When the Hill of Lights Beckons

When the Hill of Lights Beckons

The second-largest French city is known for its Ligue 1 football team, cinema, and gastronomy. Lyon is also the capital of the Rhone department and the Rhones-Alpes region as well as the site of the UNESCO World Heritage. Founded as a Roman colony in 43 BC on Fourviere hill by Julius Caesar’s lieutenant the city was initially christened Lugdunum which means ‘hill of lights’.

The city of Lyon is well-connected with trains, trams, buses and funicular lines. But we suggest walking right up to the summit of the Fourviere hill – you can also take the funicular there – and treat your sight to the visual splendor proffered by Romanic ruins and the Basilique which is a spitting image of the Eiffel Tower. Also beware while crossing streets: cars and buses go in opposite directions on the same street. To the uninitiated this could be a sure-shot way of getting into an accident. So jay-walking is definitely out.

Accommodation-wise Lyon won’t disappoint. But if you are looking specifically for a luxury five star hotel steeped in history do check for availability at the Château de Bagnols, essentially a castle of the 13th century. Redolent with alluring antiquity and period furnishings, the Château de Bagnols is pretty close to some Burgundian vineyards. Take a walk around vineyards and enjoy the fragrance, colors, and headiness of being in wine country!

As such, Lyon is a great place to simply walk around in. Just get away from your hotel and go for a walk visually soaking in the lovely architecture, parks, and boutiques. Just walking up and down the river Saone is a pleasurable exercise in itself. Along the Saone you will come across Cathédrale St. Jean, a shining example of French architecture at its Gothic best. Constructed over two centuries (from the 12th to the 14th), you will get to see displays representing the transition from Roman to Gothic architectural styles. The cathedral also houses the famed 16th century astronomical clock which is a special treat to watch during noon.

Also not to be missed are the relics of the two Roman theatres atop Fourviere hill, the larger of which happens to be the oldest theatre in France and built over the 17th to the 15th centuries B.C.
Having had a fill of history, you can now do some shopping in the main commercial hub of the city. For gifts and candies Lyon boasts a display that is truly mind-boggling. There are stores in Vieux Lyon where you can find lovely wooden toys that you can take back home to your kids.

If you are looking to enhance your wardrobe with some great-looking shoes we recommend you try the shoe boutique near the Saone banks called ‘Bonnie and Clyde’. The shop, by the way, has nothing to do with those nefarious American cowboys.

Lyon is also famous for its traditional silks, cloths, and carpets. Shops like L'Atelier de Soierie on Rue Romarin and the tissue museum prove especially useful for votaries f such products.

There’s more, much more to Lyon. Why not find out for yourself?

About the Author

Mike Greaves is a self-made entrepreneur, a well known travel consultant and internet marketer. Over the years he has traveled across the world and has numerous writings credited to his name in many renowned publications. His areas of writing include travel experiences including reviews of Ski Resort , Los Angeles Luxury Hotels and World Best Hotels

When the Hill of Lights Beckons / Author: Mike Greaves

A Quick Guide for Travelling through Gatwick International Airport in London

A Quick Guide for Travelling through Gatwick International Airport in London

Gatwick Airport is London’s second largest airport after Heathrow. It is also the second busiest airport in the country, as Heathrow is number one. It also has the world’s single-busiest runway international airport. Located north of central Crawley, the airport is operated as well as owned by BAA which also operates Heathrow. It handles thirty five million passengers, and is over fifty years old.

The biggest airlines that use the airport are British Airways with twenty five percent of the airports usage, and Easy Jet with seventeen percent. Due to the recent recession, many airlines that previously used Gatwick have shut down and slots have been taken up by these two. The airport handles charter flights as well as scheduled flights for British Airways, Easy Jet, and Virgin Atlantic.

It has two terminals, North and South. Both of these have similar facilities like shops, restaurants, disabled persons facilities, baby changing rooms, and play areas. There are also lounges for business travellers as well as conference and business centres. There is also access to an airport hotel which has a prayer room for various faiths. There are also daily prayers in the prayer areas.

If you are driving to Gatwick, you need to know that it is twenty eight miles south of London, and is linked to the M23 junction 9. The M25 London orbital motorway is just ten minutes by drive and provides connection to other national and motorway networks. There are designated areas where drivers can drop off passengers, but there is a very strict “no waiting” policy, so make sure you use the short-park facility if you plan to stay a while. You can also hire a car from the airport and also each terminal has a variety of offices. There is also dedicated parking for motorcycles as well as round the clock petrol stations at both terminals.

At Gatwick, the VIP lounges are not just for first class customers. You can enjoy the Aviance Lounge or the Servisair Executive Lounge in the North and South Terminal respectively. You can also surf the internet due to wireless internet available in the departure lounge. If you don’t have a laptop, you can use one of the terminal’s computers to connect to the net.

If you are in the mood for shopping, you can buy perfumes, sunglasses, or even food from the Duty Free Store. You can eat at one of the many restaurants which range from fast foods to fine dining. You can also pick up some last minute souvenirs for family members you forgot to shop for.

In both terminals, there are always competitions organized which give away cars, and you can thus examine a luxury car from close up. Displays include Aston Martins and Ferrari’s. You can also just watch the busy runway from one of the great window spots, or take in a massage at the coin operated massage chairs.

There is always a lot to do at Gatwick, so you will definitely enjoy your experience at this airport.

You can book gatwick parking online and for gatwick meet and greet services now at Tudor Rose

A Quick Guide for Travelling through Gatwick International Airport in London / Author: Marcus Trevor

Superb Wine Bars In Captivating Brussels

Superb Wine Bars In Captivating Brussels

Brussels, pronounced Bruxelles in French and Brussel in Dutch is the capital of Belgium. The French and Dutch names spring from the dual-language society of the country it depicts. While the residence may seem to be the mingling point of divergent cultures and languages, Brussels still has a unique identity that leaves room for it to be explored thoroughly by sociologists and tourists alike. The population of the borough goes up to as much as two million humans. The municipality is also the headquarters of a lot of European businesses and institutions that demonstrate a massive influence over the European economy.

To truly appreciate the vastness and diversity of Brussels, it is essential to hit the nineteen municipalities that make up the Belgian capital. Two municipalities of note are Brussels and Ixelles - Elsene. Brussels brags bewitching domiciles, especially on a street christened Grand'village. It also has a multitude top-notch bars along the street of Place St-Gry. Ixelles - Elsene, on the other hand, focuses more on restaurants and bars that highlight the humanizing diversity of Brussels with masses of sidewalk ethnic restaurants and also upper scale restaurants and services for the more affluent visitors. The seventeen other municipalities are as enthralling as and more grounding specific than these two favoured districts.

One of the better things to do in terms Brussels tourism opportunities is walk around and check out every one of the architecture and seduction. A walk around the noble Palace is a daylong event, where you may see some splendid art and some amusing gothic architecture. The Rue de la Rgence features the Museum of prevailing Art, the Museum of Ancient Art, and the Early Musical Instruments Museum. To see the superior views of Brussels you can go to the Palace of Justice and for antique shopping and other shops and restaurants, you can check out the Rue Haute and Rue Blaes. A walk through Brussels Red Light District can also be quite fine.

Brussels is grand for cookery classics these as mussels, fries, and chocolates. You may find a lot of chocolate shops in the city centre, but you will spot the prime chocolates near the suburbs. A typical Belgian fine meal includes meat, pasta, potatoes, and dessert. The most leading Belgian desert is the Belgian waffle. These waffles are can be made with diverse banana flavours, creams, and other toppings. Belgian chocolates and waffles are some of the prime desserts you will ever taste. There are umpteen budget food options in Brussels' streets, so you will present enough money to taste every treat in the place. High class restaurants include the Belga Queen, La Belle Maraichere, and the De Gulden Boot.

The most of Belgium's recreation options comes at night, where there is always a party, concert, or festivals going on. The favorite concert music played here ranges from jazz, rock, and alternative music. Brussels also has a group of eclectic, reggae, and even choral music if you know where to look. Brussels has major film festivals in the offing every year, so you might require to go there and check out the choice French and Dutch films on display.

Brussels gained prominence only in the 19th century. As the capital of a new country, better of the chief remnants were made between the end of the 1800's up to the 1980's. French and Dutch are the official languages in Belgium. This place suggests an intimate trivial municipal experience with a light dose of past events.

Tameikea Bonvillain loves Belgium. He enjoys giving brussels tourism, antwerp tourism and tourist information in bruges to his friends and colleagues.

Superb Wine Bars In Captivating Brussels / Author: Tameikea Bonvillain