travel Archives - Page 10 of 20 -

Père Lachaise Cemetery – Paris – Jim Morrison

Visiting Paris’s largest cemeteries on a romantic Parisian break may seem slightly morbid to most people, but as a Doors fan in my younger years, I jumped at the chance to pay my respects to the legend himself Jim Morrison.

Pere Lachaise was established in 1804 and covers a massive 44 hectares. Alongside it’s spectacularly Gothic crypts, Haussmanian burial chambers and ancient mausoleums also lies the resting place of Oscar Wilde, Chopin and the eccentric and incredible, Edith Piaf. The cemetery itself is still up and running today.

I have to admit I was concerned about how respectful it really is to be taking photos in a cemetery, but as this is one of the most visited cemeteries in the world I had no concerns as the place was quiet literally flooded with tourists.

There are multiple entrances but we got off the underground at Pere Lachaise and then it was just across the road. There are multiple entrances with maps of the main historical points of interest.

The cemetery is literally like a maze and it took us a long, confusing walk before we found Jim Morrisons grave. Unfortunately, due to past vandalism and fans removing the iconic bust on top of his grave, it is now completely surrounded by metal railings.

The grave itself is nestled behind others and it was nice to see so many other people there with flowers still paying their respects nearly 45 years after his death. A rather poignant piece was a copy of his red and white beads draped across the top.

I found the whole experience serenely beautiful, and would definitely recommend it. The architecture is incredible and in all honesty, I felt it was strangely comforting that this place is not forgotten about with the bustle of tourists and locals bringing life to the place.

I left feeling a lot more comfortable than when I first arrived and passed by another pair of Jim Morrison fans in their 40s carrying white roses on my way out. It seems Jim STILL has a hypnotic hold on people after all these years : )

The Most Beautiful Cafe in Paris – Au Vieux

It has to be known as the most beautiful cafe in Paris, with multiple photos cropping up on Instagram and Pinterest. But it wasn’t until my Eurostar trip to Paris last weekend that I realised this floral, picture postcard cafe was only a 15 minute walk away, just nestled behind Notre Dame!

Obviously jumping at the chance to see it in person, we booked a quick lunch to test out the local cuisine, and it didn’t disappoint.

The restaurant/cafe was built in 1512 and used to be home to the head priest of Notre Dame. You can still see church relics on the wall, oddly nestled next to images of Parisian topless showgirls!

The printed menu reminded me slightly of some of the other nearby cafes which are complete tourist traps with extortionate prices for mediocre food, but this was nothing of the sort. It was in fact one of the best meals I have had in Paris! We picked the smoked Salmon which was perfectly cooked in a cream and butter sauce, delicious!

Even though the cafe is well hidden down a lane just of the one of the main Islands boulevards, I’d suggest booking early for the best photo opportunities.

You can contact the restaurant and book on this number, and don’t worry if your French is under par like mine, they speak English : )

Contact – +33 1 40 51 78 52 – 24 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris, France

Arundel Castle – The South Downs

Continuing my 2 day exploration of Arundel, nestled snugly in the heart of the south downs, I continued my tour to the it’s highlight, Arundel castle.

I first saw Arundel from my train window, looming in it’s extravagance above leafy tree tops surrounded by lush marshland and the hazy river Arun.

It reminded me of Harry Potters Hogwarts! The castle itself is over a 1000 years old and now resides under the care of the Duke of Norfolk, who still resides in its quarters.

There are 3 different guest passes available, but seeing as I was on a backpackers budget, I picked the middle option which included the castles keep and gardens, also castle access to a few rooms for £11.00.

If you wish to take the grand tour of the elaborate castle chambers, with incredible views overlooking the south downs, I would advise upgrading to the £18.00 ticket that gives you full access.

The highlight for me was actually it’s famous landscaped gardens and water features. The collectors earl garden was the highlight of my trip to Arundel.

It’s based on a Jacobean style, flanked with oak obelisks and shell encrusted walls, framed by large terracotta plant pots and metallic dragonfly’s skimming perilously close to the waters edge.

I spent the rest of the afternoon under the shade of large oaks, reading my kindle on thick, lush, finely manicured lawns.

Would you like to visit? Arundel is only 1.20 minutes from central London!