A spontaneous trip to Belgium. A short 25 minute train ride costing 5 euros and I was in the loveliest small city of Tournai, Belgium. It has a hulking Cathedral with five bell towers and some lovely squares with Flemish architecture.
Similar Posts
Galleries
Two different galleries – both for shopping rather than art. Starting with Gallerie Vivienne a covered set of shops dating back to 1826. Next up, Galleries Lafayette, probably the largest department store known outside France. I took a guided tour that allowed access an hour before the store opened to learn all about the history…
The 13th and the Canal Saint Martin
Starting my day in the 13th Arrondissement for its great street art. Then starting at Republique, making my way along the Canal St Martin. What was once an important shipping canal complete with locks. It makes for a long and pleasant stroll. Arriving finally at the City of Science and Industry – an interactive museum….
Jardin D’acclimatation and Foundation Louis Vuitton
The Jardin D’Accilmatation sits between the Arc de Triomphe and La Defense and just above the large wooded Bois de Boulogne. It’s a lovely park, and I hadn’t realized also an amusement park. Getting ready for the day of the dead Sitting on the edge of the park is Foundation Louis Vuitton, a modern art…
Last Wanderings
As my time here comes to a close, a few last places to wander and explore. The charming suburb of Puteaux. Also turns out there is an original thumb – located at La Defense Along the Champs Élysées, the Louis Vuitton hotel, slated to open in 2026 The Cluny Museum Until next time dear Paris…
The Louvre
It’s a bit of a love/hate relationship with the Louvre. It’s stunning, the largest and one of the most important art galleries in the world. Some 35,000 pieces of art across 780,000 square feet. It hosted 8.7 million visitors in 2024. Thankfully I had a 09:00 am entry and headed for the Richelieu wing, which…
Jewels of the eternal city
With a bit of searching there are some amazing sights in Rome. This includes Santa Maria Maggiore, a large Basilica not too far from Rome’s Termini train station. While looking serene and peaceful it was a busy place even at 9 am on a weekend. The combination of it being a jubilee year in Rome…
