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Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde
Perched atop the city’s highest hill, the magnificent Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, which is visible from all over the Marseille, is one of the city’s most striking landmarks. The Romano-Byzantine basilica dates back to the 19th century and is best known for its grand bell tower, which is capped with a gleaming gold statue of the Virgin Mary.
The Basics
No sightseeing tour is complete without a visit to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde; in fact, the religious site is one of Marseille’s most-visited attractions. There are many ways to absorb the highlights of the port city: you can take a half-day shore excursion, zip around by electric bike, or combine a tour with a visit to other Provencal villages, such as Cassis and Aix-en-Provence. Tours and shore excursions also run to Marseille from Toulon, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence, typically in combination with other towns around Provence.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the cathedral is free, but there’s a small fee to visit the cathedral’s museum.
- Visitor facilities include two gift shops, a café, and parking.
- Most areas of the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde perches on a steep hill. From Vieux Port (Old Port) just to the north, it’s a 20-minute bus ride—bus 60 runs from Cours Jean Ballard—to the basilica. You can also get there on foot (about an hourlong hike from the Old Port) or by taking the Petit Train from Quai des Belges.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily year round, but it can get busy in peak season (July and August), when it’s best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour groups. Assumption Day (August 15), when a special mass is held at the church, tends to draw large crowds.
Inside the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde
After admiring the basilica’s elaborate facade and Virgin Mary statue, marvel at the lavish interior, which is adorned with colorful marble, maritime-inspired murals, and intricate mosaics. The cathedral was painstakingly restored in 2006, but bullet marks and shrapnel scars on the northern façade are visible remnants of the fighting that took place during the Battle of Marseille in August 1944. And don’t miss checking out the view from the dome—it’s a dramatic panorama of the terracotta roofs dotting the city below.
Address: Montée de la Bonne Mère, Marseille, France
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek)
Standing next to city hall on Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek) is a highlight of Bruges’ historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church dates back to the 12th century and houses one of the city’s most sacred relics: a vial believed to contain the blood of Jesus Christ.
The Basics
Inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood, visitors can admire the Romanesque-style lower chapel, renowned for its exquisite stained glass windows, then explore the Gothic-style upper chapel, where the sacred relic is housed. A popular stop on sightseeing tours of Bruges, the church is within strolling distance of Belfort Tower, Market Square, and the Historium history experience, making it easy to visit all those attractions on a walking tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s free to visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, but donations are welcome.
- The basilica is a working church and services are held twice a day.
- The church is closed daily between noon and 2pm.
- The basilica is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The basilica stands at the southwestern corner of Burg Square, next to city hall and an easy walk from any of the central attractions. To get there by public transit, take any number of city buses, including buses 13 and 14, to the Markt stop and walk two minutes to the church.
When to Get There
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is open daily all year round, but it’s only possible to see the vial said to hold Jesus’ blood 11:30am–noon and 2pm–4pm. A popular time to visit is on Assumption Day (August 15), when the bishop of Bruges carries the relic through the streets as part of the Procession of the Holy Blood.
The Legend of the Basilica of the Holy Blood
Legend has it that after the crucifixion of Christ, Joseph of Arimathea wiped Jesus’ blood from his body and preserved the cloth. The cloth remained in Jerusalem until the Second Crusade, when the King of Jerusalem gave the relic to his brother-in-law, the Count of Flanders, Diederik van de Elzas. The count brought the cloth to Bruges in 1150 and built the Basilica of the Holy Blood to house the sacred relic. However, research has indicated that the relic actually came to Bruges about 100 years later from Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). Today, the relic is kept in a rock-crystal vial, which is itself inside a small glass cylinder capped with a golden crown at each end.
Address: Burg 13, Bruges 8000, Belgium
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Batalha
Located in the High Estremadura region of central Portugal, Batalha is an attractive town with plenty of excellent shops and restaurants surrounding one of Portugal’s most sacred sites. The Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória was commissioned by Portugal’s King João I to commemorate the country’s independence from Spain after the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.
Some 200 years in its evolution, the Dominican monastery is UNESCO World Heritage-listed as it represents the very pinnacle of Portuguese Gothic and Manueline architecture; its chapter house in particular is an elaborate interweaving of pinnacles, gargoyles and rounded spires over two levels. The fine, lacy façade is studded with intricate stonework that resembles Indian temple carvings, and leads on to a surprisingly unembellished interior, with high Gothic vaulted roof over the nave and stained-glass windows through which sunlight dances on summer days. Around the main body of the church lie several chapels, the stark Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and two tranquil cloisters accessed from a doorway in the north wall in front of the choir.
Batalha monastery became the burial church of the Aviz dynasty Portuguese kings. The Capelo do Fundador to the right of the main entrance is the final resting place of King João I, his wife Queen Philippa of Lancaster and their third son, Prince Henry the Navigator, who expanded Portuguese trade routes into north Africa and died in 1460. A massive equestrian statue of military leader Nuno Álvares Pereira stands guard on the paved piazza outside the monastery; it was he who led his 6,500 troops to victory at Aljubarrota and ended medieval Spanish domination of Portugal.
Some 200 years in its evolution, the Dominican monastery is UNESCO World Heritage-listed as it represents the very pinnacle of Portuguese Gothic and Manueline architecture; its chapter house in particular is an elaborate interweaving of pinnacles, gargoyles and rounded spires over two levels. The fine, lacy façade is studded with intricate stonework that resembles Indian temple carvings, and leads on to a surprisingly unembellished interior, with high Gothic vaulted roof over the nave and stained-glass windows through which sunlight dances on summer days. Around the main body of the church lie several chapels, the stark Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and two tranquil cloisters accessed from a doorway in the north wall in front of the choir.
Batalha monastery became the burial church of the Aviz dynasty Portuguese kings. The Capelo do Fundador to the right of the main entrance is the final resting place of King João I, his wife Queen Philippa of Lancaster and their third son, Prince Henry the Navigator, who expanded Portuguese trade routes into north Africa and died in 1460. A massive equestrian statue of military leader Nuno Álvares Pereira stands guard on the paved piazza outside the monastery; it was he who led his 6,500 troops to victory at Aljubarrota and ended medieval Spanish domination of Portugal.
Practical Info
Batalha is 80 minutes north of Lisbon up the A8 and A1 motorways and
there are free parking spaces within walking distance of the monastery.
The town is within easy distance of the medieval village of Óbidos and
the revered pilgrimage site at the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary in
Fátima.
Address: Batalha, Portugal
From $ 40
Bastions Park (Parc Des Bastions)
A green oasis in the center of Geneva’s historic Old Town, Bastions Park (Parc des Bastions) is as famous for its art and culture as it is for its floral displays, tree-lined walks, and perfectly-shaded picnic spots in summer. Gigantic, black-and-white chess sets located by the park's imposing main entrance gate make for a popular attraction among visitors to the city, as does the famed Reformation Wall—an open-air stone monument honoring the leaders of Switzerland's Reformation and designed by French sculptors Henri Bouchard and Paul Landowski in 1909. The University and Library of Geneva and the Neo-Classical Palais Eynard are also located within the park.
Home to a few cafes, an up-scale restaurant, several family play areas, sunbathing spots during summer and a free skating rink in winter, Bastions Park is always abuzz with activities and visitors. Explore the park and its lakeside promenade by Segway or on foot to get the most out of your visit to Old Town Geneva.
Practical Info
Located at the Promenade des Bastions in Geneva's Old Town, Bastions Park is open daily with no admission fee. The main entrance gate and famous life-size chess sets are located off Place de Neuve. Though the park is best visited on foot, you can easily arrive to the location on public transportation taking buses 3, 5, or 36 to Place de Neuve or Palais Eynard, or trams 12, 14, or 18 to Place de Neuve station.
Address: Promenade des Bastions, Geneva, Geneva canton 1205, Switzerland
From $ 102
Bassin de Neptune
Versailles’ chateau gardens are vast, laid out in formal French style and famed for their geometrically aligned terraces, tree-lined paths and, notably, their ponds.
Of all the lovely fountain pools gracing the Versailles gardens, the Bassin de Neptune is the largest.
Designed by famed landscape artist Le Notre and laid out between 1661 and 1700, the fountain features three groups of statues, including Neptune and Amphitrite.
A new fountain installed by Louis XV in the 1730s was acclaimed for the force and variety of its jets water playing over the sculptural groups. In all, the fountain boasts 99 water effects and is fronted by the lovely Dragon Fountain
In summer, Bassin de Neptune is a focus for a display of choreographed fireworks, spectacularly reflected in the fountain’s expansive pool.
The Bassin de Neptune is 300 meters (984 feet) north of the palace.
Address: Rue des Reservoirs, Versailles 78000, France
Hours: Gardens open daily Apr - Oct; closed Mondays Nov - Mar
Admission: Adults: € 15
From $ 14
Basilica of St. Michael (Basilique St. Michel)
The intricate facade of the Basilica of St. Michael (Basilique St. Michel) in central Bordeaux is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It took more than 200 years to build, from the end of the 14th century to the end of the 16th century. The freestanding belfry, with its ornate decorations, also draws many visitors.
The Basics
Dedicated to the Archangel Michael, Bordeaux’s basilica and belfry—known as the arrow (la fleche) and measuring 374 feet (114 meters)—are found in the ancient quarter of St.-Michel. Both the church and its freestanding spire are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the late 18th century right up until 1990, the bell tower crypt was used as an exhibition space to display a collection of gruesome mummies that were found in a nearby cemetery.
Although the macabre display is no longer there, many local people remember those days, and tourists can learn more about them through audio guides. The neighborhood of St.-Michel is also home to a thriving market, and its riverside location means boat tours of the local area pass by frequently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the bell tower is by paid ticket. Children under 18 are free.
- Entry to the main basilica building is free of charge.
- Look out for the image of St. Michael slaying a dragon carved in the basilica’s font.
- Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.
How to Get There
The basilica and bell tower are located in Place Meynard in Bordeaux’s St.-Michel neighborhood. The St.-Michel light rail station stops close by, and the basilica is walking distance from many points in Bordeaux. Paid parking lots can be found nearby.
When to Get There
The basilica is open daily year-round, while the belfry is open every day from April 1 to October 31 from 10am–1pm, and 2pm–6pm.
Visit the Place de la Bourse
With imposing contours of ornate buildings overlooking Garonne river and a modern fountain installation that delights visitors, the Place de la Bourse is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Bordeaux. The square and its buildings took more than 20 years to construct in the early 18th century, and the impressive Water Mirror (Miroir d’Eau) reflecting pool, which gives the impression that the buildings in the square are floating on water, was added in 2006.
Address: Place St-Michel, Bordeaux 33000, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla)
The Baths of Caracalla, known as the Thermae Antoninianae in Roman times, are one of the largest and best preserved ancient thermal complexes in the world. Visit the impressive remains of the ground floor to get an idea of the vast complex, which housed the most sumptuous baths of its time.
The Basics
Built in AD 212 during the reign of Emperor Caracalla, the 25-hectare complex included three different baths, two gyms, a swimming pool, and a library. Open to Romans from all social classes, the Terme di Caracalla was more a center for leisure than strictly baths, though the Aqua Marcia aqueduct (the longest in Rome) was specifically built to provide water for the vast bathing areas. The baths were in use until AD 537, when invaders destroyed the aqueducts that supplied water and plundered the sculptures and precious materials decorating the baths; in the year AD 847, an earthquake destroyed part of what remained of the complex.
Like many ancient Roman ruins, the Baths of Caracalla are difficult to interpret to the untrained eye, so it’s worth booking a guide as part of an archaeological tour. Many small-group tours of Rome’s most important ancient sites include skip-the-line entrance to the Baths of Caracalla, along with the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus. You can tour these attractions on foot or join a bike or Segway tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Baths of Caracalla is an outdoor archaeological site, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes when visiting.
- Tours of the baths are especially fascinating for Roman history enthusiasts.
- The site is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- There are restrooms and a bookshop at the site.
How to Get There
The Baths of Caracalla archaeological site is located in south-eastern Rome, within walking distance from the Circo Massimo metro station that connects with the main Termini train station.
When to Get There
The archaeological site is largely open-air, so visit when the weather is clear and not too hot. In summer, arrive first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
The Politics of the Baths
The Baths of Caracalla was constructed by the notoriously spiteful Emperor Caracalla as part of a political propaganda campaign. Because the extravagant complex was open to all Roman citizens and completely free of charge, it eventually helped improve the emperor’s popularity among the public.
Address: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Roma, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 31
Bastille
With its mixture of gourmet markets, cutting-edge drinking holes, and historic landmarks, Paris' Bastille neighborhood allows travelers to escape the city's bustling center and discover the "Parisian's Paris." Boutique and bohemian, Bastille buzzes with creativity, most evident in the shops and artist studios that populate its streets. The heart of the area is Place de la Bastille, the former home of the Bastille fortress, where traffic whirls at a roundabout topped by the 170-foot (52-meter) Colonne de Juillet.
The Basics
Due to its historical significance, the Bastille district is an integral part of many Paris city tours. Specialized excursions that focus solely on the Bastille arrondissement are also available, and one of the best ways to absorb the culture and French history is on a food tour that centers on the area's thriving culinary scene and markets. Feast on French delicacies and enjoy wine tasting at Marche d'Aligre market, browse shops selling charcuterie and cheese, and stroll along Promenade Plantee, a 19th-century rail viaduct transformed into the world's first elevated park. Other Bastille highlights include the Viaduc des Arts, a modern version of an old Paris viaduct, Port de l'Arsenal, and Opera Bastille, an innovative structure whose interior can be explored on a guided tour.
How to Get to Bastille
Bastille is easily reachable by car, train, or on foot from the center of Paris. The Bastille metro station is serviced by Line 5—it takes about 40 minutes to reach from central Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. If you're time-rich, walking to the Bastille district along the banks of the Seine River will reveal Paris' finer details. During the 90-minute stroll along Quai d'Orsay, you'll pass the famous Louvre museum pyramid, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and a scattering of bridges and parks.
For a half-day hike, follow the Promenade Plantee on a 2.7-mile (4.5-km) trail to Bois de Vincennes, former royal hunting grounds home to the Parc Zoologique and Parc Floral de Paris.
The Basics
Due to its historical significance, the Bastille district is an integral part of many Paris city tours. Specialized excursions that focus solely on the Bastille arrondissement are also available, and one of the best ways to absorb the culture and French history is on a food tour that centers on the area's thriving culinary scene and markets. Feast on French delicacies and enjoy wine tasting at Marche d'Aligre market, browse shops selling charcuterie and cheese, and stroll along Promenade Plantee, a 19th-century rail viaduct transformed into the world's first elevated park. Other Bastille highlights include the Viaduc des Arts, a modern version of an old Paris viaduct, Port de l'Arsenal, and Opera Bastille, an innovative structure whose interior can be explored on a guided tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A Bastille tour is ideal for history and food lovers.
- The neighborhood is most often visited on half-day walking tours of Paris.
- Book a tour of Opera Bastille in advance to see the opera house's interior.
Bastille is easily reachable by car, train, or on foot from the center of Paris. The Bastille metro station is serviced by Line 5—it takes about 40 minutes to reach from central Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. If you're time-rich, walking to the Bastille district along the banks of the Seine River will reveal Paris' finer details. During the 90-minute stroll along Quai d'Orsay, you'll pass the famous Louvre museum pyramid, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and a scattering of bridges and parks.
For a half-day hike, follow the Promenade Plantee on a 2.7-mile (4.5-km) trail to Bois de Vincennes, former royal hunting grounds home to the Parc Zoologique and Parc Floral de Paris.
When to Get There
At night, Bastille comes to life with an eclectic mix of swanky wine bars, raucous taverns, atmospheric jazz clubs, and cutting-edge cocktail bars. Begin your evening with fine French fare at an intimate bistro and end your night dancing among Parisians.
Address: Place de la Bastille, Paris, Ile-de-France 75004, France
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Batalha Monastery
In 1385 King João I of Portugal declared that he would have a monastery built in honor of the Virgin Mary if his army was able to defeat the much larger army of the Castilians. He was successful, and Portugal gained its independence from Spain. The king had the Batalha Monastery built for the Dominicans, though it took almost two centuries to complete. Today visiting the monastery is a popular day trip from Lisbon.
The west facade has intricate stonework and Gothic windows. This side of the building overlooks a grand plaza. The western portal has many Gothic sculptures including Christ, angels, saints, and other biblical figures. Next to the doors of the church are free-standing statues of the 12 Apostles. Inside the nave has three aisles and many stained glass windows that are beautifully illuminated on sunny days. The tombs of King João I and his wife Philippa of Lancaster (England) can also be found here. At one end of the building are seven unfinished chapels which provide an interesting look at medieval construction.
Practical Info
The Batalha Monastery is located at Largo Infante Dom Henrique. The monastery is often visited as a day trip from Lisbon and can be reached by bus in about two hours. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm October to March, and 9am to 6:30pm April to September. Admission is 6 euros.
Address: Largo Infante Dom Henrique, Batalha, Centro 2440, Portugal
Hours: 9am to 6pm October to March, and 9am to 6:30pm April to September
Admission: 6 euros
From $ 61
Basilica of St Denis
In a northern suburb of the City of Light, the Basilica of St Denis is a stone abbey dating back to the medieval time period. Construction began as early as 1135, so it’s a remarkable landmark to see still standing today. The cathedral was the first built in France in the Gothic architectural style, noted for its intricate stained glass and a statue collection representative of the era. It is attributed with signaling the shift from Romantic to Gothic styles of architecture. Though it is one of the lesser known churches of France, it is respected both for its beauty and historical and cultural significance.
The church is also the final resting place for much of France’s royalty. A walk past the burial chambers and tombs of kings and queens of France tells centuries of the country’s history. Long a place of pilgrimage, all but three of France’s monarchs from the 10th to 18th century were buried there. With all of its history, many opt to take a guided tour through the church or add it on to a day of sightseeing in Paris.
Practical Info
The basilica is located in the Saint Denis suburb of Paris, best approached by metro line 13 (the station is Basilique de Saint-Denis.) The travel time is about 20 minutes. Tickets cost 9€ and can be purchased in person or in advance online. The area dedicated to worship is free to enter.
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, Saint-Denis 93200, France
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4:45pm, Sun 12-4:45pm
Admission: 9€
From $ 10
Bassin de la Villette (La Villette Basin)
Once a port for industry and trade, the Bassin de la Villette is now a Parisian hub for travelers looking to explore the arts and culture that make the City of Lights so unique. A popular youth hostel, three-star hotel, famous restaurants and plenty of live performance venues draw travelers to Bassin de la Villette, where it’s possible to escape the hustle of Paris streets and relax into the scenic waterway.
While this destination is worth a visit any time of year, the summer’s month-long Paris-Plage festival is among the best reasons to make a stop. Seaside banks become almost resort like as local rolls out deck chairs and floating wooden cafes pass by selling strong coffees and warm pastries. Public picnic areas and classic dance floors draw locals and tourists out of doors to pass summer nights swaying in the ocean breeze.
Practical Info
Bassin de la Villette is within walking distance of the Riquet and Laumiere Metro stops.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 23
Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem
One of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem houses several relics from the Holy Land brought to Rome around 325 AD. The relics are said to be parts of the cross from the Passion of Jesus Christ — carried from Jerusalem by the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine I, the St. Empress Helena. The church name comes from the Jerusalem soil that was laid on the floor of the basilica, as a way of moving part of the holy city to Rome. Though it was once the Palazzo Sessoriano, the palace of the St. Empress Helena, it was later converted into a small chapel.
It has since been renovated and restored over the centuries to its Baroque style facade that exists now. Today visitors can see three relics enshrined: pieces of the True Cross, a nail from the crucifixion, thorns from the crown, and small pieces of the tomb of Jesus and the Holy Sepulchre. There is also a full size replica of the Shrine of Turin.
Practical Info
The basilica is a short walk from San Giovanni in Laterano. It is free to enter.
Address: Piazza di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome 00185, Italy
From $ 41
Baur Foundation (Museum of Far Eastern Art)
It's no coincidence that the Baur Foundation is also Geneva’s Museum of Far Eastern Art (Musée des arts d'Extrême-Orient). The museum boasts over 9,000 East Asian artworks and artifacts in a private collection that covers a thousand years of history. The exhibition, which focuses mainly on China and Japan, is organized by country and includes some of the finest samurai swords, porcelains and jade ceramics in Europe.
Set in an elegant manor in Old Town Geneva, the Baur Foundation is frequented by art-lovers and passersby, alike, but is rarely crowded. A variety of temporary exhibitions, including a past exhibit on Cartier, and the museum's location within walking distance from Geneva's Art and History Museum makes it a great stop on any city museum tour.
Visitors holding a Geneva Pass can visit the museum for free, with the added benefit of free, unlimited public transportation and admission to over 40 other city attractions, including the Museum of Art and History and guided walking tours through Old Town.
Insider’s Tip: You can get a great view of the museum's Japanese garden, located in the manor courtyard, from the first floor exhibition room.
Practical Info
The Baur Foundation is located on Rue Munier-Romilly in Geneva's Old Town (Vieille Ville) District. The museum is easily accessible by bus (Rive, line 8; Palais Eynard, line 5) and by tram (Terrassière station, line 12), as well as by car. Parking is available in a lot beneath Promenade Saint-Antoine along boulevard Emile-Jacques-Dalcroze at a rate of 1 CHF per 20 minutes.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 2pm to 6pm, and until 8pm on Wednesday for those on guided tours. It is closed Monday. Admission costs 10 CHF for adults and is free of charge for children younger than 16. No photography is allowed in the museum, and you might be asked to store your belongings in a locker at the entrance of the exhibit.
Address: 8 rue Munier-Romilly, Geneva 1204, Switzerland
Hours: Sun, Tues, Thurs–Sat: 2pm–6pm; Wed: 2pm-8pm; Closed Monday
Admission: Adult: CHF 10; Under 16: free
From $ 27
Basilique du Sacr e-Coeur
With its gigantic dome and snow-white facade gazing down over the city from the Butte de Montmartre (Montmartre Hill), the Basilica of the Sacred Heart—or Basilique du Sacré-Coeur—is one of Paris’ most magnificent monuments.
The Basics
There are several options for exploring the grand basilica. See it as part of a Paris city tour or on a walking tour of the atmospheric Montmartre neighborhood. You can also book a guided tour of the lavish interiors to see highlights such as the apse mosaic, the grand organ, and the crypt. Visitors can also climb the 234-step spiral staircase to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the entire city, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Access to the Basilica is free, but you’ll have to pay an admission fee to visit the Dome.
- There are no official guided tours of the Basilica as it is a place of silent prayer.
- There is a step-free entrance at the back of the Basilica, and the church is wheelchair accessible except for the dome and the crypt.
How to Get There
The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is located on Rue du Chevalier de la Barre in the Montmartre district of Paris. To get there by metro, take line 2 to Anvers station, then walk up Montmartre hill or ride the funicular.
When to Get There
The Basilica is open daily all year round, but it can get crowded in peak season, so opt for an early morning visit to avoid the crowds. For budding photographers wanting to capture the views, the most flattering light happens just before sunset, although note that it can be busy at this time.
A Walking Tour of Montmartre
The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is one of the most memorable sights of Montmartre, but the bohemian ‘village’ has plenty of other attractions. A walking tour means you can explore like a local, stopping by famous landmarks such as the Moulin Rouge and the Artists’ Square; follow in the footsteps of artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso; and explore the many shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafés.
Address: Place du Parvis du Sacre-Coeur, 75018, France
Hours: Basilica open daily 6am – 10:30pm; dome open daily 8:30am – 8pm (May through September) and 9am – 5pm (October through April)
Admission: Free
From $ 13
Bastogne War Museum
The Ardennes town of Bastogne is a Walloon town in southern Belgium and it was the site of one of World War II’s most notorious struggles, the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. Most of the town’s attractions relate to this landmark battle, including the star-shaped Mardasson American War Memorial; the Wood of Peace, where 4,000 trees were planted on the 50th anniversary of the battle; and the Sherman tank that belonged to the US Army’s 11th Division. Opened in 2014 and housed in a striking contemporary building whose roof echoes the shape of the Mardasson memorial, the Bastogne War Museum relates the backstory of the build-up to World War II, from the US stock market crash in 1929 that heralded economic depression across the world, to the emergence of Nazi fanaticism in Germany. A collection of modern, interactive exhibits pays homage to the 76,890 US soldiers who died in the Battle of the Bulge through a series of personal testimonies, displays of uniforms, maps and weaponry, and graphic black-and-white footage of the battle’s aftermath. Vivid interactive displays allow visitors to experience machine-gun bombardment in a Bastogne café and gunfire in a mortar emplacement.
Practical Info
Colline du Mardasson, 5, 6600 Bastogne. Open Jul–Aug daily 9.30am–7pm; Sept–Jun Tue–Sun 9.30am–6pm. Closed Jan 4–Feb 5. Admission adults €12, children and students €8, under age 6 go free, family ticket €32. The museum is best reached by road.
Address: Colline du Mardasson 5, Bastogne, Belgium
Hours: Open Jul–Aug daily 9.30am–7pm; Sept–Jun Tue–Sun 9.30am–6pm. Closed Jan 4–Feb 5.
Admission: Adults €12, children and students €8, under age 6 go free, family ticket €32
From $ 16
Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore
There are many churches in Rome - and throughout the world - dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The largest one is the Basilica Papale (or Papal Basilica) of Santa Maria Maggiore near the Termini Train Station in central Rome.
As you might guess from the name, Santa Maria Maggiore is technically part of the Vatican - just as a foreign embassy might be. As part of Vatican City, the Basilica is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes all extraterritorial properties of the Holy See in Rome.
Although the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore has been expanded upon and redecorated over the centuries, it was originally built in the mid-5th century and much of the original structure is still in place. In the years after the papacy was moved back to Rome from Avignon, part of the church was used as the papal residence until renovations to the Vatican Palace was completed.
Some of the highlights of a visit to the basilica are its 5th century mosaics, a reliquary said to contain a piece of the crib that once held the baby Jesus, an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, the tomb of Saint Jerome, and the tomb of the artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. There is a Sistine Chapel in the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, named for Pope Sixtus V (the one in Vatican City is named for Pope Sixtus IV).
As you might guess from the name, Santa Maria Maggiore is technically part of the Vatican - just as a foreign embassy might be. As part of Vatican City, the Basilica is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes all extraterritorial properties of the Holy See in Rome.
Although the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore has been expanded upon and redecorated over the centuries, it was originally built in the mid-5th century and much of the original structure is still in place. In the years after the papacy was moved back to Rome from Avignon, part of the church was used as the papal residence until renovations to the Vatican Palace was completed.
Some of the highlights of a visit to the basilica are its 5th century mosaics, a reliquary said to contain a piece of the crib that once held the baby Jesus, an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, the tomb of Saint Jerome, and the tomb of the artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. There is a Sistine Chapel in the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, named for Pope Sixtus V (the one in Vatican City is named for Pope Sixtus IV).
Address: Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, 42, Rome, Province of Rome 00100, Italy
Hours: Museum is open Daily 9:30am - 6:30pm.
From $ 21
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
One of the city’s most striking landmarks, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart was built to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence. King Leopold II laid the first stone of the Roman Catholic basilica and parish in 1905. World War I delayed construction and it took nearly 60 years to complete. Today the Art Deco style monument with its red brick and distinctive green dome holds two museums and is one of the five largest churches in the world.
Visitors can marvel at the size and design of the basilica from the outside or climb the interior for some of the best views of Brussels and the Flemish Brabant countryside. Walking out onto the platform near the top of the basilica dome grants panoramic views almost 80 meters up from the ground. There are also eight bright stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus that were designed by Belgian painter Anto Carte.
Practical Info
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located in the Koekelberg suburb of western Brussels. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm during the summer months, with shorter winter hours from 10 am to 4 pm. Entrance to the basilica is free, and to visit the top of the dome is €5. The nearest metro stop is Simonis.
Address: Parvis de la Basilique 1, Brussels, Belgium
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm during the summer months, with shorter winter hours from 10 am to 4 pm.
From $ 30
Baux de Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence is a charming town in the Provence region, and whose name refers to its location: in Provençal, a baou is a rocky spur. Baux-de-Provence has a fantastic position amidst the Alpilles mountains, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.
The stunning location is set atop a rocky formation complete with a ruined vast fortress. Baux-de-Provence has a rich history: in the middle ages, Cardinal Richelieu ordered the demolition of the castle because the village housed protestant rebels. The village is also the site where the aluminium ore Bauxite which was first discovered in 1821 by geologist Pierre Berthier, and as such the ore bears its name.
Practical info
Nowadays, Baux-de-Provence is mostly a tourist town. However, do not let that detract you from paying the village a visit. It truly is one of the most picturesque locations in Europe. Located about 48 kilometers (30 miles) south of Avignon, this is a-40 minute car trip.
Address: Baux-de-Provence 13520, France
From $ 168
Bastogne
The sleepy Ardennes town of Bastogne made history back in 1944 as the site of World War II’s notorious Battle of the Bulge, when the heroic efforts of besieged American soldiers managed to hold off German forces, despite freezing conditions, heavy fire and their being outnumbered 5 to 1. More than 70 years on, Bastogne hasn’t forgotten its valiant fight, and the town’s poignant monuments, war cemeteries, battle-field memorials and museums have drawn visitors from all around the globe. Roads converge on the town from every direction (a trait that made it vitally important for war efforts), making Bastogne a convenient day trip away from nearly anywhere in the Ardennes.
Nearly all the town’s points of interest relate to the iconic battle, starting with the Bastogne War Museum and its collection of modern, interactive exhibits on World War II in Belgium. A stone’s throw away is the Mardasson American War Memorial, a five-pointed star with engraved pillars listing the names of the 76,890 American soldiers killed, missing or wounded in the battle. Other war-related sites include the Wood of Peace, planted to mark the 50th anniversary of the battle, and the Sherman Tank.
Practical Info
Bastogne is located 150 km southeast of Brussels, close to the Luxembourg border, and is served by regular buses from Liége, as well as from a few other towns.
Address: Bastogne, Belgium
From $ 68
Baths of the Queen Giovanna (Bagni della Regina Giovanna)
One of the most remote and beautiful beaches on Italy's Sorrento coast, the Baths of the Queen Giovanna (Bagni della Regina Giovanna) is set along the rocky cliffs of Capo di Sorrento near a dramatic natural stone arch and the ancient ruins of a Roman villa. This stretch of coastline and its natural pool are accessible only by foot or private boat.
The Basics
Located on the Roman ruins of the 1st-century Villa Pollio Felice, the Baths of the Queen Giovanna is a unique area to swim and explore. Its hard-to-reach location guarantees a quiet respite from the crowds in Sorrento, making it the perfect escape for adult travelers seeking kid-free shores and beachcombers who prefer to share their sun with only a handful of others. You can take the footpath from the coastal road to the water's edge, or join a small-group or private boat tour from Sorrento, the island of Capri, and other spots on the the Amalfi Coast.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Due to the rocky terrain, the Bagni della Regina Giovanna isn’t recommended for children or anyone who has limited mobility.
- There are no facilities in the area, so bring snacks, water, and swimming gear.
- The popular (and more accessible) La Solara beach is a short hike away, complete with a beach club.
How to Get There
The beach can be reached by following Via Capo to the small parking area and proceeding on foot for about 15 minutes from there. Otherwise, boat tours depart from a number of towns along the coast, as well as Capri.
When to Get There
The Sorrento peninsula gets very crowded in summer (June to September), so the best time to visit is spring and fall for mild weather and limited crowds.
Who Was Queen Joan?
This stretch of coastline is said to have been a favorite retreat of Giovanna D'Anjou, queen of Naples in the 14th century. The ruler once used this remote cliffside to bathe in privacy with her young lovers, and the spot still carries her name.
Address: Sorrento, Italy
From $ 75