Iconic California Road Trip: San Francisco To Los Angeles

The best kind of road trip features great scenery, and the road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) certainly fits the bill — it boasts fantastic coastal views, wine country, quaint towns, and much more.

Although California’s balmy weather makes it a great place for a road trip at any time, the very best time for this trip in terms of weather is July through August. This is peak season, so expect more crowds and higher hotel rates. If you prefer to skip the peak season, late spring and early fall are also lovely.

Here are some stops to consider along the way.

San Francisco

What better place to start your road trip than San Francisco? Plan on spending several days to fully take in this vibrant city.

Take a tour of Chinatown, spend a few hours perusing the books at City Lights Bookstore, and cross the Golden Gate Bridge or take the ferry to Sausalito.

Then head to Fisherman’s Wharf to grab some San Francisco sourdough sandwiches at Boudin Bakery or sit down for some fresh seafood at Cioppino’s. If you’re really hungry, try the signature dish, the Cioppino, a seafood extravaganza with Dungeness crab legs, clams, mussels, snapper, calamari, and shrimp, all stewed in a savory tomato broth and topped with toasted sourdough bread.

Rest up in the Hotel Griffon on the waterfront, or stay in the Financial District at the newly renovated Clift Royal Sonesta.

Santa Cruz

Take Highway 1 70 miles south of San Francisco, and you’ll find the sandy beaches, redwood-covered mountains, and burgeoning beer and wine scene of Santa Cruz.

While there, visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which chronicles 100 years of local surf history, and learn about the birthplace of mainland surfing in the United States. Or if you’ve always wanted to try surfing, take a surf lesson with a local school like Club Ed and pay homage to surfing pioneer Jack O’Neill.

If you plan to spend a night or two, consider the Hotel Paradox or the Chaminade Resort & Spa.

Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, California. — Phitha Tanpairoj / Shutterstock

Monterey County

Another 40 miles along Highway 1 will bring you to the city of Monterey. Monterey County includes the towns of Salinas, Carmel, Big Sur, and Monterey, among others, so plan to spend at least a couple of nights in the area to take in the variety of sights.

The Monterey area was the home of novelist John Steinbeck and inspired many of his most famous works. Consider learning more about his life and legacy at one of these stops.

To better appreciate the area’s natural beauty, visit the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and walk along the banks of the river or hike one of the many scenic trails. If you spend the night there, you can stay at the Big Sur Lodge, located at the park.

Spend a day (or weekend) in Carmel visiting the white sand beaches and enjoying fine dining, wine tastings, and plenty of shopping. Take a 2-hour guided walk through the secret pathways, hidden courtyards, award-winning gardens, and storybook cottages with Gael Gallagher’s Carmel Walks. If you want to spend the night, consider The Hotel Carmel, a cottage-style hotel with a luxury feel.

In Monterey, visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, take in Cannery Row, dine at Fisherman’s Wharf, and take a walking tour of the historic downtown, among other activities. If you plan on staying overnight, consider the Hotel Pacific, an upscale Spanish Colonial-style hotel.

Biking is a great way to get around. Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop is the only e-bike shop on the Monterey Peninsula. They sell — and rent — high-end e-bikes. Experience the scenic coastal paths and take on some of the hills throughout the towns. All e-bikes come with a Garmin for easy navigation, and the owners will program it depending on where you want to go.

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle, the unbelievably opulent home of the publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, is 90 miles south of Monterey on Highway 1. On a tour of this mountaintop Mediterranean estate designed by architect Julia Morgan, you’ll see a collection of priceless art and antiques. To learn more, see this piece.

Morro Bay

On your way from Hearst Castle to San Luis Obispo, be sure to stop at Morro Bay. The volcanic Morro Rock is where the city got its name. Just offshore is a massive, ancient volcanic plug that rises 576 feet from the ocean. Watch for nesting peregrine falcons there.

San Luis Obispo

About 14 miles from Morro Bay is San Luis Obispo. The area has a rich food and wine scene; plenty of art, history, and culture; and a laid-back California vibe.

While there, visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which was constructed in 1792. The mission, which is still an active church, lies at the center of modern-day downtown San Luis Obispo.

To experience the area’s natural beauty, hike or kayak to the Point San Luis Lighthouse. The lighthouse is a hidden gem on the Central Coast, located on the north side of Port San Luis Harbor near Avila Beach. The 30-acre nature preserve can be reached by a docent-led hike of the Pecho Coast Trail, by classic trolley ride, or by kayak.

Try the signature lemon and herb brined free-range rotisserie chicken at Slo Provisions. Then stay at the new luxury hotel downtown, Hotel Cerro.

Pismo Beach

Wineries and beaches are abundant in Pismo Beach. Visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove, one of only five sites in the state that have counts of more than 10,000 butterflies annually. Or go horseback riding on private trails at the Oceano Dunes SVRA, which also offers extensive coastal dunes for off-roading. See this piece for more things to see and do in the area.

Make it a day trip, or spend the night at the Inn at the Pier, a luxury oceanfront hotel.

The Santa Ynez Valley in California. — Jim Ekstrand / Shutterstock

Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country

Just north of Santa Barbara, you’ll find Santa Ynez Valley, one of five distinct American Viticultural Areas located in Santa Barbara County’s vast wine country. It’s home to more than 50 varietals that thrive in the area’s diverse microclimates. More than 120 wineries are located nearby, many of them small family-owned operations where you can taste world-class wines in an unpretentious atmosphere.

Start by buying a pass from the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association. After a day of wine tastings, check in at the ForFriends Inn, the only boutique bed and breakfast in Santa Ynez. It’s within walking distance of plenty of dining options, and guests enjoy a Friendship Pass with more than $200 in free wine tastings and food in the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country.

Santa Barbara

In Santa Barbara, you can enjoy more wine tastings — just grab a map and check out Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail. Then relax at the largest underground salt cave in the U.S., located in downtown Santa Barbara.

Check out the artsy side of Santa Barbara and explore the Funk Zone, full of colorful murals, great restaurants, and lively nightlife.

Visit the beautiful Old Mission Santa Barbara, known as the Queen of the Missions, and then spend the night at the Hotel Californian, a luxury resort.

Ventura

In Ventura, you can spend a day exploring the Ventura Harbor Village or enjoying water activities in the harbor. Then visit the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center to book a trip to the nearby Channel Islands.

When you’re in Ventura, you simply must go whale watching. Blue whales and humpback whales were once a rare sight in the waters off Ventura, but now, from roughly June through mid-September, they can often be seen feeding on floods of nutrient-rich krill, brought up from the depths by the currents. Orca whale pods can be seen in any season.

For unique lodging, stay at the Waypoint Ventura, a hotel featuring luxuriously restored vintage trailers.

Los Angeles

End your California road trip in Los Angeles. The second-most-populous city in the country offers a multitude of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in show business, arts and culture, nightlife, ethnic cuisine, or unique shopping, you’ll find plenty to love in Los Angeles.

Be sure to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the largest art museum in the Western U.S, as well as the city’s other world-class museums.

Stay in four-star luxury at Petit Ermitage, where the saltwater pool, rooftop bar and restaurant, and hummingbird sanctuary will help you relax and rejuvenate after your long trip.

Cologne, Germany: How To Spend A Perfect Weekend

Imagine relaxing in a lively beer garden with a mug of Kolsch in one hand and a bratwurst in the other, all the while watching ships pass slowly on the sparkling Rhine River. In Cologne, you’ll find yourself planted firmly in German tradition, enjoying the classic cuisine and perhaps making new friends at the outdoor pubs as you’re swept up in the music and culture of this venerable old city.

Here’s how to spend a perfect weekend in Cologne.

The Cologne Cathedral in Germany. — jan kranendonk / Shutterstock

Be Inspired By The Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral, or Kolner Dom, is at her best at night. The imposing cathedral’s spires dominate the evening skyline; lit up magnificently, she proclaims to the world that Cologne is an old Catholic city. The largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, the current structure is also quite old, dating to the 1200s. Surviving fires, revolutions, wars, and financial difficulties, it was finally finished in 1880.

While the structure was damaged by the bombs that ravaged Cologne during World War II, the towers of the cathedral remained standing tall. It is thought that they were spared because they provided a navigational landmark for Allied bombers. The cathedral’s beautiful stained glass windows were saved by priests who removed them and hid them outside of the city.

Guided tours of the cathedral are available through Domfuhrungen Koln. They offer several tours, including a tour of the excavation under the cathedral, a night tour, a rooftop tour, a bell tower tour, and others. When Mass is not being said, you are welcome to quietly visit and enjoy the spectacular stained glass windows, ornate metalwork, and fine masonry.

The excavation tour under the cathedral provides a fascinating look back in time. The archaeological site preserves old walls, floors, graves, and foundations. Showcasing the unbelievable talent of the builders who erected the first church on this site during Charlemagne’s reign, it is a not-to-be-missed historical viewing.

If you want a tour in English, book the group tour specifically for English speakers. There is a small upcharge for this tour, but it is worth the extra fee.

The Shrine of the Three Kings inside Cologne Cathedral. — Mikhail Markovskiy / Shutterstock

Wonder At The Shrine Of The Three Kings

The Shrine of the Three Kings located inside the cathedral is said to house the bones of the Magi who journeyed from afar to see the Child Jesus. The gold-and-silver reliquary containing their remains is studded with gemstones and cameos and holds a place of honor behind the high altar. This medieval masterpiece was completed in the early 13th century.

Be sure to stop at the south wall, where you will find a triptych, the Adoration of the Magi, that was completed by Stefan Lochner around 1440. Lochner was a German painter known for his religious renderings.

The Schokoladen Museum in Cologne, Germany. — Paii VeGa / Shutterstock

Sample Goodies At The Schokoladen Museum

At the Schokoladen Museum (Chocolate Museum), the history of chocolate comes to life. The museum offers several tours, including one on the history of chocolate, one on how chocolate is made, and inclusive tours for those with disabilities. You’ll learn about everything from chocolate’s roots in the Mayan and Aztec cultures to modern processing techniques.

The gift shop offers an overwhelming array of delectable chocolate confections. Looking for that special souvenir? You can have your own personalized chocolates made here.

The Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Germany. — travelview / Shutterstock

Marvel At Masterpieces

The modern architecture of the Museum Ludwig, located at the foot of the cathedral, is an interesting contrast with the medieval Gothic architecture of the cathedral. Surrounded by a large plaza, the cathedral, and the railway station, the museum is perfectly situated to be part of your weekend adventure.

Housing an extensive pop art collection, an impressive Picasso collection, and an expansive collection of German Expressionist works, the museum is a center for culture and modern art.

The Farina Duftmuseum in Cologne, Germany. — saiko3p / Shutterstock

Enjoy The Eau De Cologne

The Farina Duftmuseum, or the Farina Fragrance Museum, showcases 300 years of fragrance history. Cologne is the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, which was invented by Johann Maria Farina. Eight generations later, the Farina family is still in the perfume business.

The 45-minute guided tours of the museum are the only way to visit. While there, you can learn about the history of Eau de Cologne, the Farina family, and the making of the time-honored scent.

I recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to secure a tour time in English.

The Bruhl Castle castle near Cologne, Germany. — trabantos / Shutterstock

Relish The Rococo Style

Schlosser Bruhl is a quick half-hour trip south of Cologne. The Schloss Augustusburg, or Bruhl Castle, will delight you with its extravagant Rococo style. The home of Cologne’s Archbishop Clemens August in the 18th century, it features magnificent furnishings and opulent finishes that will dazzle you at every turn.

The nearby Hunting Lodge Falkenlust — whose site was chosen based on the flight patterns of the falcon’s prey, the heron — was renowned for its hunting and courtly game dinners. This elaborately furnished lodge is almost as ornate as the main castle.

The baroque gardens invite you to stroll among the statues, plants, and water features. It is a beautiful place to spend a few sunny afternoon hours.

Locks on the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany. — r.classen / Shutterstock

Walk The Hohenzollern Bridge

The beautiful Hohenzollern Bridge spans the Rhine and connects Cologne’s Old Town to the new commercial section. It’s a multitrack train bridge with a pedestrian walkway that affords a spectacular view of the Rhine. The bridge is known as Cologne’s Love Locks Bridge because many couples have placed locks on the bridge and thrown the keys into the river to profess their eternal love.

While a beautiful symbol and delightful for photographers, the practice has caused several unforeseen effects. The more than 40,000 locks have added an additional 2 tons of weight to the bridge, causing structural issues. The discarded keys, glittering at the bottom of the river, resemble small fish. They are scooped up by birds and give them digestive issues.

Spend Time With A Local

Lokafy is an up-and-coming tour site that allows visitors to customize their tour. Choose your location, number of guests, preferred meetup location and time, and what you would like to explore. You are paired with a local who will give you a this-is-my-city tour designed specifically for your group.

In Cologne, a Lokafy guide will escort you around the city, ensuring that you visit the highlights on your bucket list while adding a few little-known attractions. Your guide will help you find hidden squares, quaint local shops, and the rich history you would miss if you just wandered about.

Peters Brauhaus local brewery and restaurant in Cologne, Germany. — Tupungato / Shutterstock.com

Where To Eat In Cologne

German cuisine is rich in meat, paired with sharp sauerkraut, and served with fantastic beer. You’ll also find lighter vegetarian dishes making their way onto menus across the city. There’s a culture of dining out, so you will find sumptuous plates everywhere you turn in Cologne.

Here are some of my favorites.

Herbrand’s

Herbrand’s is a large and popular beer garden that offers American- and European-inspired pub fare at long community tables. It’s a fun place to make new friends.

Maibeck

For first-class German dining at a great value, visit Maibeck. Dine on North Sea sweet-and-sour mackerel or pork belly with parsnips. The menu offerings are local, fresh, and unique.

Meet & Eat Market

If you are lucky enough to be in Cologne on a Thursday evening, the Meet & Eat Market is the place to go to eat like a local. The after-work crowd descends on the Rudolfplatz to partake in the delightful locally and internationally inspired food-truck cuisine.

Peters Brauhaus

Kolsch, a beer brewed only in Cologne, must be consumed at a brauhaus for a classic German experience. For a fun beer hall experience, try Peters Brauhaus, where you can sample traditional German specialties like pork, bacon, black pudding, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes.

A room at Stern am Rathaus in Cologne, Germany. — Stern am Rathaus

Where To Stay In Cologne

The Old Town is dotted with lovely boutique hotels tucked away on quiet streets. You can also find trendy stays and brand-name hotels to round out your options.

Stern Am Rathaus

The Stern am Rathaus is an intimate, nine-room hotel that oozes European charm. The small but well-appointed rooms are a short walk from many of Cologne’s most popular attractions. Breakfast is included, providing a relaxing way to begin your day.

Hotel Im Wasserturm

The Hotel im Wasserturm will satisfy your craving for a unique stay. This circular hotel with a spectacular rooftop restaurant and lounge will make you fall in love with Cologne. The modern rooms are well appointed and a wonderful place to rest after a long day of sightseeing.

Bring your appetite and walking shoes for an enchanting trip through German history in Cologne! For more to see and do in Germany, see this page.

Epic Florida Road Trip: Miami To Key West

Driving along the Overseas Highway (US1) from Miami to Key West is one of the great American road adventures. Over 100 miles and 42 bridges connect 34 islands. The route is best driven in a convertible, takes you through a wonderland of mangrove trees, coral reefs, tropical savanna, quaint islands, and historical sites, and you’ll have the unique sensation of literally driving on water as you cruise over the bridges, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Many stretches of the highway are only two lanes wide, so you feel like you only have to stretch your hand out the window to touch the ocean.

There are two things along the way that you definitely want to take pictures of: the famous mile markers, with 0 Mile in Key West, and the signs warning of gators. You are bound to see a few, especially near Miami where the road skirts the Everglades.

The best time to go is between March and May. The temperatures are, on average, in the 70s and there is little risk of rain. Avoid the hurricane season starting in September. The Keys are more prone to being badly hit than Miami itself and sometimes have to be evacuated, turning the highway into a one-directional escape route to the mainland.

This trip is also a journey down memory lane as it is closely connected with another great American adventure: The Flagler Over-Sea Railroad. The first train from Miami pulled into Key West in 1912. The dream came to an end in the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, which destroyed tracks and bridges, part of which can be seen (and visited) near Marathon. After this, the Overseas Highway came into being, and now it’s one of South Florida’s most visited attractions.

We start our trip in Miami and show you that there is a lot more to do and see than Ocean Drive and South Beach.

Aerial view of downtown Miami, Florida. — Daniel Korzeniewski / Shutterstock

Starting Point: Miami

How long you stay in Miami before embarking on your road trip to Key West depends on the time you have. But you should spend at least one day and one night to enjoy the relaxed and colorful lifestyle in an American city where Spanish is the most-spoken language.

Iconic Fontainebleau Hotel

The Fontainebleau on Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach is a landmark luxury hotel, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Miami, combining the emblematic architecture of South Beach in Morris Lapidus’s curvilinear design with seemingly endless beaches, pools, gardens, and every luxury you can possibly want. Once you’ve checked in, make your way over the causeway to explore Downtown Miami.

Downtown Miami

Many visitors who come to Miami for the first time think South Beach because they are not aware that the biggest treasures are actually located downtown. For one, the Miami River, a busy waterway from the Everglades, empties into Biscayne Bay and can be enjoyed with a river cruise if you have extra time.

Mary Brickell Village

Combining modern office blocks and high-rise condos with art galleries, shops, fabulous restaurants, and cobbled streets, Mary Brickell Village is a one-of-a-kind urban oasis in the middle of downtown Miami.

Stroll along at your leisure, treat yourself to a meal at Moxie’s or any other of the many restaurants in the village, take a look at art galleries, or have a drink at Blue Martini. There is some pretty street art to be admired, too, and of course a statue of Mary Brickell, one of the founders of Miami.

Cross over the draw bridge, look down at the Miami River, and with luck, you’ll see some manatees. Then head to Flagler Street to learn about history at a unique museum.

HistoryMiami Museum

Located at West Flagler Street, the HistoryMiami Museum is a complex of several buildings including a library documenting the Indian heritage of Miami, mainly that of the Seminole and Miccosukee. You’ll see sepia photographs, a reconstructed village, traditional clothes, bead artwork, and much more.

The entrance to Bayside Market in Miami. — Willowtreehouse / Shutterstock

Bayside Marketplace

Follow Flagler Street to Biscayne Bay and discover the most relaxed and colorful shopping mall you can imagine: Bayside Marketplace. Of course, there are plenty of shops, but most important is the Caribbean festival atmosphere of the precinct. Giant mangrove trees with parrots in them greet you at the entrance. There is always live music and people are dancing to it. Have fresh smoothies and Cuban snacks or embark on one of the boat trips which specialize in taking you past the lavish homes of stars and celebrities in Biscayne Bay and on the islands. There is even a little strip of white beach with wooden loungers where you can rest your feet.

The welcome sign in Marathon, Florida. — Paul Brady Photography / Shutterstock

Key Largo, Marathon, And More

Once you have your fill of Miami, it’s time to embark on your road trip. The most popular stops along the way to Key West are Key Largo and Marathon. Our intention, however, is to help you explore lesser-known keys you will cross over (remember, there are 34 in all!) and show you their picturesque and unique attractions. Stop wherever you like depending on how much time you have planned for this adventure. In the first miles out of Miami, you really get a feeling for the nature of this trip as you drive past the fringes of the Everglades, and swamp grass and mangrove trees can nearly scratch your car.

The Shell Shack in Islamadora, Florida. — Google Maps

Islamorada

Just south of Key Largo you come to Islamorada. Although it’s best known for water sports and incredible ocean life, Islamorada gives you a chance to learn about history at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center and the History of Diving Museum. Round out your stop with a stroll and your first taste of hogfish and Key Lime Pie in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District.

As you drive on, watch out for the Shell Shack, a typical Florida conch house. It’s overflowing with the most colorful Florida kitsch, made from shells, wood, beads, and much more. Everything’s for sale, of course.

Duck Key

You are nearly halfway there, and just before driving over Seven Mile Bridge, you should put in a stop at relaxed and lesser-known Duck Key. Tropical vegetation, beaches, Hawks Cay Resort, and more legitimate a brief stop or even an overnight stay.

Seven Mile Bridge

Seven Mile Bridge connects Marathon with Little Duck Key. It’s actually two bridges that run parallel, the older one built in 1919 as part of the Flagler Railroad and the new one, which you’ll drive over. Part of the older bridge is open to foot traffic, and you can see its remains above the water. This bridge was severely damaged in a 1935 hurricane. Bridge details aside, the best part of this section of your road trip is the experience of literally driving for miles on end across two tremendous bodies of water: the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Just enjoy the sensation.

Big Pine Key

Just having crossed Seven Mile Bridge and only about 30 miles from your final destination, make a little detour to visit Big Pine Key. It’s rumored to have the best seafood in Florida. Try some at Springer’s Bar and Grill. Apart from seafood, Springer’s also serves vegetarian dishes.

Only in Big Pine Key can you see a different kind of animal, the tiny Florida deer, which is no bigger than a dog. Make time for a visit to the National Key Deer Refuge.

Sugarloaf Key

Make a final stop in Sugarloaf Key. This separate island actually has two communities: Upper Sugar Loaf and Lower Sugar Loaf. The key’s name is derived from the pineapples which were once grown here. The U-shaped island wraps around Sugarloaf Sound, a calm paradise for snorkeling, swimming, and fishing. And here is another attraction for history lovers: the American Shoal Lighthouse. One in a string of lighthouses erected to help ships navigate through the dangerous shoal, the distinctive red structure is visible with good binoculars from Sugarloaf Key, but if you want to have a closer look you can go there by boat.

Key West

Once you have arrived, you’ll definitely want to take the ultimate selfie posing under Mile Marker 0. You want to spend at least one night and a day in Key West to be able to see some of the many attractions in and around the hub of the city, Duval Street. And don’t forget to head out for the daily sunset celebration in Mallory Square.

The entire trip can be made in about four hours, if you drive nonstop. But, what would be the point? To experience the very best of South Florida nature, culture, and lifestyle, take the local laid-back attitude and make the trip with plenty of time and stops. That way you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime.

As you plan your route, find more Florida Keys inspiration here.

9 Reasons To Visit Beautiful Nantes, France

Nantes, France, is located along the Loire River about 2 hours by train from Paris. It has a rich history: It was once the seat of the Dukes of Brittany, was home to the only woman who served as queen of France twice, and was the birthplace of Jules Verne, who was inspired by the city’s bustling harbor and shipbuilding industry. It then fell on hard times, but it has since risen from the ashes to even greater heights than before.

When Nantes’s shipbuilding industry declined, the city put serious effort and money into its art scene. The city’s art museum underwent six years of extensive renovation and reopened with a new wing for contemporary art.

Then there is Le Voyage a Nantes, the annual arts festival in which everyone — from professional artists to amateurs — can participate. On an island in the Loire, the fantastical Machines de l’Ile look like they jumped straight from the pages of a Jules Verne novel, bringing together craftsmanship, imagination, and fun. Think gigantic caterpillars and elephants you can ride on, a three-story carousel, submarines and planes — you get the idea.

And what connects all these attractions? The Green Line, helpfully drawn on the pavement by the city of Nantes to guide visitors to the city’s best sights, cafes, and shops.

Are you intrigued? Read on for more reasons to visit this lovely French city.

The Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes. — DaLiu / Shutterstock

1. The Chateau Des Ducs De Bretagne Is Gorgeous

The Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, or the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, dates to the 1200s and is picture-perfect, complete with a moat, several towers, and a stone sentry walkway. It’s conveniently located between the train station and the city center.

It was once the home of the independent Dukes of Brittany, who needed a fortified seat to protect them from the kingdom of France. After Brittany was integrated into France in the 1500s, it was home to the only woman who served as queen of France twice: Anne of Brittany, who was married to both Charles VIII and Louis XII.

Now restored to its previous splendor, the castle houses a museum on Nantes’s history, with a particularly interesting exhibit on the slave trade that once existed in the city.

The Bouffay district in Nantes. — vvoe / Shutterstock

2. The Bouffay District Is Fun To Explore

The old center of Nantes, made up of winding lanes and half-timbered houses dating to the 1500s and 1600s, is mostly pedestrianized and invites you to saunter. You’ll find individual restaurants and bars and little boutiques and shops selling fashion, decor, and those famous Nantes candies, the Berlingots and the Rigolettes. The pretty churches and other historic sites make the area fun to explore.

Pro Tip: Get your candy at Les Rigolettes Nantaises, and have a glass of wine at Le Select Cafe-Bar, preferably sitting outside at night.

3. The Annual Arts Festival Is A Delight

Le Voyage a Nantes is the city’s annual summer arts and performance festival, an initiative that resulted in the Green Line. The Green Line is a self-guided walking tour taking in the most important sights of the city, ranging from the castle to unusual art installations outside shops.

As part of the annual arts festival, shop facades are redecorated by local artists. You may find, for example, a variety of animals in wigs outside a hair salon, or a giant lucky cat outside an Asian restaurant.

The Green Line takes you past churches, plenty of art installations, and quirky sites such as Le Lieu Unique, a beautiful former biscuit factory that’s now a popular art venue, cafe, and restaurant.

Pro Tip: Le Voyage a Nantes takes place every summer in July and August and offers art, music, classes, and much more. Most of it is free.

The giant mechanical elephant in Nantes. — Thomas Dutour / Shutterstock

4. You Can Go For A Ride On The Fantastic Machines De L’Ile

Nantes was once home to one of the world’s leading shipbuilding ports, but when the shipbuilding industry went bust in the 1980s, the city decided to put all of its effort and funding into art. This resulted in utterly unique projects such as Le Lieu Unique, Le Voyage a Nantes, and Les Machines de l’Ile, a merger of art and mechanics heavily inspired by Jules Verne’s fantastic creatures.

The best known of the Machines de l’Ile is the gigantic mechanical elephant visitors can ride. There is also a three-level carousel — the levels representing animals under the sea, on land, and in the air — and you can visit the artists’ laboratory. This is where creatures not just for Nantes, but for events all over the globe are built, and to watch the gigantic mechanical creatures is fascinating.

Pro Tip: Ride the dragon. You can make it puff smoke.

5. The City’s Art Museum Is Worth A Look

Nantes’s art museum is a perfect blend of old and new. The old building houses works dating from the 13th century to the 21st century, and a modern extension called The Cube holds some 10,000 works of contemporary art. Even if you were to disregard the art, both buildings are remarkable architecturally. Have a proper look at the thin window on the stairs of The Cube — it is actual marble, very finely cut to allow light through. Just stunning.

Pro Tip: Nearby you will find the pretty Nantes Cathedral and part of the old city wall with the gate still intact.

The Passage Pommeraye in Nantes. — saiko3p / Shutterstock

6. The Passage Pommeraye Rivals The Passages Of Paris

The Passage Pommeraye, dating to the 1840s, is not unlike the covered passages of Paris, with its elegant floors and ceilings and beautiful shops. But unlike the passages of Paris, this passage covers three floors, and magnificent staircases connect the levels, each one full of great individual boutiques and photo opportunities. This is a superb place to look around and do some shopping.

Pro Tip: Exit near Place Graslin, go to the art nouveau Cafe La Cigale, and try the decadent champagne with three or four little cakes or sweets.

The Jules Verne museum in Nantes. — csp / Shutterstock

7. It Was The Birthplace Of Jules Verne

You’ve likely read some of Jules Verne’s adventures or seen a film or two based on them. Around the World in Eighty Days, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and Journey to the Center of the Earth are classics.

Nantes is where Jules Verne was born and raised, and the city’s museum dedicated to him provides incredible insight into his life and work. From beautifully illustrated books to pictures of Verne and his family plus a great souvenir shop, this is a little gem.

Pro Tip: The Heron Tree, another project by Les Machines de l’Ile, is being built near the museum. It will debut in 2022.

The suburb of Trentemoult in Nantes. — Guy Banville / Shutterstock

8. The Suburb Of Trentemoult Is A Dream

Just a ferry ride across the Loire from the Jules Verne museum lies the former fishing village of Trentemoult, an Instagrammer’s dream of narrow winding lanes and colorful houses with tiny gardens. Lining the Loire are plenty of good restaurants, some with terraces by the water, each more picturesque than the last.

Pro Tip: Take the Navibus N1 from near the Jules Verne museum. The Nantes Pass gives you free access to all local transport, including the ferry.

9. You Can Tour A Le Corbusier Structure

Controversial but ingenious architect Le Corbusier envisioned a life that could be lived entirely within apartment blocks. The Maison Radieuse is an example of one of his functional tower blocks; it was intended to be a self-contained community, with a school, leisure opportunities, shopping, and living quarters all in, on, and underneath the block.

The tour is mostly in French, but you can ask for an English-speaking guide. It covers the architect’s approach and ideology in great detail and is a must for architecture enthusiasts.

Pro Tip: For another modern architectural sight in Nantes, head up the tall Tour Bretagne for views across the city and the rather interesting bar Le Nid, which features a large sculpture of a stork with its nest. It serves great cocktails.

I’ve Traveled To 25 Countries And 6 Continents, And These Are My Favorite Spots

Being confined to one place has got me thinking about how much I love travel and the 25 countries and 150 cities I’ve seen over the past couple of years, as well as a few others I visited before I became a full-time nomad.

I’ve enjoyed all of my adventures, but my favorite places are the ones I can’t wait to return to. Here are a few of them.

Cape Town, South Africa

I felt a deep, visceral connection with Africa in general, but Cape Town, South Africa, was the first place I visited that I felt I could move to. It’s a fascinating combination of wealth, poverty, land, sea, mountains, and plateaus. I was touched by the profound sense of community in each neighborhood and how openly people talk about all that’s wrong politically and ethically. I volunteered at a squatter camp, making me feel deeply humbled.

I was delighted with my hikes to Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, and I miss my walks between Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront as well as in the vineyards near Hout Bay.

Highlights of my time in South Africa were my tour of Woodstock Street with Juma Art Tours and my intimate experience of the Khayelitsha Township.

Cusco, Peru

Cusco, Peru, is a beautiful city, once you acclimate to the altitude. Arequipa is a close second, but Cusco’s narrow cobblestone streets where vendors and colors intertwine are simply magical.

I met with a shaman at the Museum of Sacred, Magical, and Medicinal Plants who gave me a reading based on coca leaves. I found myself so out of breath from the uphill walk to get there that arriving felt like a huge accomplishment. I was stunned at how accurate the reading was.

The food is delicious and affordable, and Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu. It’s a city you must see at least once in your life.

The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. — Heather Markel

El Calafate, Argentina

The water views of El Calafate, Argentina, that I saw from the plane made my heart leap. I stayed at the Terraza Coirones Hotel and was stunned to silence by the beauty of the nearby Lake Argentina.

Though the town has a definite tourist focus, if you walk a block off the main street, you’ll discover a more authentic feel. On my first day there, I went to Elbar for a snack. The staff taught me all about yerba mate and how to drink it. Since then, it’s been an obsession.

Outside the city center is a walkway along the lake. I fell in love with the local dogs. They’re extremely friendly. They lie at your feet and will follow you if you pet them.

Of course, the main reason to come here is to see and hike the Perito Moreno Glacier, a must-do activity in Argentina. I used the Hielo & Aventura company and loved it. If you have time, the glacier cruise is unforgettable.

Islas del Rosario in Colombia. — Heather Markel

Islas Del Rosario, Colombia

Colombia was my introduction to South America, and it blew my mind. I went with concerns about guns and drugs. Instead, I discovered a nation of great people, excellent food, and some of the best coffee in the world. Some friends and I chartered a boat from Cartagena to the Islas del Rosario, and I couldn’t believe the color of the water. Lunch was carried straight from the ocean and cooked in front of us. It was a tropical paradise in an already paradisiacal nation.

Uvita, Costa Rica

I started my journey in Costa Rica and ended up in Uvita by accident. I had a mishap just before and almost gave up my nomadic life. Instead, I made a last-ditch effort to continue and found myself at a magical hotel complete with a lush jungle and beach. I ended up having a deeply spiritual encounter, meeting friends I’m still in touch with two years later, and getting so hooked on the Happier Than A Billionaire book (about an American couple that moves to Costa Rica) that I interviewed the author a year later.

Uvita is a tiny town with a waterfall and a laid-back vibe. I highly recommend the Hotel Samsara, a budget hotel with the best margaritas I’ve ever had. The owners are from Cuba and will make your stay perfect.

Easter Island, Chile

I still can’t believe I made it to Easter Island. It was a dream I didn’t know I had, and I will treasure it forever. I flew there on a Dreamliner for less than $300 round trip from Santiago. The plane was amazing, and the LATAM staff was even better.

The history of the island, especially the Moai, is still a bit of a mystery. If you go, invest in a tour guide to explain it to you. If you speak with them, you’ll also learn fascinating things. There’s no university on the island, so students have to go to mainland Chile to continue their studies, and some residents are so closely related to everyone on the island that they have to marry outside their population.

Horses and cows roam freely. There is no place on Earth like Easter Island.

The writer taking a cooking class in Vietnam. — Heather Markel

Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi, Vietnam, is definitely one of the most fascinating cities I’ve visited. Weaving through the sea of motorcycles was both terrifying and exhilarating. After overcoming my fear, I noticed there was a rhythm. When I found my place in it, I crossed. I sometimes saw entire families sitting together on one bike.

Combine this with Vietnamese coffee, picturesque neighborhoods, and amazing food at low prices, and Hanoi is a winner. There are unexpected sights and sounds at every turn.

Check out the Orchid Cooking Class for one of the best handmade meals you’ll ever eat, complete with instructions and ingredient lists to take home with you.

Madeira, Portugal

I celebrated my 50th birthday in Madeira, Portugal. I found a blend of Europe, Africa, and the tropics. Traveling on both sides of the island in a day, I found vastly different climates and temperatures. The hills were so steep that I couldn’t imagine how the cars could travel up them!

I drank the local rum, drove go-karts on a professional race track, stripped down to my bathing suit in public (with a towel) to swim in a beautiful grotto in the rain, and saw beautiful views and sunsets each day. I ate black scabbardfish with bananas, slid down hills on a toboggan, and tried an escape room in Funchal.

For a rather small island, Madeira is chock-full of interesting activities

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is another fascinating city I’ve been. Everything is built in and around rocky mountains. Every view from every place in the city is breathtaking, and I wanted to spend more time at every attraction I visited. I was told the city was dangerous, but it felt very safe. Walking in places I’d only heard about in songs, like Ipanema Beach, was surreal.

I learned to dance the samba in a church, and I found the Christ the Redeemer statue to be as spectacular as it looks in pictures. From the base, it seems impossible to get to — it’s mind-boggling to think how they built it. When you get to the top, all of Rio is around you. I was spellbound, and I plan to return soon.

Bayeux, France

Back in 1986, I spent a month with a host family in Louvieres, France. They introduced me to Bayeux, France, and I have returned almost every year since. The Bayeux Tapestry is a must-see, and don’t forget to look at the top and bottom of it, or you’ll miss the naughty bits!

I’ve visited the Bayeux Cathedral with my host mom so many times that it feels like home, but my absolute favorite place in the city is the Confiserie Reine Mathilde. They make the best mocha cake in the entire world, and I order it every time I’m there.

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland. — Jacksoo999 / Shutterstock

Reykjavik, Iceland

The first time I traveled to Reykjavik, Iceland, I felt like I’d landed on the moon. I’d never seen landscapes like the ones I saw there. For my birthday, I treated myself to a Blue Lagoon package and was the first person into it that morning. I have photos of it with nobody else there.

I didn’t get to see the Northern Lights, so I returned in 2017. Though Iceland has become quite touristy, I almost broke down in tears when I saw the lights for the very first time. It was so emotional that when I flew home, I made a last-minute decision to fly back the next day because the forecast for the lights was so good.

My favorite cities in the world are a blend of the wonderful people I’ve met, the food I’ve tried, the coffee and wine I’ve drunk, and the activities I’ve experienced. Though I’m momentarily stuck in place, my memories remind me how enriched I’ve been by these wonderful experiences.

How To Spend A Weekend In Beautiful Avignon, France

Avignon is the portal city to the iconic Provence region of France. The historically significant city is a two-hour-and-40-minute train ride from Paris’s Gare de Lyon station on the TGV high-speed train. Located on the left bank of the Rhone River, in the 1300s Avignon was replaced by the Vatican as the seat of power for the pope. Much of its architecture, including the 4,300-foot-long ramparts, uses limestone, which was locally mined.

What To See And Do

The Popes’ Palace

The Palais de Papes or Popes’ Palace, is the most important site in Avignon. The massive structure is the largest gothic configuration in Europe, measuring over 49,000 square feet, the equivalent of four gothic churches. It was constructed from 1309 to 1348. It was the seat of Roman Papacy in the same period and was the place where nine successive popes resided. Owned by Joanna I of Naples, the city was still under Papal reign until 1791, during the French Revolution.

Today the Palais de Papes is the main attraction of the old quarter of Avignon and is a UNESCO Heritage site. Visitors can view 25 rooms of the palace, including the pope’s private chambers, the Grand Audience Hall, ceremonial halls such as the Great Clementine Chapel, and Saint Martial and Saint John chapels, with their magnificent murals painted by Italian painter Matteo Giovannetti.

The 360-degree laser light show at the Popes’ Palace. — Richard Nahem

Every year from the second week of August until the second week of October, the palace sponsors a dazzling, 360-degree laser light show on the walls of the inner courtyard.

Pont Saint-Benezet

Another UNESCO Heritage site is Pont Saint-Benezet, a bridge connecting the Rhone River and Avignon. The ancient bridge was constructed between 1177 and 1185, and the history of the bridge is based on a legend. A young shepherd from Villard in the Ardeche region, while tending to his sheep, was said to have received a message from Jesus Christ to build a bridge in order to cross the river. Ridiculed and teased by the townspeople for his nonsensical calling, the shepherd remarkably lifted a humongous block of stone by himself to start the bridge. After receiving full-fledged support from the town for his practical miracle, he formed a Bridge Brotherhood to oversee the construction. Later a chapel bearing his name was built into the bridge.

Collection Lambert

Once a cutting edge Parisian gallerist and art collector, Yvon Lambert now helms his own museum. For almost 50 years, from 1966 to 2014, Lambert showed and helped develop a stable of the top international artists at his gallery in the Marais area of Paris. During that period, Lambert amassed an enormous personal art collection, and after the gallery closed, he purchased two former 18th-century palaces in Avignon, converting them into an art foundation.

The 65,000-square-foot space stores 556 of his contemporary art pieces, which are frequently rotated. Artists in the collection include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sol LeWitt, Robert Ryman, Nan Goldin, Christian Boltanski, Daniel Buren, Douglas Gordon, and Cy Twombly. Collection Lambert also has temporary exhibitions, a book shop, and a lovely tea salon in the cobblestone courtyard in the spring and summer, plus a year-round indoor cafe.

Avignon Festival

July commences with the most attended event of the year, the annual Avignon Festival. Along the lines of the Spoleto Festival in Italy, the Avignon Festival is one of the most prestigious cultural events in all of Europe. Major artists, performers, dancers, directors, singers, musicians, and dance and theater companies from around the world are invited to stage their works in many languages. Founded by actor Jean Vilar in 1947 with just a single show, today the festival hosts over 1,000 shows in a period of just three weeks. It’s common for people to stay several days or a week to attend the various events that include theater, dance, concerts, and art exhibitions. Those who attend get to ensconce themselves in wall-to-wall culture.

Side Trips From Avignon

Avignon is the gateway to many of the charming villages, sites, and nature of Provence, and you can reserve a rental car at the Avignon TGV station.

Arles

Arles, where Van Gogh painted his legendary landscapes, is a charming village only 20 minutes by car from Avignon that has much to see and do. An almost intact Roman amphitheater from the first century, an antiquities museum, and a group of Roman ruins are just a few of the attractions. The Fondation Vincent Van Gogh is a modern center dedicated to continually preserving and promoting the artist’s work, and the Van Gogh Artists Trail is a walking excursion where you can discover some of the locations Van Gogh painted from.

Arles hosts a citywide photography festival, Les Rencontres d’Arles, which features 60 photo exhibitions in July and August. Every year there’s a theme, and the festival invites a different curator each time. Former fashion designer Christian Lacroix was one of the guest curators.

The Thouzon Caves in Glanum, France. — Marina VN / Shutterstock

Glanum And The Thouzon Caves

Just outside of Saint-Remy-de-Provence in the Alpilles mountains is the ancient, Gallic town of Glanum. The village dates back to the second century B.C. and has strong Roman and Greek influences.

The Thouzon Caves, discovered in 1902, are a 60-million-year-old crystallization — a geological miracle. Measuring 670 feet in length, the caves include stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, rimstone dams, and cave pearls; 45-minute tours of the caves, which are in Le Thor, are given daily.

Where To Stay In Avignon

La Mirande

Originally constructed in the 1300s as an annex to the Popes’ Palace that was designated to house religious figures, La Mirande is the premier luxury hotel in Avignon. In the late 1600s, it was reconstructed as a private palace. In 1987, the Stein family purchased the property and spent three years converting it into a deluxe five-star hotel. The sumptuously appointed decor on the main floor and in the guests rooms uses local, Provencal-style antiques, fabrics, linens, and furniture.

La Mirande has a one-star Michelin restaurant, a bar, and afternoon tea service, and cooking classes taught by the best chefs of the Provence area are offered in an old-fashioned French kitchen.

From Tuesday to Saturday, the hotel offers a freshly prepared tasting menu in the same kitchen as the cooking classes, where Severine Sagnet cooks a true farm-to-table dinner for up to 14 people. The price is just over 100 euros per person.

Where To Eat In Avignon

The restaurant at La Mirande is a superb dining experience. If you are in Avignon in the spring and summer months, reserve a table in the lush garden of the hotel, landscaped with fragrant, seasonal flowers, plants, and trees. Chef Florent Pietravalle, who formerly worked for Pierre Gagnaire, a top Parisian chef, creates seasonal, themed menus, which change frequently according to the freshest available ingredients from local farms and food purveyors. He also sources ingredients from the hotel garden and herb patch to add to his dishes.

L’Epicerie is a Provencal-style cafe serving French and Mediterranean delicacies. Outdoor tables with forest green outdoor chairs are placed on the cobblestone streets below the great walls of the Popes’ Palace.

Pro Tips

The train from Paris leaves you off at the Avignon TGV station, which is also the hub for rental cars and buses. However, you must connect to the local train, which takes about seven minutes, to arrive at the center of the city. Your ticket to Avignon includes the price of the local train.

If you travel to Avignon in July, make sure you book your accommodations at least six months in advance because hotels and apartment rentals fill up for the festival. Also, purchase your tickets online for the festival a few months in advance because they sell out quickly.

The cobblestones in the old part of the city are very uneven and tough on the feet, so make sure to wear sneakers or thick, rubber-soled shoes.

Have you rented a car? Here’s how to spend a day in fascinating Carcassonne, France, which is just two and a half hours from Avignon.