If you’ve strolled in the sunny Barcelona you will came across magnificent modernist buildings gaze proudly over the tree-lined boulevards, sleek furniture, elaborate tapas, chic couture and handmade chocolates. Hidden from view, there are gardens and courtyards that offers shelter from the urban rush and an intimate view of everyday Barcelona life.

Most of the gardens have been carved in recent years from the patios that form the center of each city block, and are reached down narrow passageways or by cutting through a building. They are the ideal place to relax between the sights of the Eixample, which stretches from the old city to neighborhoods like Gracia.

The picture displays the swimming pool at Calle Roger de Lluria by a water tower. This is one of the first patios returned to the public by the city in the late 1980s and home to a looming brick water tower. “The patios are like a window onto Barcelona,” said Francesc Munoz Ramirez. He also mentioned that, ”You can be an urban voyeur — watch the business of the city from the inside.”

An enormous list of Barcelona’s often-overlooked public gardens — like the serene grounds of the Barcelona Seminary or the courtyard of the Casa Elizalde cultural center, where you can often catch a weekend children’s show — can be found on the Web site of ProEixample (www.proeixample.cat), a public-private partnership dedicated to revitalizing the Eixample. Photos by: Stefano Buonamici

One  mountain landscape, which spans the contemporary national borders of France and Spain, centered around the peak of Mount Perdu, a calcareous massif that rises to 3 352 metres. Mont Perdu(meaning lost mountain) is the third highest mountain in the Pyrenees. The mountain is approached by two of Europe’s deepest canyons on the Spanish side. The landscape is a stunning mix of bleak mountains, pastoral countryside, lakes and forests. Mont Perdu site is registered on the Worldwide Heritage list since 1997.

The site is also a pastoral landscape reflecting an agricultural way of life that was once widespread in the upland regions of Europe.But the site is also a pastoral landscape, reflecting an agricultural way of life that was once widespread in the upland regions of Europe. The heritage value of the natural domain of Mont-Perdu cirques and canyons stems from a favorable conjunction of exceptional elements that fall within the province of geology, climatology and biology.

There are more than 1500 species of flowers, 171 birds, 32 different mammals and 8 types of reptile in the Ordesa.

In summertime, it’s impossible to get bored: you can canoe and kayak, parasail, raft, ride bikes, and go for trail rides.

A mixture of colorful gateway into Paris’ ancient and arty Marais, the Pompidou stands out among the crowd; Renzo Piano and Richer Rogers’ winning design exposes, literally, the guts of the museum cultural center for all to see. Lovingly referred to as “Beaubourg” by many Parisians and the “gerbil cage” or “cruise liner” by foreign visitors, the Pompidou testifies to France’s surprising sense of architectural adventure, and bien sûr the lasting personal marks of its presidents.

The museum’s collection contains over 50,000 works from across the 20th century—only a fraction of those are exhibited at the huge gallery. Start your journey with contemporary art on the fourth floor and work your way up—and back in time—through Ono, Klein, Calder, Dufy, and Picasso. Canonize your visit with a new classic: une coupe de champagne on the sixth floor terrace café, aptly dubbed, Georges.

This  is an eye-catching, sustainably designed building created for festive celebrations, entertainment and leisure. The Sport & Leisure Center’s facade is a burst of pixilated color. I reckon this use of color more as a physical manifestation of color-block video games such as Tetris… which works nicely if you consider the space as intended to draw kids away from electronic devices, allowing them to play inside one instead.

In a most spectacular fashion, the color scheme runs from floor to ceiling creating an interior rainbow spectrum of candy-colored bands or ethereal blocks. The color scheme here on the outside of the building correlates to the interior spaces as a means for developing spatial awareness for young children.

There was one color that proved important in conceptualizing this project — green. Throughout the building there are various exciting ecological concepts that make it sustainable in construction and maintenance, featuring roof openings that illuminate the building with natural light (reducing the need for filament or fluorescent bulbs), prefab concrete slabs that reduce waste, pigment infused concrete to reduce paint use, and the installation of a solar heated hot water system. The centre is located in n Saint-Cloud, France.

These Lagoons are of exceptional natural beauty. The New Caledonia Barrier Reef is located in New Caledonia in the South Pacific. It’s the third largest coral reef structure in the world.

The Lagoons of New Caledonia are a group of six lagoons that contain coral reef ecosystems. Its flora and fauna are one-of-a-kind in the world, with more than 1,000 species of fish and 6,500 species of marine invertebrates.

The reef encloses a lagoon of 24,000 square kilometers (9,300 sq mi), which has an average depth of 25 meters (82 ft).

The lagoons features an exceptional diversity of coral and fish species and a continuum of habitats from mangroves to sea grasses. About 5,000 pairs of Roseate Tern ( Sterna dougalli ) have been found.

The reef complex is globally unique in that it is “free-standing” in the ocean and encircles the island of New Caledonia.

The Lagoons of New Caledonia were recorded on the prestigious list of sites that are declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, which is a first for an overseas territory of France.

Ile de Noirmoutier is located off the west coast of France and has long been a summer playground. Stretching 20 km out into the Bay of Biscay, the island caters well for visitors, although tourism does not dominate. Salt marshes continue to be worked and there are still thriving farming and fishing communities. Photo by: Irish251

The island can be accessed by bridge but it’s more romantic to reach it via the Passage de Gois, a causeway passable only at low tides. The island town of Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile, located to the north east, is an unassuming place. It houses a 12th century castle, a church and an excellent market. Photo by: Alain Bachellier

In high summer the west coast is a magnet for sunbathers, with its long sandy beaches resembling those of the mainland. Inland, were it not for the presence of a system of Dutch polders and saltwater dykes. In the south of the island the winding roads take you through traditional villages of whitewashed cottages. Photo by: Irish251

Nowadays the island is a recreation, far removed from its monastic origins. The islands restaurants are plentiful and of high quality. There are eight sailing clubs and a well laid out cycling route. For younger tourists there is Sealand, a well-arranged aquarium and Oceanile, a swimming pool complex complete with water-slides and the lake. Photo by: nfegan

When to go: Spring to autumn – although a thriving mosquito population in the summer makes wearing insect repellent essential. Population: 10,000. Getting there: Across the bridge from Fromentine or via the Passage de Gois. Photo by: damzed

At first look, there is nothing so attractive about flat and wooded Oleron, in spite of the fact that it is, at 175 sq km, France’s second largest island. It sits in the Bay of Biscay, die west of Rochefort and is linked to the mainland by what was France’s longest road bridge, when it was built in 1966. But if you are lucky to visit the island you will understand why so many holidaymakers flock there during the summer months. Photo by: K r y s

The island’s beaches are long, sandy and clean and not overcrowded even in high summer. Its sumptuous temperate forests of pine and evergreen oak keep the island green all year long. The coastal villages are somewhat blighted by a proliferation of holiday homes, but many retain their traditional charm. Photo by: fredpanassac

Like other islands in the region, Oleron has changed hands many times over the centuries. Above all, this is an island of settled communities. The islanders extend a warm welcome to tourists, but also continue  with their traditional occupations of fishing, oyster farming and boat building. Photo by: Thibault Dangréaux

When to go: All year round, but it is advisable to book in advance in summer. Population: 19,000. Getting there: By road bridge from near Marennes. Photo by: LucKyL PhoToS

This is not very popular, but Reunion Island is part of the European Union, being one of France’s fully incorporated overseas departments. It is one of the French Republic’s 26 regions with the same status as those on the European mainland. Because Reunion is in a time zone to the east of Europe, the first ever purchase with the EU’s new currency was made here in 2002 – a 1 euro bag of lichees in Saint-Denis market. Photo by: Gido Gerland

The tropical island is located in the Indian Ocean, 200 km to the south west of Mauritius. The British seized the Mascarene Islands every in the 19th century, but Reunion was latter returned to France. It was uninhabited when the first Europeans visited – Portuguese explorers in 1513 – but the Reunion of today is well populated and economically successful. It is 63 km long by 45 km wide. Photo by: xavierlelay

Reunion’s boasts with vulcanological fame is that – like Hawaii – it is located on a hotspot above the earth’s crust. Fournaise is a shield volcano that has erupted more than one hundred times since the 17th century and is still erupting, most recently in 2007. The higher Piton de Neige is an extinct volcano. The island has a great variety of landscapes – volcanic peaks and lava beds, heavily forested slopes, coastal lowlands, rocky shores and a few sandy beaches. Photo by: zanimo

Tourism is an important economic activity and a typically French range of accommodation may be found – hotels, pensions, gites and the occasional resort. Getting around isn’t hard – there is a good public bus service on paved roads, though traffic can jump up at peak times – and Reunion offers a really excellent and varied range of interesting visitors attractions. Photo by: stephjeu

When to go: The very rainy season (December to March) is best avoided. Population: 785,000. How to get there: By air, ideally (for coats reasons) from Paris or Mauritius. By boat from Mauritius. Photo by: miko974

Photo by: Aureline et Freddy

The Ile d’Ouessant is an untamed, craggy, hauntingly beautiful island in the English Channel. The most westerly point of European France and roughly 7 km long and 4 km wide, it has long been a beacon for ships entering the Channel and is home to the world’s brightest lighthouse. Photo by: Alex Korting

The island is called in English, Ushant and is a flat-topped island with spectacular cliffs all round. Its central plateau offers easy walking and cycling. For walkers there are few paths and you will have to navigate your own way through beds of heather and mossy grassland. The climate is warm, the winter is soft and the summer is cool, because of its exposure to the prevailing westerly winds. Photo by: gwenael.leclercq2004

The island is stopping point for migrating birds. The wild weather also throws many birds off course and over 300 species have been identified by the local ornithological centre. Photo by: Alex Korting

When to go: All year round but beware of windy weather. Population: 1,000. How to get there: By ferry from either Port de Commerce or LE Conquet. You should know: The local ferries allow very few cars on board. Photo by: Alex Korting

San Sebastian is situated on the Cantabrican coast 20 km from the border with France. Set between the mountains and the sea it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It has been a popular tourist destination for many years. Famous for its contrast – crystal-blue sea’ waters and green mountains, San Sebastian is the undisputed queen of Basque resorts. There are almost 90 km of coast consisting of steep cliffs, beautiful beaches and fishing ports.

The city spreads around three beaches – La Concha, Playa de Ondarreta and Playa de la Zurriola. La Concha and Ondarretta are the best for swimming and spending a day at the seaside while the Zurriola beach attract a lot of surfers looking to ride the Atlantic waves who can be seen there throughout the year.

The main tourist attractions: “Palacio del Mar” – a major aquarium complex, featuring many tanks of colorful fish and an underwater tunnel; “Monte Igeldo Amusement Park” – with a number of roller coasters and fast rides; “Plaza de la Constitucion” – an important public square, surrounded by historical buildings; “Funicular Railway” – a short and inexpensive ride up a particularly steep cliff, offering superb views La Concha Bay; “El Puerto”- a bustling port with many waterfront tourist attractions and restaurants, etc.

The biggest annual event is Aste Nagusia which is a full week of partying in mid-August which includes traditional Basque music and dance as well as gastronomic and sporting events. September is another popular time for tourists when the San Sebastian International Film Festival takes place and the second half of July is the annual International Jazz Festival.

The Chateau de Langeais is one of the finest examples of late medieval architecture and one of the oldest castles in the Loire Valley in France.

The Château de Langeais was originally built as a fortress in the 10th century by Foulques Nerra of Anjou.
 

After nearly being totally destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War, the chateau was rebuilt about 1465 during the reign of King Louis XI . During the next centuries had the Château de Langeais numerous owners.

 A tour of the interior not only gives idea of day-to-day life in the Middle Ages, but also provides reminders of a key event in French history : the marriage of Charles VIII and Duchess Anne of Brittany..
 

It has remained unchanged down the centuries; the medieval rooms with their original decoration  as a wall walk, drawbridge and imposing towers and boasts a remarkable collection of medieval furniture. It has an interior noted for its superb collection of medieval and Renaissance furnishings-fireplaces, tapestries, chests, and beds.

Martinique’s Creole chic is a Caribbean wonder. As a Department of France, the island gets all the benefits of the north European Euro – zone, allied to the technicolor brilliance of West Indian music and culture. It’s a heady and glamorous mix. The downside of the French umbilical is overdevelopment and overcrowding, which can be dismaying if you arrive from another island, but after a day or so the sheer of the island will captivate you. Photo by: *** Olivia ***

Martinique is big enough to have mountains, rivers, forests and flower-filled wolds – all of which have more than 350 years of history . Fort de France is itself set on one of the world’s loveliest bays. At St Marie et Macouba, perched on a cliff over the Atlantic, are some of Martinique’s most famous rum distilleries – but remember local rum is often twice the strength of the other islands. Photo by: cnszym

The Caravelle Peninsula is especially beautiful at Baie du Tresor and Chateau Dubuc. Further south, you can watch the fishing fleet come home from the hills above Le Vauclin, among the hundred secluded coves and offshore sandbars that make south Martinique so attractive to yachts. Photo by: ziboom

When to go: Year-round. Come for a really spirited 5-day Mardi Gras in February/March. Population: 400,000. How to get there: By air from Miami, Puerto Rico or Paris; or from New York or London via Antigua, St Lucia or Barbados. Photo by: cnszym

The hotel is a 17th century private mansion in the historic centre of the French capital, Paris. The d’Aubusson is a ten minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral and The Lourvre.

Rooms are large,  each attractively and comfortably furnished, often in a Directoire style and sometimes with exposed ceiling beams.

Room services: Room service for breakfast, air-conditioned, TV.

Hotel amenities: Alcoholic drinks bar, Garden/Terrace, Hairdryer, Free Internet Access, Laundry Service.

  Breakfast is available for an additional EUR25.
 

There are dozens of brasseries and cafes and restaurants in the area.

Lavender is the mark of Provence Region, France. This region slightly inland from the coast, has a great diversity and also great general views that are very characteristic of the typical France village: houses with red roofs, narrow streets and their exposure to the sun. The lavender of Provence blooms from the end of June through July and August, and when is the festival season in Avignon. True lavender is native to the Southern Alps with huge diversity sorts – different varieties grow in the dry mountainous areas from 600 to 2000 m.

Between July 20 and late August, under a scorching sun, the locals live according to lavender time. After it is cut and dried, the flowers in bulk or in bunches are stuffed into the beaker of still which is used to extract lavender’s essential oils.

Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands, the Republic of Mauritius is off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, 900 km east of Madagascar. The republic consists of five islands – St Brandon, Rodrigues, two Agalegas Islands and Mauritus itself. Photo by: David & Cheryl M

The effort to attract visitors is proving successful and might not even need the boast of a move to duty-free status. Mauritius is the most accessible island in the Indian Ocean, with wonderful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Important, these essential ingredients of every tropical holiday destination may be, Mauritius has something extra – friendly people and vibrant cultural mix that will leave an incredible impression. There is a festival or fiesta every week and variety of ethnic cuisine. The place must be good – author Mark Twain remarked that Mauritius was before heaven, and heaven modelled Mauritius. Photo by: Arihant Jain

When to go: Temperature is high all year round, trade winds keep down humidity. May to November are peak months, January and February are cyclone-prone. Population: 1,157,000. How to get there: By air from several departures points in Europe (especially France) and Africa. Photo by: Quasebart