Latest news with #Renaissance
Euronews
2 hours ago
- Euronews
What makes France's Loire Valley a world heritage wonder
If the famed French writer Victor Hugo had visited the Château de Chambord today, it's safe to say he would have been over-sharing it on Instagram. After travelling there for the first time, he wrote: 'Can you imagine, dear Paul, that ever since I saw Chambord, I have been asking anyone and everyone: Have you seen Chambord?' Standing before it myself, I know just how he felt. Looking up at this fairy-tale castle, crowned with its carnival of cream-and-grey turrets, I want to tell everyone about it too. Commissioned by François I in 1519 and eventually completed in the 17th century, it is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. At its centre is a double-revolution staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. While Chambord is arguably the most famous, every one of the celebrated châteaux in the Loire Valley, of which more than a hundred can be visited, has its own individual charm. Then there are the renowned vineyards, the historic towns and the flower-filled villages. And, at the heart of it all, is the longest river in France. A world-renowned destination It's perhaps no surprise then that a vast swathe of the Loire Valley was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. That makes this year its 25th anniversary. Spanning 174km from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes-sur-Loire, it's one of the largest listed sites in the country. This also means it's nigh-on impossible to see everything in the UNESCO area on a single trip, let alone the wider region, but what better excuse to plan a return visit? Especially as it all begins just an hour's train ride from Paris. If you're coming from that direction, an ideal place to start is in Orléans, sometimes described as the gateway to the Loire Valley. Among the oldest cities in France, it was famously liberated by Joan of Arc from the English siege of 1429. Even today, her presence is everywhere – from the imposing statue in the main square and the street bearing her name to the stained-glass windows in the Gothic cathedral of Sainte-Croix. This relaxed riverside city is also known for its attractive waterfront, Renaissance buildings and vibrant street art. Here, names such as M. Chat, Tag Lady and MifaMosa are uttered with almost the same reverence as Joan of Arc herself. I'm also tempted by the various museums – and, in particular, the intriguing-sounding tours taking in the city's subterranean spaces. Today, however, we are visiting the last surviving vinegar maker of Orléans. The city became famous for its vinegar in the Middle Ages when the slow-moving shipments on the Loire meant the wine would sometimes sour. Founded in 1797, Martin-Pouret continues the tradition to this day. As well as their boutique in the centre, which sells specialist vinegars alongside other products like mustard and sauces, they offer tours of their workshop just outside the city. On the trail of châteaux The next morning, we make the half-hour journey to one of the more unusual castles on our list, Château de Meung-sur-Loire. Known as 'the castle with two faces', while one side maintains its medieval exterior, the other has an 18th-century façade in salmon pink. Outside, a dragon-themed trail features impressive animatronics, including a 14m-long basilisk, while a zen-like rose garden emanates calm. Beyond the châteaux, another must in the Loire Valley is a vineyard visit. As one of France's leading wine regions, there's an impressive diversity – from Sancerre's flagship whites and Saumur's sparkling varieties to Chinon's highly regarded reds. Back at Chambord, they are now producing their own organic, hand-harvested wines, reviving an age-old tradition on the estate. During the 'obligatory' tasting, a sparkling rosé called La Favorite lives up to its name. That evening, keen to connect with the river itself, we take a boat trip on the Loire in a traditional wooden vessel. For this, we join an excursion with Moments de Loire, whose knowledgeable guide teaches us all about the river's ecosystem. Although we don't spot the resident beavers, we do spy brightly coloured dragonflies and a huge heron swooping past. Where gardens meet fairy tales For garden lovers, the nearby Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire shouldn't be missed. Alongside its remarkable château, once home to Catherine de' Medici, the estate hosts the International Garden Festival. This year's theme, 'Once upon a time, in the garden', has yielded some magical results. It's also well worth making the detour south to see the Royal City of Loches. One of the finest fortified cities in the country, it has an ensemble of architecture that began around a thousand years ago. At its heart is the Royal Lodge, once favoured by Charles VII, and a medieval keep that's among the best preserved in Europe. Not too far from here, the village of Montrésor – officially one of France's 'most beautiful' – offers picturesque streets, a verdant valley and, yes, a lovely château. Also, look out for the statue of the 'Fallen Angel' by Constantino Corti. Its haunting beauty drew the admiration of Sir Mick Jagger, no less, who has a home in the region and can occasionally be spotted buying a baguette at a local bakery. On that note, if you're seeking a bite to eat in this corner of the Loire Valley, the eco-friendly restaurant of DorDinAire, in Nouans-les-Fontaines, is hard to beat. Run by the charming Valérie and Thierry, they offer sensational seasonal dishes made with local produce. The Da Vinci connection For our final day, we visit one of the region's best-known landmarks: the Château Royal d'Amboise. Overlooking the Loire, this 'palace on a promontory' was a favourite of the French kings. With its Renaissance splendour, panoramic views and aerial gardens (designated a 'Jardin Remarquable'), I can see why. This is also the final resting place for Leonardo da Vinci, whose tomb can be found in the exquisite little chapel of Saint-Hubert. In contrast to a certain painting at the Louvre, we are practically the only people there. At the nearby Château du Clos Lucé, where he spent his last days, his life is celebrated in one of the area's leading cultural attractions. We then make a sojourn south again, back towards Loches, to squeeze in a visit to Chédigny. The only village to have the status of 'Jardin Remarquable', it is home to one thousand rose bushes, among many other plants and flowers. The annual Festival des Roses comes highly recommended, as does lunch at Le Clos aux Roses with its wisteria-covered terrace. Au revoir, not goodbye Later that afternoon, for our last stop-off, we head into Tours. Here, we find a city buzzing with locals, students and visitors, enjoying the rich heritage, eclectic mix of shops and array of museums. I make a mental note to return for the cathedral of Saint-Gatien with its flamboyant façade, the atmospheric exhibition space of Hôtel Goüin and a yoga session atop the Tour Charlemagne. For now, we indulge in a gastronomic tour with the lovely Sheena from Food Tours in Tours. A highlight is the lively square of Place Plumereau with its timber-framed buildings surrounding canopied tables. We end at the Guinguette de Tours, where we sip local wines as people sway to the sounds of swing and the sun sets over the river. It's been a whistlestop tour but a wonderful week. My only regret is that I wish I'd seen more. Next on my list is the troglodyte caves, the riverside cycle route and a visit to Blois. In the meantime, like Victor Hugo with Chambord, I'll be asking anyone and everyone: Have you seen the Loire Valley?
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful city dubbed 'Venice's little sister' has barely any tourists
This gorgeous Italian city has been referred to as Venice's little sister, and it's the perfect getaway destination with stunning historical buildings, delicious Italian cuisine and more This breathtaking Italian city, often dubbed as Venice's little sister, is a treasure trove of historical architecture and an ideal spot for a long weekend getaway. Italy is renowned for its captivating city break destinations, but some can be overrun with tourists. Padua, nestled in the north of the country, offers a fantastic escape without the throngs of visitors. The city is a haven of Renaissance art, medieval marketplaces, and tranquil gardens, yet it has managed to stay relatively untouched by mass tourism. It's a highly underrated gem, brimming with arcaded streets and bustling piazza cafe-bars. Art enthusiasts can marvel at the Scrovengi Chapel, adorned with Biblical scenes painted by Renaissance artist Giotto in 1306. The artwork is so invaluable that visitors are only permitted a 15-minute viewing. Padua also houses Musme, the Museum of the History of Medicine, showcasing interactive displays and artefacts that highlight the city's contribution to modern science, reports the Express. From there, guests can stroll over to Palazzo del Bo to witness the world's first anatomical theatre, constructed in 1595, housed within the University of Padua's historic headquarters. Take a leisurely walk through the Arena Gardens adjacent to the canal, where you'll find the remnants of a Roman amphitheatre nestled among lawns and coffee kiosks. The university also lays claim to the world's oldest botanical garden, established in 1545. Back then, circular plots of medicinal plants would have been meticulously cared for. A frequently missed gem in Padua is a visit to the Cathedral Baptistery. Competing with the beauty of the Scrovengi Chapel, the Cathedral Baptistery was adorned in the 1370s by Giusto de' Menabuoi, a disciple of Giotto. The patron saint of Padua has been resting in an open tomb for visitors in St Anthony's Basilica since the 13th century, which also boasts bronze statues and a lavishly decorated ceiling. Just a stone's throw away is St George's Oratory. Once serving as a Napoleonic prison, this Gothic-style Roman Catholic chapel showcases a stunningly detailed portrayal of its namesake. Padua houses numerous UNESCO-listed frescoes, some of which are free to admire at your leisure. If you wish to observe these frescoes, other sites worth visiting include Church of the Eremitani, Palazzo della Ragione and the Oratory of Saint Michael. Of course, it's also a major destination for Italian food-lovers, as the city boasts several delicious local dishes, including bigoli in salsa (spaghetti with anchovy and onion sauce), risotto with rovinassi, and the local chicken dish Gallina Padovana. If you're a sun worshipper, now's the ideal time for a city break to Padua as temperatures can soar to 29C in July. If you fancy a cooler getaway, hold off until October when temperatures hover around a more temperate 19C.
Times
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times
My Grand Tour: a novel way to see Rome and an eye-opening art class
I wake half-dressed and groaning in a palazzo in Rome, feeling so ruined that I might need Unesco protection. My eyes are bloodshot, my shirt stained and I've no memory of last night, though I'm still clutching an empty bottle of Umbrian wine. It's plugged with a roll of parchment, which I unroll to reveal a sketch of a naked man in an alarming pose. My heart sinks as my memory mends. The day before I'd arrived from Switzerland and checked into the Villa Spalletti Trivelli hotel, a neoclassical pile still owned by aristocrats. Making straight for the bar in the Tapestry Lounge, I sipped prosecco in heirloom opulence and reflected on my Grand Tour so far: fencing in Paris, dining on Lake Geneva, hiking through the Alps. Now, shoulders feeling broader, I was in the Eternal City, where Grand Tourists brought their classics books to life, visiting ancient sites, versifying in Latin and receiving artistic instruction. That night, in the spirit of noble self-improvement, I too would take my place at the easel. So I wandered down to a Renaissance palace opposite Piazza Navona, a ten-minute walk west from the Pantheon. My artist-mentor, Marco, buzzed me into a foyer where fluted columns lead to a marble staircase. I climbed it, past a statue of Mercury, god of messages and mischief, and entered Marco's studio. It was immediately clear that I'd misunderstood the nature of the class. A mustachioed man in a dressing gown stood on a raised platform, two women giggled while drinking wine and suggestive murals profaned the 17th-century walls — including one of a tongue licking a strawberry. 'So, you are the English tourist!' Marco announced, giving my outfit (blazer from Cordings of Piccadilly, cravat and chinos) an ocular pat-down. He poured wine and waved me towards a sketchpad-strewn table. I introduced myself to the women, Umay and Imane, local student friends who had signed up to the class for larks. 'And why are you here?' Imane asked me, though I was distracted. To my horror Moustache Man had disrobed, revealing a rather lavish endowment. 'Sorry,' I answered, still looking at it. 'I'm touring Europe. I'm on my … third leg.' Marco's first instruction: 'You need to follow your feeling.' Gladly, I thought: right out the door. I drained my glass as the model began to strike poses. First, contrapposto — classic. The women began to sketch. I stared muselessly at the page. Seeing me struggle, Marco told me to map the model's body with shapes. I spent ten minutes drawing a crash-test dummy — an oval for the head, circles for the joints — gulping wine as I went. The women, meanwhile, were discussing how to represent light and shadow. But as the model perched on a stool, the wine took effect. My inner Leonardo rose and my pencil sprang to life. I drew his torso, limbs and old chap, then proudly showed Marco my work. He wasn't sure about the resemblance. I assured him it was an abstract masterpiece (classes from £60; Class over, I hadn't improved a jot. Slurring my goodbyes I stumbled down the staircase. Mercury, having had his fun, dispatched me back to my villa. Italy was the cultural centrepiece of the Grand Tour. But I'd reached a crossroads and, like many tourists before me, taken a wrong turn. In about 1720 the poet John Breval had a bit of how's your Holy Father with a nun in Milan. Horace Walpole sniffed in 1743 that Lord Middlesex and Francis Dashwood, chiefs of the Society of Dilettanti, were 'seldom sober the whole time they were in Italy'. And in 1819 Lord Byron repaid Count Guiccioli's hospitality by sleeping with his wife, Teresa. Unlike Byron, though, I'm out of bed, stashing the sketch in my suitcase and vowing to drink wine only at Holy Communion. I'm packing for the Appian Way; Rome is no place to nurse a sore head, especially today — five minutes' drive from my hotel, at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Pope Francis is to be buried, and I need to escape before the city becomes gridlocked. I climb into a taxi and we set off down Via Agostino Depretis … and straight into purgatory. Carabinieri wave like frantic conductors as cars trumpet their horns, street vendors peddle thuribles as though they were knock-off Prada handbags, teenagers take gloomy selfies and the whole scene is haloed by choral song. • Jack Ling's Grand Tour part one: The most unusual way to see Paris Somehow my driver finds a road that doesn't lead to Rome and 20 minutes later drops me at a stables. I'm introduced to my chestnut horse, Almy, and my guide, Sandro, leads us on to the Appian Way — an arrow-straight road of volcanic basalt fanned by Roman pines and lined with crumbling ruins. This 2,300-year-old superhighway once carried generals and pilgrims to Brindisi, 300 miles southeast, on the Adriatic coast. Grand Tourists used it to continue their travels on horseback. But Almy has seen it all before, wandering off the road to graze on wild artichokes. 'Bad horse!' I scold, forgetting the Italian. Sandro instructs me to poke Almy's belly with my stirrups and my steed returns to the way with a frustrated snort. We clop through 'a desert of decay, sombre and desolate beyond all expression', as Charles Dickens put it on his travels to the Appian Way in the 1840s. Here, Sandro says, is the tomb of the 1st-century philosopher-orator Seneca the Younger — a speechless relic half-swallowed by weeds; there, a pale pink villa belonging to the Caetani family, whence came Pope Boniface VIII, the 13th-century pontiff who insisted that salvation required absolute obedience to him. • Jack Ling's Grand Tour part two: The off-piste way to see the Alps 'Hear that?' I whisper to Almy. To my surprise I'm riding better than I expected. 'Where are you from?' Sandro asks, impressed, as we return to the stables. 'England,' I reply. 'Ah, you have it in the blood.' I dismount Almy and, after thanking Sandro for restoring discipline to my tour, take a taxi to the Roma Termini railway station. In my ambition to become a cultivated man I had veered off course with my boozy art class. The Appian Way had set me straight — but it was in Venice, my next stop, where Grand Tourists' morals were tested Ling was a guest of Byway, which has ten nights' B&B from £2,423pp, including rail travel from the UK ( and Villa Spalletti Trivelli, which has room-only doubles from £334 (
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
I visited one of Europe's most walkable and affordable cities — it was incredible
Kraków, Poland, is one of Europe's cheapest cities to visit for a city break, and it's only a short flight away from the UK. I've enjoyed city breaks in various European countries, including Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. However, my recent trip to Kraków, Poland, was truly unforgettable. The affordability of the journey and the city itself, coupled with its walkability, made it stand out. Unlike many European cities that necessitate trams, trains or metros for getting around, Kraków was refreshingly different. Plus, it's less than a two-hour flight from London. Once the capital of Poland, Kraków is so compact that the only transport I needed was the train from the airport to the city centre. Beyond this, everything was within a 20-minute stroll from the main square. Kraków had been on my travel wishlist for five years due to its stunning architecture and rich history, reports the Express. My primary reason for visiting was an excursion to Auschwitz to learn about the Holocaust, so I didn't have high expectations for city exploration. However, as I wandered around, I kept discovering hidden treasures, and I fell in love with the city. From the market square known as Rynek Glowny to the Wawel Royal Castle, all the key sights were just a short walk away from each other. The square is home to the Cloth Hall, a trading centre from the Renaissance period, and a Gothic church dating back to the 14th century. Planty Park and the remnants of the medieval city walls encircle the city. The park offers such serenity that it hardly feels like you're in a city, and it provides easy access to almost everything. The architecture is truly stunning, with a fusion of historical styles adorning well-maintained streets. The Jewish quarter is another must-see, boasting a variety of historical synagogues, museums, art galleries, as well as unique restaurants and bars. When it comes to food, there's an endless array of both Polish specialities and other European cuisines. I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable it was - a chicken burger and chips cost around £8, Polish dumplings were just £3 to £4, and the most delectable spaghetti carbonara was only £9. While drinks, particularly cocktails and alcoholic beverages, were slightly pricier, they were still considerably cheaper than in other cities I've visited, such as Berlin and Copenhagen. I wholeheartedly recommend a weekend trip to Kraków, whether you're seeking culture, history, or simply relaxation.
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
24 Gifts For The Person You've Known So Long You've Run Out Of Gifts To Get Them
A bottle of Drop It that's perfect for your friend who so graciously hosts wine and cheese nights for you and your pals every week. These drops can turn any boxed wine into one that they'll SWEAR is actually biodynamic. It removes most sulfites and tannins to create a smooth, non-bitter taste and can even help to relieve post-drinking headaches! A portable brewing straw because your parent is super into drinking single-origin coffee and tea, yes — but they're probably not into gulping loose leaves or coarse grinds floating around in their mug. This straw has a strainer at the end that filters any solids suspended in the cup. It works great for coffee, yerba mate, and other loose-leaf teas, but can also help to filter out those inevitable chunks from their powdered collagen or protein drinks! A scratch-off world map for your sibling who has a passion for two things: travel and interior design. This is a simple way for them to hang some personalized wall art in their home while acting as a sweet reminder of all the places they've been. And a travel cupholder to gift the same person — because you want to give them something they need while jet-setting, too! This handy cupholder slots easily over most carry-ons and will free their hands of sloshy drinks as they run from one terminal to the next. Oh, and it holds two drinks — basically, it's made for those who need both their water and caffeinated bevies within reach 24/7. A fill-in-the-blank book is perfect if you have so many things to say to your boo that you find yourself at a loss for words. This book is like Mad Libs for Love: you can fill in the prompts with simple words and phrases to show your partner how much they mean to you. A fuzzy beanbag chair that is adult-sized and equipped with supportive arms. It's the perfect addition to your teen's reading nook, and it also works great for your friend who loves to nap with their fur babies! An octopus-shaped blackhead remover to bring some adorable vibes into your skincare-loving bestie's routine. This handy scrub stick buffs away at clogged pores, effectively minimizing blackheads, whiteheads, and even sebaceous filaments! A screaming goat for your pal who is like a Renaissance person of facts — they may not know everything on this planet, but they know just enough about most things to always win trivia night. This comes with a handy book full of facts about goats and a figurine that makes goat sounds (which are basically screams). A mystery box of cat hats because your feline pal deserves some love, too! OK, maybe this is a bit of a gift for yourself — but just think about how cute your cat will look dressed up as your favorite fruits and veggies?!?! A pack of cat sponges so that you can upgrade your cat-obsessed friend's kitchen setup. They have to do their dishes, anyway; this makes the process one gazillion times more enjoyable (and adorable!) and will make for a great talking point when they have guests over. A pound of cereal marshmallows because no matter how much people try to cutout sugar, it's secretly everyone's wish to have cereal sans cereal and only with the marshmallows. Make your bestie's dream come true. A bubble massage mat that I personally have on my Amazon wishlist (JIC any of *my* loved ones are reading this), but seriously, this is a NECESSITY if your giftee is like Meredith Marks and cannot go without their soak after a long day. This turns any bath into a straight-up Jacuzzi that provides a relaxing massage, heat therapy, and even gentle essential oil diffusion! A headrest hook to keep your sibling's car at least a little more organized than usual. This comes in handy for anyone who needs to slot their handbag somewhere while driving people in their passenger's seat — but it can also work well to hang dry cleaning! A Clean Ball so that your work spouse will never have to worry about miscellaneous crumbs in their work tote ever again. A rotating makeup organizer, because we all know at least one skincare connoisseur who should get their esthetician license already. This is great for storing skincare or makeup — but it can also work well in a craft space! A pair of exfoliating mitts for the skincare-loving friend who likes to treat their body. These mitts use physical exfoliation to buff away dead skin cells, effectively minimizing rough patches or even keratosis pilaris! A universal phone mount if your bestie is always jet-setting somewhere new. This hooks onto the seatback tray tables to make any regular ol' seat into one with in-flight entertainment. A soap brows kit so that your giftee can enjoy the look of fluffy, feathery brows in as little time as it takes to comb out their brow hairs. I've used this in the past, and let me just say — it WORKS when it comes to keeping my thick Mediterranean brow hairs in place all day. A HyperChiller for that one person who NEEDS their drinks to be ice cold at all times. This chiller cools down drinks in a minute, making iced Americanos less of a dream and more of a dream come true. Promising review: "This was a gift to me, so I wasn't sure what to expect from it. I've used it countless times to chill room-temperature water (and occasionally coffee), and it works like a charm every time! This works better than I expected!" —C1Get it from Amazon for $14.18+ (available in five colors). A sound machine that loops hours upon hours of white noise and nature sounds so that your friend who lives in a bustling city can finally catch the Zs they deserve! Promising review: "I like the look and feel, and I love the sound of the fire and beach sounds. This has a big punch for something small enough to fit in your hand." —ShopGirlGet it from Amazon for $16.79. A set of Souper Cubes trays, which is a welcome gift for anyone who loves to meal prep. Imagine these trays as do-it-yourself frozen meal pans — simply portion ready meals inside these trays and pop them into the freezer until it's time to eat. And reheating is a piece of cake — since these trays are silicone, they can either pop frozen cubes into a bowl to reheat or pop the entire tray (not including its cover) straight into the oven! *As a note, these trays are oven-safe up to 415 degrees Fahrenheit! Promising review: "These are a must for anyone who batch cooks soup or broth. The 'bricks' stack in the freezer for saving space. I have two, so a big batch of soup or one large pot of bone broth all freeze at the same time. Easy to clean. Don't stain or smell. Tops are flexible enough to resist cracking in the freezer." —JefficaGet it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in two set sizes and four colors). A hand massager because who wouldn't want a knot-relieving hand massage after a long day of typing?! This massager uses heat, air pressure, and four kneading heads to help relieve pain and discomfort in your giftee's digits. This is perfect if your S.O. is always making puppy eyes at you for a hand rub, even when your post-WFH hands are aching themselves. Promising review: "This little hand massager is PERFECT for my hands. I have rheumatoid arthritis and nerve pain in my hands pretty often, and the only thing that usually relieves it is massaging them (which is difficult to do on my own). I was super impressed with this little guy as soon as I first tried it. I love that it has different settings to use, depending on the kind of pain I'm having and the location on my hand. Love the two heat settings! Love that it has a 15-minute timer where it shuts off because I can fall asleep with it on my hand. It really is the only thing that's helped me with my unbearable hand pain. Give it a try!" —CBGet it from Amazon for $58.68+ (also available in six colors). A set of 24 airtight food storage containers to help your baking-loving boo say goodbye to accidental flour bag spills every time they open their pantry. If your partner isn't big on baking, no worries! This set also organizes crafting tools pretty well. This storage jar set comes with six extra-large (11.83 cups/2.8 liters), six large (8.45 cups /2.0 liters), six medium (5.92 cups /1.4 liters), and six small containers (3.38 cups /0.8 liters), reusable chalkboard labels, a chalkboard marker, and a measuring spoon review: "I purchased these for my beautiful granddaughter, Kara, when she moved into her new apartment. She said she loves them! She really loves the chalkboard-style labels and how nicely they stack together. Kara said they are perfect and exactly what she would have purchased herself!" —Lady SiriGet it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in eight versions). And a bag of shower steamers because it's the easiest way to turn any shower into a full-on spa experience. This is perfect for the new parent you know who can use all the relaxing aromatherapy they can get — even if it's during the five minutes they have to wash themselves! Promising review: "Buy these! Shower bombs are so hit or miss — so many of them lack fragrance or smell artificial — but these are the real deal. Fantastic for daily use and especially wonderful when you're congested! My kids beg me to let them use them, and my 4-year-old audibly *sighs* in glorious relaxation when I toss one in the shower with him. If I could buy them in bulk, I would. I've purchased these several times; the new packaging is an upgrade as well. Great for gifts!" —Emily SteinhoffGet a 15-pack from Amazon for $19.99.
