The single best way to make the most of a four day bank holiday bonanza weekend is, without a doubt, with an indulgent European city break. First stop should be lively Lyon, just a mere hop, step and a jump (via Paris or Lille) on the Eurostar from London and the ideal destination for both culture vultures and serious foodies...
With at least (at the very least!) two full days in Lyon up your stylish sleeve, make like Nancy Sinartra and take some boots made for walking, as the best way to really soak up the sights and sounds of the city is on foot. Stroll through the old town to see just why Lyon has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status and crane your neck to take in the hidden architectural gems tucked on the window ledges and upper reaches of the city's medievael Jewish district, the rue Juiverie. For a slightly more structured approach to culture, head to the Musée des Beaux Arts and set your face to 'chin stroke' as the museum houses one of the most impressive art collections in France. Take a moment or five to enjoy a post-art coffee and stroll in the museum's cloisters garden before carrying on your explorations of the city.
Once you've spent an afternoon or two appreciating Lyon's cultural highlights, it's time to start sampling it's gastronomic gems. A veritable gourmet hotspot and a serious foodie's dream, the city's Michelin-starred restaurants happily rub shoulders with more the traditional (and dare we say it, more fun) bouchon - restaurants serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine with a generous side order of a warm, raucous welcome. Be sure to sample the wide and delicious range of local specialities served throughout Lyon, although vegetarians may wish to look away now as pork (and pork products - tripe, anyone?) feature heavily on many a menu...
When all this eating and culture is done, you'll need somewhere to rest weary feet and full tummies. No problem, you can stay with us! Yes indeed, just in time for summer 2012, we have a super Lagrange City Aparthotel opening in Lyon's historic Montplaisir district and just a quick metro ride form the city centre itself. Intrigued? See for yourselves...
If imposing Gothic grandeur is more your thasse du thé, make your way to Strasbourg in the fascinating Alsace region for a weekend of gob-smacking architecture - a stylish melange of the modern and the medieval in one of France's most unique cities...
Jump in feet first with an afternoon stroll around the city's charming and impossibly well-preserved Petite France - home to medieval craftsmen and full to bursting with weaving walks through narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses, canals, locks and more hidden gems that you can shake a baguette at. We also challenge anyone (ANYONE) to visit Strasbourg and not be totally overwhelmed and awe-struck by the city's towering yet delicate Cathédrale Notre Dame, a veritable Gothic masterpiece. Brace yourselves - it's pretty awesome.
OK, so you can now quite happily say that you have seen some of France's finest medieval architecture, the next and most logical step is to head to Strasbourg's modern marvels - the seat of the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights. Time your visit (or future visit, if you're so inclined) to coincide with one of the Parliament's four day sessions to sit in on a debate and live out your Paxman fantasies...Or, y'know, just quietly enjoy seeing some real life political debate in action, whatever floats your boat...
All this walking and jaw-dropping is certainly bound to work up an appetite (I know I'm getting peckish just thinking about it!) and, as with any of France's cities/towns/collection of houses, no trip to Strasbourg is complete with sampling a dish or three of the local and regional cuisine. For a taste of totally typical Alsatian food, head to a winstub for regional specialities such as choucroute plus a selection of delicious cheeses and charcuterie. Don't forget to wash it all down with a glass or two of of the region's renowned (and thirst-quenching) pinot...Bon appetit!
Once all you have explored every inch of the city, be our guest and stay at the Lagrange City Aparthotel - perfectly placed in Strasbourg's city centre and just a fifteen minute stroll from the Petite France. Basically, the perfect base for your Alsatian adventures! Have a little look here for more juicy deets...
http://www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk/holidays-rental-sea-mountain,accommodation-alsace,strasbourg-STRASB-L-CITY-residence.html#residence
Hopefully all this talk of city breaks, indulgent local cuisine and breathtaking architecture will have suitably whetted your collective appetites and put you in the mood for a trip across the Channel for an anti-Jubilee (or simply alternative) weekend away. Of course,if you still need some extra coaxing and persuading, our eternally glamourous Reservations team are always on hand to answer questions and offer advice....Just call 020 7371 6111 to pick their brains!
Jump in feet first with an afternoon stroll around the city's charming and impossibly well-preserved Petite France - home to medieval craftsmen and full to bursting with weaving walks through narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses, canals, locks and more hidden gems that you can shake a baguette at. We also challenge anyone (ANYONE) to visit Strasbourg and not be totally overwhelmed and awe-struck by the city's towering yet delicate Cathédrale Notre Dame, a veritable Gothic masterpiece. Brace yourselves - it's pretty awesome.
OK, so you can now quite happily say that you have seen some of France's finest medieval architecture, the next and most logical step is to head to Strasbourg's modern marvels - the seat of the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights. Time your visit (or future visit, if you're so inclined) to coincide with one of the Parliament's four day sessions to sit in on a debate and live out your Paxman fantasies...Or, y'know, just quietly enjoy seeing some real life political debate in action, whatever floats your boat...
All this walking and jaw-dropping is certainly bound to work up an appetite (I know I'm getting peckish just thinking about it!) and, as with any of France's cities/towns/collection of houses, no trip to Strasbourg is complete with sampling a dish or three of the local and regional cuisine. For a taste of totally typical Alsatian food, head to a winstub for regional specialities such as choucroute plus a selection of delicious cheeses and charcuterie. Don't forget to wash it all down with a glass or two of of the region's renowned (and thirst-quenching) pinot...Bon appetit!
Once all you have explored every inch of the city, be our guest and stay at the Lagrange City Aparthotel - perfectly placed in Strasbourg's city centre and just a fifteen minute stroll from the Petite France. Basically, the perfect base for your Alsatian adventures! Have a little look here for more juicy deets...
http://www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk/holidays-rental-sea-mountain,accommodation-alsace,strasbourg-STRASB-L-CITY-residence.html#residence
Hopefully all this talk of city breaks, indulgent local cuisine and breathtaking architecture will have suitably whetted your collective appetites and put you in the mood for a trip across the Channel for an anti-Jubilee (or simply alternative) weekend away. Of course,if you still need some extra coaxing and persuading, our eternally glamourous Reservations team are always on hand to answer questions and offer advice....Just call 020 7371 6111 to pick their brains!
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