Tag: wanderlust ale

Ninh Binh, a natural gem to discover in Vietnam

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Ninh Binh, a natural gem to discover in Vietnam

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Ninh Binh province was one of my favourites in Vietnam. Naturally, it’s still a must-see for tourists, as it’s nicknamed Ha Long Bay on land, but it feels better than Ha Long Bay, which, despite being a natural wonder, was ultimately my least favourite place.

Ninh Binh boasts some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful, majestic and impressive natural scenery. With its towering karst peaks rising from the rice paddies, it is a destination that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 (for the Trang An landscape complex).

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Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Pu Luong

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Pu Luong

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Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a magnificent mountainous region famous for its picturesque landscapes, rural villages and rice terraces. Pu Luong is not yet on the tourist radar, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers looking for a relaxing, unique and unforgettable experience.

Pu Luong is a truly amazing destination if you like to explore off-the-beaten-track destinations and want to get an idea of what Vietnam was like before tourism took hold.

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Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Mai Chau

Around the world Asia Vietnam

Vietnam off the beaten tracks: Mai Chau

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Mai Chau is a rural region in north-west Vietnam, just a three-hour drive from Hanoi, the bustling Vietnamese capital. It was a breath of fresh air during my trip to Vietnam, as well as an unusual and off-the-beaten-track place to visit.

Indeed, long before our trip and when we were preparing it, there was no mention of this region in any research. The main tourist attraction was the Pu Luong Nature Park, which we wanted to visit and which gave us two days’ rest away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

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Café in Lausanne: 3rd edition of the café crawl

Lausanne Switzerland Vaud

Café in Lausanne: 3rd edition of the café crawl

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As you’re beginning to know, I have a passion as an intrepid explorer for unearthing the caffeine gems of Lausanne. And this year, 2024, my coffee radar went into overdrive with several addresses in my sights, having spent a few months in German-speaking Switzerland.

So I got my faithful sidekick on board to participate in the third edition of our now famous caféthon. Fuelled by the prospect of discovering new havens in Lausanne, we immersed ourselves in the bustle of the capital’s streets on a sunny Saturday in February.

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Café in Lausanne: 2nd edition of the café crawl

Lausanne Switzerland Vaud

Café in Lausanne: 2nd edition of the café crawl

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Ah, coffee! That aromatic beverage awakens our senses and gives us the boost we need to face the day. My favourite drink. In all its guises. In Lausanne, coffee (and the café) is more than just a morning drink/place; it’s a way of life, an experience in its own right.

Imagine strolling along the old town’s cobbled streets, with only the alluring aroma of freshly brewed coffee for company. You stop in front of a little café on the corner, drawn by the murmur of lively conversation and the clinking of cups. It’s enough almost to make me leave my beloved Vevey to experience this passion for coffee daily.

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Road to Cilaos, the sunniest cirque on Réunion Island

Africa France Réunion Réunion

Road to Cilaos, the sunniest cirque on Réunion Island

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Cilaos, the last of the three cirques that inhabit the beautiful island of Réunion. Far less well-known than the other two cirques, I decided to venture there one day, alone, in my sister’s old hire car. Legend has it that the car never recovered from the very winding road that leads there.

The Cirque de Cilaos is formed by the ramparts of the caldera of the Piton des Neiges, Réunion’s highest peak. At an average altitude of 1,200 metres, Cilaos is surrounded by majestic peaks, sharp ridges and deep ravines, creating a magnificent mountain landscape.

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Salazie, Réunion’s lush cirque

Africa France Réunion Réunion

Salazie, Réunion’s lush cirque

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Reunion, the jewel of the Indian Ocean, is an island of a thousand facets, offering a surprising diversity of landscapes. Among its natural treasures, the Cirque de Salazie stands out for its lush beauty, majestic waterfalls and pleasant atmosphere.

The Cirque de Salazie, located in the heart of Reunion Island, is one of three natural cirques that characterize the island’s mountainous terrain. I’ve already told you about Mafate here. Surrounded by imposing mountains, this cirque offers a setting of unspoilt nature, with its vertiginous crests, verdant valleys and spectacular waterfalls.

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3 water-related activities not to be missed at Réunion Island

Africa France Réunion Réunion

3 water-related activities not to be missed at Réunion Island

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Reunion Island, located in the Indian Ocean, is a heavenly destination with no scarcity of charm and attractions. This French Island, often referred to as ” the intense island “, is a genuine jewel of nature, renowned for its geographical diversity, rich culture and fascinating history. With spectacular landscapes ranging from white sandy beaches to mountain peaks, lush forests and volcanic cirques, Réunion offers an incomparable range of experiences.

Whether you’re a mountain hiker, a scuba diving enthusiast, a gourmet in search of exotic flavors, or simply looking to relax on paradise beaches, Réunion Island has something for everyone.

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Two activities to get to know the Mafate Cirque in Réunion Island

Africa Europe France Réunion Réunion

Two activities to get to know the Mafate Cirque in Réunion Island

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On Reunion Island, the Mafate cirque is one of the island’s most captivating natural treasures. Nestled in the heart of this lush cirque, you’ll discover unspoilt nature, breathtaking scenery, and an authentic Creole culture. To explore this natural wonder, without going there, there are two exciting activities, each offering a unique experience.

In this article, I present these two options for discovering the cirque de Mafate, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or looking for a more peaceful adventure.

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A trek to Mafate, the most remote cirque on Réunion Island

Africa France Réunion Réunion

A trek to Mafate, the most remote cirque on Réunion Island

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A nature destination beyond compare, Réunion Island is a small, unspoilt jewel in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Réunion is the result of an unlikely marriage between volcanoes and the sea, giving it a unique charm and breathtaking beauty. You’ll be transported to a world apart, where nature reveals itself in all its splendour and diversity.

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