Tag Archives: Weekend

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.

Czech Republic: Short Road Trip In Bohemia And Prague

  


Disclosure: this article was first published in late 2019, 
following a trip made a few months earlier. 

Before this trip, for me, the Czech Republic and especially Prague were exclusively linked to Milan Kundera and Kafka, two of my favorite writers. I am happy to have discovered a bit of Bohemia: the extremely green landscapes, forests and castles. And of course Prague, the architecture, rhythm, small and large streets.

Our short road trip begins with the Brussels Airlines flight which lands in Prague at 11 a.m. Then we collect the rental and take the road to Pilsen and its surroundings.


Text and images below of our exciting itinerary.

Day 1: Pilsen And Surroundings

On Our Way To Pivovarsky Dvur Plzen (Near Pilsen)

Where I experience my very first beer spa at the Purkmistr Beer Spa   (photo above 1). In fact, I’m immersed in a warm beer. Nice! We continue to Pilsen, where we join the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour, in order to discover the huge Pilsner Urquell brewery (photo below 3). The tour is interesting, but a bit long if like me, you don’t drink beer (2).    

On the road again, we cross beautiful super green landscapes and arrive in the early evening at Kašperské Hory (4), a picturesque village. We dine at the restaurant of Nebespan, Boutique Hotel, whose chef is French. I really enjoy the cool setting, atmosphere, food and team. 

Day 2: Kašperské Hory & Sušice

On The Program: Castles And Bikes

We spend the day with our very friendly guide, Veronika who takes us to the emblematic Kašperk castle (photo above 1 and the two first photos of the article) built in the 14th century on the Ždánov mountain. Near the castle, hiking trails in the Bohemian forest allow you to have different panoramas of the castle.

In the afternoon, from Sušice we take a superb (and sporty) 46 km bike ride in the countryside. Thanks to Veronika, we visit small villages and a romantic castle transformed into a luxury hotel, the Zámek Hrádek (photo above), where we stop for a drink.

Day 3: From Dobříš To Prague

Dobříš & Slapy

We leave Kašperské Hory, where we slept the first two nights. After 1 hour 40 minutes, we arrive in Dobříš, to visit the Dobříš chateau dating from the 18th century (1 & 2). We have lunch on the terrace at Zámecká restaurace Dobříš, the castle restaurant. Then back on the road, we head to the Slapy Water Reservoir on the Vltava, in the Prague-West district, a famous resort for Prague people. 

Lively and colorful surroundings: many small sailing boats come and go (3). While the shores are filled with people in bikini sunbathing on grass. Family and summer atmosphere. We do a nice ride on the water which allows us to better enjoy the landscape sourrounded the lake. And then, we are off to Prague. We leave our luggage at Mama Shelter Prague (6). I cool off and we go to the historic center.

I am super excited: Prague! I’ve been wanting to see Prague for so long! In the historic center, there are too many tourists! We step on each other and lots of drunk young tourists (from 7 p.m.). The monuments are superb, but we decide to return to the Mama Shelter’s area with a quiet hype neighborhood. We dine in the very trendy Cobra Bar (4). I liked everything, the cool atmosphere, music, my hamburger with coconut sauce (5) and the proximity to the Mama Shelter: I said, e-ve-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! 

Day 4: Prague

The Last Day Of Our Breakaway

And my real first day in Prague! We walked for a long time in the center much quieter and more pleasant than the day before. Finally, I enjoy the beauty of the city. Long dreamy break in a terrace bar overlooking the Vltava. I would love to explore more and visit the museums, but we must return to the hotel to collect the car and go to the airport, our return flight is at 6 p.m.

Prague, I will come back!

Where To Sleep? The Mama Shelter Prague

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Czech Tourism 

Related articles : Destinations & Hotel Review

Many thanks to Czech Tourism for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions. 

Switzerland: 7 Activities For a Weekend in Gstaad

1. Snowshoeing & Nature In Sparenmoos

When it is snowing a lot and the fog is falling, I much prefer snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing with an experienced instructor who will be able to choose the right place. Significantly less stressful than being at the top of a slope for skiing without any visibility! So I discover with pleasure the beautiful scenery of Sparenmoos. Big crush on the fir trees, a bit like in Méribel! A fairytale landscape.

2. Visiting The Mirage of Doug Aitken

The Unusual Experience

I really liked the short hike to the Mirage by the American artist Doug Aitken. A visionary construction, located between Gstaad and Schönried. Fantastic! All walls (including ceiling and roof with the exception of the floor) are mirrors. Stunning and fun! A must see and experience! The installation will remain until January 2021.

3. A Drink On The Slopes

Enjoying The Panorama

During this weekend, the weather is pretty capricious, two white days (very foggy) and one single sunny day (the one of my departure, lol!). Finally with a friend and our instructor, we take a long break at the top of the slopes, waiting for a better visibility. The weather darkens and we went back down by cable car. But happy!

4. Sleeping at 1,450 Meters Above Sea Level

In Nature

I spent the first night of my trip at the Rinderberg Swiss Alpine Lodge. A  real change of scenery! You need to take the cable car to access this very welcoming and cozy little hotel, located near the Rinderbergbahn intermediate station. From the small balcony of my room, I have a panoramic view of the mountain and the fir trees. The landscape is a bit magical. Photo above: the spa bordered by fir trees.

5. Strolling in Gstaad

Away From The Hustle And Bustle

The Gstaad I discover (off of the season) is a quiet and charming village. People are relaxed and the general rythm is calm. Perfect when you need to recharge, or if you are agoraphobic. On the shopping side: Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dolce Gabbana … are installed in beautiful wooden “chalets”. There are plethora of restaurants and some cafes and bars are really cool.

6. Discovering Saneen

The Historic Village

The center of Saanen is charming with small streets lined with wooden houses built between the 15th century and the 18th century. The woodwork (facades and doors) is beautiful. And the al fresco paintings of the Saint Maurice church date back to the 15th century. There are also a few lovely shops with local handicrafts. A nice walk after skiing.

7. The Hype Design Hotel

Where To Stay

The HUUS Hotel Gstaad is defenitely my favorite place in Gstaad! I am absolutely delighted with my two nights there. Awesome design, team and atmosphere! I really liked my room, the common areas, lounge with the fireplace, long bar, excellent Italian restaurant, view, champagne evening, breakfast and location!

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

www.MySwitzerland.com, www.gstaad.ch, www.visitvalais.ch, www.swiss.com, www.swisstravelsystem.com

Related articles : Destinations & Hotel Review

Many thanks to the tourist offices, My Switzerland and Gstaad for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions.