Results for "Gorges+Aveyron+|+127"

Hi everyone, We’re planning to head to Québec on June 11th (departing from CDG) and return around July 3rd, leaving from Toronto—so about 3 weeks there, traveling by rental car. We’re thinking of stopping in Ottawa to visit a friend. We’d love to see the "must-see" spots, but not *too* many, along with nature, parks, some short hikes, canoeing, a seaplane ride, and wrapping up with Niagara Falls. Do you think we can fit all that into the time we have? What are the spots you’d recommend not missing along our route? Is a short trip to Gaspésie at the start of our trip worth considering? Anyway, as you’ve probably guessed, we’re still in the early planning stages and aren’t quite sure how to organize everything 🤪 Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice!

Hi everyone. I’ve been dreaming of this trek since my first trip to Nepal: either joining an existing group (I’m 70, so the pace will be adjusted accordingly...), or organizing it myself with the same guide who accompanied me on the Annapurna Circuit and in Mustang (putting together a group of 2 or 3 people). Who’s interested??? Jules. Agnes

Hello. We’re heading to Greece from April 19th to May 1st. We were planning to spend 3 days visiting Athens, then exploring the Peloponnese (Mycenae-Epidaurus, Mistra, Lousios Gorge, Olympia, Patras) + Delphi (or the other way around, starting with Delphi—doesn’t matter).

Except I just realized that April 20th is Easter Sunday: no visits to sites/museums in Athens that day... (nor on Saturday late afternoon, as I’d imagined). But Delphi, Mycenae, etc., will likely be closed too (maybe even on Monday the 21st!).

What do you recommend we visit or do? Our trip is mainly focused on archaeological visits (my kids have been looking forward to Athens/Greece for years!).

Thanks in advance! Have a great evening

Beyond Athens' iconic sites and Santorini's popular beaches, Greece reveals its hidden treasures to those who dare venture off the beaten path. FairMoove travel agency offers eco-responsible stays in Greece for an authentic experience at the heart of Hellenic traditions.



Authentic Peloponnese: A Land of Living Traditions

The Peloponnese peninsula is home to traditional villages where time seems to have stood still. In Dimitsana, perched in the Arcadian mountains, locals keep centuries-old traditions alive in their craft workshops. The cobbled streets echo with the sound of traditional looms, where artisans still create textiles using age-old methods.

In the Mani region, ancient stone towers tell the story of an untamed land. Local families welcome you into their traditional homes to share their culinary art: olive oil preparation, olive bread making, and dolmades crafted according to recipes passed down through generations. The Unknown Islands: Preserved Jewels of the Aegean Sea

Far from Mykonos' hustle and bustle, Ikaria island reveals its longevity secrets. This blue island, known for its inhabitants' exceptional lifespan, invites you to discover a unique way of life. Join the panigiria, traditional festivals where the entire community gathers to dance, sing, and share local dishes prepared in large communal ovens.



On Lemnos island, fishermen introduce you to their traditional sustainable fishing techniques. The ancient salt pans, still in operation, bear witness to ancestral know-how. In family-run tavernas by the harbor, taste thallasomelo, a unique sea honey produced by bees foraging on wild thyme from coastal cliffs. Greek Macedonia: A Living Heritage

In the northern mountains, the villages of Zagoria preserve their characteristic stone architecture. Eighteenth-century arched bridges still span deep gorges, showcasing a unique construction art. Locals invite you to discover medicinal herb gathering and traditional herbal tea preparation, knowledge passed down through generations.

In Nymfaio, a village perched at 1,350 meters altitude, ecotourism initiatives help preserve the natural habitat of brown bears. Traditional stone guesthouses offer an ideal base for exploring the region and observing wildlife in its natural environment. Agritourism and Authentic Rural Life

Traditional farms in Thessaly open their doors to travelers eager to discover sustainable agriculture. Participate in the autumn olive harvest, traditional feta cheese making, or the cultivation of aromatic herbs that flavor Greek cuisine. These experiences not only support the local economy but also help preserve ancestral farming practices.



Traditional Festivals and Local Celebrations

The Greek calendar is marked by authentic celebrations that vary by region. In Pelion, the Goat Carnival transforms villages into living theater stages, where pagan traditions blend with Christian folklore. On Syros, the rebetiko festival lets you discover this UNESCO-listed music in its original context. Sustainable Initiatives and Heritage Preservation

Many Greek communities are committed to sustainable tourism projects. On Thirassia, Santorini's lesser-known neighbor, a traditional troglodyte house rehabilitation project allows visitors to stay in authentic dwellings while contributing to architectural heritage preservation. Supporting Local Communities

Women's cooperatives, particularly active in rural areas, offer traditional craft workshops. In Arnaia, Chalkidiki, learn to weave on traditional looms or prepare preserves using age-old methods. These initiatives help women maintain economic independence while preserving local traditions.

For more responsible tourism, many accommodations adopt eco-friendly practices. Using local products, sustainable water management, and solar energy production are among the initiatives that help preserve places' authenticity while respecting the environment.



Tips for an Authentic Trip

To discover the real Greece, choose off-season stays from October to April. Milder temperatures and fewer crowds allow for more authentic encounters with locals. Opt for small family-run guesthouses and host tables that offer true immersion in local culture.

Greece's regions thus invite you to discover another facet of this millennia-old country, far from tourist clichés. Each village, each island, each mountain holds authentic treasures waiting to be discovered by travelers who respect traditions and the environment.

Hello,

After spending some time reading through the forum posts, I’m finally taking the plunge to ask for your help. We’re planning a family trip—a couple with two kids aged 10 and 12—and we’ll be driving from the Paris region. Flying isn’t an option for us. We’ll pass through Munich on the way out and Mantua on the way back. I’ve tried to design an itinerary that suits our preferences: moving at a relaxed pace, avoiding constant packing and unpacking, and keeping the kids engaged. To give you an idea, our oldest wasn’t too impressed with Corsica because "it was meh, just pretty landscapes to look at." Our youngest is only happy when she can dip her feet in the water, and the parents aren’t fans of lounging on a towel for too long.

After all my research, I’ll admit I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Is this itinerary doable without turning into a mad dash? Am I missing any must-see spots? Is the Croatia leg realistic? Is it worth staying 4 nights on Brač, given we’re not big beach fans? Have I accounted for enough time at the border crossings? I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice.

Here’s the planned itinerary from July 21 to August 17: Day 1 to 4: Munich Day 5: Depart Munich for Plitvice Lakes (overnight there) Day 6: Visit Plitvice Lakes (overnight there) Day 7: Drive to Una (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 8: Visit Una (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 9: Rafting? (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 10: Drive to Sarajevo. Visit Jajce and Travnik? (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 11: Visit Sarajevo (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 12: Skakavac Waterfalls or other points of interest in the area (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 13: Drive to Mostar. Visit Konjic and Jablanica (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 14: Kravica Waterfalls (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 15: Visit Blagaj (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 16: Visit Počitelj—drive to Hutovo Blato (overnight where???) Day 17: Visit (overnight where??) Day 18: Visit Split (and Trogir?) (overnight in Split or nearby) Day 19: Ferry to Brač (4 nights on Brač) Day 23: Ferry back to Split—drive to Šibenik (overnight in Šibenik or nearby) Day 24: Day trip to the Kornati Islands? (overnight in Šibenik) Day 25: Krka National Park (overnight in Šibenik) Day 26: Depart for Mantua

What do you think? I’m eagerly awaiting your responses. Thanks so much for your help!

Hello, I’m planning a trip for mid-September. 4 adults. Retirees—what should we do in Quebec for 3 weeks? Starting from Montreal. First-timers for planning. With car rentals. Thanks for your help!

Hi everyone,

This summer, our family (dad, mom, a 17-year-old teen, and an 11-year-old pre-teen) wants to explore Bulgaria and include 4 days in Istanbul during our trip. I’ve got a rough plan, but I’m not sure if it’s doable—here’s what I’m thinking:

Arrival on August 12th in Sofia at 2:00 PM → pick up rental car, visit Sofia. 13th: Sofia → Rila → Sofia 14th: Sofia to Plovdiv, overnight in Plovdiv 15th: Plovdiv to Nessebar (or Sozopol—which is better?) 16th/17th/18th: Exploring the Black Sea coast, based in Sozopol/Nessebar 19th: Bus from Burgas to Istanbul (7-hour trip) 20th-21st-22nd-23rd: Istanbul 24th: Return bus from Istanbul to Burgas. Overnight in Burgas 25th: Burgas → Veliko Tarnovo (Bojentsi) 26th: Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia via Koprivshtitsa 27th: Early flight home

→ In this itinerary, I’ve planned 4 full days in Istanbul. I could reduce it to 3 (since we’ll also spend the evening of the 19th there) and add an extra day to the return trip from Burgas to Sofia, around Veliko Tarnovo/Koprivshtitsa.

My questions: -My 17-year-old son and I are passionate about music, especially klezmer, Romani, and jazz. Any good spots in Sofia, Istanbul, or elsewhere? -Things to do with an 11-year-old kid? -Experiences with the Burgas-Istanbul bus?

Thanks for your feedback!

Hi there, I'm currently planning our trip to Morocco for next May. We're looking to explore a part of the country we haven't visited yet, and I'd love to get some opinions or tips for my itinerary. We'll have a rental Duster to get around. -1- Marrakech to the Paradise Valley, arriving in the late afternoon. 2 nights there so we can explore the next day. -2- From Paradise Valley to Tafraout. Along the way, we'd like to visit some agadirs (Ikounka, Imeghguiguilne, Ighir, Tizourgane). I'm wondering if we'll have time to see them all, if we should visit all of them or skip some? Or if there are other suggestions? -3- I plan to stay 3 nights in Tafraout. Night 1 we might arrive late. The following days to visit the village of Tagdicht, the Blue Rocks, and the Ait Mansour Valley. Doable? Road or track conditions? Too much or too little time? Anything else to see? -4- I was thinking of taking the road to visit the underground village of Icht. Then heading to Tata to visit the Tollé and/or Messalites caves. Same questions as before (road conditions, time, anything else)? -5- Road to Tissint for a walk. Road to Taliouine to visit the Glaoui kasbah. Spend the night around there. Same questions? -6- Road and visit to the Ifri granary. Then head to a part of Morocco we already know :-)

Anyway, quite a few questions...

Since we've been to Morocco several times before, I know there won't be any issues once we're there. It's just that I'm trying to plan ahead a bit so we don't miss what there is to see in the area, without rushing too much ;-)

Hi there,

I’m planning a month-long trip that’ll take me from San Francisco to Seattle, stopping in Vancouver BC along the way. After tweaking this route every which way and trying to balance must-see spots with more relaxed stops (like the Oregon coast), I’ve landed on this itinerary—I’d love your thoughts!

Days 1 and 2: San Francisco Days 3 and 4: Lassen Volcanic Park Days 5 and 6: Crater Lake Days 7 to 9: Portland Day 10: Astoria or Cannon Beach Day 11: Ruby Beach or Forks (for the Hoh Rain Forest) Days 12 and 13: Port Angeles (for Hurricane Ridge) Day 14: Victoria (Vancouver Island) Days 15 to 17: Ucluelet (Vancouver Island) Days 18 to 20: Vancouver BC Days 21 and 22: North Cascades NP Days 23 to 25: Mt. Rainier Days 26 to 28: Seattle

Of course, there’s travel time built in—for example, the third day on Vancouver Island will mostly be eaten up by getting back to the mainland and Vancouver.

Do you think there are any extra stops or anything I’ve missed? A month feels like a lot and not a lot at the same time… Thanks!

We’ve got our tickets—we’re leaving from August 5th to the 24th! We’ve got a few hesitations about our itinerary, so we’re here to ask for tips and feedback. This forum has been a huge help for other trips. Here’s our draft plan:

3 days - Montreal 2 or 3 days in Mauricie 3 days in Quebec City, including one day for Jacques-Cartier Park 2 days in Charlevoix 3 days in Saguenay Fjord 2 days in Tadoussac 2 days in Bas-Saint-Laurent 1 day to return to Montreal—our flight leaves at 11 PM

Maybe we’re being too ambitious? Should we cut some stops? We’d still like to avoid driving too much in one go this year. Thanks for your suggestions! Artlou

CRETE Spring 2024 from April 11 to May 9

Thursday, April 11: Flight Montreal – Athens (Air Canada # AC 898) Flight Athens – Heraklion (Air Agean # A 3318) Fri 12, Sat 13, and Sun 14 April: Heraklion: Marin Dream Hotel: room great (a bit cramped); location great; breakfast excellent. Spectacular view (5th floor) of the port, balcony, close to the center and restaurants, cleanliness and comfort. I’ll definitely go back! We enjoyed this city, often unfairly criticized because it’s compared to the "three beauties." It’s a great entry point to the island, lets you catch your breath after a few hours of flying and jet lag, and you won’t get bored for 2-3 days. Monday, April 15 am: Car rental (pickup at the airport) Rental company: Auto Europe / Enterprise. Opel Corsica. Efficient and courteous service. Clean car in good condition. No issues. Quick return. I’ll rent again. PS: The two trips between the city center and the airport: public transport (bus): fast, efficient, and cheap.

Mon 15, Tue 16, and Wed 17 April: Agios Nikolaos Highlights: Kritsa, Knossos, Spinalonga, and Mochlos (for the breathtaking descent and the restaurant (Taverna Natural) a short distance from the descent). Accommodation in Ammoudara 72 100 (7-8 km from A.N.): Panorama Bay Villas Apartments. Location (elevated with a view of the blue sea), setting (unbeatable view), convenience, cleanliness, pool: Excellent. I’d run back here. A breakfast in Kritsa is lovely.

Thu 18 and Fri 19 April: Mirtos 720 56: A small seaside town, a bit sleepy, that can be summed up by a main street parallel and very close to the sea, with simple and smiling people. A base for lovely mountain hikes... and Gortyn. Accommodation: Hotel Mirtos: I’ve seen better! But it was only for 2 nights, and considering the rates, the enormous breakfast, and the kindness of the lady... it’s hard to complain. I’d go back if I’m in the area... for 1 or 2 nights. A taverna worth mentioning: Sigelakis, in Sivas. Sat 20, Sun 21, and Mon 22 April: Matala area: Matala: can someone explain the hype? But we were charmed by the region, its small villages (a little nod to Agia Galini), a small mountain school with its students and teacher, and its hidden little beaches... and a taverna (whose owner was a shepherd in another life) and a restaurant where we had our 3 dinners (no need to look elsewhere!). Accommodation in Kamilari(on) 700 20: Aelia Apartments: A long, narrow road through olive groves... the further we went, the more we thought we were on the wrong track! Phew! What an apartment (kitchenette, living room, two bedrooms including one in a mezzanine, balcony). Phew! What a setting, overlooking the surroundings from the terrace! I’d book again right away! Tue 23, Wed 24, and Thu 25 April: Plakias: A favorite! A lovely seaside walk with several terrace bars for an aperitif and really feeling on vacation. Morning hikes and discoveries, and in the afternoon, beach-pool at all-inclusive resorts a few kilometers away (one drink gets you in) and other small beaches. The charm of Spili, the softness of Loutro, and the enchantment of the Imbros Gorge. Accommodation: Horizon Beach Hotel: on the upper floor, a large bright room, a big balcony, and the vast sea right in front of us. Great location. A 10-15 minute walk from the center of Plakias. A great find: I’ll remember this address. In the center, on a street perpendicular to the sea, at the end of this street on your left (facing a tiny bar), one of our best dinners in Crete. The Plakias-Chora Sfakion road is breathtaking, but avoid the road—or rather the path—that hugs the sea too closely... which we didn’t do. Guaranteed sweating!

Fri 26, Sat 27, Sun 28, and Mon 29: Chania: The "big" city. The contrast with the Cretan countryside! Chania offers many attractions for tourists. We happily got "lost" in its alleys. We really enjoyed the quays for a drink at any time and for the lively atmosphere... but I wouldn’t want to be there in July! Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Del Doge. Good location. Close to the port and well soundproofed. A slightly faded decor but very decent. Spacious room and a somewhat narrow bathroom. Parking in a vacant lot along the sea: a 15-20 minute walk. I’d go back unless I find something better! Our favorite spots: we’ll remember Faka, To Stachi, and a restaurant in the center of a small square in the old part (every time we passed by, the TV was on a sports channel!) for the food, service, and friendliness of the staff. AND the ice cream! Great excursions to Valmos and Balos, Kefalas, Kaviles, Almirida, and Gavalochori. Three (3) days would have been enough to get a good sense of the city and the immediate area. It’s not a city—and I’m not even talking about the historic part—where it’s easy to drive. Tue 30, Wed May 1, and Thu 2: Paleochora. Or rather near Paleochora, in Kountoura Selinou (730 01), we stayed at Vienna Rooms Apartments. A few kilometers from the city, a short 10-minute drive, in a lovely olive grove that makes you forget the greenhouses that proliferate in the neighborhood. A large green garden, a big pool, tranquility, and the sea in front of you. Lovely apartments, well furnished, functional, and brand new (still smells new!) On the P-KS road, halfway, on the sea side, there’s a small, brand-new hotel where I’ll stop next time. What a view from the upper floor! Paleochora is a charming little town with a pleasant seaside promenade and an inner street parallel to it, lined with pretty shops. And an important detail: there’s a well-stocked wine bar, Monika Wine Bar, with attentive staff. A good selection of restaurants and a superb breakfast offering. What extraordinary excursions! Elafonissi, Sougia by boat, and up high, many tiny villages and breathtaking panoramas! Fri 03, Sat 04, and Happy Easter May 05: Rethymnon Accommodation: Hotel Casa dei Delfini. Very well located, comfortable, modern, with a certain prestige. A large dining room, stone walls, and a monumental staircase... feels like a castle (parador) in Spain... and a great breakfast. Friendly staff. The market where you can park is a 10-minute walk away. I’ll book again. Of the three "beauties" of Crete, this is our favorite. The center doesn’t (yet) have the "shopping mall" vibe that Chania has a bit too much. It feels good there. It has a cheerful air. Great restaurants. Easter day: visit around Arkadi. Otherwise, we strolled through the city to soak in the beauty of this island. Mon 06, Tue 07, and Wed 08 May: Athens. Flight Aegean #3307 (from Heraklion) Thu 09 May: Return flight: Athens-Montreal. Air Canada #899.

This was our second trip to Greece but our first to Crete. I say "first" because we’re seriously thinking of coming back in May 2025. We traveled in the blooming spring, so without the tourist crowds, and with restaurant and hotel staff in good shape... we could imagine what Crete must be like between July 15 and August 15!!! So our comments should be considered with that in mind. We’re a couple, she’s 76, and he—the driver, GPS, road map, and more—is 79. We’re living proof that Cretan roads are good. They wind, which is normal—we’re in the mountains—sometimes narrow, which is normal—we’re in the mountains—but they’re in very good condition, and Cretan drivers are respectful. Ideal travel climate: not a drop of rain or I don’t remember any! We’ll come back in May for a bit more warmth to enjoy the sea more. Food: the quality and quantity of breakfasts; dinners are good or even very good but sometimes a bit "copy-paste." Landscapes, green mountains, dark canyons (what we saw at 76+79), and endless deep blue, breathtaking. Tomatoes, olives, and honey: we’d want more. The trust restaurateurs show: you have to insist to get the bill!!! Easter: we were in Rethymnon: the crowd was much less oppressive than in Chania two weeks earlier. The kindness and eagerness of people in shops and on the street... which doubles or triples when you stammer a few words of Greek. Our favorites: Kamilari, Plakias, and... Heraklion, yes. In short, we loved it!

PS: Car rental: Why Auto Europe (Enterprise)? The ‘small local rental companies’ don’t rent (re: insurance) to people over 75 springs old!

Hi everyone,

I bought tickets for Martinique in April 2025 for 15 days, without really looking into what there was to do, and with the idea in my head that we could: hike, do water activities, swim, visit rum distilleries...

But... I’m worried I’ll get bored over 15 days and I’m considering maybe spending 1 week in Guadeloupe and 1 week in Martinique. For example, I don’t know how to spend a whole afternoon at the beach. 2 hours, max.

I know it’s a personal question and depends on how you travel, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve done it: - Did you feel too rushed? - Is it reasonable to do? - How much time would you spend on each island?

I’m open to all your comments.

Thanks so much.

Have a lovely afternoon! :)

Hi there,

My wife and I are heading to Japan from March 27 to April 22, 2025. On the evening of the 21st, we’ll be staying in Tokyo to catch our international flight. For this first trip, we’ve prioritized a fairly classic itinerary. Here’s the plan:

- Osaka (arriving at Kansai Airport) - Hiroshima - Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima) - Kyoto - Nara - Kanazawa - Shirakawa-go - Takayama - Tokyo

We’ll likely finish our sightseeing in Tokyo around March 17.

We’re thinking of heading somewhere "quiet" or "by the sea," maybe an island, between the 17th/18th and the evening of the 21st.

What are your thoughts or experiences?

Thanks

Hi there, I’m really struggling to plan our two-week trip to Quebec. Our goal is to prioritize hiking for at least a week, but I could really use your help. Which parks should we prioritize? Thanks in advance!

Hi there, I’m planning to hike in China in July/August, no specific regions in mind yet but probably in the southwest. Can anyone tell me if it’s generally easy to do multi-day independent hikes and if wild camping in a tent is allowed? Thanks

Hi everyone! I’m heading to Morocco for a full 8 days in early November—it’s my first time visiting. I’m traveling solo and arrive in Agadir on Sunday at 10 PM. I plan to rent a car to get around. I’m reaching out to get your advice so I can plan my trip as well as possible... Here are my questions: 1 - Given my late arrival, is it better to stay overnight in Agadir for the first night? If so, do you have any hotel recommendations, and is transportation easy to arrange at that hour? 2 - Do you have any trusted rental car companies to recommend in Agadir? 3 - For 7 days, here’s the route I’ve planned: Agadir → Taroudant → Taliouine → Tafraoute → Tiznit → Agadir. Does this route seem good (not too short, not too long, any spots worth adding?), considering I enjoy driving? 4 - Should I book my accommodations in advance? Thanks in advance for your recommendations! I hope these questions aren’t too repetitive compared to what’s already been asked on the forum. Sébastien

Hello everyone,

Here’s a little recap of our 3-week trip to India (retired couple) in January 2024. This is our personal experience and how we felt at the time. This is the 7th time we’ve been to India, and after experiencing public transport day and night—and with age catching up—we opted for a more "chill" pace this time, prioritizing flights and taxis while slightly increasing our accommodation budget. Regarding that accommodation budget (double room), we chose a range between 30 and 40 €, and we didn’t really notice much difference compared to the lower range we used to book on previous trips (between 20 and 30 €). But prices have likely gone up since my last visit in 2018.

So here are some personal tips and opinions, good addresses, and others to avoid. Exchange rate: In January 2024, 100 rupees were worth about 1.12 euros (1 euro = 89 INR at exchange bureaus). To convert rupees to euros: X rupees divided by 89 = X euros. For simplicity, we divided the price in rupees by 100 and added about 10% to get the equivalent in euros.

Our itinerary: Mumbai/Aurangabad (Ellora and Ajanta) / Badami / Hampi / Goa (Agonda) / Mumbai Flight: With British Airways—very (too) short layover in London (2 hours in theory...) for the connection to Mumbai, but a 1-hour delay on the flight from CDG, so we had to rush in London with two shuttles to take and security to clear before reaching the departure gate. We had a 15-minute margin by speeding... same stress on the way back...

Mumbai: On the day we arrived in Mumbai, we took a flight to Aurangabad with Indigo. **Note:** Terminal change for this flight. Free buses connect T2 to T1. The flight was fine, even with a 2-hour delay...

Aurangabad: Accommodation: Hotel JP International (35 €/night): Large, "decorated" room with comfortable bedding. But the hotel is showing its age. The air conditioning is a bit noisy, and the faucets and shower have seen better days... Breakfast is included in the price with a buffet—it’s decent. You just have to ask for toast, jam, and eggs, as it’s mostly an Indian buffet... The rooftop restaurant is okay. The hotel is a bit pricey for what it is... The owner, a bit gruff at first, was helpful and assisted us with taxis for visiting the Ellora and Ajanta sites, as it’s hard to find taxis for those trips on the street—no travel agencies in this area. Restaurant: Le Great Sagar (on the main street): Close to the hotel, good food, and plenty of choices. Exchange: We struggled to exchange euros in Aurangabad. No banks exchange money (we tried five...). Only Thomas Cook does: Jalna Road near the Ramgiri Hotel.

Ellora: A magnificent site 25 km from Aurangabad. **Tip:** Arrive early (by 9 AM max) and visit the Kailasha Temple first—it’s the world’s largest monolithic structure—and it gets much busier later.

Ajanta: About a 2-hour drive. **Great tip for this visit:** Ask your taxi to drop you off at the Ajanta View Point. Not only do you get a beautiful overview of the cliff and caves, but you can also walk down gently to the site. The descent is easy with stairs and paths, and you approach the site with stunning views. Cross the bridge, and you’re there (start from the end, as it’s less crowded: after crossing the bridge and paying at the ticket counter, turn left and go to the far end to begin your visit). The taxi waited for us at the "official" entrance after we finished exploring the caves.

Badami: To get to Badami, we took an early-morning flight from Aurangabad to Hubli with Indigo (scheduled takeoff at 6:20 AM...) to arrive in Hubli in the early afternoon and find a taxi to Badami. We found a taxi quickly at Hubli Airport. About 2.5 hours (3,400 INR). Hotel: KSTDC Hotel Mayura Chalukya (38 €/night): A state-run hotel that’s a bit dated, located 15 minutes from the center but quiet compared to the chaotic main street in Badami. Large room, a bit dark, slightly worn walls, rustic bathroom... The air conditioning is very noisy. The owner was very friendly and helped with transport. The staff was also very nice. The hotel restaurant is decent, which saves you from going back "into town." A bit pricey for the quality, but it’s peaceful... The visit to the sculpted caves is worth it, as is a walk around the lake. The short climb to the top of the hill from the museum is also worth it—you pass through small gorges. A relaxing atmosphere in these places.

Hampi: Trip from Badami to Hampi by taxi (3,500 INR) – 3 hours. Booked through the Badami hotel, as we couldn’t find taxis on the street or at reasonable prices... Accommodation: Thilak Home Stay (33 €/night): Located in Hampi Bazaar, a small guesthouse with 4 rooms. Simple room with two single beds and a nightstand. The owner was very helpful, making our stay easier with services like tuk-tuks for sightseeing, laundry, bus booking to Goa, and a tuk-tuk to Hospet. A bit pricey for the room quality, but recommended for the owner’s kindness. It was hard to find accommodation in Hampi Bazaar through booking platforms, as they all offer places outside the city, several kilometers away—which is a shame. But we realized you can find places directly on-site. **You must stay in Hampi Bazaar**—the atmosphere changes from morning to night (in the evening, around 9 PM, go into the courtyard of the main temple in Hampi Bazaar, which turns into a huge dormitory—it’s impressive...). Restaurant: Archana Roof Restaurant: Small restaurant on the 1st floor overlooking a banana field with the Hampi rocks in the background. Very friendly welcome, quiet, and excellent thalis. The Hampi site is in a magical natural setting among temples, pilgrims, ochre rocks, and rice fields. We did a one-day circuit with a tuk-tuk to visit the main sites (1,500 INR). We also rented a scooter on the other side of the river (to avoid a long detour from Hampi Bazaar) for a day trip around the area. Some places we visited: Anegondi village, Durga Temple, Hanuman Temple (go early—it’s a climb...), Sanapur Lake. The accommodations on the other side of the river, called "Hippie Island," have been completely destroyed.

Goa (Agonda Beach): Trip from Hampi to Agonda: Booked a sleeper bus with two beds! (1,300 INR/person). Departure at 9 PM from Hospet, theoretical arrival at 4 AM (for us, it was 6 AM) in Canacona, then a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride to Agonda. Comfortable bus with real berths, but the many speed bumps made sleep difficult... The train would have been much longer and more complicated to reach Agonda.

Agonda: Accommodation: New Common Home (35 €/night): Business-like welcome. Decent and fairly large room, rustic bathroom. Breakfast included in the price—it was okay. We only booked one night to choose accommodation afterward, right on the beach. But we didn’t account for the Indian national holiday at the end of the week—everything was fully booked... We found Saxony (44 €/night) at the far end of the beach (left when facing the sea), but only for 2 nights—after that, it was reserved... Decent room, average bathroom, but a beautiful terrace facing the sea. Then 2 nights at Agonda Holiday Home Stay (36 €/night), not on the beach: Very average, bathroom in poor condition, almost no view—but it was all that was left... Restaurant: The Rhino for dinner (not on the beach): Excellent tandoori, chicken tikka, and masala. Great value for money. Cool and friendly atmosphere. Agonda is a beautiful, long, quiet, and family-friendly beach for relaxing, with lovely walks to take. Beautiful sunset!

Mumbai: Trip from Agonda to Mumbai: Flight: We chose Vistara because the departure was in the late afternoon, while Indigo offered flights very early or very late. Bad choice... because this Vistara flight leaves from Mopa Airport, at the very north of Goa state. And from Agonda, it’s a 3-hour taxi ride... (3,700 INR...) **Always check which airport your flight leaves from to reach Mumbai!**

Mumbai: Accommodation: Broadway Hotel Bombay (39 €/night): Very well-located hotel in Colaba, on a street perpendicular to the busy main road. Ask for quiet rooms... Friendly, helpful, and accommodating staff. Very small room with a tiny window and little space to put bags or move around... Small but clean bathroom. Mumbai is expensive for accommodation, and cleanliness often leaves something to be desired... Restaurant: Delhi Darbar, very close to the hotel on the main street. Good, clean, not too noisy... and good value for money. Sightseeing: Mumbai is a bustling city, but the traffic is completely chaotic, and the horn often replaces the brake... The architecture is quite unique and worth a look, with some must-see visits: Crawford Market and its surroundings... Null Bazar and Chor Bazar, where poverty and dirt are quite present... Mani Bhavan: Gandhi’s house in Mumbai, with a very special atmosphere... Balbunath Temple, with its religious fervor. The beautiful Jain temple (Walkeshwar Mandir), where the atmosphere is very different from other temples and full of serenity. The Dhobi Ghats, the laundry district—very impressive. For a few hundred rupees, a "guide" will take you through these washhouses and thousands of clothes. Banganga Tank: A basin surrounded by ghats with a village-like (but quite poor) atmosphere, where Indians come to pray. The dabbawallahs: Their departure around 11 AM and the transport by bicycle of hundreds of lunchboxes from Churchgate Station. **Note:** It’s not easy to find them—we almost missed them, as it seems to be disappearing. They’re on the other side of the road where taxis usually drop you off for Churchgate Station, under some trees. They’re recognizable by their white attire and a crowd. Few passersby seemed to know about them... All these visits can be done easily by taking taxis, which are really cheap—**as long as they agree to use the meter.**

So here are some great tips to share, knowing that every trip is unique, and India remains a magnificent, often disconcerting, elusive country that challenges you. It’s unlike any other country we’ve visited but so fascinating... Good luck with your preparations, and if you need more info, don’t hesitate! I really regret that the new 2024/2025 South India GDR only includes Mumbai for Maharashtra and nothing else... and nothing on Karnataka or Goa. These states don’t seem to be selling points for the GDR anymore... Guy

Hi everyone,

Better late than never—I’m finally getting around to sharing our trip to Romania from last year.

Before I start, I have a personal history with this country: I lived there in 2004 for three and a half months during a student internship. I still have friends there and a decent grasp of Romanian. That helps. But more than anything, I’ve grown attached to the country. It’s well-deserved—Romania gives back just as much. That said, when I talk about it, maybe I see things differently than someone visiting for the first time.

This was my third trip to Romania. This time, I brought my wife and our two daughters. After years of wanting to take a family trip there, this was finally the right moment. My wife wasn’t exactly thrilled at first—she’d been hesitant for years. But she ended up loving it, and we’ll definitely go back together. For our 6- and 8-year-old girls, the trip was fascinating in so many ways: the sights, learning about communism and totalitarian regimes, the Roma community, how different religions coexist, the Saxon minorities...

We landed in Bucharest last July. We spent two and a half weeks in the country. We took off from Toulouse early in the morning and arrived at Bucharest airport around noon. We flew with Lufthansa because it’s a solid airline and the cheapest option we found.

We rented a car. I don’t remember the rental agency’s name, but we got scammed a bit. We’d booked insurance through Booking, but when we arrived, we couldn’t print a credit card receipt. The issue? We only had debit cards, not credit cards (or vice versa), and without one, we couldn’t pick up the car without buying their on-site insurance. It was buried in the fine print—I’d read it but naively assumed a gold card would work. So, we had to take extra insurance. Basically, we threw 120 € in insurance fees out the window. Still, we got a Dacia Logan, and it ran like a dream the whole trip.

Here’s our rough itinerary: - Bucharest Airport => Sinaia => Brasov - Brasov => Viscri => Sighișoara => Sovata - Sovata => Bicaz Gorge => Iași - Iași => Bucharest

**Sinaia** We started in Sinaia, in the Carpathians. It’s an old Romanian vacation spot from the country’s golden age. A really nice place with great hikes. The mountains are stunning, covered in tall fir trees. There are beautiful buildings and old houses—it’s all very charming. We took the cable car up to the summit (no time to hike with the kids). It’s an old 1960s cable car with two sections (there are also detachable chairlifts). The view from the top is amazing. Then, Peles Castle—a must-see.

**On the road to Brasov** We stayed in a homestay in the village of Purcareni (15 minutes from Brasov by car) through an association called "L’Arbre de Joie." We spent a few days there. The association was founded by a French woman in the 90s and runs local projects. The family we stayed with was Hungarian. The price was around 90 € per day, including breakfast and dinner. The host spoke a little French, and her 16-year-old daughter spoke English fluently. We had great conversations. This family lives like a typical French family—they work at a clinic and a factory, own a car, and have a small chalet in the nearby mountains. From Purcareni, we explored: - **Bran Castle**: The iconic castle. There are way more tourist stalls now than when I first visited in 2004, but it’s still charming and worth seeing. - **Zărnești Bear Reserve**: Interesting—you learn a lot about bears. But it’s expensive, and it’s sad to see these beautiful animals in captivity. - **Râșnov Citadel**: Right near Zărnești. We did Bran, the bears, and this citadel all in one day last year. It’s pretty—you hike up a trail to get there. The view is gorgeous, but the site feels a bit neglected (or not fully restored yet). Some people love it, others don’t, but at least it’s authentic and not some Disneyland with fry stands everywhere. - **Brasov**: Of course! We went twice. It’s beautiful and nothing like what you’d imagine Romania to look like. We hiked up the hill overlooking the city—about 45 to 60 minutes with the kids. The view from the top is incredible, especially over the medieval rooftops. I wasn’t expecting much—I thought we’d see rundown buildings, but the "new" part of town is built farther to the right, so you barely notice it. - One day, we took a horse-drawn carriage (a touristy thing to do for the kids) to our hosts’ second home. It was still really fun. The area is super wild—just a few kilometers from the village, so close to Brasov. We ate *amazingly* with them. Traditional Romanian food is best enjoyed in people’s homes, not restaurants. So, I’d recommend eating at small guesthouses or homestays as much as possible.

**On the road to Viscri** No stops—just straight to Viscri. I found Viscri just as I’d left it in 2004. Maybe a few more tourists, maybe one or two new restaurants. The road still isn’t paved in the village. Viscri is my favorite place in Romania—a simple village with colorful houses. We found a reasonably priced Airbnb and had a great evening with our hosts. They were fascinating people, and we talked about Romania, Saxon minorities, Europe... The next morning, I went for a run and found a trail in the nearby forest. I followed it for a while before turning back. We also visited the fortified church.

**Sighișoara** I’d been there in 2004 and wasn’t particularly moved or impressed. I felt the same way in 2019. But that’s just our take.

**Sovata** In Sovata, we traveled the way I love—arriving around 5 PM with nothing booked and finding a place to stay by asking around. We ended up in homestays for two nights, and both were great. It’s a Hungarian-Romanian thermal spa town. The place is nice but nothing extraordinary, except when you get closer (but not too close) to the thermal complexes. There, you’ll find beautiful mansions and hotels from the early 19th century. It’s touristy, but only Romanians go there. We visited a warm-water lake—it was fun for the folklore, though the water wasn’t exactly inviting. Apparently, there’s another lake higher up that’s so salty you float in it, but we didn’t go. In the afternoon, we took the tourist steam train ("mocăniță" in Romanian). It was a blast—we chatted with people in the carriage. The train covers about 20 kilometers, then turns around (the locomotive detaches, spins, and reattaches). Everyone gets off at the halfway point, where people grill corn on the cob. Then the train heads back. The scenery isn’t breathtaking, but the fields were full of flowers, and the ride was lovely.

**Toward Bicaz Gorge** The next day, we headed to Bicaz Gorge and the Ceahlău Massif in Neamț (pronounced "Nyamts"). We passed through Corund, a village known for local crafts. Whether it’s actually made there or not is always up for debate in a society where cutting corners is common. Still, we found some nice plates, dishes, and souvenirs to bring home. Funny story: I was chatting with a young saleswoman in Romanian and was shocked to realize she didn’t understand me—not because my Romanian was bad, but because she *didn’t speak Romanian at all*. She only spoke Hungarian. Mind-blowing: you’re Romanian and don’t speak Romanian? We crossed a mountain (or big hill) before reaching the Gheorgheni plain—a small town nestled in the mountains, feeling like the end of the world. Was it the season? We saw *so many* storks, and they were *so close*. It was adorable.

**Bicaz Gorge** We stopped at "Lacul Roșu" (Red Lake) to take a boat ride with the kids. (Yeah, we did things we don’t usually do—gotta keep everyone engaged! And maybe that’s why they have such great memories of the trip.) Then, the Bicaz Gorge—one of my favorite spots in Romania. We stayed at Pensiunea Paleu in Bicazu Ardelean, a place I already knew. I think the price for four people, half-board (with delicious home-cooked meals), was around 90 € per day. The rooms are clean and simple, and there’s a big garden with a vegetable patch, a cow, and a pig. Most of the food served comes straight from the garden.

In the afternoon, after much hesitation, we headed to Ceahlău National Park. About 30 minutes by car, we entered the park (after waking up the park ranger, who reeked of booze and was napping). We drove to the end of the road, and then—against all odds—the four of us made it to the summit of Toaca Peak. This peak towers over the surrounding mountains. It was a great hike—starting in the Carpathian fir forests, then crossing a plateau covered in flowers (mid-July). We stopped for a drink at Cabana Dochia before heading up. The summit is a bit unusual because they’ve installed a big metal staircase. It’s steep in places—straight up, and I wouldn’t want to fall. There’s a sturdy railing, though. Even if the "normal route" doesn’t seem too hard. The view from the top is stunning—you can see the entire Carpathian region, vast forests, and the Bicaz Lake below.

**Iași** I used to live in Iași. We stayed with my former internship supervisor and his family. It’s not the first time we’ve crashed at people’s places. In Iași, we visited: - **The Opera House**: A beautiful building from the early 20th century, if I’m not mistaken. Our friends arranged a tour with the firefighters, who let us in and showed us around. It was fun. - **The "Hall of Lost Steps"**: You enter a massive room with stunning woodwork. It’s a huge university library, home to around a million books. The whole place is meticulously decorated. Visiting this room makes you wonder how Romania could have such a grand image. This country, in its golden age, had universities and thinkers. When you build something like this for knowledge and science, you’ve come a long way. - **The Palace of Culture**: This building was completely run-down in 2004 but has since been fully renovated. Where it was once gray, dull, and dirty, it now shines in the sunlight. It’s magnificent.

Beyond these three sights, we explored parks, wandered the city, went treetop climbing, and spent time with friends. Sure, Iași is way over in the east on a map of Romania, but it’s worth the detour.

After Iași, we headed back.

**In conclusion**, we spent three weeks in Romania. Here’s a rough breakdown of expenses (in €, all taxes included): - Flight tickets: 660 € - Car rental for 2.5 weeks: 250 € - Everything else (accommodation, food, activities, etc.): around 1,500 €

All in all, the trip wasn’t exactly cheap—around 2,500 to 2,800 € total. But we had a blast, and that’s what matters.

I had tons of great photos and wanted to share some, but I couldn’t upload them. If anyone’s interested, I can send them along.

Bonjour à tous🙂

Je souhaite rejoindre Roucoules grâce à la Via Fluvia, soit en partant depuis l'Ouest à Lavoute-sur-Rhone ou bien depuis l'Est à Sarras.

Selon vous, quel serait l'itinéraire le plus abouti ? Apparemment entre Sarras et Annonay la voie n'a pas été crée mais la route est tranquille. SI possible je souhaite éviter les portions accidentées avec beaucoup de cailloux, mon VTC n'est pas vraiment confortable 😄 .

Assez logiquement, les Français vont continuer à plébisciter l'hexagone pour leurs prochaines vacances ou week-ends dans les mois à venir. Lire la suite...

Bonjour,

En février dernier, je suis allé visiter un grenier que je trouve très intéressant.

Situé ici : 30°05'18.0"N 8°44'33.0"W Je ne parviens pas à trouver le nom de ce grenier, j'en ai mais aucun n'est le même.

Il n'est pas répertorié par Popp.

Est-ce que quelqu'un aurait un lien pour son nom et surtout un peu de son histoire ?

Deux ou trois photos du site...

Bonjour, Je pars début septembre avec ma voiture en Corse pour 5 jours plein au départ d'Ajaccio avec mon compagnon. Nous souhaiterions planifier un petit circuit pour découvrir quelques beaux endroits, pas trop fréquentés, crise du Covid oblige. Nous sommes preneurs d'idées : circuits, plages, petites randonnées, hôtels et restaurants sympas. Je ne connais pas du tout la Corse, 50 ans et marseillaise d'adoption..... Je compte sur vous pour réparer cette hérésie..... Bien cordialement, Maldemer

Bonjour, J habite la région parisienne, plus précisement dans la val d oise que j ai pas mal exploré.J aimerais trouver un compagnon ou une compagne de marche , car mon entourage n est pas toujours et j avoue que j en ai assez de randonner seule.De plus, les clubs de marche ne marche ne me satisfont pas. Alors si vous etes partant ou partante?...

Bonjour, accepteriez vous de me conseiller 2 stops pour séjourner en Crête en famille , plutôt bord de mer dans un village . Nous pensons louer une voiture pour nous déplacer. Pourriez vous aussi me donner votre incontournable. Je vous remercie beaucoup de votre aide,

Hello,

Je pense avoir finaliser mon parcours 2021 et j'aimerai votre avis dessus.

Actuellement, départ le 06/10/2021 avec un retour au 30/10/2021 (Atterrissage le 31). On a essayé de caler un départ le plus tôt possible en Octobre et on ne peut faire mieux que ces dates. J'ai déjà 4 nuits réservées à Yellowstone sur les dates prévues. Pour le reste, rien n'est figé. Voyageant avec des enfants en bas âge, certaines étapes ont étés réduites en terme de kilomètres.

J1 (06/10) : Arrivée à Minneapolis à 13H - Nuit à Mankato. L'idée est d'avoir les vols sans escales et nous avons donc fait le choix de ne pas passer par Denver. Mankato n'est pas très loin de Minneapolis et cela permet de gagner 1H de route sur le lendemain.

J2: Mankato > Sioux Falls > Oacoma - Nuit à Oacoma Journée de route tranquille, rien de passionant.

J3: Oacoma > Badland NP - Nuit au Cedar pass Lodge

J4: Custer SP / Mt Rushmore - Nuit à Keystone

J5: Deadwood > Aladdin > Devil's tower > Hulett - Nuit à Hulett

J6: Little Big Horn BF - Nuit à Sheridan

J7: Bighorn canyon NRA > Cody (Pas de rodéo à cette période donc juste le musée et peut être Old trail town) - Nuit sur Cody

J8: Cooke city > Tower Roosevelt / Mammoth hot springs - Nuit sur Mammoth hot springs cabin

J9: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - Nuit sur Mammoth hot springs cabin (Pas le choix)

J10: Grand Prismatic / Madison / Norris - Nuit sur Old faithfull Lodges

J11: Old faithfull (West thumb?) - Nuit sur Old faithfull Lodges

J12: (West thumb?), passage par Grand Teton NP - Nuit à Jackson

J13: Crater of the Moon NM - Nuit à Hailey

J14: (Shoshone Falls?) Bruneau Sand Dunes SP - Nuit à Meridian

J15: Malheur Butte / John Day NM - Nuit à Mitchell

J16: John Day NM / Smith Rock SP - Nuit à Madras

J17: Portland - Nuit à Portland

J18: Astoria - Nuit Astoria

J19: Lake Quinault / Ruby Beach - Nuit à Forks

J20: Hoh Rain forest / La Push / Second Beach / Rialto Beach (+Trail?) - Nuit à Forks

J21: Neah Bay / Cape Flattery / Shi Shi Beach - Nuit à Lake Crescent

J22: Sol Duc Falls / Bainbridge Island - Nuit à Bainbridge Island

J23: Ferry jusqu'à Seattle - Seattle - Nuit à Seattle

J24: Seattle - Nuit à Seattle

J25: Retour

Qu'en pensez vous?

La partie côté Oregon vous semble t elle pertinente? J'ai l'impression de survoler et j'hésitais à modifier la fin en prenant le ferry dès le J22 et en supprimant une nuit à Seattle pour la mettre en Oregon.

Bonjour les amis de la Grèce de Parga et régions.

Vos connaissances sur Parga et régions m'enthousiasment ! Je pense aux à Papito93, Tuture, ...

Aussi je me permets de vous demander conseils... C'est pour mes prochaines 2 semaines debut Septembre, 5 personnes.

1/ Nous atterrissons à Corfou à minuit. D'après certains posts, on peut sans regret zapper Corfou. Je pense donc me rendre dans la région d'autour de Parga dès le lendemain. J'ai bien fait de zapper Corfou ?

2/ Pour 2 semaines donc autour de Parga et régions, Je voudrais savoir où stratégiquement se loger pour apprécier les beautés de cette région ( ballade, randonnées légères, baignade, ). Je serai mobile ( voiture location + logement AirBnb ), ainsi vous pouvez me suggérer 2 ou même 3 changement de lieu de logement si nécessaires ? Pouvez vous également me quantifier le nombre de jours à rester sur chaque lieu ? Et les endroits à visiter du lieu ?

Merci d'avance pour votre science de Parga et régions ( Epire je crois ) !