Sometimes, leaving 2 or 3 days are enough to disconnect from everyday life. No need to travel 10.000km to relax, just leave the train and leave home to clear your head. That’s why I propose 3 destinations for a weekend in Europe, far from all your worries!
La France
I propose you a little getaway away from the crowds and tumult in the Bordeaux region, heart of the wine region. There are many destinations for a weekend in Europe, but why not:
Sleep in a Bordeaux vineyard
Why not treat yourself to a stay at Château Richelieu on the Bordeaux wine route?
You need calm and authenticity? It is the ideal place to relax.
This magnificent building, close to Saint-Emilion, will take you back in time.
You will have the opportunity to sleep in a beautiful spacious room fully decorated in beige/ chocolate tones overlooking the vineyards. The beautiful dining room will welcome you for a hearty breakfast with fresh fruit.
At the end of the day, after visiting the sublime cellar of the castle with Cyril, passionate winemaker, you can enjoy the pool if the weather allows.
I am sure you will leave with some good bottles of this splendid Bordeaux vineyard!
LONDON
If you are more in the move, London is one of the destinations for a weekend in Europe where the scenery will be total and radical!
It will not necessarily cost you more than a short weekend in Paris or another big French city if you have the right addresses. Then follow me!
Sleep at Marylebone’s near Westminster
What could be better than a homestay? Well, I propose you for this little London weekend. Guests can enjoy the superb location of this B&B located in the Westminster Borough district with all the necessary amenities. Guests have access to a shared lounge, an equipped kitchen and a washing machine, if needed.
You will live directly with the owner of the apartment and will be able to use all the facilities. So you can see yourself there already?
Taste the famous fish and chips
You can’t go to London and leave without eating the famous fish and chips! Do not look, you will taste it at the Poppies under its retro brand «POPPIES FISH AND CHIPS». Currently, there are 3 Poppies restaurants in Spitalfields, Soho and Camden.
The addresses are:
- Poppies Spitalfields : 6-8 Hanbury Street Old Spitalfields Market
- Poppies Soho : 55 Old Compton Street
- Poppies Camden : 30 Hawley Crescent
Knowing the impressive number of restaurants in London offering fish and chips, it is better to eat a good one and in the right place!
Don’t want to see what everyone is going to see in London? So, I take you to discover unusual places where you will discover another aspect of the city.
The places and neighborhoods
The floating bookstore at Regent’s Canal Towpath has been installed on a houseboat and even if you don’t like to read, it’s really something to see!
A little more serious since classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Old Royal Naval College university building, a marvel for the eyes including a fresco that was made in 19 years!
Relax, let’s go to Victorian times with a coffee at the Attendant
Coffee Roasters or stop at the most beautiful café in London built in a church: the Mercato Mayfair.
If you’re into street art, don’t miss the tunnel under Waterloo Station: leake street.
Finally, if you want to rest, you should do so at Hampstead Heath Park not far from Camden Town, one of the highest points in London!
I let you take full advantage of the beautiful places of the English city, exceptional places off the beaten track.
ITALY
Finally, Italy is one of the destinations for a weekend in Europe that will delight you. Let’s go for a dolce vita getaway in one of the villages of the Cinque Terre in Italy, UNESCO World Heritage. You will be dazzled by the colorful houses of these villages that overlook the Ligurian coast and you will want to enjoy a good Italian dish on the terrace of a typical cafe listening to people chat with each other with their melodious accent.
Whether you choose Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola or Riomaggiore, you can access it by all means of transport (plane, train, car and even boat). Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, it is possible to come and stay in Les Cinq Terres throughout the year; so, take the opportunity to plan a stay outside the high tourist season, that is from May to June or September to October. This period will allow you to fully enjoy the incredible atmosphere of this place.
Where to stay during your stay in Cinque Terres?
I suggest you sleep outside the villages of this place, perhaps in La Spezia or Levanto which are very well served to get to the Cinque Terre daily, especially by train. I offer the Park Hotel Argento located in Levanto which is simply fabulous with its minimalist style, swimming pool and wellness center. Located 800m from the train station, it is very well located for your daily trips to the Cinque Terres.
Now if you want a total immersion, you will always have the opportunity to book a hotel room or a homestay but you will have to do it very early to be sure to find exactly what you are looking for!
Enjoy the good Italian dishes
When we think of Italy, we think of “eating well”! So, above all, you will have to take advantage of your stay to taste good local dishes such as:
- focaccia to enjoy with several different aromas,
- trofies which are a specialty of fine and short pasta accompanied by a pesto sauce,
- the fritto misto which is an assortment of seafood and fish served in a cone,
- i muscoli ripieni (stuffed mussels), the most traditional dish in the Cinque Terre,
- torta di riso (rice cake).
I give you some good restaurants addresses, especially in the village of Monterosso: A Cà du Gigante di Fina Sara or Da Eraldo or Foresteria Santuario di Nostra Signora di Soviore.
If you need to sleep well, eat well and rest while not being very far but enough to spend an exceptional weekend in the Italian way, then opt for this getaway to la dolce vita!
