Travel
Information to Curitiba, Brazil – Lonely Planet
Brazil’s showcase “inexperienced” metropolis, Curitiba (pronounced kr-uh-CHEE-buh) has lengthy drawn kudos for its dedication to mass transit and revolutionary city planning, a lot of it courting from the Seventies.
Because the nation’s eighth-largest metropolis, it’s additionally a surprisingly numerous place, with residents claiming Polish, Italian, Jewish and Japanese heritage. Though not often touted as a vacationer metropolis per se, Curitiba deserves an elongated go to for its parks, structure and pioneering makes an attempt to nurture real sustainability. Heart stage is a necklace of unpolluted, well-kept inexperienced areas, with the centerpiece a very elegant botanic backyard. In between all of the greenery, a small historic downtown district boasts good-looking artwork nouveau and neoclassical buildings among the many numerous monolithic high-rises.
Curitiba can be a great base camp for exploring a wealthy hinterland. Monumental sandstone rock formations misinform the west, whereas coastal rainforest and browsing seashores await within the east.
Right here’s every little thing a first-time customer to Curitiba must know.
When ought to I am going to Curitiba?
Curitiba enjoys a spring-like local weather all yr lengthy – which signifies that you’ll by no means discover the stifling warmth and mountain chill skilled in different components of South America right here.
Nice heat and manageable quantities of rain make February and March the very best months to go to. This additionally coincides with the town’s comparatively modest (by Brazilian requirements) carnival, a moveable feast that normally falls someday in mid-to-late February.
Merely put, there’s no undesirable season to go to Curitiba. Whereas it rains barely extra in summer season (December to March), it’s somewhat cooler and drier within the winter (June to August). Retreating chilly and mugginess in August makes for comfy days. For cheaper lodge costs, think about the shoulder months of Might and September.
How a lot time ought to I spend in Curitiba?
Whereas Curitiba is usually used as a staging put up by vacationers heading elsewhere, you would simply spend three days exploring the town and its environs.
Spend day one utilizing the town’s celebrated public transport system to go to headliner sights such because the botanical gardens and the Oscar Niemeyer Museum.
Dedicate day two to a journey on the Serra Verde Express, one of many world’s most fabulous train journeys. The ten-hour round-trip features a lunch cease in Morretes.
On day three, think about taking a bus west to Vila Velha State Park, returning to the town within the night for dinner at deluxe Restaurante Manu.
Is it simple to get in and round Curitiba?
Curitiba’s Aeroporto Internacional Afonso Pena, 18km (11 miles) southeast of the middle, is massive and fashionable, providing common connections to cities all through Brazil in addition to to Argentina and Chile.
The mixed long-distance bus and practice station types a single three-block advanced referred to as the rodoferroviária, which sits a brief distance southeast of downtown. Various non-public bus firms have ticket counters for interstate and state journey. (Bus journey in Brazil is secure, comfy and comparatively environment friendly.) The practice station sits instantly behind the bus station, although the one common service is the three-times-a-week heritage practice (the Serra Verde Categorical) to Morretes.
Curitiba is famed worldwide for its much-studied and -copied fast bus community, run by URBS. The cutting-edge bus system, which has its personal devoted lanes, makes use of built-in station pods often called tubos, which permit super-fast entry and exit. You may see how nicely the system works by catching a journey on any of the double-accordion, 270-passenger buses – a lot of which are actually electrical/biodiesel (Hibribuses) – for a flat fare of R$6 (US$1.60).
Prime issues to do in Curitiba
Savor the peace and tranquility of the Jardim Botânico
Away from the cacophony of the town middle, Curitiba’s botanical garden is a sweeping, flower-filled haven enhanced by a small lake and centered round a sublime glass and metallic greenhouse containing tropical vegetation. Guests can admire a proper French-style backyard, earlier than taking to a community of trails that wind via a number of wooded areas. Carry your personal picnic, or go to the backyard’s small café for a chunk. You’ll need to linger some time.
Uncover the town’s roots in Largo da Ordem
Curitiba’s colonial coronary heart consists of a small internet of pedestrian-only brick streets anchored by the Largo da Ordem and lined with an eclectic number of restored buildings, a lot of which now home fashionable artwork galleries, pubs and cafes. Of notice is the cupola-ed Presbyterian church, and the Casa Romário Martins, a small museum within the metropolis’s oldest constructing that explores the work of Cândido de Abreu, Curitiba’s authentic city planner and former mayor. On Sunday, the realm fills up with a big artwork and artisan market containing greater than 1000 stalls.
Embrace modernism on the Museu Oscar Niemeyer
Curitiba’s showcase museum is a putting modernist advanced that must be seen to be believed. This singular constructing was designed by and named for the well-known architect answerable for conceiving most of the civic buildings in Brasília within the Nineteen Fifties.
Open since 2002, the museum is dominated by an iconic eye-shaped tower that rises from a synthetic pond, painted with whimsical dancing figures in shadowy black. The museum focuses primarily on visible arts and design, with rotating reveals showcasing the work of Brazilian and worldwide artists from 1900 onwards. The small however succinct everlasting exhibition on Niemeyer and his work will be present in galleries within the tower.
Dig right into a extremely diverse meals scene
Curitiba boasts a splendidly numerous culinary scene. Along with all method of fantastic Brazilian eating places (together with loads of churrascarias), Asian and Italian choices are nicely represented. Main the connoisseur area is Manu, the place nightly-changing tasting menus draw closely on regional farm cooperatives and the restaurant’s personal natural backyard. Amongst different accolades, Manu gained the Flor de Caña sustainable restaurant award in 2023.
My favourite factor to do in Curitiba
Passenger trains aren’t widespread in Brazil – which makes a journey on the Serra Verde Express that rather more fascinating. Working a number of occasions weekly via the Serra do Mar mountains, between Curitiba and the small gastronomic hub of Morretes, the road kinds itself a heritage railway – with Thirties-style carriages, leather-based seats and glossy wooden to match.
The final time I took the practice, I booked my outbound ticket in “vacationer” class however paid a bit additional for “boutique” class in a fancier Imperial carriage for the return. The 70km (43-mile) journey is extra about surroundings than velocity. A brief part throughout which the carriages chug over a precipitous viaduct feels as if the practice is floating within the air.
How a lot cash do I would like for Curitiba?
Brazil is notably cheaper than nations in North America and Europe. And Curitiba, the place the native financial system is much less tourist-driven than Rio or São Paulo, has many good lodging offers. You’ll not often pay far more than US$100 an evening for a good double room, even at top-ranked lodge manufacturers like Radisson or Grand Mercure.
The town’s fast bus community is nice worth, with a flat fee of R$6 for journeys anyplace within the metropolis.
- Mid-range lodge room for 2: US$50–70
- Museu Oscar Niemeyer entry: US$6
- One-way ticket on the Serra Verde Categorical (vacationer class): US$35
- Public transport ticket: US$1.60
- Burger: US10–12
- Dinner for 2 in connoisseur restaurant: US$60
- Espresso: US$4
- Bottle of craft beer: US$3
Often requested questions on Curitiba
Is Curitiba secure?
By Brazilian requirements, Curitiba is comparatively secure – one thing it has in widespread with most cities within the nation’s south. Nonetheless, it’s greatest to take regular precautions by sticking to well-lit downtown streets after darkish and by no means displaying apparent indicators of wealth.
What improvements has Curitiba launched to make it such an awesome mannequin of sustainability?
Many. Other than its bus community, Curitiba has 48 city parks, a solar pyramid on a former landfill site, biodiverse honey gardens and a bike-sharing scheme centered on e-bikes.
Are there any good festivals in Curitiba?
Sure, particularly referring to the humanities. A theater festival – one of many largest in Brazil – is held in March, and the Olhar de Cinema movie competition convenes in June. An arts Biennial kicks off in September of odd-numbered years, and a jazz festival attracts crowds each December.
Are there any seashores close to Curitiba?
The closest seashores with good browsing are a 90-minute drive to the east across the small ferry port of Pontal do Sul. Even higher seashores will be discovered on Ilha do Miel, a brief boat journey from Pontal do Sul and greatest included into an in a single day or weekend journey from Curitiba.
Are there any worthwhile day journeys from Curitiba?
Other than the Serra Verde Categorical, you may make a preferred day journey to the very totally different landscapes of the Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, 93km (58 miles) to the west. Paraná’s so-called “stone metropolis” is made up of 23 aretinhas (sandstone pillars), shaped over thousands and thousands of years. The pure purple monoliths – some taking recognizable shapes comparable to boots and bottles – create putting silhouettes in opposition to the blue sky and inexperienced foliage.
Throughout the boundaries of the park, guests may witness a sequence of water-filled furnas (craters) which might be the results of underground erosion.
Vila Velha has a superb customer middle and common buses from Curitiba that may drop you near the park entrance; guide tickets forward on-line.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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