The Best Things To Do In Chateau De Versailles

Versailles Palace is among the most well-known and treasured attractions in France that receives millions of visitors each year. The palace was built in 1623, and it was later expanded and transformed by Louis XIV. It was considered as the epicentre of power during the famous French revolution. Today, a visit to France is incomplete without checking out some of the best things to do in Chateau de Versailles.

The Hall of Mirrors

Completed at the end of the 16^th century, the Hall of Mirrors features stunning views of the garden through 17 ornate windows. The mirrors are strategically placed on the opposite side of the windows to easily reflect the light. In addition, the hall also features several sparkling chandeliers across the ceilings. A visit to this room is among the top things to do in Chateau de Versailles.  The grand silver furniture that was once here did not survive the various wars over Versailles Palace.

Water Fall Chateau de Versailles

The Water Fall Chateau de Versailles is one of the latest additions to Versailles Palace. It is a soaring waterfall located high above the Grand Canal. The impressive installation looks like a gush of water that does not have any obvious source, especially when seen from the palace’s front steps. Since its recent installation, the Water Fall Chateau de Versailles has become a very popular attraction in this palace. It is the latest work of Olafur Eliasson, a Danish artist whose large-scale works explore perception, environmental issues, and light.

The Queen’s Chamber

This grand apartment was the main place where the Queen held an audience. As you can expect, the space is quite extravagant in terms of the décor and materials used to set up the room. Among the top things to do in Chateau de Versailles is to simply check out the stunning décor of these regal apartments. While the King’s chamber focuses on political wins and military history and is much more subdued, the Queen’s apartment is more opulent, and it was used by Marie Antoinette.

The Grand Trianon

Louis XIV created the Grand Trianon as a place where he could meet his mistress discreetly without all the etiquettes and formalities of the royal court. While construction was completed in the 17^th century, the site has been restored multiple times since then. The architecture here is quite unique, especially compared other parts of the Versailles Palace. Rather than showcasing artistic freedom, you will clearly see that the design is well organised with straight lines found everywhere.

The Queen’s Hamlet

The Queen’s Hamlet located inside the Versailles Palace was designed as a retreat for Queen Marie Antoinette. She wanted a secluded place away from the main palace where she could relax and have some fun. This is because the palace required lots of formality and protocols, while the Hamlet would offer a much more relaxed setting for her and her friends.

The Versailles Palace remains one of the most extravagant sites in both France and Europe at large. Make sure you visit the palace and experience all the above special features for yourself.

Experience What The Paris The “City Of Love” Has To Offer

Popularly known as the “City of Love”, Paris is one of the most fascinating cities you can visit in the world today. Crowned by the famous Eiffel Tower, when you visit Paris, you will discover various museums, grand structures, fashion malls and monuments that will make your visit complete. The capital of France is offers you an entertainment experience that you will not have anywhere else. 

Visit the World Renowned Eiffel Tower

How can a visit to Paris be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower? This is the most remarkable and the most famous landmark in Paris and France at large. Visiting this extraordinary piece of architecture is one of the top things to do in Paris. It was completed in the year 1889 as the entrance to the Paris World Fair and today, it’s famous round the globe. It’s so tall that it can be seen from the most parts of Paris.

Visit the Extravagant Pont Alexandre III

Inaugurated in the early 20^th century, the Pont Alexandre III is a must visit. It was initially constructed for the Paris World Fair, today it serves as one of the most visited attraction sites in the city. The 4 gold shine gilt statues you see on the bridge are for watching over it. The statues include; the Fame of Commerce, the Fame on the industry, the Fame of the Sciences and the Fame of Charlemagne. When looking for activities to do in Paris, ensure you visit the bridge and admire its intricate decor.

Double your Experience by Visiting Petit Palais, Grand Palais and Palais De La Decouverte

Combine your experience in Paris by visiting the Petit Palais, Grand Palais, and Palais de la Decouverte. During the World War, Grand Palais was a military hospital and being one of the must visit places in Paris today; there are more than 40 events that place here yearly. Learn the French art history at Petit Palais which is a museum while Palais de la Decouverte serves as a science museum.

Explore Champs Elysees Considered to be World’s most Beautiful Avenue

If you ask any French or tourists to France about the world’s most beautiful avenue, they will tell you it’s Champs Elysees. Exploring the avenue, you will discover the reason it was named after heaven. This is why you must include it in your things to do in Paris. This is where the Arc De Triomphe, the Louvre, and Tuilerie Gardens which are some of the most remarkable attractions in France are located.

Paris is home to impressive structures and for everyone who visits this grand city, they will first tell you they have to see the Eiffel Tower. Besides this, there are many other things to see and do the moment you visit Paris. There are fascinating attractions such as the world-renowned Notre Dame Cathedral, the jaw-dropping Palace of Versailles and the 13^th century, Sainte Chapelle. Only a tour of Paris would make you understand how rich the city.

Great Things To Do In Florence

Prior to my first visit in Florence, someone told me that I can spend the entire week visiting the museum and galleries in this place, but it will still be insufficient to see all the artworks.    Rather than be excited on what to see in Florence, that idea made my experience nerve wracking since I know I have only a limited time when I travel to Florence.  Fortunately, I fell in love the moment my eyes landed on the beauty of Florence.  The magnificence of the Florence Attraction will make it a truly wonderful experience.

Top 4 Things to Do in Florence

Creating the top 10 things to do in Florence is not an easy feat and narrowing it to top 4 can be an overwhelming experience.  The tourist destinations in France are quite challenging to condense.

1. Visit the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi gallery is definitely my number one choice on what to see in Florence.  This art gallery houses the best Italian paintings that you can find in the world.  It has an entire room that is specially designated for the largest collection of Botticelli paintings.  The Uffizi Gallery is commonly the top recommendation of experts when visiting Florence.  Be sure to book in advance to avoid the long lines in the Uffizi especially if you have a limited time in Florence.  It will take you approximately 5 hours in the line if you do not book in advance.

2. Eat Your Gelato at the Florencia Gelateria

The Gelato at Florence is known for its outstanding taste.  It is customary for your Italian friends to welcome you with the mouth-watering taste of their gelato at Florence.  There are various gelato shops located at every Florence attraction you will never be disappointed at the luscious taste of their gelato.  For those who want to have a well-balanced diet during their trip, be sure to add some local delicacy on the side.

3. People Watching at Piazza della Signoria

There are lots of places where you can watch how the people go on with their daily life, and the Piazza della Signoria is one of them.  The eateries located nearby are relatively overpriced, and it might be god to bring your own crackers and gelato.  There are lots of things to do in Florence where you can enjoy the local culture and lifestyle.

4. The Strozzi Museum

For a collection of both historic and contemporary arts of international and Italian Artist, this Florence Attraction is ideal for you.  You may visit during Thursday for a free pass on some of the exhibit.  It also comes with a bookstore where you can see a wide selection of books and gifts that are ideal for kids and adults. 

There are many things to do in Florence that is apart from the conventional tourist destinations.  There is something satisfying when you are in the presence of the David replica at Piazza della Signoria or the accumulation of arts at Ufizzi.  Be sure to visit every Florence attraction to give you a complete and profound experience of the city.

Four Amazing Things To Do In Guatemala

Guatemala travel is more than just seeing the Mayan wonders. There are more things to do in Guatemala than places of similar sizes. There are Guatemala tours that will take you to visit many of the must see locations. If you want to explore this beautiful country, here are amazing things to do in Guatemala.

1. Antigua

While the conquistadors were terrible people, they were talented city planners. Antigua’s grid layout and good numbering system makes getting around the city a breeze. Many people visit Antigua for the colonial charm, so it is a popular location for tourists.

There are many cheap restaurants, street markets, plazas, and modern day amenities in Antigua. Some areas of the city can feel a little touristy. However, you can wander way from these areas, and find the areas where the locals spend their time.

2. The Mayan Ruins

The Mayan Ruins are one of the things to do in Guatemala that you must do. There are many Guatemala tours that will take you to these ruins, so you can explore them. The ruins are mostly covered by forests and other greenery today. However, some areas have been uncovered, and you can see the carvings on the walls. Most Guatemala tours will take the whole day to explore and visit the ruins, but there are shorter tours if you prefer.

3. Roast some Marshmallows over Volcanoes

There are dozens of volcanoes that are still active today in Guatemala. Yes, it is safe to roast marshmallows from the heat coming from the summit. The most accessible volcano is Pacaya. There is a bus that will take you to the base of the volcano, so you will need to hike about 30 to 45 minutes to the summit.

There are kids who have horses that will follow you up the path and will help you get back down, but you will have to pay for their help. There are other volcanoes around the country that are safe to visit, but they are harder to hike up.

4. Explore the Jungle

Most of the country is covered by the jungle and swamps. This is how it was able to hide the Mayan cities for so long, and is why we are not sure if we know where all of them are today. While deforestation is still a problem, most of the jungle is protected.

Most Guatemala tours to the ruins will cover some of the jungle. The jungle is full of toucans, monkeys, and other wildlife. Some ruins are multi-day hikes, so you can see more of the jungle than what you would see during a short tour.

There are bio-reserves and camps that you can stay at if you want to hike the paths yourself. You will need to be careful of the wildlife and the forests because the paths can be rough and harder to hike than other areas.

There are huge amount of things to do in Guatemala, so it can be overwhelming at times. Guatemala tours are offered all over the country and at all different price points.