There are millions of bones beneath the streets of the City of Light. The Catacombs of the French capital is one of those tourist attractions that few expect in Paris. But they have their audience, indeed they do. Around 600,000 people per year used to visit these macabre passageways before they closed their doors last year for necessary restoration. They have recently reopened to the public. The authorities have modernized the tunnels and lighting, while keeping intact the eerie character of the impressive underground labyrinth. In these galleries that extend for hundreds of kilometers, rest a whopping six million Parisians. As Isabelle Knafou, the administrator of the Catacombs, reminded Le Monde, "in this city, beneath our feet, there are three times more dead than living." This has been the case since the 18th century when the lack of space in cemeteries led to the conversion of Paris's underground into this gigantic memento mori. The visit provides access to a mile and a half of galleries with thousands of skulls and femurs, stacked on top of each other. Sufficient. Tickets can be purchased on the website www.catacombes.paris.fr/es
Bunk beds on planes for a good night's sleep
Long-haul flights in economy class are being reinvented. Finally. Air New Zealand has announced that this year they will introduce their sleeping cabins in bunk beds, called Skynest, on their 17-hour flights between Auckland and New York. The six bunks between the economy and premium economy areas offer passengers the opportunity to stretch out, lie down completely, or simply enjoy a few hours of rest in the air. The Skynest can be rented for four-hour periods for around $500.
Porto: A new boutique with a florist and private chef
It's called Casa Cedo, but don't tell anyone. The address? Rua de Cedofeita but please, don't spread the word. With only eight rooms, this new boutique hotel in the heart of creative Porto entices travelers with its reception-florist; a cabinet of curiosities where ceramic pieces, coffee, fresh flowers, and exclusive Byredo fragrances for sale coexist; a dining room that hosts special events with some of the city's most acclaimed chefs, and a luxurious back garden.
London welcomes a long-awaited museum: V&A East
Another reason to return to the British capital. The V&A East Museum has just opened to the public in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, right next to where last year they already inaugurated the first London branch of the famous Victoria & Albert Museum in the Kensington district. Designed by O'Donnell + Tuomey, it features two free permanent galleries, showcasing over 500 objects from their collections: art, architecture, design, performing arts, fashion...
A unique look at the Viennese Villa Beer
When we talk about villas and architecture, three are often mentioned: the Villa Tugendhat by Mies van der Rohe in Brno; the Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier near Paris; and the Villa Beer, built by the also brilliant Josef Frank and considered a masterpiece of Viennese modernism. After extensive restoration, Villa Beer (and its garden) opens its doors to the public, offering the opportunity to visit this unique building for the first time in its eventful history.
The new route of Al-Andalus
With over four decades of history, the Al Ándalus Train maintains its decadent and nostalgic air, its shiny polished carriages, its Belle Époque interior elegance, beautiful deluxe suites, and lively dining car... A true railway gem in the style of the Orient Express that continues its journey without losing its essence of a classic great railway journey through the south and, for the first time this season, from the center of our geography. Al Ándalus has added Madrid to its itineraries and also travels through Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura with service improvements. This extension of destinations allows for the integration of new heritage sites and enriches its cultural offering. Visiting the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, an equestrian show in Jerez, a tour of the historic center of Cáceres, a route through the iconic windmills of Campo de Criptana, and an excursion to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez are some of the experiences offered to its passengers this year.