Travel
Air Canada Strike Leaves World Vacationers Stranded
Air Canada passengers have been nonetheless stranded all over the world on Monday as Air Canada flights remained grounded after staff with Canada’s largest airline walked off the job on Saturday. On Monday, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) dominated that the strike by 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants is illegal and ordered them to return to work, after they defied a earlier directive to finish the walkout and enter arbitration.
Air Canada’s labor settlement with its flight attendants expired on March 31. After months of stalled negotiations and no decision in sight, flight attendants initiated a strike early Saturday morning. Inside 12 hours, the Canadian authorities intervened, requesting that the CIRB impose binding arbitration—a dispute decision course of that includes an arbitrator who makes a ultimate legally binding resolution.
On Sunday, the CIRB issued a back-to-work order for Air Canada’s flight attendants. Nonetheless, the Canadian Union of Public Workers (CUPE), which represents the employees, refused to conform—forcing Air Canada to desert its plans to renew operations that day. In consequence, all flights scheduled for Monday have been canceled in addition to the strike entered its third day. All Air Canada flights have been canceled since Saturday, with pre-emptive flight cancellations beginning as early as Thursday of final week.
“The members of the union’s bargaining unit are directed to renew the efficiency of their duties instantly and to chorus from participating in illegal strike actions,” the CIRB said in a written resolution.
The board, an impartial administrative tribunal that interprets and applies Canada’s labor legal guidelines, stated the union should present written discover to all of its members by midday Monday that they’re required to return to work.
Union chief states ‘We’re going to remain robust’
Nonetheless, CUPE, representing 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, has refused to adjust to this government-issued directive.
Talking to reporters exterior Toronto’s Pearson Worldwide Airport on Monday, Mark Hancock, the union’s nationwide president, emphasised that CUPE stays open to negotiations, however is not going to give up its members’ proper to strike.
“If Air Canada thinks there can be planes within the air this afternoon, they’re sadly mistaken. That won’t be taking place as we speak,” stated Hancock, because the airline’s labor dispute deepens.
When requested whether or not the union acknowledges the authorized dangers of defying the Canada Industrial Relations Board’s (CIRB) back-to-work order—and the way far they’re prepared to go—Hancock didn’t maintain again.
“There’s no restrict. We’re going to remain robust… and if it means of us like me going to jail, so be it. If it means our union being fined, so be it.”
Hancock advised reporters that the union stays dedicated to “standing up for our members’ rights—and for the rights of all Canadians beneath our Structure. The appropriate to free collective bargaining, together with the precise to strike, is a basic proper protected by our Constitution,” he stated
Regardless of ongoing talks, Air Canada and the union stay at odds over wages and different key points. The union has stated its major sticking factors revolve round what it calls flight attendants’ “poverty wages” and unpaid labor when planes aren’t within the air; flight attendants are solely paid as soon as the flight takes off. Putting flight attendants at Toronto Pearson Worldwide Airport held up indicators that learn “Unpaid work gained’t fly” and “Poverty wages = UnCanadian.”
In keeping with Hancock, the final bargaining session between the union and Air Canada passed off Friday evening.
Air Canada confirmed it deserted plans to renew flights Monday night and is urging vacationers to remain house except they’ve rebooked with one other airline.
In the meantime, CUPE is taking authorized motion, submitting discover that it’ll problem the federal government’s back-to-work directive in court docket. The union argues that the CIRB order violates the constitutional rights of its 10,000 members—70 p.c of whom are ladies—and highlights issues over what it describes as systemic unpaid labor for flight attendants.
The continued labor dispute has considerably disrupted operations, forcing the airline to cancel greater than 2,500 flights previously week—1,249 home and 1,350 worldwide—in line with aviation analytics agency Cirium. On Monday, all 723 scheduled flights have been canceled, together with 353 home and 370 worldwide flights.
Tons of of hundreds of vacationers impacted
Air Canada estimates that roughly 500,000 passengers have been affected by the flight cancellations to this point.
Toronto-based journalist Jennifer Bain had her August 15 flight from Toronto to Tokyo preemptively canceled on August 14 earlier than the strike began as Air Canada began to wind down operations and discover locations to park its plane.
“This was one thing that was within the firm’s management and will have triggered a brand new flight and compensation,” stated Bain. “However the airline then texted to say ‘we’re very sorry, however after looking for flights on over 120 airways for 3 days earlier than and after your canceled flight, we’ve been unable to rebook you.’”
Bain stated that inside minutes, she was simply capable of get a brand new Delta flight routed via Minneapolis.
“Like many Canadians, I absolutely help the flight attendants of their combat to be pretty compensated,” Bain stated. “And like all these straight impacted by flight cancellations, I’m offended at Air Canada for abandoning me.”
Bain hopes this can be a pivotal second that makes it a brand new business customary for flight attendants to be paid for work earlier than flights take off and after deplaning, but in addition strengthens laws, forcing airways to robotically rebook stranded passengers and never power them to seek out their very own flights after which should combat to be reimbursed.
Rebooking choices and necessities
Mark Nasr, chief operations officer for Air Canada, stated final week that clients whose flights have been canceled can be eligible for a full refund, and stated it is going to make preparations with different Canadian and international carriers to supply various journey choices “to the extent doable.”
Air Passenger Safety Laws (APPR) requires Air Canada to rebook vacationers on any accessible flight, even when it’s operated by a competitor, inside 48 hours of a passenger’s authentic departure time. Whereas the airline may is providing passengers a refund, taking the compensation may negate clients’ rights to have the airline rebook canceled flights.
Like Bain, Kim Denness-Thomass has additionally been annoyed by the dearth of help after the playwright’s tour supervisor’s Air Canada flight to London, England, was canceled Monday morning forward of the opening of her play A Little Inexperienced Leaf within the UK.
“Air Canada didn’t even electronic mail my tour supervisor to inform her [that] her flight was canceled,” stated Thomas. “The remainder of the crew and I are speculated to fly out on the weekend, however I’m actually involved in regards to the lack of help by administration to comply with what they’re speculated to be doing by means of reserving us on alternate flights.”
Denness-Thomas stated her tour supervisor and a journey agent are exploring all different choices for her and 5 others who’re accompanying the London leg of her touring play.
“We have now restricted funds to resolve this within the meantime. We’re principally on our personal,” stated Denness-Thomas. “However I absolutely help the flight attendants. They’ve the precise to receives a commission for work executed from the second their work begins.”
Christina Tunnah, head of the Americas for World Nomads Journey Insurance coverage, urged that passengers whose flights have been canceled and who haven’t acquired help from the airline test their insurance coverage coverage advantages because it normally consists of protection for journey interruption or cancellation. She recommends saving all paperwork, together with receipts, boarding passes, and airline communications within the case that vacationers must make a declare with their insurance coverage supplier.
Air Canada’s inventory dropped greater than 1.5 p.c by early Monday afternoon.
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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