France recently extended the requirement of its health pass or pass sanitaire to children between the ages of 12 and 17. This means that anyone over the age of 12 must present proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test to enjoy many tourist activities such as eating in restaurants, visiting the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and theme parks like Disneyland Paris.

If you have a half-term break or family holiday to France planned this fall and your children or any minors accompanying you aren't vaccinated, it could make things tricky. That's because you'll need to present a health pass to get into pretty much every venue in France. The health pass is a QR code that indicates the holder is vaccinated or has recently recovered from COVID-19 (at least two weeks ago and no more than six months ago). Non-vaccinated people can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, but that test must be taken within 72 hours. That means, if you're visiting France for a week or longer, those who aren't vaccinated will essentially need to get tested in a pharmacy or health clinic every three days or so.

Tests are no longer free and generally cost €25 for a rapid antigen test carried out in a pharmacy, €5.20 for a self-testing kit and about €44 for a PCR test. If you or any member of your group or family needs to be regularly tested, the cost of the trip could significantly increase over time.

Health passes are required in most venues. You'll need to present them at restaurants and cafes, whether you're sitting indoors or outdoors on the terrace. They're also required in bars, clubs, museums, theaters, cultural attractions, large shopping malls and theme parks. If you're traveling from one part of France to another, you'll need them to board long-distance trains and domestic flights.

Under French rules, the following vaccines are allowed: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca–including Covishield–or Johnson & Johnson. The final dose of the vaccine must be taken no less than seven days prior or, in the case of the one-shot vaccine, no less than four weeks.

Read more: Best things to do with kids in France

The health pass rule kicks in for anyone over the age of 12 (with a grace period of two months). If you're traveling to France from a European Union country or any country signed up to the EU digital COVID cert program, you can present either the paper or digital version of the cert at venues where the health pass is required.

If you're traveling to France from a non-EU country you can register for a health pass through a dedicated online system that's available in French and English. Each person–including those between 12 and 17–must complete the form and provide the supporting documents which include a PDF, PNG or JPEG copies of their passport, official vaccination certificate and flight tickets. Once they're submitted through the online system, you'll receive a QR code in about three days which can be printed out and presented at places where the health pass is required.

Since the introduction of the health pass, infection rates are steadily decreasing across France and 67.2% of the population is fully vaccinated to date, according to Our World In Data.

You might also like:

Top family-friendly ski trips in the French Alps
Best things to do with kids in Paris

Family holiday to France? Children over the age of 12 must now have a health pass

After an 18-month ban on most inbound travel, the US is set to update its border rules on November 8, by requiring all foreign visitors to be vaccinated before entering. Here's what you need to know about the new travel policy.

The US closed its borders to most travelers back in March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many countries around the world have loosened their restrictions around international travel—including neighboring Canada, which has lifted entry restrictions for vaccinated American and international tourists—the US had lagged behind on updating its border policy. However, this is set to change next month.

When will travel restrictions be lifted?

The White House will introduce a new policy that will allow for many vaccinated international travelers to visit the US, beginning on November 8.

On Friday, White House Assistant Press Secretary, Kevin Munoz, tweeted an update on the policy, noting: "The US’ new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to the United States will begin on Nov 8. This announcement and date applies to both international air travel and land travel. This policy is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent".

Who can then travel to the US?

At present, travelers who, in the last 14 days, have been in the UK, European Schengen Zone, Republic of Ireland, China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa and India, are barred from the US with few exceptions. But that will change from November 8 when the US will permit all fully vaccinated international travelers to enter by air, provided they show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of traveling to the US. The US will also open its land borders with Canada and Mexico to vaccinated visitors, however a negative COVID-19 test will not be required, according to the CBC.

Travelers who could previously travel to the US without proof of vaccination during the pandemic will also be required to be vaccinated before traveling there from November 8. They will also need to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter, as before, regardless of vaccination status. The new policy applies to everyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the US.

Travelers will have to wear a mask throughout their journey and provide their telephone number and email address as part of a new contract-tracing system for inbound travelers.

Read more: England updates international travel rules with a "new, clearer system"

What about returning vaccinated Americans?

Fully vaccinated Americans will only need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling to the US by air, as per CDC guidelines.

What about returning unvaccinated Americans?

US citizens and permanent residents who are not fully vaccinated will still be able to enter the US by air, but they will need to be tested within 24 hours of flight departure time, and undergo testing upon arrival.

What vaccines does the US accept for travel?

The CDC accepts vaccines authorised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which currently include the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson jabs. The government also announced it will allow vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation for emergency use such as AstraZeneca, which is widely used throughout Europe, and China’s Sinovac.

Will I need a health pass?

Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test are increasingly required for aspects of daily life in the US, such as eating indoors, going to a museum or tourist site, or attending concerts and large events. But the patchwork of rules surrounding these passes can be a little confusing, particularly as there is no standardized system in the US. So what you need and where you're expected to use it depends on where you're going.

In New York City, for example, proof of vaccination is required to dine or drink indoors at restaurants, bars and cafes; and to visit gyms, fitness classes, theaters and other entertainment venues. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result are needed to gain entry to similar venues in New Orleans, and in O'ahu and Maui in Hawaii.

In California, proof of vaccination is required across many indoor venues in San Francisco and in Los Angeles County. It's also needed to visit theme parks such as Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags.

There are other cities and counties across the US where proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required as a condition of entry, so always check ahead before planning any travel. As a tourist, you'll need to have proof of vaccination to enter the US regardless,  so it's a good idea to keep that proof with you at all times to reduce the risk of being denied entry to certain places.

You might also like:
Planning a European trip? These countries are tightening restrictions for US travelers
Americans and Europeans can travel to Britain without quarantining from August

Vaccines, testing and tracing: What to know as the US updates its entry rules in November

There’s much more to Mykonos than its justifiably famous party scene. By day, more than two dozen beaches get hopping — there’s one for your every mood. Lounge around sunbathing and sipping cocktails or take the plunge and opt for adventure above or below the sparkling water’s surface.

On land, Mykonos may not be big, but it offers variety, especially in the hilly interior where tiny villages are a stark change of pace from busy Hora and its old town jammed with amusements.

And just offshore lies Delos island, a tiny but magnificent ancient sacred site. If you’re not careful, you’ll find so much to do that you might actually want to go to bed early!

Hora

Mykonos’s main town is the perfect introduction to the island and life in a traditional, pedestrian-friendly, busy Greek port. Its narrow lanes get packed with people in high season. They weave past a kaleidoscope of high-end boutiques, crammed shops selling essentials, lively cafes and top restaurants you’ll want to return to at night.

After getting jostled on the main streets, pick an emptier angle and veer off into Hora’s quieter corners to fully appreciate the island’s vibe and get a fresh view on those picture-perfect windmills. The town’s small, so you’ll never get lost for long.

Panagia Paraportiani

Though the translated name may be mundane (‘Our Lady of the Side Gate’), everything else about this geometric church complex is extraordinary. Five separate chapels are linked by a dazzling white-washed exterior under a low dome. Look for the subtle differences of the four on the ground-level, then find the tiny stairs leading to the fifth. It’s a brilliant look at the opulent decor favored by the Greek Orthodox faith.

Windmills

Stars of countless selfies, the seven windmills silently overlooking Hora’s harbor are icons of the island. Take the short walk up the small hill on which they perch and watch ferries arriving with ever-more holiday-makers. Stick around for one of the island’s best sunset views.

Rarity Gallery

On the edge of the old town section of Hora, this small gallery in a lovely historic manor house has ever-changing exhibitions of top contemporary painting, photography, design and more. Nearby you’ll find several more galleries with works for sale such as Art and Soul, which has been catering to high-end collectors for more than three decades.

Aegean Maritime Museum

Greeks have plied the sea for millennia. Plunge into the history of Aegean seafaring at this compact museum just south of Hora’s touristy hub. Out in its quiet garden, grab the wheel of an old sailing ship and imagine you’re Odysseus navigating to return to far-off Ithaca. Inside, browse models that recall the battle scene in the galley in Spartacus and navigate all manner of nautical memorabilia from across the centuries.

Megali Ammos Beach

Ten minutes after you arrive on Mykonos you can dive into the gentle waters at this sandy cove just a quick walk south of the port. Tavernas offer beachside food and drink as well as loungers and gear for watersports. If you’re staying in one of the many surrounding hotels, this spectacular beach will be your front yard.

Paradise Beach

First among the string of south coast beaches, Paradise is the place to revel in everything Mykonos is known for: fine golden sand, alluring azure water, tavernas and clubs ready to cater to almost any whim and a pervasive feeling of carefree pleasure. In summer the fun only pauses for an hour or two around sunrise.

Agios Sostis Beach

Partying crowds head to the south coast beaches, but the beach aficionados head to Agios Sostis for a quieter feel where its golden sand and blue water are the focus. The hours will roll past with barely a notice — rent a lounger and dine on Greek delicacies at the obliging taverna. If you feel the need for more of a buzz, adjoining Panormos Beach has daytime clubbing.

Ano Mera

Whether you’re hiking, biking or riding in a vehicle, the handful of tiny villages in Mykonos’s hilly interior are just a few minutes from Hora. Diminutive Ano Mera is notable for the white-washed Tourliani Monastery, which dates to the 16th century. Inside the domed church, you’ll discover gilded icons and historic artifacts. Afterwards, pause for a drink outside a village taverna.

Delos

At the top of Mykonos’s don’t miss list, the sacred and uninhabited island of Delos is barely 2km off the west coast. It’s the birthplace of the powerful twins of myth Apollo and Artemis, both fabled hunters, and holds the ruins of temples and treasuries. While you savor the rich archeological ruins of this once sprawling city, you can imagine the twins stalking the hills of the islet with their bows. In high season boats make the quick journey here from Hora several times daily.

Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

An essential stop before you take the short boat ride to Delos, this museum in Hora showcases ancient objects collected from the sacred island as well as other remarkable finds such as a beautiful marble torso of Hercules dating to the 2nd century BCE. Watch for creative rotating exhibitions that pair artifacts with contemporary art.

Watersports

On days when the winds preclude taking a boat to Delos, have a blast windsurfing the waves instead. Hora and many of Mykonos’s beaches are home to all manner of watersports centers where you can rent wakeboards, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and quite a bit more. New to some of that? Take lessons or join a guided group outing.

Diving

Explore wrecks, walls and caves beneath Mykonos’s famous blue waters with any of several good dive operators such as GoDive Mykonos and Mykonos Diving Center. Both offer guided trips, gear rental and PADI lessons.

Bike tours

The roads on Mykonos aren’t long, but they offer plenty for cyclists. Pedal the narrow backcountry lanes to Ano Mera or any of the more than two dozen beaches. Reward your explorations with a drink at a seaside taverna. Operators like Yummy Pedals offer bike rental, guided tours and loads of info and advice.

Sailing

Feeling the surge of a luxurious sailboat as the wind propels it through the swells is one of the classic Greek island thrills. Sailing around Mykonos is the best way to fully appreciate its filigreed coast rimmed with beaches and there’s no better way to reach Delos. Mykonos On Board offers tours and charters on its fleet of yachts and catamarans.

You may also like:
First time Mykonos: top tips for your first visit to the party island
Our big fat Greek to-do list: the best experiences in Greece
Everything you need to know about island hopping in Greece

Make the most of Mykonos: top things to do beyond the clubs

At the start of every November, millions of people across Mexico and beyond celebrate the lives of their dearly departed—with ofrendas (altars), calaveras (skulls), poetry and some of the most colorful face paint in the world.

The holiday is known as Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) and has its origins in Aztec and other pre-Hispanic cultures. These ancient peoples honored their dead in lengthy, summertime celebrations. These traditions evolved over time and became entwined with the Catholic beliefs of colonizers in the New World, shifting the timing of these celebrations to November 1st and 2nd (All Saints and All Souls Days, respectively).

Thousands of years later, Mexicans and people with Latin heritage continue to host a reunion of sorts with those they’ve lost on these two days. November 1 is reserved for the souls of children gone too soon, and families honor the rest of their dearly departed on November 2. Those who celebrate may create ofrendas with photos of the deceased, flowers, foods, and more so that the souls of those gone may return for a night. Some use catrinas (richly-dressed skeletons made popular by Mexican printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada). Many also head to cemeteries to clean up and leave offerings for lost friends and relatives.

In certain cities across the US, this tradition holds strong, with where large celebrations including parades and block-parties bring Mexican-Americans closer together. Here are some of the biggest, most authentic celebrations across the country.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

Los Angeles

Home to one of the largest Mexican diasporas, Los Angeles is host to a number of Día festivities. Over the past 30 years, Olvera Street is one of the most popular destinations, hosting events from October 25 through November 2. Community altars are displayed, processions happen nightly, and folks can even have their faces painted.

The other major celebration, LA Day of the Dead, occurs at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on October 31. Now in its 22nd year, 2021's events include cultural performances, Aztec rituals, a cathedral art exhibit, live music, a children’s plaza, and a massive altar competition with multiple $5,000 prizes.

Read more: 6 US cemeteries to visit the ghosts of the past

Chicago

The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago is one of the top Latinx museums in the nation, and it’s no wonder that they also host one of the largest Día celebrations as well. Known as Día de Los Muertos Xicágo, the annual event takes place both in the museum as well as in the surrounding outdoor areas (including Harrison Park).

Inside, visitors can check out Día de Muertos - A Time to Grieve & Remember, the museum's 35th annual Día exhibition, which pays tribute to those lost to COVID-19. Outside, families are invited to attend and create their own altars as well as enjoy live performances and delicious pan de muerto (a bread typically enjoyed on the holiday).

Read more: Let Chicago wow you this fall: here are the best things to do

San Antonio, Texas

Another city with a vibrant Mexican influence is San Antonio, which is where you’ll find the annual Muertos Fest. Taking place  downtown on October 23 and 24, this year's grand celebration features various cultural workshops, including mask- and flower-making, plus mariachis, dance performances, live poetry, and an incredible puppet procession. Add dozens of Mexican art and food vendors and you’ve got yourself quite the party.

Read more: 7 can't-miss neighborhoods in San Antonio, Texas

New York City

One of the largest Día festivities in the nation is the New York City Day of the Dead Festival in Staten Island (though it appears to be canceled this year). Two massive altars are created, including a communal one where guests can bring in photos and other offerings related to their deceased loved ones. The other giant ofrenda is dedicated to a specific Mexican region.

Mano a Mano, a local nonprofit celebrating Mexican culture, hosts another large, multi-day event . It's usually open to the general public, but 2021's event is ticketed and availability is limited, with festivities split between St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery from October 29 to 31 and uptown at Lincoln Center November 1 and 2. Live performances and a marketplace where folks can pick up ofrenda must-haves like papel picado (decorative perforated paper) , sugar skulls, and pan de muerto are among the highlights.

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum also hosts a celebration.

Read more: How to actually save money while visiting New York City

San Francisco

The Mission District is the place to be when celebrating Día in San Francisco. The annual Festival of Altars, hosted by the Marigold Project, takes place in Garfield Park. There's a massive procession, and attendees bring candles, flowers, and photos to leave at the communal altar, or create their own. This year the celebration is a virtual one, scheduled for November 2.

Locals can also visit the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts to check out the 35th annual Day of the Dead event, titled Ni Tanto Ni Tan Muertos— Neither So Much, Nor So Dead. Artists create installations dedicated to the holiday, which can be seen throughout October, with the main festivities (including live performances) taking place November 2.

Read more: 17 top things to do in San Francisco

Fort Lauderdale

South Florida is a melting pot of Latinx cultures, so it’s no wonder that it's now home to one of the most riveting Día events yet. Florida Day of Dead in Fort Lauderdale is best known for its amazing skeleton processional, led by mariachis and massive skeleton puppets (some towering at nearly 20 feet in height). If that doesn’t convince you, they’ve also got indigenous music and dance performances,  sugar-skull face-painting and mask- and puppet-making, a street festival with a folklórico stage, food trucks, and street performers, and of course, ofrendas.

Read more: Check out the artsy side of Fort Lauderdale while celebrating Dia de Muertos

Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Muertos y Marigolds Parade in New Mexico's South Valley is undoubtedly the largest Día celebration in town. Normally it begins with workshops (like face painting and calavera doll making) heading up to the big day, as well as a parade, delicious food from local vendors, and arts and crafts. This year, there's no parade; instead, there's a month-long community ofrenda exhibit at the Gutiérrez-Hubbell House Alliance, on view through November 13 and featuring 11 altars dedicated to South Valley people and causes.

As a whole, Albuquerque is home to a full month of activities dedicated to the holiday. This year, the non-profit Explora, for example, is partnering with the Mexican consulate on an ofrenda -oriented event, with details to be announced soon.

Read more: The best day trips from Albuquerque

Austin, Texas

Quirky Austin also boasts a grand Día de Muertos event called the Viva La Vida Festival, put on by the Mexic-Arte Museum, which typically draws thousands of attendees with a grand procession, an education pavilion with hands-on activities for all ages, folkloric ballet performances, and then some. Details are still in the works for 2021's event, but organizers are planning a smaller affair this year.

Read more: Why now is the perfect time to visit Austin (plus other times of year to go)

San Diego

San Diego hosts numerous Día events in October and November, including Sherman Heights Día de Los Muertos, which has face-painting and flower-crown workshops throughout the month, self-guided altar tours at the community center, and a candlelight processional on November 2, and City Heights Día de los Muertos, which features singing, dancing, and contests for best catrina and catrin.

Read more: Surf, sip and saunter through San Diego's ultra-cool neighborhoods

But Old Town’s Día de los Muertos celebration tends to command the most attention. The event is held at the town’s mercado (marketplace), where folks can usually enjoy a tour of more than 40 altars, take part in costume contests, walk in a candlelight procession, enjoy giant skeleton puppets, and of course, eat, drink, dance, and honor the departed. Things are scaled down a bit for 2021, with a mercado del arte on October 30, a traditional procession to El Campo Santo cemetery and its public altar on November 2, and nearly 20 ofrendas on display through November 15th.

You may also like:
Best places to see fall colors in the US
Día de Muertos: dancing with the dead in Mexico
Here's how you can celebrate Day of the Dead at home

9 US cities that do Día de Muertos right

Feeling like you're ready to get back into the race after more than a year and a half on the sidelines? We've got you.

Regardless of whether you've been using the pandemic era to condition and train or you are just now realizing it's your time to run, there's never a better time than now to start planning for a marathon. When it comes to the 26.2-mile journey, go big and go far from home. Traversing the globe one pace at a time, here are some of the best marathons to run this year. For the most comprehensive overview, check out our Epic Runs of the World guidebook.

Kingston City Marathon, Jamaica

When: TBD for 2022

To beat the hot Jamaican sun, this race starts early, at 4.30am, taking runners up through sleepy suburbs of Kingston to the city’s botanical gardens and back. It’s a hilly route and you’ll have to get a move on to finish before the sun really gets going around 7.30am. Jamaicans are better known for sprinting than marathons, so you may find yourself running alone once the small field spreads out. The best thing about running in Jamaica, however, is the post-race recovery — and the popular thing to do after the race is head to the nearby Hellshire or Fort Clarence beach, eat freshly caught fish and splash in the warm waves.

The best 6 parks in Jamaica

Paris Marathon, France

When: April 3, 2022

This is a mostly flat, fast Paris marathon course that takes in some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Starting on the Champs-Élysées, it winds past Notre Dame, the Place de la Bastille and the Eiffel Tower, through two of the city’s wooded parks and along the banks of the Seine before finishing on Avenue Foch in sight of the Arc de Triomphe. With 57,000 runners taking part, it’s one of the world’s biggest marathons, and while in previous years the race had a reputation for being ignored by Parisians, in recent years the crowd support has been whole-hearted and full-voiced. At 35km the organizers hand out cheese and wine, just to make sure you know exactly which city you’re running in. Registeration is now open.

Your essential guide to the arrondissements of Paris

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter .

Big Sur International Marathon, California, USA

When: April 24, 2022

While this is at times a challenging and hilly course, the Big Sur International Marathon is worth the effort, as it’s known as one of the most scenic and beautiful marathons in the world. It snakes through California ’s redwood forests and along the coast-hugging Hwy 1, offering runners spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Along the route there is an eclectic roster of live music to help keep you moving, including the surreal sight of a tuxedo-wearing musician playing a Grand Piano on the famous Bixby Creek Bridge at the halfway point.

The best places to visit in California from surf spots to mountain tops

Great Wall Marathon, China

When: May 21, 2022

So iconic you can see it from space (almost), the Great Wall of China also hosts one of the world’s toughest marathons. Aside from the heat – temperatures can reach close to 40°C during the race – the main challenge is the many steep climbs, including a total of 5164 steps. The event is a sellout each year with 2500 runners from over 60 nations taking part. As well as two lengthy sections along the top of the wall, the race offers some relief from the climbing with a flat section in the middle on asphalt and gravel roads, taking you on a tour through picturesque Chinese villages and rice fields.

The best time of year to visit China

Kenya Safari Marathon

When: TBD

Racing in Kenya is not for the faint-hearted. Beyond the competition of everyone, the biggest concern as you race Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is lions. And elephants, cheetahs, and rhinos. Don’t worry, though, the Kenya Safari Marathon in aid of Tusk — operating for more than 22 years, raising valuable funds for local community and wildlife projects — has you covered, with armed rangers dotted along the route and two helicopters patrolling the sky. The race offers runners a rare opportunity to cross the wild plains of east Africa on foot, passing herds of antelope and zebra along the way, and competing with (or trying to keep up with) the Kenyans.

Kenya's 10 best natural wonders

Berlin Marathon, Germany

When: September 25, 2022

If you hope to run a fast time, you may want to consider following in the footsteps of the greats with a jaunt around Berlin 's marathon course. One of the six "Major Marathons" (along with Tokyo, Boston, London, Chicago and New York), Berlin’s speedy course has seen 10 marathon world records, including all of the last seven men’s world records. The course is almost perfectly flat, as well as wide and straight, especially in the first two miles, which means you’re unlikely to get stuck in the crowd if you’re a hotrod speedster. The route is hardly boring, though, with the highlight the passage through the Brandenburg Gate near the end, a poignant symbol of the division that marked the city in the years before the Berlin Wall came down.

Berlin's best neighborhoods

Marathon du Medoc, France

When:  September 10, 2022

Serious marathon runners with their gels and Garmins may want to look away now. Runners in the Marathon de Medoc, which follows a scenic route through the region’s famous vineyards, are obliged to wear fancy dress and are expected to get involved at the 23 wine stops along the way. As well as glasses of the famed vintages, there are plenty of local food specialities on offer to help line the stomach – things like oysters, cheese, steak and ice-cream. It’s not your typical running fare, perhaps, but this isn’t your typical marathon. Expect fun and vomiting in equal measure.

14 places to go to enjoy the best of France

Loch Ness Marathon, Scotland

When: October 2, 2022

The black waters of Loch Ness have long held a fascination for visitors to Scotland, and not only because of the possibility of spotting the elusive Nessie. This may well be the UK’s most scenic marathon, following long stretches along the shoreline of the loch, with spectacular views of the Highlands across the water. A far cry from the bustle of city marathons, this race is friendly and informal with lots of local support – when you arrive at the finish in Inverness you’ll find a hot meal waiting for you.

The best things to do in Scotland from festivals to puffins and peaks

New York City Marathon, New York, USA

When: November 7, 2021

Racing down First Ave in Manhattan, the skyscrapers glinting in the sun, the cheering crowds five-deep on either side, is one of the most uplifting experiences in running. The New York City Marathon is a festival from start to finish, taking you on a tour of the city’s five boroughs, the roads lined the entire way with people encouraging you, holding up hilarious placards and handing out food and drink of every description. Just save a little energy for the rolling hills of Central Park at the end.

16 things you have to do in New York City

Athens Authentic Marathon, Greece

When: November 13-14, 2021

It was 490BC when Greek soldier Pheidippides ran 26 miles from the ancient city of Marathon to Athens to proclaim victory over the Persians in the battle of Marathon. The rest, as they say, is history. The Athens marathon follows in Pheidippides’ famous footsteps, crossing through the scenic hills outside the city (this is not a fast course) on the way to one of the greatest finishes in marathon running: a lap of the ancient Olympic stadium – which was also the venue for the first modern Olympics in 1896.

Unique flavors to savor when in Greece

You might also like:
Pace yourself: the world’s booziest races
8 of the most unusual fitness classes around the world
Pack your gym shorts: 9 unique sports to try on your travels in 2020

Run the world: the best marathons for 2021/2022

A grand city on a grand river, Liverpool was once a thriving home to industry and trade before post-war decline set in. Now with a rejuvenated waterfront and soundtrack by the greatest band of all, the city’s friendly character gives an added warmth to its wealth of unique attractions.

From the splendour of Pier Head and Sefton Park to the passion of its two famous football teams and the beat of the Cavern Club, Liverpool is a pulsating, happy city that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Here are a few ways to get the most out of a trip to Liverpool.

Cross the Mersey in the best way possible

You’ve probably heard the song (and yes, it does briefly get played onboard), but if you want to see Liverpool’s famous skyline in all its glory then there’s no better introduction than taking the ferry ‘cross the Mersey. Choose the River Explorer cruise and, along with the great views, you’ll also hear an expert commentary throughout the 50-minute journey pointing out less-heralded sights such as the multiclock-faced Victoria Tower and the imposing Wallasey Town Hall.

Enjoy a 360 view from Liverpool’s most famous building

Topped by its two mythical Liver Birds and boasting clock faces larger than Big Ben, the majestic Royal Liver Building on Pier Head is perhaps Liverpool’s most iconic sight.

Built in 1911, the Edwardian building soars to a height of 322 ft and it’s now possible to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city from its wind-whipped summit by taking the RLB360 tour. Just remember to hold onto any hats, as the strong gusts blasting in from the Mersey take no prisoners.

Learn about Liverpool's past

Despite its centuries-long, and continuing, impact on humanity there are not many museums that tell the story of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum, however, depicts the horrors of the slave trade and acknowledges Liverpool’s own significant role as a port city during that time.

Spread across three large rooms inside the Merseyside Maritime Museum, there is also a dedicated exhibition exploring the stories of the harrowing trans-Atlantic crossings. You won’t fully appreciate the history of Liverpool (or Britain) without a visit.

Visit two very different cathedrals

Words like yawning and cavernous don’t really do justice to the scale of Liverpool Cathedral, Britain’s largest religious building. Constructed between 1904 and 1978 in a gothic revival style, it needs to be visited for its grandeur to be appreciated. Also, don’t miss the beautiful Lady Chapel in the southeastern corner of the main building

Just a short 10-minute walk north lies Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, built for the city’s large Catholic community in the 1960s and one of Liverpool’s most distinct buildings. The outside may be eye-catching due to its conical shape but there’s plenty to see inside too. The colourful interior is striking, while downstairs the mysterious Lutyens Crypt tells the fascinating story of how this almost became the world’s second-largest cathedral.

See an iconic stadium up close

Stadium tours can often be a routine affair, but Anfield houses a whole host of fascinating stories, iconic scenes and original artefacts that take it beyond most tours of its kind.

Home to Liverpool Football Club since 1892, its passionate tour guides (especially season ticket-holding local Terry) will get you up close to the famous Kop End and into the team dressing rooms. You’ll also hear why there’s a mast of the SS Great Eastern in one corner of the stadium and how the split with fierce rival Everton occurred, dividing the city in two.

Discover Liverpool’s finest local creatives

Located inside an elegant redbrick Victorian building on the fringes of the sprawling 17-hectare Liverpool ONE shopping complex, MerseyMade is the charming antithesis to those familiar global brand names.

This friendly space is packed full of work by local artists and creatives, often proudly using distinct Liverpool iconography. They even have resident artists upstairs displaying their works; many are happy to chat and show you their studio. The Gordon Smith Cafe downstairs is a lovely spot for a coffee and a cake too.

Embrace the Fab Four

Whatever your musical tastes, you can’t come to Liverpool and pretend The Beatles never existed. Embrace the city’s most famous sons and see the sights and locations that formed and inspired the Fab Four.

While the Beatles Story is a good start for any fan, a night at the legendary Cavern Club or going to visit Penny Lane on the Magical Mystery Tour is where the fun really begins. Even better, take a tour of the Casbah Coffee Club basement to see where the Beatles played their very first gig in 1959

Escape the hum of the city in Sefton Park

Sandwiched by the neighbourhoods of Toxteth and Aigburth, Sefton Park is a vast 235-acre green space (one of many in Liverpool) that’s a world away from the bustle of the city centre.

Flat as a cricket pitch in parts, while rising and falling around charming lakes and wooded areas in others, it’s perfect for a morning or late afternoon stroll. And don’t forget to check out the impressive Grade-II listed Palm House and the bronze and marble statues of explorers of the natural world such as Charles Darwin and Carl Linnaeus.

Eat out in Lark Lane

If you’re taking a walk around the leafy climes of Sefton Park, there’s no better way to enjoy some post-walk refreshment than to finish amid the bright pubs, cafes and restaurants of Lark Lane.

In fact, you don’t really need any excuse to head out to this vibrant Aigburth street. Whether it’s eating Turkish BBQ at Elif or simply relaxing with a pint at traditional corner pub The Albert, Lark Lane is one of Liverpool’s liveliest neighbourhood quarters.

Tour the Georgian Quarter’s historic pubs

Speaking of quarters, the city’s Georgian Quarter is a well-preserved window into the past that’s now one of Liverpool’s most pleasant areas. With its handsome townhouses evoking the wealth of its status as a booming port city, these charming streets are a treat to stroll.

Drop into a few of its historic pubs, such as the ornate Peter Kavanagh’s or The Grapes on Roscoe Street. Located just off Hope Street, Ye Cracke was a favourite of John Lennon during his art school days.

Get crafty in the Baltic Triangle

While being the proud owner of some of the UK’s most ornate Victorian pubs, Liverpool hasn’t been afraid to move with the times, boasting a number of superb craft ale taprooms today.

Deep in the heart of the Baltic Triangle’s industrial chic, the likes of Love Lane Brewery and Black Lodge Brewing are home to cool airy spaces and fine craft beer. Though the pick of the bunch has to be the weird and wonderful Hobo Kiosk on Jamaica Street. With its bizarre decor and gregarious owners, this downstairs hideout guarantees good times.

Bring out your radical side at News from Nowhere

With bookshelf genres such as ‘anti-capitalism’, ‘radical futures’ and ‘questioning gender’, you know that News from Nowhere isn’t your average Waterstones. Offering the finest in alternative literature since 1974, this not-for-profit community bookshop fits perfectly within Bold Street’s independent stores and businesses.

As well as books, they also sell equally radical t-shirts, postcards and mugs if you want to display your convictions as well as read about them.

Feel the wind at Crosby Beach

If you want to escape the city for the day, perhaps head up to the soft sands of Crosby Beach for one of the UK’s most interesting landscapes. Looking out toward the Irish Sea, it’s particularly stunning at sunset though the beach is most famous for another reason.

Pockmarked by Antony Gormley’s 100 cast iron figures as part of his Another Place sculptures, Gormley’s work makes the view at Crosby Beach at once arresting and beautiful.

Explore The Bluecoat

Not only is Liverpool’s oldest building one of its prettiest, but The Bluecoat is also a quirky contemporary arts centre that’s home to several independent shops, a busy cafe and a peaceful back garden.

Located on School Lane in Liverpool’s busy shopping heart and dating back to 1716, it’s a fine place to escape the bustle and uncover unusual finds in the likes of Kernaghan Books. A rustic bookstore in the pleasant courtyard, its enticing old shelves are packed with out of print and secondhand books.

Look up

Second only to London for having the most listed buildings in the UK, one of the more striking things about a walk through Liverpool is the grandeur of its architecture. With the city’s well-documented economic struggles during the 1970s and 1980s, it’s easy to forget how powerful Liverpool once was.

While the “Three Graces” on Pier Head ( Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building) garner much of the attention, check out some of the neoclassical architecture around Lime Street Station (itself impressive) such as the World Museum and St George’s Hall.

You might also like:
How to get around in England
An architectural tour of Liverpool’s fascinating history
The Beatles in Liverpool: A Fab Four fan’s guide

The best things to do in Liverpool this weekend

Picture the scene: you’re gliding along a road curling around a snowy hillside. On your right, a steep, rocky slope, the top shrouded in fog. On your left, the surf beats against vertical cliffs, with sea birds circling overhead. Before you, the crystal blue waters of yet another fjord stretches out to the horizon.

Driving in Iceland is a dreamy experience, and having your own set of wheels offers the freedom to explore the country at your own pace. To this end, there’s no better feeling than heading out and seeing where the road takes you. But, should you require a little more structure to your overland odyssey, we’ve selected eight unforgettable Iceland road trips to get you started.

The Blue Diamond

Start/End – Keflavík International Airport; Distance – approx 50-70 miles (75-115 km)

From Keflavík International Airport, the Blue Diamond tourist route loops around the otherworldly lava landscapes of Reykjanes Peninsula, through quiet seaside villages and the wondrous Reykjanes Geopark, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015.

Nowhere else are the borders between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates as visible. All around are signs of geothermal and volcanic activity: the milky blue waters of Blue Lagoon steam into the sky, while the ongoing volcanic eruption in Geldingadalir (which began in March 2021 and is still happening; there’s even a live feed!) continues to wow visitors.

There are many more discoveries to be made on the route, including the windswept shore by Reykjanes lighthouse and Kleifarvatn lake (home, according to legend, to a wormlike monster the size of a whale), and there’s a myriad of hiking trails. You can do a roundtrip in less than a day, but it’s worth staying for a few days to fully explore the region.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

Alternative Golden Circle

Start/End – Reykjavík; Distance – approx 140 miles (225 km)

For a different take on the Golden Circle – Iceland’s most popular day tour – try Nesjavallaleið (Road 435) which is open in the summer. It slings through moss-covered lava landscapes and up and down steep hills, with a breathtaking view of Þingvallavatn lake in the distance. Along the road are quite a few marked hiking trails, beckoning roadtrippers to temporarily ditch the car and get up-close-and-personal with the stunning landscape.

Puffs of steam are the telltale sign that you’re approaching Nesjavallavirkjum Power Plant and the exclusive ION Adventure Hotel. The road continues along placid lakes, including Úlfljótsvatn with a lonely church on its banks. You drive through a summer house region – where city dwellers go for weekend breaks – and then onto the main road past the perfectly-circular Kerið crater lake, one of the obligatory Golden Circle stops.

After gawking at Gullfoss waterfall and spying Geysir (from which all other geysers take their name!), you can drive back via Þingvellir National Park with a quick visit to the curious caves houses of Laugarvatnshellar. Bookworms should also consider making a stop at Gljúfrasteinn museum in Mosfellsdalur. The museum is the former home of prominent Icelandic writer Halldór Laxness, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955.

Remote East Fjords

Start/End – Egilsstaðir; Distance – approx 510 miles (820 km)

Set up camp in Egilsstaðir and you’ll be in prime position to uncover the magical East Fjords. First, visit the village of Vopnafjörður, home to Selárlaug, a swimming pool on the banks of a salmon-filled river, which is also popular for fishing. In summer, you could cross the spectacular mountain pass Hellisheiði eystri (Road 917) to get here – but with its narrow and steep gravel road, it’s not for the faint hearted.

Regardless, take the easy way back (Road 85 and Road 1) to Borgarfjörður eystri, and recharge at the village of Bakkagerði with a hotel and spa, puffing watching house and popular music festival Bræðslan, held in July. It’s also a good base for hiking in the stunning surroundings, with the trek to Stórurð, a turquoise lake enclaved by massive boulders, a particularly popular route.

You must return to Egilsstaðir before moving on to the next fjords on the route: Eskifjörður and Neskaupstaður. Here, the maritime heritage of this region is honored in elegantly renovated historic houses: Randulfssjóhús in Eskifjörður and Beituskúrinn in Neskaupstaður; both of which now function as excellent, atmospheric restaurants. Drive back through Fáskrúðsfjörður to Stöðvarfjörður, where Petra’s Stone Collection museum amazes, showcasing the sheer variety of minerals that can be found in the mountains in the country’s east. From here, it’s a straight run back to Egilsstaðir for the last time – remember to watch out for reindeer!

The Best of the West by road and ferry

Start/End – Reykjavík; Distance – approx 475 miles (765 km)

On the way to the Westfjord from Reykjavík, you’ll drive through the rural region of Dalir. Here, dairy farm Erpsstaðir makes for a great first pitstop on the journey, where you can learn about traditional farming life and sample the homemade cheeses and other treats. There are also a number of historical sites nearby, including Eiríksstaðir, a living museum about life in the Viking era, and Guðrúnarlaug, the replica of the pool where the beautiful heroine of Laxdæla saga (one of the famous medieval Icelandic sagas) used to bathe.

Leaving Dalir in the rearview mirror, the first Westfjordian town you’ll reach is Reykhólar, home to Sjávarböðin, a spa specialising in seaweed baths (said to have all manner of healing properties). From here, the drive along the peninsula’s southern coast on steep gravel roads is both awe-inspiring and borderline scary, but your reward is a stroll on red-sand beach Rauðasandur and the view from Látrabjarg, Iceland’s westernmost point. Látrabjarg is also a haven for birdlife, with thousands of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots, nesting in the cliffs.

You can take the ferry from Brjánslækur back, via Flatey, an idyllic island which seems to be frozen in time. It used to be the bustling center of the Breiðafjörður islands, but today, only seven people live there year-round. From here, the ferry takes you onwards to Stykkishólmur on Snæfellsnes, entering via a beautiful harbour overlooked by a distant lighthouse. It’s a view that might tempt you to stay a while; if you do, make sure to check out the Library of Water, a modern art museum, and sample the locally-sourced seafood on offer at Sjávarpakkhúsið.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Start/End – Reykjavík; Distance – approx 275 miles (440 km)

In clear weather you can see the alluring ice cap Snæfellsjökull from Reykjavík. The drive there is an adventure with ever-changing landscapes. You’ll find sand and pebble beaches, volcanoes, a glacier and rhyolite mountains, lava fields and grassy terrain, caves, bird-filled cliffs and waterfalls.

The peninsula’s southern side is graced by white-sand beach Löngufjörur, a hotspot for horseback riding, the otherworldly lava landscape around Búðir and the many wonders of Snæfellsjökull National Park.

On the northern side there are charming fishing villages and Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains – particularly popular when the northern lights are out. Although it’s possible to do a whirlwind tour of Snæfellsnes in a day, you can easily spend a few: hiking, bird watching, sailing or simply taking in the views of the immense glacier.

Ring Road plus Kjölur

Start/End – Reykjavík; Distance – approx 856 miles (1,378 km)

Spice up your Ring Road (Route 1) adventure by cutting through the barren interior of the country. Road 35, which splinters off from Route 1 past Gullfoss waterfall, continues along the ancient Kjölur route between glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. It’s an F-road, so it requires a 4x4 vehicle and is only open in the summer, but it is not as difficult as some of the other highland routes (for example, there are no river crossings.)

Around the halfway point is Hveravellir, an oasis of sorts in the snowy desert landscape, with a lodge, natural pool for bathing and a multicolor geothermal area with marked hiking trails, including to Kerlingarfjöll mountains. You enter the Ring Road again about an hour’s drive from Akureyri, the “capital” of the north, which is great for catching up on some culture, visiting galleries or having a night on the town (with at least three bars to choose from!)

The Ring Road will take you from fjord to fjord, past eerie mountains and into quiet seaside villages. Fáskrúðsfjörður is known for a museum which honors the legacy French sailors, located inside the beautifully renovated French hospital. In Breiðdalsvík drop by microbrewery Beljandi (named after a waterfall by the same name) and in Djúpivogur take a look at the granite egg sculptures in Gleðivík by renowned artist Sigurður Guðmundsson.

Diamond Circle

Start/End – Húsavík; Distance – approx 155 miles (250 km)

North Iceland’s answer to the Golden Circle is the Diamond Circle. Make your base in the whale watching town of Húsavík and head east to Ásbyrgi at the northern realms of Vatnajökull National Park. The horseshoe shaped canyon is characterized by vertical cliffs – walk to the top of Eyjan for an amazing view of the sand beaches to the north and the North Atlantic. This is gyrfalcon territory, the largest falcon in the world, so keep an eye out for the majestic raptors.

With its lovely lake, lava fields, steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs, the Mývatn area is an obligatory stop on the drive back to Húsavík. Take time to marvel at the mighty Goðafoss waterfall in Skjálfandafljót. It’s called “waterfall of the gods” because legend has it that the lawspeaker (a role in ancient Scandinavian society where someone is entrusted to recite the law) Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan sculptures in the falls after deciding that Icelanders should convert to Christianity in 1000AD. Further upstream is Aldeyjarfoss, another spectacular waterfall surrounded by columnar basalt.

Don’t forget to reserve some time for Húsavík itself, a bustling town with interesting museums and fabulous seafood restaurants. Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths are perched up on Húsavíurhöfði next to a yellow lighthouse with an unobstructed view of the whale watching boats on Skjálfandi bay.

Arctic Coast Way

Start – Hvammstangi; End – Bakkafjörður; Distance – approx 560 miles (900 km)

Designed for slow travel, the Arctic Coast Way slings along Iceland’s northern coastline, encompassing sleepy villages, six islands and amazing natural sites few people get to see. The route starts at the seal-watching town Hvammstangi in Northwest Iceland and ends in windblown Bakkafjörður in the northeast. On route, drivers will encounter dramatic views, lonely lighthouses, and some interesting stories.

At Þrístapar, you can learn about the gruesome fate of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the heroine of Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites who was the last woman executed in Iceland. At Brimslóð in Blönduós, there’s the option to go foraging for your dinner, and in Skagaströnd have your fortune told at the museum of Þórdís the Prophetess. In summer, the midnight sun bounces off the ocean surface, and in winter, the northern lights dance across the night sky in between blinking stars – far from light pollution.

Other interesting stops include Hvítserkur sea stack, the massive Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn, an ancient stone monument inspired by Norse mythology, and the gannet colony at Stóri Karl on Langanes. Take your time to explore on foot, or book whale watching, kayaking or diving tours for a different perspective of this wild coastal region.

You might also like:
How to explore Iceland on a budget
A regional guide to Europe's best road trips
The magical beaches of Iceland

This article was first published in October 2020.

8 unforgettable road trips in Iceland

One of the world's most popular travel destinations, France is the land of love, fine wine, gratifying gastronomy and landmarks that feature on pretty much every bucket list. If you haven't been to France, so they say, you haven't lived.

There's so much to take in: world-class art and architecture; gorgeous beaches; medieval market towns; vibrant cities; Renaissance châteaux; phenomenal cuisine; sprawling vineyards; magnificent landscapes; and the mountain wonders of the Alps and Pyrennes. So how do you decide where to go on your visit to France? To help you plan your trip, here are the country's highlights.

Paris

The city of Paris is awash with world-class landmarks that need no introduction – the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Cœur among them, along with a trove of smaller specialist museums and galleries. More than six million people visit the Eiffel Tower annually, and a visit is magical, whether you come for an evening ascent amid twinkling lights over a flute of Champagne or a lazy lunch in one of its restaurants.

But a just-as-integral part of Paris' attraction is simply flânerie – city strolling without any particular goal in mind. You'll discover lesser-known sights, from laid-back parks and hidden squares to vibrant street art and cute bars and brasseries, with plenty of surprises along the way.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

Mont St-Michel, Normandy

The dramatic play of tides on this abbey-island in Normandy is magical and mysterious. The rich history and legends of Mont St-Michel can be keenly felt as you make your way across the bridge – or barefoot across rippled sand – to its stunning architectural ensemble. Celtic mythology marks this spot as a tomb for the souls of the dead, and subsequent Christian residents topped the island with soaring abbey spires.

When the tide is out, you can walk all the way around Mont St-Michel, a distance of about 0.6 miles (1km), with a guide (doing so on your own is very risky). The Mont’s one main street, the Grande Rue, leads up the slope to the abbey, passing souvenir stores and places to eat. Be prepared for lots of steps, some of them spiral – it’s one of the least accessible sites in France.

Chamonix

Mountains loom large almost everywhere you look in Chamonix, the birthplace of mountaineering and a famous winter playground to the rich, famous and not-so-famous. At this iconic French Alps ski resort, snow-sports fiends fly down slopes on skis or boards, surrounded by breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and surrounding mountains. But there's absolutely no obligation to take to the pistes: nonskiers can hop aboard the Aiguille du Midi cable car – and onwards to Italy aboard the Télécabine Panoramique Mont Blanc – for the ride of a lifetime above 3800m. In the summer months, enjoy hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails.

The Normandy Beaches

A trip to the thought-provoking D-Day Beaches is one of France's most emotional journeys. From the coastal port of Le Havre, you can follow the shoreline past broad stretches of fine sand and breeze-blown bluffs that echoed with a cacophony of gunfire and explosions during WWII. The Normandy landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history – and one of the most tragic. While you try to comprehend the vastness of what happened here, roam north to Étretat for some peaceful contemplation amongst the chalk cliffs and arches.

The most famous of the D-Day beaches, Omaha Beach, is backed by long rows of symmetrical gravestones at the Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial – a solemn, silent testament to the profound price paid for France's liberation from Nazi tyranny. Caen ’s Le Mémorial and Bayeux ’ Musée Mémorial provide comprehensive overviews of the events of D-Day. Dozens of villages near the landing beaches also have museums focusing on local events.

Carcassonne

Perched on a rocky hilltop and bristling with zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne in the Languedoc looks like something out of a children’s storybook. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it’s most people’s idea of the perfect medieval castle – that first glimpse of it is enough to make your hair stand on end.

To properly savor this fairy-tale walled city, linger at dusk after the crowds have left, when the old town belongs to its 100 or so inhabitants and the few visitors staying at the handful of lovely hotels within its ramparts. Don't forget to look back when you leave to view the old city, beautifully illuminated, glowing in the warm night.

Champagne

Famous-name Champagne houses in the main towns of Reims and Épernay are celebrated the world over. But much of Champagne 's finest liquid gold is created by passionate, small-scale vignerons (winegrowers) in drop-dead-gorgeous villages. Exploring the region's scenic routes by bike or car is by far the loveliest way to sample fine bubbly, in a landscape of rolling vineyards.

Cellar visits reveal the magical processes – governed by the strictest of rules – that transform the world’s most pampered pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay grapes into this Unesco World Heritage-listed region’s most fabled wines. Explore the region’s best Champagne museum, the Musée de la Vigne et du Vin, in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, followed by a tasting and lunch in the village at Le Mesnil.

The Loire Valley

If it's aristocratic pomp and architectural splendor you're after, the regal Loire Valley is the place to linger. The valley is riddled with beautiful châteaux sporting glittering turrets and ballrooms, lavish cupolas and chapels. To be blinded by brilliance, you can’t miss the big three: François I’s country extravaganza Chambord; Renaissance-era, river-spanning Chenonceau; and the supremely graceful – and superbly furnished – Cheverny.

If you're a hopeless romantic seeking the perfect fairy-tale castle, head for moat-ringed Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry and its gardens, and less-visited Château de Beauregard. Flowing for more than 620 miles (1000km) into the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire is one of France's last fleuves sauvages (untamed rivers) and its banks provide a 1000-year snapshot of French high society.

Nice and the Three Corniches

With its mix of real-city grit, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine, vibrant street life and stunning sand, Nice is extraordinary. Officially there are 25 named beaches strung out along the Baie des Anges, some of which are free, others of which are for paying sun-seekers only. One of the best ways to appreciate the coastline is outside the city on the drive between Nice and Monaco, one of France's best road trips.

The Three Corniches is a dramatic trio of coastal roads, each one higher and more winding than the next, but all offering absorbing views of the sweeping blue sea fringing Europe's most mythical coastline. It's impossible to drive this route without conjuring up cinematic images of Grace Kelly, Alfred Hitchcock, the glitz of Riviera high life, and the glamour of the Monaco set. To make a perfect day out of it, shop for a picnic at the Cours Saleya morning market before leaving Nice.

Lyon

Outstanding museums, a dynamic cultural life, busy clubbing and drinking scenes, a thriving university and fantastic shopping lend Lyon a distinctly sophisticated air. Lyon is also celebrated as the gastronomic capital of France (though many other cities also claim the crown). Adventurous gourmands can indulge in their wildest foodie fantasies – you won't want to leave the city without sampling some Lyonnais specialties in a bouchon (small bistro). Local cuisine together with quaint culinary customs, such as totting up the bill on the paper tablecloth, or serving wine in a glass bottle wrapped with an elastic band to stop drips, make Lyon's bouchons unique even in foodie France.

Pont du Gard, Nîmes

Southern France has no shortage of superb Roman sites, but nothing can top the Unesco World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard, which lies about one mile (2km) south of the village of Vers-Pont-du-Gard. One of the most impressive surviving Roman ruins in Europe, this exceptionally well-preserved aqueduct is simply remarkable. Thirty-five arches straddle the Roman aqueduct's 275m-long upper tier, containing a watercourse that was designed to carry 20,000 cubic meters of water per day.

At the visitors center on the northern bank, there's an impressive, high-tech museum explaining more about the bridge, the aqueduct and the role of water in Roman society. View the bridge from afloat a canoe on the River Gard and take your swimming gear for some daredevil diving and high jumping from the rocks nearby. Pont du Gard is an easy day trip from towns such as Nîmes, Uzès and Avignon, but there are also places to stay within walking distance.

Dune du Pilat, Pyla-sur-Mer

It is for one reason alone that most people venture to pretty Pyla-sur-Mer: to excitedly scamper up, and frolic on, the curvaceous sands of Europe's largest sand dune. The Dune du Pilat is a "mountain" that has to be climbed, and gleefully romped down at speed. Not only is the coastal panorama from the top a stunner – ogle at the Banc d'Arguin bird reserve and Cap Ferret across the bay – but nearby beaches have some of the Atlantic Coast's best surf. Cycle here from Arcachon and feast afterward on locally farmed oysters and crepinettes (local sausages) at place-to-be-seen La Co(o)rniche.

Alsatian Wine Route

The Route des Vins d'Alsace is one of France's most popular drives – and for good reason. Starting from Strasbourg, you can meander through a kaleidoscope of lush green vines, perched castles and gentle mist-covered mountains. The only pit stops en route are half-timbered villages and roadside wine cellars, where fruity Alsace vintages can be swirled, tasted and bought. To be truly wooed, drive the Route in fall (autumn) when vines are heavy with grapes waiting to be harvested and colors are at their vibrant best.

Carnac's megaliths

Spreading out across the plains inland from the Baie de Quiberon, the megaliths of Carnac are one of the great wonders of the ancient world – a huge complex of ancient stone alignments, constructed by Neolithic people between 5000 BCE and 3500 BCE. The best way to appreciate the stones' sheer numbers is to walk or bike between the Ménec and Kerlescan groups. Pedaling past open fields dotted with these mysterious standing stones raises some fascinating questions about Brittany 's ancient human inhabitants.

No one knows for sure what inspired these gigantic structures to be built. A sun god? Some phallic fertility cult? Find out more at the Maison des Mégalithes in Carnac. Afterward, mull over the mystery on La Grande Plage, Carnac’s longest and most popular beach, with a 2km-long stretch of pearly white sand.

Southern France's hilltop villages

Impossibly perched on a rocky peak above the Mediterranean, gloriously lost in the backcountry, fortified or château-topped… The portfolio of villages perchés dotted around the Luberon massif is vast and impressive. Exploring these loft settlements calls for go-slow touring on foot, by bicycle or car. Most villages are medieval, built from golden stone and riddled with cobbled lanes, flower-filled alleys and hidden squares silent but for the glug of a fountain.

You'll find spellbinding views of the Med and windy pebbled lanes in magical Èze near Nice, while sand-colored Gordes is arguably the most dramatic of all the Luberon's hillside villages. Combine a village visit with lunch alfresco – Restaurant Dan B near Aix-en-Provence is one dreamy address that you'll never want to leave.

You might also like:
France’s 10 most stunning road trips
First-time France: where to go and what to do
Best things to do with kids in France

14 places to go to enjoy the best of France

With its lively streets layered with history, just walking around Istanbul is an attraction in itself. You can feast on street food for pocket change or visit the city’s marvelous mosques, markets and parks for no cost at all.

Here are the best free things to see and do in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest metropolis.

1. Süleymaniye Mosque

Splendid Ottoman-era mosques, all free to visit, top the historic seven hills of Istanbul's Old City and adorn many streets. The elegant Süleymaniye Mosque is the finest of them all, with a grand complex of buildings around it, and an impressive perch overlooking the Golden Horn.

2. Rüstem Paşa Mosque

Tucked away in the bustling market streets of Eminönü, the intimate Rüstem Paşa Mosque boasts wonderfully rich tile work. As with all mosques, non-worshippers should avoid going inside at prayer times, which are displayed near the entrance. All visitors must dress modestly, and women must cover their heads.

3. Gülhane Park

Two favorite local pastimes are picnicking and promenading, and there are some lovely parks and gardens in Istanbul open to the public. With its stately old trees and winding paths, Gülhane Park – once part of the Topkapı Palace gardens – is particularly beautiful.

4. Aqueduct of Valens

The 4th-century Aqueduct of Valens once carried water into Istanbul and is still an impressive sight, towering over a multi-lane roadway. The Women's Bazaar that sits in its shadow is a colorful neighbourhood square lined with popular kebab restaurants.

5. Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

Often referred to as the world’s oldest mall, the Grand Bazaar sprawls over 61 covered and maze-like streets. The best exploring is in the crumbling hans (caravanserais) along its fringes where a few artisans still ply their long-practiced trades. Alternatively, get a sense of vibrant local life in the streets behind the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü.

6. Wednesday Market in Fatih

Traditional weekly street markets retain a loyal following, despite the proliferation of modern malls and grocery stores. The Wednesday Market in Fatih, which tumbles through the streets surrounding the Fatih Mosque, is among the biggest and best. On Saturdays, head to Feriköy for Turkey’s first organic bazaar.

7. Kadıköy Produce Market

A stroll through the Kadıköy Produce Market, a lively strip of mostly open-air shops near the ferry port, makes for great photographic opportunities, with its colorful, carefully arranged displays of olives, produce, dried fruit and nuts, fish, cheese, pickles and more.

8. Church of St. Stephen of the Bulgars

Istanbul has a number of still-functioning Christian churches, many with great historical significance. Perhaps the most distinctive is the Church of St. Stephen of the Bulgars, built from cast-iron pieces shipped in from Vienna. The nearby Patriarchal Church of St. George is the symbolic headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church.

9. Hünkâr Kasrı

This private pavilion used by the sultan during his visits to the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) is resplendent with tiles, carpets, inlaid wood and stained glass. Access to the Hünkâr Kasrı is through a long enclosed ramp behind the mosque.

10. Pera Museum

Well-curated temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and a fine collection of Turkish Orientalist paintings are the draws at the Pera Museum, which offers free admission every Friday between 6pm and 10pm.

11. Eyüp Sultan Mosque

One of the most sacred sites in the city, Eyüp Sultan Mosque is surrounded by grand tomb complexes and a leafy cemetery stretching up the hillside, affording fine views of the Golden Horn from the top.

12. SALT Galata

Housed in the beautifully restored former headquarters of the Imperial Ottoman Bank, SALT Galata is a cultural center and library that hosts exhibitions and special events. Its sister institution up the hill, SALT Beyoğlu, is worth a visit too.

13. Beyoğlu art galleries

Istanbul’s vibrant contemporary art scene is on display throughout the Beyoğlu district. A range of intriguing galleries and cultural centers – including Mesher, Akbank Art, DEPO, Galerist, Galata Rum Okulu, Mixer and Anna Laudel – host rotating exhibitions that can be visited for free.

14. Yıldız Park

Well-kept paths, plenty of trees and some charming Ottoman-era pavilions make hilly Yıldız Park in Beşiktaş a lovely place for a picnic or a stroll. Further up the Bosporus, Emirgan Park is especially popular during the Istanbul Tulip Festival each April, when millions of bulbs planted around the city bloom in a riot of colors. Maçka Park in Şişli is a favorite place for locals to while away a sunny weekend afternoon.

15. Istanbul Research Institute

From urban planning to street animals, the Istanbul Research Institute presents different, often lesser-known, aspects of the city’s history through exhibitions that draw on its rich archival collection. The nearby Koç University Research Centre for Anatolian Civilizations does similarly with Turkey’s archaeological heritage.

16. Aşiyan Museum

The sweeping panorama of the Bosporus may be its most eye-popping feature, but the Aşiyan Museum also offers a glimpse into early 20th-century upper-class life in Istanbul. Full of vintage furniture and photographs, this sweet little house-museum was once home to noted poet Tevfik Fikret.

17. Şerefiye Sarnıcı

Two underground cisterns (underground water storage) dating back to Byzantine times can be visited for free in Sultanahmet. One is the restored Şerefiye Sarnıcı (Theodosius Cistern), opened in 2018, which sometimes hosts concerts and art exhibitions. The other can be found in the basement of the Nakkaş carpet store.

18. Turkish Hamam Culture Museum

You won’t get a scrub, but you will get an insight into the hamam (Turkish bath) tradition at the Turkish Hamam Culture Museum, where bathing accessories and depictions of the ritual are displayed in the restored chambers of an early-16th-century bath.

19. Hippodrome

Not much remains of the Byzantines’ old chariot-racing venue, but the historic Hippodrome in Sultanahmet is still an evocative place to take a stroll.

20. Beyazıt State Library

The oldest and largest library in Istanbul, the architecturally impressive Beyazıt State Library is worth a peek for its multi-domed reading room and artful restoration blending old and new.

You might also like:
Exploring Istanbul's hip, historical Fener and Balat neighborhoods
Local's guide to Istanbul
A day out in Istanbul's bustling Beşiktaş

All Stories

Family holiday to France? Children over the age of 12 must now have a health pass

Vaccines, testing and tracing: What to know as the US updates its entry rules in November

Make the most of Mykonos: top things to do beyond the clubs

9 US cities that do Día de Muertos right

Run the world: the best marathons for 2021/2022

The best things to do in Liverpool this weekend

8 unforgettable road trips in Iceland

14 places to go to enjoy the best of France

The 20 best things to do in Istanbul that don't cost a thing

Featured in Best in Travel 2021

British Columbia & The Canadian Rockies

Canada

Region

San Diego

USA

City

The United Kingdom

Europe

Region

Antigua & Barbuda

Caribbean

Country