Mon Petit Voyage

Author: Helen

  • Une journée à Paris

    I love Paris – without doubt my favourite city since my first visit as a university student.

    I am extremely fortunate that I am able to travel to Paris on a regular basis.

    Last January I was offered the opportunity to do some work which allowed me to travel to Paris regularly and spend the day in this beautiful city. Quelle chance! This was my dream.

    Living in Kent it is feasible to spend a day in Paris especially travelling via Eurostar. This was the first time in quite a few years I had gone for the day and travelled alone. I wanted to cram as much a possible into the trip.

    Obviously my first stop had to be the Eiffel Tower via metro stop Trocedéro. I always love the view from here. Then a trip on Métro line 6 which allows views of the Tower and river.

    My next stop was up in Montmartre. I wanted to see Rue de L’Abreuvoir, one of the prettiest streets in Paris and the famous La Maison Rose. Whilst busy with tourists, it did not disappoint.

    Walking back I had to go past Montmartre’s vineyard and down past Amélie’s café to the Moulin Rouge.

    Quick stop at Monoprix to get a baguette, cheese, meat and wine for dinner back in the UK and that was all I had time for before my Eurostar journey home.

    Somebody once said – Paris is always a good idea. I couldn’t agree more.

    A très bientôt…

  • Beautiful Budapest – October 2024

    The Parliament of Budapest

    Budapest.

    Following our visit to Prague and my youngest daughter’s inter-railing adventure, Budapest was the next city, I had my sights on.

    Favourable flight times from Luton with Wizz Air tipped the balance.

    We found a hotel with excellent reviews. The Ikonik Parlament was a short walk from the city centre. Getting there was an easy Uber ride. Ubers are quick, cheap and readily available in Budapest. We arrive to be upgraded to a room with a balcony and Nespresso coffee machine. Breakfast was served until 10.30 and was an array of products both local and traditional.

    Ikonik Parlament Hotel

    We stayed on the Pest side of the river, which is more commercial with larger shops, bars and restaurants. An evening cruise was a great recommendation from my daughter!

    You must cross the spectacular Chain Bridge to go to Buda. The views up by the Fisherman’s Bastion are incredible.

    Széchenyi Chain Bridge

    Without doubt though, the most moving part of the visit was my walk along the Danube. The Shoes on the Danube memorial a poignant reminder of the murders of the Jews in 1944 & 1945. I underestimated the significance of Budapest during this period. The largest Synagogue in Europe is also in Budapest.

    The Shoes on the Danube Memorial

    Unfortunately we did not have time to visit the famous Ruin bar and the Spas – a definite excuse to return.

    Budapest is beautiful and it’s history incredibly though provoking.

    We found it not a costly as other European capital cities.

    Restaurant & Bar

    Tukory Etterem

    Traditional Hungarian restaurant a stone’s throw from the hotel. So good we went there twice.

    The reception staff at the hotel recommended this restaurant as we wanted somewhere local and traditional.

    Wonderful food, excellent wine, great service – without the extortionate cost. What a find!

    Tukory Etterem

    Di Vino Wine Bar

    Nice bar opposite the Basilica – huge ranges of wine. Great recommendations too.

    Di Vino

    Enjoy some photos of this beautiful city 🇭🇺 ❤️ 🌍

  • Travel tips I have learned

    Following a rather disastrous visit to Mallorca with my daughters almost 15 years ago,  I made the decision to thoroughly do my homework before I go…

    I had relied on a young guy in a call centre advising me on a package all inclusive holiday. His idea of a good holiday did not quite match with mine. First time travelling overseas with two young children was an experience to say the least – but a huge learning curve.  

    • Take your time, ask your friends, email local places of interest, restaurants and hotels
    • As a teacher nothing frustrates me more than listening to people who refuse to make an effort to try the language. People appreciate the effort. Google translate and other sites make this so much easier – no excuse
    • Contact the hotel before you go and get a feel for the place. A friendly email saying how much you are looking forward staying works wonders and build a rapport before you get there
    • Cut out the middle man. We always contact the hotel we like and ask them if they prefer we pay them directly. This way they get 100% of the bill (ie no commission charges to a third party booking site), we don’t have to claim a refund should there be an issue and we are unable to go and in every case we have been given a superior room
    • Local recommendations – ask, ask, ask. We love places off the beaten track following a recommendation
    • Airbnb – take a gift for your host. Always appreciated and should you want to return you may get a discount
    • An under seat carry on bag for a short trip or two hours hospitality in the lounge…? A no brainer for us now

    Bon Voyage

    Upgraded hotel room
    Another city, another fabulous upgrade
    Airport lounge hospitality

  • Prague – May 2024

    Praha
    Residence la Fenice

    Our visit to Prague inspired me to create this blog.

    I have been fascinated with the history of this city and the reviews I have heard. I must admit, I was a little worried due to the reputation of it being a stag / hen do haven. The flight from Luton did little to allay these concerns (May Bank Holiday weekend too!)

    This was our first experience of travelling from Luton. Without doubt the easiest airport for us to travel to from Kent on public transport. We now do not have to leave St Pancras station – door to door less than two hours.

    Another first experience was the under seat bag instead of a cabin suitcase. Managed to fit all we needed (and more) into the rucksack. There is something very liberating about travelling light!

    The money we saved on the luggage (or lack of) we treated ourselves to the lounge. We hadn’t pre-booked but they found us a table and we were able to enjoy an array of food and drinks (both alcoholic and soft drinks) in very comfortable surroundings – definitely worth the money if you have a couple of hours to kill.

    Our Wizz Air flight to Prague was clean, comfortable and efficient. What more do you need…

    We stayed in the Hotel Residence La Fenice outside the centre in the up and coming Vinohrady district. What a gem of a hotel! I had emailed them directly using some google translate Czech phrases. We were staying for my birthday and were given a beautiful, enormous room overlooking the park. Absolutely fantastic. I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough.
    For us the location was perfect. It is just outside the centre but very well served by public transport. Lots of bars and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
    The breakfast buffet was excellent – lots of choice replenished regularly. All of the staff were most friendly and courteous. Customer service was exemplary.

    Residence la Fenice
    Riegrovy Sady Park
    Metro

    Vinohrady is a great district. Lots of bars and restaurants which attract a local cliental.

    Public transport in Prague is so easy. Buses, underground train and the quaint old trams make travelling a breeze. We purchased a 72 hour travel ticket which cost approx. £8.

    The centre of Prague itself is, like any other major capital city busy and bustling with tourists. Aside from the major attractions like the Charles Bridge, St Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, Dancing House, Wenceslas Square – there is so much to see. Náměstí Míru (Peace Square) was beautiful and one of my favourite places.

    Restaurants

    U Modré Kachničky II – The Blue Duckling II

    What a find! This quirky restaurant was recommended to us and it was wonderful.
    Czech hospitality and customer service at its absolute best.
    Cannot recommend this place highly enough.
    The restaurant is so full of character and the food is delicious.

    U Modré Kachničky II

    V Zátiši Restaurant

    Full of elegance and charm!

    We had the 5 course evening tasting menu. We did not go for the wine flight option but had a fantastic Czech wine recommended by our very friendly and knowledgeable waiter. The food was absolutely delicious.
    Exemplary customer service.
    Most highly recommended.

    Restaurant V Zátiši

    Amunì Pizzeria

    Located next to the hotel. Lovely lunch and glass of wine

    Amunì Pizzeria
    Charles Bridge
    Dancing House
    St Vitus Cathedral
    The iconic tram number 23

    Náměstí Míru

    Enjoy some photos of this beautiful city 🇨🇿 ❤️ 🌍

  • Hello!

    My name is Helen. I am originally from the North West of England but now live in Folkestone, Kent, UK. I am very fortunate to be able to see the French coastline from my bedroom window on a clear day.

    I am Head of MFL in a local secondary school. I have loved France since my first visit in 1982.

    I am Mum to two grown up daughters, partner to Neil, and Pippin, our Jack Russell makes up the family.

    Since the girls have left home we are embracing the opportunities to visit new places within our reach. We love a long weekend city break.

    Welcome to my blog. I wanted to document some of our experiences and share my tips, along with local findings.

    Bienvenue et bon voyage!