10 Cool Things to Do in The Provence Region

One of the most idyllic area's of France, Provence is the perfect summer escape. Lavender fields, yellow stone houses, olive trees, blue mediterranean skies, wineries, culture and art, all part of the charming style of this iconic region. 

Discover with us this fantastic region, we will give you 10 Cool Things you can do when visiting Provence, so here we go: 

1) Spend one night in Aix de Provence, the main city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France full of history and Cezanne art corners. Make a detailed daily plan and visit Cezanne's childhood home, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio The Atelier Cézanne. Also don't forget to end your day in The white limestone Sainte-Victoire for the perfect sunset time. To complete the experience stay in Hotel Cezanne, located in the city centre, this chic and trendy property offers a four star service with 55 rooms. The terrace have a lovely and well equipped bar. The Breakfast is a must running through until noon giving you the perfect start for your day. 

2) Next stop is Gordes,  one of the most beautiful villages in the region will welcome you with unique narrow cobbled streets which thread their way through tall houses; all constructed against the rock whispering the tales of a thousand legends. Romantic balconies and the characteristic yellow rock Mediterranean houses. 

Stay in Mas de Gordes, the perfect place to enjoy the view of Provence and the rural vibe of the area. Located about 10 min walking from the entrance of Gordes, this hotel is a perfect place to relax after a long trip. Rooms have been renovated for summer, breakfast is great and the service will make you feel at home.  The beautiful shapes of the building and wonderful gardens will entice you to stay for more than one night. 

3) Enjoy a great Lunch at La Ferme de La Huppe, a wonderful old Provencal house located in Gordes. With a lovely pool-terrace this is the perfect place for a late summer lunch. Try the Pigeonne, the Cold cherry soup and the frozen chocolate mousse. Organic products, daily specials , set menus and Jazz every Friday make this place a must visit. 

4) Visit Mane, another beautiful town in the region just 3.5 km south of Forcalquier. A lovely little village with a good number of nearby sites worth visiting for their beauty and their historical interest, such as Pont Romain, Château de Sauvan and the famous Prieuré de Salagon.  Every Sunday there is a Farmers Market and on Aug 10 the famous Fête votive de la St Laurent. 

5) For a fabulous meal, try La Manne Celeste, a traditional and cosy restaurant with great local food. The menu includes French and some other international food such as great pizzas.  All prepared with local products, service is friendly. Try the Gazpacho, its great. 

6) Visit the busy and central town of Apt, a charming  town surrounded  by rising plateaus and a beautiful river that runs through the center, definitely the the gateway to Haute-Provence region. Apt has been the natural trading area of Provence. The Saturday-morning farmers market is a must. This is not a tourist town, however it will give you the feel of what  the real life in Provence is all about. 

Stay in Sainte Anne and eat in L'Intramuros, a Gault & Millau recognized restaurant with a unique charm and fantastic food. From outside it looks like a normal old restaurant but when you walk inside the charm and quirkiness will make you stay. Walls full of color and collections of vintage art. Daily menu with organic local products, a menu of beers and a fantastic service will make the experience unforgettable. Buy some sardines in the unique vintage designed cans. Fantastic place. 

7) For a more luxury experience, try La Coquillade, a exquisite retreat located about 15 min out of Apt.  The ideal place to relax and enjoy the Provence experience. Beautiful Old Building surrounded by vineyards and lavenders. From this place you will be able to explore nearby towns like Bonnieux, Saignon and Roussillon. This hotel offers bike tours, winery tours and excellent Spa experience.  if you want to treat yourself in a wonderful provence way, this is the place for you. Food is superb. 

8) Stop in the beautiful Forcalquier , the main central town of the Haute-Provence area.  From the entrance of the town to the end, you will see Mountain top, plains surroundings and wonderful valleys, a different provence landscape with abundant vegetation, aromas of lavender and olive trees.  Visit the Citadel for a wonderful view of all the valley. On sunday Mornings don't miss the beautiful sounds of the bells and music coming from the Chapelle Notre Dame de Provence. Farmers Market is on Monday with a great variety of local products, craftsmen and of course local people,  the perfect way to know more about this wonderful place. Narrow streets, shady squares, and elegant 13th century houses conform the rich arty and cultural life of Forcalquier. 

9) If a road trip is your thing, try the Napoleon Pass, starting in Grasse and all the way to Grenoble. (Over 150 km road)  tracing its way through both the Alps Maritimes and the Alps. Its have a fantastic design, with windy roads and fantastic scenery. You can find many vintage cars and bike groups doing this road. The road has a perfect smooth rhythm from beginning to end, making it a fantastic driving experience for anyone. Become one of the people that can say "I drove the Napoleon route to Grenoble". 

10) Our best Pick of a Provence Cote D'Azur experience is Cassis, an ancient fishing port that has become a cosmopolitan beach area full of great natural beaches, fantastic food and amazing views. The old village streets contain nice old buildings and  some beautiful restored houses with the colorful pastels of Provence. Visit the Old fountains and an open-air artists market, the harbor area is  the prettiest part of Cassis. Plan your day trip to  Calanques, a line of  limestone cliffs that go down into the Mediterranean and connects Marseille to Cassis with almost 20 km of marked trails.

Provence is a beautiful region full of contrasts and history. From Van Gogh to Cezanne, From Napoleon to the Pirates along the coast, plan your trip and take in all of  the charming corners of this unique region. 

Created by Huellas de Luz Blog /D.Oballos

9 Cool Things to Do in the Province of Girona

One of the most beautiful regions of Spain, Girona is full of stories to tell. From the Pyrenees mountains to the incredible blue of the mediterranean coast and sky, this region will make you feel loved. Medieval towns, great food, amazing scenery, wonderful culture with traditions and so much more to explore, every twist and turn brings pure delight. 

Here are our 9 Cool Things to Do in Girona Province:

1) Stay in Moli de Mig Hotel, a rural modern beautiful property located in Torroella de Montgri , offering comfort and great service in a relaxed, trendy ambience. An old water mill converted into a hotel of 23 rooms, with garden suites and now a new extension of 8 brand new suites. The casual restaurant offers a fabulous a la carte option, for lunch an open air Bar-B-Q is waiting for you in the sage of the beautiful Morera Trees. 

2) Looking for a fishing village full of character?. Visit Port de la Selva, a traditional fishing village located in the Cap de Creus, north of Costa Brava, only about 20 kms from France. This beautiful town of little white houses offers a traditional holiday experience with charming surroundings.  A small bay, which forms a natural harbour, the town is sheltered by the surrounding mountains, making for a less harsh climate during the winter months. The town has a good network of shops, bars and restaurants, all within walking distance. Friday is market day so if you can plan your visit on this day, you will really enjoy it.  Try Ca La Paquita, a well located casual and traditional ocean view restaurant with some of the best fish dishes in all the area. Daily fresh products are used to prepare the most beautiful dishes with local fish. 

The beaches are beautiful, some of them specially popular for windsurfers offer the perfect white sand blue sea experience. Visit Cala Tamariu, our favorite secret corner to feel the paradise on your feet.  On walking distance you can explore some other small calas located along the coast to the Golf The Roses. 

3) Visit the medieval village of Pals, only few kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. This beautiful village was built around a lovely old quarter, declared a Historic Artistic Site. In the Gothic quarter of Pals, pretty cobbled streets full of majestic houses await you. the village  is famous for the unique Rice cultivated in the surrounding areas. 

To taste one of the best rice dishes you will ever try, please visit El Pedro, located in a  beautiful  medieval building with internal terraces and corridors. El Pedro offers the best Mediterranean and homemade cuisine of Pals, utilizing the best rice from the local fields. This is a true family establishment with the Mother in the kitchen and three sons in front of house, the boys were born in the actual building that houses this fabulous restaurant, really not to be missed.

4) Visit the beautiful Coast town of Begur, a colourful and exuberant town, with narrow streets of Moorish and Spanish architecture topped with the ruins of a medieval castle that has views along miles of coastline. The town is a combination of most stunning neoclassical mansions,  fishermen's huts, art deco constructions and some  other new more modern buildings. The  coastline of Begur is full of charming Calas (small beaches) such as Sa Tuna and Sa Aiguafreda, offering great eating options, some more casual than others.  In Cala Aiguafreda try Vermut a really casual tapas bar with great food and drinks, for a more fine dining experience try Sa Rascassa, where the menu ranges from a deliciously fresh lobster to modern takes on traditional Catalunian dishes. Seafood is the speciality. 

Also a scenic 10 min walk around the coast to the call of SaTuna and you will find  more options for great culinary experiences, Try Hostal Sa Tuna, a fresh casual option full of passionate cooking and fresh local products. Also offering wonderful rooms, minimalistic and extremely tastefully done.  

5) Visit the Dali Museum in Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali, and home to the globally renowned Dalí's Theatre-Museum.  Dali's art can be seen all around Girona, the main points are the villa of Port Lligat and the town of Cadaques in  the North of the province. The best way to understand the ideas behind Dali's creations is to visit the museum and then take a  drive around the region exploring the natural monuments that inspired this incredible Spanish artist. 

6) For a day of beach and enchanting nature, visit Cala Montgo, a sandy cove located in the beautiful forest's of L'Escala coast. The beach is only 200m long, calm and surrounded by beautiful views. 4 great restaurants to enjoy, but our favorite is Restaurant Oreig, the perfect place for a late lunch after a great beach day. Speciality in fish dishes and traditional cuisine, a must in this magical paradise. 

7) Despite the touristic side of Peratallada, we recommend you to visit this gorgeous village, a true gem of the region. Beautiful narrow streets, heavy stone arches and amazing old houses make this a romantic place to walk. You can find products from all the entire province here on sale. Colorful restaurants and bars with great Tapa's menu, Catalonian food and local products will ensure that you enjoy a memorable night out, and bring you back again.

8) Visit Gore de Ter road that ends in a beach for dogs, located just outside of Torroella de Montgri, this long sandy animal friendly beach, is perfect for travellers with pets, peaceful, tranquil and with so much space, you can relax and know that your pet's will be having a blast, even the non water loving ones will be enticed into the peaceful lapping sounds of the Med.

9) For a fun time with friends, try Par 3 Pitch and Put for fun, also located just outside of Torroella de Montgri, this is a fabulous small yet challenging 18 hole par 3 golf course, with full range and putting practice facilities, you can hire clubs there, enjoy the restaurant or the chilled comfort of the 19th hole, inexpensive and a must for travelling golf lovers, the challenge is to play only once.

Prepare your next travel escape around this area, you will love it.. 

Created by Huellas de Luz Blog / D.Oballos 

15 Cool Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca

There is a reason that Palma de Mallorca has recently been voted (again) as the best European destination for a weekend break, Mallorca is a beautiful Island and it's Capital, definitely leads by example.

Situated on the bay of Palma, with the resplendent Bellver Castle at one end, moving along the stunning Paseo Maritimo, home to so many multi millionaire super yachts, passing the magnificent Cathedral and finishing at Can Pastilla (the first family holiday destination on the Island). Palma de Mallorca is often compared to a smaller Barcelona, and its very easy to see why.

With such a huge variety of options, you will be in for a very busy and fun filled time, so here are our recommendations to help you. 

1. Passeig des Born, Jäime III:  Offering the perfect shopping experience, Passeig des Born, is lined with magnificent old trees creating some welcome shade, and wonderful coffee bars, also the worlds leading retail shops and brands are all here, Jäime III continues from the Born, and again both sides of this beautiful old street offers pure retail heaven, and the chance to dive into the many small alleyways to discover some incredible wine and Tapas bars. 

2. Visit Santa Catalina district,  one of the upcoming trendy areas of Palma and walking around you will enjoy the casual vibe, the centre is the magnificent food market, surrounded by small restaurants and cafes, all sourcing their fresh daily produce from the market, offering you the chance to try a "menu del dia" (food of the day) you can have a 3 course meal, with wine and water ranging from €12-€24, Mona Lisa very close to the market is huge favourite with locals, in the evening the restaurants all dress up, and become very sophisticated with delightful local food offerings and some wonderful "menu del noche" options, a great area to walk around and enjoy. 

3. For a great Lunch in the area, try Patron Lunares, an historical and very famous local restaurant beautifully decorated with fisherman items offers great food, amazing ambience and the local experience of Santa Catalina that you can't miss.

4. Cappuccino Grand Cafe in Calle San Miguel:  For a coffee with a difference this is the place, situated in a wonderful narrow pedestrian street,(off Plaza Espana) located in an old Palace, Cappuchino's has long been a locals meeting place, the building is wonderful, with a lovely small garden to sit in, the coffee is great, the food offerings will tempt anybody to stay from coffee to lunch, this is really a place to stop and plan some more of your day. 

5. Back in Palma centre, visit Parliament Restaurant.   This incredible old building will give you the chance to eat with the local politicians, movers and shakers of the Capital, they are famous for Black Paella, this comes from squid ink and unusually, Paella can be ordered individually here, so you can try Black or Blind paella's. The atmosphere is always lively and busy, its worth waiting for a table if you need to.

6. Bullring Coliseu: We don't recommend bullfighting, however this place hosts amazing concerts and is the home of the ATP Mallorca tennis open, which is a real experience in its self, people are conducting business meetings court side while, Almagro, Verdasco and even Rafa Nadal can be seen hammering tennis balls past them, the surrounding area is filled with fabulous tapas bars.

7. Palma Cathedral:  No visit to Palma is complete without walking around this magnificent place, dedicated to San Sebastian, the patron saint of Palma, enjoy the vistas, the architecture, take a coffee and soak in the atmosphere, its truly magnificent. You may be lucky enough to catch a concert on the lake, the locals say as long as you can see the reflection of the cathedral in the lake, the Island is safe from attack.

Evenings in Palma are very special with the warm wind blowing across the Med, the sounds, vibes and aroma's, creating an atmosphere that is truly unique, here are a few places worth trying.

8. Start with a cocktail in Abacanto , A real secret gem, not many people visit this wonderful old palace located on Poligono Son Castell which is an industrial estate! The surroundings are incredible, the cocktails are a tad expensive, but as you are on holiday, they are worth it, a very special place.

9. Hogans Irish Bar: Palma's oldest and most revered Irish bar, you simply have to go and indulge in a pint of the black stuff, live music good food and fantastic atmosphere, means you will always find new friends and experiences in Hogans.

10. Baisakhi (Indian Restaurant):  This is an Indian restaurant like no other, the menu is a tasting menu allowing you to experience an incredible range of tastes and flavours, located on Paseo Maritimo, (not too far from Hogans) from the moment you enter and petals are thrown on the floor in front of you to the minute you leave, this is an experience you will love, the food is fabulous.

11. Visit Simpy Fosh, For the more sophisticated palate, this is one of Palma's coolest locations, Marc Fosh is the Island's premier Chef, English and renowned for his imaginative use of local produce, for that special occasion Simpy Fosh will most definitely tick all of your box's.

12. For a unique experience, visit  Bar Abaco (not to be confused with Abacanto): This is one of Palma's magic places, located in the lively buzzy area of la Lonja (not too far from the cathedral) this trip takes you through some lovely little streets culminating at a large brown wooden door, once you step inside the magic really begins, the cocktails are fabulous, decor incredible and make a point of being here at midnight, you will find out why.

For accommodation Palma has it all, from 1* to 5*, from Unique to Boutique, budget to pushing the boat out its all here.

13. We recommend you to try Bronco Architect Hotel, located in the centre of Palma is a perfect option to explore and feel the heart of the city. The hotel have 26 rooms, with wonderful common areas and a unique Bohemian chic style. The Insider Restaurant is open all day, offering a great menu with local and mediterranean products. It also offers fabulous cocktails and great wines. Try the Gin Tonic, the speciality of the Bar. 

14. If you are looking for a more elegant and chilled out experience try Hotel Cort. A quiet and inspiring property of just 16 rooms and suites, designed with cool splashes of ultramarine colour, reminding you Palma is a City on the Med, the restaurant is a busy social spot for locals because of the terrace that opens onto Placa Cort. 

15. Other great option is Hotel Portixol, Located at the Cathedral end, located on the tiny fishing harbour of Portixol, this boutique hotel is seriously trendy, a local delight is lunch on the terrace, with a fabulous menu, evenings offer live music, warm air and a real holiday vibe, check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Palma de Mallorca, a truly magnificent city, no matter how many times you visit, there are always gems to be found.

Created by Huellas de Luz

Photography from each places websites

7 Cool Things to Do in St. Mawes - Cornwall

Located in the beautiful area of Roseland Peninsula, St Mawes is one of the most picturesque areas of Cornwall, not just because of the natural beauty, but also for the cultural, lifestyle and calmness. White houses, narrow streets and the blue sea make the perfect location for a summer getaway. There are so many things that will perfectly suit walkers, wildlife lovers and watersports enthusiast. 

We want to show to 10 Places to visit, a perfect choice for the coming summer time: 

1. Stay in Tresanton Hotel, a small hotel with wonderful ocean views, full of personality and charm. Located in the road up to St Mawes Castle, its a perfect spot to enjoy summer lunches and perfect evening on its lovely terrace. 30 rooms and some villas make of this property a great family choice. Sundays BBQ lunch is a must, the views of the bay and the town are stunning. 

2. For a great lunch time, try The Kings Head, probably the best pub food around St Mawes. Located about 8 miles from the town, this charming place offers simple but great food, cooked with local and organic products, great selection of beers and perfect ambience to enjoy a family meal. With a daily menu, this pub is recreating the best of pub tradition in a very casual and fresh style, definitely one of  cornwall's best secrets. 

3. For a great coffee in the town, try Cafe Chandlers, located next to the Post office of St. Mawes, this is a perfect place for a quick coffee, snacks or sweet cakes. Ambience is casual and cozy, and the smells of fresh coffee will make you stay for more. They offer different food depending on the season, try their special croissant's and delicious cappuchino's. Sit outside an enjoy the tranquil rhythm of beautiful St. Mawes. 

4. If you are looking for a casual lunch with Tapas and fresh seafood, try the Restaurant at Hotel St. Mawes, this restaurant offers a very simple menu of Tapas and Pizzas cooked "from the heart". Open from Thursday to Monday, they offer a relaxed but lively ambience, music, great cocktails and a great selection of beers. The menu is produced from local products proudly Cornish sea and local farmers.  A perfect option after a beach day. 

5. If you are looking for a more stylish hotel offer, try The Idle Rocks, a perfectly located hotel on the harbour side of St. Mawes. With only 19 individually designed rooms, this hotel offer a unique experience full of charm and glamour. The Terrace is divine, looking across the water to the harbour and town. You can enjoy beautiful food with cornish ingredients, menu is all seasonal. 

6. Our favorite lunch spot, The Watch House.  Also located in St. Mawes harbour, this cosy blu and white restaurant offers a perfect family vibe, with views to the bay an the town. Is open for lunch and dinner all the week and the Menu is based on fresh and local Fish and  organic products. Great selection of wines and cocktails. Try the Pumpkin & ricotta Tortelloni, the special The Watch House beer-battered MSC certified cod & chips and of course the delicious Watch House Lemon Tart. Beautiful place, wonderful food, an all round experience. 

7. For a more formal lunch or dinner option, try The Rising Sun, a stylish restaurant located in the St. Mawes harbour. Menu combines modern and traditional style of food, all with elegance and charm.  The main menu is served from noon to 9:30 pm, with daily specials. Speciality in cornish fresh fish and seafood. Sunday Brunch and Cornish Crea Tea afternoon are a must. Their chips are delicious. 

Don't forget to visit St. Mawes castle, the Lamoran Gardens and the fabulous trekking trails around the coast line. St Mawes will offer you a complete experience for a perfect summer vacation. 

Created by D.Oballos /Huellas de Luz Blog

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