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.

After having made you discover some of my rentals in Fez and Rabat and after having made you discover my trip in the Moroccan desert, I will try to make you visit Fez.
Fez is the second largest city in Morocco, with nearly 1.2 million inhabitants. Fez has, on several occasions, been the capital of Morocco.
We are going to review the essential places of this city and I will give you some tips for visiting Fez. First of all, you should know that the city of Fez is divided into three large sectors, the medina (historic center), the new city and the royal district.

The medina of Fez or Fez El Bali, the historic center of Fez

The mosques of the Medina of Fez

The medina of Fez is the largest medina in the Arab world, therefore it has many mosques, more than thirty, some of which are very old and very well renovated, such as the El-Qaraouiyyîn mosque founded in the 9th century. Unfortunately, I could not tell you more about the mosques in Fez, indeed mosques in Morocco are prohibited for non-Muslims.

The medersas of the Medina of Fez

Madrasas or madrassa, are schools or universities, religious or secular, in the Arab world. The medina has several, some of which are very well preserved and renovated. Admission is payable, a few dirhams only, to enter the courtyard of the madrassa. I had the opportunity to visit two of the most beautiful medersa in the medina of Fez.

Medersa Bou Inania

The Medersa Bou Inania was built around 1350. It is the only medersa to have a minaret. It also has a water clock. The decoration of this Medersa is impressive, the details of the inlays on these walls are quite impressive.

Médersa Al Attarine

Built in 1323, the Medersa Al Attarine is one of the most beautiful Medersa in Fez and one of the best preserved. Small regret, of this old Koranic school you can only visit the courtyard. It will cost you 10 dirhams.
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The Chouara tanneries of Fez

You should know that you will find 3 different tanneries in the medina of Fez. The most famous, the largest and also the oldest are the tanneries of Chouara. Visiting the tanneries is a must during your stay in Fez. It is a unique place where animal skins are worked so that they are transformed into slippers, bags or any other leather-based product.
The visit of these tanneries will show you the different stages of this preparation as well as the different tanks in which these skins are immersed. You will also see the drying of these.

Tips for visiting Chouara tanneries

Be aware that when you walk in the medina of Fez, you will have the unpleasant surprise of being alpaca by a multitude of people wishing to drive you and show you around the tanneries. Even if you will feel like these people want to take you there for free, you are sure to come across someone asking you for money to access the tanneries.
Even if, theoretically, there is no charge to enter, be prepared to donate a few coins to be able to enter. Nothing excessive, 10 dirhams (around 1 euro). It is a bad thing for a good because the visit quickly becomes a “guided” visit where you are explained the different stages and processes of transformation of the skins.

The Glaoui Palace

The Glaoui Palace is one of my most memorable visits to the medina of Fez. Off the busy streets of the medina, the Glaoui palace, built in the 19th century, was the palace of the Glaoui of Marrakech. It was here that he stayed during his visits to Fez. This palace has not been used since the 1950s and this is where all the peculiarity of the palace lies. Indeed, Abdou, the only resident of the palace, cannot maintain and renovate this monumental palace. And yes, I didn’t tell you, but this palace covers 13,000 square meters and has more than 1,000 rooms. Abdou is a painter, plastic artist, he exhibits his paintings around the world at various events. You will be able to contemplate some of them during the visit of the palace. The tour only covers a very small part of the palace, but the visit is well worth it. No fixed price, you give what you want, the money will be used for the renovation of the palace.
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Visit Fez, its royal district

Visiting Fez also means visiting its royal district. The royal district, where the royal palace is located, is an obligatory stage of your visit to Fez. This one is located between the old city with its districts, Fés El Bali, Fès El Jdid and the new city. The royal palace is located on the Place des Alaouites. You cannot miss it with its imposing facade. Unfortunately you won’t see any more. You will not be able to go inside you can nevertheless contemplate the impressive door.
Merinid tombs

The Mérinides is a dynasty that reigned over Morocco between the 13th and 15th centuries. They settled in Fez for a period and founded Fes El-Jdid. They have therefore left their mark on all of Morocco and more particularly Fez.
It is therefore in this city that you can discover the ruins of the Merinid tombs. Unfortunately, not much of these tombs remains, but I still recommend this stop during your visit to Fez. Indeed these ruins being located on a hill you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the medina of Fez.

Small tips for visiting the Merinid Tombs

The Merinid tombs are located a little outside the city, they are not easily accessible on foot or even by public transport. If you haven’t rented a car, I recommend taking a taxi. You will quickly understand that it is the most practical public transport to get from one place to another in Fez. The trick is to ask the driver to wait for you not far from the tombs. You can ask him to wait 20 to 30 minutes, which is more than enough to enjoy the ruins and the view of the medina.

Where to stay in Fez?

Fez is a relatively large city separated into 3 main parts. The question of accommodation will inevitably come to your mind and to visit Fez well it is better not to be wrong about the location of the accommodation.
As I told you Fez is divided into 3 large districts, Fes El Bali which is the oldest district of Fez. Fez El Bali is the medina, entirely pedestrianized, picturesque, full of life during the day with its alleys full of small stalls mainly based on crafts. It is the most touristic district. It was in this neighborhood that I stayed. You will inevitably come there during the day. In the evening the medina gradually empties. There you will find a few restaurants and places to have a drink.

Fez El Jdid, again a more recent medina. I did not go to this medina at night, but only during the day. You will find the living side of Fez El Bali but you will undoubtedly be less disoriented.
The new city is the most recent district of Fez. This one looks like most big cities in Morocco. You will find a multitude of bar restaurants. This side of town is much more lively in the evening.
Several choices are therefore available to you for accommodation when you visit Fez. For my part, I will recommend the medina and if possible stay in a riad, this typical Moroccan accommodation is very pleasant and the people particularly welcoming. I invite you to make your choice on a vacation rental site like Vacances.SeLoger.com for example. There are many riads there and you can refine your choice according to your budget and the desired equipment. In this regard, do not hesitate to choose a riad with air conditioning if you plan to visit Fez during the hot season!

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.

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.

Mexico City is the largest city in the world, walking around it one is surprised to discover a mixture of pre-Columbian, colonial and American cultures. There are many neighborhoods to visit, and countless museums. Here is a selection of what stood out to me the most during my visits as well as my advice for visiting Mexico City.

Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park is a woodland of some 600 hectares in the heart of Mexico City. The museums, the botanical garden, the zoo, the lake and many other attractions make it a very pleasant place to walk around without worrying about the city moving a few meters away.

It is also an important historical place. It is indeed on the hill of Chapultepec that the Aztecs settled in the 13th century before founding Tenochtitlan, which later became Mexico City. The colonists built there Chapultepec Castle, located at the top of the hill. During the war against the United States a famous battle in Mexico gave rise to the legend of the child heroes of Chapultepec.

At the edge of the park is the National Anthropology Museum which allows you to discover the pre-Columbian civilizations since the arrival of man on this continent until today.

Between relaxation and culture, this park should therefore be a must on your visit to properly visit Mexico City.

Visiter Mexico: El Zocalo

El Zocalo is the main square in the historic center of Mexico City. We find there the multicultural aspects of the country and the city. The huge cathedral in the Spanish style recalls the colonies while a few meters further is the archaeological site of the major temple. This temple is the great pyramid of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which was updated during works in 1978.

In the center of the square, the huge flag of Mexico flies in the wind. This flag is a great pride for Mexicans. On the side of the square we can see the National Palace and going a little further we find some pedestrian streets that can lead us to the Palace of Fine Art which recalls the passion of the former president Porfirio Dias for France at the beginning. of the twentieth century.

Relaxation in Mexico City

To properly visit Mexico City you should spend a few days there as there are so many places to see. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you can walk in the parks or in quieter neighborhoods. It is very pleasant to walk in Coyoacan for example, it is a colonial district, it almost feels like a Spanish village.

Thanks to the climate of the region, there are many flat roofs, which makes it possible to have terraces of cafes in height. Ideal for forgetting the cars for a michelada, these very refreshing Mexican beers with lemon.

And finally, the Condesa district, you can stroll along the less frequented boulevards and therefore more pleasant than the main avenues like Reforma. You will find all kinds of restaurants there, I believe that not one type of cuisine is lacking in this area!

If you love Mexico, discover Oaxaca and its region.

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.