L'Unesco vient de décider de placer Tombouctou et le Tombeau des Askia sur la liste des sites menacés suite au conflit armé qui sévit actuellement au nord du Mali.
Cette alerte dramatique permettra-t-elle de sauver ce patrimoine immense grâce à la mise en place d'actions concertées ?
Bonsoir Chandi , bien sûr que Tombouctou et le Tombeau des Askias sont menacés , mais ne doit on pas se préoccuper avant tout du sort réservé aux habitants du Nord du Mali ? Si les hommes étaient préservés le patrimoine n aurait pas à souffrir ! Excuse moi de penser aux humains plutôt qu aux tas de sable!!
Cela dit c est juste une réflexion , bien sûr qu il faut préserver ce qui représente l histoire d un pays, mais quand même ne perdons pas de vue les choses essentielles;
Cordialement
Régine
bien sûr que Tombouctou et le Tombeau des Askias sont menacés , mais ne doit on pas se préoccuper avant tout du sort réservé aux habitants du Nord du Mali ?
Le sujet de ce topic est centré sur une décision de l'Unesco, pas sur ma conception d'une hiérarchie hommes/patrimoine !
Or, L'Unesco a pour rôle de protéger le patrimoine culturel de l'humanité ; en plaçant Tombouctou sur cette liste, c'est ce qu'elle tente de faire en faisant face à la réalité qui se dessine ; on ne peut quand même pas le lui reprocher !
A moins que tu ne remettes en question la légitimité de l'existence de l'organisation ou qu'elle doive se retirer de tous les conflits ?
Car la sauvegarde du patrimoine culturel d'un peuple est indispensable : c'est celle de sa mémoire, de son identité et de sa dignité. C'est la reconnaissance et la consécration de son génie.
Elle sert aussi à le protéger des pillages et des trafics... qui enrichissent les trafiquants et satisfont quelques collectionneurs au détriment de la population littéralement dépouillée de son héritage.
Excuse moi de penser aux humains plutôt qu aux tas de sable!!
Désolée, je n'accepte pas cette image du patrimoine malien... si dévalorisante (méprisante ? très maladroite ?).
J'ai beaucoup de mal à percevoir, au-delà de ta définition singulière des oeuvres qui en font partie, du respect pour les hommes qui les ont créées quand ils sont réduits au rang d'aussi piètres bâtisseurs... à celui d'assembleurs de "tas de sable".
Je ne vois pas en quoi cette réflexion sert à réaffirmer la prééminence des hommes comme tu souhaites le faire.
Alerter sur le risque de péril du patrimoine n'exclut pas la conscience de l'urgence de l'engagement auprès des peuples en danger. Et inversement.
bien sûr qu il faut préserver ce qui représente l histoire d un pays, mais quand même ne perdons pas de vue les choses essentielles;
Mais qui aurait perdu cette "vue des choses essentielles" ?
Cette remarque accompagne-t-elle un engagement personnel concret qui s'inscrit dans ce sens ou est-elle purement théorique sur ce qui doit être la juste cause ?
Pour finir, je suis entièrement d'accord avec toi : si les hommes étaient protégés, la patrimoine souffrirait moins. Mais la réalité ne s'écrit malheureusement pas au conditionnel !
Bonjour,
Avec tout le respect que je vous doit, et ma sensibilité pour la culture, au sens le plus large du therme, je voudrais quand meme dire, que:
Aujourd'hui, un peuple est menacé, justement de la préservation de sa culture, et de son éxistence, des dizaines de milliers de ces gens sont dans la détresse la plus complète, c'est beaucoup de souffrance.
Je fait partie de ces gens, qui pense d'abord aux hommes, si on pense a eux, on sauvera le reste!
Il ne s'agirait pas de sauver un tombeau, et d'abandonner toute une civilisation!
Pensons aux hommes et le reste suivra.
A chacun ses sensibilités, n'est-ce pas?
Mais au moment ou l'indépendance du nord mali est aprés se jouer, (et avec elle, la préservation de sa culture, de son patrimoine, et de son peuple), il ne faut pas vous étonner des réponses qui ne vous conviennent pas.
Regardez ce qui se passe au tibet aujourd'hui, ou ce qui s'est passé en afghanistan, il ya quelques années avec les fameuses statues bouddhiste.
Cordialement
patrick
marche à l'étoile meme si elle est trop haute
(Alexandra David- Neel)
voyager n'est pas arrivé mais parcourir le chemin(stevenson)
Aujourd'hui, un peuple est menacé, justement de la préservation de sa culture, et de son éxistence, des dizaines de milliers de ces gens sont dans la détresse la plus complète, c'est beaucoup de souffrance... Il ne s'agirait pas de sauver un tombeau, et d'abandonner toute une civilisation!
Je suis désolée mais je ne comprends toujours pas cette remarque (mon étonnement est sincère) : aurais-je, un instant, prétendu le contraire ?
Chandini,
Ce que j'ai voulu dire, c'est que la situation là-bas est très grave!
Il y a un peuple qui souffre, beaucoup!
Le devenir de l'azawak est aprés se jouer!
la priorité des priorités, il me semble, doit aller a l'aide d'un peuple qui demande son indépendance, comme on le voit "presque" partout dans le monde.
Protéger le patrimoine, c'est bien, mais protéger les autochtones, c'est mieux.(le reste suivra)
Hors, a ce jour, tout le monde s'en fou!ça , c'est le premier scandale(avant l'unesco)
Ne me forcez pas a écrire, qui sont les premiers résponsables de cette situation.
A Gao, il y a le tombeau des askia, peut-etre que si il y a avait du petrole ou de l'uranium........
Je comprends votre point de vue, étant passionnée par la culture, moi , je suis passionné par les hommes, d'ou mes remarques.
Cordialement
patrick
marche à l'étoile meme si elle est trop haute
(Alexandra David- Neel)
voyager n'est pas arrivé mais parcourir le chemin(stevenson)
Comme tu l'évoques toi-même, le scandale n'est pas que l'Unesco joue son rôle mais plutôt que les états ne jouent pas le leur.
A partir de ce constat, pourquoi condamner l'intervention de l'Unesco parce que celle de l'ONU (dont la mission diffère de celle de l'Unesco) tarde trop ? Déplacer les responsabilités est stérile.
Je comprends votre point de vue, étant passionnée par la culture, moi , je suis passionné par les hommes, d'ou mes remarques.
Cette dichotomie entre ceux qui aimeraient passionnément les hommes (toi) et ceux qui aimeraient passionnément la culture (moi) est totalement arbitraire et repose encore sur cette logique de hiérarchisation à laquelle je me suis déjà opposée (lis plus haut !).
Par extension, on en arrive à une représentation manichéenne du monde : il y a les doués de sentiments humains et les anesthésiés ! Les bienveillants qui compatissent à la souffrance du monde et les indifférents ! Les êtres moraux qui défendent la suprématie de la vie et les cyniques qui défendent celle des choses ! Les représentants du bien et ceux du beau !
Mais c'est quand même incroyable que le fait d'avoir relayé cette information puisse générer une suspicion quant à ma capacité d'empathie envers les êtres humains !
Qui aborde un thème en minore donc sur-le-champ les autres ayant trait au même sujet ? Quelle déduction hâtive !
Désolée, je ne justifierai pas ici la nature de mes engagements envers les populations menacées...
Mais j'aime la culture ET les hommes, et inversement... Car à côté de la culture il y a les hommes, indissociablement.
Je ne mets pas en doute ta sincérité quant à l'angoisse que tu ressens face à ces menaces qui pèsent sur la population du nord du Mali : elle est perceptible et je la partage entièrement car pour moi, rien ne vaut une vie.
Par ailleurs, j'accepte bien tes remarques car tu essayes de comprendre sans moraliser, au-delà du prétendu clivage que tu perçois entre nous.
Mais en retour, tâche d'abandonner cette pensée binaire et tes schémas erronés (Cf. "vous passionnée par la culture et moi par les hommes").🙂
Bonjour
bien triste en effet !
Il faut sauver les 2 , le Tombeau des Askia et les habitants de Gao , les livres et les habitants de Tombouctou ...mais les grands organismes et nos gouvernants sont bien peu rapides dans leurs décisions ...on se souvient d'1 rapidité autre quand le Koweit avait été envahit !
nous sommes bien peu de choses devant nos claviers et à part aider dans la mesure de nos moyens les amis que nous avons sur place , que faire ?
égoïstement , je suis aussi triste de ne plus pouvoir y aller !😕
cordialement
francia
le mérite d'un homme réside dans sa connaissance et dans ses actes et non point dans la couleur de sa peau ou de sa religion!
Khalil Gibran
bonjour
je n'y serais bien évidemment pas utile , même au contraire !
la dernière fois c'était en janvier 2010 et nos amis Touaregs nous ont avoués après notre retour qu'ils avaient eu peur pour nous !
de fait nous n'étions que 4 Français au nord de Gao à un concert !
mais c'est parce que l'on y a des amis et que cette région me plait , nos projets sont en attente et nos craintes sont grandes !
Je pense que toute action est positive en ce moment et que l'Unesco tire la sonnette d'alarme est une bonne chose !
francia
le mérite d'un homme réside dans sa connaissance et dans ses actes et non point dans la couleur de sa peau ou de sa religion!
Khalil Gibran
Mais les nouvelles sont très mauvaise en ce qui concerne l'appel de l'Unesco : une dépêche de l'AFP a signalé aujourd'hui, vers 15 h, que les mausolées de Tombouctou ont commencé à être détruits ce matin.
Je sais Francia, j'ai parcouru la presse cet après-midi, après lecture de la dépêche de l'AFP... et je n'y ai trouvé que confirmation sur confirmation.
Protéger le patrimoine, c'est bien, mais protéger les autochtones, c'est mieux.(le reste suivra)
Compte tenu des nouvelles tristes, c'est du pur cynisme.
Si je vous lis, j'ai l'impression que la culture n'a rien à voir avec les hommes ... Dites, au Maroc, les éléments du patrimoine historique tombent-ils du ciel ?!
étant passionnée par la culture, moi , je suis passionné par les hommes, d'ou mes remarques.
Vous prêtez à qqn de préférer le patrimoine aux hommes ?! Pas gentil !
protection des hommes - protection des lieux de leur histoire : pourquoi tout opposer ? Tout coup de projecteur sur la situation du Mali et des peuples qui y vivent est une bonne chose.
Bonsoir,
(Pour Chandini aussi)
Pardonnez-moi, mais je vais prendre la route pour l'europe et je n'ai pas le temps de vous répondre longuement)
Simplement, on ne doit pas bien se comprendre, mais il me semble que ANSAR DINE, ce matin, vient de vous démontrer tristement a Tombouctou, que l'urgence pour sauver le patrimoine, ce n'était pas une depeche de l'unesco, mais une histoire (de décision) )d'hommes.(c'est ce qu'on a voulu dire)
Mais vous croyez quoi?c'est la charia qui veulent installer, vous etes aveugle?
Les temples , les tombeaux et le reste, ils ont le meme devenir que les statues bouddhistes d'afghanistan!
Fallait pas laisser faire, par la force, le reste , c'est de la litèrature.
Bonne soirée
patrick
marche à l'étoile meme si elle est trop haute
(Alexandra David- Neel)
voyager n'est pas arrivé mais parcourir le chemin(stevenson)
Bonsoir,
J'aime beaucoup ta dèrniére phrase, "les clochettes de l'unesco......."
(pensée pour la sahara occidental et le devenir son peuple autochtone)
patrick
marche à l'étoile meme si elle est trop haute
(Alexandra David- Neel)
voyager n'est pas arrivé mais parcourir le chemin(stevenson)
Le sujet vient de changer de rubrique et figure désormais dans Actualité voyage.
Non... Désormais, il figure aussi dans actualité voyage. Ce qui augmente sa visibilité puisqu'il est présent dans 2 rubriques sur vf (Afrique de l'ouest, et donc... actualités voyage)
Rendre visible une même discussion dans plusieurs forums est un des changements positifs intervenus sur vf.
Créer ainsi des passerelles entre des gens qui ne se côtoiraient pas sinon... est un réel progrès.
... "J'attendrais bien que Taamaden rectifie mais je le devance : les phrases en italique ne sont pas de lui mais de Petittailla.
Et ça change tout au sens de son message ! "...
Utiliser l'écriture en italique à la place de la fonction "citation" est la manière de faire de certains... ça n'altère pas la compréhension du message. 🙂
Utiliser l'écriture en italique à la place de la fonction "citation" est la manière de faire de certains... ça n'altère pas la compréhension du message.
Manifestement si, puisque Cambrousse réattribue apparemment à Taamaden certains propos qu'elle condamne alors qu'il pense justement le contraire !
Ça ne correspond donc pas au message reçu de voyage forum qui stipule que la discussion a été déplacée dans Actualité voyage.
Elle est clicable sur le forum où tu l'as ouverte à l'origine : "Afrique de l'ouest"...
C'est de là que je la suis... (je vais rarement dans actualités voyage)
Peut-être que Cambrousse répond dans la discussion, en... cliquant sur le dernier message ! Nombreux sont ceux qui procèdent ainsi... 🙂
Sa réponse me semble être une réflexion générale plutôt qu'une réponse personnalisée...
tu as bien raison. Mais, désolé, je suis un animal routinier et en règle je cite "en italiques". Parfois j'ai pris usage de la fonction "citation", les quelques fois avec succès, les quelques fois sans succès ... Hmmm !
Donc, comme a dit la forumiste Chandini, les phrases en italiques sont des phrases de Petittailla.
Je ne suis pas certain que vous êtes conscient de l’importance de Tombouctou à cause de ses manuscrits, des « trésors documentaires » (spirituels) de l’humanité en général et du continent africain en spécial (Tombouctou en tant que preuve contraire du cliché acharné de l'Ancienne Afrique sans écriture*). Et je pense bien sûr aussi aux mausolées, aux cimetières, aux 3 Grandes Mosquées (Djingareyber, Sankoré, Sidi Yahia), aux particularités architecturales (des maisons bourgeoises) et notamment aussi aux Jardins Suspendus (surnommés souvent « Jardins du Sable » par les auteurs français ; si cela vous intéresse et si le livre de Jean Gabus/Hans Erni 1982 « Sahara – bijoux et techniques » vous est accessible, là, vous voyez une photo aérienne où l’on peut bien découvrir ces jardins uniques) de Tombouctou ...
Je connais bien Tombouctou, ville que j’ai visitée plusieurs fois, pour la première fois en 1995. D’ailleurs, Sidi Mahmoud dont le mausolée figure parmi ceux détruits hier est très « vivant » en ville. Beaucoup de légendes gravitent autour de lui et il est vénéré beaucoup par les habitants, entre autre en tant que faiseur de pluie ... Vous comprenez ce que je veux dire ?!
Sans rancune.
Bon dimanche à vous.
* et même les Africains y contribuent, par ex. Amadou Hampaté Bâ par ses paroles « En Afrique, quand un vieillard meurt, c'est une bibliothèque qui brûle » (très apprécié comme citation).
... Parce que les édifices, objets et livres ont valeur historique, artistique et symbolique.
... Parce qu'ils sont l'âme d'un peuple, expriment sa spiritualité, ses croyances, sa représentation de l'univers et du statut qu'il y occupe, sa conception de la vie et de la mort, celle de l'au-delà, son sens de l'esthétique, son passé et sa projection dans l'avenir...
... Veiller à sauvegarder cela, c'est respecter profondément les hommes dans ce qu'ils ont de singulier ; c'est protéger l'empreinte qu'ils laissent sur terre pour marquer leur passage et transmettre à leur groupe les codes fondateurs de leur identité associés à leurs valeurs spécifiques.
Pour qu'ils puissent continuer légitimement à exister en tant que peuple...
Bonjour
mais nous sommes tous en peine , Petitalia comme les autres et moi même !
simplement on trouve dommage que les réactions ne se fassent entendre aussi rapidement pour protéger le peuple , sachant très bien que tout est lié !
l'homme fait la culture et la culture fait l'homme !
pas simple de toujours se comprendre , mais notre affliction est la même !🤪
cordialement
francia
le mérite d'un homme réside dans sa connaissance et dans ses actes et non point dans la couleur de sa peau ou de sa religion!
Khalil Gibran
... Parce que les édifices, objets et livres ont valeur historique, artistique et symbolique.
... Parce qu'ils sont l'âme d'un peuple, expriment sa spiritualité, ses croyances, sa représentation de l'univers et du statut qu'il y occupe, sa conception de la vie et de la mort, celle de l'au-delà, son sens de l'esthétique, son passé et sa projection dans l'avenir...
... Veiller à sauvegarder cela, c'est respecter profondément les hommes dans ce qu'ils ont de singulier ; c'est protéger l'empreinte qu'ils laissent sur terre pour marquer leur passage et transmettre à leur groupe les codes fondateurs de leur identité associés à leurs valeurs spécifiques.
Pour qu'ils puissent continuer légitimement à exister en tant que peuple...
Je tiens à souligner chaque mot. On ne peut pas faire mieux !!!
Merci, Francia !
Herbert
(si j'utilise la fonction "citation", on me dit : "Oups! Une erreur est survenue: Il y a dans votre message une balise "" qui n'est pas fermée par la balise """. Désolé, c'est chinois pour moi ...)
Bonjour,
Je connais aussi Tombouctou, et je suis aussi en peine, écoeuré par ce qui se passe, je crois que nous le sommes tous!
Nous réagissons de façons différentes, rien de grave .
Sans rancune également.
Cordialement
patrick
marche à l'étoile meme si elle est trop haute
(Alexandra David- Neel)
voyager n'est pas arrivé mais parcourir le chemin(stevenson)
Félicitation a Chandini, moi non plus, je ne sais pas m'éxprimer ainsi!
J'avais les larmes aux yeux, en relisant les messages, en m'imaginant ce qui se passe là-bas!
Et, Taamaden, vous venez de me détendre et de me faire rire sans le vouloir, en confondant de nouveau Francia et Chandini!
Merci, cela m'a détendu.
patrick
marche à l'étoile meme si elle est trop haute
(Alexandra David- Neel)
voyager n'est pas arrivé mais parcourir le chemin(stevenson)
vous êtes vraiment drôle ... dès le début, vous semblez ne pas comprendre du tout mais vous vous comportez comme étant le seul qui peut partager fort bien la détresse de la population ...
Je connais aussi Tombouctou. Oui, le bar du Bouctou ...
Le sujet ici est la sauvegarde du patrimoine culturel de Tombouctou et de Gao mais vous voulez dire que « la situation là-bas est très grave » (message 11). Tout le monde le sait et personne ne le nie mais le sujet ici n’est pas la polémique. Et pourtant, le Monsieur veut parler coûte que coûte sur l’uranium, le MNLA, Ansar Dine, la charia etc. pp. ... La culture, c’est pour lui « le reste » : quelle « sensibilité pour la culture » !
Non, Monsieur, je ne suis pas aveugle mais je ne jette pas tout dans le même panier ! De plus, je n'ai pas confondu Chandini à Francia, je me suis mal exprimé ...
Le dernier message de Petittailla était... un geste d'apaisement, une sorte de main tendue pour que, malgré des divergences de point de vue, la discussion reste centrée sur l'essentiel et ne tourne pas à la polémique stérile.
Ne la refuse pas...
Je le souhaite. Démarrer cette discussion était important et de ce fait, je ne veux pas qu'elle soit entraînée dans une polémique ...
On peut bien sûr parler sur les rapports de ce conflit, le rôle de ses participants, l'histoire des Touareg (y compris leur mésestimation et refus de la part des Etats concernés dont le Mali) etc. pp. mais c'est une autre discussion ...
Accepte que pour certains, peut-être plus plus guidés par l'affectif que par le raisonnement... scientifique ?... il soit difficile de ne pas mêler ces deux problématiques. 🙂
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If you're planning your trips for 2026, Bruno Maltor's latest video should catch your interest. The travel tips YouTuber lists about ten destinations that could seriously complicate your stay this year.
What to expect in 2026
Without giving everything away, here are a few hints about what might ruin your trip:
- Major construction projects turning some cities into work zones (Olympics, infrastructure, etc.)
- Iconic sites under scaffolding – yes, even world-famous landmarks
- Major sporting events causing prices to skyrocket and accommodations to fill up
- Formerly affordable destinations now priced out of reach
- New tourist restrictions in cities that can’t handle any more visitors
- Concerning health or logistical situations in certain countries
10 destinations scrutinized
Bruno Maltor breaks down the cases of Los Angeles, Athens, Barcelona, Hallstatt, Vancouver, Cuba, Argentina, Kyoto, the Canary Islands, and Cairo in his video. For each, he explains exactly what the issues are and whether they’re temporary or structural.
Watch the full video.
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VoyageForum celebrates its 1-year reopening with MyAtlas!
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The end of a golden age
For years, travel forums embodied the spirit of mutual aid on the web. Travelers generously shared their experiences, tips, and secret spots. This collective generosity seemed endless. But behind this altruistic facade lay a more complex reality.
The silent infiltration of forums
Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," professionals in tourism, affiliates seeking commissions, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now lurk.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations. A "favorite" hotel mentioned insistently, an "essential" guidebook systematically cited, an "extraordinary" local agency that keeps coming up in conversations.
New travelers can no longer tell the difference between selfless advice and disguised promotion. This informational pollution has gradually eroded the trust that gave these platforms their value.
The rise of paid Travel Planners
Faced with this decline, a new profession has emerged: the independent Travel Planner. These professionals fully embrace their commercial status and charge for personalized advice.
The model is transparent: you pay for real expertise, tailor-made itineraries, and guaranteed availability. Some offer packages for 150-300 € to plan a two-week trip entirely. Others charge by the hour.
This professionalization marks a turning point. Travel advice is leaving the realm of volunteerism and entering the world of paid services. Paradoxically, this acknowledged monetization can restore a form of trust: you know what you’re paying for.
The irruption of artificial intelligence
But now, a third option is emerging: generative AI. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others can now generate travel itineraries in seconds, for free, with no commercial agenda.
AI promises neutral, synthetic, endlessly customizable information. It compiles thousands of sources in real time, suggests alternatives, and adapts recommendations to your budget and time constraints. It doesn’t sell anything, earns no commissions, and has no hotels to promote.
But this apparent neutrality hides its own limitations. AI feeds on existing data, often from the same polluted forums or marketing content. It can invent restaurants that don’t exist, mix up tourist seasons, or ignore recent local realities. It has never walked a city’s streets, negotiated with a tuk-tuk driver, or felt the atmosphere of a neighborhood at nightfall.
The forgotten alternative: authentic local experts
In this landscape saturated with dubious information, imperfect AI, and monetized services, one often-overlooked option remains: consulting real local professionals.
Not the agencies at the top of Google’s first page—often the most expensive and generic. But small local businesses, independent guides established for years, still-free municipal tourism offices, and cultural associations organizing themed tours.
These players offer what neither AI nor forums can: embodied, up-to-date, contextualized knowledge of the area. They know the newly opened restaurant, the museum temporarily closed for renovations, the impromptu weekend festival, or the alternative route to avoid construction.
Finding them takes extra effort. You have to search in the local language, look beyond the first page of results, check regional institutional websites, and join community Facebook groups. But this approach is often rewarded with free or low-cost advice of unmatched precision.
Toward an ecology of travel advice
The future of travel advice likely won’t be binary but hybrid. AI can rough out itineraries, propose logistical options, and compare alternatives. Travel Planners can refine, personalize, and reassure anxious travelers. Local experts can enrich, correct, and ground advice in on-the-ground reality.
But for this ecosystem to work, we’ll need to develop new discernment. Learn to spot fake profiles on forums. Systematically verify AI suggestions. Assess the real value of a Travel Planner before paying. And, above all, rediscover the habit of contacting those who live there directly.
Travel has always been a school of discernment. It teaches us to distinguish the authentic from the fake, sincere advice from commercial manipulation. In the digital age, this skill becomes more crucial than ever.
Because ultimately, the real question isn’t which information source to prioritize, but how to cultivate our own ability to evaluate, cross-check, and ultimately make informed choices. The best travel guide may still be our critical thinking.
Travel is, above all, a story of encounters.
Those that inspire us, guide us, and make us dream.
That’s why we’re happy to announce a partnership between Petit Futé and VoyageForum, two worlds that share the same passion: travel experienced and recounted by those who truly set off.
In practical terms, you can now find VoyageForum directly on PetitFuté.com, through:
Over 190 destinations linked to the forum: on each “Discover the destination” page, a “Travelers’ Forum” tab lets you access discussions, tips, and testimonials from travelers just like you.
A link to the forum in the “Community” menu under “Discover the forum”, where you can chat, ask questions, or simply dream about your next getaway.
This partnership marks a new step in giving travelers even more of a voice.
A way to connect practical information and lived experience, to share insights so everyone can plan their trips by relying on what’s most valuable: exchanges between enthusiasts.
Thanks to all of you who keep this wonderful community alive, day after day.
Because travel is even more beautiful when it’s shared
You’ve explored the world, captured landscapes, and lived unique moments…
What if now was the perfect time to bring them to life on paper?
With the discount offered by MyAtlas for 1 month, turn your best memories into a real printed travel journal—something to flip through, share, and cherish.
Holding a real photo book in your hands is so different from scrolling through files on a hard drive. It’s something to treasure and share with loved ones over a nice slice of cake. A tangible way to keep your travel memories alive.
PROMO CODE: PROMOVF15
Discount: 15%
Valid until: November 13, 2025!
One use per person
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer—if you’ve got travel photos waiting to be printed, now’s the time to go for it!
I’ve kept quiet about them... to preserve them.
Those are the words of a passionate traveler who recently wrote to us.
For years, he’s been discovering rare, authentic places... and chooses to say nothing.
Out of respect. Out of fear of destruction. Out of love for secrecy.
What would you do?
You stumble upon a magical spot, still untouched by mass tourism.
Do you keep it to yourself... or do you open the door, gently, to other travelers?
At DIRECTRAVEL, we’re asking ourselves these questions.
Can sharing be an act of passing something on?
Or is it always the beginning of the end for these preserved places?
Read the article here.
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org.
2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions.
Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page.
3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary.
A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries.
The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL.
The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
What if your travel memories had a place in a real journal? 🌍
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
Use the code BIENVENUE10 for 10% off your first album ;)
A new step for visitors starting September 2025
Laos is modernizing its border entry procedures. From September 1, 2025, the Laos Immigration Police Department will pilot a new online arrival registration system for foreign passport holders.
This new procedure is similar to Thailand’s recent switch to a digital arrival card system (introduced in May 2025). Just like in Thailand, travelers heading to Laos will still need a valid visa—either an e-visa obtained online in advance or a visa on arrival (VOA) at eligible checkpoints—but they can now skip the paper immigration forms at the border.
TikTok is currently experimenting with a hotel booking feature directly integrated into its app, in partnership with a well-known specialized platform. American users can now search for and book accommodations without leaving TikTok. Meanwhile, content creators with over 1,000 followers can promote hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and earn commissions or vouchers for bookings. This test, limited to the U.S. market for now, aligns with the trend of social commerce. There’s no doubt this initiative will be closely watched by major players in the online travel industry.
Originally planned for an official opening on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which has already been partially open since autumn 2024, has had its official inauguration pushed back to the end of the year. This decision, made due to growing tensions in the Middle East, was motivated by the desire to give the event the international dimension it deserves.
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II.
It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
According to a recent study, Bangkok ranks first among the top 100 global destinations for remote workers in 2025. The Thai capital stands out for its excellent value for money, solid infrastructure, and high satisfaction levels among digital nomads.
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August:
80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight.
Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉
Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
You’ve probably noticed it: the real travel gems no longer show up in search results. In today’s all-digital age, those local operators, small authentic accommodations, passionate guides, and committed local initiatives remain invisible. No flashy website, no ads, often not even an online presence.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Travel bookings to the United States are seeing a significant drop in France for summer 2025, with over a 30% decrease in the spring and around -11% for summer departures.
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year,
very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining),
negative experiences with immigration,
as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
This summer, your memories deserve more than just a corner of film!
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
This forum was closed for a long time after COVID, then due to its sale by the previous owner. Since 2022, there have been notable changes for Russia. It became possible to travel to Russia as a tourist again after COVID restrictions ended in summer 2022. But before that, in March 2022, the EU and member countries cut air links with Russia, as well as train lines. They also cut Russian banks off from the Euro-American banking network—meaning cards and wire transfers.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia.
The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued.
Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia.
All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com
Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто.
Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border.
Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable.
Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked.
Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus.
No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
Spotlight on the "What A Trip Festival" in Montpellier
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace.
The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
From December 9th to 12th, experience a winter getaway in the heart of the Czech capital, under the magical lights of the Christmas markets.
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Calling all adventure and off-road enthusiasts: the must-attend event of the year is just around the corner!
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
At the Seto forum (Association of Travel Agents), it was highlighted that, despite an uncertain geopolitical context, summer bookings are showing a slight increase (+1.4% overall as of the end of April), with +1.6% on medium-haul and +0.6% on long-haul flights. This growth is supported by an expected revenue increase of +2.9% and an average basket rise of +3.2%.
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
"Les rencontres voyageurs" is a must-attend event for all travel enthusiasts, at the heart of France’s most beautiful gatherings.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife.
A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Big traveler survey! We want to know everything! 🌍
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more.
It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes).
And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️
Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
The cruise sector has seen a remarkable rebound since the pandemic, with 2024 attendance 20% higher than in 2019—outpacing air traffic growth, which was limited to 10%.
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
