Among our French neighbors
There is no need to go to the other side of the world to discover magnificent, unexpected landscapes. In the south of France, the media Time Out suggests going to Marseille to discover the Friche d’Escalette, an outdoor sculpture and architecture park, located on the edge of the Calanques national park. The place was previously a former lead processing factory active from 1851 to 1925. Please note, the site is not open all year round. In fact, you can only admire it during the months of July and August, as well as every weekend in September and October.
Heading west now to reach the Pyrenees. In the heart of the Franco-Spanish mountains, it is possible to slip into the shoes of a shepherd. Time Out explains that this experience is booming: “At the time, it seemed that the ancient transhumance lifestyle of the Pyrenees mountains was doomed to disappear. But recently there has been a kind of revival of this way of life. Many of this new generation of Pyrenean shepherds welcome guests to spend time with them and learn the art of one of humanity’s oldest professions. You can discover the life of shepherds in the Ossau Valley, the Aspe Valley and in the French High Pyrenees“Enough to go green and make the most of nature.
Speaking of nature, this place is the perfect spot for outdoor bouldering:
The Balkans in the spotlight
Time Out suggests that we try several trips located in the Balkans. The first is a cycle path, called Trans Dinarica. It crosses eight countries in the region on exactly 3,364 km of roads and trails. And good news, it will fully open from next July. Another place to discover: the town of Nova Gorica and its valley. You will not only discover green landscapes, but will also be able to taste delicious wines and gastronomy full of flavors. The dishes not to be missed? Jota, a thick soup made from cabbage and beans, but also potica, a rolled dessert made from leavened dough with a choice of walnuts, hazelnuts, but also fromage blanc.
Albania is also in the spotlight with a trip marked by history. The idea? Explore the country’s bunkers. It is estimated that there are around 170,000 scattered across Albania. “Visiting as many of them will take you on an Indiana Jones-style adventure across the four corners of the country. Created under former Albanian communist dictator Enver Hoxha, some of these bunkers – like Tirana’s BunkArt – are enormous, multi-story, atomic bomb-proof structures that today house impressive art galleries. art or museums showcasing the horror of the Hoxha period“.
A unique Scottish road trip
The North East 250 is said to be one of Scotland’s best kept secrets. No wonder it is listed in Time Out’s list of little-known trips to discover this year. The route makes an extended loop of 400 km. During your journey, you will have the opportunity to discover the coastline of Aberdeenshire, the beaches and seaside villages of the Moray Firth, the famous malt whiskey distilleries of Speyside, the castles of Royal Deeside, as well as the mountain passes of the Cairngorms National Park. And what’s more, you may have the chance to observe dolphins off the coast of Aberdeen harbour. Also not to be missed is the vast pine forests of Glen Tanar.
A well-hidden natural park in Crete
The Sitia Natural Park, which has received the Geopark label from UNESCO since 2015, is a still preserved place in Crete. What can we admire? Many endangered species of fauna and flora, 170 caves, the most impressive of which are located in the village of Karidi, but also different viewpoints over the Mediterranean. To extend your stay in the region, make a stop in the village of Sitia. The Routard Guide recommends going to the archaeological museum and strolling along the seafront promenade.
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