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Avignon - the Pearl of Provence

Avignon is a special old town of Provence. This city is worth a visit. There is a special atmosphere. To explore the nice streets on foot 3-4 hours is enough, so you can go here even without an overnight stay.

Perfume factories of Grasse: Fragonard and Galimard

The perfume factories of Grasse: Fragonard, Galimard, etc. - are a sham and imitation of real production. The bottling lines are veiled by the production of perfumes!

If you are a perfume user and do not know the stages of production, then you can safely go here as an informative excursion. But if you understand at least a little bit what the real production of spirits is - you are not going to come here! This is a scam for tourists with European prices!

La Ciotat or Cassis (France)?

La Ciotat or Cassis (France) - what to choose?

  •     Need a beach and cheap accommodation - La Ciotat.
  •     Beautiful old town and fortress, promenade with cafes and stores, boat rides along the calanques of Cassis - Cassis.

Cassis calanques - indescribable beauty or "cove" in French?

The Calanques National Park starts from Cassis and continues to Marseille along the entire coast. "Calanca" is French for bay... That is, in other places it's called a beautiful bay, but here they made a whole landmark) These coves are actually beautiful and worthy of your visit. Similar places a lot on the Crimean peninsula.

Options for visiting kalanok:

  •     By boat from Cassis or Marseilles - you can admire them from the water. This type of walk is quite interesting. Since it is actually the best way to look at the coves is from the water.
  •     By car - some calanques can be visited by driving almost to the water.
  •     On foot - an excellent option for walking. It is convenient to stay in Cassis and organize yourself one or more days of hiking.

Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde how to get there (Marseille)

Notre Dame de la Garde is the Basilica of Marseille, which offers an amazing 360 degree view of the entire city! A must-see! There is parking around the basilica itself, we recommend driving all the way to the top. If you get there on foot, there are a lot of signs to the basilica from the center. There is also a city bus to the very top - sightseeing tours.

The Corbusier Trail (Menton to Monaco via Cap Martin)

The Corbusier Trail is a promenade from Menton through Cap Martin to Monaco. It's only interesting if you're on holiday in Menton and decide to walk to Cap Martin in the evening. It's just for the view of Monaco and then back again. To make the path a must-see and to walk it all the way to Monaco makes no sense at all... that's not recommended!

South of France by car

South of France - a great combination of beach and tourist holidays, especially if you travel by car. The main thing is to choose the right city for your goals:

  •     Menton (azure beach + beach + old town + promenade) - Monaco (not worth your attention) - Nice (azure beach + beach + promenade) - Villeneuve Loubet (azure beach + beach)
  •     Antibes (cote d'Azur + beach + old town + promenade) - Cannes (promenade + beach) - Saint-Tropez (old town)
  •     Toulon (mountain Faron with panoramic views) - La Ciotat (beach) - Cassis (old town + promenade + calanques) - Marseille (Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde)

Cinque Terre, Portovenere and La Spezia - best tips

Is Cinque Terre worth a visit? Yes, but we advise you to take into account at least a few tips to avoid disappointment...

  •     Beautiful pictures will be, bright emotions are unlikely.
  •     Of all the cities you can visit Manarola (2), Vernazza (4), Riomaggiore (1), in descending order. The towns of Corniglia (3) and Monterosso (4) can be skipped.
  •     It is better to travel exclusively by train between the cities.
  •     Portovenere can act as a substitute for all the cities of Cinque Terre.
  •     Note! Cinque Terre can be visited for free!

Monte Baldo cable car - Malcesine cable car

Mount Baldo - the ascent by cable car or on foot begins in the centre of Malcesine. On the plateau it is best to allow about 2 hours for walking and eating. In the morning there is less chance of waiting in line for the lift (both ways). Car parks 1,2,3 are signposted around town. The minimum parking time should be taken from 4 hours or more!

Lake Garda (Italy), where should I stay?

Is it worth visiting Lake Garda? Yes, of course it is! There's everything - mountains, water, beaches, old towns...

You can safely go here for a week's holiday or more. The most attractive places to stay are Malcesine or Limone. You can put it on the top of the list of the most beautiful places in northern Italy!

Malcesine - the best promenade and cable car on Monte Baldo. Limone is for those for whom the beaches do come first.

Venice advice from the old-timers

To visit Venice, advice from seasoned travellers: Stay in the suburbs (20 km radius). Take public transport to Venice itself. Continue through Venice on foot over bridges to St Mark's Square. Take a boat ride along the entire grand canal. Venice is an extraordinary city, but alas not a magical one).