Tag Archives: Holiday

France : Relaxing Weekend in Canet-en-Roussillon

Let’s Dream of Escape 

Hi everyone! I put this old article about Canet-en-Roussillon back on the front page, because I need and believe you too, we need to dream at this beginning of spring 2021! We need sunshine and be inspired by beautiful pictures. Direction the south south of France.

Welcome To Occitanie!

What to do during a 3-day weekend? First, disconnect, take the time, enjoy smiling people! As soon as we arrive, we lunch facing the beach and the Mediterranean at the spa restaurant of the Les Flamants Roses hôtel. The light is blinding, super blue sky; it is hot, very hot;. In the afternoon, we follow with a refreshing sailboat ride on “la mer qu’on voit danser / the sea that we see dancing” (Charles Trenet, for the next generations, lol!). Contemplative mood and mild euphoria. In the evening, dinner of Occitan specialties in a restaurant with a very nice plant setting (photomontage of Day 1 below).

Day 2 : the day before, I accepted the challenge of cycling for sixty kilometers from Canet-en-Rousssillon, escorted by a very athletic friend and two other experienced cyclists as guides. Needless to say, I’m the only one on an electric bike? Departure at dawn: we cross beautifull landscapes, including the pond of Canet-en-Roussillon and its picturesque fishermen’s huts, vineyards, a lake and a few villages. The day is also dedicated to the Occitan gastronomy with a lunch and dinner in two excellent restaurants: the Bouchon Catalan and the Vigatane. A delight! At the end of the afternoon, we join the guided tour on the theme of the history of the village of Canet-en-Rousssillon.

Day 3 : we spend a long time at the really cool beach club La Cala, where we have lunch under the canisses. Canisses are a kind of roof made by wicker, bamboo or reed stick together to protect you from the sun. They represent the south for me! The decor and the atmosphere are very nice. Around 2 p.m., we go to Perpignan for a two-hour express visit. I really liked the Hyacinthe Rigaud Art Museum in a beautiful mansion, with a beautiful collection of Catalan gothic art, but also baroque and modern art paintings, and Maillol sculptures in the shady small garden. At the end of the afternoon, return to the superb lake of Canet-en-Roussillon with a member of the coastal conservation team who made us aware of the bio-diversity of the site.

                                Enjoy the travel's pictures below !

Jour 1 : Breathing, Sun & Sea

Day 2 : Bike, Gastronomy & Culture

Day 3 : Beach, Nature & Art

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Office du tourisme de Canet en Roussillon

Autres articles : Destinations

Many thanks to the Canet-en-Roussillon Tourism Board for the beautiful invitation. As always, theses are my opinions.

Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

The Arrival By Boat

Artificial Islands

After a great stay at the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, we arrive at the very recent Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, open in the spring 2018. First nice surprise: to go to our villa from the reception, we take a small boat. Very nice view of artificial islets, under a early afternoon blinding light.

The luxurious resort has only 32 villas. From the reception desk, you are welcomed in a very personalized way. It feels more intimate than in hotels with larger capacities. Everything is on human scale, which gives the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, a very exclusive character. Second excellent surprise when arriving at our villa: the transparent infinity pool with sea view (second photo below).

Our Tent

Less is more

Now, you know now how much I love the moment when I discover a hotel room. Where I make my pictures before unpacking my suitcases. The interior of the villa as well as the exterior are inspired by the Bedouin traditional architecture. You are elsewhere.

Canopy bed, bathroom with a large walk-in shower (and separate toilet) and lounge area: the villa is bright and very comfortable. Our cameras in hand, we cross the pleasant garden to reach the large deserted beach and sea of the Arabian Gulf.

    

The Beach

A Late Afternoon

I like this feeling of emptiness. In contrast to the effervescent Dubai, the coastline of Ras Al Khaimah is not crowded with multiple towers yet, which is very relaxing. Facing the sea, on my left: the impressive silhouette of the Waldorf Astoria (photo above) and to my right, the villas of the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach.

The Shore House

  

The Breakfast

As our activities program in Ras Al Khaimah is very busy (including the famous zipline …), we didn’t have time to explore all the possibilities offered by the resort, such as the spa. Except for The Shore House restaurant, where we had breakfast (the first two pictures below) and dinner in a beautiful setting. 

Undoubtedly, one of the best breakfast buffets, exciting! I fell for the delicious fresh fruit juices (lovely mocktails)! With a wide choice of quality products, very neat presentation and efficient smiling team. Besides, we had a hard time leaving the terrace, rocked by the sound of waves.

The Dinner

In the evening, the ambiance of the Shore House is different, still chic and casual but more lively. Part of the terrace is also a bar, where you can have a drink with friends. 

Fish is the speciality of the restaurant and it is delicious (photo below). The dishes are simple and tasty. As a starter, I chose these colorful sushi. Bon apetite!

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Related articles : Hotel Review Destinations

Many thanks to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and all the team of the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions.

Corsica, France: From Bastia To Corte (1)

An Original Way of Traveling

A Mix of TGV & Ferry

When I was offered to travel to Corsica with a TGV with SNCB International and ferry of Corsica Linea, I was very curious to experience this way of traveling! Departure from Brussels from Gare du Midi around 10 a.m. In the comfort of the first class, I quietly watch the landscape scroll.

Arrived in Marseille at 3:50 p.m. The subway is direct (2 or 3 stations) to the ferries of Corsica Linea which is located in a renovated area, with large modern shopping malls in old warehouses. How to wait before boarding the Pascal Paoli ferry at 6 p.m. for Bastia? Do some shopping : I took the opportunity to buy Detox Kusmi Tea (a soulful memory of the Paris fashion weeks years ago, lololol!).

We had dinner in the ferry restaurant. Everything was really fine: the crew was super pro and the night route allows you to reach your destination early. My only con, some travelers: as a woman, I did not feel comfortable crossing the corridors, alone. 

The spectacle of the sunrise when approaching the port of Bastia is absolutely gorgeous! 

From Bastia To Corte

The Old Port of Bastia

At 7 a.m., we land at Bastia. Early fall, the trees start to slightly become orange under a shy sun. After a long break in an outside cafe, we walk in empty picturesque streets leading to the Old Port. The city wakes up slowly. I like the South, its rhythm.

  

Lunch in Folelli

I fruletti

In the late morning, we leave Bastia for the village of Folleli, where we have lunch at the restaurant I Fulett. Our long table is on a pleasant terrace with enough sun to believe summer is not over. The Mediterranean cuisine with Corsican and Italian influences is delicious. I even took a dessert (my dishes pictured above and below)! 

The Parc Galéa

We take the road towards Taglio Isolaccio to visit the Parc Galéa, where I had a big crush for the cactus gardens (photos above and below). This park allows to discover the natural and cultural heritage of Corsica.Visitors can attend lectures on various topics, or have guided tours and educational workshops. 

  

Corsican Whisky

Domaine Mavela

Surprise: Corsican whiskey! The Mavela distillery produces spirits and has partnered with the Pietra brewery to produce quality Corsican whiskeys under the name P & M. I do not drink alcohol, but I am always curious about terroirs and know-how. After a tour of the distillery, we tasted different liqueurs (like those of Cédrat Natura and Clémentine Natura) and some whiskeys.

Then we leave for Corte, where we sleep tonight. To be continued…

    

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

To go to Corsica by Ferry : www.corsicalinea.com, Sales office in Brussels : T. 02/620 06 76, [email protected]

To go to Marseille by train : www.sncb-international.com. 2 or 3 connections a day by TGV Brussels-France (duration: 5h10). If you buy your TGV tickects online, you can print them at your home, or download them with the SNCB International mobile appli.

CCI de Bastia et de la Haute-Corse : www.ccihc.fr

Related articles : Destinations & Lifestyle

Many thanks to the Corsica Linea, SNCB International and CCI de Bastia et de la Haute-Corse, for this beautiful invitation. As always these are opinions.