Feeling Stressed? Head To France To Restore Your Wellbeing!

During our everyday busy lives, many of us often find it hard to relax. Whether it's work, family issues or simply trying to fit everything into your schedule, it's no wonder so many people feel stressed and exhausted. Some studies suggest that certain modern advances, such as social media and processed foods, can also lead to people feeling stressed and even depressed. If you have been feeling a bit overwhelmed of late, you have probably considered doing what any sane person would in this instance: booking a vacation! But before you do so, stop and think about what you need out of your vacation. So many of us take a break for a week or so to simply forget about our troubles; then we come home and find things exactly as we left them. This can end up being a vicious circle that doesn't end your stress and also doesn't let you fully enjoy your vacation. With this in mind, have you ever thought about going on a vacation specifically designed for your wellbeing? Wellbeing vacations have seen a huge spike in popularity over recent years, with many hardworking people leaving the city in favor of solitude and a week to rejuvenate themselves. So where exactly can you go to find such places of calm and relaxation? Well, if you are looking at Europe, there's no better place than chic and cosmopolitan France. Here are just some of the best French escapes where you can enjoy taking some much-needed time out.

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The mountain resort

Think of rural France and one thing that probably comes to mind is the French Alps. They stretch across and into a number of different countries, but in France they boast 24 peaks - one of which is the famous Mont Blanc, standing at an altitude of 4,810 meters. Sure, the cities and countryside of France has plenty to offer too. But if you are looking for somewhere otherworldly and serene, there really is no better location than the mountains. The air is fresh and crisp, and you may find yourself gasping at the snowy backdrop - unspoiled and like something out of a movie scene. There are plenty of resorts to choose from, some with luxury  accommodation such as Freedom Ski, Morzine. Trying your hand at skiing down some of the famous runs is a must - and we all know exercise is great for your wellbeing, as it is a natural mood-booster.

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The yoga retreat

If chilly temperatures and high-octane activities aren't for you, you may find moving down to the south of France a little more suitable. Temperatures here are generally warm, as the climate is on the cusp of Mediterranean. This means dry, hot summers, warm falls and mild winters. Therefore, you can be sure that whatever time of year you choose to visit, you will be able to spend some time outside. This is just as well, as the landscape is frequently stunning, making it a great place to attend a yoga retreat. These kind of retreats often involve practicing mindfulness and meditation alongside the yoga, as well as eating a fresh, vegan diet (almost always provided for you). So what's in it for you? Yoga can bring your mind and body back into equilibrium, and taking the time to learn it can mean you are equipped with a new life skill. It can be the perfect way to unwind and feel ready to tackle anything life throws at you.

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The red wine detox

Okay, so this one does appear to be in stark contrast to the other two. But you may have heard about the popularity of red wine in France - after all, the country is home to some of the very best wineries and vineyards. Popular varieties you may have heard of include Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. According to certain studies, red wine is said to have a number of positive health effects - such as promoting a healthy heart, lowering cholesterol and warding off dementia. Health retreats where red wine plays a notable role have become very popular in France in recent years, where the alcohol is drank alongside healthy home-cooked meals. Due to a culture based heavily around food and drink, French wine is actually designed to be tasted alongside certain types of food. A bit of indulgence, on a healthy scale, can only be a good thing for both your health and mental wellbeing. If there has ever been an excuse to pick up a bottle of the good stuff, it's this!

Your Ultimate Guide to Under Ground Paris

For all the beauties that Paris has to offer, the city conceals just as much as it gives, and there are many hidden gems under the cobblestones. For the adventurers out there, the catacombs, for once, can provide you with just as many frissons as you are yearning for. But for those of you who are looking for a more symbolic sort of underground, Paris also has a lot to offer. From bars to nightclubs to art squats, there is definitely more to the capital city of France than the Eiffel tower and the Champs Elysées.

Without further ado; here are a list of the underground Paris.

The catacombs

When public cemeteries and burial pits started overflowing after a series of revolutions, the State decided to transfer the bones of six million people to the ancient mines of Paris, a 300 km long (186-mile) tunnel network. Now known as the catacombs, this underground labyrinth has become somewhat of a myth, and one that, lucky you, you get to visit.

The entry to the catacombs is located right outside the metro station Denfert-Rochereau. You have to keep in mind that the line is one of the longest in Paris, so you should try to get there as early as possible. Once you get your ticket, you will go down a nineteen-meter long spiral stone staircase and dive in the depths of Paris. After going through a series of galleries where the silence is just as thick as the walls, visitors will find themselves in front of the ossuary entry, right by a hidden aqueduct. The inscription there is terse: "Stop! This is the Empire of the Dead". Among the bones of Marat and Robespierre, you will find skeletal works of art, such as a heart made of skulls and tibias. Along the way you will also find gloomy quotes from various poets and writers. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes but you will see, through these two kilometers of gallery, that many portions of it are closed to the public. For the bravest ones among you, those who love urban exploration and such, there are some secret entrances to the catacombs, notably in La petite ceinture, the abandoned railroad that circles around Paris (look up secret entryways online).

Underneath, a community of cataphiles like to explore different areas, restore old passageways, and add new alleys to the already existing maps. "Tourists", as they call it, are rarely welcome and you will probably need a guide if you want to explore a bit of the secret parts of it. There are three golden rules one should always follow in the “underworld”: "what comes down must go up", which means that cataphiles will not allow littering, « never speak of the above », as many cataphiles use secret identities and do not talk about their "regular lives" among themselves. Last but not least, the motto "never trust anyone" is supposed to remind you that the catacombs are first and foremost an adventure, one during which you will have to be careful since the police are on the lookout. If you get caught though, you do not risk more than a ticket. The main danger is getting trapped underneath. You will need to arm yourself with a map, a torch light, and some food and water.

La petite ceinture

Built 150 years ago, la petite ceinture (“the little belt”) used to be a 32 km-long railroad circling around Paris and is now one of Paris’s coolest illicit pedestrian areas. Except for three small stretches in the 12th, 15th and 16th arrondissements that are now open to the public, most of it is closed down, although fairly easy to access (search through travel blogs for unofficial entry points, most of which aren’t policed). You will need a torch for the darker sections of it (tunnels and such) and might not want to wander out there at night by yourself. However, it is a really nice walk during the day, one that will make you feel as though you were not in Paris, save for a few sections that do overlook the city. These few points that one cannot really see from within the city offer beautiful views that cannot be matched elsewhere. The thick undergrowth and the multiple graffiti offer a one-of-a-kind environment, one in which you can have a gloomy picnic with your friends.

Sewer system of Paris

If you are not afraid of rats, water, and smells, you might want to visit the sewer system of Paris, thanks to the museum dedicated to it. After going down a huge staircase, you will go through a long gallery that runs right next to the Seine. You will be surrounded by pipes and basins before arriving in the main room. There you will be explained how the whole system functions and behold the impressive work put in place for it. Fascinating exhibits also give a sense of how the sewer-maintenance equipment has changed from what it was before to what it is now, like the huge wooden balls used to clean tunnels beneath the Seine. This museum also enables you to understand some of the design of Paris as a city. The museum is open daily except on Thursday and on Friday. From May through September, hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Père Lachaise cemetery

If you want to pay yourself a spooky visit in the old historic Paris, you should definitely visit one of Paris' cemeteries, the Pere Lachaise being the most renowned one. Most graves and chapels date all the way back to the 19th century and look like tiny gothic houses. All are unique and beautifully crafted, and make up a peaceful maze. I believe that getting lost in the many paths offered and among the many trees that grow in between two sepulchers is the best way to enjoy the peculiar tranquility of the place. Despite the place's fame, you will rarely see any crowd there.

There still are, however, a few spots that are not to be missed. You'll find in the Pere Lachaise the tombs of many famous people, among which the Allan Kardec tomb, the father of spiritism, and that of Oscar Wilde smeared with red kisses. Jim Morrison's grave is also located in the cemetery, right behind a big chapel, and is protected by barriers so fans can't tarnish or violate the place. Many people have gone and go there to pay tribute to one of their favorite artists.

Many legends run around the place. It is said for example that touching the well polished part of the Victor Noir tomb will help you be more fertile. A gift from the realm of the dead to the living.

Bars

Au chat noir

Whether you are a budding poet who wants to get his words out on stage or just a slam connoisseur, Au chat noir is the place to go. Located at 76 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud in the 11th arrondissement, it offers a haven of Anglo-Saxon culture in the heart of Paris since most speakers here are Anglophones, even though the public is very diverse and any language is accepted. Despite the café’s popularity among Parisian hipsters, this underground bar has not made it out into the mainstream yet. Lucky you, you get to go and enjoy this unique atmosphere while it lasts!

Le point Ephémère

If you are looking for something more urban than cozy and would rather walk on concrete than sit in velvet sofas, you should definitely check out Le Point Ephémère. This former hardware and building supply store is located right by the canal saint martin and was turned into a 15000 feat square artistic squat in 2004. Willfully haphazard and aesthetically disordered, it is a real incubator for new talents. You can come here to look at the multiple graffitis and works of art on display, as well as to check out one of the many street art exhibits that they have. In the summer, they also offer “apero mix” from 6:30 to 9:30, which means that you get to sit on their terrace and sip a drink with your friends while also listening to a cool concert. The music played there goes from independent pop to hip-hop to techno or rock. You can have dinner there as well. The prices are usually pretty good, especially during happy hours. No need to head to Berlin for street art anymore, you can just stay in Paris!

Caves St-Sabin

These caves are known as one of the hippest Parisian clubs, coveted by many for all its secret corners and beautiful alcoves. The setting is very gothic, thanks to the multiple candles and paintings. The music helps create the ambiance as well, even though it changes pending which organization is in charge of the night. It usually ranges from classical punk gothic batcave to newer songs. There are some Taverne Médievale nights as well, set up every now and then, and during which you will be able to see knives in armor. The caves are located at 50 rue Saint Sabin in the 11th arrondissement.

Théatre de Nesle

The members of the "Crépuscule des Damnés" (the dusk of the damned) decided to create this theater/concert venue in a former private mansion located right in the heart of Paris, at 8 rue de Nestle in the 6th arrondissement. The music there is rockier than at st Sab, and you will also get to enjoy artistic performances. Look up the program!

Edemonium

This cabinet of (gloomy) curiosities is located near Hotel de Ville and is really worth a visit. Despite its small size, the shop has a lot of unique-and peculiar- things on display, from weird skulls to cthulhu's statues. Another good place to meet with like-minded people and find flyers for cool parties in bars.





About the Author


Nicolas is a city guide for Discover Walks Paris and occasionally collaborates with RebelsMarket, He’s also a student at Sciences Po and at the Sorbonne, where he is double majoring in political science and literature. He lives in the north of Paris and enjoys urban exploration and finding out about new places.

Read This Before Visitng Paris!

Paris is one of the most romantic and cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Now that’s really saying something! When you visit this amazing metropolis, you see immediately why so many people make it a stop on round-the-world trips. Although beautiful, Paris is also pretty fast-paced and frantic. If you’re planning to visit Paris, then here are some tips to help you avoid sticking out too much!

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The first tip I can offer is to learn at least a few French phrases. In France, like a lot of continental Europe, English is widely taught and spoken. You’ll usually be able to find someone who speaks decent English, but they may not always be that friendly! Although a lot of Parisians do speak English, many of them are very proud of their language and culture. If you approach them and begin speaking in English, they won’t appreciate how presumptuous you’re being. No one’s expecting you to be fluent, but learning a few common words and phrases will be highly appreciated. I’ll start you off with one you’ll be using a lot: “parlez-vous un petit peu d’anglais?”.

You should be on the lookout for pickpockets in Paris, particularly when you’re passing through metro stations. This is a big risk in any European city, especially if you’re a tourist. The worst spots for it are on the metro, on lines that go past many popular attractions. French pickpockets know a tourist a mile off, and will see you as an easy target. Luckily, there are some easy ways around this. The easiest precaution to take is simply making your valuables harder to reach. Put them in smaller pockets deep in your bag, rather than carrying them on your person. Stay vigilant about common tactics as well. Many pickpockets wait for that crushing swarm of people getting on or off a train to dip their hands into people’s bags and pockets. You can find a more complete guide on the French US Embassy website.

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Finally, be sure to get a lot of navigation materials if you’re planning to get around yourself. Most tourists in Paris, and a lot of the locals to be honest, rely entirely on public transport. This is mainly due to how hard it is to get around in a car! Paris is a truly ancient settlement, and many of the roads were built for horses and coaches. This of course leads to a lot of traffic jams. There are odd-angled boulevards and avenues wherever you go, and finding somewhere to park can be an absolute nightmare. This has given rise to a lot of services such as Paris France Parking. This allows travellers and day-trippers to reserve spaces on certain roads. In general, my advice about driving in Paris is not to! If you are though, make sure to research rush hours, routes to attractions, and parking.

Hopefully, these three tips will do something about the big “tourist” label hanging over your head! Visiting Paris can feel a little daunting. However, a little preparation really goes a long way!

The Loire Valley: Planning Your Ultimate Trip

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The Loire Valley is a beautiful area situated in Southern France. If you haven’t been here before you are in for a real treat. It’s renowned for it’s historical chateauxs and breathtaking countryside. It’s often referred to as the ‘garden of France’ and you don’t get a name like that unless you are astoundingly beautiful. It has something to offer all tastes, from outdoor sports to historical tours. It's also a fabulous European location for families and couples to visit for long or short breaks. Read on to find out how you can make this a trip to remember for you and your family.

When visiting the beautiful Loire Valley, the best times to come during months where everything is open. Peak seasons can get very busy, so plan your trip for May, June or September. During their winter off-peak seasons many hotels and attractions will close. This usually starts in November and ends in February. You don’t want to make the mistake of visiting when everything is closed for the season so plan carefully.

To make the most of the area it’s best to travel by car. There are other options such as bus or train, but some of the local points of interest are located in remote places. A car makes it easier to travel directly to where you wish you go. Bicycle hire is a great family activity, that encourages you all to see more of the local culture and countryside. There are eight hundred kilometres of bicycle routes, alongside the River Loire. Along the route there are many bike-friendly establishments you can visit or stay in. Car and Bike hire can be found at majority of the areas stations and hotels.

Plan some time to shop for souvenirs and trinkets for your family back home. The Loire Valley has many wonderful shopping locations. Head to Angers for a great selections of local crafts and popular fashion chains. Many of the local towns will hold their own food markets. Taste the delicious home made chocolates and wines on offer, and give some of the local delicacies a try too.

If you like to get involved in the local culture, stay in some of the smaller historical villages. You will be made most welcome and there will be reduced traffic jams and noise pollution. It will give you a real taste of what life is like there and you can easily mingle with the locals. If you prefer a more luxurious touch to your vacation why not try a converted chateaux. There are over a thousand in the Loire Valley and many of them have been transformed into functioning hotels. These will provide you will French countryside living and have luxury room and grounds for you to explore. The history in these establishments are also never ending so you can really soak up the knowledge.

Visiting this vast area will be one of the best decisions you ever made. With so much on offer you won’t have trouble creating a very full itinerary for yourself and your family.

 

Beautiful Gardens in Europe

Europe is a vast continent rich in arts, history and culture. Aside from being home to famous museums, landmarks and institutions, Europe is also home to numerous famous and very beautiful gardens. People around the world have these beautiful gardens in their bucket list. After seeing their pictures and magnificent garden layout, who wouldn't dream of visiting these places once in their lifetime!

Here are some of the breath-taking gardens around Europe worth visiting:

Keukenhof Garden, Lisse, The Netherlands

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This garden is famous for its tulips and many other beautiful flowering plants strategically planted all over its grounds. It opens only once a year from mid-March until mid-May and closed again for the rest of the year to plant new bulbs and other flowering plants for everyone to enjoy for the next opening.

Monet's Garden, Giverny, France

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This captivating garden is located in Giverny, a small village in Normandy. It is nice to visit this garden in spring. Monet, one of the famous painters of all time, loved to visit this garden and do his paintings there.

Villa d'Este, Tivoli, Italy

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Did you watch Lizzie Mcguire Movie starred by Hilary Duff when she was still one of the Disney darlings? If you did, then this place will be familiar to you. It has plenty of fountains and is in Tivoli, just few miles away from the city center of Rome. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage landmarks.

Luxembourg Garden, Paris, France

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This beautiful garden is in the heart of Paris! I have seen this place but not thoroughly due to lack of time. If I had to come back, I will just to see this magnificent garden in the City of Light. It is a formal garden in the premise of the Luxembourg Palace.

Disney Village in Paris

Disneyland Village Paris is a cool place to visit before you embark your day-long journey in any of the Disneyland Resorts in Paris.

The Disney Village is teeming with dining options so if you are booked any of the Disney Report Hotels, you can always come here and dine.

There is a huge Disney souvenir shop here as well for your last minute shopping before you head out to Paris. Aside from the souvenir shop, there is a big cinema and arcade for kids to enjoy and have a great time.

 

 Going here is not very difficult as there are free Disney shuttle buses that ply the whole of the Disney Paris Resort hotels chain and affiliated properties every 12 minutes.

We went here last August of 2006. It has been several years since we visited and we can't wait to see the place again.

Dream Destinations For An Unforgettable Engagement

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Having your other half get down on one knee and propose to you is an unforgettable moment that will be cherished for the rest of your lives together.

And while the proposal is no doubt enough to melt your heart and make you jump with joy, imagine if your love whisks you off to a luxury destination to pop the question - where would you want to go to mark the occasion?

Perhaps the Eiffel Tower in Paris is where your dream engagement would take place? Or maybe you'd prefer to be on a secluded beach with nothing but the sound of rolling waves to keep you and your sweetheart company?

Try your hand on an online bingo promotion at 888ladies and you could be in with the chance of winning a pot of cash to spend towards your dream engagement. Of course, the finer details will be left to your husband-to-be, but there's no reason why you can't drop some hints about where you'd like to go! Here are some destination ideas to help you on your way.

European city break

A long weekend in one of Europe's prettiest cities provides a beautiful backdrop to an engagement. Whether you dream of a proposal while navigating the Venice canal system in your very own gondolier, or dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant in the city of Florence - arguably one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the region - Italy is a great choice.

Of course, the French are known for their romanticism, so let Paris - or the city of love - sweep you off your feet with its quaint boulevards and rich heritage. Use your bingo win to splash out on the finest champagne and a slap up meal to celebrate becoming engaged.

For something a little less conventional, try the city of Seville in the south of Spain. The cobbled old town, smell of orange blossom in the air and flamenco music filling the streets won't fail to get you in the mood for romance.

Further afield

New York is an obvious choice for an engagement abroad and it's incredibly easy to see why. This bustling city needs little in the way of introduction, but a visit with your loved one will let you get under the skin of the city that never sleeps. And with so many iconic buildings and locations, finding somewhere surrounded by a memorable backdrop to pop the question isn't going to be tough for your other half.

From the top of the Empire State Building, to wining and dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant or from the back of a horse and carriage ride in Central Park - you're spoilt for choice. Plus, thanks to your bingo win, you're in the right place to celebrate in style once the ring's on your finger.

Exotic destinations

For those who want to relax in complete privacy, how about going all out and having your own private beach to share with your loved one? Fregate Island in the Seychelles is the ultimate in luxury and the whiter than white sands and crystal blue waters are the ideal place for a dream engagement.

Other lavish locations include Barbados, Mauritius and the Bahamas and many luxury hotels offer private beachside dining under the stars with your own candlelit table - you can't get much more romantic than that.

Afterwards, make the most of your luxury surroundings and try to work out how you can top the trip on your honeymoon.

Save Money with City Travel Passes When Travelling on a Budget

While big cities are exciting, they are also very expensive. Since there is usually high demand for their attractions, you will be assaulted by long lines, expensive taxi services, and expensive hotel rates if you stay close to the city. If you’re not takinga guided tour, a city pass offers you a way to cut down on your spending, allowing you to enjoy more for much less. Here are some cities that have great offers.

Barcelona

Barcelona’s charm is only rivaled by the culture of the city. A beauty to behold, a trip to this romantic Spanish city will leave you in awe. To properly explore the city, you have the option of three different city passes: the Barcelona Museum Pass, Barcelona ARQUEO ticket, and the Barcelona Card.

The Barcelona Museum Pass and the ARQUEOticket offer access to different types of museums. The Museum pass allows you to visit 7 art museums, while the ARQUEOticket caters for 5 history museums. As such, your choice of purchase depends on whether you prefer art or history.

The Barcelona Card is more encompassing, giving you access to 18 museums, as well as other entertaining activities and unlimited transport on public means. In order to get the best value for your money, buy the five day card and indulge yourself in culture, history, and entertainment as you take advantage of your card.

Paris

There is little wonder why Paris is the world’s most visited city. From its beautiful museums, lavish hospitality industry, and romantic connotations, the appeal of this city is universal.

There are three major city pass types available for this charming city: Paris Museum Pass, Paris Visite Pass, and the Paris Pass. As the name suggests, the Paris Museum Pass gives access to museums, 60 of them in total! With the six day pass, unless you visit 10 per day, you will not be able to cover the whole array available.

The Paris Visite Pass gives you access to unlimited public transport. If you are going to be in the city for most of your time, then you should consider it.

The Paris Pass seems to combine the benefits of both the Paris Museum Pass and the Paris Visite Pass, with a bit more to add. Not only do you get access to 60 museums and unlimited public transport, you also get shopping discounts at Galeries Lafayette, a river cruise, a two-hour bus tour, as well as a one hour wine tasting experience. If you want to see if it’s worth it, checkout this review of the Paris Pass.

Rome

Home to some of civilization’s greatest achievements, Rome is one of mankind’s most important cultural cities. What makes it even more significant is its access to the Vatican, the world’s smallest country, and home to the Roman Catholic Church.

To enjoy Rome properly, you can choose the Roma Pass. This will give you concessions on museums and museum exhibitions, discounts on collaborating events, and free public transport use. You will also be able to access the Medical Service for Tourists (MET Travel Health) at a discount.

The Vatican grounds

Trevi Fountain

The famous Coliseum 

Alternatively, you can opt for the OMNIA Vatican & Rome pass. It will allow you to jump queues at museums, enjoy unlimited transport in Rome, as well as free entry to Vatican City museums and historic sights. You also get concessions for museums in Rome. If you are planning to visit both the Vatican and Rome, then this will work for you.

(Photos used are the personal property of Ria C of www.riatravelbug.com)