France as a country is like a superlative: It’s the largest country in Western Europe, bordering six other nations. It’s also the oldest country in Europe, existing in its present form since the 15th century

Some come to follow the trail of France's great philosophers, writers and artists, or to immerse in the beautiful language it gave the world. And others still are drawn to the country's geographical diversity with its long coastlines, massive mountain ranges and breathtaking farmland vistas. France has been the world's most popular tourist destination for over twenty years. People come to France for many a reason: its cities contain some of the greatest treasures on the continent, its countryside is prosperous and well-tended and it boasts dozens of major tourist attractions. France is one of the most geographically diverse countries in Europe, containing areas as different from each other as urban chic Paris, the sunny French Riviera, long Atlantic beaches, the winter sports resorts of the French Alps, the castles of the Loire Valley, rugged Celtic Brittany and the historian's dream that is Normandy. France is a country of rich emotions and turbulent politics but also a place of rational thinking and Enlightenment treasures. Above all, it is renowned for its cuisine, culture and history. Whatever you want from a holiday, you're about to find it in France.

France

Are you ready to get inspired by a world of art, design and culture? From creative hubs filled with the best galleries, museums, and ongoing exhibitions, to imaginative centres and workshops frequented by locals - check out the coolest curated spaces in {{area}}. 
The scene here is dynamic and endlessly evolving, whether you're an architecture admirer, a culture vulture, or an art and design enthusiast. Feed your creative side and dive right in! 

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Top Spots for all Things Creative

Indulge your senses in art galleries, museums, and experience the cultural side of {{area}}

Art & Culture

When it comes to the culinary scene, we’ve got you covered with a list of dining and drinking experiences to take your tastebuds on a journey through {{area}}! Searching for the best local markets with yummy stalls? Curious about cooking classes, or wondering which traditional drinks and bites to try out? Our community of locals have some tasty recommendations for you.

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Taste This 

Eat & drink your way through {{area}}

Food & Drinks

Beaches, national parks, urban parks, forests, dunes, heathlands - you name it! We've lined up the best of locally recommended nature activities in {{area}} that are sure to get some fresh air in those lungs! If it's anything you can explore and do in the great outdoors, you can plan it here.

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The Grass is Always Greener 

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Nature

Lace up those hiking boots and get out on the trail! We’ve organized the top nature walks and hikes in {{area}} for all the outdoor lovers looking to go the limits. There are plenty of routes you can choose from - all offering you stunning views that make each step even more worth it.

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Get Outdoors

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Hiking

All of the landmarks, viewpoints, monuments, city skylines, and hidden gems at your fingertips! These are the places that will astound your sight and senses,  and would also make a pretty Instastory. 
From urban architecture to natural wonders, explore the must-see spots in {{area}}, and revel in the beauty that surrounds you here.

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See it to Believe it

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Sightseeing

Come one, come all - come big, come small! We've rounded up all of the kid-friendly places in {{area}}, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor activities, and museums for you and your family to enjoy. These places and activities are fun (and safe!) for the whole family, no matter what size or age!

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Best places for all ages

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Family Fun

Ready for an epic time? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for an exciting outdoor activity - check out what {{area}} has going on. There's truly never a dull moment here. From biking, adventure parks, and water sports to wonderous new environments - we rounded up the best things for you to do to have an adventurous time outdoors.

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Best places to seek thrills

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Adventure

In Occitania

See & do these recommendations

Popular things to do

Top viewed activities Occitania

Plenty of things to do

Discover nearby provinces

Local experiences at the slow travel pace

AUTHENTIC

More activities than your typical travel guide; filter any way you like

JUST FOR YOU

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Don't just travel the world, live it.

It has several villages classified as among the most beautiful in France, but also to the Pyrenees mountain chain and the Spanish border (to the south-west). It is also bounded by the Massif Central to the north. Its Mediterranean climate and fine vineyards produce world-renowned wines, particularly in the areas around Béziers and Narbonne. Subject to the Mistral and Tramontane winds, it offers generous amounts of sunshine all year long, which counts as the top tourist destination favoured by Parisians. It is a land of tradition and terroir that has also developed a strong offering in terms of the arts, theatre and festivals. Toulouse, its principal city, boasts a remarkably youthful, lively and student population and also serves as the region's economic motor.  Its landscapes are varied, ranging from the high altitudes of the Pyrenees mountains to the plains and plateaus of the north.

Occitania

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Your slow travel guide

Toulouse

Castelnaudary

Agde

Pézenas

Bouzigues

Les Angles

Montpellier

Ayros-Arbouix

Goujounac

Sainte-Croix-Volvestre

Creissels

Brousse-le-Château

Valady

Canet-de-Salars

Argences-en-Aubrac

Laguiole

Saint-Beauzile

Villefranche-de-Rouergue

Sainte-Radegonde

Saint-Léons

Millau

Rodez

Bozouls

Vialas

Hures-la-Parade

La Malène

Ispagnac

Allenc

Sainte-Eulalie

Meyrueis

Albaret-Sainte-Marie

Langogne

Mont-Lozère-et-Goulet

Saint-Paul-le-Froid

Rimeize

Prudhomat

Lavergne

Rocamadour

Mayrac

Alvignac

Lamothe-Fénelon

Payrac

Lacave

Saint-Denis-lès-Martel

Labastide-de-Penne

Les Cabannes

Montferrier

Unac

Blagnac

Tarbes

Chalabre

Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse

Labège

Montauban

Fabrègues

Valflaunès

Fontanès

Le Triadou

Carcassonne

Gruissan

Carnas

Sommières

Entre-Vignes

Uzès

Arpaillargues-et-Aureillac

Alès

Villeveyrac

Gigean

Roujan

Rousson

Bélesta

L'Union

Estavar

Lodève

Lagrasse

Revel

Mazamet

Albi

Narbonne

Saint-Papoul

Arles-sur-Tech

Cazedarnes

Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon

Villetelle

Mireval

Thuir

Cucugnan

Perpignan

Camon

Espéraza

Théza

Tournay

Lourdes

Cordes-Tolosannes

Grisolles

Lachapelle

Gondrin

Maumusson-Laguian

Cazaubon

Le Bosc

Hi, I’m Atlas, your personal AI travel assistant. I can help you plan a trip, recommend destinations, recommend hotels, or answer any travel-related questions.

The star of the Netherlands! This is one city every tourist to the Netherlands visits at least once. While most gather in the red-light district and urban centre, we know Amsterdam has way more to offer. Check out our slow travel city guide to Amsterdam for an authentic experience. 

Amsterdam

The Netherlands is known for its canals and windmills for a reason; every sight here looks like something off a postcard. Most tourists gather here to visit its capital Amsterdam to party! But there’s so much more to the Netherlands.

Netherlands

Home to the country’s historically vibrant capital: Amsterdam, globally known for its picturesque canals, red lights, and liberal thinking. You’ll also find hidden gems along the coastline and traditional Dutch villages highlighting the production of cheese, clogs, and windmills. The buzzing province of North Holland has something for every type of traveler!

North Holland

Two boats glide along the canals in between the green and yellow trees in Jordaan.

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A local walks down a street in Jordaan while holding a gray umbrella to avoid the rain.

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A small swing is attached to a tree next to the Amsterdam canals in the Jordaan neighbourhood. 

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Lights reflect over the water and canal boats in Jordaan at sunset, Netherlands.

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Several bikes line up in a parked area in Jordaan, a trendy neighbourhood in Amsterdam. 

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# Meet The Jordaan

It doesn't take much venturing out of the city centre to find the cultural gem of The Jordaan. The district is well known and loved by all the locals. Back in the day, The Jordaan was one of the poorest areas in the city – it’s said that Rembrandt had to move here after he couldn’t afford his city centre crib. But now The Jordaan is one of the most sought after areas to live in by both locals and expats, and we understand why. Vibrancy runs through the neighbourhood. You can see it along the flower-lined canals, taste it in the culturally diverse foods, and see how lively the area is with markets and ongoing events. While The Jordaan is only a short walk from the city centre, it can still get overlooked because of the usual tourist traps. Don’t make the same mistake! Go off the main path and dive head first into this incredible area, showing the best of Dutch life.

### Learn Something New 

The Jordaan is an eclectic neighbourhood, and it’s got the museums to match that energy. If you’re looking to learn something new, there are a few stand out spots in the area. **Electric Ladyland** is one of our favourite museums in all of Amsterdam - it’s like a hidden technicoloured world you truly have to see to believe. If you’re curious about the UNESCO World Heritage canal sights, climb aboard for a closer look with the **Boathouse Museum**. Plus it wouldn’t be Holland without their famous flowers! Stop and smell the tulips at the **Tulip Museum**. Jordaan has you covered will all things Dutch.

### Get Outdoors 

The Jordaan has a lot going on when it comes to culture, culinary delights, and cocktails. While there isn’t a huge park, there’s still a few green spots around where you can relax outside. The younger crowd may enjoy *Eeste Marnixplantsoen* with a completed skatepark and skate bowl. Ask a local if you can give it a try! Or if you’ve got little ones with you, make a pit stop at De Nooderspeeltuin in the middle of the district. An outdoor playground is the perfect place to burn off all that energy. Plus, it’s not a far walk to reach Westerpark or Vondelpark. 

### Sip N Dine

If there’s one thing Jordaan thrives in, it’s culture. The neighbourhood has locals from all over the world, and luckily their food reflects that. *Salmuera* is a beloved Argentinian and Mexican spot with a cool aesthetic. Take food on the go with a whole new meaning - in a canal boat! That’s right, *San Marco Pizza* is a ‘sail in’ pizza spot right on the canals. Did someone say dinner with a view? If it’s tradition you’re after, look no further. *Restaurant Moeders* is about as Dutch as it comes. The name translates to “Mothers” and it’s meant to represent traditional meals a Dutch mother would make for her kids. The best part? People bring in pictures of their own moms to hang up on the wall! 

For drinks and cocktails, *Waterkant* is a super trendy canal bar underneath a parking tower. They’ve got tropical vibes and live music and DJs - what more could you ask for? *Het Papenieland* is one of your standard ‘brown bars’ in the Netherlands, so you’ll likely find a lot of locals here. If alcohol isn’t your thing but you still want something special, you need to stop at *Polaberry*. Satisfy your sweet tooth with chocolate-covered fruits, cake pops, and yummy coffee drinks! 

### Shop Til You Drop 

The Jordaan is no stranger to the market scene. In fact, they have THREE outdoor markets for you to choose from. Considering they’re all on different days of the week, what’s stopping you from hitting all of them? Start Mondays off right at the *Westerstraatmarkt* - they used to specialize in textiles, but over the past few years they’ve extended their stalls to include clothes, shoes, and accessories. Over the weekend you can stop at the organic farmer’s market at the *Noordermarkt*, or head over to arguably the best food market in town: the *Lindengracht Market* with fruits, veggies, fish, cheeses, as well as general goods. Choose one market or go to all three, but there’s no denying Jordaan is ready to fulfill all of your shopping needs. 

### Play

Looking for a fun activity after exploring the neighbourhood? Jordaan’s **Glow Mini Golf** is ready to be your next date night, group competition, or fun night out with the family. They’ve got 3D glow-in-the-dark mini golf courses filled with dinosaurs, polar bears, gorillas, and other fun decorations. There’s a stand with food and drinks if you’ve worked up an appetite. Think you can get a hole in one?

### Stick Around For a While 

There comes a time when you have to leave a city you’re visiting - or is there? Extend your trip to Jordaan and stay in an accommodation that is seriously cool. Right along the picturesque canals, there’s two houseboat suites under the name [*Amsterdam Prinsengracht*](https://www.booking.com/hotel/nl/brandnew-houseboat-on-prinsengracht-next-to-9-streets.html?aid=356980;label=gog235jc-1DCAsoqQFCFHRoZS1hcmNhZGUtYW1zdGVyZGFtSDNYA2gViAEBmAExuAEXyAEM2AED6AEB-AECiAIBqAIDuAKt1t6PBsACAdICJDYyYjZlOTg2LTQwNTktNDQ5OS1hYmI0LTZmMjU1MDA1NDk4N9gCBOACAQ;sid=14b63d5dfc1c1c9ca94958410fe0b2b8;atlas_src=sr_iw_btn;dest_id=-2140479;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=2;group_children=0;nflt=ht_id%3D208%3Bht_id%3D215;no_rooms=1;room1=A%2CA;sb_price_type=total;type=total;ucfs=1& ). Yup, you can get the full Dutch experience by sleeping right along the canal! Plus it’s right between Jordaan and the city centre, so talk about a premium location. 

Want to explore more of Amsterdam? Check out our other neighbourhood guides and make the most out of the city! 

The Jordaan