VINTAGE DOORS IN LE PANIER, THE OLDEST DISTRICT IN MARSEILLE, FRANCE

 

   
     

In 600 BC the Greeks discovered three hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and decided this was the perfect place to begin a city. The small area, where it all began, is referred to as Le Panier—the oldest district in Marseille, France.

     Through the years, this district in Marseille has developed into a magical work of art and a delight to wander through. The narrow brick streets are lined with colorful street art, outdoor cafes, plazas, and shops.

Le Panier, which means “basket” in French, is a paradise for anyone that loves old doors—especially when they have been embellished with street art. Here are some of my favorites:

Related Posts:  “More than a Door”  May 11, 2020

THE GARDENS OF TRAUTTMANSDORFF CASTLE

    
     On the sunny slopes above Merano/Meran, Italy lies the Gardens ofTrauttmansdorff Castle. This beautiful amphitheater of flowers, plants, and forests from all over the world has been the recipient of several major awards including “Italy's Most Beautiful Garden” in 2005, the “International Garden of the Year” in 2013, and the 2021 “European Award for Ecological Gardens.”

The thirty acres of exotic gardens surround a castle that was made famous by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria (affectionately nicknamed Sissi). Her winter visits here for health reasons inspired aristocrats from all over Europe to come to Merano. Empress Sissi arrived by carriage, along with her entourage, for the first time in 1870. She returned several times making it her favorite winter residence. Known for the therapeutic benefits of its local water sources, it's still a famous European spa resort.

    On our recent visit to Merano, I enjoyed an afternoon meandering around these special gardens that include some of the paths that Sissi frequented. It's full of colorful blooms, foliage, walkways, forests, ponds, terraced gardens, and much more. It was easy to get lost in an area that is said to represent 80 garden landscapes from around the world. There were also many places to sit quietly, reflect and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

I returned to town on a two-mile route referred to as a Sissi's Path. Like many of the walks around Merano, it passed by vineyards, apple trees, castles, stone walls, arches, villas, and other hidden treasures.

   I visited Merano in 2017, here is what I wrote at that time:

“Merano, South Tyrol Italy – A Hikers Paradise” June 22, 2017

SANTA CRISTINA IN THE VALLEY OF THE DOLOMITES

We continue returning to the Dolomites in northern Italy where the mountains stand tall, and the beauty of nature never ceases to amaze us. And, not surprisingly, the old barns are still teetering on the hills.

On this visit we chose to spend a week in S. Christina, one of three villages in the valley referred to as Val Gardena. The area is one of the top ski areas in Europe, it also provides endless trails for hikers and bikers during the warmer months.

We enjoyed our long hikes along the valley and down the mountains. This area has unlimited bus service and ski lifts that bring hikers up to the higher points so they can enjoy downhill walks. Most visitors are equipped with walking sticks, quality hiking shoes, and clothing. Ron and I didn't exactly fit that image, however, we could still find miles of easy walks that were comfortable with our walking shoes.

Here are photos from that week in the Dolomites that continue to make this one of my favorite places in the world.