for hiking and climbing.Because of its popularity as a skiing destination, it is suggested that you avoid going there during the peak seasons of Christmas and New Year as huge crowds and long queues are to be expected. Stay in luxury in Meribel and soak up the après ski like most do (often in preference to the skiing itself!).

The Northern Lights

Science has a lot to do behind the Aurora Borealis – or more commonly known as the Northern Lights – but there is something definitely magical about it. Many travelers often go up north the Scandinavian regions during the winter season – the best time to see it – just to witness this amazing spectacle in the sky. Cruise ships treading along the Norwegian coasts are often the popular choice including the Hurtigruten Cruise promise, where passengers are given another 6 to 7 days of voyage for free if they do not get to see the Northern Lights on their 12-day Classic Round Voyage.

Winter Lights Festival in Iceland

Although Iceland is more popular to travelers as a study abroad destination, there is actually another reason why you should be visiting one of the coldest areas in Europe during winter. Every February, Reykjavik, its capital city, celebrates the Winter Lights Festival where winter sports, museums and restaurants make the city lively. What’s more, Iceland has a plethora of outdoor geothermal swimming pools that offer weary travelers a chance to submerge in warm waters even while the snow is falling all around.

Sun in Cyprus

Cyprus is, for the most part, known as a sizzling summer destination, thanks to its golden coastlines and wealth in sunny beaches. But surprisingly, it is also fast becoming a trending destination for winter breaks. The small Mediterranean island is home to Mt. Olympus, the highest peak of the Troodos Mountains. The mountain is only 2000m above sea level, but just enough so that it could collect the right amount of snow to have a ski resort built. The snow does not last long, but on good days, it attracts quite a lot of visitors wanting to escape the sun, sand and sea, proving to be quite popular among the locals who want to try something new.

 

Posted in Cyprus, France · Tagged Cyprus, Europe, Festivals, France, Iceland, Nature, Northern Europe, Norway, skiing, snowboarding, Southern Europe, Western Europe ·
November 18, 2014 by Jeremy

The world’s premiere paradise: things to do in French Polynesia

tst_purperinthesoupac

Don’t wait for tomorrow. Decide now to explore one of the world’s most sublime paradise island chains, as pursuing the top things to do in French Polynesia will create memories that will last for a lifetime. French Polynesia has a great deal of activities to choose from and a lot of famous tourist attractions that will captivate you in more ways than one.

At first glance, the islands of French Polynesia may appear to the perfect place to take a plunge into lukewarm blue waters and to take the most serene snooze in an overwater bungalow afterward, much like most other Southern Pacific paradise isles.

Apart from that, the chief atolls which comprise of Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea, Tuamotu Atolls and Rangiroa feature outdoor activities that will tickle your fancies.

One of the top things to do in French Polynesia are its land excursions. Numerous tour agencies can organize tours on almost all islands in French Polynesia such as Bora Bora, Tahiti, Nuku Hiva and Moorea.

Land tours offer exploration by four wheel drive, biking and horseback riding. Other agencies also provide more exciting and unique tour selections such as the Maeva Village Archaeology tour that is facilitated by the Island Eco Tours on the atoll of Huahine.

If you want an extraordinary tour of the islands and you have a heftier budget to spend then you might want to try a fifteen minute helicopter excursion with Tahiti Helicopters.

If you truly enjoyed the land tours in French Polynesia, just wait till you experience exciting water sports such as jet skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing and outrigger canoe which are just overflowing with enthusiastic tourists clamoring to get the most out of their French Polynesian experience.

Tourists in Rangiroa and Moorea can take advantage on the opportunity to witness the world beneath the waves on a glass-bottomed boat excursion. Shark-feeding adventures are also offered for a more electrifying and unforgettable experience either underwater or aboard the boat.

If you have the luxury of more time and money then you may take on the larger-than-life cruise on the Aranui 3, where tourists are taken for a fourteen day getaway from the stunning Papeete to the Marquesas atolls.

Noting all the above mentioned things to do in French Polynesia, it just goes to show that there is much more splendor to discover here than what we have already listed. So if you plan to include French Polynesia in your bucket list, make sure that you prepare for your itinerary well so you might have a truly memorable vacation.

Posted in Destination, France · Tagged Attractions, Beaches, French Polynesia, Oceania, South Pacific, tours, water sports ·
September 3, 2014 by jfalbelda

A guide to the Best Vineyards and Best Wineries in Europe

If you are a wine enthusiast then visiting some wineries and vineyards should be a part of your next travelling plans. Beautiful vineyards are scattered throughout the globe, Europe especially has some magnificent vineyards that you can visit whether you’re enjoying your holidays in Turkey, in France or in Spain.

one of the best wineries in Europe

A brief history lesson for those who are unfamiliar with wines:

  • Made from fermented grapes, wine is a beverage which contains alcohol;

  • Wine has been around since 6000BC;

  • The winemaking process was cultivated and improved upon by the Greeks;

  • Wine plays an important role in religion (Christ’s blood) and was heavily supported by the Church. Monasteries even had their own vineyards (some of the best found in Europe);

  • Over the centuries, the technology behind making wine has gone through modifications and improvements;

  • A vineyard is essentially a plantation where grapes are grown (primarily for winemaking purposes).

Should you decide to embark on winery visiting trip, here are some suggestions to get your rolling.

1. Bordeaux, France

France is the world’s largest producer of wine (quelle surprise!) Bordeaux is located in southwest France and it’s the largest wine-producing region, it has been in the business of fermenting grapes since the 8th century. Mostly red wine is produced in this region, commonly referred to as ‘claret’ in Britain. There are multiple vineyards that are easily accessible in Bordeaux and you can make a day of it by visiting other historical attractions and taking part of a few wine tastings.

2. Champagne, France

Another great wine-producing region, Champagne is just a short train ride away from Paris. It is ideal for a one-day or one night getaway, you can spend your day touring the vineyard, tasting some great wines and even exploring some wine cellars that were built thousands of years ago.

3. Piedmont, Italy

Located in the northwest region of Italy, Piedmont can be reached easily via train from Turin or Milan. It’s a beautiful place, which specialises in Nebbiolo grapes. Some great wines to try if you’re in the area are Barbera del Monferrato and Asti Spumante.

4. Tuscany, Italy

If you’re in Italy and you have the time, Tuscany is a charming and beautiful place to visit on its own. The fact that there are vineyards scattered about is merely a plus. The best way of getting to these places is by driving since the train will take you only as far as Florence or Siena. Pack an overnight bag and head to Tuscany for a romantic weekend getaway complete with wine tasting tours.

5. Mosel, Germany

Mosel is the place to go if you want to taste some excellent German wine. Although Germany is typically associated with beer, it is the fourth largest wine-producing country in Europe.

6. La Rioja, Spain

Situated along the picturesque pilgrimage route of Camino de Santiago, La Rioja is known for growing Tempranillo, a very famous and ‘noble’ Spanish grape. The wines from this northern region are very strong since they are soaked in barrels for an extended period of time.

7. Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is one of the oldest vineyard regions in the world and makes wonderful wine using sweet grapes and techniques that have been passed down through the generations family to family. The winery is a family business, owned by the Turasan family and open for wine tasting and visits during select times.

Even for non-wine enthusiasts, vineyards are a great place to visit and experience. Go for a drive with family or friends and enjoy a relaxing a day in the quiet countryside taking in some beautiful scenery.

If nothing else, you’ll learn a lot about this fascinating process stepped in rich history.

Do you have any other suggestions for the best wineries in Europe not to miss? Please share them below in the comments!

Posted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey · Tagged Drinking, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Wine, Wine Tasting, wineries ·
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JeremyWelcome to Top Spot Travel.com! Your source for all things travel from budget holidays to 5-star resorting, you can find it all here, and hopefully crack a smile while you're at it. Enjoy!
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