EuropeUpClose

Up Close Picture of the Week

Morgen Young — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:53:07 +0000

A melange of color awaits around every corner in mysterious Istanbul. For more information on this bright and vibrant city see Enchanting Istanbul

Photo by Morgen Young for EuropeUpClose.com

Serenity & Luxury at Château de La Messardière in St Tropez’

Jen Westmoreland Bouchard — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:40:14 +0000

Since the early 20th century, Saint Tropez on the French Mediterranean has been the muse of many poets, famous artists and movie directors. Although many yachts and world famous resorts lie in this town, it still maintains the character and charm of a fishing village, proud of its heritage and traditions. With over 300 days of sunshine and over 400 km of beach and shoreline, it’s no wonder many consider the French Riviera a paradise. There are so many activities throughout the year to experience in this area such as formula 1 racing, wine tasting festivals, regattas, and polo and golf tournaments. Sites such as Calanques de Cassis (coastal Fjords) and the Verdon Grand Canyon are less than 60 miles from this area and make for great day trips for those interested in the environment and exploring natural wonders unique to the area.

Amid all the glamor and luxury, the hotel that seems to stand out is the 5-star Chateau de la Messardiere, located just a few minutes from the buzzing center of Saint-Tropez . This internationally renowned fairytale style hotel has modern décor but also has a Moorish flair. The hotel has flagstone walkways, mashrabiyas and lava bathrooms. It also boasts wrought iron railings, carved stone columns and original art mosaics which make this hotel elegant and unique. The panoramic views over the bay of St Tropez and beaches of Pampelonne are incredible and would be of interest to any photographer. All rooms have terraces and there is not a bad view in the hotel. The grounds are filled with every tree possible including eucalyptus, pine, palm, olive, cypress and box trees. All plants and trees on the grounds are treated and maintained with environmentally friendly techniques and products. There is an Olympic size solar heated mirror pool and an extensive well-being spa. There is something for everyone to be able to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. There is even a free 24 hour shuttle to the nearest beach and to city center.

An important part of the hotel’s motto and philosophy is that it strives to respect the environment. It has earned its green reputation thanks to an efficient management policy that the hotel has been putting into practice over many years. The hotel has an environmental charter, drawn up by the staff that has a list of concrete measures intended to promote continuous awareness and responsible environmental behavior of the hotel. The hotel is located on 25 acres of an official French Bird Protection League and Birdlife ornithological reserve. The hotel’s manager Gerald Hardy is committed to sustained development and states “it’s not enough to be green simply as a fashion statement” Château de La Messardière takes numerous measures to economize and preserve natural resources.

If you have the choice, come here in May, June or September; without the crowd’s one can take the time to admire the charming little streets and alleys in St Tropez. Whether you are a local who is getting away from the hustle and bustle or a tourist who is seeking the vacation of a lifetime on the French Riviera, the Chateau de La Messardière is the place for you.

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for Europeupclose.com.

Book Now for this Cheap Paris Deal!

Joan Malling — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:14:45 +0000

Book now for this Cheap Paris deal: six nights in Paris – including airfare – for as little as $799*! This Paris Deal is for specific dates in April, May, September, and October.

You must book by March 16.

The Comfort Lamarck hotel is located in the 18th district of Paris, with a convenient Metro stop.

This Paris package includes:

•   Roundtrip airfare from New York** City to Paris on British Airways.
•   Six nights, including breakfast daily, at the Comfort Lamarck
•   Many taxes and surcharges.

*Additional taxes and conditions pay apply.
** Other departure cities are available, as are hotel upgrades.

For more information or to book your package, call your travel agent, call 800 227-3235 or click here Go Today Use the promo code TZPAR1 for instant savings.

Cluj, Romania: City of Many Denominations

David Hill — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:19:09 +0000

Welcome to Cluj, Romania: a city that for centuries has embodied the religious diversity typical of its region, Transylvania. Survey downtown Cluj, Romania, from atop the citadel hill to its north, and you can see churches of six denominations. Scanning left to right, you first see the tall domed tower of the Romanian Orthodox church, then the spire of the Unitarian church, which swells into a bulb before rising to a point. Next is the white-topped Lutheran church. Then look into the distance to find the massive bulk of the Calvinist church, before bringing your focus back to the foreground to observe the largest church, a Roman Catholic one. Finally, there is the small gray roof of the Greek Catholic church.

Then, consider that the Unitarian, Lutheran, Greek Catholic and Orthodox buildings are not just any old churches, but cathedrals: the seats of bishops in their respective denominations.

Since it would be overwhelming to tour all these churches in one go, I will focus on the two biggest cathedrals: the Orthodox and the Catholic. The four smaller churches - and a couple of interesting others that don’t happen to be visible from that hill – have their own curious stories to tell, so they will be the subject of a whole different post.

The Orthodox cathedral, with its carved stone facade built onto a skeleton of concrete, serves the Romanian community which, today, is the largest ethnic group in Cluj. It was erected between 1923 and 1933, after Transylvania became part of Romania. Intended as a monument of Romanian national pride, the building has neo-Byzantine architectural features – most notably its central cupola. The church is 64 meters tall and has room for 2,000 worshippers. Its interior dazzles with large mosaics and murals in many colors, with gold predominating. Walking straight ahead from the main entrance, you eventually reach a grand iconostasis with icons arranged in five rows. From the huge alcove behind it, a mural of Mary and Jesus gazes down at you. Hanging far down from the interior of the cupola is a massive chandelier shaped like a crown, which was a gift from Carol II, King of Romania.

The Orthodox cathedral stands on a square called Piata Avram Iancu, one of the main squares in Cluj. And just a few blocks west is another, similarly sized square, Piata Unirii, home to an older, Catholic church. This, the tallest church in Cluj, is, in fact, the tallest in Transylvania, at 80 meters including the cross on top. The magnificent Gothic church, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, is not a cathedral, because Cluj is not a Catholic episcopal seat but, in stead, falls under the bishopric of nearby Alba Iulia.

Catholicism made a comeback at St Michael’s after a couple of other denominations held it for a while. In 1551, St Michael’s became a Lutheran place of worship, and then became the seat of a Unitarian bishop in 1566. It has been a Hungarian-speaking Catholic church since 1718.

St Michael’s was built between 1350 and 1487, although some of what you see today is reconstruction, including the clock tower which was rebuilt, in neo-Gothic style, in the 19th century. The likeness of St Michael (killing a dragon) above the main door is original. To its left is an inscription in Latin proclaiming that the depiction was installed there in 1444. Still older is the church’s 24-meter altarpiece, made in 1390. The colossal, richly adorned pulpit, carved from wood, is a comparative youngster, dating from 1750. The interior is massive, with huge arches bolstered by two-meter thick pillars separating the side naves from the main one.

There is evidence of conflict between Catholics and Protestants on the church’s interior walls. When they were in control of this building, Protestants obliterated almost every trace of rich, 15th century frescos. But some patches of fresco painting can still be seen, having been uncovered when the church was restored in the mid 20th century. At the rear, under the clock tower, is a small chapel where there is a whole mural showing the Crucifixion.

The rich history of Cluj and its diverse population is indeed reflected in the outstanding art and architecture of every church you visit.

Written by David Hill for EuropeUpClose

Lecce, Italy: A Top Ten City to Visit in 2010

Mattie Bamman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:42:08 +0000

The Italian city of Lecce, located in the far, far south of Italy, is a city on the rise. Voted one of the top ten cities to visit in 2010 by MSN Travel and Lonely Planet, it has tons of qualities that you won’t find anywhere else in Italy. Sure, it doesn’t have gondolas or the Sistine Chapel. Fine. It’s not even located near Rome; in fact, it’s a 5-7 hour train ride from Rome. And yeah, you do have to extend your Italian-language skills as far as they go, but isn’t that part of what traveling is all about? Of all the qualities of Lecce worth listing, there are two that I should get out of the way first: low prices and stunning architecture.

Puglia, the region in which Lecce is located, is one of the poorest regions in the European Union; this is because most of its economy focuses on agriculture. Everywhere you go in Puglia, you will find groves (more like forests) of olive trees and fields of grapevines. This adherence to tradition is my favorite attribute of the region, and you can taste it everywhere you go. Besides great food and wine, the region boasts low prices. Hotels and beautiful B&Bs commonly run 50-80 euro a night for doubles. A complete meal for two with wine can cost as little as 30-40 euro. So, unlike many of the more popular tourist destinations in Italy, Lecce won’t steal your wallet along with your heart.

Its architecture is Lecce’s primary asset, most of which came into existence during the 17th Century, thanks to a period of gentrification spurred on by the Hapsburg Dynasty. Lecce demonstrates Baroque architecture unlike anywhere else on earth. The façade of the famous Santa Croce church is a stunning mix of religious figures and mythological creatures. The church’s beauty makes it a prime location for Italian weddings, and every summer the church’s steps are carpeted with flower petals. The city’s numerous other churches are nearly as immaculate as Santa Croce, and jump out around every corner. Even the homes in Lecce tout impressive carvings and sculptures because the stone with which everything in the city is made, Lecce stone, is a high-quality limestone that is ideal for sculpting.

I began visiting Lecce in 2006. After seeing so many other cities in Italy, I hadn’t expected to find Lecce’s Duomo or ancient ruins so impressive. Furthermore, many of the other towns and cities in Puglia that I had visited did not have the sheer beauty that this “Florence of the south” promised. But Lecce pays off, and I’ve returned regularly ever since.

The best times to visit the city are April through the end of June and August 27th through mid-November. Summer in Lecce is beautiful and there are an endless number of outdoor events, such as outdoor symphonies, jazz concerts, and cultural arts of all sorts. And the city is very, very busy with Italian, Greek, and German tourists. The best accommodations are the B&Bs located in the city center. They are an unparalleled way to experience the town’s old history.

Written by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com

I Love Paris in the Springtime: Paris Spring Events 2010

Jen Westmoreland Bouchard — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:17:20 +0000

Planning to be in Paris over the next few months? Need an excuse to go? The only reason I ever need to visit Paris in the spring is the possibility that I might find myself strolling on the banks of the Seine in the mist— straight out of a Doisneau photo. However, if you’re looking for a bit more excitement, here is an eclectic smattering of interesting events and openings happening in the City of Lights this spring. Bon voyage et amusez-vous bien!

Le Festival Européen du Film Indépendant
March 12-March 14 2010
(European Independent Film Festival) Between March 12- March 14, Paris will welcome over 60 of the top independent films made in Europe last year. Tickets range in price between 5-8 Euros, and all of the films are shown at these two locations:

Cinéma Le Grand Action
5 rue des Ecoles
75005 Paris
Métro : Cardinal Lemoine ou Jussieu

Théâtre le Triomphe
5, Rue Blainville
75005 Paris
Métro : Monge

elles@centrepompidou, women artists in the collections for the National Modern Art Museum
Centre Pompidou
May 27, 2009-February 21, 2011
If you’re a fan of contemporary creations by female artists, head to the Centre Pompidou this spring (and into next winter) for this multifaceted exhibition. www.centrepompidou.fr

Le Carré des Ateliers de Paris (Paris Artist Expo and Sale)
First Saturday of the month between March and December 2010
From 10am to 7pm, artisans and artists in a variety of genres offer products for sale (including decorative objects, fashion accessories, jewelry, clothing, furniture, sculptures and lamps). Located on the Boulevard Richard Lenoir near Breguet Sabin metro station.
Métro : Bastille lines 1, 5, 8 or Bréguet Sabin line 5

The Paris Opera Ballet presents Siddhartha
March 18 - April 11 2010
With music by composer Bruno Mantovani and set design by visual artist Claud Lévêque, choreographer Angelin Preljocaj explores the story of the man who was to become Buddha.

Yves Saint Laurent at the Petit Palais
March 11 – August 2010
On March 11th, the Musée des Beaux Arts at the Petit Palais will open its first ever exhibition dedicated to high fashion- and the subject of the show is none other than the beloved French designer, Yves Saint Laurent (deceased in 2008). This comprehensive retrospective is sure to please design lovers and fashion aficionados.
Musée du Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill
75008 Paris
01 53 43 40 00
Metro station : Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau or Concorde
RER C, Invalides ; RER A, Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
Full price: €11
Reduced price: €8
Half price: €5.50

Indochine at Stade de France
June 26, 2010
The 80s band Indochine is celebrating their 30th year performing together at Paris’ premier sports arena. Ticket prices range from 40-60 Euros and can be purchased online at

Introducing our New Travel Forum – Ask and Answer Questions About Europe!

Terri Fogarty — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:18:21 +0000

Today, we are inaugurating our new travel forum, beginning with a Q & A section. Here, you can ask questions and we and/or our readers will answer.

No question is too crazy.
Want an opinion as to where to get the best beer in Europe?
Or, do you wonder which hotels in Paris have a view?

Just ask.
EuropeUpClose has an enthusiastic community of experts and readers who know a lot about European travel and want to share their knowledge with you.

To go to the Forum now, click here: EuropeUpClose Forum
To find the Forum on our site, look for Forum on the top, gray navigation bar.

Ask a question… Suggest a new topic… Share your experience. We want to hear from you!

Kiel, Germany: Sailing City on the Baltic Sea

Sascha Matuszak — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:38:37 +0000

When I was a kid in Frankfurt, Kiel was where all of the rich kids went for vacation. I suppose it qualifies as the seaside resort area Germany always wanted, but never really had. Kiel is the windswept beach town where young men went to hear the call of the sea and young girls went for summer affairs in the grassy dunes. The city itself was bombed into rubble like most of the other German towns and cities during WWII, so there is little to see of the old historic port town and the castles on the Baltic. But, don’t let that stop you from visiting.

One of the best things to do in Kiel is to walk, run or bike the Kiel Canal as far as you can go and then enjoy one of the beaches on the North Sea – if you head west, or one of the beaches on the Baltic Sea - if you head east. The canal connects the two frigid seas of the north, bypassing Denmark, and stretches for about 100km. There are little shops, parks and way stations along the entire length of the canal and you can also spend a night along the way in the town of Rendsburg. Many, many people make the trip from sea to sea in the summer, so Rendsburg turns into a hopping little town, especially around Kieler Woche, Keil’s sailing festival held each June.

Kieler Woche is a celebration of warm weather, seaside living and, above all, sailing. The festival includes plenty of food, drink and music and it completely engulfs Kiel every year. Boats and ships of every kind converge on the city from all over the world — old school schooners, Viking boats, elegant yachts, racers, and even the odd clipper relics. The festival is called the Kiel Regatta in English, denoting the sailboat as the focus of the show. But these days the event has morphed into a bonanza far and beyond the original regatta. Thousands of high school students show up during this time of year — German schools usually get out around mid-June or early July, and for those students who are not going to France or Greece or Turkey, Kiel is a pretty good option. These young kids add a little pep to Kieler Woche and they make sure that the sailors don’t dominate the bars for the entire week.

The city is located right at the end of the Kieler Fjord so locals wake up every day looking out at the ocean. One of the biggest pastimes is sailing, due to the strong winds that rush in and out of the fjord year round. There are chartered sailing boats for tourists, lessons and training for beginners, and boats to rent for experienced hands. The harbor is also home to the German Navy, so if battleships are your thing, you can sit by the harbor, chew on some smoked herring and watch the gulls swing lazily around the massive gray warships. In fact, Kiel Harbor is a very busy place any time of year, with commercial shipping, recreational sailors and navy sailors coming in and out all day long. There are excellent little bistros right on the harbor and the sea food snacks are unpretentious and delicious.

Kiel has a rather independent history, beginning as a drop off point for Viking raiders and it was eventually a prize in a tug-of-war between the Dukes of Denmark and the German powers of Austria and Prussia. Germany finally did gain control of the city and Kiel was granted free status as a Hanseatic city. This status was subsequently revoked in the 16th century after Kiel was found to be a safe house for pirates. The rebellious sailor mentality stayed with the city and became the focal point of a rebellion in 1918 that toppled the monarchy and installed the Weimar Republic.

If you are looking for more activity and need a big city break, Kiel is just one hour away from Hamburg. Or, if are looking for a little, quiet solitude, you can easily get away to any number of little seaside towns in close proximity to Kiel.

For me, as with many kids growing up in Germany, Kiel holds a certain romance that is undeniable. Perhaps all ocean cities have it — but for Germans, the beaches and the canal of Kiel provide memories of youth and first kisses and adventures with your best pals.

See Kiel Canal for more information.

Don’t Miss London’s Hampton Court

Morgen Young — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:54:16 +0000

London boasts many impressive palaces and castles, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, but one of the most interesting and accessible may just be Hampton Court , situated on the River Thames in the southwest part of the city.

Hampton Court Palace is perhaps most famous as the residence of King Henry VIII. The property actually was once under the ownership of Thomas Wolsey, the Archbishop of York, who acquired the estate in 1514. Wolsey oversaw new construction to the property, aiming to create a cardinal’s palace. In 1528, Wolsey gifted the palace to the king, who then began his own expansion of the property.

The palace continued to be a place of residence for the remaining royalty of the Tudor period, including Mary I and Elizabeth I. The palace then passed into the House of Stuart with the ascension of James I. For several decades, following the ill-fated reign of Charles I, Hampton Court was believed to be too old-fashioned for the royal family. The dual monarchy of William and Mary saw a period of rebuilding the palace, causing the demolition of half of the original Tudor palace in favor of contemporary styled buildings.

Further refurbishment and alterations occurred in the mid-18th Century under Kings George I and George II, who became the last monarchs to reside at Hampton Court. Due to the various additions made to the palace, Hampton Court contains two distinct architectural styles: the medieval Tudor, marked by steeply pitched roofs, large decorated chimneys, tall, narrow windows and doorways, and small window panes; and the Baroque style favored by the Stuarts, noted by its emphasis on playing with light and shade, colonnades, domes, and the interior creation of stately apartments.

The interior of the palace has been decorated to reflect the two main periods of the Hampton Court, the early Tudor and late Stuart reigns. Many significant pieces of art are on display, as well as numerous examples of the decorative arts, including ceramics and tapestries. Much of the original palatial furniture occupies the rooms on display.

While the entire grounds of Hampton Court are worth exploring, there are particular areas that should be highlighted. For those with epicurean interests, Henry VIII’s kitchens are not to be missed. The kitchens are preserved to reflect the culinary style of King Henry’s Court and are, in fact, still used to prepare Tudor meals. The kitchens served the royal family for over two hundred years, spanning the 16th and 18th centuries, and also fed the hundreds of members of nobility who were entitled to eat in the palace. Today, the kitchens can be toured daily and on specific dates cooking demonstrations are featured, bringing the epicurean repertoire of the Tudor court to life.

Also not to be missed are the spectacular palace gardens. Totaling more than sixty acres, the gardens stretch from the palace to the banks of the Thames. Each month brings a variety of flowering plants, from the spring blooms of April to the roses in June to the changing colors of fall. Popular attractions among the palace gardens include the Privy Garden, a reconstruction of the original, early 18th Century garden; the Rose Garden; and the contemporary 20th Century Garden. Be sure to visit the Maze and meander among the half-mile of labyrinthine paths.

Visitors can wander throughout Hampton Court and the accompanying gardens. Interpreters donning historic costumes lead group tours throughout the day and one can join such a tour free of charge. For a self-guided tour of the particular sections of grounds, be sure to acquire an audio guide. These are available in several languages and are free of charge. The audio tours provide insightful information of the kitchens, the Apartments of William III, Georgian Apartments, and a history of a young Henry VIII. The audio tour is well worth listening to and provides great context to the material culture on display and the historical figures who once resided in the palace.

Various cafes and coffee shops can be found on the grounds of the palace. Some visitors bring their own meals and picnic in any of the famous gardens.

Hampton Court and its gardens are open throughout the year, closing only December 24 – 26. The palace and gardens share similar hours of operation: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM - late March through the end of October for the summer season; and 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM – November through most of March.

Trains, Bikes and Robo Taxis: Riding Green in Sweden

Carla Scott — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:15:32 +0000

It’s no wonder that Sweden is the leader in “green” transportation in Europe. Sweden was the second country in the world to introduce an eco-tourism charter, after Australia. Sweden also set up ‘Nature’s Best’, Europe’s first eco-label that assures the quality of approximately 180 holidays and activities run by its 80 eco-certified tour operators around the country. Here are three of the latest green types of transport that are in the forefront of the green technology movement in Scandinavia. Take advantage of these eco-efficient and cool ways to get around the next time you visit Sweden.
Trains are one of the world’s greenest modes of transportation. Although they do not always have clean burning engines, trains still remain a much lower carbon consuming type of transportation compared to taking a plane or driving a car. Transportation technology in the past five years has advanced to the point where trains are faster, lighter, cleaner burning, and more comfortable. One of the fastest eco-friendly trains in the world is the Swedish Gröna Tåget (”Green Train”.) This train is a technological marvel. It was designed and built by Banverket (the Swedish Railway Administration) and Bombardier, and is capable of speeds of around 180 mph. The new engine design has improved its energy consumption by 20 to 30 percent of your average modern-style train. Taking the train is now back in style as a main form of transport in Sweden.
Next, the Swedes have stepped out of the Bladerunner movie and created the taxi of the future called the ECO ROBO TAXI. The Robo Taxi has no driver, minimal space for luggage and only holds two passengers. The taxi can run for 20 hours before it needs to be recharged. It also can reach speeds up to 90kmh. If you want to use the Robo Taxi you can call an operator who will then send a taxi to your location. Passengers will be able to enter their destination on a touch screen interface. This futuristic taxi is coming to Stockholm in 2011, and I am booking my ticket now just to be the first to ride in this fantastic green transport creation!

Bicycling is a Scandinavian passion and there are a literally 101 different bike rental companies located in the cities. Bicycling is a healthy, eco-friendly form of transportation and, in Stockholm, it is fairly safe. The best known bike rental service in Stockholm is CityBikes. It is known as the least expensive and it is definitely worth a try. They carry over 1,000 bikes and 80+ parking stations for the bicycles. If you wish to rent one of the bicycles at these stations, you will need either a one-time card for SEK 25, or a season card for SEK 200 (bonus: free helmet). The cards are available at SE Transportation Centers where you also buy bus and commuter train tickets. The catch is that you can only keep the bikes for 3 hours and then you must return it and you can rent another one for another 3 hours.
Sweden’s willingness to embrace change, look ahead to the future and act accordingly has made it a vibrant hub of all things green in Europe. Maybe the Swedes should hold a green summit here in the United States so we can learn about and adopt some of their innovative eco ideas.

Written by Carla Scott for EuropeUpClose.com