Corsica, a guide to the island of beauty

Corsica, a guide to the island of beauty

"If you feel like working, sit down, it will soon pass." Corsica, a laid-back, sleepy island off the west coast of Italy. While for the last two hundred years or so it may well have been French, to me it has always been simply... Corsica... unique, beautiful, dramatic...

The Fairytale Vianden Castle, Luxembourg

The Fairytale Vianden Castle, Luxembourg

Recently I spent a wonderful long weekend in Luxembourg exploring the city and a few of the many castles, found in the surrounding countryside, which was lush and green and very picturesque. Most memorable of all was the fairytale castle of Vianden.

The Magic of Paris at Christmas

The Magic of Paris at Christmas

Christmas markets a plenty, department stores dripping in festive bling and avenues of trees sparkling with fairy lights – these images and more swam in my head as I boarded the Eurostar train at St Pancras Station in London. A little more than two hours later I was in Paris. Why? To photograph the City of Lights at Christmas.

Sweet treats in Corsica

Sweet treats in Corsica

As my spoon broke through the soft sponge, I almost squealed with delight, as a cascade of melted chocolate escaped. It oozed around my plate and started to mingle with the vanilla gelato. I took a taste and, oh my, it was good. So very good that I spent most of the...

Exploring the beaches of the Golfe de Valinco

Exploring the beaches of the Golfe de Valinco

I love the sea and grew up spending the school summer holidays on the beach with my sister. I'd regularly stay in the water until my lips turned purple with the cold. These days I'm not quite so hardy and have to admit I prefer warmer climes when it comes to a dip in...

Instagramming Corsica

Instagramming Corsica

Having just got back from a fabulous week in Corsica, I'd like to share some highlights  from my Instagram feed over the last 8 days. Stayed tuned to find out more. You can folow my adventures on Instragram @TravelWithKat. A tasty lunch of Fromage de Tête at...

In pictures, the vibrant Wazemmes market in Lille

In pictures, the vibrant Wazemmes market in Lille

Colourful flowers, drapes of exotic material, antiques, bric-a-brac (and a little cheap tat) as well as a covered farmer's markets can all be found at the vibrant Marché de Wazemmes, in this ethnically mixed quarter of Lille. When I visited on a sunny Sunday...

An homage to the cakes of Lille

An homage to the cakes of Lille

Having had a wonderful time in Lille last summer I was delighted to be invited back again, this time to celebrate Eurostar's 2oth birthday. And so, last weekend, I boarded my train at London's St Pancras Station, enjoyed a light breakfast (and free...

The magic of Brussels at Christmas

The magic of Brussels at Christmas

Dazzling Christmas lights, spectacular ice-skating shows, Wittamer hot chocolate, a glass of Delirium or two, not to mention the beauty of Grand Place decked out in its festive finery, there are many reasons for visiting Brussels in December.

Roubaix and the art of reinvention

Roubaix and the art of reinvention

If ever a town has mastered the art of reinvention it has to Roubaix on the outskirts of Lille in northern France. Where else can you dine at a garage or foundry, admire magnificent sculptures and paintings in an art deco swimming pool and sleep in a bubble or an...

Scandola Nature Reserve, Corsica | Tourism versus climate change

Scandola Nature Reserve, Corsica | Tourism versus climate change

Red cliffs tower above us, plunging steeply down into the bluest of seas. Surely, the best way to experience the Scandola Nature Reserve is from the water. The views of the coastline are dramatic, and a boat is the most practical way to visit the lovely hamlet of...

Exploring Corsica by car or even by bicycle!

Exploring Corsica by car or even by bicycle!

At the end of June the Tour de France is coming to the beautiful Mediterranean island of Corsica for the first time. The dramatic mountain scenery, with many a hairpin bend and breathtaking views down to the sea, will make the most magnificent setting for what will be...

A Merula and a wonderful week in Corsica

A Merula and a wonderful week in Corsica

Last September I spent a superb week on the island of Corsica in the seaside town of Calvi. I’d arranged the trip to coincide with the annual festival Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques de Calvi. You can read all about the amazing time I had in my post 'Ancient...

Images of Montmartre

Images of Montmartre

One of my favourite areas of Paris is Montmartre with its colourful artists and buskers, beautiful architecture, cobbled streets and stunning views across the city; I would like to share with you some of my photos from a recent visit. I'd picked a hotel that was near...

The Perfect Croissant

The Perfect Croissant

Each morning the croissant delights the taste buds of locals and visitors alike throughout the length and breadth of France and although its origins may well be in Austria it is without doubt quintessentially French. Lovingly prepared by hand, with the dough made at...

Ostriconi Beach, La Balagne, Corsica

Ostriconi Beach, La Balagne, Corsica

Ostriconi beach, in the north-west of Corsica, is sublime. The view looking down over the beach from the road above is simply stunning. At the viewpoint from where I took this photograph last June, if you turn a little to your right you will see a river gently winding...