Tag Archives: Mediterranean Cruise

Marseille, France: Visiting Le Château d’If

Posted on January 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

Just arrived in Marseille,

we reach the old port to go to the islands of Frioul (les îles du Frioul). A stopover of 5 hours, not more: our first stop, the Château d’If, 20 minutes by boat. I’m with a journalist friend. He’s a huge fan of the famous novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.

A shuttle (picture 2), calanques (creeks), crystal clear water worthy the Caribbean under a mixed sky (picture 1), the temperature is really nice. Some tourists. Finally, we arrive at the fortress built by François 1er (photo 4) that I didn’t remember having visited when I was a child. Weird, I think more of “The Tartar Steppe” by Dino Buzzati than Dumas novel! And the sea, the sea, the sea (pictures 3 & 5).

Laid Back Stopover in Ajaccio, Corsica

Posted on January 4, 2013 | Leave a comment

When I travel to an island,

I often have in mind the title of Michel Houellebecq’s book, “The Possibility of an Island” that I haven’t read: I only like the way the title sounds. I love the Mediterranean for its particular light, the color of the sky and the sea and its incredible cultural diversity.

From one island to another, there is a strong identity, different architecture and story. During the Indian summer, I had a short stopover of few hours in Ajaccio. I wanted to visit the house where Napoleon Bonaparte was born… which unfortunately was closed.

So I went to the semi-deserted beach of Saint François, where the water was super chilly (lol!). But the view of the colorful city of Ajaccio is beautiful and clear water! Even time stretches, it’s already time to leave. Corsica bella.

A Stopover in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Posted on January 2, 2013 | Leave a comment

No need to go far!

I want to start this new year by sharing with you an island I recently rediscovered and loved during my mini cruise. No it is not an exotic paradise lost in the middle of nowhere…

But during the Indian summer, Palma de Mallorca becomes a precious jewel. Besides the famous Danish fashion designer Malene Birger lives there year round. I really like the color of the blue blue Mediterranean sea and sky!

Emptied of its hordes of tourists, lazing in Palma bathed in a warm soft light, is a bless. And I really like its architecture, narrow streets, churches with carved facades, languor, terraces and hidden palaces. Enjoy these few snapshots!

Tag Archives: Mediterranean Cruise

Marseille, France: Visiting Le Château d’If

Just arrived in Marseille,

Laid Back Stopover in Ajaccio, Corsica

When I travel to an island,

A Stopover in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

No need to go far!

Search It!

Recent Entries

Links

FOLLOW

ADVERTISING/PR

Search

Archives