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 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

Here is my second article on my road trip in Morocco. Today I will tell you about our journey to reach what was, the primary goal of our trip to Morocco: the sand dunes of Merzouga.
Indeed even if our trip was not only to reach the Moroccan sand desert in Merzouga, it was one of our first goals. We wanted to spend a night in the desert, admire the sunset but also the sunrise. So I will tell you how we were able to achieve this goal.

Departure from Fez, Direction Merzouga

To reach the sand dunes of Merzouga, it’s a safe bet that you will come either from Marrakech or from Fez. Having already visited Marrakech in the past, we opted for a flight to Fez, the city where we took the car rental to reach Merzouga. The road being relatively long, nearly 500 kilometers and rich in things to see, we decided to make several stopovers including one to spend the night.

Fes – Ifrane

Our first stop was shortly before arriving in Ifrane, at Lake Aoua. The reason for this stop, a magnificent panorama of Lake Aoua and the first glimpse of the diversity of Morocco’s landscapes. Lake Aoua is located a few kilometers from the main road and therefore will not waste your time.

Second stop, Ifrane. The arrival in Ifrane is truly disconcerting, an impression of no longer being in Morocco but in Switzerland or in a town in the French Alps. This town is located at more than 1700 meters above sea level, famous for its ski resort located a few kilometers from the city, Ifrane is regularly snowed, as it was a few weeks before our arrival.

In Ifrane you will surely have the chance to see storks which are there in number.

Azrou

Azrou is one of the most famous sites on the road that connects Fez to Merzouga. You will be able to discover the oldest cedar in Morocco, more than 800 years old. A majestic cedar at the entrance of a forest where you will have the chance to see and feed monkeys. Indeed, many monkeys are free on the site and they love peanuts that you can buy on the spot. Nice experience.

Midelt

Midelt is the city where we decided to spend the night. This city is located 230 kilometers south of Fez, about halfway between Fez and Merzouga. There you will find hotels, restaurants and a medina.

On the road

These 470 kilometers of road through Morocco will have allowed us to discover the diversity of the landscapes. Between rock and sand deserts, crossing the Middle Atlas, plains and plateaus, or even Oued, the landscapes that you will have the opportunity to see are very varied and breathtaking. I offer you this small photo gallery which will give you an overview.

Find all my photos on my Pinterest account.

Merzouga

The arrival in Merzouga was made at Ksar Bicha. I will tell you more about this Ksar in the rest of my article. Once arrived at Ksar, head for the sand dunes. Two hours of camel ride separate the entrance to the desert from the camp where we are going to spend the night.
Many must tell themselves that in the desert, in the middle of nowhere, there is not much to do, and think again.

Surfing in the middle of the desert

First activity, and not the least surprising, surfing in the desert. Indeed the Ksar where we stayed is located at the foot of one of the largest dunes in the region which offers an ideal setting to try sand surfing. After several tens of minutes to reach the top of the dune (the climb is very physical), you can give yourself to your heart’s content by surfing the dune. There is very little chance that you will hurtle down the slope in one go, you will surely fall several times but do not worry, it is only very fine sand that you sink quickly into.

Sunset

One of the must-sees of this excursion, the sunset. The ideal panorama is obviously from the top of this famous dune which constitutes the ideal point of view. The desert then stretches as far as the eye can see in front of you, you will see the sun gradually disappear behind the horizon. Do not start your climb too late, you risk missing this magical moment. Little advice, if you intend to surf, given the difficulty of the climb, capitalize your efforts by going up with your surfboard to watch this sunset and descend the dune with the surf.

Meal and evening

A meal in the middle of the desert is a real experience. Despite a slight apprehension about the comfort of the camp, my doubts very quickly vanished. A solar panel and a well offer you all the expected comfort, see more, when staying in the desert. We were treated to a generous couscous followed by a moment around the campfire with the people from the camp. The calm of the desert is truly surprising and the sky that you will have the chance to admire is really worth the detour.

Sunrise

The sunrise, like the sunset, is a real spectacle. This will, of course, require you to get up early, but it’s worth it. Woke up at 5 am to climb the nearby dune to record this video.

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 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.

Once again I leave the keyboard to Mélanie who tells us about her “favorite” country: Mexico.

On my first trip to Mexico, I was amazed by the culture of this country. A unique blend of heritage from pre-Columbian civilizations, Spanish influences and North American culture. Five years and as many trips later, my admiration for this country has not diminished, quite the contrary! I therefore offer you an overview of the country and the jewels of each region.

Mexico City area

Mexico City is one of the largest in the world. You will often hear of “DF” or “CDMX”, both refer to the capital.
This city is surprisingly diverse. It suffices to speak of the cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish architecture, under which was discovered the Templo Mayor, the great pyramid of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztecs, to understand that it is a place at the crossroads of cultures. . And the discoveries never stop in Mexico City!
Let us not forget either the more recent Mexican culture with in particular the frescoes of the XXth century and the many artists therefore undoubtedly the most famous are Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. The must-see museum in my opinion and the National Anthropology Museum that will help you understand this magnificent country.

Central part of Diego Rivera’s fresco “México a Través de los Siglos” (Mexico through the centuries) at the National Palace in Mexico City.

Of course, Mexico City is not limited to its historic center. I will only mention the two districts that I like the most: Coyoacan for a quiet afternoon, and La Condesa for a festive evening!

The Yucatan Peninsula

Located in the Gulf of Mexico, near Cuba, the Yucatan Peninsula is the cradle of the Mayan civilization. There is therefore obviously an infinity of archaeological sites to visit. The best known are Chichen Itza, Tulum and Uxmal. But there are a multitude of others (and less frequented!) To discover. Archaeologists are still far from having discovered everything in this region and in Mexico in general and you have to know how to think outside the box to make your trip a unique trip!

It is not only the men who have made this region a jewel of Mexico, but also the nature that delights us! Caribbean beaches like Playa del Carmen, Cenotes and caves will delight you. The Yucatan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions of Mexico, to visit with family, friends, lovers… But not to be missed!

Chiapas

Chiapas is a state in southern Mexico, bordering Guatemala. Nature reigns supreme in this region. Very far from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, Chiapas is made up of forests, mountains, rivers, waterfalls… The landscapes there are simply breathtaking.

San Cristobal de las Casas, one of the main towns in the state is a must-see. Several indigenous peoples live in this region and are often present in San Cristobal to sell their products. On agricultural or craft markets.

The north, lower california and the pacific coast

I’m not finishing the regions that I don’t know yet… I know that these regions are probably at least as magical as the ones I told you about before! I hope to have the opportunity to go there to tell you about it and make you want to travel to Mexico even more.

Of course, I am not forgetting the south of Mexico, particularly the state of Oaxaca, which I have already told you about here.

Discover Oaxaca, in the south of Mexico, far from the activity of the capital or the north of the country. We quietly discover an atypical culture and friendly inhabitants. Between crafts, local cuisine, colonial city, nature and archaeological site, this part of Mexico has something to dazzle.

From the city of Oaxaca is less than an hour by plane from Mexico City, many tourist routes will allow you to enjoy the region.

Handicrafts – Teotitlan del Valle

The village of Teotitlan del Valle has an important textile tradition. His tapestries are renowned and are sold around the world just like oriental tapestries. Here we can discover all the stages of the manufacture of a carpet. From washing wool to remove impurities, to weaving, including wool spinning and coloring. Demonstration and practical work in support, you will discover the art of wool spinning, how from a few plants and 100% natural blends, we can create all colors as bright as they are varied. We can also admire the people weaving large rugs that will be finished… in several months.

Oaxacan cuisine

Discovering Oaxaca goes through the discovery of its cuisine, one of the best in the country. In the heart of the colonial city, you can enjoy all the Oaxacan specialties in the shade of the arcades of the Zocalo square or in the market. Tlayudas, chapulines, queso, mole negro, you can taste anything, but be careful with spicy dishes for those who are not used to it. The great specialty of Oaxaca is Mezcal, an agave-based alcohol but quite different from Tequila. There are several types of Mezcal depending on the distillation, we can also find a larva at the bottom of the bottle, which slightly modifies the taste of the drink. A mezcalcito, as the locals call it, is most often eaten as a shot with “sal de gusano” and a slice of orange.

Discover Oaxaca: Monte Alban

Discover one of the greatest archaeological sites in Mexico. Located on a summit, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama. The museum presents the archaeological discoveries that were made in Monte Alban and that contributed to the understanding of the Zapotec culture.This site is further proof of the superiority of the
pre-Columbian cultures in science, and in particular in astronomy. We discover the pyramids, the temples, a sacred playground, the “pelota”.
Fairly easy to access and only 10 km from the city of Oaxaca, Monte Alban is an essential passage.
Nothing like a guide who can tell you about the social organization and the rituals of this ancient civilization.

Mitla

Far from the immensity of Monte Alban, its neighbor Mitla is no less interesting and is essential to discover Oaxaca. Here it is the finishes that impress. The walls of the temple are covered with geometric stone friezes. These friezes would represent the symbols of the Zapotec civilization and in particular the feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl, a deity found in many pre-Columbian civilizations.

Boil the water

If you like to be impressed by original landscapes, you cannot miss Hierve el Agua, literally “the water that boils”. In the heart of the state of Oaxaca, two immense petrified waterfalls, shaped for millennia by water very loaded with minerals which allows sediments to settle while flowing very slowly along the cliff. At the top of the waterfalls, you can swim in the natural pools. “Boiling water” is in fact relatively cold, it is the minerals that give an impression of bubbling. The tourist circuits take you there through Santa Maria del Tule, Teotitlan and Mitla. However, it is quite disappointing to arrive at such a site to find yourself in the middle of a crowd of tourists. It is also possible to spend a day on the trails that descend into the valley in order to fully enjoy the landscape.

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.

During my road trip in Southeast Asia, I visited the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. This step was not initially planned since most of our trip was to take place in Laos. It was a few weeks before our departure that we noticed that one of the most famous festivals in Thailand: Loy krathong, known under the name of “festival of the lanterns” took place there during 3 days at the time of our passage.

So here we are in Chiang Mai but it is not the city I am going to tell you about today but rather my accommodation, simply fabulous.

Let’s start the visit with the location.

First of all let me tell you about its location. It is located relatively close to the airport, away from the city, which allows it to be quietly positioned, far from the ambient hubbub of the city. To reach the city, most of the time we used the Uber app which, for a handful of baht, takes us to the gates of the old city located 3 kilometers away.

To finish on its location, note that one of the most prestigious temples in the city is located a few minutes walk from the hotel, Wat Umong which I recommend.

A real haven of peace

As soon as you enter the hotel grounds, you feel in a haven of peace as the calm of the place strikes us. The hotel is actually made up of several small “houses”, each of these houses being a bedroom with a small living room and a large bathroom, but we will talk about the bedroom a little later.

The hotel is centered around a very beautiful central swimming pool with all around the “common” buildings such as the reception, several terraces for breakfast but also a bar, a little further there is a library as well as several small lounges which are available to customers.

The general feeling returned by the hotel is that of serenity, in fact you move in the middle of omnipresent vegetation which provides an effect of space and appeasement. The decoration of the hotel is refined in a particular style, a mixture of styles mastered wonderfully.

The rooms, between modernity and tradition

After exploring the hotel, head to the rooms. These look like small bungalows on stilts. Your room is therefore located on the “first floor” like traditional raised houses, in particular to prevent insects from entering.

Our room is divided into 3 rooms, a good size room with a king size bed, an “office” and living room area, then a large bathroom, all white, with a bathtub, a large shower and Japanese toilets.

The bedroom is well insulated with several air conditioners, ideal for staying cool, away from the heat that is sometimes difficult to bear outside.

Breakfast, a must not to be missed

Let me tell you about breakfast. This one is very generous, you will have the choice between different types of breakfast, American, European or even Thai. Whatever your choice of breakfast, it will be accompanied by a basket of local fruits such as dragon fruit, very popular in Thailand.

We therefore end the visit of Villa Mahabhirom on these photos of the breakfast. The hotel will be an ideal place of relaxation and serenity a stone’s throw from the center of Chiang Maï.