The contemporary architecture and gastronomy provide the perfect combination, whilst adaptations have been made to the building to introduce a modern element; this is also something that is presented in its food; with traditional dishes available that offer a modern day twist.

At Belga Queen, the cosy lounge style atmosphere can be found just footsteps away from the centre of Ghent, not only offering a prime location, but also spectacular views for all to enjoy when dining on the terrace.

Antoine Pinto created this wonderful restaurant with the hope that it would break away from the many traditional Brasseries that are located around the city. Wanting to offer something different and individual was clearly a key focus and it’s readily noticeable from the Belgian cuisine on the menu. Several of the dishes remain traditional but are accompanied by modern day sides, offering something for all, even if your aren’t feeling particularly adventurous.

With original, high quality Belgian produce and a selection of Belgian wines, you’ll get a real taste for the city, not to mention a buzz from the locally roasted Arabica coffee beans (collected from around the continent) that’s served here.

Whether you are looking to meet a friend for a quiet lunch, share a celebration or go all out, you’ll have your senses stimulated by the wonderful aroma that drifts around the restaurant.

The large terrace offers an impressive area to enjoy beautiful waterside views of the River Leie, at the base of a superb Romanesque façade. With views of historical Ghent, you’d think that inside would offer far less; however, the relaxed and comfortable décor brings many guests inside where they can enjoy trying something new.

If you’d like to watch the chefs at work then that’s an option too, with the large kitchen having an open plan feel, you can chose to dine just a gaze away. The exclusive ‘club’ area that can also be found inside, offers a space to enjoy a tipple and exotic cocktails amongst a wide selection of alcoholic beverages.

This one location accommodates all with complete ease offering a restaurant, bar, terrace and the occasional live music and events scene. The combination of all of this creates the perfect ambiance to enjoy an evening out, whilst taking in the sights of this wonderful city. For more details on both the menu and location, visit Belga Queen’s website here.

Photo: Belgian endive salad with pears and candied pecans By: Experience LA

The extensive varieties of plants are used for both research and observation purposes, allowing both the general public and professionals to be education from the elaborate collection. Not only is this a great location to explore whilst enjoying the sunny summer months, it also hosts a range of events in its grounds covering approximately four hectares.

The botanical garden includes an arboretum, ecological lots and several greenhouses. This allows visitors to admire the unusual array of species that are on offer whilst sauntering around at their own leisure. There are many opportunities to find tranquillity and calm in the shade of winding pathways, or perch on one of the secluded benches and take in the peaceful Greenland.

This beautifully kept location is a peaceful escape from the busy city life found in Stasbourg and offers displays from all around the world. Not only does this have a collection of admirable features, it is also split into four areas making it easier to explore whilst adding a certain systematic structure to your route.

Some of the most popular aspects of the Botanical garden are the tropical rainforest, the truly giant water lily and an all-embracing display of cacti, all ranging in size as well as origin.

This beautiful garden offers year-round exhibitions and events for both children and adults so it is well worth a visit irrelevant of the time of year. Opening after lunch, this is the ideal way to lose yourself in a natural haven before nipping back up the road to the bustling city and enjoying a bite to eat at of one the city’s many restaurants.

Photo: Plant 01 By: Roy Montgomery

Canoë Le Moulin offers individuals an active and exciting day out. Whether you choose to take the journey between Montpellier and Ganges with ease or push yourself to new limits, your journey across these beautiful waters combines routes from St Bauzille de Putois, Laroque and base inlet Aubanel.

The Hérault River travels through extensive gorges and meanders through vineyards for 150 km offering you the chance to glide with the rhythm of the river, through the winding and sun kissed banks before flowing into the sea in the Grau d’Agde. The banks of the river can be appreciated by all nature lovers and whilst exploring in either a canoe or kayak, you will be able to encounter the historical past of the sunny south, whilst keeping an eye out for black kites and kingfishers along your journey.

For those of you who don’t already know, the Hérault River is said to have a variety of gold in, if there isn’t already enough reason to explore these beautiful waters?
Open over the summer months, this exhilarating experience is available to all between 25th March and the 15th October. Suitable for small groups or entire families, you can descent upon your journey at various location points between 9am and 6pm.

If you’re starting at the Moulin Base, near to Montpellier, the location is nestled above a beautifully decorated river bank, covered with pebbles, where the gorges are at your fingertips. With various refreshments such as drinks and ice creams available before you take the plunge; you can enjoy relaxing in the sunshine on the terrace area before you leave.

With various journeys and distances available to explore by water, there will be something for everyone and depending on how daring you’re feeling, there are experiences to facilitate all.

Photo: L’Herault By: Ash Berlin 

Opening early, you can chose to head over on a weekday morning and enjoy the tranquillity of the city, whilst indulging in a rich coffee and a choice of cakes and pies. With a range of imaginative foods to try, you will never find the menu too mainstream. However, if home made treats are what you’re after, then the bakery selection will more than suffice.

This café has a great atmosphere and although busy, it offers the perfect location to enjoy watching passers-bys. Whether you fancy a drink in the bar, relaxing on the terrace or want try a new dish, this café will accommodate you  every day of the week.

The grand windows spreading from floor to ceiling mean you will never go short of views and the bustling city centre can be watched from a-far. The simple, yet warming decor offers a light and airy demeanor that goes perfectly with the informal yet cosy atmosphere.

The city’s main attractions lay just footsteps away from this hot spot, offering a great place to stop and take a break. If you fancy a quick bite that you’ll always remember, then what could be better than trying their ever popular apple pie? Described by visitors as ‘the best apple pie in the Netherlands’ and ‘the best you ever ate’, surely that’s enough reason alone to make a stop?

Photo: 365.20 By: Jessica Spengler 

Open all year round, this zoo has many reasons to visit throughout the seasons: If visiting during the spring time, you will have the opportunity to see the newly born animals, with a lucky few being able to get up close and personal with the animals found at the children’s area. If visiting in the peak of the summer you will have a chance to enjoy the glorious sunshine whilst being able to watch the more exotic animals at play; with elephants and monkeys wondering round their enclosures, you can always choose to watch from a distance and enjoy the shade among the trees.

Alternatively, if you decide to visit during the winter months then watching the penguin walk is a must. When the temperature drops to below 10 degrees, the penguins come out to play, starting their morning walk at around 11am.

If those temperatures sound too artic for you, then there are still 600 species of animals to encounter during your visit, from the fish in the vivarium, to the collection of birds in the bird house.

In order to maintain a happy and healthy environment for these animals, the zoo does insist on a ‘no feeding’ policy. Despite this, you are still able to watch the animals during feeding times and see everything from snow leopards to elephants and ostriches.

To get the most out of your visit, we would recommend taking part in one of the guided tours. They have a maximum of 30 people per group which gives everyone the chance to ask questions and learn more about the animals.

Not only does the zoo have extensive areas to explore outside, it also has a vivarium, bird house, animal fairy tales section for children to enjoy, a monkey house and many more surprises as you make your way around.

If you are planning on spending the whole day at the zoo, you don’t need to worry about lugging a heavy bag filled with packed lunches around all day, instead you can dine with ease at the self-service buffet, situated right in the centre of the grounds. If it is a lighter bite you are after then the cafeteria is the place to visit for a sandwich, or if you are celebrating a special occasion during the summer months then sitting out on the terrace of the restaurant overlooking the elephant enclosure would be the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

For contact information and directions to the zoo simply click here  and for details on travelling to Basel, via Paris Gare du Nord, just visit our site.

Photo: Zoo, Basel By: Dave79

1. By entering this competition (the “Competition”), the entrants are deemed to have read, understood and accepted these terms and conditions and agreed to be bound by them.

 2. This Competition is open to all residents of the UK aged 18 or over.  Employees of Eurostar International Limited (“Eurostar”), their families, employees of Eurostar’s affiliated companies and agents, and anyone associated with this Competition are not eligible to enter.

3. The Competition shall run from 09:30 on 19/04/12 until 23:59 on 25/04/12 (inclusive) (the “Competition Period”).  Any entries received outside the Competition Period will not be accepted.

4. Entry to this Competition is free and automatic upon submitting a response to the question “If you were planning a road trip across Provence, where are the three places you would put on your list to visit and why?” on http://europe.eurostar.com/opening-the-way-to-avignon/

5. This Competition is limited to one entry per person. If any multiple entries are received then only the first entry will be considered.

6. Proof of submitting entries is not proof of receipt and Eurostar does not accept any responsibility for incomplete or illegible entries.

7. There is one prize available to be won in this Competition. The prize consists of return travel for two on Eurostar in standard class, direct to Avignon within 6 months of the competition end date (“the Prize[s]”).

8. The Prize does not include any incidentals including, but not limited to, hotel accommodation, meals, drinks, telephone calls, mini-bars, travel insurance, the cost of transportation to and from the Eurostar departure station. These incidentals are the responsibility of the winner.

9. The winner of this Competition will be selected by an independent judging panel based on the following criteria originality, creativity and quality of writing.  The selection of the winner will take place on 26/04/12.

10. The winner of this Competition will be notified by email or telephone within five days of selection.

11. It is the responsibility of the winner to ensure that they have provided Eurostar with valid contact details.  The winner has one week after being contacted to respond to Eurostar, and if return contact is not made within that time period, the Prize will be forfeited without exception.  In these circumstances, Eurostar will select another winner in accordance with the selection criteria set out above.

12. No alterations, exchanges or refunds of the Prize or elements of the Prize won in this Competition will be permitted.  The Prize is not transferable, cannot be resold and there is no cash alternative.

13. The provision of the Eurostar tickets is subject to availability and the levels of availability may change. Some dates are not available for travel including, but not limited to, all Bank Holiday weekends and Valentine’s Day.

14. Each winner of the Eurostar tickets and their chosen companion must travel together on both the outbound and the return journeys on the Eurostar train.

15. The winner and their chosen companion must comply with all relevant customs, security and immigration requirements, including appropriate passport and visa requirements.  Eurostar will not be responsible for any passenger’s failure to comply with these requirements.  The winner is strongly advised to take out adequate levels of travel insurance.

16. The winner and their chosen companion must check in at least 30 minutes before departure and may not be allowed to board the train if they do not do so.  Eurostar will not be liable for any passenger’s failure to comply with these requirements.

17. The Eurostar tickets cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.  Previous bookings made prior to and, for dates during, the Competition Period, cannot be exchanged or refunded for any booking acquired in accordance with this Competition.

18. The Eurostar conditions of carriage apply to Eurostar tickets and are available on www.eurostar.com or by writing to the address set out in paragraph 26 below.

19. Entrants accept that Eurostar has the right (without any additional payment or permission) to use their name, age, town, county or country of residence or likeness for the purposes of announcing the winner and for related promotional purposes. Upon receipt of the entries, all entries will become the property of Eurostar and will not be returned to entrants. Entrants hereby assign to Eurostar all worldwide copyright and like rights in their entries and waive all moral rights. The name of the winner will be sent to anyone who writes to Eurostar at the address set out in paragraph 25 below within three months of the end of the Competition Period, enclosing a stamped self addressed envelope.

20.Eurostar shall not be responsible for any indirect, special or consequential damages or losses suffered by any entrant of this Competition or a third party.

21. Eurostar reserves the right to refuse to honour any entry if they consider there has been an abuse of this Competition or a breach of these terms and conditions.

22. Eurostar’s decision is final on any situation including any not covered in these terms and conditions.  Please note that Eurostar will not enter into any correspondence concerning any decisions made.

23. Eurostar may at any time and for any reason elect to change or withdraw this Competition and shall not be liable for any costs, claims, damages or loss occasioned by any such election or by failure, however caused, to fulfil the terms of this Competition.

24. Eurostar shall not be liable for any failure to fulfil this Competition where such failure is caused by any supervening circumstances amounting to force majeure.  Such circumstances shall include, but shall not be limited to, severe weather conditions, ash clouds, fire, flood, war, earthquakes, riots, industrial dispute, acts of God, supervening legislation or events which, without the fault of either party, render performance impossible or incapable of satisfactory execution

25. These terms and conditions shall be governed by English Law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts shall apply.

26. Eurostar, of Times House, Bravingtons Walk, London, N1 9AW, is the promoter of this Competition.

Perhaps you’ll visit Roussillon, where you’ll take in the enchantment of pastel shaded building and get lost in the views from the steep red cliff sides. A stop in Oppede-le-Vieuxm, halfway up the north face ofLuberon, and you’ll be captivated by the churches and castles that stand in the old Romanesque village.

For impressive views in a larger village, Bonnieux is the perfect place for you to take in the wonderful sights and out across the valley floor you’ll gaze towards the picturesque village of Lacoste. The village of Fontinue de Vaucluse is an explorer’s must-stop for all –the springs and beautiful rivers of the area make it a relaxing, tranquil stop for any visitor.

To Avignon, where the must-see sights are all around – from the famous Roman history to the picturesque sights of Provence. With the city’s history dating back to the 12th century, a popular must see is The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Des-Doms, an elegantly decorated cathedral offering views across the town square and medieval alleys.

Not only known for its historic tales, Avignon is a buzz of cultural diversity. Le Festival d’Avignon, takes places during the summer months and is a fantastic hub of dance, music and comedy, with a tasty selection of authentic and modern dishes available to try.

Photo: Avignon By: cookipediachef & Photo: Avignon By:  hsivonen

Many overlook the location and meals on offer, visiting simply to enjoy the live jazz and blues music whilst taking in the pub style décor.  The wooden interior gives a relaxed and ‘homey’ atmosphere.  With an extensive selection of drinks to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice .

This bistro is open every weekday, excluding Tuesday, and offers both a lunch and dinner service. If you want to know when they have live performances coming up, be sure to get in touch with the establishment so you don’t miss out.

Located slightly off the beaten track, you’ll find that the prices are very reasonable for both snacks and three course meals. Being very popular with many locals, we would advise you to book to avoid any disappointment, whether it’s for an evening of jazz evening or to enjoy a deliciously cooked meal.

To find out about our current deals to Bruges click here.

Photo: Dessert in Bruges By: UnorthodoxY 

With table displays including candles and flowers elegantly set out, a traditional style of furniture accompanies the settings beautifully. The spiral stair case in the corner of the restaurant is an interesting feature that again adds to the traditional feel, along with the gold themed décor that is found throughout the building.

The tables that can be found outside are the perfect location to sit whilst tucking in to your delicious à la carte meal. With a broad selection of ever-changing specials, you will have plenty to choose from, with their popular dishes often  being diversified.

This centrally located restaurant serves beautifully cooked fresh food and is described by regulars as a ‘gem’, offering both traditional and seasonal dishes all year round.

Its welcoming environment offers a place to stop for a bite to eat in the bustling city and with seating available over two floors, you can choose to sit in a slightly more private location, whilst enjoying a romantic meal for two, or instead immerse yourself in the cosy atmosphere and enjoy the company of the people around you.

The friendly and welcoming staff will effortlessly make you feel at home –  whether in a large, or small group, they will always do their best to accommodate you and cater for your culinary requests.

Fancy visiting the city yourself? Then why not take a look at our latest Eurostar deals.

Photo: Restaurant By: Imnop88a

Situated at Place de la Comédie in the heart of the city centre, the Grand Thêatre is one of the most eye catching monuments in the city. This 18^th century architectural masterpiece was designed by architect Victor Louis.  The large entrance hall is elegantly decorated with 16 Doric columns supporting a flat arch and coffered rosettes, leading on from this to the beautifully crafted grand staircase.

The theatres auditorium originally represented the colours of royalty; blue, white and gold. In 1991 the theatre was in need of restoring and designers chose to do so in line with the buildings original décor. Whilst the extensive restoration work enabled the theatre to be adapted to the requirements of a modern stage, the auditorium saw some significant changes – such as the installation of chairs and stalls rather than just an area for spectators to stand at the foot of the amphitheatre.

After its restoration, this building became one of the oldest wooden frame opera houses in the whole of Europe, as many others required significant rebuilds or major restoration projects, due to fires and structural decay.

The Grand-Thêatre presents both theatrical and musical productions, offering an assortment of performances that suit all throughout the year, including; operas, operettas, ballets and concerts.

If you are looking for an enjoyable night out where you can appreciate the historic sentiment of the city, whilst admiring the talent and fine art that is on display then visiting this theatre is a must.

If you fancy a long weekend in France, then visit our deals page.

Photo: Bordeaux – Grand Théâtre By:  roger4336