Red Guide to the Top Best Swiss Star & Bib Gourmand Restaurants and Hotels

The Michelin Switzerland 2010 Red Guide, or gourmet bible, has been released with tips and reviews of  the best Swiss three star and bib gourmand restaurants and hotels.

The Michelin Switzerland 2010 Red Guide to the best Swiss hotels and restaurants has been released for sale in Switzerland. Although Switzerland has only two three-star restaurants, an overall total of 101 Michelin stars assure that Switzerland has the highest number of Michelin stars per capita. Michelin increased one restaurant to two stars and added eight new one-star restaurants to the Switzerland guide.

»»»Continue reading…

What to Do in Holland during Xmas, Advent, and December

Christmas events in the Netherlands include the arrival of St Nikolas in Holland, the Santa Claus race in Rotterdam, Pink Christmas in Amsterdam and many markets and concerts during December.

photo credit: ricardo.martins

Christmas festivities in the Netherlands usually start early with the arrival of Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) and his helper Zwarte Piet (Black Peter) in mid-November. Christmas festivities go in overdrive throughout the Amsterdam, Holland, and the rest of the Netherland during December. In addition to Christmas markets and Christmas decorations, notable events include the Santa Claus race in Rotterdam, the Pink Christmas gay festival in Amsterdam, and the lightening of historic building such as the Gothic town hall in Gouda.

»»»Continue reading…

Visit a Swiss Marché de Noel or Weihnachtsmarkt during Xmas Time

The best Christmas markets (Marché de Noel or Weihnachtsmarkt) to visit in Switzerland are in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Montreux, Pilatus, St Gallen, and Zurich.

photo credit: c0d3in3

In recent years, many Swiss cities have introduced Christmas markets to bring some holiday cheer to the December advent period. Very few Christmas markets in Switzerland can claim the long tradition of German Christmas markets but as a bonus some Swiss Christmas markets will stay open past Xmas Eve. Well-known Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) in German-speaking Switzerland are in Basel, Bern, St Gallen, and Zurich while Montreux (pictured above) on Lake Geneva has the most famous Marché de Noël in French-speaking Switzerland. Mt Pilatus and Rochers-de-Naye have Christmas markets on Alpine peaks.

»»»Continue reading…

Getting from Paris Gare du Nord to De L’Est or De Lyon Stations

Train passengers often have to transfer between stations in Paris. Eurostar trains stop at Gare du Nord, while TGV trains usually depart from Gare de l’Est or Gare de Lyon.

photo credit: jot.punkt

Eurostar trains arrive in Paris at Gare du Nord station while TGV trains depart usually from Gare de l’Est or Gare de Lyon. Thus rail passengers traveling through Paris often have to change not only trains but stations as well. Generally the easiest way to transfer between stations Paris is to use the Metro or suburban RER trains but for small groups it may be worth considering a taxi or even a private shuttle service. The transfer from Gare du Nord to Gare de l’Est is the easiest as it is usually fastest to walk. The transfer from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon is best done by RER train.

»»»Continue reading…

Travel by Shuttle Bus from Porte Maillot, Train, or Car to BVA Aéroport

Travelers to Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA) can use a cheap shuttle bus from Porte Maillot or train from Gare du Nord stations. Taxis and rental cars are expensive options.

photo credit: scalleja

Paris Beauvais Tillé Aéroport (BVA) is a small airport to the northwest of Paris. Paris-Beavais Airport is popular with low-cost airlines offering cheap flights to Paris. BVA is currently the third largest airport in Paris and used by low-cost airlines Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Blue Air. Ground transportation is not particularly plentiful but reasonably cheap and similar to that from other airports familiar to Ryanair passengers. Direct shuttle buses from Beauvais airport to Porte Maillot in Paris are usually the best way to travel but trains and shuttle services are also available. Taxis are relatively expensive but car rental is a sensible option if traveling towards destinations to the west of Paris including Normandy.

Top Savings at La Vallée Village Outlet Shopping Mall at Disneyland, France

Cheap prices and big discounts on the best brand-name clothes are the top attractions of shopping at La Vallée Village outlet mall near Disneyland Paris in France.

photo credit: David Boyle in DC

La Vallée Village outlet mall is within easy reach from central Paris and only minutes away from Disneyland. Big savings are available at this shopping center on upmarket European and international brand-name clothes. La Vallée Village outlet mall is within easy reach by train or by car from central Paris while long-distance trains, including Eurostar, TGV, and RER trains, also stop nearby at the Marne-la-Vallée Chessy / Parc Disneyland station. »»»Continue reading…