Fascinating, cosmopolitan and unusual, London is the city of all possibilities. We go there for shopping weekends, but also to enjoy its exceptional heritage from Westminster to St. Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye. All London's districts are worth a visit and offer surprising discoveries. Gardens, museums, galleries and markets are so many proposals, that a stay too short will surely turn out to be the first of a long series... A perpetual invitation to immerse yourself in the heart of a creative, avant-garde city, strongly rooted in its history. An astonishing contrast that makes the English capital one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This phenomenon is all the more noticeable at the beginning of July, when the best tennis players put down their racket bags for the legendary Wimbledon tournament. And their cohorts of fans with...
What is not available in London? It's all there! It is one of the most dynamic cities in the world. And it has an immensely rich and varied heritage, from the Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey to the design of Norman Foster's Town Hall, to the iconic dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. Gardens, markets, shops, museums and galleries, monuments, picturesque streets, you will always find something to see or do here, day or night, rain or shine. Londoners live at a frenetic pace, working hard during the day, going out in the evenings and on weekends, and spending little time at home. London, with its almost 8 million inhabitants, its 300 languages, its Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, French and Polish villages, offers an incomparable mix. This mix and diversity makes London a real mosaic of atmospheres. The capital of business, the stock exchange and business, traders and working girls is also the capital of small jobs and precarious situations. A fascinating and difficult to define city, even more so today with the Brexit which announces the exit of the United Kingdom from Europe.
A unique cultural heritage
London, like Paris, enjoys an extraordinary cultural heritage. While the Haussmann style has given way to a more British Victorian style, the city skilfully blends modern and contemporary architecture, small red brick buildings and glass buildings. The city also houses countless museums, most of which are free of charge. English, contemporary, Asian, Roman or Greek arts, the collections are splendid and take you to meet major artists. To complete this artistic abundance, many galleries offer a vast panorama presenting the creations and trends of the moment. In terms of entertainment, London is one of the world's capitals of musicals and theatre, with more than a hundred different places to enjoy yourself. Last but not least, the London music scene is one of the most innovative and challenging in Europe. From international stars to small local underground groups, there is something for everyone.
Extended nights
At night, London opens the doors of its bars, discos and clubs, taking the traveller away from museums and shopping. Remember to watch the concert schedule when you are in London, from small venues to stadiums. The atmosphere will be great, and it will be an opportunity to discover unknown groups or to attend the performance of internationally renowned singers. For outings, the two must-see areas during your visit to London will be Soho for the select and trendy clubs and the East End or the South with Brixton, Clampham or Peckam for the trendy underground bars.
Shopping and culinary discoveries
While London's sales are famous all over the world, all year round major roads such as Oxford Street and High Street Kensington, as well as neighbourhoods such as Brick Lane, have become a must for anyone who wants to learn about English fashion and find the trendy accessory of the moment. From large ready-to-wear chains to small designer shops and vintage stores, London is THE shopping city. A detour to its famous markets for those who want to buy porcelain, antiques, records or trendy clothes is essential, and, when you return, you will be the only one to own the object or objects so coveted!
As for gastronomy, if English cuisine has not always had an excellent reputation, the time has come to renew itself with some great names such as Gordon Ramsay or Jamie Oliver. While traditional English dishes are still served in the capital's pubs, it is mainly in chic restaurants that the difference is made. As a result, most of the best international chefs have settled in London. If these establishments are not suitable for all budgets, gastropubs will be accessible to all, offering inventive dishes combining English cuisine and international influences. English cuisine is not the only cuisine in London, quite the contrary: the capital is full of restaurants offering a cosmopolitan culinary panorama that reflects its diversity. The opportunity to taste the flavours of India, Japan, China, Mexico, Afghanistan and many others during your getaway. Visit London's Indian (Brick Lane), Asian (Soho) or Jamaican (Brixton) neighbourhoods to enjoy the best food and travel at the same time!
Game, set and match!
Wimbledon. The name is known all over the world. Wimbledon is the most famous tennis tournament in the world, but also one of the most popular tennis tournaments in England. The tournament takes place over two weeks, usually starting in late June or early July. Due to the number of people who wish to attend the event, tickets are drawn at random from applications sent between August 1 and December 31 of the previous year. If you are not one of the lucky ones, you will still have to queue at dawn in the hope of being able to buy a ticket. Then, let's play in the temple of the little yellow ball. The Wimbledon tournament takes place in the first half of July in southwest London, at Wimbledon Stadium, which includes 18 grass courts and a museum. It is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, created in 1877 and is considered by many to be the most prestigious of all. While the first final was held in front of 200 people, today the central court houses 35,000 people and the annual attendance is 500,000. Finally, it is traditional during the tournament to eat strawberries with cream. And, once again this year, all of His Majesty's subjects will be pushing behind Andy Murray in the hope of reliving the 2013 epic, where the Scotsman won the tournament. A first for a Brit since 1936. But going to Wimbledon is also a unique opportunity to visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum to discover the traditions, triumphs, shows and sounds that have made Wimbledon the most coveted tennis title in the world. Accompanied by John McEnroe's "ghost" and surrounded by a breathtaking collection of period objects and original trophies, we explore the history of the tournament. And once the best players have left London, you can also discover the backstage with a visit to the centre court as the highlight of the show. A unique souvenir!
Smart info
When? When? You can visit London all year round, but to try to applaud the stars of the little yellow ball at Wimbledon, meet between July 3 and 17 for the 2017 edition. At this time of year, plan for patience and pounds sterling.
Getting there. By plane or train with Eurostar.
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Useful. To prepare your escapade as well as possible.
VISIT LONDON - More information on the website
WIMBLEDON TOURNAMENT - More information on the website
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