Recently one of our valued clients returned from an unforgettable trip to France and Portugal! We spoke to her about her experience and what advice she had for our readers who may be planning a trip over to these beautiful destinations. Read on!

 

“In Lyon we stayed at the beautiful Cours Des Loges in the centre of the Old City – there’s also a lovely Michelin star restaurant which is not to be missed. That being said – the cobbles streets have so many restaurants, food and wine shops made it hard to choose! We visited the Theatres Gallo Romaines, two Roman Amphitheatres and the Surperb Museé Gallo-Romaines Lyon Fourviére which is an outstanding underground museum of Gallo-Toman times. At the Place de la Comedie is the Musée des Beaux-Artes with extensive collections of sculptures, paintings and ceramics.

In Lisbon we stayed at the Avenida Palace and we were very happy there! It’s in the prefect central position and out suite which was upgraded upon arrival at the hotel was large and very comfortable for our needs.

A couple tips for your trip to Portugal:

  • Visit Museo Arqueologico which lays within the ruins of a massive church and some ancient Jewish tombstones.
  • Go to the Belem district to the Tower of Belem, The Monument to the Discoveries and the superb (yet croweded) Monasterio Des Jeronimons. 
  • The Museo Colecao Berado has an excellent contemporary art collection from cubism to pop art.
  • Taxis are a very reasonable price to get around!
  • Sintra is delightful! We loved the Moorish Castle. It is walkable or there are many tuktuk’s available. There are magnificent views from the ramparts.
  • The views from the Palace of Pena are better on the outside than the inside.
  • The Palácio Nationale de Sintra is well worth touring inside with wonderful tiled walls.
  • Eccentric and magical Quinta da Regaleira Palace and gardens is well worth a visiting and is an easy walking distance from town.
  • We recommend 2 nights in Sintra as opposed to a day trip from Lisbon!

In Porto we stayed at the Intercontinental which is set in a beautifully restored 18th century Palace complete with inlaid marble floors, spacious elegant rooms and public spaces with immaculate service. Through Virtuoso we were upgraded to a junior suite and enjoyed wonderful breakfasts!

We would also recommend that a trip to Évora is on your list with your trip to Portugal! It’s one of the most beautiful places we have visited. It is an old walled town excellently preserved. The Pousada Convento de Évora was superb and situated next to a Roman Temple. It is an easy 11/2 hours train ride from Lisbon.”

 

Take a look at some of the photos taken on her trip:

Pictured: Lyon Musee Gallo-Romain Lyon Fouviere                                                 Pictured: Pousada Covento de Evora

Pictured: Roman Temple                                                                                                  Pictured: Sao Bento Railway Station

Pictured: Sinta Pena Palace                                                                                             Pictured: Monasterio Des Jetnimos

 

Get in touch with Anywhere Travel for your next trip to France & Portugal!