La Plume Vagabonde

Thabor Park is the perfect spot to stroll around in the summer, with family or friends :) The rose garden is a must-see in the summer, as well as the aviary which is perfect for watching birds with your kids. Personally, I also love the many tree species that are interesting to check out! A little hidden gem to look for, the park also has a statue of Glenmor, a legendary figure of Breton folklore preservation! Definitely worth a look :)

If you are looking for ideas for an outing in Rennes with your kids, take a look at the programs at the Science Space at Les Champs Libres! Mom advice here. For the little ones, Merlin's Laboratory and its science experiments are a must-try. For the older kids, the science space offers fun exhibits, lectures, and more. You will definitely find something to keep your children busy!

As a tourist, you obviously come to visit the Place du Vieux-Marché because of the tragic end of Joan of Arc. A small memorial commemorates this event that had such a huge impact on the history of our country. Beyond that, the Place du Vieux-Marché is worth the trip for the old architecture of the houses lining it, and for its restaurants, among which you can find the oldest inn in Rouen. Personally, I do not recommend visiting the church that sits in the middle of the square. I did not really like the modern architecture of the place, as I find that it clashes with the overall atmosphere of the square.

You can't miss it when you're walking down the street, whether you're just strolling or not. This magnificent astronomical clock is truly a jewel in the center of Rouen, a little bit of magic in the heart of the cobblestone streets. To learn more, the museum tour is not to be missed!

One of the most beautiful spots in Avignon (which already has so much charm), the Place de l'Horloge is a must-see. It is pretty and shaded, with plenty of cafes and restaurants that make for a welcome break while you admire the architecture. A little bonus, kids will love the huge carousel that sits right in the middle of the square. (I loved it myself when I was a little girl...) A quick tip, go check out the place during the festival! The atmosphere is absolutely worth it if you enjoy street performances :)

The clock itself is truly a must-see in the city. Its mechanism, its look (which you would think came straight out of a fantasy movie), and the legends surrounding it are worth the trip. But like everywhere else in Prague, the crowd of visitors, aka interchangeable photographers who are only there to feed their Instagram accounts, ruins the magic of the place. If you do not want to end up in the middle of a sea of tourists taking selfies, visit Prague in the off-season. Believe me, the city is absolutely worth it.

The building is magnificent, and the ticket prices are very affordable. The temporary exhibitions usually have an entry fee, but the permanent collection is free, including the Egyptian antiquities and the cabinet of curiosities. I really love the cabinet of curiosities and its surprises! I have been there many times with my son for the Egyptian antiquities and the permanent collection, and they have been excellent opportunities to develop his image analysis skills ☺️

It is fascinating to think that the city of Avignon was, once upon a time, just as important as the Vatican. And you can easily imagine this sumptuous Gothic palace as a home for Popes! There is a sense of grandeur emanating from it that truly moves the visitor. A little personal recommendation: if you ever have the chance to see a show in the main courtyard of the Palace of the Popes during the Festival d'Avignon, do not hesitate! It is an unforgettable and timeless experience...

Personally, I don't really like visiting places that are super popular with tourists. The crowds have bothered me ever since the rise of Instagram tourism. But you have to admit, the Eiffel Tower is one of those places that remains iconic, and just looking at it tells a story. You have to visit the Eiffel Tower at least once for the symbolism. Just plan your visit in advance, because once again, there are a lot, and I mean a lot, of people!

I downloaded the app for a train tour of Europe with a friend, because he told me he had had issues with booking. I was very satisfied with the service, its efficiency, and how easy it was to use. So now I have adopted Agoda! For romantic weekend getaways, just like the trips I have taken since, I have always found decent accommodation within my budget, even at the last minute. I recommend it!

I went to Japan when I was 8 years old, but I have an unforgettable memory of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. I was observing the garden while following my parents that day, and I remember seeing the Golden Pavilion at the top of a flight of stairs and being captivated by its beauty. I decided to head down the stairs to catch up with my parents, and as I was walking down, I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. I turned around to find a made-up maiko in traditional attire looking at me. I was impressed, turned back to my father who pulled out his camera, and... click-click! The picture of me with an apprentice geisha is still displayed in my home, and that memory is forever associated with the…

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A lot of the content about the Sedlec Ossuary in Kutna Hora is framed in a creepy way, and it is designed to scare people. But having been to the little chapel, I can tell you that this morbid curiosity is absolutely not representative of reality. The church is filled with so many ornaments made of bones (special mention for the huge coat of arms featuring a sculpture of a raven pecking at a skull's eyeball) but they actually give off a sense of vanity, a testament to the fleeting nature of our lives, and respect. You can feel it in the meticulous care put into the construction of the ornaments. In short, it is more of a fascinating philosophical journey that makes you think than a morbid ch…

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I was lucky enough to visit Venice before the overtourism, and I admit that I really treasure that good fortune. This city is truly a destination you cannot miss. The omnipresence of the water, the architecture, and the history give it a deeply romantic atmosphere that pulls the visitor into a timeless bubble. I have an unforgettable memory of the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs... My advice, treat yourself to an off-season weekend to discover the pearl of Italy, you will not regret it.

It is undeniable, you have to visit Saint-Malo if you come to Brittany. The fortified city, its pretty beaches, the coastline and the shipowner houses, the fortress... History buffs and crepe lovers will find what they are looking for. On the other hand, visit off-season if you like peace and quiet, because Saint-Malo is very touristy. Special mention for the Etonnants Voyageurs festival, not to be missed if you are in the area at the right time!

I absolutely loved discovering London, which will remain one of my favorite capitals to visit. For any fan of pop culture and history, you will not know where to look first! Personally, I would have liked to spend more time there to satisfy my thirst for culture. Between the Tower of London, the Jack the Ripper tours, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, the Peter Pan statue, ghost stories, the Sherlock Holmes house, Shakespeare's Globe, Camden... Pack some good shoes if you want to fully enjoy this magnificent city, because believe me, you are going to walk for miles!

The exciting thing about Père Lachaise Cemetery is the number of curiosities and stories tied to its graves. Between the tombs of famous people, the legends (like the one that mentions the existence of vampire graves...), and the oddities (like the slightly risqué tradition linked to the recumbent statue of Victor Noir, for example)... One visit is not enough to satisfy any self-respecting history buff. To discover the secrets of the cemetery, don't hesitate to book a guide, it's definitely worth it!

If you love contemporary art, the collection at the Reina Sofia Museum is absolutely worth it. And despite what we know about the history of Picasso (personally, I have a really hard time looking at his work since I found out what a monster he was), the jewel of the museum is obviously Guernica. I experienced discovering this painting as a real shock, an artistic slap in the face of rare violence. Just for the contemplation of this masterpiece, a visit to the Reina Sofia Museum is worth the trip.

The Rouen Cathedral is a must-see when visiting the city. Because of its history, its architecture, and especially (for me) for the experience of contemplating its absolutely grandiose facade. I lived in Rouen for 3 years, and I have to say that I often found myself spending long minutes scrutinizing every detail of its stone lace, a silent witness to the unfathomable weight of the Church in a bygone era. In any case, it is one of the most beautiful cathedrals I have had the chance to see.

I have been to Les Machines de l'île twice, and I cannot recommend the place enough! Whether you are a fan of steampunk, fantasy movies, or just a parent who wants to light up their child's eyes, the visit is sure to be unforgettable. I went the first time with friends, and the second time with vacationers as part of a specialized trip where I was working. I still have a very vivid memory of the wonder I felt watching the machines come to life, just like the wonder I saw in the eyes of the adults I was accompanying!