Travel
A primary-time information to Calgary, Alberta
It’s a missed alternative made by far too many – land in Calgary after which instantly be shuttled off to the Canadian Rockies ever looming to the west, with Banff National Park being inside 90 minutes. In actuality, Calgary ought to carry equal weight inside any Southern Alberta itinerary.
Very a lot a cosmopolitan metropolis with the glacier-blue Bow River operating via it and a hovering skyline – you possibly can’t miss its pink paint-topped Calgary Tower – there’s additionally an simple friendliness to all of it. This appeal maybe stems finest from its status as “Cowtown” and “Stampede Metropolis” – take into account Calgary to be Canada’s model of a metropolitan Wild West. It’s the heartbeat of Canada’s principal oil and fuel producing province, it’s a cattle ranching capital and, for a significant metropolis, has an infectious, laid-back vibe.
Inform any Calgarian it’s your first time within the metropolis, and also you’ll be welcomed with open arms. As for profiting from that journey, right here’s what to know.
When ought to I’m going to Calgary?
June via August is summer season, event-filled bliss. The Calgary Stampede is the town’s hallmark occasion, happening in July. Billed as “the best outside present on earth,” it’s one of many largest outside rodeos on the earth, attracting nicely over 1 million company yearly. You don’t need to be a rodeo lover to understand the citywide spectacle both – there are additionally entertaining Calgary-bred chuckwagon races, Indigenous neighborhood spotlights, farming exhibitions, mega-concerts, Halfway meals concoctions and extra. Excessive temperatures hover round 21ºC (70ºF) all summer season lengthy, making for giant crowds and better costs. For a cut price, eye the November to March timeframe – excessive temperatures peak round -1ºC (30ºF) and equate to decrease metropolis foot site visitors, however close by ski resorts are of their powdery prime.
How a lot time ought to I spend in Calgary?
A full three days or lengthy weekend needs to be the minimal to expertise Calgary’s cultural musts, together with downtown museums, quiet neighborhood strolls and distinctive Western pizzazz. Should you’re seeking to pair your Calgary expertise with a close-by ski day or two, 5 days ought to do it. These in search of to tack on Banff and/or Jasper Nationwide Park excursions ought to plan for every week to 10 days.
Is it straightforward to get in and round Calgary?
You may even see “YYC” floating on choose enterprise signage in Calgary and its surrounding confines. YYC is the airport code for Calgary International Airport, which is tucked roughly 20km (12 miles), which is a 20-minute drive, north of downtown. Taxis and rideshare companies like Uber are ever-prevalent in Calgary and are the simplest method for getting in/out of the airport.
The town is walkable and bike-friendly. Throughout colder climate, be aware the “Plus 15” system – it’s a 16km community of raised, coated and climate-controlled walkways to reap the benefits of. Scooters – from corporations like Fowl – are permitted with corrals stationed periodically for parking them. Calgary Transit is the town’s public transportation possibility, with bus and prepare routes (CTrain). Day passes and one-trip tickets can be found, with free fares in choose downtown areas. The YYC Transit app is the very best for planning a route.
Prime issues to do in Calgary
Stroll via the guts of the town
Tucked on the Bow River, Prince’s Island Park is as near an outside museum because it will get. For an city and academic journey, throughout the park is the Chevron Studying Pathway, which explains the native wetlands panorama, wildlife and extra with signage alongside the stroll. If starvation beckons within the park, River Café is considered top-of-the-line eating places within the nation for its native and seasonally-focused fare. Calgary’s RiverWalk – which stretches roughly 4km (2.5 miles) between Chinatown and Stampede Park – has benches for scenic breathers and passes by the Confluence the place the Bow and Elbow rivers meet.
Rock out on the Nationwide Music Centre
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, is a murals itself. Draped in gleaming terracotta tile, the museum spans 5 flooring and is the house to the Canadian Music Corridor of Fame. Taking a stroll via it, you be taught simply what number of Canadian icons there are – Joni Mitchell, Avril Lavigne, Celine Dion, Bryan Adams, Neil Younger and Justin Bieber amongst them. The complicated homes some prized memorabilia, too, like one in all Elton John’s famed songwriting pianos and Randy Bachman’s “American Girl” guitar. Throughout the road and if schedules align, catch a musical efficiency on the hotel-gone-venue, King Eddy. Famously, as a part of a reconstruction undertaking beginning in 2013, it was taken aside and rebuilt brick-by-brick.
Embrace the Western spirit
Certain, July’s Calgary Stampede is the time of the yr when everybody on the town is decked out of their boots, flannel shirts and cowboy hats. However you will get in on the spirit with a bit of cowboy-inspired procuring year-round. White cowboy hats are a cultural icon in Calgary – celebrities spanning Oprah Winfrey to the Dalai Lama have been gifted one once they go to the town. Smithbilt Hats has been the place to purchase ‘em for greater than 75 years. Past staple white cowboy hats with a pink ribbon, they promote varieties in any colour possible. For boots, Alberta Boot Co. is a real build-your-own expertise with an on-site manufacturing store. Store for ready-built kinds, or you possibly can concoct your personal boots from top-tier leathers, soles and stitching to be shipped to you at a later date.
Get pleasure from a glass ground view from the Calgary Tower
Arguably the town’s most iconic constructing, Calgary Tower consists of the SKY 360 rotating restaurant, a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and an statement deck with glass ground nooks. From the statement deck of the 191m (627ft) construction, you’re feeling like a skyscraper among the many skyscrapers, with the Rocky Mountains zigzagging round you. It’s simply top-of-the-line views provided in Calgary and – with the glass ground under – one of the crucial spine-tingling, too.
My favourite factor to do in Calgary
I’ve lived in Las Vegas, South Florida and Colombia – all locations that know methods to occasion. With that, the Calgary Stampede stands out as the largest occasion I’ve ever skilled. The meals was nuts – there was pizza topped with Cheetos and pickles. Nickelback, the Jonas Brothers and Motley Crue had been all performing. Everybody – completely everybody – was dressed like a cowboy or cowgirl, and there wasn’t a single soul in unhealthy spirits. Align your first go to to Calgary with the Stampede, in the event you can.
Past the peerlessly timed journey, I’ve loved merely gawking at Calgary’s skyline. For such a bustling metropolis, there’s a calmness to all of it. Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures gives some cool packages the place a bike driver ushers you across the metropolis for a tour as you coast alongside beside them in a sidecar. Your helmet is provided with a microphone and audio. On this tour or not, my favourite cease for taking all of it in is Scotsman’s Hill, overlooking Scotiabank Saddledome, the place the beloved Flames play hockey.
The place ought to I eat in Calgary?
Breakfast: OEB Breakfast Co. is Canada-renowned for its eggs benedict interpretations, which can embrace truffled squash of Korean bulgogi. Galaxie Diner serves all-day breakfast with a Nineteen Forties diner aptitude – depend on limitless hashbrowns and toast together with your meal.
Lunch: Class Clown Hamburgers has an intimate bar and smashed Alberta beef patties. Ten Foot Henry has a vegetable-focused unfold with gems like regionally grown marinated beets and a pea purée topped mushroom medley. On the non-vegetable spectrum, its truffle Dijon-flared striploin steak satisfies.
Dinner: Caesar’s Steakhouse has been a Calgary staple since 1972. Emitting an old-school vibe with gleaming wooden partitions and pink cubicles, steaks are cooked over an open flame within the eating room for all to gawk at. Major Tom is tucked on the fortieth ground of a skyscraper with panoramic views. For its Alberta beef choices and inventive shareables – like potato doughnuts with a gouda custard – it’s a Calgary staple.
Drinks: No Calgary journey is full with out dabbling in its two most well-known homegrown alcoholic concoctions. The primary, the Caesar, resembles a Bloody Mary however is made with Clamato juice. It was invented at what’s the present-day Westin Calgary. The second, the Shaft, was invented at the Living Room. It features a steadiness of Kahlua, skim milk and espresso and is historically downed by way of a straw in a few fast slurps.
How a lot cash do I want for Calgary?
Bargains and luxe experiences alike are discovered within the majority of Calgary’s neighborhoods. Chinatown is stellar for on-the-fly and cheaper bites, inclusive of the Calgary-born ginger beef. seventeenth Ave is one other walkable space with experiences catering to any finances, be it classic outlets or higher-end boutiques. The underside line: simply maintain strolling – be it in Kensington, Inglewood, Marda Loop or someplace in between – and there will likely be a budgetary match.
- Hostel room: $45-60
- Fundamental room for 2: $100–150
- Airbnb: $150–200
- Day cross on Calgary Transit: $11.60
- A cup of espresso: $4
- A basic hamburger made with Alberta beef: $15
- Dinner for 2 at Main Tom with cocktails: $130
- A post-dinner Caesar or Shaft: $12
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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