Nice, France is an ancient French town residing along the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Ocean. Discovered by the Greeks, conquered by the Romans and influenced by the Italians, Nice has an unusual historical past, distinguished by a variety of architectural styles originating from different periods. Over the Centuries of it's turbulent history, today, Nice is a calm and quiet town visited by tourists and artists alike. Between the ocean and the Old Town, there is plenty of beauty and history  to discover in Nice. 

Old Town  of Nice 
The Old Town of Nice (Vieille Ville), also called Old Nice (Vieux Nice) sits nearby the Mediterranean just below Castle Hill. Old Town is where most people spend their time and for good reason. The streets comprise of old tenements, churches, plazas and squares filled with street side cafes and shops. It is easy to get lost in the narrow, shadowed, cobblestone streets that meander around town. Besides an array of shopping and culinary adventures, this is the area to discover some of the most vibrant buildings, displaying a mix of warm and cool-colored hues.  

Some major points of interest include: 

La Place Rossetti - The most notable square in Nice that features the architectural wonder, the Nice Cathedral. This is one of the most notable and bustling squares in Nice, and for a good reason, since it is one of the most picturesque and represents the life and culture of Nice. 

False Gate - The marble gate is the gateway to the newer part of the city. 

The Cathedral of St. Reparata - This 17th Century cathedral's dome is visible from Castle Hill. Inside are the remains of Saint Reparata, the patron saint of Nice. 
 
Other churches exist and various markets pop up at times in Old Town. It is easy to get "lost" to explore the various shops, cafes, churches and relics. Travelers find a variety of French favorite shops from antique stores to French soaps and spices to tablecloths and handmade aprons. 

I recommend a half day to experience the best of Old Town. 

​Placa Massena - Built in the 1840's, this plaza is the jewel of Nice. As seen in the image below, this is one of the main plazas, which also attach to various Old Town streets. The plaza consists of various bronze statue water fountains and art pieces along a checkered, tiled ground. Look up and discover seven statues propped upon high poles. Each pole symbolizes the continents on our planet.

Norte Dame Church
Located in city center is the largest church in Nice, the Norte Dame. Similar to the Norte Dame in Paris, this church was built after Nice became French between 1864-1868. It became the first modern religious structure, but adheres to relics of the past with scenes from the Assumption, featuring 19th Century stained glass windows and two square towers. 

Castle Hill 
Besides Old Town, Castle Hill is another must-visit attraction in Nice not only for the fantastic views, but to discover Nice's ancient past. This hill divides the seaside of Nice into two parts, the eastern part with the port and the western part with Old Town. The castle and the cathedral was first mentioned in the 11th Century where these buildings were once the center of town. 

Before this, the Greeks lived in Nice, calling their 4th Century settlement Nikaia. Walking up Castle Hill one notices the remains of Greek artwork as well as the defensive walls. The castle was demolished in 1706 thanks to the commands of King Louis XIV, and the ruins are still visible today.

Everyday at noon a cannon fires on the top of the hill. Legend has it Sir Thomas Coventry-More, firing his cannon, notified his wife to come back from the city center for lunch. There are two historic cemeteries to explore on the top of the hill, one being Jewish, the other Catholic. On top of the hill are two panoramic view points, one overlooking Old Town and the other overlooking the port. 

Cimiez 
This neighborhood in Nice contains the ruins of the Roman town, Cemenelum. Founded in the 1st Century, this area was a staging post for Roman troops in the Alpes Maritime region, which later became the capital. Ruins include Roman baths, amphitheater and arena. 

The area was also once visited by beloved artists such as Matisse. The Museum Matisse houses the artist's work, belongings and historical artifacts.  Today, people roam the neighborhood to admire Belle Époque architecture. Visit The grand Boulevard de Cimiez to marvel at the luxury historic hotels built throughout the Victorian Era. One of the most notable is the 1908 Grand Hotel. 

Discover more beauty and charm at the Park Arènes and Cimiez Monastery, which has homed Franciscan monks since the 16th Century. The Cimiez cemetery includes burial remains of Matisse, French painter, Raoul Dufy, Russian and British diplomats as well as the 1937 Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Roger Martin du Gard.

La Promenade de Anglais 
One cannot visit Nice without walking on the famous seaside footpath. According to the Nice Tourism website, "Originally a footpath no more than 6 feet wide, it was widened by an Englishman, Reverend Lewis Way, at his expense in 1820 and the local population soon dubbed it ‘Chemin des Anglais’. In 1931, when it was given its final form with two roadways separated by a central reservation planted with palm trees, the ‘Prom’ was inaugurated by the Duke of Connaught, one of Queen Victoria’s sons."

Le Negresco
As seen in the image, this Belle-Epoque is the only landmark in Nice that is a hotel and a museum. Built in 1912, the hotel features 121 rooms and 24 suites, each decorated in their own style ranging from modern art to Louis XIII style.  The museum contains five centuries of art history and rated a five-star hotel. Some claim this is one of the most prominent hotels worldwide. 

What's your favorite historical spot in Nice, France? 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Must-Visit Historical Attractions in Nice, France.

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Traveling on a budget is easier in some countries and cities than others. France features a mix of affordable towns and expensive cities. Regardless of where you go, it is easy to spend a pretty penny while traveling. If looking to explore Strasbourg on foot and on the cheap, here is the best way to spend your time in Strasbourg. 

Historic Petite France 
Walking through the Petite France quarter is like taking a walk through a historic fairy tale. It certainly is the prettiest part in town, and also the most visited with tourists. Shops, cafes, canals and churches, you'll find anything and everything to do. It's an idyllic location to enjoy a latte or a simple French pastry outside of one of the half-timbered homes.

​Must see is this quarter: Tanner's House, Saint Thomas Church, The Covered Bridges and Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes.

Place Kleber
Place Kleber is the main central square in Strasbourg. It's a photogenic square that is also an ideal setting for people watching. During the Christmas season, the city erects a 30-meter Christmas tree from the Vosges Mountains in the southwest region of the square. What makes this tree special is that locals leave gifts for the poor.  

Walking the Perimeter of Old Town
Walking along the Fosse du Faux Rempart and the L'Ill River is an excellent way to explore the beauty and culture of Strasbourg. Walking in Strasbourg is like biking in Amsterdam. Everyone does it. It doesn't matter where you start your walk, but along the way you'll see the oldest areas and most prominent sites of Strasbourg. A cheaper area to eat is in the Republique neighborhood.  

Along the walk visitors discover a myriad of old bridges and historic architectural structures, which are now either government buildings or museums. Take your time walking the along the water as you never know what architectural wonder or small park you may run into. I recommend 1.5- 2 hours to walk the entire distance.  

Explore the Bridges
Strasbourg is a city of bridges that connects Old Town to the land surrounding the river and canals. Whether large or petite, Strasborg has over twenty bridges. The green iron bridge was seen on the perimeter walk along the Fosse du Faux Rempart. 

The most popular and notable bridge are the "Ponts Couverts" or The Covered Bridges. This bridge features three bridges along the River Ill, with each protected by a massive square tower. The three bridges cross the four channels of the river that flows into the historic Petite France quarters.  Construction began in 1230 with its intentions to serve as a protection mechanism. In 1928, the bridges and towers were classified as a historic monument. 

Some other prominent bridges include: Pont du Corbeau, Pont de Saverne, Pont Royal or Gallia, Pont de la Dordogne. 

Cathedral of Norte Dame in Strasbourg
A replica of the Norte Dame in Paris, this is a must see especially after the Paris fires in 2019. This outstanding Gothic masterpiece attracts thousands of tourists every week. Construction began in 1015 and entirely completed with the 142 meter Gothic spire in 1439. Victor Hugo adored the cathedral stating it to be, "a skillful combination of monumental size and delicateness." 

The interior is just as exquisite as the exterior. Intricate details on the facade as well as geometric stained glass windows are only some of the details to admire. Don't forget to watch the astronomical clock that sits inside near the back of the cathedral. The cathedral was built for religious, cultural and symbolic reasons. Today the church is Catholic, but once homed Protestants under the Reformation in 1521. 

Grocery Shop Your Lunch
Nothing is more french than a stuffing a baguette with a slice of cheese. Whether you prefer a mild cheese like gouda, or something stinky like the French, just know that grocery shopping in France is affordable, but also romantic. Sitting on a bench, admiring the view and consuming a typical french lunch for an hour is nothing but idyllic. The larger grocery stores are cheaper than the smaller markets, but it is possible to eat lunch with about five Euros. Baguettes are as cheap as 0.55 cent Euros and my favorite side salad is the carrot rapees. France is a healthy country so it is possible to consume healthy food on the cheap, which is opposite of the USA. 

What's your favorite thing to do in Strasbourg? 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Cheap and Free Things to Do in Strasbourg, France.

Colmar, France is a quaint medieval town located near the German border. Colmar is a magical village that pulls every visitor’s heart strings with its fairy tale-like charm. From half-timbered homes to cobblestone streets, travelers enjoy a mix of German façade with French culture. Throughout history, the German-French border jumped up, down and around Colmar, so it’s common to see brawny locals who look German but who’s lineage is French. It’s quit spectacular and so is Colmar. 
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Whether in town for a day or overnight, be sure to check out some of the most prominent sites and historical museums in Colmar.

Old Town & Little Venice
Upon arrival, head to Old Town where all the magic happens. From antique shops to ancient churches, marvel over the architecture or enjoy a glass of French wine at a streetside café. Exploring Old Town will take an afternoon, or several days, depending on how much time is on the itinerary. Two places that tourists admire the most are the canals and Little Venice. Little Venice is one of the most picturesque areas in Colmar, and for the right reason. Vibrant colored buildings built alongside the Lauch River. Similar to Venice, meander alongside canal streets or take a boat ride – the choice is yours! 
Important streets: Rue de la Poissonnerie & Rue Turenne

Quai de la Poissonnerie
Quai de la Poissonnerie is the old fishermonger’s district where local fishermen once lived. The used to fish and store the catch in fish ponds sold at the market. Today, the half-timbered buildings are another photogenic site, and for good reason.

Dominican Church – The Virgin of the Rosebush 
Built in the 14 Century, the Gothic church showcases artwork depicting the timeline of Christ’s life including the notable Madonna of the Rosebush painted by Martin Schongauer. The church-museum contains an entry fee. Signs contain information regarding the symbolism of the painting but Mary’s cloak is red for the roses, which is unusual as its normally blue. And the roses are red to signify the Passion of Christ (his death and  blood). The single white rose near Mary represents purity. The deeper you look, the more you “see” the symbolism.

Bartholdi Museum
To understand what it feels like to be American, visit the Bartholdi Museum. Augustus Bartholdi, the world-renowned sculptor, lived in this house between 1834-1904. Today, the three-story museum showcases his finest artwork from sculptures to sculpture models to blueprints. The heart of the museum includes the sculpture models for the Statue of Liberty and Lion of Belfort.

Pfister House
Once of the most remarkable homes in Colmar is the Pfister House, home to the hatter Ludwig Scherer, a man who made fortunes trading in the Val de Liepvre. Built in 1537, the exterior contains detailed artwork of biblical and secular scenes. This is the first example of the architectural renaissance in Colmar.   
11 rue des Marchands 68000 Colmar

Koïfhus (Old Custom House)
This 15th Century building was once the political and economic epicenter of Colmar. Located next to the old fruit market, the ground level was a warehouse for goods and where merchants paid their import-export tax.

Eglise Saint Martin
Located in Place de la Cathédrale, is the Gothic Saint Martin Church. Founded in 1234, the church’s construction terminated in 1365. Marvel at the 15th Century stained glass and let the medieval energy soak in while lighting a candle for hope and good faith. 
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Eglise Saint Matthieu
Once the Protestant house of worship, the Franciscans founded Saint Matthew church in 1292. Completely almost a century later, the church closed in 1543 and converted into a hospital. Today, the church still worships Protestant teachings. 

Rue des Boulangers (Bakers' street)
You can’t visit France without tasting the local pastries and desserts. One spot to discover traditional Alsace baked goods is at the Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie. The best part is that Christmas treats are available yearround, even in the dead of summer.  

Kougelhopf
Speaking of treats, when in Colmar try the traditional kougelhopf, a symbol of Alsace’s heart and soul. Kougelhopf is a slightly sweet leavened bread, shaped into a cake mold, which includes almonds and raisins. Savory versions are available and don’t forget to buy a kougelhopf pan, the best souvenir of the region. Kougelhopf is available at most bakeries and Alsace food shops.

What's your favorite landmark in Colmar?

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 10 of the Best Historical Sites & Landmarks in Colmar, France.

Written by Guest Blogger: Cal Bailey

The internet has completely changed the way we travel. From booking a flight in a few seconds to keeping in touch with friends and family wherever we are in the world, it’s now easier than ever to navigate our way around a new country.
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But for some, it has also taken away some of the adventure. How many of us look up a restaurant on TripAdvisor before going out, instead of walking around and discovering weird and wonderful places of our own accord?

One of the ways the travel industry has been greatly impacted is by the emergence of websites and apps that give travelers access to the sharing economy. It’s made travel more attainable, in some cases more affordable, and crucially, much easier to connect with a local community with a lot to offer.

If you like the idea of getting off the tourist trail, immersing yourself in French culture, and experiencing a local pace of life, there are a wide variety of services available to help you connect with people and experience so much more than hotels and tour guides have to offer.

What is “Sharing Economy”
In the travel industry, the sharing economy refers to peer-to-peer services in areas such as accommodation, transport, meals, and experiences. There are hundreds of websites and apps popping up aimed at helping travelers connect with local people who have something to offer, such as sharing local knowledge or renting out unused sports equipment.

France is a popular tourist destination with incredible sites and experiences, but if hotels and large guided tours aren’t your thing, here are a few services you can use to discover the country from a local point of view.

Accommodation
AirBnB is arguably one of the most popular sites for booking accommodation. From a room in someone’s house to a whole apartment, they offer great variety at - usually - cheaper prices than hotels and short-term rentals.
Renting a room through AirBnB is a great way to meet new people when you arrive in a town or city, that is, as long as the host is interested in socializing with their visitors. Some are not, and focus only on letting the room, so it can be a bit hit and miss as to how much social interaction you get.

Transport
Although train travel is a great way to get around France, it can be expensive. Carpool apps such as BlaBlaCar are making it easy to connect with drivers who are traveling to the same destination as you are. Catching a lift with them tends to be much cheaper than traveling from city to city by train, but if you don’t happen to speak the same language as the driver, you may be in for a silent journey.

Meals
French restaurants are some of the best in the world, but local foodies also have incredible, unique experiences to offer. Social dining has become a great way to access the underground food scene and connect with other people. EatWith and VizEat are great in larger cities such as Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, but you might find that smaller cities offer slim pickings.

Experiences
Wouldn’t it be great if you arrived in a big city and immediately found a group of people eager to hang out and show you the best place to grab a café au lait. Couchsurfing is a great way to meet a variety of people such as local professionals and other tourists, and you can even find hosts who offer a couch, floor or bed for free.

From walking down the Champs-Élysées chatting to a retired professor to discovering the best ice cream in Nice from a grad student’s point of view, local insiders can often take you on niche, offbeat, interesting tours that bigger operators simply don’t offer.  

Final Thoughts
The sharing economy has made it easier than ever for people and travelers around the world to connect with each other and share experiences. As sharing apps and services are still growing, they tend to work better in major cities, but they’re still a great way to reach out to people, get out of your comfort zone, and grow as a traveler.
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Do you have any tips on how to live like a local in France? If so, comment below. We love to hear your thoughts and tips to prospective travelers. 

About The Author: Cal Bailey runs Mountain Leon - a travel blog he started after two years backpacking around the world. If you want to learn more about life on the road or tips for travelling, you can find him on MountainLeon.com

I first discovered The Loving Hut in Hannover, Germany. After my first experience, I researched The Loving Hut and discovered it is a chain located throughout Europe.

Established in main large European cities, The Loving Hut is a place that integrates classic Asian-style meals with local flavors and fares. With only a couple hours to spare, I approached The Loving Hut starved with feasting eyes.

My eyes glazed the menu pondering, “Do I try the noodles? No no, I can eat that in Germany. Should I order the crepe? Oh Oh! What about the quiche?” Everything sounded so appetizing. 

Confused and famished, I narrowed my decision and chose the daily three-course lunch special. The Loving Hut is affordable, but in Paris, everything is expensive. I wanted to taste-test as much flavor for my 15-euros worth of food.
 
The young and kind waiter spoke English as my mind reminisced on eighth grade French class. I remembered the basics of “Oui. Bonjour and très bon.” Sadly, I schools taught languages from our youth.
 
Clean and chic, the interior gravitates toward white furnishings speckled with a faux flower centerpiece. I sat solo in the café since I arrived promptly at the opening time, noon. Similar to Spain, The Loving Hut is only open for lunch and dinner and they are closed during the “siesta” hours.I waited for lunch while I read vegan French cooking books. 
 
The daily lunch special included a vegetable puree soup, seitan wrap and coconut-nut ball dessert. The waiter asked for my opinion and I replied, “très bon” as I secretly wanted to bathe in a vat of that soup. Creamy, smooth and flavorful, I desired to know this secret recipe. 

I love soup and The Loving Hut concocts some of the best vegan soups in Europe. I sat in amazement and concentrated on each bite to depict the ingredients. What would a world be like without soup? It’d be like a world where Starbucks and Pret-a-Manger exist on every street corner in Paris. It wouldn’t be the same!
 
Earlier that morning, I walked through four districts, or “arrondissements,” so my feet ached, but the soup soothed my starving soul. Upon the service of my second plate, the seitan wrap, my heart melted into a bowl of gelatin-free Jello. The Loving Hut does seitan perfectly.
 
The taste. The texture. The smell. Everything combined with a slightly spicy sauce, made my “diable” enzymes spit fire to my digestive tract while I enjoyed the slow-food movement with a smile.

The third and final course was a petite ball of coconut. Hmm, a ball of coconut? The insides were a mystery, but with one slice of a knife out poured nuts, seeds and a syrupy-like sauce of sweetness. My only complaint was that this dessert was French-sized. I craved an American baseball size of sweets to pack my afternoon with extra glucose.
 
This ball perplexed me, but in a good way. With years of cooking, I had no idea how to recreate this treat. The dough, pliable but firm, did not lose its shape. That means either the French know what the hell they are doing in the kitchen, or chemistry wins the award for the best nut ball in town.
 
Whatever the case maybe, I needed to find a quaint Parisian cafe for a “digestif” after lunch tea or espresso. 

Many Americans say the French are a "cooler" culture personality wise. But, I recommend The Loving Hut for a "hearty" meal, a place where love, good food and Parisian culture unite. 

What should you try? Honestly, the question should be, "What should you not try?" Let your heart guide you and surely you won't be disappointed. 

92, Boulevard Beaumarchais
Paris, 75011 France / Europe
Arrd. 11
http://paris.lovinghut.fr

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Nice, or as some say, "Nizza" is a place where my soul blossomed into a whole new reality. Nice is so amazing that I can't believe a place like this actually exists. An Italian-inspired town nestled on the French Riviera with Greek and Roman influence, you can't help but feel the energy that blossoms from this place. 

In some funny sixth sense, I felt at home in Nice. I love aquatics and everything that goes with it's history - turtles, dolphins, mermaids - I still have yet to understand my soul's connection to Greek culture. It's like a love affair that features the sweeter, and healthier, side of life. From delectable candies to pastries pasted with powder sugar, I devoured every French sweet known to man. But let me explain that the French culture is also very healthy.  Plus. it's hard to be unhealthy with the ocean and the Promenade, your body moves in ways that are natural.

It's a celebration of all the good things in life - biking, wine, cakes, cafes, art - how could your soul not be inspired by its culture and natural beauty? Although people laugh at me, every time I swim in the ocean my spirit is reborn. And well, I rebirthed in Nice. 

Here are 20 images dedicated to showing the true heart of Nizza.  

Sometimes mistakes turn out to be the best thing ever. That is exactly what happened to us exploring De Gusa Italian Restaurant. We meandered through Old Town to discover every alley way and window with laundry hanging outside.
 
Famished, we stumbled upon “Place de Jesus” and entered one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. After exiting the church, we became famished and starved. Adjacent to the restaurant in De Gusa where we sat down, not knowing the restaurant was not officially open for 13 more minutes. The local waiters said, “Seven we open.” We contemplated walking around, but decided to stick around because of the affordable prices. 
 
I decided to order a chai from the Indian restaurant next door (by the way which was an authentic Indian chai) and wait until the clock struck seven. Starved, I became confused not knowing what to order. Everything sounded good and at least one-third of the menu was vegetarian-friendly.
 
Josh ordered the pesto pasta and I ordered the Napoli pasta and the soupe au pistou. I never tried this vegetable-based soup, and wanted to experience something new. The soup arrived and with two spoons we dug in and fell in love with the first bite. The simple soup contains the “pistou” which are herbs and olive oil that is placed upon the soup. The flavor and concoction was unmatched and I became determined to master this recipe.
 
Next, the waiter approached with the meals. Both our eyes perked up and belted #OMG to the Roman Gods and thanked them for our meal. The homemade pasta noodles and sauce were as authentic as an Italian Grandma cooking from her 1921 Italian kitchen. The pesto pasta was out of this world. The simple olive oil and basil was smooth and topped with whole pine nuts. It was not a cheese-type of pesto that is found in jars at the grocery store. They used the traditional lighter olive oil that hones an authentic taste.
 
The meal was extra special because we celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary. The bonus included free water, homemade bread and Parmesan cheese that Josh mentioned was amazing. One of the best parts of French cooking is that they do not overload on the salt. So nearly saltless, I enjoyed controlling how much salt entered my food.
 
If there's any one European culture who knows how to eat and live, its the French and Italian culture. Here you get the best of both worlds that appeases the vegan palate. The most amazing part of Nice is the history. Once conquered by Greeks, Romans and Italians, you get the best of Italy set alongside the beautiful Mediterranean shorelines of the French Riviera.  If you are looking for something fresh, authentic and affordable in Nice, look no further than De Gusa.

Wander Seattle without getting lost! This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Vegan in Nice: De Gusa Italian Restaurant. 
 

I post images to inspire people to travel to the places that I have visited throughout my travels. In the special time to remember the beauty of France, here are 25 images that show the best of Paris and its culture. Images are non-edited and are taken right from the camera. This shows what our real eyes can see...