Tom

While many clubs haven't hesitated to move to brand new stadiums in recent years, Manchester United has chosen to stay loyal to its historic home, expanding and improving it over the years. The result is a truly special stadium with unique architecture that doesn't look like any other. Although it is very large and perfectly functional, there is an old-school, classic English football atmosphere floating in the air.

Famous Loire Valley castle, huge in size, with really special architecture, turrets, staircases, and terraces that I haven't seen anywhere else. The interior includes many rooms to see, and also different art objects and period pieces to discover, which let you learn a little more about the history of previous centuries.

Nice setting, with some really pretty views of the mountains. The slopes up top (Chinaillon) are good, but down in the village, meh. One thing that’s a bit annoying, and kind of ruins the experience, is the systematic photo check of your lift pass at the lifts.

Pretty big zoo that has quite a few different species from all over the place. A marked path takes you through the different biomes of the planet. The enclosures are a bit small for my taste, and fairly standard.

Very nice facilities that combine both nature and modern amenities. But given the price, I will stick to going there for a short weekend as a couple, or for a seminar paid for by the company. For a long family vacation, I would choose a cheaper Center Parc elsewhere in France. Not sure that kids would even tell the difference...

This castle, which you reach via the Ponte Sant'Angelo, offers some really pretty views. The Tiber, the statues on the bridge, the lights illuminating the facade... a very romantic setting for a stroll once evening falls.

Located between Paris and the Bois de Vincennes, and very easy to reach by public transport, the Vincennes Zoo is really well done. The paths take you through different environments and let you discover very different species, from large mammals like giraffes, to carnivores like big cats and wolves, giant snakes in a vivarium, the monkey rock...

I had never heard any comments about Girona. It was just a stop for us during a trip in the north of Spain. I was very pleasantly surprised. There is a medieval old town that overlooks the river, the cobblestone alleys, the old houses, the ramparts, and the small tapas restaurants have an authentic feel that the many seaside resorts that have popped up on the coast do not have (or no longer have?). Still, the sea is not too far away either. A must-see

After hearing so much about the Amalfi Coast, I had high expectations for Amalfi Beach, but it was a huge letdown! Rentable lounge chairs and umbrellas are packed on top of each other, and the beach is right next to the road and the town (which at least has the merit of being pretty). It feels like a tanning factory. Not great, but convenient for those who cannot travel around much, for families with young children, or for elderly people, for example.

On paper, the Campania region has everything to offer for great beaches. The reality is that most of them are urbanized with lounge chairs, restaurants, hotels, and roads. The Leranto cove is an exception. To start, you get there on foot after about forty minutes of walking through a nature reserve. Once you are there, yes, it can be crowded, but the beach is not owned by a shopkeeper renting out lounge chairs! It is a much wilder setting, a sandy cove framed by rocks and nature. The sea is very beautiful, almost without boats, and it is a delight to swim in. In the distance, you can see Capri. On the way back, the trail goes uphill a bit. Bring water and a snack.

Whether from the outside or inside, the palace that houses this museum is impressive. Both grand and finely decorated, the building is worth the visit all on its own. As for the works of art, they are spread across several sections. They are all interesting, and you can easily plan for at least 2 hours so you do not just breeze through things.

A museum with architecture that is at once futuristic, improbable, and understated, located in the hills of Los Angeles with a panoramic view of the Californian megalopolis. The garden surrounding it is just as surprising with its mix of plants in bizarre colors and shapes, and its reflecting pools. Oh, I almost forgot, one of the biggest collections of fine art in the country is inside the museum.