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Time Business News
10-07-2025
- Time Business News
Top 10 Cultural Experiences in France for Curious Travelers
France is a country that effortlessly blends art, history, gastronomy, and local traditions, offering travelers a culturally rich experience that goes far beyond iconic landmarks. From the bustling streets of Paris to the quiet vineyards of Bordeaux, France invites travelers to discover its vibrant heritage, artistic legacy, and regional customs that have been preserved and celebrated for centuries. Here are the top 10 cultural experiences in France for curious travelers looking to explore the country beyond typical tourist routes. No cultural trip to France is complete without visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris, the world's largest art museum and a historic monument. Home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and thousands of other masterpieces, the Louvre offers a journey through centuries of art and culture. Take a guided tour to understand the stories behind these artworks and the architectural evolution of the Louvre itself, which was once a royal palace before becoming a museum. Bordeaux is synonymous with wine, and exploring this region offers travelers a deep dive into France's winemaking traditions. Visit family-owned vineyards to learn about the art of viticulture, take part in wine-tasting sessions, and walk through centuries-old cellars where some of the world's best wines are aged. Many vineyards also offer pairing experiences with local cheeses and delicacies, allowing travelers to appreciate how French cuisine and wine culture go hand in hand. Food is at the heart of French culture, and taking a cooking class is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of France. Whether you choose a pastry-making class in Paris, a market-to-table experience in Provence, or a rustic cooking session in Lyon, you will learn how to prepare classic French dishes while gaining insight into the ingredients, techniques, and cultural significance of French cuisine. Avignon, with its medieval architecture and rich papal history, offers a step back in time. Explore the Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, and walk along the ancient city walls. The city's annual theatre festival, Festival d'Avignon, is a cultural highlight, drawing artists and visitors from around the world to celebrate contemporary performing arts. The Loire Valley, often referred to as the 'Garden of France,' is dotted with magnificent châteaux that showcase Renaissance architecture and the luxurious lifestyles of French nobility. Explore Château de Chambord with its grand double-helix staircase, Château de Chenonceau spanning the River Cher, and other estates that hold centuries of art, gardens, and history within their walls. Visiting these châteaux offers a deeper understanding of France's royal history and architectural heritage. Local markets are the soul of French towns and cities, offering travelers a chance to experience everyday French life. Whether you're browsing fresh produce at a village market in Provence or exploring flea markets in Paris, these markets reflect the regional flavors and artisanal traditions of France. Engage with local vendors, try samples of cheese, pastries, and charcuterie, and observe the cultural nuances that define the French approach to food and community. Montmartre in Paris has long been a hub for artists, writers, and musicians. Walk the cobbled streets where Picasso, Monet, and Dali once found inspiration, visit the Place du Tertre where artists display their work, and explore the Espace Dalí to see surrealist art up close. Montmartre offers a blend of bohemian charm and artistic legacy, making it a must-visit for travelers interested in France's cultural and artistic history. France has a profound literary heritage, and Paris has been home to legendary writers such as Victor Hugo, Ernest Hemingway, and Simone de Beauvoir. Visit the Shakespeare and Company bookstore near Notre Dame, explore the literary cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and take a walking tour that traces the steps of famous writers who lived and wrote in Paris. This experience connects travelers to the literary fabric of France and the cultural impact of its writers on the world. France is home to numerous festivals that celebrate art, music, film, and local traditions. The Cannes Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts worldwide, while the Nice Carnival showcases colorful parades and vibrant street performances. The Fête de la Musique, held every June, turns streets across France into stages for live music performances, allowing travelers to engage with the country's lively arts and community spirit. While cities like Paris are cultural powerhouses, the French countryside offers travelers a different perspective on the country's cultural fabric. From the lavender fields of Provence to the vineyards of Burgundy and the rugged coastlines of Brittany, exploring rural France allows travelers to experience traditional lifestyles, local crafts, and regional cuisines that reflect the diversity of French culture. For travelers looking to immerse themselves in these cultural experiences seamlessly, choosing the right france tour package can enhance your journey. A well-planned itinerary allows you to explore iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and local experiences with ease while ensuring you have enough time to appreciate the cultural depth of each destination. France offers endless opportunities for travelers to engage with its art, history, culinary traditions, and regional cultures. Whether you are exploring the grand museums of Paris, savoring wine in Bordeaux, or enjoying the quiet charm of a Provençal village, France promises cultural experiences that will stay with you long after your trip. If you are looking to discover these cultural experiences with ease, consider exploring france travel packages or paris vacation tour package options to ensure your journey is comfortable, insightful, and memorable. For a curated and seamless exploration of France, TourOn remains one of the best choices for curious travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences on their next adventure. Author Bio Reethika is an aspiring content writer with a strong passion for the tourism and travel industry. Though a fresher, she possesses excellent knowledge of global destinations, travel trends, and audience engagement strategies. With a natural flair for storytelling and a deep curiosity about different cultures, she creates informative, inspiring, and well-researched content that sparks the wanderlust in every reader. Eager to grow and contribute meaningfully, she is committed to delivering high-quality content that connects with travelers and adds value to the industry. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Greek island rivals Mykonos but you'll need to commit if you want to visit
If you're looking for something a bit quieter and don't mind working a little harder to get there, then Milos may be the cup of tea you're looking for A Greek island rivals Mykonos in its charm and beauty, but you'll have to work hard to get there. Mykonos is one of the Cyclades, sitting in the sparkling Aegean Sea, and offers a bit of something for everyone. Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise have bars that blare thumping music and can set the stage for a big night of clubbing. It also has a gentler side, such as a row of 16th-century windmills perched on a hill above Mykonos Town, and plenty of quieter coves. It's a big hit with Brits, in no small part because of the ease of the journey. You can grab direct flights with easyJet from London Gatwick, London Luton, and Manchester. According to Kathimerini, more than 1.5 million people visit Mykonos each year, with another 1.2 million arriving by cruise ship. This small island has just 11,000 residents and covers only 85 square kilometers, yet hosts more tourists annually than Peru. The sheer number and density of visitors mean that Mykonos is not for everyone. If you're looking for something a bit quieter and don't mind working a little harder to get there, then Milos may be the cup of tea you're looking for. It is one of the most picturesque of the Greek islands; however, it's only the third most popular holiday destination to reach from the UK, according to Travel Republic. While Milos's beaches and ancient history are iconic, it lacks its own airport. For Brits longing to visit, the best option is to fly into Athens and take a ferry to the island. The ferry ride can vary from 2.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on weather conditions. For the smoothest travel experience, consider visiting between late May and early September, when the seas are typically calmer and ferry services more frequent. Despite the longer journey, Milos remains one of Greece's most sought-after destinations, with demand surging by over 500% in the past month as Brits look for sun-soaked escapes. Shaped by a volcanic eruption, the island offers something for everyone, from scenic coastal hikes and a thriving food scene to fascinating ancient artifacts. Milos is known for its picturesque fishing villages and indigo bays and as the place where one of the world's most famous artworks was discovered. In 1820, the Venus de Milo statue was found by a peasant named Georgios Kentrotas. As he wasn't aware of its historical importance, he kept it on his farm. When a French sailor named Jules Dumont d'Urville arrived on the island, he saw the statue and immediately understood the importance of the discovery. The statue is now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. The beaches on the island are iconic, with the most famous being the gorgeous Sarakiniko Beach. It boasts a lunar landscape of gleaming white volcanic rock formations and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Kleftiko is another popular attraction, albeit one that is only reachable by boat. Boasting towering rock formations and emerald waters, the former pirate hideaway is now a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and boat tours.
Metro
03-07-2025
- Metro
The 'best all-round' Greek island that gets hardly any visitors
Mykonos is a mecca for clubbers and celebs, but it's not to everyone's taste. If you're inclined towards a quieter and cheaper summer break, there's another Greek island blessed with similarly stunning views and weather. Nestled in the Aegean Sea is Paros, a place of remote beaches, memorable seafood and half-abandoned marble mines. With rolling hills, calm azure waters and some of Greece's most fascinating ancient history, it has all the benefits of its more famous neighbours without the crowds. Paros has so far resisted expanding its airport to take flights from the UK. While Mykonos welcomes an estimated two million tourists each year,less than 200,000 head to Paros, making it an excellent antidote to the overtourism sweeping holiday hotspots. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Paros was once famous for its white marble quarries, from which Parian marble was produced. It was the crème de la crème for artists during the classical era; the Venus de Milo was carved from blocks of the stuff. Its stunning villages are surrounded by nature, with the liveliest being Parikia, is a port town and the island's capital. If you choose to arrive on Paros by ferry, this is where your feet will first hit land. There's plenty to keep you occupied here, from the independent boutiques in the old town to ancient treasures like the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the 13th-century Venetian Castle, and the remains of the Old Temple of Athena. Compared to the thronged sands of Crete and Santorini, Paros's beaches are practically deserted. TripAdvisor gives its top spot to Kolymbithres Beach, a small beach with quiet coves and unique rock formations. Other popular choices are Lageri Beach, for golden sand, and Martselo and Santa Maria, which deliver the ultimate Instagram backdrop. A common complaint from visitors, however, is the price of sunbeds and umbrellas, which range between €30 to €60 for two. Paros also featured in the smash hit Netflix drama One Day. In episode four, Dexter (Leo Woodall) and Emma (Ambika Mod) reunite in Naoussa (which is sometimes spelt Naousa). In this harbour village you'll find a labyrinth of cobbled streets and a lovely fishing pier. Data from Airbnb shows that searches for stays in Paros increased by almost a third (32%) since the series aired. Paros Airport (PAS) is located 11km south of the city of Parikia. While there are no direct flights from the UK to Paros, you can travel to Athens and hop on a connecting flight, which takes around 45 minutes. All told, the travel time from London to Paros should take roughly six anda half hours. Return fares can be as little as £170 in low season, increasing to well over £300 in the peak summer months of July and August. Ferries to Paros run from neighbouring Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini and Milos, which is handy if you're open to a bit of island-hopping. Prices vary depending on the ferry company but tickets can be found on Ferry Hopper for around €32 Paros has a good range of hotels and Airbnbs. Luxury resort Cosme, near Naoussa, was ranked by The Telegraph as the number one hotel on the island. However rooms will set you back upwards of £347 per night. For more affordable options, highly-rated hotels on include Meridiano in the capital Perikia, where prices start from £69 a night. If hotels aren't your thing, Airbnb has got you covered. Fancy calling a Secret Garden Maisonette in Naousa your home for a few days, or how about a summer breeze cycladic apartment situated on the cobbled residential streets? More Trending There are also deals available via platforms like Kayak, with rooms on Paros starting from £34. Whatever your vibe, you won't be short of options. Paros has a hot Mediterranean climate just like its neighbours. As southern Europe swelters through a record-breaking heatwave for the second year in a row, tourists are swerving the traditional summer season. The best time to visit the Greek islands is in shoulder season, around late May into June or September into October. Azure waters, bombshell beaches, charming fishing villages, and traditional tavernas. We're talking, of course, about Greece, the holiday hotspot blessed with a Mediterranean climate and over 250 days of sunshine a year. The European country, which boasts around 6,000 islands, has long been a top summer destination for British holidaymakers. In 2024, Greece welcomed 4.5 million visitors from the UK, with many flocking to popular choices such as Santorini and Mykonos. However, both islands have recently been feeling the effects of overtourism. In 2024, a new tourist tax was introduced for cruise ship passengers, charging a levy of €20 (£16.88) each for disembarking during peak summer. The money is invested back into local infrastructure. Last year, the mayor of Santorini, Nikos Zorzos, warned that high tourist numbers coupled with a construction boom could 'destroy' the island. This is on top of the recent earthquakes that saw thousands evacuate over safety concerns. To promote sustainable tourism, we asked Metro readers to tell us about their favourite Greek islands that aren't the old reliables. You can find our audience's insider tips here. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Wildfires in Crete lead to evacuations from hotels in holiday hotspot MORE: Rail ticket gives unlimited travel in 24 countries from £34 — but you need to be quick MORE: English Mediterranean island dubbed the UK's sunniest place is named 'best budget holiday'
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Business Standard
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Paris's Louvre shuts down as anti-tourism protests spread through Europe
The Louvre Museum, the world's most visited museum in Paris, France, abruptly shut its doors on Monday after staff staged a spontaneous strike over chronic overcrowding, understaffing and crumbling conditions, leaving thousands of ticket-holders locked outside the world's most popular museum. Employees across departments, from security to ticketing, halted work during an internal meeting, citing unmanageable pressures brought on by mass tourism, the Associated Press reported. Many described working conditions as a 'cultural pressure cooker', worsened by government underfunding and unchecked visitor numbers. Mona Lisa gallery overcrowding adds to safety concerns Central to the crisis is the Salle des États, where up to 20,000 visitors a day gather to view the Mona Lisa. Despite a cap of 30,000 total visitors per day, the museum regularly operates over capacity. Staff report heat exhaustion, a lack of basic facilities, and safety risks. All of this is further exacerbated under the glass pyramid designed by IM Pei. An internal memo from Louvre president Laurence des Cars warned that parts of the building are no longer watertight, and temperature fluctuations are placing priceless works at risk. She described the museum as a 'physical ordeal' for both staff and guests. Delayed restoration plan adds to Louvre staff frustration Tensions have mounted just months after President Emmanuel Macron announced a €700–800 million, decade-long restoration scheme dubbed the 'Louvre New Renaissance'. The plan includes a new Mona Lisa gallery and a second entrance near the Seine. But staff say those upgrades will take years, while the daily burden is already unsustainable. While a limited 'masterpieces route', including access to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, may briefly open, a full reopening is not expected until Wednesday. Tuesday closures are standard. Funding cuts and symbolic politics fuel staff grievances Union officials say the strike highlights long-standing neglect. Over the past decade, state funding for Louvre operations has fallen by more than 20 per cent, even as attendance has rebounded post-pandemic. Unlike Notre-Dame or the Centre Pompidou, the Louvre relies heavily on ticket sales, private donors and international licensing, including revenue from the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Staff also criticised Macron for using the museum as a political backdrop, from his 2017 election victory to last year's Olympics, without backing that symbolism with investment. Tourism backlash spreads across southern Europe The walkout comes amid a broader wave of anti-tourism unrest across southern Europe. In cities including Barcelona, Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca, residents staged protests against rising rents, environmental degradation and what they see as the erasure of local life. In Barcelona, demonstrators sprayed tourists with water pistols in a symbolic call to 'cool down' overtourism. Protesters elsewhere carried mock coffins for local culture, blocked tour buses and paraded rolling suitcases through historic centres. However, protesters and workers alike insist that their message is not anti-tourist, but anti-neglect. For the Louvre and cultural landmarks across Europe, the question is no longer how to welcome the world, but how to survive it.
Economic Times
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
The world's most famous museum, home to the Mona Lisa, is now shut. Take a look at its iconic masterpieces
Mona Lisa Aphrodite, known as the Venus de Milo The Winged Victory of Samothrace The Pyramid Great Sphinx of Tanis Portrait of a Lady For many, a trip to Paris isn't complete without stepping under the iconic glass pyramid of the Louvre Museum and witnessing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo . But on Monday, instead of gazing at legendary artworks, thousands of confused tourists stood in long lines outside, tickets in hand, as the Louvre—the world's most-visited museum—unexpectedly shut its doors. The cause? A sudden and unannounced strike by museum staff, who say they're buckling under the pressure of overwhelming crowds, insufficient staffing, and poor working conditions, according to an Associated Press strike erupted during an internal meeting, and by afternoon, gallery attendants, security, and ticketing agents had all walked off the job. The iconic glass pyramid entrance became a symbol not of awe, but of frustration, as tourists were left staring in the shutdown made global headlines, it's a moment that reminds us why the Louvre remains such a draw for millions each year. Housing more than 35,000 works of art, the Louvre is not just a museum—it's a living chronicle of human creativity and its crown jewels is Leonardo da Vinci 's Mona Lisa, famously enigmatic and technically masterful. From her legendary smile to the delicate sfumato technique that gives the painting its misty atmosphere, the Mona Lisa has fascinated visitors for there's the Venus de Milo, discovered on the Greek island of Milos and gifted to the Louvre in 1821. With her missing arms and graceful posture, she became an instant icon of classical beauty and has remained a centrepiece ever tall at the top of the Daru staircase is The Winged Victory of Samothrace , a breathtaking sculpture that once overlooked an ancient Greek sanctuary. Captured in motion with billowing drapery and powerful wings, the statue represents Goddess Nike, the messenger of Louvre itself is a work of art. The famed Pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei, once controversial, now stands as one of Paris's most photographed landmarks. What many don't realise is that the museum has not one but five pyramids, including two smaller glass pyramids and an inverted pyramid that illuminates the underground entrance near the Carrousel shopping centre, as per the Louvre even deeper into history, visitors encounter the Great Sphinx of Tanis, an ancient Egyptian sculpture symbolising divine power and protection. With the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, it was designed to guard sacred spaces—a fitting metaphor for the museum among the museum's priceless treasures is Leonardo's Portrait of a Lady, known as La Belle Ferronnière, a striking example of Renaissance portraiture that showcases Leonardo's unmatched ability to capture presence and per reports in the Associated Press, the museum might open on Wednesday.
