My visit to Dubai a few years ago was one of my most surprising trips. Dubai, which aims to become the tourism capital of the world, has quickly become a fashionable destination. Its tourism growth is impressive, going from 9 million tourists in 2011 to 11 million in 2013 and is targeting more than 25 million for 2020. This city leaves no one indifferent. Despised by some, admired by others, Dubai is full of surprising activities. After my article on visiting Dubai here is a top 5 of the activities to do in Dubai.

During my cruise in the Persian Gulf, I had the chance to visit several cities. Dubai, of course, with its endless skyscrapers including Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world on which I had the chance to climb, but I was also able to visit Abu Dhabi. This city, less touristy, less publicized and much calmer than Dubai surprised me a lot. Abu Dhabi is a city that lends itself well enough to a stay of a few days or even a visit from Dubai for the day.

Visit Abu Dhabi: Some information to know

Abu Dhabi is a city, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but it is also the name of one of the seven emirates that make up this country. The richest of all. Indeed Abu Dhabi entered a new area after the 1960s with the discovery and exploitation of the riches of its subsoil. Indeed, it is with oil (of which Abu Dhabi has 9% of world reserves) and natural gas (of which Abu Dhabi has 5% of world reserves) that Abu Dhabi was able to become the city it is now.
Abu Dhabi is a rich city and it shows. You can’t miss the famous 7-star hotel welcoming the most important and wealthy with rooms costing tens of thousands of euros a night, the Emirates Palace Hotel. This hotel has a private beach built with sand imported from Algeria. It testifies to the wealth that circulates in the city.
Besides this hotel, you will find many buildings there, like the famous Etihad Towers, huge shopping centers, the most modern museums and crazy projects.
Let’s go for a little visit to Abu Dhabi and its essentials.

What to do in Abu Dhabi: the essentials of a visit to Abu Dhabi

Visit Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, the 8th largest in the world. Its construction lasted nearly 12 years and cost 400 million euros. It can accommodate 40,000 people. She is of rare beauty, one of the most beautiful in the world. Its interior decoration is very rich, with the largest chandelier in the world, 10 m in diameter and more than 12 tons. The mosque also has the largest carpet in the world, over 5,600 square meters.
The mosque is open to non-Muslims every day of the week except Friday. To visit the Abu Dhabi Mosque you can go there directly or opt for a guided tour of the city which will make you discover the main places of Abu Dhabi including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Abu Dhabi, World Capital of Culture

While Dubai is aiming for the title of world capital of tourism within a few years, Abu Dhabi covets the title of world capital of culture and is giving itself the means to do so. Indeed, projects linked to culture are multiplying and are part of a more global project, Abu Dhabi 2030. Abu Dhabi has quite simply dedicated an island to receive these cultural projects, Saadiyat Island. You will soon find:

The Zayed National Museum

The Zayed National Museum project was originally a project carried out in partnership with the British Museum in London. A project unveiled in 2010 which was originally due to see the light of day in 2013. A few complications prompted the British Museum to withdraw from the project. We do not know, at present, if the project will see the light of day.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

In the image of the project in partnership with the British Museum, the Louvre Museum has also joined forces on a “Louvre Abu Dhabi” project. A project initially started in 2007 which saw the light of day at the end of 2017. The atypical architecture of the building was entrusted to the famous architect Jean Nouvel.
Since 2009, the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum has been purchasing numerous works in order to enrich its permanent collection. There are objects dating from antiquity but also more recent until the 21st century.
The museum is located on Saadiyat Island about ten kilometers from downtown Abu Dhabi. If you wish to visit Louvre Abu Dhabi, it is possible to purchase your skip-the-line tickets in advance online. Entrance costs a little less than € 20.

Le Performing Arts Center

The Performing Arts Center is the artistic center of Abu Dhabi, a city of the arts. This center, whose construction has not yet started, should include 5 theaters, a concert hall, a music hall or an opera house. It will have a very particular shape. Its creator wanting to give an organic and vegetal side to this building. It is planned on the same island as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi’s new cultural district.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

The Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi will be the 6th (and largest) Guggenheim Museum. After Berlin, Bilbao, Las Vegas, New York and Venice, Abu Dhabi will soon inaugurate the largest Guggenheim museum in the world with an area of ​​30,000 square meters. The construction of this museum is scheduled for 2018.

Yas Island, leisure above all

In addition to these places devoted to culture, mainly located on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi recently created an island dedicated to leisure. This island hosts the craziest attractions, it is Yas Island. This island aims to host the craziest attractions in order to be entertained. It already hosts some world famous places.

Abu Dhabi and its Formula 1 circuit

First of all there is the famous circuit of Formula 1, the Yas Marina. Each year, a stage of the Formula 1 world championship takes place on this circuit. Like all the buildings in Abu Dhabi, this circuit has a very particular design because it passes under a hotel, also very design. Every year at least in November, the best Formula 1 drivers compete on this 5.5 km long circuit. The circuit also hosts motorcycle GP races.
It is possible to visit this Formula 1 circuit for around thirty euros.

Ferrari World d’Abu Dhabi

Close to this circuit you cannot miss the famous Ferrari World. Indeed, it is on this island that Ferrari has decided to set up its indoor amusement park. Opened in 2010, it has a very elaborate design with the largest roof in the world, 220,000 square meters. This park has many roller coasters, including the fastest in the world as well as the largest Ferrari logo in the world. An amusement park that will delight young and old alike with thrilling attractions!
Entrance to Ferrari World costs around 70 €, it is possible to buy tickets on the internet in advance.

Yas WaterWorld, Abu Dhabi’s water park

Let’s continue our journey a bit to head towards one of the largest water park in the world. The Yas WaterWorld. A huge 15-hectare water park with close to 43 attractions including a 238-meter-long water slide. This incredible water park hosts the Flowboarding World Championship every year. The park is divided into 8 zones, each with their own particularity. This park has received many distinctions including that of the main attraction of the Middle East in 2013, it was also elected among the 12 best water parks in the world!
The park was designed to respect sustainable development standards.

Where to sleep in Abu Dhabi?

Several places are to be favored if you are looking for a place to sleep in Abu Dhabi, the first being the Corniche, Corniche Road, a promenade of several kilometers long which runs along the sea. This place constitutes a first choice place to stay in Abu Dhabi.
Even if Abu Dhabi is full of overpriced hotels, it is quite possible to stay inexpensively in Abu Dhabi. I can recommend two ideally located hotels, the Novel Hotel City Center and the Sofitel Abu Dhabi. These two hotels offer great services for reasonable prices, at less than € 90 per night.
If you have a slightly more comfortable budget, you can head to Al Maryah Island which has some very nice hotels without spending several thousand euros on a room. This is the case of Rosewood Abu Dhabi or the Four Seasons.

My opinion on Abu Dhabi

During my visit to Dubai I, of course, visited many places, trendy hotels, beaches, chic districts but also the famous Burj Khalifa (Burj meaning tower in Arabic). I spoke about it briefly in my article on Dubai but I decided to devote an article to it. In this article, you will find all my advice for a successful visit to Burj Khalifa. Its history, how to book your ascent of Burj Khalifa? What are your options for visit Burj Khalifa ?

First of all, for what it won’t talk to, Burj Khalifa is, quite simply, the tallest tower in the world. Burj Khalifa is therefore 828 meters high, for 160 floors. It consists mainly of apartments, offices and also a luxury hotel. This tower is located (obviously) in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It is located in the district of DownTown Burj Khalifa. This district is really spectacular, you can walk there for long hours. We will talk soon about the different things to see and do in the surroundings.

Burj Khalifa history

For the record Burj Khalifa was originally not to be called Burj Khalifa but Burj Dubai. Indeed, the tower was renamed at its inauguration with the name of Sheikh Khalifa, Emir of Abhu Dabi and President of the United Arab Emirates. In the midst of the financial crisis, the emirate of Dubai was hampered in its frenzied construction momentum by a lack of money. Dubai therefore did not have the financial means to complete its huge Downtown project. Burj Khalifa. It is therefore the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi which came to the aid of Dubai by financing the crazy project of Dubai to the tune of 10 billion dollars. In return, the tower was renamed Burj Khalifa.

The Burj Khalifa project began in 2003 when one of Dubai’s leading real estate companies decided to build the tallest tower in the world. Initially the tower was to measure only 560 meters in height but in view of the many similar projects, the promoter decided to considerably increase the size to arrive at this final size of 828 meters. Although it has undergone many controversies, especially on the working conditions of workers, the tower is a real technical feat. The figures are staggering, 39,000 tons of steel, 330,000 cubic meters of concrete for a total of more than 22 million cumulative working hours. The tower can accommodate more than 35,000 people at the same time distributed in the 304 hotel rooms and 900 apartments that compose it.
It was in 2010, on January 4, that the tower was inaugurated. Today it is possible to visit Burj Khalifa by accessing different floors (the 124, 125 and 148th) open to the public.

Visiting Burj Khalifa is a must in Dubai, the ascent of this tower is called ” At The Top “For floors 124 and 125 and” At The Top Sky » for floor 148. This visit is, of course, not free. The price varies depending on the floor you want to access. Indeed, it is possible to visit Burj Khalifa by joining one of the three floors open to the public: the 124th, 125th or 148th. It is mandatory to book your ascent of the tower in advance. Once you have entered Burj Khalifa, you will first wait in a sort of waiting room in which you can admire a miniature representation of the tower.

Once your turn has arrived, you will therefore pass security gates and a souvenir photo. Further on, you will advance through several corridors of the tower until you reach … the end of the queue. I you therefore strongly recommend the purchase of skip-the-line tickets. So let’s resume our queue through several corridors, plunged into darkness with a timeline telling you the history of the tower and exposing you its impressive figures and records.
Finally your turn. You will therefore enter one of the two elevators available to tourists. Large elevators, very design, also totally black with a small counter that shows you which floor you are on.

The elevator starts up, and even though we can’t see the outside, we feel the elevator pick up speed, reaching its maximum speed of 18 meters per second (world record). The floors indicator scrolls through the numbers to a pretty impressive visit. Be careful with the ears, they get blocked very quickly and will hurt you slightly.

Once at the top, you arrive in a large room, completely glazed and offering you an exceptional view. You can also go out onto a small terrace. Look up, you will have a rather strange feeling when you see what is left in height, almost 400 meters. The height of the tower is truly impressive. From this point of view you will be able to see almost everything. First of all, the roof of the Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa lake, the city is its innumerable towers (which will immediately seem smaller to you), in the distance you will see “The World”, the artificial islands of Dubai then in the distance. horizon la jumeirah palm. Many “interactive binoculars” are available and show you the different places in the city that you see, you can even see what they look like at night, thanks to the screens of these binoculars.

You will find, on this floor, a souvenir shop as well as a stand to have your photograph taken.
A new queue awaits you before descending, just as quickly, via the same elevator.
I advise you to visit Burj Khalifa by day, but to stay near it to admire the tower at night. The lighting of the tower and the district is really sumptuous. You can also opt for a combination which will allow you to enjoy the café located on the ground floor of the tower.

Burj Khalifa in numbers

• 330,000 m3 of reinforced concrete
• 39,000 tonnes of steel beams
• 142,000 m2 of glass
• More than 24,000 windows
• 57 elevators
• The fastest elevator in the world: 18m / second or 40 km / hour
• 22 million cumulative working hours
• Tallest tower in the world: 828 meters high
• 160 floors
• Highest panoramic terrace in the world: 452 meters
• The tower is (theoretically) visible 90 km away.
• Cost of the tower: $ 1.5 billion

My opinion on the Burj Khalifa

For me, a visit to Burj Khalifa is a must-see in Dubai. This tower, the tallest in the world, is truly surprising. From start to finish the experience is unique. Even the ascent, in the fastest elevator in the world, is an experience in itself.
The view from the top of the tower is impressive and offers a breathtaking panorama of the city of Dubai and its surroundings.
So this is a tour that I highly recommend if you are visiting Dubai.

Around Burj Khalifa

Visiting Burj Khalifa also means visiting the neighborhood that surrounds it. In addition, this tower, the district and the surroundings are among the most attractive in Dubai. You will find many hotels there, including the famous The Address, the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the world, a veritable labyrinth of shops where it is pleasant to cool off when the heat becomes hard to bear outside. You will also find the Burj Khalifa Lake with its impressive Dubai Fountain, a real aquatic spectacle with the highest water jets in the world. A visit to Dubai should be near these fountains. One should not miss under any circumstances one of the shows that animates the fountain. Every day at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday), then in the evening every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. and until 11 p.m. the fountains of the basin come alive and offer a beautiful sound and light show. The Dubai Fountain’s water jets are among the tallest in the world, rising to over 275 meters in height. More than 6,000 lights illuminate this pool of water located at the foot of Burj Khalifa. It is even possible to see the spectacle up close by opting for a boat trip on this body of water!

Burj Khalifa: Questions / Answers

What year was Burj Khalifa built?
Work on the tower began in 2003 and ended in 2009. The inauguration was celebrated in 2010.
How high is the tower?
The tower measures 829 meters with the antenna.
Which floors of Burj Khalifa can you climb to?
It is possible to reach floors 124, 125 and 148.
What is the price to visit Burj Khalifa?
It all depends on the floor you want to go up to.
Between € 30 and € 47 for floors 124 and 125. Prices vary depending on the hour.
Between 80 € and 115 € for floor 148. Here too the prices vary according to the time of day.

During my recent trip to Morocco, I, as you may have understood, visited the magnificent artisanal city of Fez. This city is actually split in two with on one side the new city comprising the royal palace and more typical European and American shops with an architecture that combines modernity and tradition. On the other hand, the medina of Fez which takes us into the splendor of Morocco and its quality craftsmanship.

This is why I am writing this post to let you know about our choice by explaining to you the advantages it could bring us throughout our stay. First of all, we hesitated for a long time when choosing our accommodation between these two solutions. Indeed, the new city has the advantage of more nocturnal activities while the medina offers various activities throughout the day with many visits such as tanneries, palaces (of Glaoui in particular) or the Medersa Bou Inania.

Riad Adarissa, a quality location

Our choice finally fell on the medina and more precisely on Riad Adarissa. The latter has the advantage of being located very close to the main entrance to the medina, namely Bab Boujloud. To get there from Fez train station, count around ten dirhams by taxi. Once you arrive there you will be there in just 5 minutes of walking. The route also has the advantage of being simple, because the medina is full of streets and you can get lost easily. You can still count on the friendliness and kindness of the locals to show you the way in the event of a mishap.

Once, in Riad Adarissa we find everything that makes the charm of Morocco with an open courtyard. The staff were also very courteous and helpful throughout our stay. We were also treated to a Moroccan tea on our arrival. It is also in this same courtyard that we had a hearty and typically Moroccan lunch. Nothing better before starting a day of travel.

The Mohammed Leftah room

The rooms are spacious and very comfortable. After a good day of walking in the medina, it is all the more appreciable. They are also fully functional with everything you need to keep up to date with the latest news or activity feeds from our favorite social networks. A safe is present, which is reassuring if you do not want to carry a too heavy bag during the busy days of visits.

Mohammed Leftah Room
Average price: 67 € / night

Equipments:

• TV with satellite dishes
• Internet par wi-fi
• Safety deposit box
• Telephone socket
• Air conditioner
• Heater

A traditional bathroom

The bathroom is just as spacious and combines modernity and tradition. Indeed, an artisanal seal was available in the shower to be able to rinse off. I have to admit, it turns out to be very effective, especially since we had quite a bit of desert sand left on us.

Soak up the sun in the medina

This Riad also offers a magnificent terrace, which will delight more than one in the summer evening. We find there the typical style of Andalusian and Arab fortifications. This also allows you to gain height over the whole of the medina and to be able to admire the Marinid tombs or the minarets nearby. Unfortunately, we did not have time to take advantage of it with our busy schedule and the temperatures which can be cold in March.

In summary, finding accommodation while traveling is always a delicate step and Riad Adarissa convinced us with its quality, its prime location in the medina.

Information on Riad Adarissa:
Site : http://www.riadadarissafes.com/
Tel : 00 212 652-487977
Adresse : Talaa Kebira | Derb Sidi Yaala n° 4, Fès 30200, Maroc

During our stay in Rabat we stayed in a riad in the heart of the medina. For those who are not familiar with this word, a riad is the traditional Moroccan dwelling found in the medinas. These are dwellings built around a central patio, sometimes transformed into a dining room or living room. The bedrooms are located all around this central location. The riads are almost always on several floors, its roof, which serves as a terrace, offers you a clear view of the medina. It is therefore in a riad that we decided to stay in Rabat.

The location

Location is one of the number 1 qualities of a home. Indeed no one likes having to walk or take public transport at the slightest activity. Riad Azahra enjoys an ideal location. Indeed the riad is located in a small quiet street with very little traffic. It is located north of the medina not far from the famous Kasbah de oudayas. You will find something to eat within a 3-minute walk and can reach all of Rabat and Salé with the metro, which is a 10-minute walk away.
To reach the riad from the station, take a taxi, it will take you to avenue laalou, less than 5 minutes walk from the riad.

A charming riad

As I told you earlier, a riad is built around a central patio. That of the riad Azahra will allow you to rest during the day but also places of meals for your evening at the riad.

Around this patio you will find lounges to rest, to meet or even a room to have breakfast.

You will also find the bedrooms. These are neat, very clean, they overlook the patio.
They have a very large bathroom with a walk-in shower, tastefully decorated.

One of the strengths of this riad is its terrace. This riad has two beautiful terraces where it is very pleasant to sunbathe or even in the evening when night has fallen, drinking tea in peace is a real pleasure.

Who says rooftop terrace, says view. This riad offers a panoramic view of the medina of Rabat which will delight you.

Back from my trip to Morocco, I am writing today my travel diary of this 1 week trip to Morocco which was very busy. Indeed we wanted to see as much as possible during our trip and therefore travel as much as possible in Morocco. The ultimate goal of this trip was to spend a night in the Moroccan sand desert to witness a sunrise in the dunes. Has this goal been achieved? The answer in this article.

Day 1, from Fez to Midelt

As I told you, the goal was to reach the sand dunes of the Moroccan desert in Merzouga. This city, which borders the desert, is located just over 460 kilometers from Fez, the city where our plane lands. The journey being relatively long (no highway), and bordered by a multitude of incredible places, we decided to make this trip in two days. The first allowing us to reach Midelt while having time to stop at different places such as Lake Aoua, Azrou, where we were able to have fun with free monkeys, Ifrane, famous Moroccan ski resort or on the road to admire sublime landscapes. We reached Midelt in the early evening where we were able to rest before making the last part of the journey separating us from Merzouga.

Day 2, from Midelt to Merzouga

Beginning of day 2, we leave Midelt to join Merzouga, the goal is to arrive there in the middle of the afternoon because two hours of camels await us before reaching our camp in the middle of the sand dunes. Mission accomplished, here we are on our camel, less and less comfortable as we go deeper into the desert. I will tell you about our experience in the desert in a future dedicated article and you will see that the activities in the desert are much more varied than one can imagine.

Day 3, Return to Fez

Mission accomplished, despite a difficult get up at 5:30 am, we witness a magnificent sunrise before heading back to Fez, this time in one go.

Day 4 and 5: Discovering Fez

Days 4 and 5 allowed us to discover Fez. Lots of walking through its huge Medina. We were able to visit madrasas, its tanneries, one of its palaces or even see the entrance to its royal palace. I will soon devote an article to the discovery of Fez.

Day 6: Direction Rabat

Day 6 allowed us to reach Rabat, 3 hours away from Fez by train. Arrived in Rabat at the end of the morning we devoted the day to its discovery, the Kasbah of Oudayas, its medina or even Salé, a very close city.

Day 7: From Rabat to Paris

Our plane leaving in the middle of the afternoon, we were able to take full advantage of the morning to end our visit to rabat with one of these emblematic places, the Hassan tower as well as the mausoleum of Mohamed V.

With

The results of this trip are very positive with the visit of two of the most important cities of Morocco, Fez and Rabat and a getaway in the desert which will leave us with wonderful memories with breathtaking landscapes. Be careful however with the distances in Morocco, the roads are not the same as in France, the duration of the journeys is often multiplied by 2, so be careful not to be overly optimistic about the distances to be covered in a day. In 7 days we still covered 950 kilometers by car, 150 by train, 20 kilometers on camels and 75 kilometers on foot. You will soon find my articles devoted to the visit of Fez, Rabat or our escapade in the dunes. Here is our itinerary of our week-long trip to Morocco.

Today I continue to tell you about my trip to Morocco, after my week-long trip in this country, a short trip to Rabat, capital of Morocco, and one of the 4 imperial cities of Morocco with Fez, Marrakech and Meknes .
You should know that although Rabat is the capital of Morocco, the city is not the largest. We spent two days there and I think that is enough for visit Rabat, or at least most of what I would qualify as “unmissable”.

Practical information for visiting Rabat

Rabat-Salé Airport:

Rabat has an airport very well served by many companies. You will be able to find many cheap flights by comparing different airlines.
Once at the airport you will have to go to the city center. There are several solutions for this:

• By taxi: The taxi is a means of transport widely used in Morocco, they are of two types, “large” taxis, white Mercedes and “small” yellow taxis. At the airport you will only find large taxis. These will take you to any location in town.
• By shuttle: There is a shuttle connecting Rabat airport to the city center. This is taken opposite the exit of the airport. You will reach the city in about twenty minutes, all for around € 2.
• Rent a car : If Rabat is just the starting point for your trip to Morocco, then it may be a good idea to hire a car at the airport. It is also possible to rent one in the city center. Again, be sure to compare car rental prices. I recommend the use of RentalCars which is, for me, one of the most efficient comparators on the market.

Getting around Rabat

As in many cities, the city center is not particularly convenient to visit by car. Whether you have rented a car or not, I advise you to travel on foot or by tram. Rabat has two very convenient tram lines for getting around.

Visit Rabat: the essentials of Rabat

Visit Rabat, the Kasbah of the Oudayas

The Kasbah des Oudayas is a place that is imperative to visit. Indeed, set aside a few hours to stroll through the quiet and narrow streets of this former military camp. Built in the 12th century this military fort is, at the base, used to defend the city from enemy tribes and then grows in importance by becoming a Ribas (military camp) used to monitor the mouth of the Bouregreg river.
This ribat is also used a little more by the Moroccan army during the conquest of Andalusia.
The name of the city comes from this word, Ribat. Today this old fort is a city within a city. Surrounded by walls, this district of Rabat is famous thanks to its streets painted in white and blue. At the bend of a small street you will certainly come across the Maure café, an essential address in the Kasbah where it is pleasant to have a tea while contemplating the panoramic view of the mouth of the river and the beach.

The Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum

Originally this tower was supposed to be the minaret of the largest mosque in the world. The construction of the mosque was stopped after the death of Sultan El Mansour. Long abandoned, the tower is at the end of its restoration. This is located at the end of a large esplanade, the oratory, dotted with 312 columns. On the other side of it is the Mohammed V Mausoleum where the body of the late king rests as well as that of his son Prince Moulay Abdellah.

Not far from Rabat, visit Salé

Despite the large size of the city, the capital of Morocco, Rabat is not the city where you will find the most to visit in Morocco. If you are staying for several days in Rabat I advise you to go to Salé. Salé is a town located a few kilometers from Rabat on the other side of Bouregreg.
Salé has a medina, and one of the largest mosques in Morocco. However, what makes Salé so charming is undoubtedly Borj Adoumoue. The walls of Salé, by the sea, adorned with cannons are very pleasant, especially at the end of the day.

Small tips for visiting Salé. The city is rather easy to access. I advise you to take the Tramway in Rabat, in the direction of Hay Karima, and get off at Bab Lamrissa or at Salé station. You then arrive at the gates of the medina. To reach the borj you will have to walk a few tens of minutes.

Where to sleep in Rabat?

Even though Rabat is broken down into many neighborhoods, two of them are the most important. The Medina district, which represents old Rabat and the more modern district, the Hassan district where you will find, for example, hotel chains like Mercure or MGallery from Sofitel. The Medina district will have the advantage of offering atypical hotels such as magnificent riads, old residences, private mansions renovated into accommodation to accommodate passing travelers. Some of these accommodations are pure marvels like Dar Shâan or Dar Mayssane to name a few.
For my part, I had the chance to sleep in Riad Azahra, located in the medina, this riad offers very good value for money. If you want to know more about this riad, do not hesitate to read my article dedicated to my accommodation in Rabat.

Today I am talking about the accommodation in which I had the chance to stay during my stay in Quebec City. This hotel is Auberge Saint-Antoine, one of the best hotels in town. A Relais & Châteaux hotel located in the old Quebec district. An ideal place for a stay in Quebec which offers many surprises to its visitors.

> The history of Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec

It is impossible to present the Auberge Saint-Antoine to you without telling you about its history. The Auberge Saint-Antoine was created in 1992, a rather recent establishment, yet steeped in history. The history of Auberge Saint-Antoine is closely linked to the history of its owners, the Price family, who arrived in Quebec over 200 years ago. The family plays a major role in the history of Quebec City but also in the history of the region. William Price, the first member of the Price family to settle in Quebec, went into business with the creation, among other things, of sawmills in the Saguenay region. It is in part to William Price that we owe the creation of the city of Chicoutimi.
Over the years, his sons were able to adapt to economic changes, notably with the creation of one of the largest and most modern paper factories in the world.
It was several decades later that one of William Price’s descendants, Tony, decided to enter the tourism industry in Quebec and opened Auberge Saint-Antoine, a luxury hotel located in old Quebec, not far from the Saint Laurent.
Initially located in a former maritime warehouse from the beginning of the 19th century, the Auberge Saint-Antoine has grown over time and now includes three historic buildings.
The renovation work revealed the presence of many historical vestiges which I will tell you about right away.

> The Auberge Saint-Antoine, a hotel-museum?

During the various works that took place around the hotel, many vestiges of the past were found. Indeed, more than 5,000 objects of all kinds were updated. Restored and classified, 700 of them have found a place inside the hotel itself. From the entrance hall to the corridors, including the hotel bar or restaurant, these artefacts bear witness to the history of the place.
Strolling through the corridors of Auberge Saint-Antoine is to discover pieces from the past recalling the history of the inhabitants of the region.

> Accommodation and services at Auberge Saint-Antoine

Let’s get to the heart of the matter by now talking about the rooms, the services offered by the hotel and the restaurant.
First of all, there are 95 rooms. “Comfort”, “Luxury”, “Junior Suites” and “Suites” rooms. All these rooms are spacious, whatever their range, perfectly combining modernity and refinement, while keeping the historic side of the building. You will find all the comfort expected in this type of establishment with, for some rooms, large terraces offering a breathtaking view of the Saint Laurent, perfect for a summer stay. If you are in our case, that is to say visiting Quebec in the middle of winter, you can take advantage of the fireplace to warm up.

On the ground floor of the Auberge Saint Antoine, you can enjoy a large living room, also with a large fireplace next to which you can warm up after a visit of the city. You will also find Le Bar Artéfact, a quiet space to have a drink but also to eat. The decoration of this place is incredible, refined with, always, the presence of these astonishing artefacts. Also on the ground floor is the wellness center with the gym, sauna and massage area.

The hotel also has many rooms to host special events, including an auditorium with nearly 100 seats.

Now let’s move on to the hotel restaurant, “Chez Muffy”.

“Chez Muffy” is therefore the name of the Auberge Saint-Antoine restaurant. Located in a former maritime warehouse from the beginning of the 19th century, the restaurant “Chez Muffy” surprised us with its warm atmosphere. This restaurant offers a refined decoration while keeping the spirit of the historic building like its stone walls or its impressive wooden beams.

Food wise, you won’t be disappointed. The restaurant offers sophisticated dishes, mostly from fresh produce from the region. And for good reason, it gets its supplies not far from there, on the Île d’Orléans, in the farm that the hotel owns and which has been specially designed to supply the restaurant with fresh products from sustainable agriculture. .

We had the chance to have our breakfasts there, during which we were able to taste countless dishes that were offered to us. Even if you are not a guest of the hotel, I suggest you go for a meal there, you will not be disappointed with the visit.

> Location and surroundings of the Auberge Saint-Antoine

Let us now turn to the question of localization. If you are used to reading this, you will know that I attach an important place to the location of hotels, especially during city trips of a few days as was the case in Quebec City.
On this side, nothing to say about the Auberge Saint Antoine. The hotel is located in the historic district of the city, in a quiet street but a stone’s throw from one of the city’s must-see streets, rue Petit-Champlin. You will only be a few dozen meters from the shores of the Saint-Laurent, but also from the stairs – or the funicular – which will take you to the Dufferin terrace. You will also find, very close to the hotel, the essential museum of civilization. The location is, to my taste, just ideal for a stay in Quebec.

Small anecdote, if you look on the ground, when leaving the hotel, you will find in the street, three annotated marks of 3 years – 1600, 1700 and 1800. These marks are there to symbolize the level of the Saint-Laurent at these three different eras. You will be able to try to imagine what the city could look like several centuries ago as well as the space gained on the river over time.

> My opinion on the Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec

What about this hotel, just perfect for my taste. A prime location, a building steeped in history which has kept its historic side despite major renovations. The place given to the history of this place will appeal to more than one visitor as it is highlighted in an elegant and refined way.
The services offered by the hotel are numerous and fit perfectly into a stay of a few days in Quebec. It is therefore without hesitation that I recommend this hotel, certainly one of the best in Quebec.

Wondering where to sleep in Montreal? How not to tell you about one of the best hotels in Montreal. Absolutely beautiful, it is located in the heart of old Montreal! We had the chance to stay there during our passage through this beautiful city during a road trip in Quebec.

A hotel of history and culture

First of all, let me quickly introduce you to the history of this unique place. This boutique hotel, located just behind the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, overlooks the gardens of the Sulpicians’ Seminary. This religious community is still present in these places today.
You will not be able to miss the many architectural testimonies of this period throughout your visit to the hotel, starting with the magnificent remarkable stone facade upon your arrival.

Throughout your stay, the Saint Sulpice hotel wishes to provide its customers with a unique experience combining modernity, luxury and history. You can find within the hotel itself a selection of works of art presented in different forms: book, exhibition and film!

The book is the result of collaborative work between different writers who have been invited to stay at the hotel so that this unique place can be their source of inspiration. Thus, each of the 14 guests produced a piece of news according to their respective desires. This collection is available to customers for reading. And if you’re a fan, you can even pick up a copy.

During our visit, we were able to discover the works of the famous Quebec designer Jean-Claude Poitras. The concept is simple: each floor of the hotel is associated with a different theme. And this theme is given a musical atmosphere broadcast throughout the floor concerned. The association of the works of Jean-Claude Poitras with the musical universe of François Dompierre, a great Quebecois composer, offers us a unique moment of escape. This immersion is an original experience, worthy of one of the best hotels in Montreal, such as the Saint Sulpice.

To finish on this cultural part, you can also watch a short film called La Valise. This film is produced by the hotel itself! Four characters and a suitcase will take you to explore the Saint Sulpice hotel in a rather original way.

An exceptional location for one of the best hotels in Montreal

It is obvious that the choice of your hotel will depend greatly on its location. And to be the best hotel in Montreal, what better place than Old Montreal to set up a business? Le Saint Sulpice is perfectly located both for tourists who come to discover this beautiful city, and for professionals on a business trip. You can enjoy a wide choice of tourist activities to do on foot from your hotel: visit Notre-Dame Basilica, stroll along the Old Port, visit Old Montreal and its underground city, go to Chinatown Chinatown and the Village, or visit the must-see Pointe-à-Callière museum.
As you will have understood, the Saint Sulpice is the ideal hotel for visiting Montreal.

Room and services

After having discovered the universe of our floor through the works of Messrs Poitras and Dompierre, we move towards our suite. And there … wow! A large bedroom, with all the comforts of a suite: a living room with fireplace (using an electric fireplace), a magnificent bedroom, a bathroom as a girl could dream of (with the very beautiful products). L’Occitane beauty salon) and a customer well-being corner with a Nespresso coffee machine (an important detail for us), minibar and other sweets to make you feel at home. In short, you will understand, this room is perfect for a stay in Montreal, whatever the duration: one night, a week or more!

If you are traveling with a car, note that this is not a problem during your stay at the Saint Sulpice hotel: a parking service is provided so that you have no problem to manage during your stay. The valets take care of everything!

And finally, if your soul of a great sportsman apprehends this trip because it represents a break in your training, reassure her, a gym is at your disposal during your stay. And to comfort you after the effort, you can take a tour of the Scandinavian Spa. A unique moment of relaxation in a contemporary and ecological environment.

Sinclair restaurant

The room is good, but breakfast is also very important for us French people! We took it in the hotel’s very nice dining room. A bright room, well decorated and quiet. A good start to the day. Here, breakfast is served at the table, no buffet. You will have the choice between different plates (continental, Canadian or more focused on health), but also with a selection of local specialties. We took the continental plate: very good and generous enough for a breakfast!

In order to fully experience the experience, we took our midday “lunch” at the hotel restaurant, the Sinclair. If you are a foodie, a lover of good food, mixing originality and flavors, come and take a look at this Montreal restaurant. As I said earlier, the hotel is located near a business district. The restaurant is one of the landmarks for these businessman to come and have a good but also quick “lunch”.

Regarding the meal, we were really spoiled! We had the chance to taste various and varied specialties: crab, foie gras, squid, tuna tartare,… And for each dish, its own wine for optimum tasting.

In addition, the chef is attentive to his supply: fresh and local products! Everything we love.
The little extra of this most beautiful hotel in Montreal? Le Saint Sulpice is the only hotel in Montreal where you can enjoy a beautiful terrace, flowered and shaded in summer, sheltered from cars and tourist traffic. A significant point that brings a touch of charm.

And to conclude on this rather gastronomic part, we particularly appreciated the bar area. A cozy space, by the fireplace in winter, where you can discover or rediscover a whole range of cocktails or warm up with a delicious hot chocolate.

Let’s continue our little trip in the state of Yucatan by going further east. You can easily find accommodation in the city of Mérida which is the main city of the state. Although not a beach fan, a detour to the port town of Progreso is worth the trip, if only for a good seafood and fish restaurant and a little swim.

The unmissable sites to visit this part of Yucatan are Uxmal, Dzibilchaltun and the Puuc ruta. There are many other sites to see, but you have to know how to choose, unless you are staying there longer!

Uxmal

The Puuc city par excellence, Uxmal was the political and religious capital of the region between the 7th and 10th centuries. The name “Uxmal” means “three times built”, although we have little knowledge of the history of this site, we can notice that the pyramid of the Soothsayer seems to have been raised 3 times. The Xiu tribe ruled Uxmal for a long time.

Entering the site we first discover the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, bypassing it we arrive in a series of small quadrilateral before arriving at the large quadrilateral of the nuns. This palace is a perfect demonstration of the Puuc style with its sober walls while the roofs are teeming with sculptures and mosaics. In the alignment of the southern access, one can see the ball playing field.

The visit continues to the Governor’s Palace. This 99m long building was a demonstration of authority on the part of Señor Chaac who ruled the region around AD 900. The royal throne, representing two jaguars, is in perfect alignment with the planet Venus, a proof of more knowledge of the Mayan peoples if necessary. On the roof we find a huge waving serpent and two-headed snakes similar to those in the Nuns’ Quadrangle.

Going around the palace, you arrive at the great pyramid which is only discovered on the north face. From above, the view of the site and the jungle is breathtaking. We then realize the size of the site and the potential of other wonders not yet revealed in this jungle.

The Puuc route

Uxmal is central to many other lesser sites like Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna. These ruins form the Puuc ruta. It is possible to tour these sites in one day by car (approximately 120 km).
These ruins reveal the Puuc style, with the sober walls and the abundant roofs as evoked in Uxmal. In this region, there are no cenotes like in Chichen Itza to keep water, the rain god was then one of the most important, symbol of fertility. This is the god Chaac that can be recognized in each of these sites.

You can end the route with the Loltun caves. Impressive in size, ancient civilizations used them as shelters and as a place of worship in the depths.

Be careful on this road, access to all sites is chargeable. In Loltun, the visit must be guided but the guide is not included in the entry price. Make sure you have enough cash for this day, the sites are not equipped with card readers or ATMs from international banks.

Dzibilchaltún

Located a few kilometers north of Mérida, this archaeological site is considered one of the most ancient. Less tall than Chichen or Uxmal, he is well known for his temple of the seven dolls. This temple owes its name to the clay figurines found there. Standing at the end of a long alley, its openings are in line with the sun during the equinoxes.

Behind the square of the site containing various temples and buildings, you will find the cenote Xlacah, flush with the ground, it invites you to a refreshing swim in this magical place. As in Uxmal, you will not be able to miss the many iguanas which take the sun on the hot stones.

At the exit of the site, you can also visit the Museum of the Maya people which will allow you to understand a little better the life in the region until the Spanish conquest.

Today I’m writing my second article on my road trip in Thailand and Laos to tell you about one of the most surprising but also exotic stages of my trip. Indeed after landing in Bangkok in Thailand, going to Chiang Mai for the lantern festival, I went to Laos where most of my 20 days of travel took place.

The first stage of this trip to Laos consisted of reaching the border between Thailand and Laos at the city of Luang Prabeng in Laos, a stage that we did in an original way, by boat, following the Mekong for two days. We took this cruise with the Luang Say company, based in Luang Prabeng.

The day before departure we had chosen to stay in the town closest to the border, in Thailand, Chiang Khong. Indeed we have an appointment around 10am at the border post between these two countries (Laos side).

It is therefore at dawn that we get up, not sure how long it will take us to cross the border. A tuk-tuk then awaits us at the exit of our hotel located in the center of the city, a 15-minute journey is enough to reach the border post, still closed at this time.

The border crossing on the Thailand side goes smoothly, a bus is waiting for us to take us across the Mekong, the natural boundary between these two countries. The journey is very short, only a few minutes. No need to try to book the bus, it is set up by the border posts of the two countries. The border crossing to enter Laos is slightly longer, a few forms to fill out and a wait of a few minutes to collect the famous visa. The visa costs 30 USD, it is possible to pay it in Laotian kip, a distributor is on site. Watch out for exchange rates if you arrive with euros or Thai baht.

Once we have passed the border post, cruise staff will be waiting for us. Half an hour is necessary to reach the place of embarkation where the boat awaits us which will take us to Luang Prabeng.

This first day of navigation is devoted to reaching the village of Pakbeng or we will spend the night. We will sail around 5 hours on this first day. The boat we are sailing on is a typical river cruise boat, long and relatively narrow. This one is no less spacious and comfortable. It has a toilet and a kitchen. Indeed our meals will be taken on the boat. The food is plentiful and of good quality.

After 2h30 of navigation we make our first stop in a small traditional village in the Laotian countryside: Houy Phalam. A small village in which we will spend an hour walking around and listening to the guide’s explanations on life in the village.
We then take the boat for 3 short hours towards our hotel located on the edge of the Mekong in Pakbeng.

A few words about our hotel. First of all the rooms, large overwater bungalows, spacious and in a simply sumptuous setting. We can enjoy a magnificent view of the Mekong from this one. The meal is taken in an equally pleasant setting, on a large terrace. It is an impression of calm and serenity that emerges from this place nestled in the heart of lush vegetation.

The day starts early. We must reach the city of Luang Prabeng at the end of the day, but two stages await us on the way, the visit of a second village where rice alcohol is made as well as scarves then the visit of caves, of which I will speak to you again very soon.

We begin the journey in unfortunately a little gray weather but which will not prevent us from enjoying the superb landscapes offered by the Mekong. Its flora, of course, but also its fauna with the presence of numerous pink buffaloes. We pass a few villages, see some fishermen on the banks before arriving at our first stop: Ban Hoay Kha

Ban Houay Kha is the second village we visit on the banks of the Mekong. This city produces rice alcohol as well as various cloths. Although the village is traditionally designed like the design of these fabrics, most of the villagers sell them to passing tourists. An interesting visit which shows us, once again, the way of life of the inhabitants of the small villages of Laos definitely very different from ours.

Let’s take our boat once again in the direction of our last stop on Pak Ou Caves. The caves are only accessible by boat. Moored on a makeshift walkway to access these impressive caves where an incredible number of religious objects are stored, in particular Buddha status.

Slightly higher up are the grottes de Tham Phum. Smaller, these caves are also home to many religious objects hidden here during the war to prevent their destruction. Entrance to the caves is chargeable, count around 20,000 LAK or 2 euros.

For our last trip, we leave the caves in the direction of Luang Prabeng that we will join a few tens of minutes later. The cruise therefore ends at the Luang Prabeng pier located in the city center of the latter.

The results of this cruise on the Mekong between Thailand and Luang Prabeng in Laos is very positive. First of all because this mode of travel is relaxing! Far from the hassle of traveling by bus or car, the boat is an original and peaceful mode of travel. Full support by the agency is a plus.

It is also interesting to see the life that can be on this river as well as the villages located around it. The hotel in which we were staying corresponds to the standard offered by the cruise, an upscale hotel in a peaceful setting.

You certainly know it if you follow me, after my long 15-month trip to New Zealand, it was in Thailand, then in Laos, that I stopped over for about twenty days.
My international flights landing and taking off from Bangkok, I took the opportunity to visit the city. The immense Thai capital of nearly 10 million inhabitants conceals things to do and to see, in particular, you will see it, many temples.
Apart from these impressive religious constructions, the city has also been able to modernize in recent decades to now be one of the most modern cities in Southeast Asia with an incalculable number of skyscrapers, each one higher than the other. .
Let’s embark together for Bangkok to discover these essential places.

Royal palace

The royal palace is undoubtedly the must-see number 1 in Bangkok. It is by far the most visited places in the city. The Royal Palace, built in the late 1700s is none other than the former residence of the King of Thailand. The royal palace is a vast complex made up of a multitude of buildings and small, richly decorated squares. The decorations are, in fact, what makes this palace special. Numerous statues of Buddha throne all over the palace.
The highlight of the show is none other than the Emerald Buddha, true jewels of the temple.

Wat Pho

Located right next to the Royal Palace, Wat Pho is for me the second must-see in Bangkok. Famous around the world, especially after its appearance in Leonardo Dicaprio’s film “The Beach”, Wat Pho is home to one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the country. An immense Buddha, all in gold leaf clad which measures nearly 50 meters in length and 15 in height. All around the reclining Buddha are many small pagodas like what you can see in the royal palace.
Note that to visit Wat Pho and in particular to enter the palace which houses the reclining Buddha, it will be necessary to adopt adequate clothing. First of all, you must take care to remove your shoes (as in all temples in Thailand) but also cover your shoulders and not wear skirts or shorts that are too short.

Wat Arun

Located on the other side of Chao Praya, the river that winds through the city, is Wat Arun. Wat Arun is the largest temple in the city. Over 300 years old, this temple is one of Bangkok’s must-sees. You can get there and walk around the different structures. It is possible to climb on the larger one and enjoy a breathtaking view of Bangkok. At night, Wat Arun is simply beautiful, all lit up.

Floating markets

A visit to a floating market also seems to be a must when visiting Bangkok. Take a boat ride through the small canals as you would in the streets of a market in France. On either side of the stream are the vendors, also installed in sort of small boats with all their products.
There are several floating markets in Bangkok, some being very touristy, others much less so. We can cite, for example, the most famous, Damnern Saduak, located a hundred kilometers from Bangkok all the same. Bang Khu Wiang, located much closer to the city center, is also very famous but it takes place very early in the morning, between 4 and 7 a.m.

Discover Ayutthaya

About 80 kilometers from Bangkok is: Ayutthaya! Why am I telling you about this city located outside of Bangkok. Quite simply because there are day trips to discover this city. What’s special about her? Ayutthaya is quite simply the ancient capital of Thailand. Indeed it was until 1767. That year, after its destruction by the Burmese army, Bangkok took the place of capital. Ayutthaya is today, and since 1991, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These many ruins and temples make it special and attract tens of thousands of tourists every year.

Bangkok and its malls

Now let’s move on to the modern city side. And yes, because Bangkok is not just temples, palaces and floating markets. The city is resolutely modern in many neighborhoods. The most striking aspect of this modern side is undoubtedly its malls. These huge, ultra-modern shopping centers have sprung up like mushrooms across the city. If you want to check out some of these malls, then head to Sukhumvit Road. On this big avenue you will find many malls, among them, one of the most modern, Terminal 21. On more than 6 floors you can discover the hundreds of shops, restaurants or cafes of this huge shopping center.

Rooftop

I tell you about it in the introduction of this article, rooftops are particularly impressive in Bangkok. A real must for a visit to Bangkok, an evening on a rooftop will fill your eyes.
Here are two of the city’s most famous rooftops, the Sky Bar at Lebua at State Tower. It is on this rooftop that some scenes of the famous “The Hangover” were filmed.
For my part, it was at the Vertigo at the Banyan Tree Hotel that I went. The roof of this luxury hotel is amazing. The view is breathtaking and the cozy atmosphere of the lounge bar contrasts sharply with the streets of Bangkok. Of course, the price of drinks and fantastic cocktails do not have the same price!

Here is for this tour of the essentials of Bangkok, if you want to have more ideas on the things not to be missed in Bangkok, you can take a look on the Expedia site which will give you good ideas of activities to do. in Bangkok.

Some tips for your trip to Bangkok

If you want to travel to Bangkok or elsewhere in Thailand then choose your period well. Indeed certain seasons are not really favorable to the discovery of this country. Winter should be favored, ie from the month of November to the month of March. The temperatures are certainly high, but the humidity is lower. The summer period is hot but above all very humid with a very pronounced rainy season.

Those who follow me know that when I returned from my trip to New Zealand at the end of last year, I had the chance to travel for a month to South-East Asia, Thailand and Laos. I indeed had the chance to visit the city of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, for its famous lantern festival, then to take the direction of Laos via a cruise on the Mekong. I told you all about this a few months ago in various articles on the subject.

Today I am writing this article in order to give you some tips as preparation for your trip to Thailand. Itineraries, vaccines, visa or even period for travel to Thailand, I tell you everything.

Visa for Thailand

Getting to Thailand to visit the country is relatively straightforward. For people wishing to stay 30 days or less, no formalities are necessary. Enter the territory, by seeing land or air with a valid passport, the visa will then be affixed to your passport. No need for prior requests. You will then have the option of staying until 30 days on Thai territory. You may be able to extend your visa for 30 days once there.

If you wish to stay longer in Thailand, it is possible to apply for a tourist visa, valid for 60 days, at the Thai Embassy before leaving.

Vaccines for Thailand

To go to Thailand it will not be compulsory to vaccinate yourself. However, although no vaccine is required, some are highly recommended. here are the vaccines for Thailand recommended by the Institut Pasteur. This is the case for vaccines against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid fever as well as the vaccine against DT Polio.

If you plan to travel to certain rural areas, such as the border with Laos, the malaria vaccine is recommended.

Also watch out for rabies. No vaccine to carry out before your trip but be aware that this disease is present in Southeast Asia. If you come into contact with “suspicious” animals such as stray dogs, then it will be necessary to go to a hospital very quickly in order to receive treatment against rabies (several injections are necessary at several days apart).

Most popular routes

Thailand is a relatively large country. Unless you plan a trip of a month or more, you will need to choose your itinerary carefully. Different places in the country attract a lot of tourists. This is the case with Bangkok, of course. The largest city in the country is Thailand’s main air hub and is an almost mandatory stopover point if you plan to travel across the country. Even if this is not systematic, the cheapest flights, from Europe, usually arrive and depart from Bangkok.

Another tourist region in Thailand, the south with in particular the region of Phuket, one of the most touristic in the country. Renowned for its parties but also for its dream beaches located not far from there.

Another tourist city in Thailand, especially at the end of the year with one of the most famous festivals in the country: Chiang Mai. The city, located in northern Thailand, organizes a festival every year: Loy Krathong, which sees thousands of lanterns fly away during two evenings of celebrations.

Best times to go to Thailand

The best time to go to Thailand will depend mainly on the climate. Indeed, two seasons are distinguished in Thailand, a dry season and a wet season (where the rains are abundant). Temperatures remain relatively high or even very high throughout the year even if, in the north of the country, it can be a little cooler after the rainy season.

The summer months, from May to September are not recommended. Temperatures can rise relatively high and the rains can be heavy. Winter in Europe is one of the best times to go to Thailand. The rains are much less frequent or almost non-existent in certain regions and the temperatures a little more pleasant.