Looking for Charly in Bruxelles !

Looking for Charly in Bruxelles !

by | Dec 27, 2021 | Uncategorized

After Monaco, Lyon, Paris and Bali, the Looking for Charly team arrives in Brussels.

Our newcomer? Caroline Chapeaux, a tireless traveler, who adds her expertise to our team of independent experts.

Based in Brussels, she already has a long experience in creating tailor-made trips. Anthropologist, journalist and photographer, she will take you to her secret places and share these hidden gems. Communicative, she takes the time to listen to your dreams and help you make them come true.

Shall we introduce her?

Caroline Chapeaux – World travel addict

 

As a child, she dreamed of having several lives. Since then she has calmed down a bit: she is enjoying hers as much as she can.

Curious about the world, she enjoys discovering the “elsewhere” because it sounds exotic to her ears. Not exoticism in a bad sense, not the cliché, not the expected. But the encounter with the other who is both similar and different. And then the discovery of rites, beliefs and ways of life. The re-discovery of slowing down time, far from the sometimes frantic race of our lives. And every time a place appeals to her, this sometimes very brief question: “What if I came to live here?” “

An Anthropologist by training and journalist by (other) profession, she enjoys cultural immersion. In people’s homes. Or in the middle of nature. Telling stories, taking pictures, then sharing the charms of the world pointing out her favorites.

At forty, she is also a young mother, proving that there is nothing incompatible with being an adventurer and a mother. She is ready to share her tips and tricks with you!

 

 

Her favorite places

It’s hard to name only a few. Let’s say that for her a successful trip is synonymous with emotion. And emotion can arise from many things. Finally, if the destination is important, there is also and above all “how” we experience it. And with who.
Her deepest desire?

 
A return to travel in the noble sense of the term, with the desire to reconcile exploration, respect for peoples and ecology.
REACH CAROLINE
The Place to Bling !

The Place to Bling !

by | Dec 5, 2021 | Uncategorized

The time has come to sparkle and shine.
But where should you go in your best festive clothes?
We suggest a trip to the “Expo 2020 Dubai”. 

Haven’t made any plans yet?
Don’t delay, you only have a few months left to visit..
Its “Olympic Games for architecture and commerce”,
as one of the supporters of the French Pavilion explains,
unfold like a “beauty pageant”!
Team Charly will take you on a journey to the very core of this large-scale event,
which is being held for the first time in the Middle East.
.
So, what is a World Expo?

It is a global gathering that is held every 5 years, a fleeting moment in time when millions of curious visitors from all over the world converge in one place for 6 months. The concept, for the countries participating, is to contribute to one of the most influential generators of ideas.

A strong spirit of cooperation prevails, common ground is found, which is nice to remember at a time when rivalries are rife all over our planet.

“Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability” are the three sub-themes of the event. As you walk up and down the paths, discover how this huge showcase perfectly reflects this theme, and through the exhibition, each pavilion competes to wow visitors. This edition, which was postponed from 2020 to 2021, is the biggest public event to be held since the pandemic began, and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates.

Renowned architects meet here and compete in art and creativity. Our expert, Simonetta, who has recently returned from the expo, is pleased to share her recommendations with us:

Saudi Pavilion @Alefa Press
.Saudi Pavilion @Alefa Press
The Saudi Arabia Pavilion, which won several prizes even before it had been opened to the public, covers an area of 13,000 m2 and is the second largest pavilion after the UAE Pavilion. Its design highlights the rich culture and heritage associated with its origins, as well as the impetus of its innovations. Through immersive experiences, one can feel the hospitality of its inhabitants, their ambitions and their formidable energy, which has enabled them to soar towards their goals for national transformation, as laid out in the Vision 2030 plan.Thanks to technology, visitors can immerge themselves in five ecosystems over several floors: the wonders of its natural landscape. You will find out why it holds three Guinness records: for the longest water feature, the largest interactive lighting floor, and the largest LED mirror screen
© www.keller-fotografie.de

©keller-fotografie.de

The German Pavilion is designed to resemble a university campus, synonymous with knowledge and research, to present a modern, forward-looking image. The country is a global leader in sustainability – indeed, it is there that the very concept of sustainable development was invented, and where the energy revolution was born. The awe-inspiring architecture is fascinating, with buildings piled up on top of each other and gaps between the interiors and exteriors, that are both intriguing and surprising. Younger visitors will enjoy presentations that are adapted to their level, but guests of all ages will appreciate the ball pit and the theatre with swings. Moreover, this cultural laboratory hosts dancing, visual arts, games, science, sports and music every day of the week in the strategic space of the atrium.

@OUALALOU&CHOI&Metrochrome
@OUALALOU&CHOI&Metrochrome

Ready to climb to the 7th floor for a stunning view? The highest building in the Expo, the Morocco Pavilion showcases the country’s strategic vision towards a more sustainable world, for the sake of our planet’s future. The façades, the revamped patios and thick walls will take you on a journey through the country, with each unit built entirely out of organic materials such as earth, wood, concrete and gardens. The architects patented their creation, which makes it possible to build enormous structures out of earth, high and vast: a world first! The entire building is 37 metres high and consists of 22 spaces placed one on top of the other.

Inside, conceived as a promenade, the route subtly brings to mind the interwoven lanes of the medinas, for a deeply immersive experience that is interactive and sometimes even playful, involving both body and mind. As well as a compelling permanent exhibition, a diversified programme of events will liven up the spaces. This will be one of the pavilions that will remain open to the public, even after the expo is over.

@calatrava.com
@calatrava.com
Designed in the shape of a falcon in flight, the Pavilion of the host country is one of the most impressive buildings, symbolising the nation’s courageous and bold spirit. It promotes the Emiratis’ vision for the future, and for Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2030, with a structure measuring 15,000 m2 reflecting a space-age mood. Made entirely of sustainable, local and energy-efficient materials, it minimises water consumption and optimises the air quality inside. Gardens featuring thousands of plants and many species of trees that are typical of the Emirates are placed in a circle around the ‘bird’.
@HubBrussels
@HubBrussels

Belgium invites you to enter its ‘green arch’ of many levels, open from end to end, thereby giving an impression of lightness. You will recognise the “Gyronef”, a replica of the fictional helicopter from the Belgian comic Spike and Suzy, made out of recycled metallic waste. It forms part of the art project W.A.S.T.E. – Will Art Save The Ecosystem – to raise awareness among the public of the circular economy, through the medium of art.

The vertical gardens on the façades capture CO2, are watered with wastewater and optimise the temperature of the rooms. The inside path showcases the latest technological innovations on the theme of connecting people, goods and ideas, as well as interactive discoveries in the Belgium of the futurer. 

@V8-Architects©Jeroen-Musch
@V8-Architects©Jeroen-Musch

For the Netherlands, the pavilion is a celebration of nature, housing a vertical farm with edible plants and solar-powered rain showers. This technology extracts water from the desert air to irrigate the 18-metre-high “food cone”. Designed based on stained-glass windows, the solar panels that make up the pavilion’s roof will give visitors the impression of being in a huge contemporary cathedral, with magnificent reflections of light and a multitude of shades of colours. As the visit progresses, the background sounds will transport you to the lively neighbourhoods of the Netherlands.

@Foster+Partners
@Foster+Partners
The Mobility Pavilion is not just about the movements of persons and goods, but also the exchange of knowledge. Here, you will discover the technological advancements that will one day be accessible to all: space exploration, robotics, autonomous vehicles… The largest lift in the world, which can transport up to 160 people in one go, will be operational here.
It should be noted that the French pavilion is located in this district, so why not pop over to this pavilion, entitled “Lumière, Lumières” (Light, Lights), which houses an original collection of Diderot’s Encyclopaedia.

For many people, travelling is all about the change of scenery. Thanks to the luxury on offer in Dubai and the originality of the various pavilions, this getaway will tick many boxes. It’s worth bearing in mind that a visit to Dubai can also be combined with a trip to Oman or Zanzibar, in order to make the most of the Expo while also enjoying an added stay in nature or an undeniably more exotic experience.

To succeed in their plans, the Emirates must remain open and connected, but above all, ensure that the health situation is kept under control. The two leading airlines in the country, Emirates and Etihad, are offering one-day entry tickets to their passengers.

Visitors must have been vaccinated or have a negative PCR test, or the equivalent of a valid pass.

Technically, the Expo is located a few kilometres from the city centre, and 1 hour from Abu Dhabi. It is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 10 AM till midnight, and on Thursday and Friday from 10 AM until 2 AM.

Built in the perspective of meaningful heritage and measurable, long-term development, on 31 March 2022, the Expo site will become District 2020: a model global community which will inspire the cities of tomorrow.

And in the spirit of the festive season, we leave you with the hopeful wish expressed by the director of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau: to “inspire future generations by continuing to sow the seeds for a better tomorrow”!

The die is cast…

And, finally, don’t stop believing in Santa Claus !
Once upon a time in Baviera.

Once upon a time in Baviera.

by | Oct 9, 2020 | Uncategorized

Autumn gives Bavaria’s countryside a stunning colour with an exceptional luminosity. Everything we know about Germany – beer which is so much more than a drink, culture between tradition and modernity, the panoramic lakes and mountain tops, the castles straight out of fairy books and rich in legends.
Without forgetting that the Bavarian people are friendly and gay, who will welcome you warmly and happily share their omnipresent customs.
The flight to Frankfurt already allows you to see the course of the Rhine from the air, full of charming scenes. The hills in the background shine in the golden light of this season.

 

Baden-Baden appears like a gem in the midst of a green valley. Through this town passes the road of wines of the county of Bade, home to one of the best vineyards in Europe. The road is littered with winery which then give way to picturesque valleys and forests of pine and spruces. The local gastronomy has nothing to envy the good wines, all cooked up in traditional tavernas. 

All around the Black Forest, find an incredible variety of scenery. The wild nature in this area houses a number of natural reserves, farms and animals.

At Lac de Constance, the Austrian, German and Swiss border is invisible and the countries are united by this lake. There are dozens of islands in the lake, the largest are Reichenau, Mainau and Lindau. This last is worth a visit as its gorgeous, with elegant houses and cobbled streets.
Stroll past market square down to the port to watch the sun set over the cute port.

The next stop on our journey will take you straight to Dungeons and Dragons .You will find yourself on top of an inaccessible hill, trapped in a palace inspired from old fortresses, built by Louis II de Bavaria inspired by his wildest dreams.
The emblematic Neuschwansten is awe-inspiring for its grandeur, its fine elegance and its beautiful towers.
Meaning the ‘new swan of stone’ the castle is named after Wagner and sits directly opposite the grand baroque building of his father Hohenschwangau.

The mountains are high here with certain measuring over 3000 metres, throughout the Bavarian Alps you find some beautiful windy roads.
Arriving near the national park of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a natural barrier between Austria and Germany, the highest peak, Zugspitze – offers a stunning view over the entire mountain chain.
From the village of Grainau, the cable car enables you to reach the top in a few minutes for an amazing view from the observation platform.

Enclosed in a green plane, the lac of Chiem is so vast it is known as the ‘inland sea’. A boat ride out to the islands will teach you even more on the mythical Louis II, the most enigmatic king of Baviera. His affinity for extravagance and the beauty of arts earned him the nickname ‘king of dreaming’. A real proof of this is the castle of Herrenchiemsee considered as one of his best architectural pieces. 

History catches up with us at the Obersalzberg plateau, below Kehlstein, the famous eagle nest at the top of the cliff, was the refuge of Adolf Hitler during the summer. The view extends towards the north, towards Salzburg, the old town of princes and dukes, at the feet of Gaisberg.

The spirit of Mozart seems to haunt each corner of this ancient city. Yes, it is of course it’s Salzburg, where the historical city is a world Unesco heritage site. The streets are adorned by pretty fountains, bells, art works, solar clocks appear everywhere.

In every season the small street full of antique shops offering treasures from a different era is a charm. From high up the fortress of Hohensalzburg, down below horse and carriages cross each other to the sound of bells, which gives the impression of being in a different era

Follow the traces of the archbishops down to the cathedral in a true baroque style and the abbey of Saint-Pierre, a pastoral building where the cemetery is covered by vegetation..

 

These adventures in the country bring us to the cultural heart, Munich, the capital of Bavaria, with its multitudes of theatres, museums, its ethnic communities make it a very attractive city.

 

Consult us for our suggestions in Bavaria more than ever away from the crowds and as always with our best guides who are passionate about these destinations.

Autumn Colours Palette

Autumn Colours Palette

by | Sep 22, 2020 | Uncategorized

The days are getting shorter and the sun’s rays are getting weaker. We all wish to hold on to the happy feeling a little longer and to set off looking for places where the sun is still shining and temperatures are reassuringly mild. Autumn is a perfect mid-way point between the two seasons. Nature is resplendent in the golden light; shimmering colours illuminate the city’s walls. The flux of tourists has diminished, even if this summer was a little particular. In this particular context escaping reality is even more needed. Let’s get our suitcases out again and see where the Charly team takes us next. 

A long week-end for two, the next family holidays or even with friends not seen in a while.

The Indian Summer in Corsica

The island of beauty breathes a sigh of relief after the passage of a number of summer tourists. A short flight, Corsica has enough attractions to draw you across the Mediterranean to see its beauty first-hand.

From north to south, choose your landscape: savage nooks, green hills, bays and coves with translucent waters, craggy coastal lines and inaccessible beaches or high mountains. A huge variety of landscapes, one more beautiful than the next which will vow even the hardest to please.
And for the rest? A sophisticated homestead in which to isolate yourself, a delightfully refurbished convent, a large house tastefully decorated and full of ancient souvenirs of Napoléon III, or the gorgeous Relais Châteaux to completely enjoy your stay and which offer gourmet cuisine.
And speaking of cuisine? There are seasons when our bodies need nurture and the table should be full of fresh cuts, of veal cooked with olives and polenta, and cheeses with honey and fig jam. To finish sweets flavoured with clementine or chestnuts. As a background noise, the Corse song, coming straight from the heart of the local people, will fill you with serenity and emotion. Listening to these traditional songs will give you goosebumps. Follow the Route des Sens which brings you across many different regions of this territory to see the natural treasures and learn the ancient history.

Grèce, sur la route d’Olympie

An odyssey through the past, full of archaeological sites, byzantine architecture, daydreams above the shades of the Aegean Sea, the reasons to visit Greece are many.
The home of the Greek gods is a fabulous place to visit in the autumn as its still warm and sunny which allows you to enjoy the small creeks and the small fishing ports, busy all year round.
Sail from island to island – not yet all victims to mass tourism – which includes the iconic Santorini, the romantic, Paxos, the welcoming and Mykonos; the party one.
We will show you the hidden spots and whatever your selection, they are all magnificent at any time of day.
And have you thought of mainland Greece? This often-overlooked place seduces with its world class Unesco treasures, and is also a favourite with climbing and walking fans. It’s true a destination completely different with names which you will recognize immediately, the Peloponnese, the Meteora, the Delphos.
Let’s be honest, steady sunshine, cultural and natural richness, delicious and colourful cuisine, the birth of the western world, Greece is a destination full of choice, a short trip from the continent.

Turkey, a perfect detour between continents

A perfect destination for the idyll, this peninsula region between the Black sea in the North and the Mediterranean in the south, benefits of the Middle Eastern climate In Istanbul the heat of the summer turns into a comfy warmth and makes the city more agreeable to explore in autumn.
Of all of the activities available on the coast, diving is not the most known but a great place to immerge yourself and explore the marine world. Set out from Kas, between mountain and sea, a site which isn’t overly popular but rich in local culture.
Golfers can delight in the numerous high-level courses, especially in Antalya, Mugla and Istanbul.
In the centre of the country, Cappadocia, with its beautiful canyons with the chimneys straight out of fairy tales, give you a wonderful opportunity to view the surrounding landscapes from the heights. Flying above the valleys from a hot air balloon, admire the troglodyte’s houses, today classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
And perhaps quite unexpected, surfing and kitesurfing is popular and amateurs from all over the world find an international place to learn this sport.
The turquoise coast offers a sweet climate up until November. The beaches with transparent waters, white sand and pebbles a great place for a beach holiday right up until November. Turkey offers some wonderful sites full of rich culture and history.

Consultez-nous pour d’autres suggestions plus que jamais à l’envers des foules

et comme toujours accompagnés de guides locaux passionnés.

As happy as Ulysses…

As happy as Ulysses…

by | Aug 17, 2020 | Uncategorized

“It is simply a lovely voyage” ….

Looking for Charly continues its voyage to the very South of Europe. Come with us, cross the Messina strait and find yourself in a place suspended between myth and reality.
Here you will find a land of mixed heritage, enriched from the culture of its different occupiers, each of which have left their own mark…

Discover its treasures, its natural landscapes where mysterious blooms mix with earthly minerals. Here where the stones of each buildings tell tales, from an unfinished temple; from a preserved city following an earthquake, from a timeless mosque, from a castle built on the cliffs overlooking the sea. And the water which is all around us, also brings you into a state of pure contemplation ….

Welcome to Sicily !

You are all familiar with its name – this island of UNESCO World Heritage sites – of baroque palaces, oriental gardens and byzantine cathedrals. On your journey, our guide will introduce you to these lands and all of the unmissable pleasures of this island. As one of our specialists, in true Sicilian style, chatty and a fast talker, they will enchant you with their singing voices. Charm you with their and accent who only the Italians of the South know how to do

Ready to sail? 

Taking to the sea for a few days, will allow you to discover the unique archipelago, the Eoliennes, spread out between sea and land..
Time is a luxury so spend it sailing from island to island, exploring secret coves and discovering all of the secrets of the Tyrrehenian sea..

The best way to admire these amazing landscapes is from the sea. Looking out to the small fishing villages and ports buzzing with life day and night, just you out there, with the waves and the stars above. On board a traditional sailing wooden boat, you will sail around these islands of which only 7 are inhabited. A real floating hotel, light, narrow and with its shallow draught, these boats were originally used for fishing. Today with modern motors, these boots are still equipped with sails and continue to delight with their charm.

 

 

With all of the comfort of a yacht, you will be seduced by the familiar and convivial atmosphere onboard. To be shared with family or friends, whilst still having your own private spaces in the interior to hide away in. With between 2 and 12 cabins, all cabins have air conditioning and have a complete and private bathroom..

Of course, the itinerary can be adapted according to your desires and you can make the most of your time by sailing at night. Sit back and take it all in, all of the beautiful sites along the way, water, land, wind and fire! Sail past Stromboli, and this makes for an iconic moment. Symbol of an explosive marriage between fire and stone, the lady may offer you –if you wait patiently– a spray of fiery lava.

Another spot not to miss, Panarea with its picturesque streets and small white houses surrounded by hibiscus and bougainvillaea, the turquoise waters shining in the background, whilst the sound of cicadas brightens the night. By evening step into the best restaurant perhaps on the bridge with a view of Stromboli, the ideal place to watch its night-time eruptions. là.

 

For the sporty amongst us, walks are possible along the crater of the Volcano to better feel the emotions and trembles or on Salina the highest point of the archipelago. Relax and switch off! The crew will take care of everything for you from navigation to the visits and of course will entice you with some delicious meals on board with ingredients fresh from the sea and inspired from Sicilian specialities.

We would suggest a few days in Trapani, an excellent starting point to discover this region by privatising a charming villa. This journey of discovery ends with Etna,
to brave the fierceness of this volcano.

Since the XIX century, this house in an Art Nouveau style was the residence of the noble family Adragna, today looked after by Agostino, the grandson. A passionate of art and culture, he decided to transform this family house into a harem of tranquillity. Four rooms and two suites make this is the ideal place to relax and find yourself again. All of the rooms have been carefully restored whilst conserving the traditional style and historical elements of the house whilst still adopting a modern twist.

Here you are in your own home, closeted in a fabulous garden which gives the feel of nature in the heart of the city. Under your own steam, set off to discover the surrounding areas or relax by the swimming pool with a delicious cocktail mixed for you by Alessandro. By evening, enjoy the menu prepared by your chef for a romantic dinner in the garden.

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Feel like going out ? Staying loyal to the culinary traditions of this region in the XVI C, start with an aperitif on a terrace, followed by a dinner in a garden with a view on Monte Cofano and the bay of Bonagia. Of the many possible activities, enjoy a cooking class to learn to cook the curious street food dishes of Sicily, the celebrated « Arancine ». You can also learn to cook « Busiate » and the famous pesto of Trapani, a local speciality with a unique flavour.

On the cultural side, enjoy a private visit to the Pepoli Museum housed in a private XIV palace, in the past occupied by the convent of Carmes. Tour the museum with the director or a resident historian to talk about the collection of comte from which it takes its name – around an aperitif in the cloisters at the end of the tour.

Agostino will take you for an excursion on board an exclusive yacht or a sail boat, set sail around the Egades Islands or the Réserve du Zingaro like Favignana and Levanzo. Once there, swim, snorkel in the crystalline water, visit the marine caves, the museum Florio or the ancient caves or better still reach the top of Mont Santa Saterina on the back of a donkey.

Trapani is renowned for its red roofed windmills built on the salt pans. A millennial history see the pools utilized by the Phoenicians before developing commercial salt. Meet one of the families who have continued this tradition from many generations and who will tell you the secrets passed down from generations whilst soaking up the views of this incredible landscape uniting land and sea.

This amazing discovery ends with the Etna National Park, on the volcano depths.

Then the grand finale, the emblematic cone, always active, watching over the coast with its sandy beaches. It is the highest active volcano in Europe (3 345 metres) giving life to an incredible play field for lovers of extreme sensations without too much effort.
Take a half day excursion or a total immersion including spending the night up here close to its heart.

Imagine, after a restful night in bivouac where you will learn about its mystery in a more intimate way on the north face. The refuge is far away from civilization. And to add even more sensations, find yourself face to face with the summit which rises majestically whilst the fumes remind you of the presence of the volcano.

A 4×4 will drive you up to the plateau, still on the northern face where the road suddenly stops. Your guide will lead you along the sportif course. Take to your bicycles, and follow the guide to arrive up to the craters of the summit, a few bends later and you will find the ancient cone. After leaving the chestnut forest behind, you will find no more vegetation instead you will be surrounded by lava which shows as a chaotic mass. Walk with prudence in this moon landscape from where you can just about see the houses below. The white smoke will lift you into a mysterious universe.

Brace yourself as they may change colours and according to the force of nature, and get ready to descend back down to earth as the sounds of civilization start to be heard again.
In autumn the colours contrast with the bright light between the black of the volcanic stone and the colours of the trees with their shining leaves.

Best period for this trip September and October
 
All requirements are susceptible to be modified and can change according to the evolution of the pandemic. For all destinations, travellers need to respect the health protocol and the restrictions in the hotels and all the touristic activities.