A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
One of the great things about visiting Belgium is its diminutive size and the interesting cities crammed together so they’re just a short train ride from each other. You won’t spend a lot of time (or money) getting from one destination to another. Plus, it’s very easy to get to London and Paris as well as other destinations in Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Bruges (Brugge in Dutch), the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in Belgium, is located in the northwest corner of Belgium. Bruges is a mere 44km from Ghent to the southeast and 145 from Brussels.
It is a commonly agreed upon misconception that you cannot see the European countryside by train. The European rail system covers much more ground than you might expect, especially with maps available at your fingertips.
Bastia, Corsica’s second largest city with a population of about 40,000 people, is beautifully positioned on Corsica’s east coast, facing Italy with views of the Tuscan archipelago. To the north, accessible by car or bus, liesle Cap Corse, a rugged peninsula dotted with Genoese towers and a sprawling natural preserve that has become a hiker’s haven.
The Dordogne département (24) is located in the Aquitaine region of southwestern France. The region is often referred to as the Périgord, a name that predates the French Revolution. The remarkable beauty of the Dordogne features rivers carving through limestone, creating breathtaking cliffs and extensive caves housing ancient art.
Your Guide to Eating Venetian “Tapas” on the Run
You could argue that small cities (cities of fewer than 250,000 inhabitants) offer the best experience for tourists. Sure, larger cities like Rome and Paris have more to do; however, the time it takes to get across town and learn about the best places within a larger city can waste a lot of a tourist’s time. You probably won’t find it too daunting to drive into the cities listed below. Train travelers can take a hotel near the train station, dump the bags, and go exploring on foot, seeing the whole city in a day. The list isn’t complete, but these are some of my favorite small cities in Europe.
Saint-Flour is tucked between two volcanic mountain regions in the Massif Central in France in the Haute Auvergne region, offering travelers a chance to see the rural side of medieval France as well as the natural beauty of a volcanic landscape. Medieval Saint-Flour itself is perched on top of the Auvergne’s highest volcanic outcrops, and the views of the surrounding countryside from the high town are spectacular.
The Nürburgring is a captivating 14 miles of winding, narrow country roads that was once the most exhilarating and dangerous motor racing track in history. Due to high safety concerns, the track was deemed too perilous for competitive racing; however, you can still experience it at high speeds in your own vehicle.
Giverny is a picturesque village located in Normandy, approximately 75 kilometers northwest of Paris. It is famously home to Monet’s Gardens, a site of immense popularity, particularly during the spring season. Visitors can explore Claude Monet’s house and stroll through the gardens that inspired many of his iconic paintings, all while experiencing the unique ‘special light’ that captivated both Monet and other impressionist artists. The surrounding forests present excellent opportunities for walking and biking.
TheLille-Lesquin Airportis located about 5 miles from the center of Lille. An airport shuttle (from door A) gets you into the center of Lille in approximately 20 minutes.
Lucerne is located in central Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, notably Mount Pilatus and Rigi. With its placid water and towering alpine vistas, Lucerne embodies what tourists think of when they hear “Switzerland.” Lucerne has a population of just under 60,000 people and is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.
Luxembourg is a small yet captivating country located in the heart of Europe. It serves as the “lux” in Benelux, a region that includes Belgium and the Netherlands. Bordered by France, Germany, and Belgium, this petite nation spans just 51 miles long and 32 miles wide, boasting a population of fewer than 500,000 residents. Moreover, Luxembourg is rich in rivers, with the most significant being the Moselle, the Sûre, the Our, and the Alzette.
Madeira is a stunning Portuguese archipelago located just off the west coast of Africa, approximately 300 miles from Morocco. It has gained popularity as a winter getaway for American travelers; however, visiting in spring allows you to witness the vibrant flora that covers the islands.
Wellness and wellbeing are the buzzwords applied to a spa experience in Tuscany. In spas like Terme Tettuccio, the idea is to ingest the right mineral-laden waters that bubble up from springs on or near the spa property in an environment that’s relaxing and conducive to healing. Music is part of the process, as is eating lightly while you’re getting your body in balance.
Nantes, France, is known as the Venice of the West due to its prominent water features. The beautiful River Loire flows through the heart of the city, complemented by the picturesque River Erdre, which is celebrated for its romantic dinner cruises. As the capital of the Pays de la Loire region in northwestern France, Nantes was recognized by Time magazine as the most livable city in Europe in 2004. Furthermore, while it used to be the capital of Brittany, its identity still resonates with its historical roots.
On the periphery of the Paris city core, there are six terminus rail stations, as you can see on the map. Each of them has specific destinations around France.
If you need a reason to visit Lacoste, perhaps it is to be found in the summer arts festival held in a quarry outside the haunting ruins of a Chateau once belonging to the notorious Marquis de Sade and now owned by Pierre Cardin. Lacoste is a small town but hosts a School of the Arts now operated by Savannah College of Art and Design. Yes, English is widely understood here.
Provence is a cherished region in France, known for its breathtaking landscapes, delightful locals, and delectable wines. The area boasts a favorable climate, with scenic views that captivate visitors who long to experience the essence of the French countryside.
Lake Constance offers an enchanting escape filled with flower and butterfly islands, medieval villages, and majestic castles. This remarkable lake, which stretches across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, is not just a feast for the eyes but also a hub for fine wine production and agricultural delights, including its famous monastic island renowned for its fresh vegetables. Consequently, it presents diverse cultures and experiences that make it a must-visit destination.