72 hours in the Algarve

72 hours in the Algarve

by | Sep 9, 2019 | Europe

The perfect spot to welcome the soft breeze of an Indian summer. The Algarve reveals another, rather different, face with a soft yet bright colour palette. Far from the seaside towns and the mass-market tourist resorts beats the heart of an Algarve that is generous and authentic with a carefully preserved unique character. It is to this Algarve blessed with warmth, culinary delights and maritime charms that we are taking you today. In these places where the memory of great sailors still floats in the spray-filled air, life is not lived by the watch, but instead by the rhythm of the tides. This makes it the perfect time and place for a change of tempo
DAY 1 – FRIDAY
From Faro, Malaga or Seville airport you will make your way to your hotel located along the Guadiana River that marks the border between Spain and Portugal. The scent of orange trees, the sea breeze and the cry of the gulls that wheel above your head will envelop you in their benevolent tranquillity.
​​10am – Drop off your luggage at – The Grand House.

Where the light of the Algarve meets the charm of the Belle Époque, this fully renovated house has everything you need to travel back in time. The elegant architecture of the 1920s, the timeless design, the flavours of the locally sourced organic menu and the beach club that is only five minutes’ walk away open the doors to an irresistible lifestyle

​​​​11am – Wander around Vila Real de Santo António. Not far from the sailing boats moored along the river, the Marquês de Pombal square is the authentic beating heart of the coastal city Vila Real de Santo António. The time has come to lose yourself in the straight white streets of the city before sampling the flavours, colours and local life to be found in the city market hall.

1.30pm – Wake up your taste buds at the Grand Beach House.
You are about to learn the secrets of a cataplana of fish and seafood with its bold flavours. This traditional speciality from the Algarve gets its flavours from the copper cooking pot in which it is slowly simmered, but you’ll be convinced that it’s the spices used that give the dish its rich aromas. Is that a hint of coriander you can taste?
3pm – Make a salty discovery
After tackling the mediaeval fortress that overlooks the marshy plain of Guadiana, Jorge and his family will welcome you into their magnificent property to tell you about the history of the place and the harvest of the so-called white gold – sugar. The Castro Marim salt marshes have become a refuge for thousands of birds attracted by the fish-filled waters, molluscs and crustaceans.
8pm – Explore Ayamonte using your taste buds! 
The restaurant LPA Culinary Bar is an excellent reason to cross the river and sound out the city of Ayamonte which is located on the Spanish side. In the soft and idle ambience of an Andalusian evening you can savour the delights of the local cuisine to your heart’s content.

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DAY 2 – SATURDAY 
9am – Wake up your palate with a flourish
A golden finish, crisp pastry, the scent of vanilla and thick egg-based cream will awaken your taste buds with a taste sensation. Dusted with icing sugar or cinnamon, the famous Pastéis de Nata are the stars of Portuguese baking. You won’t be able to resist them at breakfast
10.30am – Birdwatch in the Ria Formosa natural park.

The charms of the Ria Formosa Park’s natural reserve protected by dunes can be found between the land and the sea. On board a solar-powered silent and non-polluting boat you can let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the lagoon ecosystems escorted by the migrating birds and sultan chickens.

12h30pm – Berth at a deserted island
What better setting to taste oysters, prawns and regional products than a virgin island in the Ria Formosa? Cradled by the waves that come and go on the golden sand, you will swim in a great bath of light feeling carefree and convivial.
2.30pm – Forget about the demands of time in Tavira
o really get to know this jewel of a Portuguese city founded by the Phoenicians take the time to wander around its narrow streets. From churches with a baroque charm to houses adorned with the famous Azulejo tiles, not to mention its arty charm and friendly locals, here everything simply exudes the Portuguese Dolce Vita. When the sun goes down, you won’t be able to resist the call of the terraces on the banks of the Gilão River.
5.30pm – Greet the ocean
When the sailors of Tavira stopped fishing for tuna, they abandoned their anchors on the Ilha de Tavira bordered with dunes. This is how the unusual anchor cemetery was born, located in the crosshairs of the sea spray. The nearby Praia do Barril invites you to go for a dip in the waters of the Atlantic where they meet the Mediterranean.
8pm – Let yourself be soothed by the gentle night

You will be torn between dinner at the Grand Salon with its golden years’ ambiance and an authentic Vila Real de Santo Antonio wine bar. While you make up your mind, let yourself be guided by the softness of the night-time air in which you can hear a few notes of fado here and there.

DAY 3 – SUNDAY
10am – Take Icarus’s flight.
A hair-raising sensation of lightness will fill you when you touch the Algarve sky in your autogyro as it glides through the morning light. Around you, you will see the Castro Marim salt marshes, the Ria Formosa lagoon, Vila Real de Santo Antonio and the ocean that stretches out into infinity. Your stay in the Algarve is taking to the air.
12.30pm – Try tapas the Portuguese way

Under the terrace of the Ta Certo Wine bar shaded by the sails, traditional dishes have been redesigned to offer original and simple small plates. Accompanied by a glass of vinho verde and a pinch of Castro Marim sea salt, the stewed or grilled octopus will leave you wanting more.

 

2pm – Wave to the Vila Real de Santo Antonio chameleons
The forest that connects Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Monte Gordo marks the last stage of your weekend in the Algarve. Either on foot or by bike, follow the shade of the pines through the coastal dunes planted with aromatic grasses that are home to the chameleons. At this point you’ll have to find a very good reason to make the return trip home.

VOTRE POINT DE CHUTE:

“THE GRAND HOUSE”

The Grand House opened its doors in January 2019, but its history goes back much further. In 1926, the building was the point of passage for the merchants who bought, sold and exported canned fish in the 27 canning factories of Vila Real de Santo António, which was then one of the most prosperous cities in the Algarve and known as Little Lisbon thanks to its Pombaline-style city plan.

–Location : The hotel is located at the heart of Vila Real Santo António on its main street looking over the Gardena River which separates Portugal from Spain (a small ferry provides transport between the two banks). The main square with its church, shops and cafés is located just behind the hotel. San António beach is just a few minutes away by car and the neighbouring town Castro Marim is worth a visit to see its mediaeval castle and impressive salt pans. Seville is 90 minutes away by car and Faro airport is 40 minutes away.

–Style&character : Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi fully renovated the building to return it to its original form. A talented local company White & Kaki created the interiors. The focus on the glamour of the golden years was achieved through a mix of antiques, colonial design, nautical colours in the public areas and softer colours in the rooms. The old prints, white orchids, panelling and stuccos are flooded with natural light.

– Services&activités : personnel amical et efficace. Les installations sont limitées par la taille de l’hôtel, mais tout est mis en œuvre pour vous offrir tout ce dont vous aurez besoin. Une chambre sert de spa, avec des massages à la demande. À l’ouverture du Grand Club House (fin 2019), il y aura un concept store et un cinéma privé. Une liste impressionnante d’expériences est offerte dont l’équitation sur une plage de la ville voisine de Tavira et un spa en plein air dans la ville voisine de Castro Marim

– Rooms: 30, decorated in soft peaceful colours. The wooden floorboards are adorned with handwoven rugs and ancient chests of drawers, while antique prints and black and white cards line the walls. Shutters and mullions made by Korrodi open onto terraces. The elegant bathrooms which only have showers (with the exception of one room which has a bath) feature black and white tiling and facilities designed by C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries.

– Food&drinks: The Grand Beach Club offers light lunches, from pizzas topped with local figs to salad Niçoise with fresh tuna, while the breakfast buffet providing eggs cooked to order is served in the pretty dining room looking over the river. You can find the perfect Negroni or Tom Collins in the bar, and in the summer they can even be enjoyed in the roof-top bar. For dinner, both a tasting menu and an à la carte menu are available. Don’t miss the red mullet fillet and the razor shell clams from neighbouring Ria Formosa.

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HOW TO GET TO VILA REAL SANTO ANTONIO?

DIRECT flight from Nice in 2 hrs 25:
DIRECT flight from Paris in 2 hrs 35:

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​​If you have a bit more time :
– Touch the very tip of the Portuguese Finistère at cabo de São Vicente.
– Relive the history of the Moor conquests at Silves Castle,
– See the green side of the Algarve at Portugal’s best golf courses,
– Get lost in Faro’s enchanting old town,- Reach for the sky in the Serra de Monchique mountain range,
– Revisit the great sea voyages of the 15th and 16th centuries in Lagos,
– Drink in the turquoise and ochre of the Ponta da Piedade cliffs,
– And why not take a trip to the White Villages of Andalusia that are only a stone’s throw away?

Bears in the spotlight

Bears in the spotlight

by | Apr 5, 2019 | Uncategorized

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PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITIONS IN SEARCH OF ANYTHING BUT THE FAMILIAR SHOTS

 There are trips that you never truly come home from, as the intensity of the memories they create instantly pull you back to the experience. They immerse you into the wilderness, perfectly preserved environments and unexpected encounters. Wildlife photography expeditions to Canada’s Great North are exactly this kind of voyage that leaves an indelible mark on your soul.

Zoom in on two wildlife watching trips in Northern Canada.

Today Looking for Charly focusses on two of these experiences.
First, take an incursion into the territory of the legendary grizzly bears of British Colombia.
Second, take a dive into the cold waters of the kingdom of the polar bear.
What does that make? A very exclusive summer excursion following in the tracks of the mammal that is the symbol of North America (and be careful, they aren’t like the bears you see in cartoons).

And the golden bear goes to..…

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PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPEDITION TO TAKE YOU UP CLOSE TO POLAR BEARS

WITH MARIO CYR

Diving with polar bears (and no, that isn’t a typo, you did read it right) with one of the greatest specialists in the world of underwater photography is truly the experience of a lifetime, nothing more, nothing less.

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Who is Mario Cyr?

The Spielberg of the ocean’s depths, Mario Cyr captures the marvels of the glacial waters that are lapped up by National Geographic and world-famous film producers.
The adventurer from Quebec has braved the ice for the most beautiful images of the Arctic and Antarctic ever captured for the likes of the BBC, Disney, Arte and the Discovery Channel, to name but a few. Although his films tell of a world that people under the age of 20 will never get to experience (thanks to global warming), the talks that he gives captivate audiences with the strength of his narrative and the otherworldliness of his expeditions.
In order to immortalise the underwater beauty he sees, the explorer emeritus dives in head first to bring you face-to-face with walruses, seals, beluga whales, polar bears and great white sharks. It’s the original thrill!

“Knowledge you acquire over the years is worthless unless you share it.” (Mario Cyr)

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The pitch 

Accompanied by the seasoned cinematographer and diver, you will camp on the ancestral lands of the Inuit and navigate in search of walruses, narwhals and beluga whales. Don’t forget to wave at the caribou as they pass in the very particular light of the midnight sun. A little further away, curious seals from the Ukkusiksalik National Park poke their heads out of the water as if they are posing for a picture. Then a movement catches your eye under the surface of the water… Could that be a polar bear swimming peacefully by? It’s the perfect moment to throw yourself into the water to rub shoulders with the King of the Arctic evolving in synchrony with its natural habitat only a few meters away. It is a rare experience that until now only a handful of lucky travellers have enjoyed.

The best time to watch polar bears is between 15th June and 1st July.
2019 expedition: contact us.

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PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP TO MEET GRIZZLY WITH DENIS PALANQUE

While any (normal) human would do everything in their power to avoid coming face to face with a grizzly, Denis Palanque does things differently. And for good reason. The solitary photographer who will support you on your journey with passion is inspired by the solitary bear.

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But who is Denis Pallanque?

Denis Palanque is a wildlife photographer who specialises in conservation, the environment and science.

You have probably already seen his photos without knowing it on the front page of National Geographic or in reporting assignments in the magazine Terre Sauvage.
His dual occupation as both biologist and photographer enables him to grasp subjects with the sensitivity of an artist and the knowledge of a scientist. It is an unprecedented combination that makes this great traveller the ideal guide to immortalise your encounter with the grizzlies.
Throughout the trip, Denis Palanque will share the art and techniques of wildlife photography with you. Image composition, balancing contrasts and connections to the subject are the key to taking original shots that are full of emotion.

“We should no longer be content with our photography simply relaying a message or information wrapped up in a nice composition. Our photos should also push the viewer to ask themselves questions on their role and their relationship with nature.”

(Denis Palanque)

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The pitch

Rooted to your small boat in the middle of the Atnarko River, you hold your breath as you play with focal length. Then suddenly the imposing brown silhouette rears up on its paws to leap onto its prey (not you, a wild salmon!). You instantly feel at one with nature. But this doesn’t mean you should get too close to this mythical creature. The grizzly, who comes down from the mountains to take advantage of the wild salmon runs in the rivers of Tweedsmuir Park, can’t help but strike a pose. The formidable power of nature radiates from its deft claws, its watchful gaze and its coat glinting in the first light of dawn. It is a stunning sight for experienced photographers and enlightened amateurs alike.

The best time to watch the bears of Tweedsmuir Park is from 25th August to 15th October.
2019 expedition: contact us

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Glamping at the summit

Glamping at the summit

by | Mar 20, 2019 | Asia*

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USAVOUR THE EXPERIENCE OF THE NOMADIC LIFESTYLE

A glamorous alternative to camping in the great outdoors, you can now glamp in luxury in the heart of Ladakh. Savour the experience of the nomadic lifestyle of the trans-Himalayan explorers of yesteryear in great comfort without any of the harshness of the Himalayas…

A the far north of India, Ladakh is home to breath-taking landscapes adorned with unfathomable mysteries and prayer flags rippling in the wind. At the heart of the mountains two nomadic camps vie for your affection with their contrasting charms and differences offering travellers the ultimate experience over the unexplored paths of the roof of the world. In these places where the concepts of space and time fade away, you may just start to feel like an explorer, a Rajput prince or a rich English Lord seeking adventure and a true change of scene. Read on to see for yourself.

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It’s Ladakh like you have never seen it before

Just imagine.
One morning, you gently emerge from the silky comfort of a large four poster bed when something irrevocably calls to you from beyond the walls of your sand-coloured tent. Is it the sound of faraway gong? Is it the muffled noise of a sacred mantra? Is it a mysterious wave? It’s better than that. Head to your private teak terrace and you will understand. In front of you is the Thiksey Monastery perched on a rocky spur expressing gratitude to the ancestral culture of Ladakh and the Himalayan peaks that impassively challenge the cobalt blue sky. You will be immediately gripped by emotion at the spectacular view. And it’s only the beginning of the trip…

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A luxury camp in the Indus Valley

Hidden in these lands along the ancient Silk Road that linked Kashmir and Kashgar is a separate world where the experience of travelling takes on another dimension. When experiencing the high Indus valley perched at 3500 m above sea level, travellers dazzled by the crystalline purity of the landscape will feel almost weightless. The days will be filled with exploring monasteries, hiking, Buddhist ceremonies, polo matches, meeting villagers and rafting on the Indus river, before the time comes to succumb to sleep…

Your cocoon in this high-up place is a refuge that is stylish and unique down to its core. Your luxury camp has subtle variations of antique furniture, refined woodwork, colonial touches and British charm to bring your journey in Ladakh inside with you.

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Glamping in the Nubra Valley

Your journey through the Himalayas will take you ever higher, flirting with Khardung La, one of the highest passes in the world that is accessible to motor vehicles at 5359 m. Captivated by the mineral roughness of your surroundings, you will finally reach the Nubra valley tucked between the jagged peaks and the sky as if frozen in eternity. In this part of Ladakh verdant oases, white sandy dunes and a crystalline river move mountains. The days will alternate between discovering villages, immersing yourself in monasteries and Himalayan contemplation.

When comes the time to explore new summits from your semi-permanent luxury camp. With Dandy-inspired decor, delicious food, highly professional service, a bathroom with copper highlights and magical Himalayan sunsets, everything here chimes with the perfection of these rare places where you can really forget everything to find yourself again. This is why man has never stopped dreaming…

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See it for yourself​​
The best time to go is between June and September

Contact us

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Snowtally wild

Snowtally wild

by | Feb 14, 2019 | Europe

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IN SEARCH OF EXTREMES

This article will take you from the North Pole to the South Pole through ice-encased lands with a certain kind of magnetism.

These destinations are the kind that dreams are made of.

Far removed from the crowds and the frenetic pace of normal life, these forgotten lands attract travelers on a quest for ever rarer and more unexpected experiences. Found beyond the final borders of our planet’s hemispheres, the Poles are very such places that represent (although not for much longer) the ultimate refuge from modern civilisation. From the absolute purity of the Far North to the extreme lands of the Far South, the Charly team has crafted four trip ideas for the boldest of travellers.

An Arctic expedition in Spitsbergen

A land of exploration shrouded in mystery, Spitsbergen still vibrates with the exciting tales of the explorers who were lucky enough to venture here. This, the largest island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard which is found beyond the North Cape, is home to a world in which your senses and mind will lose their bearings.

You will navigate beyond the 80th parallel north, feel the ice fields crack as the boat passes by, travel along deep fjords and become intoxicated by the characteristic light of the midnight sun.
Keep your eyes peeled for the walruses, seals, whales and Arctic foxes all around, that is until the polar bear arrives. When it does, you won’t be able to look away from its imposing silhouette. An encounter with the Lord the Arctic never leaves you cold.

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An Inuit voyage to Greenland

The mere mention of its name is enough to evoke the silence of the great Arctic spaces broken only by the deafening noise of the blocks of sea ice. To venture onto the largest island in the Arctic (and in the world!) is to reconnect with the spectacular, raw, wild and primitive environments of the unexplored polar lands. You will weave between huge icebergs in a kayak, get to know whales in Disko Bay, hike along Ilulissat Icefjord and confront the largest glaciers in the northern hemisphere.

Then the summer sun goes into extra time and the ice monsters sparkle with a thousand blue, gold and iridescent reflections, watch out for the thrill you will feel. And if you decide you want to break the ice, the ancestral culture of the Inuit communities and their brightly coloured wooden villages will be on hand to provide a warm welcome.

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Put in at southern Patagonia

At the antipode of Spitsbergen and Greenland, the sirens of mythical Ushuaia sing their irresistible song to travelers in search of nature and adventure. Nicolas Hulot certainly wasn’t mistaken on this front.
At the very edge of South America, the most southerly city in the world offers the perfect window onto the Tierra del Fuego and its glacial landscapes that see the Andes slope down into the sea. It is impossible not to be moved by the purity of its snow-capped peaks, the immense scale of its glaciers and by the raw power of nature that can be seen there, both wild and insidious.

Through the labyrinthine Magellan Strait that so terrorised the European navigators of long ago, you will reach Cape Horn, the Beagle Channel and Magdalena Island watched by penguins, cormorants, gulls and elephant seals. At this place that they call the “fin del mundo” (the end of the world) you truly are at the “Sur del Sur” (the south of the south), but you’re not quite at the very edge of the world just yet…

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​​​​An exploratory cruise beyond the Antarctic polar circle

Once you leave Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego retreats into the distance giving way to world that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. This is the most isolated, coldest and driest continent in the world.
Twenty-six times larger than France and covered in a glacial icecap that takes up almost 98% of the surface, this is a land of superlatives fashioned by the sea and the wind. However, its magic is not just due to its landscapes, which seemed to have escaped from the glossy pages of a geographical magazine. There is something else, a feeling of heady completeness, a certain “je ne sais quoi” that emanates in silence from this snow-white paradise and connects irrevocably with the very depths of your being.

Guided by the locals (eared seals, emperor penguins, orcas, humpback whales and albatrosses) you will follow in the footsteps of polar scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot through calving glaciers, icebergs and jagged summits plunging sharply into the ocean. Your expedition into the polar zone will take you from flying over the Drake Passage to exploring Marguerite Bay in a Zodiac.
Then your course will finally take you over the mythical line of the Antarctic polar circle: 66°33 parallel south. Only a handful of scientists and lucky travelers venture this far.

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– FROM ONE EXTREME TO THE OTHER –
A tailored journey from one Pole to the other

The attraction of the Poles is sometimes so strong that travelers do not know which to choose. To solve this dilemma, the Looking For Charly team has created a tailored 50-day trip dedicated to an adventurous and exacting Explorer.
From Spitsbergen to the polar circle, taking in Greenland, Iceland, Patagonia and the Antarctic, this article was inspired by this polar tour of two halves (summer/winter).

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72 hours in Copenhagen

72 hours in Copenhagen

by | Dec 18, 2018 | Europe

Immersion, hygge and stylish places to eat and stay 

Copenhagen deserves its place among the most avant-garde Smart Cities on the planet. With respect for the environment hard-wired into its DNA, a passion for design, sustainable architecture and the hygge lifestyle, the vibrant Danish capital is a true source of inspiration for urban centres looking for a new identity.

This weekend in Copenhagen is an invitation to take the measure of the Danish way of life, offering the perfect balance between heritage, stylish places to eat and stay, architectural daring and Nordic warmth.

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From the airport you will make your way to your hotel. With crystalline waters, lines of bicycles and bountiful green space, you would be forgiven for thinking that your driver has taken you into the countryside. But instead, this is the urban centre of Copenhagen. You will see why the city committed to becoming the first carbon neutral capital in the world has a good chance of achieving its aim…

DAY 1 – FRIDAY 

17:00 – Drop off your bags at the Nimb Hotel

The hotel’s neo-Moorish palace vibe makes it seem like the Nimb has escaped from Rajasthan, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The décor of the emblematic hotel in the Danish capital would be more at home in the famous Tivoli gardens. Its Michelin starred restaurant, vast rooftop, cutting-edge spa and elegant rooms make it a private refuge imbued with the famous ‘hygge’.  

20:00 – A leap back to childhood in the Tivoli gardens

When the sun sets on the Danish capital, the grandfather of theme parks illuminates its twinkling mantle to bring the Copenhagen nights to life. In spring, the Christmas markets, ice rinks, mulled wine and toffee apples give way to fireworks and open-air concerts.. 

WHERE TO STAY IN COPENHAGEN?

“Our five other favourite hotels.”

– Nobis hotel : the most timeless.
– Hotel d’Angleterre : the most legendary.
– Hotel Alexandra : the most design-oriented.
– Skt Petri : the most hyped. 
– Sp34 : the coolest.

DAY 2 – SATURDAY

09:00 – Head to the Nyhavn waterfront

The wacky Nyhavn waterfront looks like it was created especially for people who love strolls and romance. When the city awakens revealing the magnificence of its multicoloured houses in the light of day, your feelings might just surprise you. From the masts and the gulls to the boats ready to set sail, everything here exudes the ambiance of a Nordic seafaring town.

10:00 – A shot of creative inspiration at the Design Museum

Located in an old 18th century hospital, the Copenhagen Design Museum takes a fresh look at shapes, colours and geometry. Starting from Art Nouveau and coming right up to date, you can trace the history of Danish design, exploring the iconic works of Kaare Klint and admiring Arne Jacobsen’s famous chairs that take centre stage.

11:15 – A Royal promenade in the Frederiksstaden district

Step from Danish design into the Rococo style of the 18th century through Copenhagen’s Royal district that is the fiefdom of one of the oldest monarchies in the world. Say hello to the queen at Amalienborg square, home to the winter residence of the Danish royal family. Don’t miss the changing of the guard at 11:27.

12:30 – Savour dishes that embody the new Nordic gastronomic scene

Nordic Nouvelle Cuisine is waiting for you at Almanak, offering the famous smørrebrød reimagined with finesse. The restaurant housed in an elegant harbour-side building is reminiscent of an Art Deco liner and places the spotlight on natural ingredients and seasonal products.

14:00 – Discover an archi-spectacular perspective on Copenhagen

The city was born from the union of land and sea and is best explored from its canals. From the comfort of your private boat you can glide along with a glass in one hand taking in the architectural masterpieces of the Danish capital. Make sure to wave to Copenhagen’s statue of the Little Mermaid, born from the imagination of the writer Hans Christian Andersen.

16:00 – Immerse yourself in the world of design in Strøget in Copenhagen’s Latin quarter

Back on dry land, the pedestrian area of Strøget and the Latin quarter will pull you into the heart of Old Copenhagen. Whether you want to redecorate your home, stay on top of the trends or relax into the student lifestyle, this place has it all: art galleries, showrooms, paved squares, backyards and churches topped with spires.

17:00 – Climb up the Rundetaarn Tower

At the heart of the Latin quarter, boasting chic and bohemian DNA, an edifice reminiscent of the Tower of Babel immediately draws the eye. The Rundetaarn Tower, built in the 17th century, is home to the oldest astronomy observatory still in operation in Europe. Why not tackle its spiral staircase? The 360° view of Copenhagen in its entirety makes it worth the effort.

19:30 – A gastronomic flourish in Höst

With mismatched furniture, a courtyard complete with kitchen garden, refined crockery and a minimalist aesthetic, this restaurant has received countless design prizes since it was founded. As for the dishes, you will be blown away by the subtle flavours and audacious pairings of this Nordic bistro. It is a universe of inspiration designed to satisfy all your senses.

DAY 3 – SUNDAY

09:00 – Play it like a true Dane

In Copenhagen, the bicycle really is king, with half of all residents cycling daily. The time has therefore come to mount a bike and make like the locals. Your ride will take you from the Opera replete in marble and glass to Slotsholmen island, taking in the massive silhouette of the Royal Library on the way.

12:30 – Lunch along the canal

After exercise has whetted your appetite, nothing could be better than lunch at Kompasset, which is housed in a charming 18th century building. The compass manufacturers who formerly occupied the factory have been replaced by foodies and other interior design lovers in search of the exhilarating pleasures of hygge..

14:00 – A postprandial stroll in Christianshavn
Its straight canals, paved alleys and beautiful 18th century residences make this district one of the most pleasant and charming in Copenhagen, so reminiscent of Amsterdam. Don’t miss the Church of Our Saviour and its typically Nordic baroque spiral bell tower. If you love a challenge, climbing this bell tower is for you!

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14:30 – Copenhagen’s underground in Christiania
The enclave of Christiania is the beating heart of an experimental community that is unique in Europe. Discover the separate lifestyle of this town within a city spanning 34 hectares with the unusual feature of being collectively managed by its inhabitants. It is home to artists’ workshops, street art and colourful homes made from salvaged materials and boasts a very active cultural life.

17:00 – Extend your Design experience right up to the airport, or even the journey itself.
Arrive two hours before take-off to wander around this airport that perfectly reflects the Scandi design identity so vaunted in all the interior design magazines.

GETTING TO COPENHAGEN
DIRECT flight from Nice in 2 hrs 25:
There are outbound and inbound flights every day apart from Tuesday with Norwegian Airways.
DIRECT flight from Paris in 1 hr 55:
There are outbound and inbound flights every day with Air France, Norwegian Airways, Vueling & EasyJet.
If you have a little more time:
Why not make a trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art to pay homage to the genius of Warhol, Klein, Duffufet and others in a splendid seaside setting? Try an introduction to Nordic Nouvelle Cuisine accompanied by a blogger, journalist and food writer. You could enjoy a shopping trip to Jægersborggade street, synonymous with trendiness and bric-a-brac shops. Or extend your trip to take in Bornholm, a private insular paradise in the Baltic Sea.

Astuce: Pour découvrir d’autres posts sur la même thématique, cliquer sur un des mots clés ci-dessous.