New York Habitat Blog

During its heyday, the Roman Empire’s influence extended through much of Western Europe. Even after its fall, it left behind huge amounts of infrastructure, some of which still exists today. The South of France has many such relics, which have also been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. You could even plan a whole vacation around these culturally and historically rich areas and stay at nearby bed and breakfasts, courtesy of New York Habitat.

Roman Theatre Orange, France Pict

You’ll want to begin your tour in the town of Orange. Here you can see the large Arc de Triomphe, thought to be built by Caesar Augustus himself. There is also a large Roman theatre, said to be one of the most well-preserved in the world, for you to explore. Stop in to the excellent museum that places these relics in their historical context and learn more about what life was like in Orange during Roman times. Later, you can take the short trip to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and sample some of this town’s famous wine. Spend the day exploring the many vineyards in the area, and remember to bring a couple of bottles back for your friends!

From here, you can travel on to see the large Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. Stretching 49 meters (more than 15 stories) into the air, and built entirely without the use of mortar, this three-tiered structure is simply breath-taking to see in person. Surrounded by open fields, it is also the perfect site for picnics and hikes. Following extensive redevelopment in 2000, there is now a small museum which offers guided tours across the aqueduct itself.

Finally, spend a few days in the lovely Provincial city of Arles. This city was very important during Roman times and thus has many sites for you to visit. There is both a theatre and amphitheatre, and even a Roman necropolis, the Alyscamps. There is also an excellent ancient history museum with a collection of Roman sarcophagi that rivals the one in Rome itself! Arles has much more to offer than just Roman relics, so be sure to spend a couple of days there exploring the open-air markets and sitting at the café that inspired Van Gogh’s painting Café Terrace at Night.

Bed and breakfasts are the perfect accommodations for your trek through Southern France. Here is just a small sample of the places from which you can choose:

• Avignon, France Bed and Breakfast Accommodation PR585 photo

  When you’re in Orange, you might want to stay at this recently renovated 17th century 2 bedroom bed and breakfast accommodation in a stone farmhouse in nearby Jonquières (PR-585) . Located on an idyllic large property, complete with a pool, this house is sunny, warm and inviting. It’s the quintessential Southern France retreat!

• This 3 bedroom villa in Arpaillargues, near Uzès and the Pont du Gard (PR-504) would be another great place to rest for a night or two on your trip. Each bedroom is beautifully decorated and the bathrooms have all been recently updated. There is also plenty of outdoor space, a pool in which to relax and access to an amazing library!
• Stay at this 2 bedroom vacation rental in Arles, Camargue - Blue Coast (PR-815), while in Arles. The modern kitchen and bathroom mix well with the Provincial décor. Best of all, this apartment is located in heart of the historic center, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from the Roman relics and other great sites!

Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a great way to incorporate some history into your next vacation. Visit the Unesco French Properties page to see of the great places to visit. The designated Roman relics in the South of France are some of the best in the world and with bed and breakfast accommodations from New York Habitat, it couldn’t be easier to travel around to see them all!

For more information on the city of Arles, see Accommodations in Arles, Camargue - Blue Coast, France.

Have you been previously visited these sites or towns? Do you have any recommendations or tips to share with us on the Roman relics in the South of France? Please share in the comments section.

They say you save the best for last—but Number One of New York Habitat’s Must-See Musical Sights in London won’t be saved for long so best to see it now! The top spot on our list is reserved for none other than the time-honored, self-proclaimed “world famous” Hammersmith Palais, a venue that had been hosting the hottest acts on the London music scene since 1919 but will be demolished soon to make way for a shopping center.

Streets of London, Hammersmith photo

Not familiar with the Palais? Think CBGB’s in NYC, another recent concert casualty. Think The Clash’s classic “(White Man in) Hammersmith Palais,” a song ironically condemning the commodification of music. Think live shows from The Clash, The Cramps, The Cure, The Pogues, PiL, Bowie and almost any band that mattered. Better yet, think of booking a nearby vacation rental as soon as possible and being one of the last people to snap a shot of the Palais’ famed façade, one of the only parts still standing. Forget “if walls could talk”—imagine what you’d hear if they could sing!

When the Palais first opened on 242 Shepherd’s Bush Road, it showcased ballroom dancing and jazz bands (including one featuring Elvis Costello’s father). It withstood air raids and a brief stint as a hockey rink before becoming London’s definitive live music venue in the late ’70s, then morphed into a haven for West Indian and Brit-Asian all-nighters, integrating current musical and cultural influences into the community. To say the least, the Hammersmith Palais was a stalwart institution—to say it better, in the words of Joe Strummer, it was a refuge for a “roots rock rebel.”

musical note pic

Despite the impending destruction of the Palais, Hammersmith is certainly worth a stay in itself. A happening part of West London, Hammersmith is packed with historic pubs, such as the 17th century Dove, the world record holder for having the smallest bar (which didn’t keep writers Graham Greene or Ernest Hemingway away, or stop Sir Alec Guinness from enjoying a pint of—what else?—Guinness). There are also plenty of parklands along the riverside, among them Furnivall Gardens, a good place to catch the upcoming Oxford and Cambridge boat race.

A few weeks in a New York Habitat vacation rental in Fulham-Hammersmith will acquaint you with experimental theater at The Lyric; cinema and art at Riverside Studios, a former water pump factory on the Thames; a lively weekly farmers’ market; the Chelsea and Fulham football clubs; and more music at the Hammersmith Apollo.

Some recommended accommodations are:

• A 1-bedroom vacation rental in West Kensington, Fulham-Hammersmith (LN-184) located in a period Edwardian mansion block set around a private courtyard and gardens.
• A 1-bedroom furnished accommodation in West Kensington, Fulham-Hammersmith (LN-221) with a fully equipped kitchen and airy living room.

Rent an apartment in Hammersmith and get a first-hand, last-chance glimpse at musical history—or at least look longingly at the empty lot where the Palais once stood. Like many Londoners, instead of singing “God Save the Queen,” you’ll find yourself saying, “God Save the Palais!”

What was your pick for our Number One Must-See Musical Sight in London? Check out the rest of the list:

• #2 A Waterloo Sunset
• #3 Pimlico
• #4 Belgravia, London
• #5 World’s End, London

and leave us your comments.