Ships have been docking here since the 11th century and Ghent wouldn’t have it any other way. It is like the song of the Lorelei. The beauty of the Graslei in Ghent brings everyone and everything to a standstill. This is the place where beautiful façades are reflected in the River Lys. Tourists and residents alike relax on either side of the water, whether dangling their legs over the quay, or sitting comfortably at a café terrace. Lovely Grasbrug This bridge is positively poetic. And it’s every Ghent native’s pride. On your visit to Ghent, it would be a sin to miss this little bridge just around the corner from the Korenmarkt. Cross the river at the Grasbrug and soak in the scenery. There are still boats moored at the quays today. Even better, nowadays you can take a boat ride yourself! There’s nothing that will immerse you more in the history of Ghent. Façades on the Graslei The houses by the water live and breathe history. The Cooremetershuys is now an accessory store. In the Middle Ages, however, the official corn measurer presided over the grain trade there. Have a good look at the completely restored façade of the Guild House of the Free Sailors as well. A lot of money has been invested in this building over the centuries, and it shows! The stately stepped gable from the old corn store has been watching over the town since the 13th century. The corn store—also known as ’t spijker—has been redefined. It’s come a long way from those old sacks of grain. Of course you don’t have to push the boat out quite that far. You can also try a cosy brasserie on the Graslei or Korenlei. Or why not just buy finger food and sit down on the quayside! Because sometimes, appreciating the little things is the most romantic. Aperitif in the sun Tempted by all those café terraces? There is nothing more blissful than enjoying an aperitif—or two—by the waterside. When the sun is shining, this is a delightful spot to hang out ensconced by beautiful old buildings. Enjoying the first warmth of a spring day with a chilled white wine, putting the world to rights…but anyway, we digress.

If you are staying in La Rochelle and want to go on a day trip, Fouras is a small coastal town that is located south from the port. There you can find beautiful beaches, restaurants and piers. You can also reach the famous Fort Boyard by ferry from there.

At Chinatown’s Sun Pictures you can experience the world's oldest picture garden. Soak up the nostalgia sitting back in deck chairs at the world’s oldest operating open-air picture theatre and view the latest releases. While you no longer have to lift your feet as visitors did in the early days due to tidal flooding, a night at this rustic tin shack of a cinema is a delightful new experience for every cinephile. Tickets can be purchased when the doors open, about 30 mins before the first screening.

Just 2 km off the coast of Fuerteventura, Isla de Lobos is an untouched gem, home to a sprawling nature sanctuary teeming with an array of flora and fauna, including rare birds. Its main beach, Playa de la Concha, is known for its pristine waters. Trails cross a landscape of salt marshes and hornitos (small volcanic mounds) leading to the volcanic marvel of Montaña La Caldera and the historic Martiño lighthouse.