Dating back to the Portuguese occupation of this area in the mid 1600s, the castle was built from 1669 to 1679. Construction lasted about 13 years and the product was a massive pentagonal structure, a classic example of Portuguese defense measures. The construction material comprised of slate quarried from Robben Island but some features are distinctly European such as the bell at the entrance whi...
“The most beautiful avenue of the world” runs for 2km through Paris’ 8th arrondissement from the Place de la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle and the Arc de Triomphe. Champs Elysees is French for Elysian Fields, the final resting place of the virtuous in Classical mythology. It was an important landscaped thoroughfare dating back the seventeenth century. In...
The Musée Marmottan was originally a hunting lodge of the French nobility. It eventually was purchased by Jules Marmottan. In addition to being the former mayor of Paris, he was also a passionate art collector. His son Paul carried on the tradition after his father’s death. When Paul died in 1934, he left the home and the art collection to the Académie des Beaux-Arts. ...
Considered to be one of the most beautiful spots in the city, this lake has a 7.2lm cycling/walking track around it. Bikes and paddle boats are available from the Parque Brigadeiro Faria Lima which is nearby. Kiosks dotted around the lake have lovely alfresco dining, serving caipirinhas (sugarcane spirit and crushed citrus) while accompanied by music. Address: Parque da Catacumba &nb...