Liechtenstein - The Furstensteig mountain hike
Foto: De Gaulle Square in Lille (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
France - At the Opera and the new exhibition center, we are at Place du Théâtre. This square, together with Place du Général de Gaulle, forms the center of Lille. The squares are separated by the old stock exchange building. In the courtyard of this 1652 building, a daily book market is held. People browse through old books looking for nice copies. Some tourists come mainly for the beauty of the building. We leave the old stock exchange on the side of De Gaulle Square. General Charles de Gaulle was the important general during World War II. The later French statesman was born in Lille. His birthplace is located in one of the side streets. In the middle of the square stands a statue of La Colonne de la Déesse from 1845. At one of the cozy terraces, we order a beer. Whereas many other French cities hold wine in high regard, in Lille everyone drinks beer. The look of the square resembles Belgium more than France. This is also due to Flemish history. The region has often been the stage of conflicts between the French, Dutch, and Austrians. During the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, Lille was given to France.
Eiffel Tower in Paris
France - By the Seine, we can already see the Eiffel Tower, our next destination. Once we have crossed the Seine, one half of our group decides to take the metro to the Eiffel Tower, the other half walks. We have arranged to meet right under the Eiffel Tower. ...
Mont Saint Michel
France - Mont Saint-Michel is a small, rocky peninsula in France. The island lies about one kilometer off the coast near the town of Avranches in Normandy. It was originally a tidal island: accessible by land at low tide but surrounded by water at high tide. Today, ...
Notre-Dame
France - With one metro transfer, we arrive at the metro stop near Montmartre. Through narrow streets, we walk uphill toward the Sacré-Cœur. From the stairs, the church is beautifully lit. At Montmartre square, we look for a place to eat. Many restaurants have ...
Palace of Versailles
France - Classified as a World Heritage site for 30 years, the Château de Versailles is one of the finest achievements of French art in the seventeenth century. The former hunting lodge of Louis XIII was transformed and expanded by his son Louis XIV in 1682. ...
The medieval village of Eze
France - Eze-Village is an enchanting medieval hilltop village that towers above the Mediterranean Sea, between Nice and Monaco. The village sits on a steep rock at approximately four hundred meters high and offers spectacular panoramas over the Côte d’Azur ...
The old district of Nice
France - The old district of Nice, known as Vieux Nice, forms the historic and lively heart of the city. As soon as you step into this neighborhood, it feels as if you have entered another time. Narrow, winding streets are lined with tall, colorful facades in ...