On Side Roads

We decided, a bit by chance and mostly because we didn't have enough time that day to get to Bruges, to go to Ghent instead. We weren't disappointed, and we have been back several times since. Located at the confluence of a river and a canal, Ghent was a port city in the past, but today it is a lively student and tourist town. This city is especially vibrant, whether you are in the main squares, along the docks, or wandering down a small pedestrian street. I particularly love its pedestrian center with its medieval architecture, the 12th-century Castle of the Counts, and the Graslei, a row of houses from various eras and styles. When art meets old stone, it results in the Street Art that is…

See the full review

This central square, typical of big northern cities, is the perfect spot to meet up with friends and get a first glimpse of what awaits in Amsterdam. We visited during the day and the square was really lively, with dancers, street performers, and a lot of people. Remarkable buildings surround the square, making it one of the most famous and important places in the city. A taste of what we are going to discover next.

We stumbled upon this market by accident while wandering the streets of Amsterdam. It was such a nice surprise. This market is a festival of color and scents. It is a paradise for tulip lovers, the flower that is without a doubt part of the Dutch heritage. There is a very bucolic atmosphere here, a little escape in the heart of the city.

We wanted to see those iconic Dutch windmills. Just north of Amsterdam, we found the town of Zaandam and its famous Zaanse Schans neighborhood. It is an area that houses historic green houses and well preserved 18th century windmills along a canal. It was pretty crowded the day we visited, even in the off season, so plan your trip carefully if you go during peak season. There are tons of things to do, like touring the windmills and traditional Dutch houses, visiting museums, watching wooden clog making, and cheese tastings. We spent a good part of the day there. We headed closer to the center of Zaandam for lunch, which was way cheaper than eating right next to a windmill.

We took advantage of a little time without the kids to wander through this iconic Amsterdam neighborhood with some friends. We were curious to check out this area famous for its windows, but we quickly realized that this part of the city just wasn't for us. It is not so much because of the windows themselves, which sometimes feature very pretty women (you have to put aside any opinions or judgments on the subject), but rather because of the many street touts, who were sometimes pushy and approached us way too often. This neighborhood is far from the most interesting place to visit for tourists who want to discover the city.

We visited Amsterdam with friends and kids. We quickly realized that there is something here for everyone. During the day, it is really nice to wander through the historic center, stroll along the canals, and go shopping on the main streets. In the evening, many places offer local culinary specialties, though watch out for the prices sometimes. At night, the city turns into a real party hub, where kids don't really belong anymore! One full day wasn't enough to discover this magnificent city, and we will definitely be back!

We were lucky to be able to enjoy this magnificent spring park, since it is not open all year round. I had heard that the region was famous for its tulips, and today I understand why. We weren't expecting so much magic, colors, and scents... Almost all the tulip varieties are present, and they are particularly well showcased. We moved through the park from one floral display to the next, with shapes and colors that were sometimes exceptional. There are also many greenhouses to discover, sometimes with breathtaking scenery, which is ideal for great photos! The staff is very friendly, even empathetic. The entrance fee is clearly justified, and it is easy to park there. It was crowded, given th…

See the full review

We were looking for a place for 11 people to visit this part of the Netherlands, and we quickly set our sights on this destination. We went during the off-season, the price offered was unbeatable, and there weren't too many people at the Aqua Mundo, which was perfect. Everyone was able to enjoy their favorite activities while still being together in the evenings. It is rare to find properties that offer accommodations for 11 or 12 people. We were staying at the Marina, which was maybe a bit far from the main hub, but enjoying the Center Parcs wasn't our primary goal. From there, we were able to visit iconic local spots without too much driving: Amsterdam, the Keukenhof tulip gardens, the tow…

See the full review

This hotel is clean, functional, and very well located for a stay at Futuroscope. Our plan was to spend as much time as possible at the Futuroscope site, so the services offered by this hotel were sufficient for us. The rooms are comfortable, not very spacious, but enough for one or two good nights of rest. We were happy to try the all-you-can-eat buffet.

Nothing to complain about regarding the condition of the place, as it is brand new and particularly clean. Nothing to say about the staff either, as they were very professional and empathetic. There are plenty of activities, many of which are family friendly, and some are very immersive. We went in early April 2025, and since the outside temperatures were not very high, you could feel it inside at times with some occasionally unpleasant drafts. The water temperature in the pools varies, and some where you stay fairly still are sometimes chilly. My main complaint is the wait and the access to the various slides. To get to them, you have to climb stairs, sometimes quite a few, while carrying y…

See the full review

After many years of not going, we headed there for our daughter's 10th birthday. Of course, there are some aging attractions, but some are really fun and pleasant to do multiple times. Note that not all attractions and shows were open or accessible during our stay (off-season, early April), and the presence of many school groups sometimes made waiting in lines very noisy. The evening show is a true delight.

Really great discovery. We went there on the last day of our trip to Belgium, kind of in a "let's do one last visit before we head out" mode. And honestly, we were thrilled with our afternoon there. Mons is lively, its little cobblestone streets are pleasant, its baroque belfry... and also the hundred or so street art murals, which fit perfectly into the space. Plenty of spots offer a wide variety of Belgian beers; a real treat after a good afternoon of walking.

There are so many tools for booking a vacation rental or an activity these days. Abritel used to be my go to in the past. Unfortunately for them, the competition has really caught up, sometimes with more attractive rates. I compare a lot these days, and I often end up not finalizing with Abritel!

Located in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, the impressive Bellecour Square is an emblem of the city. It is known for its history of course, but also for the events that bring it to life today and the places (shopping streets and boulevards) that surround it. The Ferris wheel was set up and running on the day we visited, which was a real plus for enjoying a remarkable view of this Lyon neighborhood and the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica.

Discovered these a bit by chance while wandering around the Fourvière neighborhood, and I do not regret my find. Many people talk about the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière as the must-see spot when you climb the many stairs from Vieux Lyon, but these two Roman theaters are definitely the second place to check out once you are up there! The grand theater is huge, and the Odéon, right next door, is just as impressive! Visiting the site is free, and there is a paid museum that makes for a nice addition to the visit.

There is something for everyone, and for every taste! For a shopping moment (a very long shopping moment), a good movie, lunch with friends, some video games... we spent an entire afternoon there, and we still felt like we didn't see it all.

I am enjoying this venue during the S2R, the Lyon 2-Wheeler Show. I especially appreciate the space provided, even though S2R takes up the entire place. Even with large crowds, it remains easy to get around, and the restrooms, which are very numerous, stay clean. The T5 tram line drops us off right in front of the entrance, which is very convenient for avoiding the wait at the parking entrance during certain events.

You can head up to the Fourvière neighborhood by funicular or on foot from Vieux Lyon. A work of architects Bossan and Sainte-Marie Perrin, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is the emblem of the city of Lyon. I especially love admiring the four towers, forty-eight meters high, which represent the cardinal virtues: Prudence (northeast tower), Temperance (southeast tower), Fortitude (northwest tower), and Justice (southwest tower). The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière consists of two superimposed churches, accessible from the square. The upper church is just incredible, with very rich decor.

Visiting this park in March was already very pleasant. So in the spring when the flowers are out, or in the summer for a refreshing moment, it must be even better! A small downside, however, regarding the zoological park. The animals do not all seem happy, and sometimes they do not have a large enclosure.

We were very pleasantly surprised during our visit to this museum. First off, discovering some movie wonders, like sets, costumes, and props (special mention for the Back to the Future props). As someone who has watched these movies, sometimes multiple times, it was fascinating to see all these items. Then, the world of miniatures opens up to us. An exceptional attention to detail, with some really beautiful lighting. We were not expecting to have such a great time as a family. We will definitely go back without a doubt!