Travel Europe Articles
101: Travel: Paris - Sacré Coeur
The site of Sacré Coeur has long been an attraction for religious figures and groups. Though dedicated to peace and brotherhood, the building owes its birth on the site to the misfortunes of war and violence.
102: Travel: Paris - Notre Dame
Second only to the Eiffel Tower as the recognized symbol of France, the Cathédrale Notre Dame is both a tourist destination and a working church.
103: Travel: Paris - Montmartre
Montmartre is a fascinating mixture of old and new, seedy and sacred, bizarre and blasé. Within this section of Paris, technically the 18th arrondissement, there is everything from Moulin Rouge and Musée d'Erotisme to the Sacré Coeur Basilica. There are several art shops, a Dali museum and even a winery.
104: Travel: Paris - Maison de Victor Hugo
'Maison' is French for 'house'. In this case the word is slightly misleading. While no palace, though sited in the Place des Vosges - originally known as Place Royale - the site is no simple domicile. These sprawling apartments were the home of the famed writer between 1832 and 1848. Hugo fled from the revolution in that year.
105: Travel: Paris - La Ville Lumière
Translated from the French, the title means 'City of Lights'. By now a commonplace description, there's nothing commonplace about the place. Paris, for those who love... well, anything, is stellar.
106: Travel: Paris - Disneyland Paris
Affectionately known as DLP by Mouseketeers the world over, Disneyland Paris is a cornucopia of rides, restaurants, exhibits and all out fun for everyone. And in the last few years the fun has been doubled as Disney added the Walt Disney Studios park to an already jam packed adventure.
107: Travel: Paris - Champs-Elysées
Not merely a boulevard, the Champs-Elysées has justly earned its name. In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields was the resting place of heroes who dwelt in perfect happiness. Fortunately, visitors don't have to die to reach it. Though you may think so after making your way through the French airports and into Paris.
108: Travel: Paris - Pompidou Center
Known to Parisians simply as Beaubourg (after the neighborhood), The Centre National d'Art et de Culture Georges-Pompidou is a museum of modern art rivaling the best in New York or London.
109: Travel: Paris - Arc de Triomphe
Though less artistic than its older cousin of Porte Saint-Denis, the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile is the more famous and far larger. Set atop the hill of Chaillot it forms the center from which radiates a dozen busy Parisian avenues.
110: Madrid - The Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor remains one of Madrid's chief tourist attractions. Though called by many names over the centuries and subject to several fires, it retains its allure. The reasons are not hard to find. While not an architectural work of art, the plaza is one of the best places in Madrid to relax and watch the blend of citizen and visitor.
111: Madrid - Shopping In Madrid
While perhaps not as well known for it as London or New York, Madrid has dozens of excellent places to shop. Whether you're looking for a valuable antique or just a simple gift for someone back home, Madrid has much to offer. You may be looking for exclusive shops - of which there are many, or you may want a flea market atmosphere. Madrid has it all.
112: Madrid - Retiro Park
While Parque del Buen Retiro (at about 300 acres) is much smaller than New York's Central Park (840 acres) it is nonetheless magnificent. Filled with beautiful sculpture and monuments, a peaceful lake and host to a variety of events, it is rightfully one of Madrid's premier attractions.
113: Madrid - Queen Sofia Art Center
Located at Calle Santa Isabel 52, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is just the ticket for fans of Picasso, Miro, Solana and other notable Spanish artists.
114: Madrid - Puerta del Sol
Spanish for 'Gate of the Sun', Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid's most popular tourist destinations. At its center lies the paving slab just outside the Casa de Correos that marks the spot from which radiates the six main highways traversing Spain. It is a good point from which to begin to explore this delightful part of the city.
115: Madrid - Palacio Real
Second only to Versailles in size and splendor, the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Madrid is an architectural marvel and a treasure trove. Nearly three thousand rooms, with 240 balconies and over forty staircases, this magnificent work is one of Madrid's major tourist attractions.
116: Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
The name may be a challenge for English speakers, but Madrid's newest art museum is very easy to love for individuals of any nationality. Drawn from the possessions collected over generations of a wealthy family, the contents form one of the greatest gatherings of paintings in the world.
117: Madrid - Museo del Prado
One of the most visited tourist spots in Madrid, the Prado Museum is home to over 7,000 paintings. Though the emphasis is heavily on the three most famous Spanish masters - Goya, Velázquez and El Greco - there are major and minor masterpieces from dozens of other artists.
118: Madrid - Convent of the Royal Barefoot Sisters
Barefoot nuns might sound like the premise for a comedy skit, but rest assured these sisters are no joke. The Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales is both a functioning convent and a treasure trove of art.
119: Madrid - City of Art and Life
Madrid has a long and complex history. Center of power of a monarchy that for centuries ruled half the world, it is now one of the major tourist spots of Europe. Once ground zero of the Spanish Inquisition it is now best known for its zestful nightclubs, outstanding shopping centers and life-celebrating art.
120: Madrid - Biblioteca Nacional
Going to a library isn't most tourists idea of a good time. But if you visit Madrid and don't stop in to the Biblioteca Nacional for at least an hour you'll be missing out on one of the city's finest attractions.
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