Travel
Overlook New York and Chicago – Vancouver is the North American metropolis I return to repeatedly
I’ve savoured over 50 North American cities, but when I had to decide on one to return to repeatedly it wouldn’t be frenetic New York, nor overrated Chicago; actually not discombobulating LA. I’d select Vancouver, the USA’s cooler Canadian cousin. On this effervescent, cosmopolitan hub your cash goes additional, outside residing envelopes and North America’s most thrilling meals scene tempts.
Arriving again in Vancouver I really feel a sea change to my US arrival final month. It jogs my memory of touching down in Glasgow versus London. As an alternative of stern-faced safety guards and grim passport officers, I really feel welcome. Smiles abound and that real Canadian friendliness immediately drops my shoulders and relaxes me.
The temperature drops my shoulders, too. All through my return it’s round 20C, whereas the Large Apple boils above 30C and the southern American cities bake much more. Vancouver is sort of actually cooler than the overwhelming majority of US cities, a godsend in these instances when extreme warmth can smash a vacation, regardless of what the president subsequent door may say about world warming.
On my first evening I take Vancouver’s pulse at Printed on Most important. It’s very Vancouver: hip, however relaxed. Supervisor Aaron Sayomac is Vancouver’s residing embodiment, with a Filipino heritage he’s labored everywhere in the world, from the UK to South Africa, bringing his myriad influences right here with a touch of hipster moustache. As he pours me a wonderful British Columbian wine – I’ll take the native Okanagan Valley vintages over California’s Napa Valley any day – I get pleasure from steak tartare spiced with contemporary blackcurrant and regionally smoked Koho salmon with foraged herbs. Aaron beams: “Vancouver is the type of metropolis you come to as soon as and also you immediately need to simply keep.” It’s. And I do.
Learn extra: Victoria is the overlooked Canadian city you need to visit
Vancouver could also be one of many hippest cities in North America, popping up throughout these cool cachet lists, but it surely’s not simply fashion, there’s substance too. Vancouver is bed-rocked on spectacular foundations, with a harbour to rival Boston or New York, but in addition epic sky-scraping mountains that conjure up an unlimited pure amphitheatre. It’s a metropolis that appears and feels massive. Vancouver Island fringes the town simply throughout the water, a bucolic escape larger than Belgium. I take a RIB journey with Sea Vancouver gleefully bouncing throughout the harbour watching out for seals and dolphins as we go.
Our RIB eases round Stanley Park, one of many nice city parks, sprawling its inexperienced tentacles over 400 hectares – bigger than Central Park. It’s much more participating too, with snaking wild trails wandering by cobalt lakes beneath the shadow of bushes older than any American metropolis south of the border. Vancouver is related to nature in a method many American hubs have misplaced. There may be swimming too, curler blading and kayaking in a metropolis that life-affirmingly feels each city and alive with wild corners. Many North American cities – together with Toronto – appear to wrestle with a piece/life stability; in Vancouver life at all times comes out prime. I’ve by no means seen so many walkers, joggers and cyclists.
Even hipster districts should not only for posing – they’re spirit-soaringly for residing. Within the final yr I’ve frolicked in Williamsburg in Brooklyn and Boston’s revamped core, however I’d reasonably be on Granville Island, an previous industrial pile now rejuvenated with bars, outlets and the good Granville Market. To not point out the Granville Brewing Firm, whose craft beers would go muster in New England. However there are additionally the reborn warehouses of grittier Yaletown and tarted up Gastown. And extra of these craft breweries and very good eats sprinkle the present zeitgeist-leading district of Mount Nice.
Learn extra: This Canadian city has given out free pancakes every year since 1923
These hip quarters and Downtown are reside with very good eating places which can be defiantly not only for vacationers. Michelin might have solely found Vancouver in 2022, however they simply can not assist shelling out stars, together with to the aforementioned Printed on Most important, certainly one of 10 starred eating places, together with 16 Bib Gourmands and 50 Michelin-recommended eateries.
Past the celebs Miku brings metropolis views and the perfect Japanese lunch I’ve savoured exterior of Tokyo and Osaka, whereas at Michelin-recommended Como Taperia, a style of Spain and Canadian creativity mix with British Columbian produce to create scrumptious outcomes. Supervisor Shaun Layton tells me,: “Vancouver is likely one of the few locations on the earth whose meals strikes me, it such an integral a part of the tradition and the spirit of the town.” I do know what Shaun means. Not for as a second do I miss the world-famous (learn hideously overpriced) haunts of Manhattan, and even the first rate worth rising foodie star of Tampa.
Meals excursions are a terrific litmus take a look at of a metropolis and Vancouver has a number of. I take pleasure in an Asian meals journey with Vancouver Foodie Excursions in a metropolis with the third largest Chinatown in Americas; the town that gave the world the California Roll – invented by Japanese-born chef Hidekazu Tojo, who moved to Vancouver in 1971. We sweep from China to Japan to South Korea in a swirl of very good dim sum, a welter of spices and severe serving of ardour. Indian-born information Preethi says: “Vancouver gives a little bit little bit of the whole lot and we’re pleased with our immigrants – and our First Nations individuals – who altogether make this such a enjoyable and rewarding metropolis to reside in.”
Learn extra: The best ski holidays in Canada
On a sensible stage Vancouver is financially rewarding. Eating places should not simply cheaper than their American cousins, however for me higher worth too. And I ate nicely from Michelin-starred eating places to meals vehicles. Drinks are additionally cheaper and I didn’t miss the high tipping levels of New York, the place 20 per cent is now customary for even cursory service, with a advised 22 per cent more and more showing on payments.
On my taxi journey to the airport I chat to the Punjab-born driver about Canada internet hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, together with the USA and Mexico. Vancouver will host video games alongside the likes of New York, LA and Boston. “What metropolis would you selected to look at a sport in?” he asks. He smiles all the best way to departures once I reply.
Robin’s journey was supported by Discover British Columbia and Destination Vancouver.
Learn how to get there
British Airways offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver. Flight time is around 9 hours 30 minutes.
Where to stay
The Opus Hotel is one of the best of the new wave of hip boutique hotels that have brightened up central Vancouver. It’s the perfect spot for tapping into up-and-coming Yaletown’s zeitgeist and it’s easy to see why it has (deservedly) won awards.
Read more: Inside the mad world of Canada’s hair-freezing competition
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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