Category: Europe

Czech Republic, Europe, Prague

Postcards from Prague’s Old Town

Prague’s historic centre looks like something out of a Hans Christian Andersen tale. Like any good fairytale kingdom, Prague has a beautiful Castle District, home to the Prague Castle, St Vitus’ Cathedral and other palaces dotted throughout the neighbourhood that have survived fires, wars and the ravages of time. The walk through the Castle District is relaxing, full of history and reveals picturesque views over … Continue reading Postcards from Prague’s Old Town

Genevieve Lauren3 Comments
Europe, France, History, Versailles

Don’t miss Marie Antoinette’s fairytale village in Versailles

Visiting the famous Chateau de Versailles is a popular and worthwhile day trip from Paris. Built by the lavish Louis XIV, the Sun King, the palace is one of the most extravagant in Europe. The palace itself is impressive, but in my opinion the best part of the estate is the garden. My favourite part of the sprawling garden is Marie Antoinette’s little village at … Continue reading Don’t miss Marie Antoinette’s fairytale village in Versailles

Genevieve Lauren15 Comments
Europe, Food & Drink, France, Paris

Paris Cooking Class: L’Atelier des Chefs

Part reward, part an opportunity to put our French to the test, when I was studying in Paris, my French teacher took our whole class to L’Atelier des Chefs. It is one of my favourite experiences from the trip because it was an unusual experience that I didn’t expect to have, and because I love cooking. The class was conducted in  French, but luckily the … Continue reading Paris Cooking Class: L’Atelier des Chefs

Genevieve Lauren5 Comments
Europe, France, Opinion, Paris

Why the French are rude (to you)

If I had a dollar for every time I heard “But the French are so rude!” I would finally be able to fund my dream of living in Paris. Paris is perfect, it’s just the people. Right? I disagree. I’ve met rude French people, but I’ve met rude people from all sorts of cultural backgrounds. People are rude, it’s not a domain the French rule exclusively. In … Continue reading Why the French are rude (to you)

Genevieve Lauren16 Comments
Europe, History, Italy, Rome

Underground Rome: Capuchin Crypt

The Capuchin Crypt in Rome makes the Parisian catacombs look like a walk in the park. Underneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione, the small crypt is not easy to find but is worth the effort. After walking past the church several times, we asked for directions and finally found the crypt. Photography is banned inside the crypt, so I have none, although there … Continue reading Underground Rome: Capuchin Crypt

Genevieve Lauren1 Comment
Musee de Moyen Age, Paris
Culture, Europe, France, History, Paris

Exploring the Middle Ages at the Musee National du Moyen Age, Paris

Paris, like many European cities, is bursting at the seams with museums and galleries. Admittedly, I struggle to justify spending time indoors looking at ancient artefacts from Egypt, for example, when I’m in Paris. As fascinating as they are, how can I learn about Paris and experience the culture when I’m looking at mummies? Generally, my museum count is fairly low. There are some that … Continue reading Exploring the Middle Ages at the Musee National du Moyen Age, Paris

Genevieve Lauren4 Comments
Festivals & Events, France, Paris

Stumbling across the final leg of the Tour de France, Paris

My student exchange program in Paris coincided with the Tour de France, and many of my classmates had got up at the crack of dawn to stake out a good spot near the finish line. Me? Not so interested. I My friend Meredith and I were on our way to the Musee de l’Orangerie when we clambered out of the Tuileries metro stop to find … Continue reading Stumbling across the final leg of the Tour de France, Paris

Genevieve Lauren1 Comment
Europe, France, History

Classic cars & Relaxing in Reims

Charming Reims is a breath of fresh air after the hustle and bustle of Paris. I felt myself relax and loosen my tight grip on my handbag as I slowed down to a leisurely stroll along wide, cobbled streets. Despite being the capital of the beautiful Champagne region, the streets were quiet and the town was cloaked in a soft silence that encouraged a slower … Continue reading Classic cars & Relaxing in Reims

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Europe, Food & Drink, France, Paris

Eating in Paris: A Chew with a View

With so many restaurants tucked away in charming but pokey side streets or crammed in bustling boulevards, sometimes in Paris you have to take matters (and food) into your own hands. Don’t miss Paris’ five best places to eat al fresco. On the banks of the Seine Doesn’t matter if you’re left or right, the Seine is beautiful from whichever bank you sit on. Watch … Continue reading Eating in Paris: A Chew with a View

Genevieve Lauren14 Comments
Architecture & Design, Culture, Europe, Luzern, Switzerland

Postcards: Monster Murals in Lucerne

Quaint little Lucerne’s buildings are sensible shades of brown, khaki and cream. Against the grey winter skies, this would almost look a little dull were it not for the beautiful, colourful murals splashed across  buildings in the centre of town. I’ve never seen anything like it! in Australia it’s a big deal when a building is 100 years old, so buildings tend to fall into … Continue reading Postcards: Monster Murals in Lucerne

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