L’endroit est sinistre. Il n’est que terre et poussière. Elle m’explique qu’il va se construire un ensemble commercial et que les engins vont arriver très bientôt. Il faut se dépêcher. Nous suivons les indices disséminés dans le livre et nous arrivons à une excavation récente. La jeune femme m’explique qu’elle a été creusée par les ouvriers. Nous y descendons… Au fond, nous découvrons une pierre plate. Aidés des outils laissés par les ouvriers, nous la soulevons. Un escalier apparaît. Nous nous jetons un regard. Sans un mot, nous descendons vers l’obscurité...
La suite lundi... bon Week-end à tous. Ou à toi tout seul, s'il n'y a qu'un seul lecteur...😕
je te rassure Sadim tu n'es pas le seul à te lire 😉
Après la 3ème marche sur ta main gauche tu as l'interrupteur (il parait que ça peut servir - du moins c'est ce qu'on m'a dit lorsque j'ai fais l'escalier et toute la maçonnerie* d'ailleurs); de plus au total tu as 666 marches qui doivent être un peu glissante 🤪 faites gaffe à pas vous casser la margoulette 🏴☠️
par contre je ne sais pas ce qu'ont entreposé les proprios
arvi'
* ma société c'est Ma Sonnette de Maison - maçonnerie en tous genres- gros oeuvres... si jamais tu as besion, préviens moi !!!
Devant nous s’ouvre un gouffre dans lequel d’étire un escalier. Noir. Luisant. Alors que je propose de déchirer la chemise de ma voisine pour en faire une torche, elle me fait remarquer l’interrupteur sur la gauche. Je maudis cet interrupteur et Wapata qui l’a mis là !
Au moment de commencer la descente de ces 666 marches (il y a un écriteau qui l’indique), elle se tourne vers moi et me dit :
« Si jamais nous ne devions pas revenir de cette aventure, il faut que tu saches quelque chose. » Je sens mon cœur battre… « Trous de poteau de prend pas de X au pluriel. » Ce n’est pas vraiment ce que j‘espérais mais c’est toujours ça de pris.
Notre descente commence. Chose étrange, une lueur sourde (ne me demandez pas ce qu’est une lueur sourde, c’est une licence poétique) irradie des murs. L’atmosphère s’alourdie au fur et à mesure de notre progression.
Je sens sa main attraper la mienne. Je suis heureux. Mort de peur mais heureux !
une lueur sourde (ne me demandez pas ce qu’est une lueur sourde, c’est une licence poétique)
Je vais faire un peu de hors sujet, mais à la fin de la parenthèse, vous comprendrez pourquoi.
Je dinais hier soir avec trois chinois, quand, en cours de repas, j'ai voulu attirer l'attention des serveurs pour demander je ne sais plus quoi. Comme dans tous les restaurants de Chine et de Navarre, il est souvent difficile d'attirer le regard des serveurs et serveuses, qui ne voient en général pas ce qui se situe à quelques degrés d'écart de la direction de leur regard. Il faut donc faire de grands gestes pendant un moment, pour qu'un déclic s'opère. Rien de bien nouveau donc hier soir.
Mais la scène pourtant habituelle a amusé une des chinoises, qui a absolument tenu à trouver une excuse aux serveurs: "ils ne t'ont pas vu car la musique est forte".
Voilà, la parenthèse peut maintenant se refermer, et nous pouvons donc en tirer une conclusion: puisque nous avons la démonstration que le bruit peut être aveuglant, pourquoi une lueur ne pourrait-elle pas être sourde?
La descente semble durer une éternité. J’aime le contact de ses doigts. Sa main est plutôt douce finalement. Elle doit mettre des gants ! Nous arrivons enfin. Un long couloir s’ouvre devant nous. Nous l’empruntons en promettant de le remettre en place à notre retour. Au loin une lueur annonce une pièce. Nous y pénétrons. Nous sommes dans une immense salle. Ses murs sont couverts de sculptures. Je me tourne vers ma spécialiste en haussant les sourcils. Je n’arrive pas à dater ces ornements. Elle aussi semble perplexe.
« Elles sont antérieures à l’Humanité ! » Une voix vient de répondre à notre question pourtant muette.
« Au Journal ? » demandé-je. Cette fois aucune réponse. Je me demande pourquoi…
Une silhouette s’avance doucement vers nous. Il est vêtu d’une longue robe blanche. Il parle avec un accent étrange que j’ai déjà entendu.
« Soyez les bienvenus au Grand Tabernacle. J’ose espérer que vous ne voulez pas maganer cet endroit. D’ordinaire c’est plutôt à la brunante que les tentatives de visite se font. Mais présentement, venez donc tinker. Attention de ne pas vous enfarger. »
De toute évidence, nous avons affaire à un être venu d’ailleurs.
« Où sommes-nous ?» ose demander ma voisine.
« C’est une longue histoire mais vous méritez que je vous la conte.Je crois qu’il est préférable que je parle votre langue.
Je suis le chef d’une confrérie qui existait avant même que les hommes ne pensent par eux-mêmes. Nous avons reçus l’ordre des Grands Anciens de veiller à ce que votre espèce progresse vers un mieux, une société plus sage, plus juste. Pour cela nous contrôlons votre monde depuis des millénaires. Mais nous savons aussi que le chemin est long et semé d’embûches. Notre devise est « Veritas Fluctuat ». Nous sommes à l’origine de nombres de mystères de votre société, les pyramides, les templiers, l’élixir de Longwy (merci à Gildadesiles), Mac Do… Nous nous attaquons maintenant au monde virtuel. Je suis le Grand Modérateur mais vous pouvez m’appelez St François. Mais nous aurons le temps de nous connaître. Vous devez rester là maintenant que vous savez.»
Et je compris. Toutes les pièces du puzzle se mettaient en place.
Veritas Fluctuat : VF !
Je repousse en arrière (pléonasme mais tant pis c’est efficace !) le GM et tire ma compagne vers la sortie. J’entends derrière-moi la poursuite qui s’engage. Je ne sais si nous pourrons sortir mais le monde doit savoir. Vous devez savoir. Je sens une main qui m’att….
Nous sommes désolés mais pour des raisons techniques, l’intégralité du message de Sadim a dû est supprimé. Nous regrettons cet incident.
François, Grand Modé…oups, je veux dire administrateur.
Si ce message disparaît vous saurez que j’ai dit la vérité. S’il reste vous saurez que les québécois ont de l’humour ! 😏
mais je suppose que tu vas etre soutenu et sauve par tes complices!..ils vont te tirer de se mauvais pas!..don't worry!..je les entends!...ils arrivent au galop!...
Je n'arrive pas au galop parce que j'ai mal à la gorge (vous ne voyez pas le rapport ? moi non plus !) mais en tant que complice patentée je vous aide à prendre la poudre d'escampette pendant que je fais une jasette avec François 😏 !
Allez, filez !
Dolma
un chemin et la caresse du vent, alors je pars en voyage...
Les bonnes choses ont une fin. Les mauvaises encore plus, donc je crois qu'il est temps de mettre un terme à ce voyage aux frontières du réel. J'aurais quand même bien aimé que cette histoire d'amour naissante se termine bien. Il y toujours un espoir. Je le connais, il va insister! Un filou!😇
Elle se dit duchesse mais je sais que c'est une véritable princesse. Une vraie! (Après la contesse aux pieds nus, voilà la princesse aux bottes vertes.😏)
😮😮 j'ai pas tout compris là ???? je dois être un peu trop naïve une fois de plus, mais bon, si une âme charitable à envie de me renseigner afin que je sois un peu plus aguerrie aux "us et coutumes" de VF ... vous privez pas.
Mais au final, jackpot Sadim, haut la main les 3 000 ...
alors, accordée l'augmentation ? 😉😛
Loin de moi l'idée de réveiller un post endormi du sommeil du juste mais je viens de lire dans courrier international qu'un écrivain : Gary Shteyngart vient de publier un livre sur un pays étonnant, l'Absurdistan.
Dès sa parution en français, je m'offrirai cette lecture.
Sidisthan-Absurdistan, amusant!!😏
Many of us have noticed that bugs have been making it difficult to navigate the forum lately.
I’ll let Kate and Ticapi explain the issue:
I went to your profile to check out the Thailand travel journal, and when I clicked on it, it brought me back here again. All week, I’ve been dealing with bugs like this—it’s really discouraging from continuing on VF.🙁
I had the same thing happen, and multiple times. For me, it was Montagnard’s latest journal that kept coming up no matter which discussion I clicked on.
Hi everyone, fellow travelers!
I’m looking for anyone who’s in Kyoto or planning to visit Nishiki Market! Here’s the thing: during our trip there in April, we discovered a jewelry artisan (highly recommended!) on the left when exiting through the west exit of Nishiki Market (which is a long covered east-west street). I bought a piece of jewelry for my daughter there, but she lost it. I’d love to buy her another one! In the photo, it’s the shop with the yellow awning to the right of the restaurant with the blue awning, "Sushi Sakai." Would any kind soul be willing to get the shop’s name, email, or phone number for me? Despite my Google/AI searches, it’s nowhere to be found. A thousand thanks to whoever can help me out! Wishing you all great vacations!
Sabrina
Hello everyone! 🙂🙂,
A BIG thank you to all the travelers who sent us postcards this year—my students are becoming real geography whizzes!!!!!!!! I’m renewing my call for your kindness this year! We’re also working on food, so if your postcards can make our mouths water with local dishes, traditional meals, or typical recipes, that’d be amazing!!
Here’s a quick recap of the project:
I’m reaching out to all travelers and globetrotters on this forum. I’m a teacher in Creuse, working in a ULIS program (which welcomes children aged 6 to 12 with disabilities into a mainstream school). This year, I’m starting a school journal project that will involve the kids in many different topics. A big part of the journal will focus on opening up to the world, diversity, travel, countries, culture...
I’m launching a call to invite as many of you as possible to send us a little postcard (from France or anywhere in the world!) to take us on a journey and help us discover new places, countries, and horizons—much more fun and exciting than a regular geography textbook! One section of our journal could be called "We received mail from " and would be an opportunity to research that location and share what we learn with our readers (a super enriching activity in class).
The project starts in September 2025 but has no real end date, as this journal and world discovery initiative will span several school years (the kids stay in my ULIS program for multiple years). Postcards can be sent anytime—throughout the year, across seasons, even during holidays! (The kids will find them when they return.)
I hope this idea appeals to as many of you as possible and that you’ll spread the word to your fellow traveler friends. Make us dream, take us on a journey!!!
For those who’d like to write to us in a language other than French, no problem—quite the opposite!!
Thank you in advance for your participation(s)! Below is our address. Feel free to leave your own address on a corner of the postcard if you’d like us to write back! 😊
The ULIS program students
Bonnat Elementary School
12 rue Georges Sand
23220 BONNAT
Thank you, and see you soon, I hope! 😁
Julien
Regarding the amount of tobacco you can buy during a trip in the European Union and bring back to France, we can't really talk about a "duty-free allowance," because the rules around how much tobacco you can bring back to France aren't straightforward at all under French law.
BOLIVIA: THE COUNTRY ON THE BRINK (What's Really Happening)
A dramatic saga is unfolding before our eyes in the Andes. Between suffocating blockades, clashes, an international airlift, and historic political decisions, Bolivia has just experienced 48 hours of rare intensity.
Here’s the full breakdown (economic, social, and political) of the last 48 hours:
For travelers and tourists: the article also includes an important note about the upcoming publication (starting tomorrow) of the precise status of roadblocks, route by route.
I’ll post the full update here on Voyage Forum!
Don’t miss this in-depth analysis. History is being written before our eyes! https://www.petitherge.com/bolivie-paralysie-et-ultimatum
I just discovered a great show on Arte.
It's called "7 en route": seven young European journalists travel around Europe in a fully converted bus, making reports on every city they visit. It's amazing! 🙂
Yesterday, for example, they were in Rome, Italy, and the reports included things like the world's smallest restaurant—a super romantic spot for two. There was also a report on the king of paparazzi in Italy.
They have to pick topics that let us discover the little quirks of each country. And at the end of each episode, we get to see the finished report.
It's such a great show, mixing journalism, travel, and discovery—basically, a must-watch!
It airs in the evening starting at 6:50 PM (I think), and it started this past Monday, July 14th.
If you watch it, let me know—we can chat about it!
I left my heart’s country eight days ago and returned to my adopted one—or was it the other way around? Scotland-Morvan, Morvan-Scotland, I’m not quite sure anymore.
After a quarter without dragging my slippers around here, even though I’d loudly declared I had no interest left in this site, here I am again!
My imagination never stays fallow for long. Just enough time for my inner land to rest. It gets overgrown with fresh nettles, the kind you can pick without getting stung. Then, it’s time to till the fragrant earth and let the story grow.
I hesitated over where to set this story.
Maybe the Highlands, maybe the Hebrides, maybe the Orkney Islands, maybe the Shetland Islands. All of Scotland is myth—easy to embroider.
But in the end, no. I’d almost be too afraid to bare my soul.
The story will take place at home. Simple, practical.
1)
This morning, I was up well before dawn, feeling a bit grumpy, but nothing a bowl of coffee won’t fix. I love my bowl, and no one dares take it. It’s porcelain, edged with intertwined blue flowers. On the bottom, it says "Revol." The factory has existed long before the Revolution. It was my great-grandmother’s bowl. She drank roasted barley from it during the war, then her Leroux chicory.
Last year, a little guy dropped it. My bowl broke into three pieces. A black anger vibrated deep inside me. The little boy was so upset, on the verge of tears. How could I scold him!
I picked up the three pieces and took Little Boy in my arms. His hair smelled of the light, sweet sweat of toddlers. A gentle hug that healed—his budding sorrow and my anger—everything vanished, and time carried on.
Today, my bowl is even prettier. Man fixed it using the traditional kintsugi technique, except he didn’t use gold powder or lacquer but superglue, and he delicately painted the cracks with woad blue. And my bowl is even more beautiful now.
I’m lingering, I can tell—it’s just that a story wraps itself in life, and life can’t be told in the snap of a finger. Life is long. Like in architecture, you start with a rough sketch, called a "sous-cul" (the initial pencil drawing), then you make a tracing, which is the work itself, the one you later carefully roll up in a wooden tube.
Life is like that: you erase, you start over, you use the nub of the pencil until it’s tiny, but you keep going—dreaming, loving.
"Living is a full-time occupation, a unique adventure. Always a surprise and a wonder, which sometimes turns into astonishment. And, from time to time, happiness."*
Alright, enough digressing—this introduction is definitely too long.
Tomorrow, I’ll get to the heart of the matter.
(I hate that expression; it feels like I’m cutting into someone’s skin.)
I’m Yann, a 28-year-old TikToker who loves traveling!
Since I’ve been to several destinations, I’d love to get a flag from each one as a sort of trophy. But from what I’ve seen online, a lot of sites sell them with what looks like really poor quality...
So I’m reaching out to you all to share a site you usually use—help me start my collection! :)
hi there
I’d love to get some opinions—I’ve never used Airbnb before.
They’re offering a key handover via lockbox.
Any tips or advice?
Is it reliable?
Best,
Hi there, I’m Laura, and I’m looking for a few people to answer some questions so I can understand your travel wishes and challenges. It won’t take long—I can chat here, by email, or by phone. Don’t worry, I’m not selling anything! 😊
On this forum, we talk a lot about trekking in the Himalayas, but I’d love to share another side of Nepal: its spiritual, cultural, and religious atmosphere, especially in Kathmandu.
Nepal, much like Tibet and Bhutan, is deeply connected to the Himalayas—the ultimate sacred mountain range. This small country exudes a calming vibe, shaped by a strong spiritual dimension. What I loved most was the unique sensory experience you get there. Walking around temples and tantric monasteries, a distinct scent fills the air—aromatic plants used for ritual fumigation. Locals mainly burn Himalayan juniper, cedar, sandalwood, and other local essences. This fragrant smoke is a way to purify the space and reach the deities, and you’re constantly enveloped in these aromas.
Another striking aspect is the sound. As soon as you step outside, you hear bells ringing in front of temples. People ring them three times before praying to announce their presence to the deities. Nepal is also the birthplace of singing bowls and sound meditation practices. In Kathmandu, you can easily find meditation sessions or "sound baths."
The spiritual dimension is everywhere: a Hindu sadhu practicing asceticism, a lama in deep red robes with his mala, turning a prayer wheel while murmuring "Om mani padme hum." Newar Buddhism, Tantrism, and Hinduism coexist harmoniously in daily life.
For those who love exploring a destination through its culture and spirituality, Nepal is an unforgettable place. What was your spiritual experience in Nepal like?
Hi,
I’m landing in Quebec and then heading to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. I’d like to rent a pick-up. My question is: does this vehicle come with a cover and is it secure enough to store luggage in? I’ve heard two conflicting opinions. Thanks
I just installed the Maps.Me app on my phone. I only recently found out about this app. I’m traveling in 2 weeks and a few days, and I’m a bit stuck on how to use it.
I’m from the Montreal (Quebec) area, and I’d love to know if there’s a kind soul out there who could help me get started and use the app at least minimally.
If there are private lessons available, I’d be interested in those too.
Like many others, I’m overjoyed to hear that VoyageForum is reopening! I’ve been waiting hopefully for this, and it’s wonderful that it’s finally happening!
I just couldn’t bring myself to actively participate in other French-language travel forums—their format and way of doing things never appealed to me as much. I really hope that VF’s structure, categories, and interface won’t change too much despite the handover, because I’m very attached to them. Through thick and thin, the site has held strong—it’s amazing!
In a previous message, François mentioned that there were positions to fill ahead of the reopening, including moderators...
I’ve been eagerly waiting for this and hoping to send in my CV.
Now, after reading the latest message, it seems like the team is already fully formed. But are there still a few spots left to fill?
I’ve been a VF member for 20 years (since 2004). I’d love to contribute to this wonderful adventure as a moderator if VF would trust me with the role. If the team is open to reviewing it, I’m ready to send my CV. Could you let me know the next steps?
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Japan in May with Voyage Privé. The package includes a 5 GB eSIM, but my phone isn’t new enough to support it. VP told me I could buy a SIM card when I arrive at the airport.
Sure enough, I’ve seen online that this is possible with different providers.
I only need it for checking routes, looking up addresses, train schedules, etc.—basically using Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and similar apps. No heavy downloads or major internet use. All hotels should provide free Wi-Fi for that, right?
Has anyone got any tips for me on this? What have you tried, and how much did it cost?
Thanks for your help!
I’d like to know if you can buy reef-safe sunscreen sprays at 7-Eleven. If so, how much do they cost? We’re traveling with backpacks, so we’ll either buy 100ml here or in Thailand.
I wanted to share a really unpleasant experience from our last trip booked with Promoséjours and organized by FTI.
We booked an 8-day/7-night stay in Egypt, from June 8 to 15.
The flight initially scheduled was changed a week before departure to take off at 10 PM from Paris CDG.
In the end, it took off with a 1-hour delay and included an unmentioned stopover in Marsa Alam.
We landed in Hurghada at 4 AM and arrived at the hotel at 6 AM.
So, we spent our first night on the plane.
For the return trip, surprise—the flight was moved up. We left the hotel at 10:30 PM on Friday the 14th to take off at 2 AM and land at 7 AM at Paris CDG.
So, we spent our last night on the plane too.
After sending a complaint letter to Promoséjours / FTI, they replied that the first and last days can be dedicated to transport (which I already knew) and that no matter how many nights you book, you’re not guaranteed to spend them in the hotel—it could just as well be on the plane.
I’m really questioning this.
Isn’t there a law that protects customers in cases like this?
Because when I do the math, the first and part of the second day were spent on transport, same for the second-to-last and last day. And I paid for 7 nights for a stay that only lasted 5.
Anyway, I just want to say thanks to them—thanks to their two sleepless nights in transit, I’m coming back even more exhausted from a trip that was supposed to be restful!
I also want to warn anyone booking through this agency about visas for Egypt.
At booking, they told me the visa was included in the price, then they sent me an email saying I’d have to pay for it on-site at 25 €.
Once there, we were directed to a special line for FTI customers, and guess what? They charged us 30 €!
Basically, they’re great at making sure you *enjoy* your vacation—mostly by enjoying your wallet!
If anyone has dealt with this kind of situation and won their case, I’m all ears.
Hi there!
I’m heading to Thailand for two months.
So I thought I’d get a Thai SIM card to use Google Maps for getting around cities, mostly.
Here’s my question: will this SIM affect my apps? Or will they work the same as with my Orange SIM?
Is there any setup I need to do, or can I just pop in the Thai SIM?
I’d also like to switch back to my Orange SIM now and then while I’m in Thailand—on the same phone. Will I need to reset the phone, or will it reconnect without any issues?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Best,
Huiclos
Hi, I’d like to know where we can buy beer or wine in Chefchaouen and around Merzouga. We’ll be doing a circuit and staying at the Parador Hotel in Chefchaouen and in a bivouac in Merzouga.
Thanks for any info you can share!
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out to all travelers and globe-trotters on this forum. I’m a teacher in Creuse working in a ULIS program (which welcomes children aged 6 to 12 with disabilities into a mainstream school). This year, I’m launching a school journal project that will involve the kids in many different topics. A big part of this journal will focus on opening up to the world, embracing differences, travel, global cultures, and more.
I’m putting out a call to invite as many of you as possible to send us a postcard (from France or anywhere in the world)! The goal is to help us "travel" and discover new places, countries, and horizons in a way that’s much more fun and exciting than a geography textbook. One section of our journal could be called "We received a letter from ," where we’d research the location and share what we learn with our readers—a really enriching activity for the classroom.
The project starts in September 2025 but doesn’t have a strict end date, since this journal and world-discovery initiative will span several school years (the kids stay in the ULIS program for multiple years). Postcards can be sent anytime—throughout the year, across seasons, even during holidays! The kids will find them when they return.
I hope this idea appeals to as many of you as possible, and that you’ll spread the word to your fellow travelers. Help us dream and explore!
For those who’d like to write to us in a language other than French, no problem—quite the opposite!
Thank you in advance for your participation! Below is our address. If you’d like us to write back, feel free to leave your address on a corner of the postcard! 😊
ULIS program students
Bonnat Elementary School
12 rue Georges Sand
23220 BONNAT
Thank you, and I hope to hear from you soon! 😊
Julien
🙂
Hi there! I have to leave Ivato/Antananarivo on December 16th. I have a lot of ariary that I’d like to exchange for euros since I might not be coming back to Madagascar (after this 21st trip). I think the exchange office at Ivato also buys ariary back. If any of you have seen the rate for this buyback in advance, thanks a million!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for a website that would let me plot my travel route in advance so I can print it out. The idea is to create a map with a little “me” on a bike that my parents can move along as I progress, since I’m planning to cycle all the way to Nepal.
If any of you have done something similar or know of a good tool, I’d love to hear your tips!
Thanks in advance! 😊
I'm looking to buy an ultra-lightweight 50/55L travel backpack with a suitcase or front opening.
Does anyone have any brand and/or model recommendations?
Thanks,
Emma
Hello. We’re a retired couple heading to Sri Lanka from January to March. After the November floods, I’d like to know if we can offer hands-on help to the locals, maybe pack some clothes or other items people might need in our luggage, and who we could give them to. Thanks for any info from those on the ground.
Be careful when sailing between Somalia and northern Madagascar.
It appears to be Somali pirates who have widened their search in the Mozambique Channel, far from their usual attack zone, since, to my knowledge, there are no Malagasy pirates.
Nous sommes désolés mais pour des raisons techniques, l’intégralité du message de Sadim a dû est supprimé. Nous regrettons cet incident.
François, Grand Modé…oups, je veux dire administrateur.
Hi everyone, fellow travelers!
I’m looking for anyone who’s in Kyoto or planning to visit Nishiki Market! Here’s the thing: during our trip there in April, we discovered a jewelry artisan (highly recommended!) on the left when exiting through the west exit of Nishiki Market (which is a long covered east-west street). I bought a piece of jewelry for my daughter there, but she lost it. I’d love to buy her another one! In the photo, it’s the shop with the yellow awning to the right of the restaurant with the blue awning, "Sushi Sakai." Would any kind soul be willing to get the shop’s name, email, or phone number for me? Despite my Google/AI searches, it’s nowhere to be found. A thousand thanks to whoever can help me out! Wishing you all great vacations!
Sabrina
