A Tourists Guide to Girona's Old Quarter

Houses along the River Onyar.
One of the best known views of Girona, the houses that back onto the river were painted in different colors back in 1983 and many date back from medieval times.

Jewish Quarter (El Call).
The Jews lived in the Call (area) of Girona for over 600 years before they were forced out by the Spanish monarchy in the 15th Century. Centre Bonastruc ca Porta (Museum of History of the Jews) is a building rich with the history of Jews in Girona and has a collection of Hebrew tombstones from the Jewish cemetery in Girona (Bou d'Or). It also hosts different exhibitions throughout the year, and guided tours in English (June to September) which you can even book online.

The Rambla.
Walk down C/ Nou and cross the Pont de Pedra (The stone bridge) and turn left into a wide tree-lined, pedestrianized avenue known as the Rambla de la Libertat. Also just here you'll find the Girona Tourist office and next to it are some public toilets (behind the newspaper kiosk). The Rambla has a good mix of shops, bars and many cafe's with outdoor seating. It's also popular in the evenings when locals go for a stroll and meet each other. There's a flower market here every Saturday until about 2pm, and Craft stalls along one side of the Stone Bridge, which are open till late.

Arab Baths.
Built in the12th C. in a romanesque style with a hot room, steam room a large cold bath area with a rustic cylindrical vault and a central Cupola supported by graceful columns. Restored and re-opened in 1929 the five rooms that can be visited are: Apoditeri (changing rooms), Frigidari (cold room), Tepidari (tibia room), Caldari (hot room), and the Forn (oven and boiler).

Girona Cathedral (La Catedral).
Looming over Girona is its impressive and most important building that has existed since the 11th C. and seen many different architectural styles added to. The baroque Cathedral, its facade and stairway of 90 steps and 3 landings. Inside, its huge nave is second in length only to the Vatican's St Peters, and you'll also find the museum and cloisters here.

Also on display is the Tapestry of Creation (11th C), the Beatus a 10th C. manuscript and a rich collection of medieval gold and silver work. Its bell tower is known as the Charlemagne Tower. (11th C.) If climbing up the steps proves too much, there's a couple of conveniently placed cafes at the base of the steps.

Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants.
A former Benedictine abbey founded in the 11th and 12th Century now the home of the Archeological Museum containing an important collection of prehistoric Iberian, Geek and Roman remains.

Sant Domenec.
This former Convent dates from the 14th and 16th C and is now the Girona University Faculty of Arts.

Church of Sant Nicolau.
Dating from the 12th C. with an octagonal dome and Paleo-Christian remains displayed below.

St Feliu Church.
Next to the Cathedral this church dates from the 14th -17th C. and houses the relics of St. Felix and St. Narcis the patron saint of the city

Bridges.
Many bridges span the river Onyar from the new part of Girona (Eixample) to the old town (Barri Vell). The Pont de les Peixeteries (pont is bridge in Catalan) was built by the French firm Eifel, who built the Eifel Tower in Paris.

The Wall walk.
Make sure you start at the right end, which is near the Church of St Feliu (Ex-Col-legiata de St Feliu). You can stop along the way at numerous vantage points and there are also exit points if you want to descend without reaching the end. When we did this walk we started at the wrong end and found ourselves steadily climbing upwards, and on a hot day. Spectacular views of Girona in all directions and beyond to the mountains, make sure you have your camera!

How to enjoy Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Did you ever want to go to New Orleans and want to enjoy Mardis Gras? Did you know that Mardi Gras is really a family friendly festival? Mardi Gras is a wonderful way to enjoy New Orleans. You can enjoy delicious food, Mardi Gras parades, and take in the sites in New Orleans. Mardis Gras is definately an experience that you want to enjoy at least once in your life.

New Orleans is a fabulous place to enjoy southern cooking. Seafood is a prominate flavor you will enjoy in the south. Very few places in the South offer so many wonderful restaurants in such a small place. Many of the parades are in the French Quarter, and you will find many nice restaurants in the area. Emerill's, Brennan's, and Copelands are just a few of the nicer dining establishments. If you want to drive a little ways you may want to consider Pascal Manale's for some of the best BBQ shrimp you will ever have. Sandwhiches such as PoBoys, which are stuffed full of seafood are a must in the area.

Consider a tour to see more of New Orleans. There are many bus and walking tours that are available. There are trips to cemeteries, palaces and villas Voo Doo to the south, which are easy to book. This is a great way to spend the day and take you to sites in the region. Tours tend to give much more information visit the area yourself.

Finally, no Mardi Gras parades will be missed. The shows are very goodcontrolled and monitored by the police. There are flashing for beads or other activities that are family friendly to the official parade routes. They should soon be in the parade, to be a good place to go and see the parade. instill the streets with people, and when you get too close that you must do so before the steaks. Bring a chair if possible, you need to see several parades as a result of your own position. There are no pauses between the parade and it is hard to bearall day. Bring something to put your beads in. Beads and other goodies are thrown in a great abundance from the parade.

Mardi Gras is a wonderful festival that can be enjoyed by everytone. Many people travel to New Orleans from all over to enjoy the area and to celebrate Mardi Gras. The food is wonderful, and should not be missed when you are in the area. Consider making a trip to Mardi Gras at least once in your lifetime.

Rajasthan City Guide

Climate

The temperature of Rajasthan keeps changing throughout the year. During January to March, it ranges between 10 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius while during April to June, it remains between 24 to 45 degree Celsius. The temperature varies between 21 to 35 degrees during July to September quarter, while in remains between 13 to 30 degrees in the last quarter of the year. The region receives rainfall between minimum 4 mm in February to 165 mm in mid September.

Handicrafts

You may shop for exotic handicrafts in Rajasthan like blue pottery, leather wear, metal craft, wood craft, metal lamps, carpets and stone carvings. Markets of Rajasthan are known for their colorful looks and you would get a chance to mingle with locals in these market places.

Sightseeing

There are many sightseeing locations in Rajasthan like Jaisalmer, Mount Abu, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ranthamnbore, Shekhawati, Udaipur, Bikaner and Bundi. Wildlife of Rajasthan is equally alluring. The state has several sanctuaries like Sariska Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore National Park, Desert National Park, Kumbhalgarh and Mount Abu. You may enjoy camel, elephant and jeep safari in these sanctuaries. Rajasthan also has several magnificent forts like the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, Mehrangarh Fort, Amber Fort and Jaswant Thada Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is known for its colorful havelis. You may also enjoy polo, golf, ballooning, para-sailing, trekking, camping and a variety of water sports in this vibrant state. Rajasthan also has a large number of terrific temples, mosques and churches.

Fairs and Festivals

About 50 fairs and festivals are celebrated in Rajasthan every year. Popular ones among them are kite festival, desert festival, camel festival, Teej festival, Kapil Muni Fair, Shekhawati Fair, Mewar Festival, Ganesh Chaturthi, Pushkar Fair and Urs. Camel

Dubai - An Emirate of Dreams

History:

By most accounts, was written to Dubai in existence even before the configuration of the UAE, as long as 150 years. But at that time was the landscape of this city uninhabitable desert, it could only survive if the Bedouins. Only a stream of water, apologies for a stream, turned out to be the lifeline. The camel was the only means of transport.

It was just closer to the 19 Century is that Dubai has come into picture asTravelers along the trade route that linked Mesopotamia to the Indus Valley, built into a hub of sorts. Soon growing signs of civilization, starting from the fishing village on the bay. It was then that the Bani Yas tribe came to be here, and leaders of the family, the Maktoum founded his reins in the desert, and the dynasty continues to rule over Dubai today.

But Dubai The first news on the world stage later in the '60s, and the BritishColonists were about to leave the country, residents there to strike oil. And the oil is that Dubai has a hot spot economic and commercial center, if there ever was one. Within a short span of four decades, the city reinvented his image and went to the model for different fungi, as well as the existing town, has become worldwide. The economy of Dubai is to reach heaven, and not just oil, are driving. Foreign admiration for most peoplewonders here has also helped Dubai evolve as a hot tourist destination. In fact, the city has also seen a major population explosion in the recent years, and stands approximately at 1.5 million as per the latest records. But Dubai is more cosmopolitan in its demographic makeup than any other city in the world, and the original Emirati inhabitants account for only a quarter of Dubai's population. This is also seen as one of the reasons as to why ethnic conflicts haven't really flared up in the city, as they have in the neighborhood regions of the Middle East.

Today, Dubai, as a tourist destination, boasts of some of the most spectacular and monumental structures, that has been attracting people from all over to witness man made creation in its full glory. And it seems that making grandiose, ambitious plans is almost a penchant, or fetish, for the rulers of this emirate. If Burj Arab wears the crown of being the tallest tower in the whole world, the man made islands, called as the 'Three Palms and the World', is a spectacular creation by itself.

Tourism has come to contribute almost 30% to the GDP of Dubai, and it looks like for many travelers, natural wonders have taken a back seat, when Dubai and its artificial magic is in questions.

Facts:

o Dubai is the second largest emirate in the cluster of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and has a land area of almost 38885 square kilometers.
o It is located on the edge of the Dubai Creek.
o Dubai is actually not a city, but an emirate. But generally, Dubai as a term is used to refer to just a part of this emirate, known as Dubai city.
o The Dubai Creek partitions the city into two regions, which are the Diera district (in the north), and the Bur Dubai (to its south).
o Dubai has close proximity with three continents, namely Asia, Europe, as well as Africa.
o Dubai is the commercial capital of the United Arab Emirates.
o The population here has reached the 1.5 million mark within just a short span of time.
o Almost 80% of the resident population in Dubai is comprised of foreign immigrants.
o Dubai boasts of the highest population in the whole of the UAE.
o The Al Maktoum dynasty has been ruling over Dubai right since 1833.
o The emirate earns much of its revenue mainly from trade, financial services as well as real estate, and has become a hot property for housing.
o Only 6 percent of the total revenue to Dubai's economy is received from its trademark riches of natural gas and petroleum.
o The Dirham is the main currency of Dubai, as well as for the whole of the United Arab Emirates.
o Dubai is one of the only two emirates, the other being Abu Dhabi, to have the privilege of veto power in the legislature of the country, when it comes to matters pertaining to crucial aspects of the nation.
o The main hub for the gold jewelry business in the whole of Middle East lies in Dubai.
o The Burj Dubai is the tallest building in the world, as well as the tallest built man made structure ever.
o UAE's first ever manmade island has been created in Dubai and is known as the Palm Island.
o As per recent updates and records, Dubai counts as the fastest growing city in the world.
o Even though the city is essentially located in a desert region, it now boasts of some of the best indoor ski slopes, for which snow weighing up to 6000 tons is used.
o In Dubai, the government has restrained from levying any kind of income tax or personal tax on the citizens of the city.
o Dubai as one of the highest per capita incomes in the world
o Since it is a desert region, the city receives only 13 cm of annual precipitation on a yearly average.
o Dubai has one of the most multicultural societies in the world.
o Dubai, however, is known to follow a class-based structure in its social makeup, and it is the migrant workers who form the lower class in the social hierarchy.
o The transport hub of the Emirates Airways is the Dubai International Airport, which not only operates for the emirate of Dubai alone, but also for the rest of the emirates in the UAE.
o In context of the international passenger traffic, the Dubai international airport is the 6th busiest international airport in the whole world.
o Cricket and football are the most closely followed sports in Dubai.
o The Dubai international Film Festival is a noted event that is held every year, and which attracts the biggest celebrities form all over the world.
o The nightlife party culture has caught on popularly in this city, and Dubai was listed as New York Times travel choice in 2008 for a good partying environment.
o Though infrastructure wise and economically Dubai is highly progressive and modern, the government regulates strict censorship to protect the cultural as well as political nature in the Emirate. Some of the major things considered to be a violation include drugs, homosexuality, Darwin's theory of evolution, etc.
o The official language of the emirate is Arabic, but the other popular languages spoken here are English (which happens to be a lingua franca), Urdu, Hindi, Malayalam, Persian, Bengali, Chinese, Tagalog and several others.
o Islam is the official religion of the United Arab Emirates as per UAE's Provisional Constitution.
o Apart from Muslims, the other prominent religious communities in Dubai are the Hindus, the Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and several others.

Climate: Since Dubai is essentially located in a desert region, it experiences a hot, arid climate almost all year long. There is constant sunshine in this part of the world, and the climate is usually idyllic which brings in tourists any time of the year. Dubai receives minimum annual rainfall, and the annual precipitation that the city gets on an average is just about 13 centimeters. The summers are hostile in this region, however, and thus, most buildings and malls are necessarily air-conditioned to keep citizens and tourists comfortable. If you are planning to travel to this city, it is advised that you do so during the pleasant and cold winter season, and preferably stay away from Dubai during the hostile and torturous summers, unless you want to just spend your vacation sitting inside your air-conditioned hotel.

Health: Dubai has an internationally acclaimed standard of the most advanced medical care, in both the sectors, primary health, as well as in public hospitals. The public hospital system is highly equipped to deal with even the most dire emergencies, while private health care also provides the best in terms of medical treatment. In order to ensure complete accessibility, the hospitals in the city are strategically situated to face any emergency. As many as 20 hospitals are dispersed all across Dubai. The Department of Health and medical Services offers affordable medical services and employs the best professionals from over the world. However, for tourists, the medical costs can be high, and thus you must decide on trips only when your health supports you.

Dubai boasts of a very highly life expectancy, which is almost 77.87 years for the females, and 72.73 years for males. The rate of infant mortality in this emirate is 9.2 deaths for every 1000 people of the population. 12.8% is the crude birth rate.

If you are planning to travel to Dubai, it is advised that you take necessary precautions to prevent being bogged down by the common infections there, particularly chicken pox (in 2006 itself, there were 3472 recorded cases of chicken pox). The other infectious diseases common in Dubai are Pulmonary Tuberculosis, as well as Viral Hepatitis B, that also account for a large number of cases. Another important health instruction that every tourist to the place is warned of is to take due care to avoid possibilities of getting a heat stroke, which can prove to be quite dangerous. Dehydration is also another threat to most tourists, and sometimes, many may even face problems related to breathing and respiration. During the summers, the temperature can go up to almost 50 degrees Celsius, and can be unbearable, particularly for tourists from the colder parts of the world, and thus it is advised that you avoid travel to this region during that specific time. The high amount of dust in this region can make a foreign national prone to certain allergies and respiratory diseases, so be sure to wear equipment sufficient to protect against the unbearable heat and the high dust and sand.

Security: Today, most tourists are largely concerned about the safety aspect of a destination and make sure you have a good knowledge of the scene first. One of the main factors in terms of safety in Dubai, will meet the strict rules while you live theretemporarily. The rulers there are highly intolerant towards violation of the basic rules that are meant to safeguard the essential values that are hailed in the Islam world. Thus, try to keep away form drugs as much as possible, particularly since there are a lot of exploitative drug marketing networks that can easily con unsuspecting tourists.

Another measure of safety to be taken is regarding your health, and it is advised that you avoid travel to Dubai when your health has not been good, since the medical care charges here are exorbitant for foreign nationals. There are also certain infectious diseases that you should take care of, particularly pulmonary tuberculosis, chicken pox, etc. you should also take enough precautions to avoid harmful heat strokes in the city which is common due to the high temperatures during the summer seasons.

There are certain strict taboos in a highly censored place like Dubai, and it is necessary that you conform to them for the short period of your stay here. Homosexuality is an offence, and so is Darwin's theory of evolution. Stray clear of these few things and you will be safe from being convicted for violation of the law of the land.

The other safety measures to be taken include the common ones, which most tourists follow for travels to any part of the world, like taking care of your belongings all the time, avoiding contact with strangers, and so on.

Shopping: Dubai is a paradise for shoppers simply for the range of its shopping malls and the latest style and fashion that every shopping store is abundant with. The best thing bout shopping in Dubai is the attractive price range on the various items and products that the shops and markets here offer. Here's a guide to direct you to the best places to shop when in Dubai.

o One of the popular shopping malls in Dubai is the Ibn Battuta Shopping mall that is located in Jebel Ali.
o Another popular shopping mall, one of Dubai's first major ones, is the Bur Jaman Centre that also boasts of the best range of restaurants and cafes as well. This mall is located in the Khalid Bin Waleed Street in Bur Dubai.
o Another one on the list of the best malls to shop in Dubai is the visually-appealing Wafi City Mall that is known more for its attractive atrium roofs shaped in the form of pyramids than the range of products available here. But the mall doesn't fall behind in that aspect as well, and boasts of an array of over 200 retail stores, as well as a full-blown family centre which includes a theatre, and restaurants as well.
o The Wafi city Mall is located in the Al Garhood region, near the Grand Cineplex. The first shopping mall to be purpose-built is the Al Ghurair Centre, which was constructed by the Al Ghurair family way back in 1981, on Riqqa road in the Deira region. Some of the best range of collections in merchandise can be easily found here.
o Al Mulla Plaza is the oldest mall to be built in Dubai, which is located between the two emirates, Dubai and Sharjah, on the dubai-sharjah Highway.

Transportation:

The transportation in Dubai is efficiently regulated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and is an added bonus to the city's tourism sector. Most travelers do not face many hassles getting here and even traveling within the city. Here's a detailed introduction to Dubai's transportation status.

a) Airports: The Dubai International Airport functions as the most important center for UAE's Emirates Airline. It in fact, is quite a state of the art airport if ever there was, and has several excellence awards to its credit, not only for design, but for service as well. This airport is located at the Al Garhoud district, almost 4 kilometers to the southeast of Dubai. The largest operating airline at the Dubai International Airport is the Emirates Airline. Apart form this, the other frequent airlines operating from this airport are the Emirates SkyCargo and the FlyDubai airlines.

Another airport under constyruction is the Dubai World central International Airport in the Jebel Ali Airport City. Emirates is one of the most popular airlines to this part of the world.

b) Sea ports: tHe two important commercial seaports that are in service in Dubai are the Port jabel Ali and the Port Rashid, which are used as hubs for international trade routes. For local use, the common ports used are the Port Saeed and the Dubai Creek. In fact, the traditional way of ferrying passengers across from Bur Dubai to Deira is facilitated through Dubai Creek.

c) Public Transportation: the Roads and Transport Authority famously run an efficient public transport bus system that runs along a network of 193 routes across the city. Even the taxi system in the city is extensive, and is in fact the most popular means of public transport in the whole of the Emirate. The Dubai Metro project is still under construction and is expected to greatly improve the public transport in the always crowded city. The Downtown Burj Dubai Tram System is also planned to function as a popular means of public transport by 2011.

Attractions:

There is no dearth of spectacular attractions for tourists in Dubai. Here's a list of some great places to visit when in the Emirate.

One of the most impressive regions in the city is the Shaikh Zayed Road that marks the spectacular progress of the Emirate in all its glory. There are some splendid buildings here, like the Emirates Tower Office, the Dubai World Trade Center, and several others.

The desert Safari is a must for visitors to Dubai, and so is a trip to the magnificent Jumeirah Beach. All the fun beach activities are played out here in full form.

Ski Dubai is another spectacular destination for those who want to experience snow in the middle of a desert. The Dubai Museum is a haven for history-loving tourists.

Attractions for Kids:

Apart from the several splendid places to visit in Dubai, there are also several water parks meant solely for the complete entertainment of children. Some of the famous ones are the Wild Wadi Water Theme Park and the Wonderland theme Park Dubai, apart from several others.

Live Music in Barcelona

Apolo and Sala Apolo are located in the Theatre district of Parallel and have been rocking the beat on the Barcelona music scene for years. Booked as a live venue for artists such as Paul Weller, the grungy old theatre serves as a perfect backdrop for the alternative crowd. This is also one of the venues selected for the warm-up parties for some of the summer festivals such as Primavera sound and the Sonar music festival. Mid-week sees Flamenco and Rumba sessions, as well as the "Nasty Mondays" night which has earned its fame on the circuit. Sala Apolo is located on Nou de la Rambla, number 111- just across the main Parallel Avenue.

Just a short stroll away from Apolo, and perhaps a place to start the night, or definitely on the way there is London Bar. London Bar is an institution in the city (as bears the Council floor plaque to boot) and has been serving up impromptu concerts and great bands for the old town residents for decades. London bar is a narrow and deep bar, with Becks on tap (one of the few places in town), friendly owners and staff and great music crammed in on a weekend. Expect anything from a 2 piece guitar combo to a full brass swing band. London Bar is also on Carrer Nou de la Rambla, number 34.

If Jazz is your thing, then you can do no wrong visiting Jamboree - housed inside Plaça Reial, halfway down the famous Las Ramblas street. With such greats as Ella Fitzgerald having graced the stage, this underground jazz club is much more trendy and touristy on a weekend, but mid-week still pulls the jazz crowd in and Jamboree has won several awards for its eclectic mix of acts. Another ace in the pack is the Harlem Jazz club, located in the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, and host to some of the best jazz fusions in town, including Brazilian, Gypsy, Cuban, Swing and just about anything else you can imagine. Free entrance apart from Tuesdays and weekends, when the entrance fee will also get you a drink at the bar. Located on Comtessa de Sobradiel, number 8 in the Gothic Quarter.

Moving out of town slightly, to the industrial estate of PobleNou, and Razzmatazz looms over the neighbourhood bars. With 5 nightclubs in 1, Razzmatazz is the usual venue for breakthrough bands which haven't quite made the grade in Spain - who then usually return to play bigger venues. Think Coldplay, Keane, Travis - all played late in the year and then came back the following summer to headline in the sports Arenas and FC Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium. That's not to say that there isn't some great local and international music, too. Located on Carrer Pamplona, number 88.

Another place worth a mention is Sala Bikini, located just below the Avenida Diagonal, on Carrer de Deu I Mata, number 105. Whilst the venue is fairly small, there's plenty of room for rock, and this has seen the likes of Supergrass wail out to the locals and always has a packed calendar with some of the funkiest live music around.

Travel Guide to Krakow

There is no other place a traveler could get a dose of history on the architectural side similar to Krakow. It has been Poland's royal capital for five hundred years and features Gothic and Renaissance architecture principally unchanged even after Second World War as well as a great collection of various designs.

Now an art gallery, the Wawel Royal Castle is really a must-see while you are in Krakow. It is broken down into 5 parts where you'd have to have a ticket for each of which covers a specific time. It provides many different archaeological discovery as the ceramic tiles of old cooking stoves of the building, important principles, which could be observed in the central courtyard and models of church before the Wawel. Cemetery Remuh and the new Jewish cemetery usually included in historic monuments. Behind the Synagoque Remuh in the Jewish quarter Kazimierz. It was the 16th Century and a large cemetery was established inthe 18th century. Gravestones all the way back to so far as 4 centuries can be seen here. There also are about 9000 surviving historic tombstones at the New Jewish Cemetery.

Perched on a cliff in Tyniec, a suburb of Krakow is the Benedictine Abbey. See the monastery and a Romanesque church in that spot rebuilt in the 14th and eighteenth centuries. There are many other churches of architectural significance in Krakow but the Church of St. Aldalbert is probably the most ancient places of worship in Old town, also a must see when going to Krakow. It is simply in the southern corner of the Rynek Glowny which can be the largest Main Market Square in the whole of Poland. West of Old city, you can see the Koscuiszko Mound which was erected in 1820 to 1823 that pays tribute to Koscuiszko, a man who personified the dreams of an independent Poland when it was occupied by foreign powers. The mound is about 34m high and the view of the town from that mound is breathtaking.

From the town center, Fantasy Park is found in the Krakow plaza mall. It is the place for bowling lanes, billiards, air hockey, video arcades, bar and web cafe. It's the best place to past the time on a wet day. Park Wodny is Poland's largest water park. It has one large pool with lots of meters of water chutes and slides in addition to the Jacuzzis and saunas.

Climate: Krakow's climate is greatly impacted with the weather systems that build over the Atlantic. The climate is temperate and the summers are easily cozy. But spring is thought as the best season in Krawkow. It is at this time around in which days are mild and bright.

Transportation: transportation around Krakow is really efficient. You can get around by bus or trams that run from 5a.m. To 11p.m. Tickets can be purchased at street kiosks but you have to have it validated as fast as you board the bus or tram. There are night buses that go round but cost a little more. Attractions like Old city are within walking distance if you are staying round the center so you will not have to take buses or trams.

Top French Cities For Shopping

Dijon

Dijon is the capital of Burgundy and is well known for its spicy wine based mustard. Each year Dijon hosts the International Gastronomy Fair with over 500 participants and approximately 200,000 visitors. Then every 3 years, Florissimo, the International Flower Show takes place in the city.

Shops are plentiful and there is a big market containing an indoor food hall, and the many food stalls have a fine selection of cheese, wine and spice. You will also find some clothes stalls on the streets. The main shopping street is Rue de libertie - look out for a piece of history here, as there is a mustard shop dating back to the 1820's. The street is also home to fashion shops. Other shopping streets include: Rue Berbisey, and if you fancy picking up some antiques, Rue de la Choutte.

Lyon

The World Heritage Site of Lyon is France's third largest city and just a bit of a shoppers paradise!

Le Carré D'Or, an area, which you will find between Place Bellacour and Cordeliers, has over 70 designer labels and brand name stores. Moving on to Rue Edouard Herriot and you are most definitely in the lap of luxury with top names like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Escada and Cartier.

Looking for that piece of fine art? Then you must pay a visit to the Auguste Comte quarter, where you will also find approximately 100 stores selling antiques, home furnishings and Art. Then again you may wish to be at the cutting edge of fashion! So it's off to Croix Rousse where the city's promising new designers have their workshops and boutiques.

Marseille

Most visitors to Marseille start their shopping expedition at Vieux Port. You will come across independent shops and boutiques and you can also expect to find santons (tiny carved wooden Provencal figurines).

The Rue Paradis and Rue Saint Ferréol are the main shopping streets in Marseille. These streets are situated behind the Vieux Port and are home to Marseille's largest department store, Galeries Lafayette. Souvenir shops stocked with locally produced crafts are plentiful here also.

The Centre Bourse is a shopping centre of grand proportions and features some 60 shops and 2 supermarkets. Centre Bourse can be found behind the Vieux Port as well. Marseille has a few open-air markets going on during the week, where you can buy anything from fresh local produce to second hand goods

Nice

If its small independent shops you are after, then you must have a look at Vieux Nice. Vieux Nice is home to a plentiful supply of regional goods and clothes, handmade crafts and giftware. For the main High Street shops, department stores and shopping centres, it's on to the Avenue Jean Médecin. Nouvelle Galleries and Nice Etoile can be found on this street.

Rue de France is Nice's pedestrianized shopping street. You will have an opportunity to visit exclusive clothing boutiques here, and if all that shopping is a bit much there are plenty of cafés and restaurants for temporary respite. Would you like to go a bit further than the main shopping thoroughfare? West of Nice-Côte d'Azur airport is the large shopping complex, Cap 3000.

Paris

Paris, La Ville Lumière (the City of Light), and one of the four main fashion capitals of the world has so much to offer in the way of shopping. Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne are the places to go for Haute Couture shops.

If bags, shoes, and leather goods are your passion, then its off to Rue du Cherche-Midi and Rue de Grenelle to get a little of what you fancy. Two of the most famous department stores in the city are Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. These stores stock brand name, designer and private label goods.

Of course it goes without saying a must visit has to be the Paris Flea Markets. Paris has 3 main flea markets, Saint Ouen Flea Market, Porte de Vanves and Porte de Montreuil. Be amused by the merry banter here and of course look out for unexpected bargains. Speciality stores are a feature in Paris. Take note of bakeries, butchers and cheese shops, where the best of fresh produce is available.

Toulouse

Toulouse's main shopping thoroughfare is the Place du Capitale and the Rue Saint Rome. These are the places for department stores and high street shops. If its trendy boutiques you are after, you will find these on the Rue de la Pomme.

Markets are also a feature in Toulouse, where you can buy everything from fresh organic produce to bric-a-brac and second hand books. Antique enthusiasts will no doubt be in heaven in the Rue Croix Baragnon and the Rue des Arts area, as this is Toulouse's antique quarter.