Budget trip from London to Nimes

Nimes is not a classic destination in France for the British tourist.
The towns small airport has just a couple of flights per week and Ryanair operates them from Luton.
Still Nimes has a good amount to offer and it's proximity to Montpellier and Avignon makes it a great base for day trips by train. 

Best to book your hotel close to the Nimes central train station.

Here are some of the sights in Nimes:

Fountaine Pradier, Nimes

Amphitheatre of Nimes

Maison Caree, Nimes

Jardin de la Fontaine, Nimes

Nimes to Montpellier trip by train is 30 mins and off you go to some great place such as Promenade du Peyrou bellow:

Nimes to Avignon trip by train is also30 mins and then you can visit the amazing medieval town and the famous bridge:

Avignon bridge

Street in Avignon

Cala Romantica in Mallorca

Situated on the east side of Mallorca, Cala Romantica is a stunning and pitoresque cala with amazing views and a great beach.
You can even do a tiny bit of hiking walking around the path up the cliffs. The higher you get the better the view.

But enough with the talking and here are some pics:

View of Cala Romantica beach

Cala Romantica in Mallorca

Hiking on Cala Romantica

Tuquoise sea on Cala Romantica Mallorca

A foggy day in Edinburgh

If you visit Edinburgh especially in the spring months you might expect some fog and rain of course.
But still the views are great and all around the city has a special charm.
Here are some pictures on what to expect:

Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Foggy view of Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh castle in the fog

2 Weeks Itinerary for Italy

Covering Italy in just two weeks is impossible. However, if you plan your trip well, you can surely make the most out of your trip and enjoy your two weeks holiday in Italy. It sure can be tough to plan out on how to see all the major sights and cover famous landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel or enjoy gondola rides in the romantic cities of Venice and Verona. You would of course not want to miss out the beauty of Tuscany or the fashion of Milan and the history of Pompeii. It would be sad to come back without tasting the classic pizza in Naples. Before you make your bookings, do check out the leading homes for rent in Italy where you can enjoy your freedom and feel right at home, and all without making a dent in your pocket!
Hit the major highlights of Italy with this well planned two week’s itinerary in Italy.

Day 1: Milan
Start your first day of Italian adventure from Milan, which is famous for finance and fashion. The grand city carries plenty of history. Spend the day exploring famous museums such as Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology and Pinacoteca di Brera. Or climb to the top of the 14th-century cathedral, Duomo and alter shop at the ritzy Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and stroll through the Piazza del Duomo.

Day 2: Verona
Head towards Venice from Milan the next day and spend some time in the city of Verona. The city is the center for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and boasts of several Roman ruins. The world’s largest amphitheater, built nearly 2,000 years ago can be found here. Explore upscale Italian boutiques along the Via Mazzini. Visit Casa di Giulietta which is a symbol of romance and eternal love.

Verona

Day 3 and 4: Venice
Venice is one of the most scenic cities and is surrounded by water. You will find gondolas, water taxis, and bridges all around you. Take a Gondola ride on Canal Grande in Venice and do not forget to visit the incredible Palazzo Ducale and Saint Mark’s Basilica or the 800 years old Rialto Bridge around the Piazza San Marco. You will love the sights from the Rialto Bridge and later shop for cheap souvenirs and antiques. Venice is must on your list of Italy itinerary.

Day 5 and 6: Vernazza
It is time to head towards Vernazza, another most scenic destination in Italy. Here you will find some of the best beaches and great spots for coastal hiking. Explore the pretty villages along the coast and gaze at the cliffs that head straight into the sea. Try the local pesto pizza and the ubiquitous wine before you leave.

Vernazza

Day 7 and 8: Florence
Your next stop would be Florence, which is the Renaissance city of the world. It is known for its incredible architecture and some remarkable museums such as Uffizi Gallery and Gucci Museum. You get to see a vast collection of paintings by European masters such as Botticelli and Titian. You need to spend two days here to cover that incredible architecture and art in museums such as the Pitti Palace and the Bargello.

Day 9: Tuscany
Tuscany is just a day trip away from Florence and is famous for its delicious food and an incredible selection of wines. Head towards the famous Pisa Tower and later explore the vineyards of Chianti or walk through the Roman ruins of the city of Lucca. Tuscany has a lot to offer its tourists and is known for fresh and delicious cuisines.

Day 10 and 11: Naples
Naples is one of the medieval cities in the West and is the birthplace of pizza. Start with a tour of the castle Castel dell’Ovo at Porto Santa Lucia that houses the Museum of Prehistory. Later visit the largest cathedral in Naples, the Duomo and explore the site of some Roman ruins. Do not leave without tasting the classic pizza Margherita prepared from fresh tomatoes and basil and mozzarella cheese.

Day 12: Pompeii
Head towards Pompeii the next day and explore the ruins as well as incredible structures well preserved given their age. A famous landmark is an amphitheater, and other popular spots include National Archaeological Museum, public bathhouses, the Basilica and the House of the Vetti. It is incredible to explore the city that was engulfed by Mt. Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago. Explore some of the most impressive artifacts and remains in the National Archaeological Museum.

Pompeii

Day 13: Amalfi Coast
It is time to head towards the most beautiful and scenic coast in Italy, the Amalfi Coast. Explore some of the most famous beaches and great coastal homes for rent in Italy. There are several historical landmarks and churches in the area. Enjoy your cocktails overlooking the water from your rented yachts and enjoy gazing at the most beautiful scenery in Italy. Amalfi Coast is a perfect spot and just a day away from Naples.

Amalfi

Day 14: Roma Colosseo
End your trip with Roma Colosseo, the Eternal City, known to be the heart of Western civilization. Visit the world-class museums such as Capitoline Museums and Galleria Borghese. Make sure to visit the famous Sistine Chapel and explore the ruins of the Colosseum. Enjoy fantastic shopping and nightlife.

Day 15: time to fly back home after a wonderful two week holiday in Italy!

A night out in Soho, London

If you fancy a night out in London, Soho is the area where you can surely find something entertaining. Famous for the pubs and bars Soho is also known as the place where London's sex industry has its headquarters.
Couples and others just looking to have a night out can enjoy one of the many West End theaters for a musical, comedy or classical play but Soho's main thing is late night entertainment. The old theaters that got striptease and nude dancing on the capital's stages are still open. And even this varies from fancy cabaret and burlesque shows to intimate strip clubs that target mostly stag parties.

Soho claims to be London's hotspot for lesbian and gay pubs and bars. For straight men just looking for a luxurious strip club venues such as Vanity Soho are open all night long. I would recommend to go for a well established gentlemen club and avoid the creepy massage parlous if you really want to have a good night out.

What you see around the streets of Soho are pubs, restaurants, theaters, music venues, gentleman clubs, cinemas and even a few sex shops. It's the place where the night is always young and if you feel overwhelmed you can just get out towards Mayfair or go get your fortune cookie in Chinatown.

Bar Italia cafe in Soho

Soho is well known for the iconic neon signs

The West End theaters in London

A room in a gentleman club, Soho

Eating Out in Munich

If you’re visiting Munich, you will definitely keep busy sampling the amazing culinary options available and the freshly made beer barrels available at any of the beautiful beer gardens the city is famous for. Here are some of the best local restaurants you must visit when in Munich.

Asam-Schlössl
A 250-year-old house which has been restored and made into a restaurant.It is popular with people meeting up for business meetings, lunches, coffee, and fresh beer, right from the tap. There’s a baroque ballroom on top floor of the building, non-smoking rooms and one with a fire-place too. These rooms are sometimes rented for parties. There’s a garden as well with 250 seats and almost 300-year-old trees. Authentic Bavarian cuisine is the specialty of the house.

Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl
The Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl opened more than 115 years ago, right beside the Cathedral. The speciality of this restaurant is the grilled sausages that are freshly made every day by the restaurant’s own butcher and grilled on an open fire grill.
Augustiner beer fresh from the barrel, chilled with ice, along with the grilled sausages, traditionally served with fresh horseradish and sauerkraut, is an amazing experience. Cinnamon sprinkled Sweet Apple Flan with Vanilla Ice Cream is also one of their must-have delicacies. There are multiple, rustic themed rooms ranging from 22 to 115 guests. And due to its proximity to the Cathedral, all the historical events and festivities can be experienced from there.

Gasthof Obermaier
In the centre of the Trudering district, a traditional Bavarian restaurant in a historical building,family owned since 1863, with an addition of a beautiful garden, makes dining at Gasthof Obermaier a treat.
The restaurant has an in-house butchery which features a variety of Bavarian delicacies, however, the it has a dedicated international menu as well. The menu keeps changing throughout the year, seasonal specialties and 100% gluten free cuisines are also featured.
The Beer Garden has seating space for over 300 guests. There’s a playground for children too, making it an ideal eating spot for the whole family. There are various dining halls and rooms for conferences and meetings, which can be rented out.

Michaeligarten
On the banks of the lake in the East Park, there’s a captivating open restaurant, Michaeligarten. It has a sun terrace, beautiful rustic halls, and an excellent menu that features both Bavarian and international cuisines. Its offers a perfect combination of traditional and modern foods.
There’s a garden by the lake, which can be booked for dinner parties, wedding ceremonies, business lunches and more. There are themed events and weeks throughout the year, a romantic candle-light dinner on the Valentine’s Day, for example.

Good native food is a very important part of the journey to make your trip memorable, but the place you will be staying at is also very important. You can look for Luxury Munich apartments for vacation and find a home or apartment with a kitchen of your own to recreate the fantastic local cuisine you experience on your dream vacation to Munich.

Frauenkirche, Munich

Munich Isar River

The Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most famous European cities that people visit year after year, and it offers a wide range of exhilarating experiences that tourists would kill for. However, Amsterdam is subject to varying weather conditions, and most people are unaware of the best time of the year to visit this marvelous city, which leads to travelling blunders and their disastrous outcome.

The "In-Season" in Amsterdam

From mid-April, all the way to mid-October, are the peak months for tourists since the weather is best during this time of the year. The climate of this region is a bit on the extreme side almost the entire year, so there’s no running from the cold. But what you could do is prepare to visit the city during the tourist peak seasons to enjoy the place to its complete potential. If you are a traveler who craves off-season visits, Amsterdam will remain every as bit as attractive and compelling. A good thing about traveling off-season is all the money that you can save, since all restaurants, hotels and even museums increase their charges during the holidays. Europe can be very specifically extravagant, and you could end up spending more cash than you had planned, so it’s better to opt for empty cheap hotels than crowded expensive ones. Off-season months still witness some amazing yearly events, and the life of Amsterdam doesn’t slow down at all after the holidays are over, rather, it becomes a little more personal and quaint. If you have a thing for natural life of the area, let’s say, the very famous bulb fields near Amsterdam, you can only catch them bursting with color from April to the mid of May.

Weather

During summer time in Amsterdam, the temperatures never rise above 75°F or 26°C, which makes for a very balmy and pleasant atmosphere. Let’s imagine the in-line skating rink at VondelPark is one of the experiences that you’ve planned to try; the best time to visit would be the late summers since the weather conditions are favorable during July and August to a good extent. You shouldn’t be surprised to witness A LOT of rain, since the mean precipitation levels can often be held responsible for the extreme weather conditions. If you are visiting during the winters, always remember to pack some warm clothes because they may be your only chance of surviving the chills. Amsterdam and Holland are both situated below sea level, which would explain the excessive mist, fog and dampness around the whole region. However, even through the tough winters, you can enjoy a few bright sunny days (with chills still cutting through your bones) after winter showers wash the city clean for a day or two.

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam 

Truth be told, there is no bad time to visit this historical and beautifully preserved city, and it is highly capable of simulating your brain cells to generate absolute euphoria all year-round. If travelling to Amsterdam has been on your list for a while, it’s time to check the box.

Amsterdam

Typical bridge in Amsterdam

Enjoy Your Time with Rome’s Special Events

Romans are fun-seekers round the year. The locals can always find reasons to celebrate so that they can indulge in feasts and merriment. However, as the city is quite lively throughout the night and day, every day seems like a festival to the tourists who come to Rome. But the real festivals are those in which the entire city shuts down on important religious holidays. From costume parades to calorific blowouts, every district of Rome celebrates these special events in groups that march out of their homes to make the most of the occasion. It is difficult to name just a few events that are more important. However, some of Rome’s special events include:

The White Night

In the first or second week of September, a big event takes place in Rome called the White Night. This event dates back to history in 1984 when Jean Blaise founded a research centre for cultural development in Europe. Since then, Europe adopted this festival of opening art galleries and museums overnight on one day every year. Many activities like fireworks and the scarlet sail tradition are to be enjoyed at this festival. In the Scarlet Sail tradition, ships with scarlet red sails are set out to sea to deliver a message of celebration in Rome. The entire city participates in the event and all shops, galleries, museums and clubs are teeming with people, joyously celebrating all night long. Poetry, music, circus arts, theatre, dance, and exhibitions turn the entire city into a carnival. There is also a special dance performed by mystic saints, whirling in their connection to the Universe on wide terraces. The dance takes place continuously until the dawn spreads its rosy light on the city.

New Year’s Eve

The beginning and ending of the year is the best time to visit Rome, because the grandest festivities are seen on New Year’s Eve. Huge colorful fireworks displays mark the coming of the New Year at midnight. The whole night is filled with cracker blasts, fireworks, and sparklers; whether you take part in private parties at homes or huge public gatherings in the central squares. The smaller surrounding towns are not far behind on this day of celebration. They build bonfires in one of the central squares and all the townsfolk congregate at the time of dawn. If you stay near the coast in Rome, you will even hear ships and boats blowing their horns to participate in the festivities. Outdoor concerts with rock and pop bands are also organized throughout the city.

Easter in Rome

The two weeks of Easter are one of the busiest times of the year when the whole city unites to send prayers and follow the traditions of the event. Pilgrims in tens of thousands gather to mark the most important event in the Catholic calendar. Catholics from Rome march to the Vatican City to hear the Pope giving a sermon on Easter Sunday and to receive his blessings.
Where tradition, religion, culture, and fun are concerned, Romans win the hearts of many people by celebrating events in the perfect way.

Rome - The Vatican

Rome Colosseum

Rome Palatine Forum

Go East: 5 German Cities Reborn after the Fall of the Iron Curtain

Emerging bowed but unbroken from nearly 50 years of Communist rule, the former East Germany has exploded with renewed energy and an up-and-coming, youthful attitude. Though packed with plenty of Soviet-era drab buildings, these five cities have much to offer a visitor. Head behind the Iron Curtain and immerse yourself in the restored beauty, explore things to do in Germany and spirit of one of Europe's best-kept secrets.

1. East Berlin 
East Berlin today may be rejoined with the West, but the feel is decidedly different, so be sure to include the former capital of the German Democratic Republic in your itinerary plan. Start with a jaunt through the Brandenburg Gate, one of the city's most enduring symbols and the site of U.S. President Ronald Reagan's famous "tear down this wall" speech. You'll be passing through some seriously contested territory, as the gate once stood in a barren strip separating the East and West halves of the city. Swing by the Alexanderplatz as well--this local meeting place is one of the best examples of dubiously-titled "Communist chic." Horrifically grey buildings aside, stopping by the square grants you a killer view of the looming TV tower and plants you squarely in the center of former East Germany's public life.

Berlin Museum island

2. Leipzig
 Take a trip to Germany back to the glory days of pre-war Germany by exploring the charming cafes and stately buildings of old Leipzig. One of Germany's historical centers of trade, the city hasn't lost its edge for industry and development. Wander in the Altstadt, or old town center, and soak up the part-medieval, part-Renaissance splendor mixed with ornate 18th-century architecture. Don't miss stopping by the Old Town Hall to learn even more about the life and times of this lively town, and spend some time in the bustling Market Square to get a feel for this powerhouse of a city.

3. Potsdam
 Head for Potsdam to feel like you're living large with Frederick the Great and the monarchs of Europe's decadent age of the 18th century. Forget the fact that this is a suburb of Berlin--the atmosphere is hardly the same as that of the capital. Packed with vintage mansions, palaces, and sculpted gardens, this town is also the country's biggest World Heritage Site. Take in the splendor and luxury of Sanssouci Palace and the adjoining Sanssouci Park, two of Frederick the Great's most prized properties, and you might begin to understand how well European royalty lived. You’ll pass ornate wing after ornate wing of the huge residence, sporting carved statues, decorative molding, and golden triumphal monuments.

4. Dresden 
 Resilient Dresden is a real-life story of a town rising from the ashes--after Allied bombing obliterated its beautiful city center during World War II, the the city rebuilt many of its historical attractions. Soak up Dresden's former glory by wandering its cobbled streets and grand promenades, lined with centuries-old, pastel-colored stately homes and residences. Head to Zwinger, a part of the city's old fortress, and get your fill of its luxurious Rococo architecture and gardens bursting with decorative fountains. Alternatively, architecture buffs can opt for a visit to Pillnitz Castle and Park, a fabulous tan-and-orange Baroque mansion that, even more enticingly, stands on the foundations of a medieval estate.

5. Wernigerode
 Don't leave this town without making your way to Wernigerode Castle, a masterpiece of a Baroque mansion with towers, turrets, and peaked rooftops that pay a classic tribute to its 13th-century heritage. While the original owners may be gone, the castle's charm remains, so give yourself plenty of time to explore this extensive complex that recalls images right out of a fairy tale. Afterward, stroll the grounds to admire the picturesque building from a distance. The town itself features a fair bit of nightlife in the form of bars and restaurants, so hit the town for a traditional meal or a few cold pints of famous German beer.

Catch the spirit
 For a good part of the 20th century, eastern Germany couldn't catch a break, with economic depression, devastating war, and brutal oppression casting a serious pall over many of its cities and towns. However, delving into some of its most notable cities shows you that this hasn't broken the region's upbeat spirit, and you can find plenty of bustling urban centers, idyllic residences, and noble splendor.

Viareggio, on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea

Viareggio is one of the jewels of Tuscany, famous for its carnival featuring majestic floats and masks.
The city is somewhat close to Pisa so it can be reached by plane, Pisa's international airport being just 20 kilometers away from the Viareggio city center. So keep in mind that if you visit Pisa you can easily do a day trip to the Tyrrhenian Sea coast and visit Viareggio.
There aren't many classical tourist attractions in the city but if you are in the mood for a walk on the seaside or spending some time on the beach Viareggio is perfect: not that crowded and with prices that can match any budget.
Let's see some pictures of what Viareggio has to offer:

Viareggio Carnival in 2007

Viareggio Hotel Royal

Typical street in Viareggio, Tuscany

Viareggio night panorama

Pisa tower, just 20km from Viareggio

What to see in Paris

Paris is the city of romance, culture and all things wonderful. It’s a city that appears on many people’s travel wish lists and around 27 million people visit Paris each year.

Everyone is so familiar with the French capital and what there is to see there that you almost don’t need to bother taking a guide book with you. The most visited tourist attractions include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame de Paris, the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, the Pompidou Centre, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées.

The great thing about Paris is that the main tourist sites are all within walking distance of each other, and although the city is busy at any time of the year, it’s a beautiful city to walk around. When you want a break from pounding the boulevards, though, you can always hop on the easy-to-use Metro.

There’s always something big happening in Paris, a little like any of the other major capital cities in the world. If you’re in Paris during May and June this year, you could get tickets to the French Open and potentially witness history being made. Rafael Nadal is currently the favourite at Betfair and other betting sites to win this, one of the four biggest tennis Grand Slams. If he does, he will have improved on his own record for the number of times a single player has won the same competition. Currently, Nadal is the only player to have won a single Grand Slam eight times, and this year, if all goes to plan, he will get his ninth victory at Roland Garros. Keep track on the latest odds at betfair.com as the tournament gets underway.

Another big sporting event coming up in July is the finish of the Tour de France, the gruelling cycle race that covers much of France every year but always finishes on the Champs-Elysées.

Music lovers might want to time their visit to be part of Rock en Seine, one of the biggest music festivals in France. It takes place from 22-24 August this year and will feature groups such as The Prodigy, Arctic Monkeys and Lana del Ray. And cinema buffs could book their trip to coincide with the International Paris Film Festival that takes place from 5-12 July. You may not get into the premieres but there’s the all night movie marathon at the Forum des Images or the Cine Karaoke where the audience is encouraged to join in and sing along to memorable movie scenes.

Whenever you go to Paris, you’ll be able to see some of the greatest sights in the world as well as participate in live events such as these.

Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, Paris

Musée d’Orsay and the Seine, Paris, France

Rolland Garros tennis match

Tour de France on Champs-Elysées

Parma Italy - City Life and Country Side in one place

Nestled in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy is the picturesque city of Parma. Home to 180,000 Parmesans, Parma covers an area of just over 100 sq miles along the Parma River and Parma Valley.

A quick Google search will give you insight to just how gorgeous the city is, but it's nothing compared to experiencing Parma's beauty first-hand.

Part of what makes the city so stunning is the historic architecture. Created by master craftsmen, many of the buildings are hundreds of years old, exemplifying the changing styles throughout the time from as far back as 800 years. The Baptistery of Parma was built in 1196. Considered one of the most important monuments to Medieval culture in Europe, the octagon shaped building's exterior is made entirely of pink marble and is a true testament to the transition between Romanesque and Gothic styles during its creation.

It's also home to the University of Parma. Built in the 12th century, it's one of the oldest universities in the world and still educates over 30,000 students a years.

One of the top attractions for tourists is the Teatro Farnese, a Baroque-style theater. Built in 1618, the famous structure was the pinnacle of designer Giovanni Battista Aleotti's career. The theater suffered severe damage after an allied airstrike during World War II, but given the theater's history and importance in Parma culture, residents believed it deserved to be restored back to its original glory. Rebuilding the theater took almost 20 years to complete, but was finally open for viewers again in 1962.

But the city is all brick and mortar, it's also filled with squares and small parks that are lined with trees and greenery. The largest of the parks, the Parco Ducale, is located in the center of the city, just beyond the River Parma. It's a popular spot for residents and visitors to take a scenic stroll.

In the spring time, white and pink flowers cover the trees, causing a fairy-tale like rain of pedals everywhere you go. Professional poker star and Parma resident Kara Scott, who as PartyPoker on Twitter mentioned is getting ready for her big day (wedding!), wrote on her blog that while beautiful, the "sneeze-inducing snowflakes" can be a nightmare for those with hay fever. But even so, make sure you have your camera ready to take some photos of those gorgeous trees.

Aside from its history, culture, and breathtaking views, residents (or Parmesans) pride themselves on their cuisine. They're known world-wide for three things in particular: pasta, prosciutto, and not surprisingly, parmesan cheese. Created by monks in the Middle Ages, Parmesan cheese was fittingly named after its city of origin. By the time of the Renaissance, parmesan cheese's popularity was quickly spreading throughout Italy, being enjoyed by people of all classes, including nobility.

Many places in Parma still make the cheese using the same traditional methods. Visitors can take tours of the cheese shops and watch the skillful cheese craftsmen at work. There are also tours to see how another one of Parma's specialities is made, prosciutto. Meats are salted and hung half a dozen shelves high in workshops to cure. Guests can learn about the process of preparing the meats and also try some of the finished product for themselves.

A gorgeous place to learn about Italy's history, or sample some authentic cuisine, this little piece of Italian heaven is perfect for a romantic getaway, living it up with friends, or even exploring on a fun adventure of your own.

The Baptistery of Parma 

Piece of Parmesan cheese

Plaza Garibaldi in Parma, Italy

Riverside view in Parma

Telc, Czech Republic

Telc is a town in the Moravia province of the Czech Republic, close to the Austrian border.
The main tourist attraction in Telc is the central town square with houses built in the Renaissance and Baroque style in the 17th century. The whole town center is now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The romantic old town of Telc repeatedly served as a backdrop for film and television.
Other things to see in Telc are:

• The Telc Castle fortification 
• The Holy Spirit Church (Kostel svatého Ducha) 
• The Parish Church of St. James (Kostel svatého Jakuba) 
• The Jesuit church built in 1666'

Remember that Telc is just a small town so it’s probably the wrong place to come if you’re looking for pumping nightlife or a huge range of organized entertainment.

Street in Telc, Czech Republic

Wooden bridge in Telc, Czech Republic

Old town plaza in Telc, Czech Republic

Albi, a treasure in southern France

Albi is a commune in southern France who had its episcopal city included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2010.
The episcopal city is basically the city center with the Cathedral and a maze of narrow and traffic-free streets.

Among the sights of the city are:
The Cathedral, built in the 13th century, has massive walls that were common in those troubled years of war and conflict.  The austere and defensive architecture of the exterior is in contrast with the lavish interior decoration.

The Saint-Cecile cathedral in Albi

Palais de la Berbie, once the house of the bishop, now a museum dedicated to Toulouse-Lautrec, the famous French artist born in Albi.

Palais de la Berbie in Albi, France

The Old Bridge built in 1035 over the Tarn River is still in use today.

The Old Bridge in Albi, France

The remains of the Saint Salvi cloister, the oldest church in town, a peaceful location where students go out to chat and study today.

Saint Salvi