Text description provided by the architects. Witness of a century of metallurgical industry in Dives, the belfry, built in 1892, is a fine example of the dominant architectural style of the end of the 19th century - it has been registered since October 4, 2007, as a Historic Monument. Therefore, the question is how to increase the surface capacity required for the program without altering this exceptional heritage.
The Belfry – Intercommunal Music School. As a consideration of the history and the memory of the building and as an effort to glamorize the industrial heritage of Calvados, the restoration, and reconstruction of the facades of the Belfry building was the subject of historical research.
© Charly BROYEZLike a monolith, the building is carved according to the program while showing the entire facades of the restored belfry in the background. The softness and uniformity of the bricks are a means to highlight the belfry building, regarding its manyfold moldings and affirmed materiality.
© Charly BROYEZThe extension takes advantage of the slope with a slight encasement to offer a maximum height within the auditorium (130 seats) while offering perspectives on the existing building from the street. The fourth façade, located between the two buildings, the historical and the new, fades away by its anodized materiality as a mark of respect for the heritage, as a reflection of the site’s history.
© Charly BROYEZBeyond the approach of rehabilitating the existing building engaging an HQE (High Environmental Quality) ambition
all the bio-based wood finishing materials within the equipment (joinery
furniture) offer the project an ecological sensitivity and an engaging atmosphere
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There is a nostalgia and charm that old buildings carry. Seeped with history, they become living blocks of storytelling. When maintained and refurbished instead of being torn down, they embody the spirit of the past while contributing to the fabric of our present society. Their preservation and refurbishment play a vital role in shaping a better future
ACAU Architectes successfully created a contemporary space that respects the site's history and engages the community
the belfry served as a symbol of the city's industrial heritage and held great historical significance for the inhabitants of Dives-sur-Mer
ACAU Architectes collaborated closely with the Architect of the Buildings of France and the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs to ensure the restoration and reconstruction of the belfry's facades aligned with historical research and preservation principles
The project included the restoration of plasters
These meticulous efforts shaped the building into a space fit for modern use without compromising on its original aesthetics and architectural elements
To accommodate the program's requirements without altering the exceptional heritage of the belfry
the architects undertook a comprehensive rehabilitation process
The outdated structures were rebuilt not just to meet aesthetic thresholds
but also to entertain modern technical and acoustic standards
and a new contemporary slab was cast using row timber planks
creating a visually striking feature visible from all parts of the ground floor
This intervention seamlessly integrates the building into a new era while preserving its historical character
The intercommunal music school now occupies the entirety of the restored belfry
creating a harmonious blend of past and present
The extension to the belfry, designed as a national puppetry theatre and workshop
showcases a contemporary brick structure that complements the existing building
By utilising soft and uniform bricks to create sharp joints and volumetry
the architects successfully highlight the intricate mouldings and materiality of the belfry
The extension takes advantage of the site's slope
The architects maximised the height within the auditorium
creating a captivating space for the puppetry theatre
This positioning also allows for intriguing perspectives of the existing building from the street
inviting passers-by to appreciate the architectural heritage of the belfry
This puppet-making workshop is strategically positioned to face the public space and the marina
inviting both adults and children to discover the art of puppetry
enticing passers-by to observe and engage with the craft before witnessing its magical performances at the theatre
situated between the historical and the new buildings
exhibits anodised materiality that fades away
reflecting the site's history and respecting the heritage
A symbolic glazed corridor seamlessly connects the historical refurbished section with the modern extension
offering public access from the entrance hall to the theatre
This passage is a literal and allegorical transition between the historical significance of the belfry facade and the contemporary nature of the new facilities
the puppet-making workshop opens generously to the public space
allowing passers-by to engage with the art of puppetry
In addition to being respectful of its heritage, the design is also compassionate towards the environment. The architects engaged in a High Environmental Quality (HQE) approach to rehabilitate the existing building. The use of bio-based wood finishing materials in the equipment, including joinery, partitions, and furniture, contributed to an ecologically sensitive and engaging atmosphere. By incorporating sustainable materials
the project aligns with contemporary environmental standards and encourages a responsible and conscious approach to design
Through the careful rehabilitation and extension of the Belfry of Dives-sur-mer Cultural Centre
ACAU Architectes have successfully revitalised a historic monument while turning it into a modern facility
By conserving architectural treasures such as the belfry
providing a tangible link to our history and identity
and adaptation of old buildings also contribute to a more sustainable developmental future by reducing the environmental impact of new construction
it also fosters creativity and innovation within communities
It creates unique spaces of visual and cultural interest
thus constantly breathing new life into our urban fabrics
Pooja is an architectural historian by education
writer-editor-curator by choice and traveller by passion
She has worked with Historic Environment Scotland
the Victoria and Albert Museum in Scotland
She has executed multiple architectural exhibitions and publications
exhibitions and publications for effective communication of architecture and design
All her free time is spent exploring the world through books and travel
From vernacular knowledge to modern sustainability
Middle Eastern pavilions serve as living archives of architectural thought
offering fresh frameworks for global adoption
STIR engages with the curators of the Togo
Oman and Qatar pavilions—debuting at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025—on representation
the book presents a fictional story depicting algorithms exercising control over humans and how this affects the built environment
Tipnis shares how the toolbox democratises the practice of restoration via DIY resources to repair tangible urban heritage made of common building materials
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by Pooja Suresh Hollannavar | Published on : Aug 08
Discover how Paris 2024 became the most media-covered Olympic Games in history
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Sailors can now check in to Schengen zone in 53 French marinas rather than having to use official Ports of Entry
Sailors planning to cross the Channel to France this summer should have a much easier time checking in and out
thanks to changes introduced on 1 June 2024
Yachts arriving in France from outside the EU’s Schengen zone can now clear customs in one of 53 marinas
but have been given authority to check boats in and out of the zone by French customs authority
The French authorities have all signed a national protocol of cooperation facilitating
the arrival of sailors arriving from abroad
The Schengen border control’ states that frontiers can be passed through at specific passage points (PPF – points de passage frontaliers) at fixed opening times only
nor indeed were French sailors visiting the UK
This situation meant there was a huge drop in visitors to our ports and our shoreline
This present protocol has in a robust and pragmatic manner eased the entry and departure of sailors within the Schengen countries
It shows a strong commitment by the harbour authorities and the FFPP who have worked to ensure this protocol will last.’
The three authorities established a more robust platform in order to ease communication and information flow (including follow up)
granting 53 marinas – non-PPF ports – permission to welcome boats coming from abroad
The yachts must follow the following procedures
– the persons present on board the boat must (1) inform the Harbour authority before arrival and (2) be authorised to arrive at said port
– the persons must hand in the specific form
giving details of the persons on board as well as the technical characteristics of the boat
This information must be given to the Harbour authority 24 hours before arrival when the trip is less than 24 hours long
and at the latest when the boat departs from a port which is outside of Schengen countries
The port authority will immediately transmit such information to the designated PPF port
the marinas concerned will undertake to send all such information concerning the persons aboard wishing to enter French territory to the border authorities
Carrying out such checks on people at borders – itself a fundamental mission – falls within the exclusive domain of the specifically designated border guard
This protocol does not concern French overseas territories who are not concerned by the Schengen agreement
Vessels of any nationality sailing from and to the UK still need to inform UK Border Force and HMRC that they are leaving or arriving in the country in a pleasure craft using either the online Pleasure Craft Report form or the by email using an Excel sPCR template form
At the time of publication (1330 Monday 3 June 2024
the online PCR form was not working and sailors are required to download
complete and return an eC1331 form in its place)
Vessels returning to the UK can submit a report using the same form
or can call National Yachtline on 0300 123 2012
Sailors should also call this number at the earliest opportunity if their plans have changed for any reason
A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price
Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals
YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The June 2025 issue of Yachting Monthly is out now
The Cruising Association says the welcome changes "will make cruising to and from France this summer much easier and more attractive for all."
Arcachon is among the locations that can handle boats arriving from or departing to outside of the EU/Schengen area
French officials have announced a new ‘protocol’ for small boats to enter France from outside of the European Union (EU)
Normally boats would have to arrive at and depart from a Port of Entry (PPF)
although last year there were a few ports with a special derogation which allowed entry for a limited period
The new ‘protocol’, which came into force on 1 June, grants some 53 marinas (which are not PPFs) the rights to handle boats arriving from or departing to outside of the EU/Schengen area
Below is the list of PPFs and other marinas or ports for Channel France
Skippers of these boats will need to email a specific completed form to the relevant port in advance of arrival or departure
These forms will then be processed by local officials, and the Cruising Association (CA) anticipate the stamped papers may be picked up on arrival or emailed in the case of departure (as last year for those few ports)
“Further details for the Channel area but also applicable more widely, can be viewed by members on the France – Channel – Entry Procedures and Ports of Entry
“This announcement will make cruising to and from France this summer much easier and more attractive for all
The CA and cruising community is grateful to the French authorities as well as the ports and marina officials for their work to enable this outcome.”
The Cruising Association shares its advice on what you need to know for a stress-free…
What could go wrong while crossing the Channel
Ken Endean considers possible difficulties
Boat owners whose yachts are not registered in the European Union
are able to stay in Greece for longer than…
Chart showing the French Channel Ports of Entry (PPFs)
This updated list details all the ports which are included in the new protocol (as at 2 July 2024)
Look at the other options when making your plan
Euclides da Costa came to France from Portugal looking to find work and start a new life
da Costa's working years were cut short by a bout with tuberculosis
Suffering from the illness he was unable to work and left with a void in his life
da Costa filled his void by creating Le Maison Bleue
he had the skills to make something wonderful
Da Costa began his project in small field near his property
slowly expanding it over the next 27 years until his death
tile and china that he found in a landfill
da Costa also built a small personal chapel
his finished work was considered a masterpiece and was listed as a historical monument in 1991
It is intended to take one back to a stripped-down simplicity
to spend extended time both inside and out
and absorb the natural drama of the Upper Rio Grande Valley
and ephemera adorns his two side-by-side homes
This house covered in small stones was the work of one man over the course of nearly 30 years
A home covered with elaborate mosaic and other pieces of art
A New York–based physician returned home to Spain to build his own elaborate monument to Christopher Columbus
An artist's suburban abode looks like an architectural fever dream
This church carved into the rocks is full of enchanting stone statues
One man has spent decades faithfully constructing this unique brick and cinderblock castle
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Alexey Molchanov broke the world record for deepest free dive with a mono fin
and he dove on a single breath to an incredible 436 feet deep
Rory) told me once between drags of a cigarette that it’s mostly a matter of self-control
“Everyone thinks they need air,” he said
“but you’ve got way longer than you think.” Rory’s a different breed
I’d wager most free-divers stay away from smoking
While it is certainly true that you have more time than you think
professional free-divers train incredibly hard
It’s a very simple thing: if you hold your breath and go under water
every single action you take require oxygen
your oxygen levels decrease and your CO2 levels increase
you simply black out because you don’t have the necessary stuff to keep everything working
you’ll likely just wake up when you get more oxygen
so if you’re not diving with a buddy… well
let’s just say you should always dive with a buddy
One of the weird things about our super-complicated brain is that it’s actually pretty bad at telling you that you need oxygen
You feel a great need to breathe to get rid of it
Your brain asks the muscles in your chest to contract hoping you’ll listen to it
That’s those uncomfortable contractions you start doing
But despite your brain’s best intentions
That initial urge to breathe isn’t really a signal that your blood oxygen is low
it’s a signal that your CO2 levels are high
When you understand that and can work through the discomfort
you’ve got a surprising amount left in the tank
That pressure squashes you and your lungs and the oxygen inside them
you’ll notice that you aren’t floating up anymore
you actually become negatively buoyant and you sink pretty easily
but helpful for things like attempting to break world records for deepest dive
and bronze individual and team medals at world championship events
His record-breaking dive happened during the CMAS 10th Outdoor Freediving French Championship
He did it in the Constant weight (CWT) division
which means that the diver “descends and ascends using their monofin and/or with the use of their arms without pulling on the rope or changing their ballast; only a single hold of the rope to stop.”
The entire dive took 4 minutes and 25 seconds
Lumbering elephant seals in Antarctica seem to be taking the heat from global warming
as scientists have found the mammals must dive to deeper than normal depths in warmer seas to snag food
The deeper dives may also mean less time to get food
The southern elephant seals from Marion Island in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica are some of the most extreme divers
spending 65 percent of their time deeper than about 330 feet (100 meters)
with a maximum diving depth of 6,560 feet (2,000 meters)
Southern elephant seals are also the largest of the seals
with males reaching up to 22 feet (6.7 m) long and weighing some 11,000 pounds
Their dive depth, it seems, depends on the prey the elephant seals are searching for
the squid and fish that are usually in waters above 3,280 feet (1,000 m) are forced to deeper waters
The data showed the elephant seals made deeper dives in warmer water so that they ultimately had less time to actually search for food
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"There appears to be substantial variation between individual seals in depths dived to at different temperatures," study researcher Trevor McIntyre of the Mammal Research Institute told LiveScience
Their models suggest that female elephant seals dive between 30 and 33 feet (9 and 10 meters) deeper for every 1.8 degree Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) increase in temperature
a number of individual seals displayed much stronger relationships
diving more than 100 meters deeper per 1 degree Celsius increase in water temperature," McIntyre said
The change in depth may mean the animals find less food
"We therefore assume that the animals will find less prey in warmer water masses," researcher Joachim Plötz of the Alfred Wegener Institute said in a statement
To figure out if the elephant seals are indeed nabbing less prey
the researchers plan to return to Marian Island in April and attach jaw-movement sensors to the seals
we can only derive from the dive profile whether an elephant seal was probably following a fish swarm," Plötz said
"With this new measuring device we [can] learn whether he has actually eaten."
Scientific AmericanJeanna Bryner is managing editor of Scientific American
Previously she was editor in chief of Live Science and
an editor at Scholastic's Science World magazine
Bryner has an English degree from Salisbury University
a master's degree in biogeochemistry and environmental sciences from the University of Maryland and a graduate science journalism degree from New York University
where she monitored wetlands and did field surveys for endangered species
She also received an ocean sciences journalism fellowship from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
She is a firm believer that science is for everyone and that just about everything can be viewed through the lens of science
'The Big One' could rock the Pacific Northwest and fuel sea-level rise and massive flooding
Climate wars are approaching — and they will redefine global conflict
Secret of ancient Maya blue-pigment revealed from cracks and clues on a dozen bowls from Chichén Itzá
THE CUBAN SLIDE: Despite being designed by one of MOMA’s architects for a Cuban envoy
Tags: Real Estate & Neighborhoods
Chicago magazine newsletters have you covered
Whether you fancy a bucolic break in the English countryside or a jaunt further afield to some less-explored corners of France
and plenty of travel companies who can arrange them
it’s equally easy to arrange everything yourself
Here are some of the best no-fly holiday ideas."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Main photo: the Royal Canal in Sète is easily reached via the Eurostar and a fast train from Paris (Alamy)"},"children":[]}]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"This article contains affiliate links
which may earn us revenue"},"children":[]}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"1
with steam trains and solar-powered boats navigating its"},"children":[]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":" craggy forests and lakes
prizewinning white wines and sparkling crémant are produced
its medieval fortress centre overlooking the futuristic Kirchberg quarter
which has welcomed the youthful hotel chain Mama Shelter
A pink-marble cocktail bar and rooftop hammocks typify the laid-back but flamboyant vibe
Enjoy the Opal Coast with the family"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Le Touquet
has been a favourite since moneyed Britons started visiting after the First World War
lapping up its art deco glamour and one of mainland Europe’s closest beaches
It is also family-friendly — many restaurants offer children’s menus
and there are beach clubs with trampolines and soft-play areas on the four miles of sand
past pony stables and beside a Harry Colt-designed golf course
now two smart four-bedroom apartments that share a large garden
Getting here is easy: once you get to Calais
travel around the Swiss Alps often involved ox-pulled sledges and high trails over passes
many of the latter form long-distance walking networks; some are notoriously busy
Linking German and French-speaking cantons
the Wildstrubel promises beautiful Rhône Valley views
regular sightings of chamois and other antelope
more than 900m (3,000ft) of daily ascents and nights staying in spa towns
the self-guided loop is suitable for experienced hikers with a head for heights
There are train services to Kandersteg via Paris
Try truffles in Burgundy"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"fb1abe99-d23b-4fb9-90bb-0901ec76a756","display":"fullwidth","caption":"The Saturday market at Beaune in Burgundy (Getty Images)","title":"The Saturday market at Beaune in Burgundy
the aromatic fungus is just one reason for foodies to plan an autumn adventure to this untouristy region of eastern France
Others include excellent cheeses and the celebrated pinot noir grapes
Enlist the local company Burgundy on a Plate
to organise a day of truffle hunting and wine tasting (burgundyonaplate.com)
an elegant mansion turned chambre d’hôtes near Beaune
has four smart bedrooms plus its own tasting cellar and gardens in which to roam
Go boating in Brittany"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"It’s easy to hire a small boat from Le Boat and explore Brittany’s expansive network of canals
a route along the winding Villaine and Oust rivers takes in quaint towns such as Malestroit and La Gacilly before Josselin’s pointy-turreted castle comes into view
with tuition provided and no experience required
Take in picturesque Angoulême"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"32a63cf4-73a5-40a3-b2dc-b0f50c21973b","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Domaine des Etangs","title":"Domaine des Etangs in Angoulême in France
one of the best no-fly holidays","credits":null,"url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F9d5b8001-0292-43f8-853f-8014273543f6.jpg?crop=1533%2C1022%2C0%2C0","ratio":"1533:1022","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0,"relativeWidth":1,"relativeHeight":1},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Angoulême
a fortified city by the Charente River northeast of Bordeaux with old-world architecture
provides the backdrop for Wes Anderson’s "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"The French Dispatch"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"
Anderson pilgrims can visit the city’s large
comic-strip museum before exploring the wider Charente region’s photogenic villages and cognac vineyards
a turreted 11th-century château set in 2,500 acres
a Michelin-starred restaurant and farmhouse cottages
Party in Champagne"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"For a cork-popping holiday
why not visit Champagne in northeastern France
The most prestigious bottles hail from the cellars of producers on L’Avenue de Champagne in the town of Épernay
not far from the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
an opulent hilltop haunt with vine-patterned views
a vast “wellness temple” and 47 large suites
Private tastings at all the region’s best houses
See France in style"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"fae15cee-69f4-4650-923a-d0941a09690c","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé (Mr & Mrs Smith)","title":"Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé in the Loire Valley
a great place for a no-fly break","credits":null,"url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2Fa7af30b6-1cd9-4c48-85f3-6fe673ecdb1a.jpg?crop=1840%2C1143%2C0%2C0","ratio":"1840:1143","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0,"relativeWidth":1,"relativeHeight":1},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Poor Jacques Pineau de Viennay III
the baron reputedly died from a heart attack on seeing his Château du Grand-Lucé completed
Today his summer palace is considered one of France’s finest neoclassical buildings and has been restored and opened as a hotel
panelled bedrooms and parterres are now paired with mod cons such as air conditioning
Buly 1803 toiletries and a fine-dining restaurant
There are Loire Valley vineyards to the south
Explore the Dutch coast"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Between Leiden and Haarlem
western “Dune and Bulb Region” is celebrated for its sprawling flower fields and protected sandy shores
A good base for exploration is the well-to-do seaside resort of Noordwijk and its boutique Vesper hotel
which is perched on the promenade and has 27 striking bedrooms decorated with vintage furnishings
then chill in the hotel’s brass-and-steel cocktail bar with aperitifs as the sunset turns the North Sea pink
Getting there requires a Eurostar journey to Rotterdam and then switching to local bus and train services
and its mountain-hugged northern tranche extends into Switzerland
Life here is as laid-back as it is picturesque
if guests aren’t lying on the private beach or lolling in the spa
they are bathing in the palm-flanked pools or paddleboarding on the lake
or board a boat to the botanical Brissago Islands
Getting here by train requires multiple changes after the Eurostar in Paris so you may find it easier to drive via Calais
Go off-grid in Germany"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Forget Berlin and make for Monschau
it’s an under-the-radar town of crooked buildings
Eschew that in favour of the old-school Alt Montjoie hotel
where the restaurant serves gamey local dishes and sour-cherry desserts
You’ll be within strolling distance of Monschau’s mustard-making mill
and three miles’ drive from the Eifel National Park
in which roads criss-cross beech forest and moorland
Huis Bergh is a moated 13th-century edifice in the forested and
each blending modernity with the Middle Ages — think spiral stone staircases
Residents can admire Huis Bergh’s magnificent art and artefacts
including Holbein paintings and medieval coins
Nearby are cycling routes and the oldest surviving Dutch windmill
Saddle up in Austria"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Austria’s westernmost state
has Lake Constance and the cultural city of Bregenz on its northern tip
Active families are sorted in summer and early autumn
mountain biking and archery on offer at the Sporthotel Beck
or join guided rides on small Haflinger horses through fields and forests — or you can book a place on a riding week
which features an overnight adventure with campfires and hay beds
Relax on an Austrian nature retreat"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"308897a3-6299-492c-a22b-8a7fe4a81359","display":"fullwidth","caption":"The Waldspa at the Forsthofgut","title":"The Waldspa at the Forsthofgut hotel in Austria
a great place for a no-fly break","credits":null,"url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F050366a9-ccbb-4839-b994-b49948063bb0.jpg?crop=1024%2C683%2C0%2C0","ratio":"1024:683","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0,"relativeWidth":1,"relativeHeight":1},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Four hundred years ago
the Forsthofgut was a humble logging station; these days it’s an upmarket
Its exterior blends glass and weathered wood
while the bedrooms feature bold blocks of colour
with yoga mats and hiking rucksacks (with maps) in the rooms
The menus focus on produce from the nearby Leogang Mountains
Alongside an array of tea shop-filled villages like Chipping Norton annd Bourton-on-the-Water is the most gently rolling countryside imaginable
A network of footpaths criss-crosses it all and connects to arboreta
world renowned gardens and National Trust homes
there are poshed-up coaching inns and classic
honey-stoned country houses to choose from.You can extend your stay with a few nights in the capital of the Cotswolds
a one-time Roman settlement that’s now a handsome market town
For a seven-day tour including guided walks
Set sail from Oban on the west coast of "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Scotland"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk/scotland/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" for a week-long meander around the Inner Hebrides
taking in tranquil lochs and safe anchorages where you might spot otters onshore
and porpoises or dolphins playing in the ship’s wake
Dine together in the deck saloon — or eat alfresco and watch the stars light up the night sky.A small tender can take you ashore for beachcombing and glorious coastal and cliff walks
Responsible Travel has fantastic seven-day Hebridean cruises."}}]},{"name":"inlineAd4","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"responsibletravel.com"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"17
Ireland’s charismatic capital is big on heritage
Merrion Square’s Georgian splendour or Trinity College’s galleried library
this is a place that evocatively reflects its history
"}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Dublin"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/ireland/dublin/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" also excels at museums
the National Museum of Archaeology and the James Joyce-worshipping Museum of Literature Ireland the headline acts
Raise a glass to all this heritage at the Guinness Storehouse or any number of age-old whiskey and gin distilleries.In the Liberties neighbourhood
Eurostar’s high-speed services can take you from London to "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Paris"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/france/paris/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" in under two and a half hours
the Louvre gallery and Sacré-Coeur basilica remain open to visitors
and Seine cruises along one of the great European rivers are always available
also enable city breaks in "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Amsterdam"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/netherlands/amsterdam/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"
The Dutch capital is rightly famed for canals and gabled architecture; the Anne Frank House
Rijksmuseum and a thriving food scene are other highlights
You can book return trips on Eurostar’s website
there will be no direct Eurostar service from the Netherlands to London; travellers will have to change trains in Brussels to make the journey back to the UK
To get to know the country without the crowds
exit the Eurostar at the port city of "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Rotterdam"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/netherlands/rotterdam/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" to head north to Harlingen on the coast of the Wadden Sea
This sleepy harbourside town with its red-brick townhouses
canals and cobbled streets makes a great base to explore the coastline and its vast beaches backed by dunes and wetlands
travel the two and a half hours south by train to Utrecht
a historic university city with a lively canalside bar and café scene
Here you can cycle to Castle De Haar or take the local bus to see dinky Oud-Zuilen and its 18th-century mansion house.Spend some time exploring Rotterdam to see its eye-catching architecture
street art and the transformation of its once industrial docks.Byway offers a tailored six-day journey to the Netherlands
Roam Alsace"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"7cad1610-6a82-41ee-8462-69d8900f1d3e","display":"fullwidth","caption":"The half-timbered houses of Colmar (Alamy)","title":"The half-timbered houses of Colmar - a break in Alsace
is one of the best no-fly holidays","credits":null,"url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2Fff553733-f10f-44f0-80b4-ca0f98b85e11.jpg?crop=2560%2C1706%2C0%2C0","ratio":"2560:1706","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0,"relativeWidth":1,"relativeHeight":1},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"For a laid-back journey to the chocolate-box region of French Alsace
travel by train via Paris to Strasbourg on the French-German border
and then onto Colmar with its colourful half-timbered houses
stay close to the station and the city’s wine bars and Michelin-starred restaurants
Absorb the history and culture while exploring the cobbled streets at your own pace; soak up the atmosphere of the pedestrianised squares adorned with colourful flowers; breathe in the aroma of waffles wafting in the air
"}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Bruges"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/belgium/bruges/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" is criss-crossed with canals
created in 2016 from Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy
Travel by train via Paris or Lille to visit palaces
chateaus and a handsome church in the town of Compiègne
cobbled streets and panoramic viewpoints from the ramparts in the hilltop medieval city of Laon
and the striking town square and gothic Basilica in Saint-Quentin
Saint-Quentin was largely destroyed in the First World War
and today the town’s architecture has a magical art deco influence
Kick off by taking the historic British Pullman train from London to Folkestone before a short journey under the Channel
board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and relax into a world of white-gloved butlers
sumptuous upholstery and art deco elegance
Spend a few nights in Unesco-designated Verona and explore the "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Romeo and Juliet"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" sights
catch an opera at the Roman arena and take a day trip to Lake Garda for hiking
swimming or simply soaking up the views of the lake with its backdrop of the Dolomitess.The most popular route is through Paris to Verona or "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Venice"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/italy/venice/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"
but summer itineraries might also include "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Rome"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/italy/rome/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"
"}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Florence"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/italy/florence/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"
Amsterdam and even "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Istanbul"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/turkey/istanbul/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"
It’s stupendous walking country on the green and rugged coast and the 512-mile (825km) Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago passes right through
Assuming you don’t have five weeks to walk the whole way
there’s a lovely eight-day taster: walk through fishing villages and pine forests
and stay at rural "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"pensions"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" along the way and in four-star hotels at Santander and Bilbao
Responsible Travel can organise an eight-day itinerary on the Northern Way between April and October
This port city is on a narrow isthmus with the Thau lagoon on one side
Life here is centred around the vast saltwater lagoon
with free water shuttles to ferry you about
water jousting for entertainment and supremely fresh shellfish served in the city’s restaurants
you’ll find plenty of sandy bays to laze on
art galleries and shops.Sawday’s have some lovely properties here: stay at La Baraquette to let your kids run free in the huge private garden or opt for stylish cottage La Maison des Oliviers
"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"sawdays.co.uk"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"26
Plan a Pyrenees family adventure"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"684ee00c-066b-4539-ab79-e4cf291a3abf","display":"fullwidth","caption":"A bearded vulture in the Spanish Pyrenees (Alamy)","title":"A bearded vulture in the Spanish Pyrenees
one of the best no-fly holidays","credits":null,"url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2Fdf5ff234-2e62-4d79-91e5-2ba3bfadf269.jpg?crop=2560%2C1708%2C0%2C0","ratio":"2560:1708","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0,"relativeWidth":1,"relativeHeight":1},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"If you’re looking for a trip that little ones will love too
make a beeline for the high peaks of the Spanish Pyrenees
and Brittany Ferries operates services from Portsmouth
Your local guide will meet you to plan walking and ebike/mountain-bike routes suited to all the family and to arrange outdoor adventures like canyoning and whitewater rafting in pristine mountain streams
If your kids are interested in nature then a naturalist can take the whole family out to look for bearded vultures
See the French Riviera by rail"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Swap the busy mainline train that whooshes from Paris to Nice in a six-hour blur for the less-used regional lines that meander through the country
Break the journey with overnight stops at Vichy
and volcano-circled Clermont-Ferrand before continuing on to Avignon and Marseilles
a shoreline boutique hotel near Le Dramont
before moving to the hilltop village of Mougins
Here you’re staying at Le Mas Candille."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"originaltravel.co.uk/destination/france/french-riviera-holidays "}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"28
Discover the Basque countryside"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Although the cities of Spain’s Basque country are well known — cultured Bilbao
foodie "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"San Sebastian"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/spain/san-sebastian/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" — its interior is far less visited
tinkling cowbells and locals enjoying pintxos (Basque tapas) in squares dwarfed by stone cathedrals
On the coast it’s all villages with bars sizzling seafood on outdoor grills and vineyards producing the region’s dry txakoli white wine
Also overlooking the Bay of Biscay is the eight-room Hotel Iturregi
which has grounds with hammocks and a pool
Brittany Ferries operates services between Portsmouth and Bilbao
Take a Black Forest train trip"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"45b4dece-83b0-4ba9-b85f-402364aefc1a","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Lake Titisee in the Black Forest (Alamy)","title":"Lake Titisee in the Black Forest
a great place for a no-fly holiday","credits":null,"url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2Ff19b3cbc-ec93-45f1-9f19-edd1084078d9.jpg?crop=2560%2C1835%2C0%2C0","ratio":"2560:1835","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0,"relativeWidth":1,"relativeHeight":1},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Shady glades
gateaux and fairytale wooden farmhouses await in southwestern Germany’s spectacular Black Forest
Take a rail holiday to the mountainous region
staying for five days in the affluent lakeside resort of Titisee
and you’ll enjoy many scenic lines — a rail pass is included for unlimited journeys
The return trip from Titisee takes in the no less picturesque Rhine Valley and includes a stop in Aachen
Ffestiniog Travel’s package break takes care of all the details
including the Eurostar and local trains to get you there."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" ffestiniogtravel.com"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"30
This self-guided itinerary covers the section from Thézel to Groléjac
a spellbinder of rose-coloured cliffs and walnut groves
Before launching you’ll visit the village of Rocamadour
and en route there’s a stop in medieval Sarlat-la-Canéda
You’ll need to drive to get to the starting point in Rocamadour
Brittany Ferries has services to Bilbao; from there you’ll need to budget for up to eight hours on the road
depending on traffic and road conditions."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"responsibletravel.com"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"31
how about a slow-paced pedal around France’s most fragrant region
Embark on a self-guided bike tour through lavender-scented landscapes straight out of a Van Gogh painting — if not olive groves and hilltop hamlets
then Romanesque chapels or stone farmhouses
where white horses and flamingos patrol saltpans and rice fields
The four cycling days average 25 miles each and can be executed on hill-taming ebikes
The starting point for the tour is Avignon station
which you can reach by train via Paris."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" the-carter-company.com"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"32
Hole up on Herm"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"2e37c835-959c-40a3-9435-f3be410ceeb6","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Shell Beach on Herm (Alamy)","title":"Shell Beach on Herm in the Channel Islands
a great place for a no-fly holiday","credits":null,"url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2Fec3f000e-c371-48ed-a9dd-038cca93a08f.jpg?crop=2560%2C1706%2C0%2C0","ratio":"2560:1706","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0,"relativeWidth":1,"relativeHeight":1},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"With sandy beaches
the small "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Channel Island"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/channel-islands/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" of Herm is perfect for a low-key break close to home
A mere one and a half miles at its longest (you can ramble its beautiful coastline in about two hours)
the island enjoys warmer weather than the UK and
admiring coastal gardens or joining seal-safari boat trips
which has an outdoor pool and croquet lawn
Follow the trail of the Romans"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"6fbe90c4-475a-4558-b337-6cfb3531e6c5","display":"fullwidth","caption":"The Pont du Gard aqueduct (Getty Images)","title":"The Pont du Gard aqueduct in southeastern France
or Provincia Nostra — the first Roman province north of the Alps
it covered a swathe of modern-day southeastern France and included the Via Domitia — a road to Spain — and the three-tier Pont du Gard aqueduct
You’ll see both of these and stop in the former capital
including rail travel from the UK to get to the starting point."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" inntravel.co.uk"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"34
In its old shipyards is the studio of Sofie Lachaert and Luc d’Hanis
Their atelier also includes a micro-B&B comprising a large suite — accessed
and guests enjoy complimentary Belgian beers plus the use of two bikes
the birdlife and the 17th-century chapel next door
you’ll need to board the Eurostar to Brussels and then switch to local services."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" lachaertdhanis.com"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"35
Take in three countries on a road trip"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Original Travel has devised a route that combines scenic spots in France
where you’ll tour Colmar’s multicoloured medieval buildings
while the journey on to Andermatt and Ticino takes in zigzagging mountain roads and
Basel and foodie Freiburg are also on the tour
All their tours are tailor-made so swap destinations in and out as you please."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" originaltravel.co.uk"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"36
Half an hour from Caen’s ferry port (departing the UK from Portsmouth)
charming Chez Caroline is a timber-framed cottage in Normandy’s Calvados department
with a modern kitchen beneath chunky beams and a private
Attractions include market towns such as Dives-sur-Mer
Make time to inspect the Bayeux Tapestry and for tours and tastings at distilleries such as Domaine Dupont."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"gites.co.uk"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"37
Hike the Pyrenees"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"A long journey by train via Paris and "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Barcelona"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/spain/barcelona/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" is required to begin this Spanish Pyrenees walking break
It’s an “inn-to-inn” itinerary following ancient paths through the remote Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
abandoned villages and near-vertical gorges with crystal-clear rivers
while nights are spent in boutique hotels and village paradors
including the home of an artisan woodworker."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"pura-aventura.com"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"38
Climb the Alps by train"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"a4b93117-d8b3-45d9-9f6f-e97c9b5968b0","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Mirabell Gardens
with the Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background
With daringly engineered lines that make light of the tough terrain
travelling via Zurich and returning through "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Munich"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe/germany/munich/"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"
and the river-hugging Zillertalbahn narrow-gauge route
Salzburg and at the 16th-century waterside resort Hallstatt
including the Eurostar from London and local trains to get you to the starting point."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"railbookers.co.uk"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"39
the castle used for Jean Cocteau’s film "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Beauty and the Beast"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"
is a smattering of treehouses in an oak forest
Sleeping two to six at about 7.5m (25ft) off the ground
each secluded unit is built from wood and has electricity
and breakfast baskets are winched up to the door each morning
Paris is 40 miles away if you fancy braving the city; nearer still are public gardens and the estate’s golf courses
There’s no public transport to the estate so you can either book a transfer from Paris or drive via Calais."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"hostunusual.com"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"40
Taste riesling on the Rhine"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Castles abound on this self-guided walk along the Rhine Gorge
20 photogenic fortifications sit high on banks or perched on islands
don’t underestimate the undercard: steep riesling vineyards( almost one per village)
You’re furnished with thorough walking notes that detail folklore
including the tale of the bloodthirsty bishop eaten alive by mice
and you’ll spend nights in comfy small hotels chosen chiefly for their outstanding local food
take the Eurostar to Brussels and then change to local trains
more"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Slow travel is a cultural and travel philosophy focused on embracing unrushed journeys and fostering a deeper
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as"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":125})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Anybody who cruises regularly will have seen the more obvious steps towards sustainable travel at sea
as cruise lines ban"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Anybody who cruises regularly will have seen the more obvious steps towards sustainable travel at sea
as cruise lines ban single-use plastics"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":160})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Anybody who cruises regularly will have seen the more obvious steps towards sustainable travel at sea
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both urban and"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":125})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"What does it really mean for a destination to be sustainable
are committed to"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"What does it really mean for a destination to be sustainable
are committed to protecting nature"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":160})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"What does it really mean for a destination to be sustainable
minimising"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":175})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"What does it really mean for a destination to be sustainable
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The TimesA great holiday doesn’t necessarily have to mean getting on a plane
Here are some of the best no-fly holiday ideas
Main photo: the Royal Canal in Sète is easily reached via the Eurostar and a fast train from Paris (Alamy)
The Alzette river in the Grund district of Luxembourg City (Alamy)Little Luxembourg packs a punch
with steam trains and solar-powered boats navigating its craggy forests and lakes
Luxembourg City is fairly easy to get to — catch the Eurostar to Brussels and then switch to one of the fast services straight into the heart of the Luxembourg capital
A stop on the Wildstrubel CircuitBefore the advent of trains
Basel and Spiez — but you may find it easier to drive
• Best hotels in Switzerland
The Saturday market at Beaune in Burgundy (Getty Images)Look for hazel or hornbeam trees — it’s often under these that Burgundy’s winter black truffles grow
It’s easy to hire a small boat from Le Boat and explore Brittany’s expansive network of canals
switch to local trains via Rennes to reach Messac-Guipry
provides the backdrop for Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch
Getting there is fairly straightforward but requires a station switch in Paris once you arrive on the Eurostar
not far from the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
take the Eurostar to Paris and then switch to local trains at Gare du Nord
• Finest champagne houses in France
Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé (Mr & Mrs Smith)Poor Jacques Pineau de Viennay III
Hotel Eden Roc in AsconaMaggiore is one of the famed Italian lakes
local train to Aachen and then local buses for Monschau
Huis Bergh Castle in ‘s-Heerenberg (Alamy)Castles of various vintages are found throughout the Netherlands
it’s a Eurostar to Brussels and then a network of local trains and buses or drive via Calais
The remote location means the easiest way to get there is to drive via Calais
• Best walking holidays in Austria
Bliss Tweed Mill in Chipping Norton (Alamy)There’s nowhere quite like the Cotswolds
Cruising in the Inner HebridesSplash out on a small group cruise of the Inner Hebrides with your own skipper and chef. Set sail from Oban on the west coast of Scotland for a week-long meander around the Inner Hebrides
Responsible Travel has fantastic seven-day Hebridean cruises
The National Gallery in Dublin (Alamy)Accessible by ferry, Ireland’s charismatic capital is big on heritage. Be it medieval castles, the 12th-century St Patrick’s Cathedral, Merrion Square’s Georgian splendour or Trinity College’s galleried library, this is a place that evocatively reflects its history. Dublin also excels at museums
you can find many excellent antique shops.The ferry route from Liverpool is served by P&O Ferries; Irish Ferries operates from Holyhead to Dublin; and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company from Douglas to Dublin
• Best hotels in Dublin• Best spa hotels in Ireland
• Best things to do in Rotterdam
The half-timbered houses of Colmar (Alamy)For a laid-back journey to the chocolate-box region of French Alsace
or take a half-day to visit the majestic Haut-Koenigsbourg castle.Byway can arrange a six-day trip with the option to explore the countryside by bike
so a cruise on the waters beneath centuries-old stone bridges is an unmissable experience.Bruges is also a good base for visits to Ypres and First World War battlefields.You can book return trips on Eurostar’s website
• Best hotels in Bruges
The town centre in Saint-Quentin (Alamy)Northern France is a well-known destination to those with even a passing interest in battlefields and war memorials (the Armistice Museum in the heart of the Compiègne Forest is a must-see)
you can find the glade where the 1918 Armistice was signed.Byway can plan you a six-day trip to Hauts-de-France
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express should be booked in advance and luxury travel company Belmond also has tour packages
• Best heritage railways in the UK• Best sleeper trains in Europe
On the Camino de SantiagoBrittany Ferries has launched an LNG-powered ship to service the route from Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao in the Basque Country
and stay at rural pensions along the way and in four-star hotels at Santander and Bilbao
Your luggage is transferred between hotels
• Camino de Santiago: how to walk Spain’s most famous route• Best walking holidays in Europe
Having fun on the Plage de la Corniche (Alamy)Catch the fast train from Gare du Lyon in Paris to Sète
A bearded vulture in the Spanish Pyrenees (Alamy)If you’re looking for a trip that little ones will love too
which were once in danger of extinction.Pura organises 11-day holidays to the Pyrenees from April to October
• The best family-friendly holiday destinations
Swap the busy mainline train that whooshes from Paris to Nice in a six-hour blur for the less-used regional lines that meander through the country
originaltravel.co.uk/destination/france/french-riviera-holidays
Although the cities of Spain’s Basque country are well known — cultured Bilbao, foodie San Sebastian — its interior is far less visited
and then you’ll need the use of a car to reach those smaller villages
• Best hotels in San Sebastian
Lake Titisee in the Black Forest (Alamy)Shady glades
including the Eurostar and local trains to get you there
Canoeing on the Dordogne at La Roque-Gageac (Alamy)As much-needed changes of scenery go
Cycling in ProvenceMore than 30 years after Peter Mayle’s bestselling memoir A Year in Provence
The Pont du Gard aqueduct (Getty Images)A self-guided rail tour allows history buffs to explore Gallia Narbonensis
including rail travel from the UK to get to the starting point
Antwerp’s main square at Christmas (Alamy)Tielrode is a small
Their atelier also includes a micro-B&B comprising a large suite — accessed
you’ll need to board the Eurostar to Brussels and then switch to local services
Original Travel has devised a route that combines scenic spots in France
All their tours are tailor-made so swap destinations in and out as you please
La Maison Dupont avec un thé in Dives-sur-Mer (Alamy)You needn’t drive for days to find a classic French gîte
Make time to inspect the Bayeux Tapestry and for tours and tastings at distilleries such as Domaine Dupont
A long journey by train via Paris and Barcelona is required to begin this Spanish Pyrenees walking break
including the home of an artisan woodworker
Mirabell Gardens, with the Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background, in Salzburg (Getty Images)It’s not only outdoorsy types who are attracted to Austria’s mountains, lakes and valleys. With daringly engineered lines that make light of the tough terrain, train buffs love them too. A ten-day rail tour, travelling via Zurich and returning through Munich
including the Eurostar from London and local trains to get you to the starting point
A treehouse on the estate of Château de RarayOn the same Picardy estate as Château de Raray
the castle used for Jean Cocteau’s film Beauty and the Beast
There’s no public transport to the estate so you can either book a transfer from Paris or drive via Calais
Castles abound on this self-guided walk along the Rhine Gorge
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various handles and locks for bodies will be showcased at the commercial vehicle fair in September in Hannover – with remote control and electric functions
and handles in various versions – Pommier will focus on these from September 17 to 22
In addition to the range of hydraulically operated underride protection
the manufacturer announces the new electric solution E-Xpand
The electric underride guard is manufactured and pre-assembled in Dives-sur-Mer
and then customized for vehicles ranging from 8 to 40 tons
For vehicles that do not have an integrated hydraulic system
Since it is not necessary to install an independent hydraulic system for the operation of the underride guard
there is no need to lay a hydraulic line to the rear of the vehicle
The limit switches are integrated into the electric cylinders to avoid assembly and adjustment work and to save time
the operator can control the underride guard without leaving the vehicle cabin
the hydraulic underride guard Xpand P42 can also be retrofitted with the electric components from Pommier
the E-Xpand also consists of a cathodic dip coated steel body
It offers up to four different extension lengths and various types of tubes: round steel tube
rectangular profile from steel and aluminum
the manufacturer has particularly focused on the thermal heating and extension speed of the electric cylinder to improve reliability and lifespan
Door handle Torseo UL-X with remote control
Improvements are also planned for the Torseo 16 UL-X door handle
this setup will also feature HMO remote control technology
allowing the locking and unlocking of the turn rods via remote control
This is intended to enhance comfort and safety
especially in small city delivery vehicles
Torseo 16 UL - Electric functions perfectly concealed
Pommier announces the Torseo 16 UL with HMO technology
The electromechanical system is directly integrated into the motorized handle Torseo 16 UL and thus invisible
this has advantages particularly in thermal insulation
as no foam needs to be removed for panel installation
The electromechanical device for closing and opening the handle is controlled via remote control
opening can be done manually with the original key of the handle
the HMO module can be easily dismantled without interfering with the door
the complete range of mounted and pre-assembled rotating bar locks from Pommier will also be on display
all types of locks for dry and refrigerated superstructures as well as shelters will be shown
Pommier places special emphasis on the ergonomic design of the handles
The pull kinematics of the Twim and Torseo 16 UL handles allow the doors to be opened with just one hand
A specially developed mechanism ensures that the handles can be operated quietly with a noise level below 60 dB in accordance with the Piek noise protection standard
electromechanical operation or cylinder lock are available
which is compatible exclusively with Pommier bolts and openers
provides additional security for the doors
The reinforced structure of the handles also withstands the intense mechanical stresses of goods transport and guarantees a long service life
A special locking mechanism ensures that the door remains closed permanently even under difficult conditions
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