Chicago... Everyone has an idea, but no one has the same one. For some, it is the sulphurous legend of Al Capone, a prohibition mobster; for others, it is the incredible impressionist collection of the Art Institute or Calder's sculpture. Architecture lovers think of Mies Van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright or Rem Koolhaas; for them, the Robie House is the pinnacle of the single-family home, the Federal Plaza is the absolute urban balance and the Hancock Tower a structural masterpiece. The most gourmands will know that in Chicago, formerly the city of slaughterhouses, steak paving stones weighing 500 g, are cooked at 1,800°C and literally melt in the mouth. But when you come to Chicago, you will find that the imagination is below reality.
Architectural treasures
Chicago offers to see a large number of architectural treasures, witnesses of the glory days of the "Windy city". The world's first skyscraper was built in 1885, and about 100 more followed. Several schools mix in the Illinois capital, the neo-Gothic style of the Fisher Building (1896) mixing with the hyper-modernity of the Legacy Tower (2009), for example. You can also admire the 2nd highest skyscraper in the United States, the Willis Tower, which is 422 metres high. Most of its wonders are located in the city centre, nicknamed the "Loop", named after the famous air metro line that crosses it and allows you to walk among the buildings, while remaining seated. Breathtaking view guaranteed!
If you are interested in a walk or bike ride, you will have the chance to discover the works of international artists scattered in the streets of the district for the pleasure of its inhabitants and visitors. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the city of Chicago has had a tradition of commissioning the most prestigious artists to cover its sidewalks with gigantic sculptures. So we come across Miro, Picasso, Dubuffet, Anish Kapoor and many others by chance during his peregrinations.
If you have time for an excursion to Detroit, Michigan, you can also observe real splendours inherited from the industrial era of the past centuries and the current cultural effervescence. The Michigan Central Station, immortalized in many films, is for example a must-see monument, as are the many skyscrapers in the city centre. The street art on display in every corner of Detroit is also worth a visit. One of the last outstanding frescoes was created last May in the city centre by artist Sheipard Fairey, made famous by Obama's "Hope" poster for his first presidential campaign
A lively and diverse cultural programme
In spring and summer, the Great Lakes region is the scene of large gatherings and festivals that punctuate the region's cultural life
In recent years, Chicago City Hall has developed an outdoor festivities program, attracting visitors from all over the world. Each neighbourhood of the city has its own festival or highlight, and the downtown area hosts major cultural events on Lake Michigan, in the heart of Grant Park
Contemporary art also occupies a prominent place in this very dynamic region. In Chicago and Detroit, world-renowned institutions hold the upper hand and allow you to observe the masterpieces of our time. This summer, the MCA is hosting a highly anticipated exhibition by Kerry James Marshall, an African-American artist interested in the influence of the civil rights movement on everyone's daily life. Smaller cities also offer very beautiful exhibitions such as Grand Rapids and its Art Museum, which works closely with NYC's Whitney, or its Frederik Meijer Garden, which regularly exhibits spectacular new pieces thanks to an aggressive acquisition policy. The latest purchase to date, the Iron Tree of Ai Weiwei, displayed like the rest of the collection in its botanical garden. Sublime!
Rediscovering local products
The Great Lakes region, located in the heart of the American Midwest, is often referred to as the "breadbasket" of the United States. A region producing wheat and corn, it also has many livestock farms. This is surely why the "farm to table" movement has found such a favourable response. In the main cities of Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, you will find restaurants everywhere that promote a direct link with the producer and offer menus based on regional products. Public markets are also booming and in the major cities of the region they are generally open every day. You can meet carefully selected producers, mainly offering organic products. Quality caterers are installed there, which makes it possible to have a snack in a picturesque setting
Minneapolis, the capital of Minnesota, organizes the country's largest trade fair at the end of August for 12 days, bringing together producers and breeders from all over the region to present their cattle and products. A real dive into the heart of the Midwest. In recent years, Detroit has also been involved in this movement "from farm to table", by directly establishing agricultural companies on former abandoned land following the severe crisis in the city. A great example of a transition that many companies are proposing to better understand by visiting Detroit's gardens, farms and markets by bike. Unusual and instructive!
Chicago is not to be outdone in terms of gastronomy. For 2016, the Michelin Guide has awarded the ultimate three-star award to two restaurants in the city (Alinea and Grace), with 20 restaurants sharing 23 other stars. The Oscars of the kitchen, the James Beard Awards gala, have been in Windy City for the past two years. A quality cuisine awaits you there, but also diverse and varied. Chicago was built in a cosmopolitan atmosphere, created by the massive arrival of European, American and Asian immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. The influences are therefore diverse, and you can't leave the city without tasting a little bit of everything! For the discerning palates, the city is also very famous for its molecular cuisine
A nature with a thousand facets
The Great Lakes region has sublime natural landscapes, starting with its 5 lakes: Superior, Michigan, Ontario, Huron and Erie. As soon as you arrive in Chicago, you will be marked by the vastness of Lake Michigan, which can easily be mistaken for an ocean, and which offers Chicagoans a perfect refuge during the hot summer days. All kinds of water activities await you, from jet skiing to surfing and boat rental. In short, Chicago is also a real seaside resort! But in summer the beaches can quickly get crowded and you could almost think you're in Miami
For lovers of a quieter nature, you can go to the "Riviera du Midwest", on the other side of the lake, or very pretty coastal cities share the summer's onlookers. The cities of Holland and St. Joseph will welcome you in an idyllic and summer setting. Further north on the coast, you can reach Isle Royal National Park, the largest island on Lake Superior, famous for its lush nature and populations of wolves and moose, by boat or float plane. A change of scenery is also possible for lovers of a more continental nature. A bucolic countryside awaits you at the gates of Chicago, crossing Wisconsin and Minnesota
Smart info
When? When? Spring and summer are ideal for visiting the Great Lakes. After a freezing winter, the city of Chicago and its region awaken in March through a mild spring and gradually warm up until August with the humid and bewitching heat
Getting there. Direct flights to Chicago depart daily from Paris. To discover the Great Lakes region, nothing beats car rental. With the Alamo, you can get a vehicle from Chicago Airport.
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