Bonjour,
je rentre d'un voyage au Spitzberg, je voudrais vous faire partager ces décors ... grosse claque. J'ai envie d'y retourner !
J'ai fais un premier article ici ou j'ai mis des vidéos et des photos : 1. A la découverte du Spitzberg
J'essais au tant que possible de donner un maximum d'info avec un peu d'historique, je trouve que c'est important, à titre perso c'est une parti qui ma passionne dans les voyages.
N'hésitez pas à poser des questions. J'y répondrais dans la mesure du possible. Je donne aussi des renseignements complémentaires aux gens qui étaient sur la croisière avec moi et aux personnes inscrites à la newsletter si ça vous intéresse.
Et si certains d'entre vous ont aussi été là bas j'aimerais avoir leurs expériences !
ma femme et moi revenons d'une croisiere au Spitzberg (visite de Ny Alesund et Longyearbyen) et comme vous, nous somme revenu avec l'envie d'y retourner.
les paysages, les personnes qui y habitent, la philosophie de vie contraste tellement avec ce que nous connaissons sur le continent
Avec votre enthousiaste je vois que vous vous êtes régalé également !!
je vous donne les liens vers les autres épisodes du voyage :
2. La faune au Spitzberg
3. Le village de Ny-Alesund
J'ai fait une petite animation dans l'article "Le village de Ny-Alesund" où on voit le site de décollage du dirigeable de Amudsen pour son voyage vers le pôle nord ... première expédition à l'atteindre ...
J'ai deux autres articles à venir, ça m'a tellement passionné que j'ai chiné et j'ai découvert le récit de ce voyage dans un vieux journal "l'illustration" de 1926 ave les premières photos diffusées !
L'autre article va être l'interview d'un ami qui a passé 1 an dans le cadre d'une expédition scientifique à Ny-Alesund .... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Bonjour Loïc,
Je viens de regarder votre blog. Très bien écrit, de belles photos et très documenté, un blog comme je les aime.
L'année prochaine nous devrions aller au Spitzberg. Avec quelle compagnie y êtes-vous allé et aviez-vous beaucoup de débarquements ?
Merci
le voyage était fait avec "Voyage de monde" , le Spitzberg n'était qu'une étape de la croisière qui a durée 2 semaines et demi. Départ allemagne , visite de la cote Norvégienne , Spitzberg puis retour et visite d'autres endroits de la cote Norvégienne.
C'était très bien. A titre perso je referais une croisière ou un voyage spécifique sur le Spitzberg.
N'hésitez pas à vous inscrire à la newsletter du blog, je communique au fur et à mesure des détails de cette croisière aux amis et en particulier aux personnes qui était avec nous sur la croisière.
je vais mettre sur le blog dans le mois qui vient je pense une interview d'un ami qui a passé 1 an dans la station de Ny-Alesund ... expérience de vie très intéressante qu'il a bien voulu me partager.
Le Spitzberg il est intéressant à mon avis de pas le faire au mois d'août pour avoir encore des restes de l'hivers bien prononcé.
Coté météo ... c'est quite ou double ... mais bon c'est le jeu.
Bonjour,
Intéressé par la faune de l'arctique en général, je suis allé voir votre site mis en lien :
http://travel-and-fashion.com/...aux-faune-spitsberg/
Intéressant en effet, mais permettez moi (amicalement) une remarque :
la video intitulée renard arctique, superbe au demeurant , ne montre pas un renard arctique mais un renard roux.
Et la technique de chasse, appelée chez nous le mulotage, très spectaculaire sur la neige, est bien la même que dans nos campagnes...
Mais vous n'en n'êtes semble t-il pas l'auteur, alors il serait bon - par respect du droit d'auteur - de le mentionner.
Vous mettez bien la mention du copyright sur vos photos...
Par ailleurs, moins évident : l'ours polaire, selon la très grande majorité des scientifiques, ne serait pas (contrairement à ce que nous dit Wiki...) un mammifère terrestre, mais un mammifère marin. Toutefois le débat perdure encore pour quelques uns...
Voir : http://www3.onf.ca/aventures/sedna/missionarctique/ma_ressources/faune_ourspolaire.html
J'ai bien aimé votre rappel de l'épopée du dirigeable Norge. A Teller, où il a fini son périple, quasiment rien ne le commémore...
Quant à la pub Samsung, merci pour ce clin d'oeil plein d'humour.
Effectivement il est bien roux ce renard mais lors d'une conférence sur la faune notre maitre de conférence Mr Chandeigne qui semblait si connaitre nous a décris le renard arctique changeant de couleur de pelage et pouvant être roux. Si vous avez des précisions je suis preneurs afin d'améliorer le texte du blog. Débattre sur le renard me refera partir un peu en vacances !
Pour ce qui est du copyright il me semblait qu'il n'y avait aucune ambiguité : la vidéo comporte le logo de la chaine américaine discovery et si l'on clique sur la vidéo on est sur la chaine youtube de discovery. Pensez vous que ça prête à confusion ? En tout cas c'est flatteur si ça prête à confusion, ça voudrait dire que je me paye des voies off anglo-saxonne pour illustrer mes vidéos :) Peux être un jour :)
la vidéo comporte le logo de la chaine américaine discovery et si l'on clique sur la vidéo on est sur la chaine youtube de discovery.
Effectivement il y a bien le logo en bas à droite, très discret et je vous avoue que je ne l'avais pas vu. Sinon on voit que c'est youtube mais c'est tout. Et sur l'autre video de l'ours polaire rien n'apparaît.
Vous allez penser que je pinaille et vous aurez sans doute raison, cependant je trouve que pour éviter toute confusion il serait bien de l'indiquer dans votre texte de présentation : "video de Discovery"...
Sinon, c'est sur, quelle voix off ! Si j'avais pensé que c'était la vôtre, je vous aurais volontiers sollicité pour mes propres réalisations !
Le nom vernaculaire lui-même de "renard roux" (vulpes vulpes) peut en effet engendrer une certaine confusion. Si le renard arctique (vulpes lagopus) peut en effet avoir une robe de couleur variable (du tout blanc en hiver au brun foncé/chamois en été) il en est presqu'autant du renard roux et particulièrement dans les régions nordiques. J'en ai vu des presque gris, et même un entièrement noir sauf le bout de la queue. Les Alaskans appellent ceux-ci des "crossed fox".
Mais le renard roux est considérablement plus gros et lourd que le renard arctique.
En l'occurrence je peux vous affirmer à 99,9% que ce renard est bien un magnifique renard roux.
D'ailleurs j'ai retrouvé cette video sur youtube : ajoutée le 5 juil2013 "a red fox....
A plus, et ravi si je vous ai permis de retourner là bas en pensée ne serait ce que quelques minutes.
Et le mien "de renard", il était appelé renard arctique bleu par les naturalistes. C'était dans les îles Kouriles, au mois d'octobre et il est peu probable qu'il change de couleur l'hiver.
En tout cas il n'était pas du tout farouche, et même intéressé par ces zozos en zodiac qui le regardaient.
Bonsoir,
Compte tenu de votre photo de signature, on ne pouvait que s'attendre à votre intervention.
Comme vous avez bien fait.
Merci pour ces très jolies photos d'un authentique Isatis bleu !
Mais pourquoi avoir retenu une photo floue alors que celles-ci sont superbes ?
Je suis très curieux de votre expérience des Kouriles.
Souhaitez vous m'en dire plus en MP ?
Cordialement.
Merci pour tous ces détails, la page a été mise à jour en tenant compte de vos remarques. J'y ai rajouté une ou deux vidéo avec cette fois le vrai Vulves Lagopus :)
Spitsbergen, 80° North latitude. A lost archipelago on the edge of the world, northeast of Greenland, the last lands before the pole. I m aboard the *Grigoriy…
We’re traveling next summer with our three kids, ages 9 to 15. We’ll arrive in Cork by ferry with our car. We’d like to stay several nights at each stop to settle in, take our time, and stay flexible depending on the weather!
What do you think of this 18-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival around 9:30 AM, drive to Kinsale to visit the village and Charles Fort, then accommodation
- Day 2: Blarney Castle + Cork, then accommodation
- Day 3: Travel to Kenmare (stopping at Gougane Barra?)
- Day 4: Glengariff and surrounding area
- Day 5: Healy Pass + southern Beara
- Day 6: Gap of Dunloe + Kenmare and Reenagross Park
- Day 7: Dursey Island
- Day 8: Killarney National Park
- Day 9: Travel to Clare (stopping at Bunratty)
- Day 10: Kilkee + Loop Head
- Day 11: The Burren
- Day 12: Aran Islands
- Day 13: Travel day to Connemara (stopping at Roundstone and Dog’s Bay or via Galway?)
- Day 14: Clifden + Sky Road + beach
- Day 15: Diamond Hill
- Day 16: Kylemore Abbey + Killary Fjord
- Day 17: Drive back to Cork (stopping at Cahir)
- Day 18: Departure
Hi there, after reading a well-known travel guide, it seems like there’s a lot to see and do in Valletta (I’m only talking about Valletta itself). That’s why I’m thinking of spending 2 days there. I don’t want to rush and would like to get a complete overview. However, I’ve noticed that some travelers only spend one day there. For those who know the city well, what do you think? (I’ve also planned the Three Cities for another day, by the way).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Our accommodation for 5 days will be near a "Carrefour by Deliveroo Hop." There doesn’t seem to be anything else nearby (it’s a very residential area).
I can’t figure out if it’s delivery-only or if you can also do your grocery shopping there. Does anyone know this type of store and could help me out, please?
Thanks in advance!
PS: I called, but I don’t speak Italian and the store doesn’t speak English—so they hung up on me.
Hi,
I’ve found my upcoming trip for February, and now I’m looking for a one-week getaway in April—somewhere not too far with generally nice weather. Any tips?
Best,😉
Hi everyone, we’re a group of 11 people (including 3 kids under 4) who’d like to do a wine tasting tour starting from Florence (we haven’t rented a car) in Chianti.
We’re looking for an organized tour that leaves from Florence and lets the adults do some wine tasting (and olive oil tasting if possible).
For those who’ve done this tour, do you have any suggestions for tour names that organize these kinds of events? What should we look out for before booking these tours?
Hi, who’s familiar with the Algarve?
Lagos—should I go for a rental or a hotel? How do I get from the airport to the seaside, and how do I get around the city? What’s there to see and do?
Thanks for your ideas and tips!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
Hi everyone,
I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon.
After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them.
So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them?
Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
Hello,
We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now:
Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits?
Thanks for your input and help!
Cheers!
Anne
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits!
Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!