Albom Adventures

I am almost embarrassed to admit that we had so much trouble finding Sacre Coeur.  After all it is on Montmartre, the highest point in Paris.

After a while, we are starting to wonder if our GPS had developed a personality of its own, and it was annoyed with us as it took us around in circles.

Eventually we could see it up a long flight of stairs, so we stopped.  After climbing the steps and were greeted with this:

But that wasn’t the highlight of the evening.

Just beyond Sacre Coeur was a tourist area loaded with shops, restaurants and several portrait artists.  Many were extremely talented.

One approached hubby and said,

“Please, can I draw your portrait.” (As this is Paris, I am fairly sure he didn’t actually say “please” but this how I remember it.)

“No Thank you” (once again, embellished kindness)

“But I can draw you with more hair.”

I am sure hubby didn’t find this as funny as we did.

Sadly, we are no longer staying with our friends. They were amongst the most considerate hosts one could ever hope for, but I just couldn’t get past my cat allergy. So we have shifted to a hotel – the cheapest one we could find in Paris, near the airport and we will be moving up our exit flight, as Paris is just too expensive – and you can read about my other thoughts on Paris in a few days.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos on this page ©Rhonda Albom 2012

The post Sacre Coeur and a Portrait of Hubby first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

Once again we have arrived somewhere randomly, only to find it is a special day.

Since we didn’t know what was going on, it all seemed a bit odd to us at first, especially in light of current world events.

We are at the base of the Arc de Triomphe, just walking around and having a look.  We had decided not to go up as we have just been up the Eiffel Tower a few days back and the weather wasn’t so great today.

As we were walking down the stairs to take the tunnel under the road and leave the immediate area, my daughter says,

“Mum, did you see that police man, he had his gun drawn and his finger on the trigger.”

“No, sorry, I missed it, but let’s just get out of here, just in case.”

We turned the corner to cross the tunnel to find ourselves facing a dozen machine gun armed military personnel walking towards us, towards the exit to go to the Arc de Triomphe.

“Mum what do you think is going on?”

“I  don’t really know, but let’s just get out of here, just in case.”

“Did you notice one of them had a wooden stake?  I think it is about vampires.”

Like most things, it turned to out to be all good.

Every year in September there is a parade to honor the Paris Firemen (Brigade des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris) and today was the day.

The Fireman band, followed by veterans march down the Champs-Elysees towards the Arc de Triomphe.

We found ourselves at the beginning, but unlike May Day in Moscow, we managed to avoid being in the parade, but did get a few photos.

The police closed the street, then the band started to march . . .

They were followed by the veterans with flags, then more military personnel.

Here is the photo you probably really came to see.  Sadly, the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe cannot be captured in photos.  As you approach, and even more so as you stand under it, you can see that Napoleon accomplished his objective of demonstrating his power.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos on this page ©Rhonda Albom 2012

The post Arc de Triomphe, Military and a Parade first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

Here is what I really think of Paris:

If you have been following along, you know that we have seen some classic and amazing sites in Paris like the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur and The Palace of Versailles.

And yes, the site seeing here is wonderful. The tourist attractions are larger than life, detailed and often stunning. The museums are nothing short of incredible.

So why is is that I can’t get out of this town fast enough? Why did I move my exit flight up by two days?

I am not one for stereotypes. I don’t listen to them, and generally I don’t repeat them, but sometimes I really do know how they get started.

Despite its historical significance and beauty, Paris is playground for the natural born, French speaking, rich.

Now I have nothing against people with money, many people think we are in that category since we are traveling for so long. But we live on a budget. So, when I find the rare inexpensive restaurant, and order a meal for €7.50, I don’t expect my coca-cola to cost €5, unless I am in Paris.

And tap water, OMG, the look I get when asking for it in some restaurants, you would think I had three heads and just insulted the server’s mother.

Now, I say “server” very generously. Did you know in a recent court case, a five star hotel maitre’d just won a €100,000  settlement for unfair dismissal. He was fired because he refused to smile and be friendly to the customers and the courts found for his side, that it should not be a requirement for a maitre’d. That pretty much explains the service we didn’t get in Paris.

None of this is what was getting to me. It was the pushing, shoving and generally rude behavior everywhere you went. I know, I shouldn’t really blame this on Paris, as it is often tourists, but we have been traveling since March and never encountered anything quite like the typical behavior we saw here.

A queue seems meaningless. And the good manners I have taught my children have left them standing in the back of every queue. We were queued up waiting for audio guides at The Palace of Versailles. The women behind my tween put her hand on my tweens shoulder, shoved her cane in front of my tween and pointed to it. When my tween shrugged her shoulders signaling to me “what should I do mum?”, the woman and her two traveling companions shoved their way in front of my daughter.

I have been pushed aside for bathroom stalls, meals, hotel check in, ticket lines and everything else.

And as for the driving, for the first time this trip I was really glad that hubby had hired a manual car which I couldn’t drive. If you think the pushing while walking is annoying, wait until you try driving. Driving rules don’t seem to exist. Or if they do, they are not followed. It is basically a free for all on poorly marked roads.

On the plus side, the Paris toilets were generally clean and had paper.

So there you have it.  Now you know what I really think of Paris. What do you think of it?

Related Links

• Travel tips for the UK and Ireland
• Travel tips for China

The post What I Really Think of Paris – The Good and the Bad first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

Sometimes the best thing about not speaking the language when we travel is my self appointed free-range translation.  So, my question – are these two officers, in fact “Polite” Police or does “Politie” have a different meaning?

Polite Police?

Photo © Rhonda Albom 2012

What do you think is really going on in this photo.  I am not sure, but it looks like the female officer is telling off the homeless guy setting up camp against the pole?

Polite Police or Politie Police?  Have you been to Belgium?

PS: I looked it up on Google translate. It turns out it simply says Police in two languages, Dutch and English.

This post submitted for the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

The post Polite Police? Does It Have Another Meaning in Belgium? first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

We were hungry and happy to see the non-stop kitchen sign in the window . . .

 . . . and surprised to see the closed sign in the window.

Non-Stop Kitchen

Here are close ups to make it easier to see the non-stop kitchen and closed signs (yellow):

©Rhonda Albom 2012 in Brugges, Belgium
Submitted for Wordless Wednesday

The post Non-Stop Kitchen in Belgium – A Funny Sign for Wordless Wednesday first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

Entering the Butterman Time Travel Agency my options were suddenly greater than normal. Now I wasn’t just going somewhere but rather “some-when.” I remember visiting the medieval fortress and castle in Carcassonne, France.

I questioned the validity of the legend that Dame Carcas was the city namesake due to her ingenuity which defended the walled complex from the Saracens.  The city had been surrounded, the people starving.  According to legend, Dame Carcas gathered every last scrap of food, fed it to the cities final pig and then catapulted it over the wall (reminding me of scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail .  It landed with splat, opening up and revealing to the Saracens that those in the wall were well fed, and the plan to starve them out was failing.  They retreated, the city saved and thus named Carcassonne.

Here is my chance to find out if it’s true.  A quick time travel back to the late 8th century.

Are you wondering what I am on about?

Drum Roll Please, as we reveal the cover (to those who haven’t already seen it today):

Welcome to Butterman Travel, Incorporated

We are a full service agency designed to meet all your exclusive time travel needs. Family-owned and operated, we offer clients one hundred years of time travel experience. A place where you can rest assured, safety and reliability always come first.

Anxious to attend a special event from the past? Or for a glimpse of what the future holds?

You’ve come to the right place. We’re a fully accredited operation, offering an array of services; including, but not limited to: customized travel plans, professionally piloted operations, and personal trip guides. *Terms and conditions do apply

Conference us directly from our Website. Our frontline reservation specialist, Bianca Butterman, will handle all your inquiries in a professional and efficient manner, offering a tentative itinerary and free fare quote, so you can make the most of your time trip.

We look forward to serving you at Butterman Travel, Inc., where time is always in your hands.

Want to read more? You will have to wait until the book release on: 11-12-13 (November 12, 2013)


Here’s a bit about the author:

PK Hrezo is a native Floridian whose life could easily be a Jimmy Buffet song. She shares her home with her firefighter husband and their two children. When not creating characters and their worlds, PK can be found at her other job of rearranging passenger’s itineraries for a major international airline. The only hobbies she loves more than traveling, are reading, writing, and music, and when the four are combined she exists in total bliss.

She blogs regularly at PK HREZO: Fearless Fiction http://pk-hrezo.blogspot.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/PKHrezo  @pkhrezo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpkhrezo

Website http://down-the-rabbithole.com/

One more thing I need to mention today, my daughter just blogged a fantasy/travel post, which blew me away. I know, I am a bit biased, but her editor loved it too. Check it out: A Waking of Worlds and please leave her a comment. She wants to be a fantasy author and signed up for NaNoWriMo yesterday. She would love your support and encouragement. Did I mention she is 13?

If time travel were possible, where and when would you go? Are you sharing this cover reveal today? Did you visit my daughter’s post?

The post Butterman Time Travel: I’m Going Back To Carcassonne first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

The Berlin Wall enclosed West Berlin from August 13, 1961 to November 9, 1989, cutting a line through the entire city center and separating the East Berliners and citizens of East Germany, from the freedom of the West.  The wall came down in 1989, but a piece remains, protected, as a memorial and stark reminder.

Standing at the end of the remaining piece of the Berlin Wall, one girl stands on each side. If my girls had been standing in the same spots on August 13, 1961, they would have been separated for nearly 30 years, one being free, the other in former soviet run East Germany.

When we visited in 2012 it seemed that every modern wall was covered in graffiti. It seems to be an art form, and acceptable individual expression of freedom.

Berlin is a favorite city of one of my girls. You can read more about our travels to Berlin at:

• Berlin the Old and New – A Cultural Mix of Modern and Historical Sites
• Roman, Greek, Egyptian – Berlin Museums are Amazing
• Berlin Zoo – Poor Animals in Concrete Cages
• We use the Lonely Planet Berlin Travel Guide

Have you been to Berlin? Have seen the Berlin Wall either while it stood, or more recently as a monument? Are you participating in the AtoZ Challenge 2014?

My 2014 theme: My Photos of AmaZing Places.

This “Berlin Wall” post submitted for the letter B:

Click here to join us on the challenge. Be sure to check out all the co-hosts and helpers. This year I am a minion for ninja captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.
This post also submitted for Wordless Wednesday.

The post Berlin Wall – A Piece of History Remains as a Memorial ~ #AtoZ AmaZing Photos first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

Some cliches are wonderful. Waiting in endless queues, fighting the crowds, being pushed around a bit, yet our visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower actually seemed worthwhile. We were lucky, we had timed tickets purchased in advance by an old friend who is now living just outside Paris, quite near the beautiful Palace of Versailles.

Our photo highlights, first from the ground, and at a distance where the crowd doesn’t seem so bad:

Here are photos from the middle level:

Then continued to the top, where my teen took a goofy shot – through the safety gate.  I don’t recommend it, but she had fun.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos on this page ©Rhonda Albom 2012.

We used Lonely Planet Western Europe.

Have you been to Paris? Did you go up the Eiffel Tower?

This post submitted for Wordless Wednesday.

The post Photos: A Visit Up the Eiffel Tower, Paris France first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

The Palace of Versailles, located just outside Paris France, took me by surprise. It is breathtaking around every corner.  Initially, a small hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623 it was enlarged into a royal palace by Louis XIV. The gardens are a world famous immaculate masterpiece.  It is a must see located just outside of Paris, France.

My friend lived quite close to the Palace of Versailles, so close that had we chose to, we could have walked here. We arrived before it opened, and the queues were already long. My friend had our girls stop at the spot in which the line to enter ended on her last visit. Best advice is to get tickets in advance.

When getting to Versailles from Paris, the train is the best way to arrive. Viator offers small group day trips from Paris to Versaille that includes train transport, audio tour of the palace, guided tour of the gardens.  Most importantly, they include the ability to Skip the line at the entrance. 

→ Check Pricing on Versailles Palace and Gardens Day Trip from Paris by Train

The Great Hall of Mirrors is always crowded like this.

The level of detail everywhere was incredible.

An interior shot of some of the detail.

The Chapel.

Masterpieces are everywhere.

And then there was this odd art exhibit going on, with random, giant, out-of-place pieces of art everywhere.

Queen’s bedchamber in the grand appartement de la reine.

Our girls and a friend on the staircase as the rest of the crowd rushes by.

This was one of our first views of the impressive gardens, seen from the palace.

The famous, well-manicured gardens are truely breathtaking.

A family photo in front of one of the fountains.

We were glad to be there during one of the fountain shows.

The gardens looking back at the palace.

The gardens actually have a fascinating history. You can read more about Versailles fountains and gardens here.

We toured the interior before making it out to the world famous gardens. All of it is pretty incredible. Our entrance fee included a recorded tour of both the interior and exterior of the Palace of Versailles. They were available in many languages and you can people in the background listening to them – although it looks a bit like everyone is on their mobile phone.

Practical Information:

• This place is busy and crowded every day but most crowded on weekends and Tuesdays. It is best to purchase tickets in advance. It is less busy if you can be in the first group to get in for the day.

→ Check prices on a Skip-the-Line Versailles Pass

Or if you are coming from Paris:

→ Skip the Line: Versailles Palace and Gardens Day Trip from Paris by Train

• Times and access to different sections of the property vary by season and can be found here.
• Be sure to get an audio set, available in 11 languages: French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Korean, and Polish.
• Some people are entitled to free or reduced rates. These include Visitors under 18, European Union residents under 26, schoolchildren, teachers in French schools (upon presentation of their education Pass), disabled people and the person accompanying them, French job-seekers (upon presentation of proof dated less than six months). Check here to see if you qualify.
• If you are doing a day trip to Versailles from Paris, check out this tour:

→ Check Pricing on Versailles Palace and Gardens Day Trip from Paris by Train

• The Palace of Versailles sits not far outside of Paris. It, along with the Arc de Triomphe are my favourite places to visit in Paris.
• Regardless of where you go in Paris, there are lots of people. Don’t miss our best tips for avoiding the crowds in Paris.

Have you visited the Palace of Versailles?

The post Palace of Versailles is a Must See When Visiting Paris first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

Berlin is one of my favourite cities. The capital of Germany is a once-divided city with an interesting history. On August 13, 1961, the Berlin Wall went up quickly surrounding what would be called West Berlin. Instantly Berlin was divided, and only those in the west were free. The wall was taken down on November 9, 1989, and the East and West unified in 1990. Today Berlin is one city.

Modern and historical monuments, ancient history museums, graffiti, government buildings, and more are amongst the sites to visit in Berlin. We had a three day Berlin City Pass, and it saved us lots of money as it got us into just about everywhere we wanted to visit.

→ Check pricing and features of the Berlin Pass

Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall cut a line through the city center separating the citizens of East Germany, from the freedom of the West. A piece of the Berlin Wall remains, protected as a memorial and stark reminder.

The first time I visited, in 1978, the wall was still up. We had a city guide who had been visiting a friend on August 13, 1961. The wall separated her from her family. She was free; her family was not. She was only a little girl, and at that time she hadn’t seen her family for 17 years. In her honour, our girls stood at the end of the remaining piece of the Berlin Wall, one girl on each side. If my girls had been standing in the same spots on August 13, 1961, they would have been separated for nearly 30 years, one being free, the other in the former Soviet-run East Germany.

The girls at the end of another remaining section of the wall, one in the east, the other in the west. This section is at the Topographies of Terror exhibition.

Berlin Museums

Our three-day Berlin city pass included entry to several top Berlin museums. Our two favourites are the Neues Museum (the Egyptian Museum) and the Pergamon Museum (home to three massive and important examples of ancient architecture – the Hellenistic Pergamon Altar, The Babylonian Gate of Ishtar, and the Roman Market Gate of Miletus).

Pergamon Museum

Pergamon Museum

Egyptian skeleton in the Neues Museum

Neues Museum

The Neues Museum is also home to one of my favourite pieces of Egyptian Art, the bust of Nefertiti. It is housed in its own room, guarded well, with no photos allowed. The Neues Museum opened in 2009.

Berlin Boat Tour

One of my favourite ways to see is a city is from the water. I was thrilled that our Berlin Pass included a one-hour scenic Berlin River Cruise.

The Reichstag.

One of the new modern government buildings.

Another of the new modern government buildings.

One of the many museums.

This building used to house horses.

Berliner Dom.

Graffiti or Street Art

Now that the Berlin wall is down, it seems that every available wall in the city is covered in graffiti. The Berliners have brought it to an art form. I am not sure if it can be called street art, but my understanding is that it is legal.

More Sites to See in Berlin

The girls and I in front of the Brandenburg Gate.

Check Point Charlie (Berlin city pass includes the museum entry)

According to our book, taking a photo at this sign is one of the top 10 things to do in Berlin, so here is ours.

We also visited the Berlin Zoo.

Get a Berlin Sightseeing Pass

• The Berlin Pass was a great choice for us.
• The pass is available for either 2 or 3 days. We opted for the three day pass.
• One day usage of the Berlin Hop on Hop off Bus is included on the Berlin Pass, so plan ahead to visit the sites that match the bus stop on the same day.
• The pass also includes free entrance to over 30 museums including Pergamon Museum, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, and Neues Museum.
• Also included on the pass is a Berlin River Cruise that we thoroughly enjoyed.
• For the more sporty, there are bicycle or walking tour options.
• The pass also includes entry to SEA LIFE, the Berlin Dungeon, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, and Madame Tussauds.

→ Get your Berlin Sightseeing Pass

More on Berlin

• Wondering where to stay in Berlin? Booking.com has the answer and the best available rates.

→ Check pricing and availability of accommodations in Berlin

• If you want more on details Berlin, we use the Lonely Planet Berlin Travel Guide.

All photos on this page © Rhonda Albom 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Have you been to Berlin? Have seen the Berlin Wall either while it stood, or more recently as a monument?

The post Berlin Wall and Other Sites to Visit in Berlin Germany first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

The Arc de Triomphe towering at the end of the Champs Elysees fought for my attention as we strolled along Paris’s famous street. As we approached, it was evident to me that Napoleon accomplished his objective of demonstrating his power. At the same time, it seemed unreachable, guarded by a crocodile-like moat, a roundabout of several layers of cars dodging, weaving, and encircling in an endless stream. Fortunately, there is an underpass to bring pedestrians to the Arc de Triomphe.

Commissioned by French Emperor Napoleon in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe was designed to honour his Grande Armee. After his 1805 victory in the Battle of Austerlitz Napoleon said to his soldiers, “You will return home through arches of triumph”. Napoleon never saw it finished as he died in 1821 and it was completed in 1836.

Take a look at his masterpiece:

One of our first views of the Arc de Triomphe as we approached on foot. The massive size of the structure is more apparent when you compare it in height to the layers of cars on the roundabout.

We walked around the arc from a distance as we headed towards the tunnel entrance.

A closer look at some of the Arc de Triomphe details:

The names of 128 battles of the first French Republic and Napoleon’s Empire and the generals who took part in them are written on the walls under the vault.

France’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has rested under the Arc de Triomphe since 1921. The ‘eternal flame’ is re-lit every evening at 6:30 pm.

A Parade on the day we visited:

Paris hosts an annual parade to honour the local firemen (Brigade des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris) and we happened to be there on the day. The fireman band, followed by veterans and other military personnel marched down the Champs-Elysees towards the Arc de Triomphe.

Practical Information on the Arc de Triomphe:

• Located at one end of the Champs Elysees, it is in the northwest sector of Paris.
• Pedestrian access to the underground tunnel is on the Avenue de la Grande Armee side of the circle. You can also access this tunnel from the Wagram exit of the Metro. You do not want to try to cross the roundabout traffic on foot.
• The Arc de Triomphe is 50m tall (164 ft). In comparison, the Eiffel Tower is 300m (984 ft).
• City views can be enjoyed only by climbing the stairs, which are open daily at 10 am. While there is an entry cost for adults, children up to age 17 are free. We opted not go up as we had been up to the top of the Eiffel Tower a few days earlier. Our other Paris highlights included a tour of the Palace of Versailles and Sacre Coeur at night.
• This is another post in my throwback series encouraged by moving all my photos to Lightroom. This post has been republished with different images. We visited France in 2012.

Have you been to the Arc de Triomphe?

If enjoyed these photos, please share this article on social media including Pinterest:

The post A Closer Look at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris France first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

Toulouse is an eclectic mix of medieval architecture and modern aerospace leaving visitors wondering what to do in Toulouse first. Located on the banks of the Garonne River, its charming streets make it ideal for walking. One look at the faded red-brick facades of the old city and you will instantly understand the nickname “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City).

What to do in Toulouse:

Place du Capitole

A main square in the city is home to The Capitole (the city hall), shops, cafes, and frequent craft, art, or farmers markets.

Originally founded in 1190, The Capitole is believed to be the location that St Saturninus (Bishop of Toulouse) was martyred by being tied to the legs of a bull and dragged down the steps.

The Capitole’s courtyard.

Zodiac symbols displayed in the square.

Churches, Cathedrals, and Convents

The city is home to over 30 churches, but some of the more notable include:

• Basilica of St. Sernin
• Jacobin Convent
• Toulouse Cathedral

The 11th-century Basilica of St. Sernin, the largest Romanesque church in Europe, was built to aid the crowds of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Don’t miss these photos of the Romanesque Sculpture and Frescos InsideBasilica St. Sernin.

Jacobin Convent is a Dominican monastery completed in 1229.

Impressive stained glass and tall columns in the church at Jacobin Convent.

Entry to the convent’s peaceful cloister is by donation.

Toulouse Cathedral (also called Saint Stephen’s Cathedral or Cathédrale Saint-Étienne).

Aerospace

Toulouse is part of Aerospace Valley, home to hundreds of companies affiliated with the industry. Located in and around Toulouse are Airbus, Air France Industries, Dassault Aviation, and Cite de L’Espace (theme park).

**Reservations are required to visit Airbus. If you are not carrying an EU passport, you must purchase two full working days in advance. Also, Airbus tours are strictly no photography. 

This is a replica of Mir, a Russian space station. Read more about our day at Cite de L’Espace.

Head to the Garonne River

The Garonne River cuts through Toulouse, as does Canal du Midi. Along the river one can:

• Rent a bicycle
• Ride the Ferris wheel at the Quai de la Daurade
• Walk across the Pont Neuf bridge
• Take a river cruise
• Hire a paddle boat

Pont Neuf was completed in 1632 and is the oldest bridge in the city.

Ferris wheel across the river.

Museums and Historic Sites

A few of the more notable museums:

• Galerie du Chateau d’eau (World’s first photography museum)
• Musée des Augustins (Fine arts including Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance)
• Muséum d’historie Naturelle de Toulouse (Natural history museum)
• Musée Saint Raymond (Antiquities focused on Roman art, plus a large ancient cemetery in the basement that contains many inscriptions and crypts)
• Academie des Jeux Floraux (Oldest literary society in the western world)

The Foundation Bemberg houses Georges Bemberg’s collection of artworks.

Step off the Beaten Path

We loved walking down the residential streets of this idyllic town.

Narrow streets and fascinating architecture are everywhere.

It’s the little things that make Toulouse so charming.

Relax and Enjoy

• Stroll through peaceful Japanese gardens at Jardin Japonais.
• Settle into a cafe for breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee, or people watching.
• Dine on top-notch cuisine at one of Toulouse’s nine Michelin Star restaurants.
• Music aficionados can listen to Jazz or dance the night away with techno or rock.
• Enjoy a more sophisticated evening with ballet or opera at Theatre du Capitole.

People watching at its best: this young girl talks non-stop while the boy sticks his fingers in his ears. I named this photo, “Future Married Couple.”

We enjoyed crêpes at one of the cafes along Rue du Taur. Yet, it was Notre-Dame du Taur, the tower facade front of the church across the street that caught our attention. (It is one of 50 towers you can find in the city.)

Still More to See in Toulouse

With its basketball court and gym, even the McDonald’s is interesting.

A fountain in Place de la Trinité.

Toulouse Travel Tips:

• Toulouse is France’s fourth largest city.
• Outline a basic plan using Lonely Planet’s Western Europe Travel Guide.
  
• Once in town, head to the office of tourism to pick up free maps and purchase tickets for Cite de l’Espace and river cruises. If you are planning to take the city bus tour, compare current prices at Viator.
• Take a free tour (with a donation) at Basilica of Saint Sernin.
• Free street parking is available in Toulouse from August 1 to August 15 as many family businesses are closed. The downside is the shockingly hot weather during these two weeks.
• If you’re arriving via the Toulouse train station, check prices and find the Eurail pass that is right for you.
• We stayed in an apartment at Residence de Diane. As we were there in the slow season, it was easy to extend our stay by several days. Check prices at Booking.com.
• Toulouse is situated in the Midi-Pyrenees region of France. We visited as part of a Loop from Barcelona with key stops in Madrid, Segovia, Cordoba, and Granada, in Spain; Evora and Sintra in Portugal; back through northern Spain, then into the French Pyrenees first to Lourdes, then to Toulouse.

If you enjoyed these pictures of Toulouse, please share this pin on Pinterest:

Which of these things to do in Toulouse appeal to you?

This is another post in my throwback series encouraged by moving all my photos to Lightroom. This post has been republished with new images and updated information. We visited France in 2012.

The post What to do in Toulouse France: 34 Possibilities in this Pink City first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

Travelling in Europe, we discovered a treasure trove of majestic cathedrals. The Basilica of St Sernin in the city of Toulouse France was no exception. It is the largest Romanesque church in Europe, filled with antiquities, relics, and museum quality frescoes. Also famous for its Romanesque sculpture, the Basilica of St Sernin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the list of Routes to Santiago de Compostela.

Historically, the early 5th-century church built on this location encapsulated the remains of Saint Sernin. As the first Bishop of Toulouse, he was martyred violently for refusing to pray to pagan gods. His relics attracted many pilgrims, and the church was rebuilt and updated. The 11th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin we see today is a masterpiece.

Our free (with donation) private tour of the church, resulted in a better understanding of everything we saw. I recommend taking this tour first, before exploring on your own. Here are some of the highlights:

Tympanum of the Porte Miegeville depicts the Ascension of Christ (c.1110-15). It is an important milestone in the development of early Romanesque sculpture.

The faded red bricks of the Basilica of St. Sernin contribute to Toulouse’s nickname of the “Pink City”.

This is a collection of detailed carvings in the portal. Two of the eight carved capitals (column tops) are shown here.

In the 1970’s the 19-century top coat of plaster was removed and these richly decorated frescos painted in 1140-1180 we discovered. (A fresco is created by painting on wet plaster)

Marble panel of Christ in Majesty.

Looking to the east in the Nave.

The lustrous central chapel in the ambulatory (fee for entry) is dedicated to the Holy Spirit.

This fresco depicts the last scene in the transept of Saint Sernin.

Carved apostles appear on this sarcophagus from the late 4th or 5th century.

Colourful stained glass windows and Romanesque arches.

Vault fresco of the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) with angels.

This organ, built by Cavaillé-Coll in 1888 is considered to be one of the most important organs in France.

More Information on Basilica of St Sernin and Toulouse France:

• The main church of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin is open daily from 8.30 am. Closing times vary by day and season. Check times on their official website.
• There is a small fee to enter the crypt and ambulatory; both have varied opening hours.
• You can visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin on its own, or as part of a city tour from Viator.

→Check prices for Toulouse city tours from Viator.

• We first discovered the Basilica of St Sernin in Lonely Planet’s Western Europe Travel Guide.
• Located in the Midi-Pyrenees region of France, Toulouse is one of my favourite cities in France. We discovered plenty of things to do in Toulouse. One of our favourite other stops was the Cite de l’Espace. We visited as part of a Loop from Barcelona with primary stops in Madrid, Segovia, Cordoba, and Granada, in Spain; Evora and Sintra in Portugal; back through northern Spain, then into the French Pyrenees first to Lourdes, then to Toulouse.

If you enjoyed this visual tour inside the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, please pin it on Pinterest:

*We visited the Basilica of Saint Sernin and the city of Toulouse in 2012.  I recently moved all my photos to Lightroom, thus rediscovering these not previously shared images. 

What is it about the Basilica of St Sernin that you like best? Is it the architecture, Romanesque sculpture or the frescoes?

The post Romanesque Sculpture and Frescos Inside the Basilica of St Sernin Toulouse first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

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Perched on a hill at the base of the Pyrenees mountains in Southern France, Saint Bertrand de Comminges appears from the ground as a gateway to the heavens. It takes only a few moments after passing through one of the village’s three gates to understand why St Bertrand de Comminges is listed amongst the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (“The Most Beautiful Villages of France”).

For us, the charming medieval village of Saint Bertrand de Comminges was a stop as we drove from Lourdes to Toulouse in France. In the past, it was a pilgrim stopover on one of the paths to Santiago de Compostela.

There are two key sights to see here: the Roman ruins of Lugdunum at ground level, and the village of Saint Bertrand de Comminges upon the hill. A shuttle takes people up and down for a nominal fee. It was on lunch break when we arrived, so we walked. Steps in the steeper parts make it an easy walk.

Even on a cloudy day, the area was beautiful.

Roman ruins of Lugdunum

Our first glimpse of Saint Bertrand de Comminges towering over the archaeological site of the Roman Ruins of Lugdunum. The cathedral dominates the view of the village.

Another shot of the ancient Roman city of Lugdunum.

Saint Bertrand de Comminges

We were greeted by charming narrow roads, many paved over the original cobblestones.

The Saint Bertrand de Comminges Cathedral is the main site to visit. Personally, the entrance door was my favourite feature of this Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inside is an architectural mix including these renaissance stained glass windows.

The 16th-century organ in the cathedral.

The 12th-century cathedral cloisters.

Now the Olivetains (information center), this former 19th-century convent stands nearby.

Lush green rolling hills surround the walled village.

The cheese store and the man in a beret, an image that seemed stereotypically French to me.

In a modern contrast to the rest of the town, this artwork sits outside the cultural center.

Nearby Caves of Gargas

Prehistoric cave art can be seen inside the nearby grotte de Gargas. Similar to the cave art we had seen only a few days earlier at Altamira, we opted not to visit Gargas cave.

Interior view of the cave shot by Félix Régnault (1847 – 1908) – Scan on Flickr by Bibliothèque de Toulouse [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

Practical Information on St Bertrand de Comminges:

• The cathedral is home to the former seat of the ancient Diocese of Comminges.
• The tomb of Saint Bertrand (canonised in 1671) is inside the cathedral.
• Also famous for hanging on a wall inside the cathedral is a taxidermied crocodile, but somehow we didn’t see it.
• For more images of the cave drawings check out this article: The Cave Art of the Grotte de Gargas.
• We had a car. Self-driving is definitely the easiest way to get here. If you are travelling Europe by Eurail, there is a local train from Toulouse that will get you near Saint Bertrand, and then you will need to take a taxi or walk. Check prices and find the Eurail pass that is right for you.
• There is no shortage of places to stay in the Midi-Pyrenees region. Booking.com offers over 4000 accommodation options covering the full gambit of hospitality.
• We originally discovered Saint Bertrand de Comminges in the Lonely Planet Western Europe travel guide.
• All of my photos on this page are previously unpublished. I am not sure why we never shared our images of the charming Saint Bertrand before today. I rediscovered them after moving my images to Lightroom and utilizing its simple organization features.

Have you visited Saint Bertrand de Comminges?

The post Saint Bertrand de Comminges: Charming French Village first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

Paris is one of those cities that you either love or hate. Either way, you know you are not in Paris alone. There are masses of people everywhere, and it can feel overwhelming even to those who came for the ambience, romance, and excitement of the city. Visitors who aren’t used to so many people often get tired of waiting in endless queues, fighting the masses, and being pushed or jostled. Learning how to avoid crowds in Paris is a challenge, a mystery, and some say a “mission impossible”.  Can it be done? Have a read, and then you tell me.

11 Tips to Avoid Crowds in Paris While Enjoying the City Icons

1. Plan ahead and be flexible

This one seems obvious, but a bit of planning can prepare you for the city. Many of the tips below are part of the planning process. Flexibility, however, is often difficult for travellers who like everything pre-scheduled. If you arrive at an attraction and the entry queue is two hours, perhaps it’s time to change the plan and come back tomorrow, or later in the day.

2. Avoid crowds in Paris by visiting sites early in the morning or late at night

Tour busses generally show up at a prescribed time, often starting about 30 minutes after opening. Arriving first lets you beat the rush. And if it’s a popular hike or a walk, consider starting at dawn, or just after sunset (provided it is deemed to be safe).

In Paris, we did this twice, once early in the morning, the other time after dark. The resulting images are two of my favourite Paris photos, both of Sacré-Coeur.

Sacré-Coeur on Montmartre.

Sacré-Coeur lit up at night.

3. Buy tickets in advance that skip the line

On our last trip to Paris, the queue to get into the Louvre Museum was over two hours. A bit of better planning and we could have had a Skip the Line ticket, and we could have gone straight in and had a guided tour.

 ⇒ Skip the Line: Paris Louvre Museum Guided Tour ⇐

And that’s not all. There are skip the line tickets to just about every Paris Icon. Check pricing and availability on a few of our favourites:

⇒ Skip-the-Line Paris Catacombs Admission Ticket and Audio Guide

⇒ Eiffel Tower Priority Access Ticket

⇒ Skip the Line: Versailles Palace and Gardens Day Trip from Paris by Train

4. Park far away and walk

Sometimes it’s not the people, but the traffic that makes an area feel crowded. Parking far away and walking lets you avoid crowds in Paris, at least on the roads. In a scene reminiscent of the comedy European Vacation we entered the roundabout at the base of the Arc de Triomphe. What a mistake that turned out to be. Eventually, we gave up, drove a mile away, found a place to park the car and walked back.

Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Click here to see more of images and a closer look at the Arc de Triomphe.

Similarly, our GPS wouldn’t guide us up the hill at Montmartre. Despite it being the highest point in Paris, we eventually opted to park at the base and walk up a massive flight of stairs. While the walk resulted in a bit of grumbling, it did avoid crowds on Paris roads. And, once at the top, we were greeted with the spectacular nighttime view of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart shown above.  It’s a massive cathedral more commonly known as Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

5. Use pedestrian tunnels

I am not sure this is a tip to avoid crowds in Paris, as the tunnels may be the only way to cross the roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe. If not, it should be, as trying to run across the traffic there would be dangerous.

6. Visit attractions outside the city

The two attractions we visited outside of Paris were both stately manors, yet very different in terms of their crowds. First, we visited the Musée Vivant du Cheval, a living horse museum dedicated to equine art and culture. Located in Chantilly, just 40 miles north of Paris, Musée Vivant du Cheval horse museum is housed in the Great Stables of the Château de Chantilly, considered to be the largest stables in Europe. Built in the mid-1500s, the Château is a site to see in its own right.

Our first view of Château de Chantilly.

Inside the Great Stables, home to the Chantilly living horse museum.

We also visited the Palace of Versailles, a royal palace of Louis XIV. It is a masterpiece inside and out, with massive queues to get in even with advanced tickets. Click here for our photo review of the Palace of Versailles.  If I were going again, I would take a tour from Paris.

→ Check Pricing on Versailles Palace and Gardens Day Trip from Paris by Train

Inside the Palace of Versailles.

The gardens at the Palace of Versailles, located outside of Paris France.

7. Step off the beaten path and go to less frequented streets

We love getting off the tourist path and exploring a city or neighbourhood. Not just because it will often avoid the crowds, but also because it is a better way to learn about the people and the culture. Cities like Paris that get large numbers of tourists often spend a small fortune to show off the best of their city.  Stepping off the tourist path lets you see a different side of a town. More importantly, it is often the fastest way to avoid crowds in Paris.

This particular off the beaten path road was in Chantilly outside of Paris.

8. Stay with locals

Similar to stepping off the beaten path, staying with locals often puts you in a less crowded section of town. Couchsurfing is a great way to stay with locals for free or check out TripAdvisor rentals to rent a private house.

→ Learn more about Couchsurfing

If you prefer to stay in hotels, you will find the full spectrum in Paris. We opted to stay in one of the Disneyland Paris hotels, and we never felt like we could avoid the crowds, especially at breakfast. However, the atmosphere was lively and fun.

→ Check Pricing and availability of hotels near Disneyland Paris on Booking.com

Like in any major city, the more you are willing to pay, the better the service, and therefore shorter wait times and a less crowded feel.

→ Check Pricing and availability of hotels in Paris on Booking.com

9. Change your photographic perspective

Illusion is everything: Take photos from a distance, close up, or at an angle that it doesn’t appear crowded. Sometimes this is the best I can do.

Photographing the Eiffel Tower from across the river removes the crowds from the image.

Standing under the Eiffel Tower and shooting up also removes the crowds from the image.

10. Change your emotional perspective . . .

. . .Or as my teenager would say, “suck it up”. If you must go to certain places, you will have to deal with the crowds. A prime example is Disneyland Paris. We avoided the crowds by avoiding Disneyland Paris altogether. We had enough Disney at our hotel.  However, if it is somewhere you must go, you will have to face the crowds. The same general rules apply to Disneylands around the world. Avoid the high season, which in the case of Disneyland Paris is in July and August. Any other time of year, avoid holidays in both France and nearby countries, avoid the weekends, and avoid Friday or Monday.

Another always crowded Paris destination is the Eiffel Tower. Even with advanced timed tickets to go up in the Eiffel Tower, there was a queue. It was far shorter than for those who didn’t have “Skip the line” tickets. Then there was a second queue to get from the lower platform up to the top.  However, once there it was worth it.

View from the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

11. Stay home and buy Paris souvenirs online

If none of this appeals to you, the simple solution is to skip Paris and buy your souvenirs online. Here is the best we could find:

A quick recap of the top 11 tips to avoid crowds in Paris

1. Plan ahead and be flexible
2. Avoid crowds in Paris by visiting sites early in the morning or late at night
3. Buy tickets in advance that skip the line
4. Park far away and walk
5. Use pedestrian tunnels
6. Visit attractions outside the city
7. Step off the beaten path and go to less frequented streets
8. Stay with locals
9. Change your photographic perspective
10. Change your emotional perspective
11. Stay home and buy Paris souvenirs online

Love it or hate it? Either way, did you discover any tips to avoid crowds in Paris?

The post 11 Tips to Avoid Crowds in Paris France first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

The Palace of Versailles, located just outside Paris France, took me by surprise. It is breathtaking around every corner.  Initially, a small hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623 it was enlarged into a royal palace by Louis XIV. The gardens are a world famous immaculate masterpiece.  It is a must see located just outside of […]

The post Palace of Versailles is a Must See When Visiting Paris first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

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Berlin is one of my favourite cities. The capital of Germany is a once-divided city with an interesting history. On August 13, 1961, the Berlin Wall went up quickly surrounding what would be called West Berlin. Instantly Berlin was divided, and only those in the west were free. The wall was taken down on November […]

The post Berlin Wall and Other Sites to Visit in Berlin Germany first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

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The Arc de Triomphe towering at the end of the Champs Elysees fought for my attention as we strolled along Paris’s famous street. As we approached, it was evident to me that Napoleon accomplished his objective of demonstrating his power. At the same time, it seemed unreachable, guarded by a crocodile-like moat, a roundabout of several layers of cars […]

The post A Closer Look at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris France first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

Toulouse is an eclectic mix of medieval architecture and modern aerospace leaving visitors wondering what to do in Toulouse first. Located on the banks of the Garonne River, its charming streets make it ideal for walking. One look at the faded red-brick facades of the old city and you will instantly understand the nickname “La Ville […]

The post What to do in Toulouse France: 34 Possibilities in this Pink City first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.

Albom Adventures

Travelling in Europe, we discovered a treasure trove of majestic cathedrals. The Basilica of St Sernin in the city of Toulouse France was no exception. It is the largest Romanesque church in Europe, filled with antiquities, relics, and museum quality frescoes. Also famous for its Romanesque sculpture, the Basilica of St Sernin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on […]

The post Romanesque Sculpture and Frescos Inside the Basilica of St Sernin Toulouse first appeared on Albom Adventures. It is written by Rhonda Albom.