Photography: Alamy, Nigel Holmes, Lhourahane
SPAIN, ALICANTE
THE INSIDER… Jose M Pérez is manager of fashion agency Levante Sur de Moda and has been a member of Spain’s fashion world for 35 years. www.consultoresenmoda.com
HIS TIPS…
MERCADO CENTRAL: Breakfast at a café near the flower vendors in this bustling indoor food hall, housed in an historic building, and watch passers-by buy bouquets. It’s the perfect place to experience the radiance of the “City of Light”. Avenida Alfonso X el Sabio, Alicante.
NOU MANOLIN: Pull up a stool at this tapas bar and choose from some 50 options. Open daily from 1:15–4pm, locals crowd the bar to taste some of Spain’s most delicious tapas. 3 Calle Villegas, Alicante; www.noumanolin.com
HANNIBAL LAGUNA (ABOVE): An essential stop of fashionistas, where you can view the collection of one of the most famous designers in Spain, best known for his bridal and ready-to-wear collections. 7 Calle Castaños, Alicante; www.hannibal-laguna.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 9km south-east of Alicante city centre. Buses to central Alicante depart every 40 mins. Journey about 40 mins; fare €1. There are also regular buses to Murcia and Benidorm. Taxi fare approx €13 to Alicante, €58 to Benidorm. www.aena.es
SPAIN, ALMERIA
THE INSIDER… Luisa Guardiola is a fashion student at an Almería fashion schools.
HER TIPS…
CASA PUGA (ABOVE): In an historic building downtown, this restaurant boasts a menu laden with authentic local flavours, recipes and culinary traditions that have been passed down by generations of chefs. Be sure to try the tapas. 7 Calle Jovellanos, Almería; www.barcasapuga.es
HOTEL CATEDRAL: This hotel’s restaurant is known for its modern décor, which contrasts nicely with the 19th-century architecture. It’s a favourite of seafood lovers and meat eaters alike. 8 Plaza de la Catedral, Almería; www.hotelcatedral.net
LÁUJAR DE ANDARAX: An hour inland from Almería by car, this enchanting white village was a refuge for the last Moorish king after he was defeated in Granada by the Catholic monarchs. The town is backed by rocky peaks and overlooks the plains of the Andarax Valley. www.laujardeandarax.es
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 11.1km east of the city centre, at the far end of the AL-12 dual carriageway. Airport buses depart every 45 minutes weekdays, every half hour weekends. Journey about 30 mins, fare €1.15.
Taxi fare approx €15. www.spanish-airport-guide.com
NETHERLANDS, AMSTERDAM
THE INSIDER… Merle Deterink, programme director of Amsterdam Fashion Week. www.amsterdamfashionweek.com.
HER TIPS…
NOORDERMARKT (ABOVE): Every Saturday, 9am to 3pm, vendors in Noordermarkt Square sell cheeses, herbs and produce. www.amsterdam.info/markets/noordermarkt
THE AMSTEL RIVER: Lovely for walking or cycling alongside.
WESTERPARK: This park by a former gas works is now a great setting for dinner and drinks. www.westerpark.nl
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 14km from Amsterdam city centre. A shuttle service runs between the airport and city approx every 10 mins, from 6am to 9pm. Journey approx 20 mins; fare €11 one-way, €17.50 return. Trains run from the airport to the city 24 hours a day. Journey approx 20 mins; fare €3.80. Taxi fare: approx €45. www.schiphol.nl
SPAIN, BARCELONA
THE INSIDER… Igor Sado founder of lelook, the international trend forecasters’ website. www.lelook.eu
HIS TIPS…
NOISE I ART: Have dinner on old vinyl discs and then have a drink in the retro lounge space. Sit back and enjoy watching old 80s videos. 26 Topazi, Gràcia District.
OBSESSIONS: Open from 8am to 12pm, you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner here. The food is original and fresh, and it’s also a great place to have a glass of wine. 15 Riereta, near Rambla del Raval.
PEPINO: A cocktail bar (above) with a restaurant upstairs owned by South American and Swedish people. You’ll find a range of dishes from all over the world, a DJ and a dance floor. 44 Nou de la Rambla.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 19km south-east of Barcelona city centre. All bmibaby flights depart from Terminal A. Buses to central Barcelona leave every seven to 15 mins from 6am to 1am. Journey approx 40 mins; fare €4.05. Trains to the city centre run every 30 mins, from 6am to 11.30pm. Journey approx 30 mins; fare €2.50. Taxi fare approx €20. www.aena.es
NORTHERN IRELAND, BELFAST
THE INSIDER… Julie-Anne Graham, the designer behind eco-fashion label Curious Tales. www.curioustales.com
HER TIPS…
THE BLACK BOX: A buzzing venue with burlesque, comedy, live gigs, poetry readings, DJ sets and cinema nights. Phew! www.blackboxbelfast.com
THE MERCHANT HOTEL (ABOVE): Afternoon tea is £22.50 for two sharing a cake stand with three tiers of deliciousness served with tea. www.themerchanthotel.com
MADE IN BELFAST: A funky restaurant serving great food. www.madeinbelfastni.com;
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 29km north-west of Belfast city centre. The Airport Express 300 service to central Belfast departs every 10 mins, Monday to Friday; every 20 mins on Saturdays and every half hour on Sundays. Journey approx 40 mins; fare £6. Taxi fare approx £25. www.belfastairport.com
ENGLAND, BIRMINGHAM
THE INSIDER… Selina Jervis is a fashion writer and award-winning blogger. www.flyingsaucer.typepad.com
HER TIPS…
THE CUSTARD FACTORY: Originally Bird’s Custard Factory and now a lovely place to spend an afternoon. There are galleries and restaurants throughout an open urban space, with huge sculptures and water fountains. On the weekend they hold the best flea markets, with vintage and craft stalls. www.custardfactory.co.uk
THE IKON GALLERY (ABOVE): In the very relaxed Brindley Place area, it features a variety of original exhibits in new medias such as sound, film and installation. It offers something a bit different to the other galleries. You can have a drink by the canals after a visit. www.ikon-gallery.co.uk
COW VINTAGE: A seriously massive vintage warehouse packed with hanging rails of all kinds of clobber. It’s hard not to come out with something and prices are very kind! 82-85 Digbeth High Street.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 13km south-east of the city centre. Airport Link buses to central Birmingham leave every 20 to 30 mins. Journey approx 15 mins; fare £1.50. Take the free Air-Rail monorail (90 seconds away) for trains to the city centre. Taxi fare approx £17. www.bhx.co.uk
FRANCE, BORDEAUX
THE INSIDER… Lesley Graham, an amateur photographer and university teacher who moved here from Edinburgh over 20 years ago.
HER TIPS…
MARCHÉ ST MICHEL: A flea market that takes place every Sunday morning. The area is very cosmopolitan, with a large community from Morocco and Algeria, and you can find lots of bargains. Head to the Passage St Michel if it’s antiques that you’re after. Place Canteloup.
GUIGNOL GUERIN: A Punch and Judy show from the oldest puppeteering family in France. For five generations they’ve been performing Les Guignols in the old Lyonnaise tradition. They perform everyday at 3.30pm. Jardin Public; tel: +33 (0)5 5651 3733.
ARCACHON: No more than an hour’s train ride takes you to the seaside at Arcachon, old-fashioned resort. The beach is just a five-minute walk from the station and the fantastic seafood here is all fresh and local. Arcachon and the surrounding coast is particularly known for its oysters (above). Trains from the main station leave hourly.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 11km west of the city centre. Buses depart for central Bordeaux every 45 mins from 7.45am to 10.45pm. Journey approx 40 mins; fare €7. Taxi fare approx €30. www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr
WALES, CARDIFF
THE INSIDER… Angela Gidden, designer and creative director at Nomad & Nest, which designs handmade leather bags, accessories and lifestyle products. Unit 1, 127 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay; www.nomadandnest.co.uk
HER TIPS…
CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE: A dynamic arts centres, with an impressive programme of events, performances, films and exhibitions, plus a café, bars, gift shop and more. It’s great for art lovers, cinema-goers and foodies. www.chapter.org
10 FEET TALL: A café bar, deli and live music space with a north African and Mediterranean-influenced menu, cocktails, DJ sessions, and comedy and film nights. 11a-12 Church Street; www.thisis10feettall.co.uk
CARDIFF BAY BARRAGE (ABOVE): An award-winning civil engineering project and a great place for walking, cycling, fishing and picnics. Take in the Age of Coal exhibition, water sports events or simply enjoy the views. Waterbuses go from the Pierhead in Cardiff Bay to the Barrage and back throughout the day, £4 return; tel: +44 (0)7940 142409.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 19km west of Cardiff city centre. Airbus Xpress buses to central Cardiff run regularly Mon-Sat, hourly on Sun. Journey approx 40 mins; fare £3.40. Taxi fare approx £24. www.cwlfly.com
IRELAND, CORK
THE INSIDER… Eileen McGrath owns and runs The Edge Hair Design. www.hairdresser-cork.com
HER TIPS…
EL PADRINOS: This is a quaint family-run Italian restaurant. It’s not big but it has a real authentic feeling and lots of black and white photos of old film stars. The food is tasty and affordable and the service is really good. 20 Cook Street; tel: +353 (0)21 427 2160.
THE FARMGATE CAFÉ: This café is inside Cork’s English Market (above), which is a foodie’s paradise. Sit on the balcony and watch the throng as they shop from the stalls, which is also where the café gets its food from. Tel:+353 (0)21 427 8134.
CLUB BRASSERIA: This is another great place to sit and eat and watch the world go by, on the Boardwalk on the edge of the river which has recently been cleaned up. Sit outside and have lunch. Lapps Quay; tel: +353 (0)21 427 3987.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 8km south-west of Cork city centre. Buses to central Cork leave regularly. Journey approx 30 mins; fare €4.10. RoadRunners, an airport-to-city shuttle, departs every 30 mins; fare €5. Taxi fare approx €18. www.corkairport.com
SCOTLAND, EDINBURGH
THE INSIDER… John McBride, a photographer specialising in photographing people, weddings, events and doing digital photo restoration.
HIS TIPS…
THE OLD PENANG RESTAURANT: It’s like stepping into someone’s front room and sitting down to dinner. It’s tiny, but this allows for a lovely intimate atmosphere. The food is tasty and authentic and the service is absolutely brilliant. 21 Dalziel Place; tel: +44 (0)131 661 3200.
STILLS GALLERY: A great place to see work from international photographers and visual artists and, also, a resource for photographers and students. www.stills.org
CAMEO CINEMA (ABOVE): For films you’d never see in a mainstream cinema. Frequently shows two related films in the afternoon. The bar is great for pre-film meals and often hosts film or music-themed evenings. 38 Home Street; tel: +44 (0)871 704 2052.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 13km west of the city centre. Express buses to central Edinburgh depart every 10 mins from the early morning until after midnight. Journey approx 25 mins; fare £3. Taxi fare approx £15. www.edinburghairport.com
PORTUGAL, FARO
THE INSIDER… Jeremy Esland is a local photographer living and working in the Algarve. www.jeremyesland.com
HIS TIPS…
RESTAURANTE EVARISTO: This is a first-class restaurant in a custom-made white pavilion on the beach, so you can enjoy the attractive coastline. Sit on the terrace and have the locally caught seafood. Not cheap, but certainly an experience. www.evaristo.pt
IGREJA DE SÃO LOURENÇO (ABOVE): The stunning interior of this church is covered in classic Portuguese blue tiles (azulejos). You’ll probably drive past it on the way from the airport to wherever you’re staying, but it’s worth a quick visit. On the EN125 near Almancil.
ABRACADABRA: If you’re looking to do a little shopping, this is a hidden treasure. They do lovely handmade jewellery and the resident designer will help you choose something special. 38 Rua 5 de Outubro, Albufeira.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 8km from Faro city centre: buses depart regularly, journey approx 20 mins; fare €1.65. Taxi fare approx €10. www.ana.pt
SWITZERLAND, GENEVA
THE INSIDER… Charles Hieronymi is a creative designer who organises a variety of fashion shows. www.fashionshow.ch
HIS TIPS…
LE COMPTOIR: Popular with the young and hip in the trendy Pâquis district, this Asian restaurant with a groovy hippy décor serves good, affordable Chinese and Japanese fare. www.lecomptoirdesign.com
EASTWEST HOTEL (ABOVE): The décor in every room of this new hotel is different, so no two rooms are the same, and you can order custom-made cocktails from the bar. www.eastwesthotel.ch
CAFE PAPON: Take in beautiful views from the terrace of this Geneva institution, offering French nouvelle cuisine. www.cafe-papon.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 4km north of the city. The No 10 bus departs every 10 minutes; the No 28 every 20, dirrect to the city centre. Journey 15 mins. Trains to the city centre depart every 5-10 mins. Journey approx 10 mins. You can pick up a ticket from the machine in the baggage collection area which allows you free travel on public transport for the next 80 minutes. Taxi fare approx CHF30-35. www.gva.ch
SCOTLAND, GLASGOW
THE INSIDER… Chloe Highmore, a textile designer specialising in children’s wear. She runs label Petit Pea, which produces quirky organic cotton clothing for babies.
HER TIPS…
NICE’N’SLEAZY: A café/ bar/music venue/club where you can new bands while standing next to musicians from famous ones. www.nicensleazy.com
TRIBECA: This tiny café does New York-style breakfasts: pancakes (above) or French toast with bacon and maple syrup, a huge variety of bagel toppings and Scottish fry-ups. 102 Dumbarton Road.
SALVATION ARMY: The best furniture shop ever. Ornate wardrobes, retro sideboards and lots of wonderful finds all going for a song. 91 Dumbarton Road.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 13km west of Glasgow city centre. Buses to central Glasgow depart regularly from early morning until after midnight. Journey approx 25 mins; fare £4.20. Taxi fare approx £20. www.glasgowairport.com
SPAIN, GRENOBLE
THE INSIDER… Violaine Rattin is a fashion designer and owner of Wearetheneons boutique in Grenoble. www.Wearetheneons.com
HER TIPS…
LE MAGAZIN (ABOVE): A former warehouse built by the Gustave Eiffel workshops (yes, of Eiffel Tower fame!), Le Magasin is the National Centre for Contemporary Arts and holds regular exhibitions. www.magasin-cnac.org
L’ARCHE AUX FRUITS: Grab a home-made ice cream at this small ice cream shop, then plonk yourself on the garden benches in Le Jardin de Ville around the corner. 6 Rue Diodore Rahoult; tel: +33 (0)4 7651 1102.
L’ESTANCOT: A popular tropical beach-themed bar that serves up more than 30 flavours of vodka. Clutch a cocktail, take off you shoes, dig your toes into the soft sand and sway to the music blaring from the speakers. 3 Rue de la Paix; tel: + 33 4 76 00 08 40
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is located 45km north-west of the city centre. Taxi fare €70 on weekdays; €100 on evenings and weekends. Journey approx 30 mins. The Altitude bus line matches scheduled flights, approx 45 minutes to city centre; €12.50 one-way, €22 return. www.grenoble-airport.com Transisère runs buses to Isère ski resorts from Grenoble bus station. www.transisere.com
CHANNEL ISLANDS, JERSEY
THE INSIDER… Pat Robson is the director of both The Harbour Gallery and the charity Art in the Frame, where she supports contemporary art and crafts, including textiles, in the community. www.mnlg.com
HER TIPS…
THE FARMERS’ & CRAFT MARKET (ABOVE): Shop here for locally made clothes, accessories and scrumptious, food. The market is held at Weighbridge Place in the heart of St Helier on alternate Thursday evenings, 5–8pm, and moves to the square at St Aubin on Saturday mornings, 9.30am to 1.30pm. www.genuinejersey.com/events
OPEN GARDENS: Throughout the year visitors can visit some of the island’s beautiful private gardens as individual owners open their gates to the public. www.jersey.com/English/aboutjersey/environment/opengardens
ST. AUBIN: Relax with a glass of wine in this fishing village by the bay in St Brélade. Order a seafood dish at a local restaurant and enjoy fresh offerings, caught that very day. www.jerseyisland.com/where-to-eat-in-st-aubin.html
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 6km west of St Helier. Bus number 15 to St Helier departs every 20-30 mins, from 7am to 10pm. Journey approx 15 mins; fare £1.50. Taxi fare approx £12. www.jerseyairport.com
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, KNOCK
THE INSIDER… Mary McGovern and her sister Theresa run Pagan in Galway, selling women’s fashion. www.pagan.ie
HER TIPS…
GOURMET OFFENSIVE (ABOVE): Every Saturday morning there’s a market along Market Street in Galway selling homemade and organic produce. Try Gourmet Offensive’s falafels, which are amazing.
THE GALWAY MUSEUM: A Galway hooker (that’s a boat) is suspended from the ceiling and during the school holidays look out for free craft workshops. www.galwaycitymuseum.ie
COTTAGE BAR: Come here for music, poetry, local artists’ work and reasonably priced food. 76 Lower Salthill Road, Galway; tel: +353 (0)91 526754.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 6km from Charlestown in County Mayo. Buses to Charlestown depart eight times a day; fare €5.50. Taxi fare approx €25 to Knock. www.knockairport.com
PORTUGAL, LISBON
THE INSIDER… Filipa Lima Félix is a fashion student at the Restart School of Creativity and New Technologies in Lisbon. www.restart.pt
HER TIPS…
CAFÉ BUENOS AIRES: Try a salad with real flowers, goats’ cheese and strawberries in this charming Argentinean restaurant. Make sure to reserve a table outside, where you’ll have a view of the castle. 31B Calçada do Duque, Sacramento; tel: +351 213 420 739.
PRAIA DO TAMARIZ: Dance the night away at this disco by the beach in Estoril (above), just 20 minutes from Lisbon by train. Only open from June to September, this club is known for its relaxed, summertime feel. Praia do Tamariz, Estoril; tel: +351 214 681 010.
QUISQUE DOS REFRESCOS: Stop at one of the many kiosks that line the streets of the Baixa district of Lisbon (also known as the shopping district). Coffee lovers should try a mazgran – an iced coffee with lemon. Baixa, or downtown Lisbon, is Lisbon’s main shopping and banking district, stretching from the river front to the main avenue (Avenida da Liberdade).
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 6km from Lisbon city centre. Aerobus number 91 to central Lisbon departs every 20 mins from 7.45am to 8.15pm; fare €3.35, valid all day. Taxi fare approx €15. www.ana.pt
MENORCA, MAHON
THE INSIDER… Brandy Wilson, an American who is living and loving Menorca. Brandy works for an fashion events company.
HER TIPS…
S’ALBUFERA D’ES GRAU: A stunning natural park with a beautiful lagoon renowned for birdwatching – there are over 100 different species here. If birds aren’t your thing, there are also megaliths preserved from pre-historic times.Tel: +34 971 356302.
ARS CAFÉ: A traditional bar at ground level and a sleek modern bar downstairs. You’ll find gastronomy, wines, cocktails and live jazz in the basement on Fridays. 12 Plaza Principe; www.arscafe.wordpress.com
FESTES DE LA VIRGEN DE GRACIA (ABOVE): Running over 7–8 September, Mahón will be celebrating the Virgin of Monte Toro. The whole town comes out onto the streets, which are hung with coloured flags, to see the dancing horses and the parade.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 4.5km from the city centre. Buses depart every 30 mins, 5.55am to 10pm. Journey approx 15 mins; fare €1.60. Taxi fare approx €10. www.menorca-airport.com/en/index.php
SPAIN, MALAGA
THE INSIDER… Claus Mikosch, a German photographer who moved here seven years ago. www.fotomikosch.com
HIS TIPS…
CHILL ZONE LA CUBANA: About a half-hour drive south of Málaga, at Carvajal, is a friendly beach bar on one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa del Sol. Have a tinto de verano and relax. Playa de Carvajal, Fuengirola; tel: +34 952 569528.
SUNRISE OVER MÁLAGA: Take an early walk up to the magnificent Castillo de Gibralfaro and watch the sun rise. Or, if you can’t do early mornings, grab a table on the terrace of the Parador Hotel Málaga Gibralfaro next to the castle and watch the sun set!
EL TORCAL (ABOVE): A national park a 50-minute drive from Malaga that’s a world away from the busy coast. Watch eagles glide above and see fantastic rock formations. www.andalucia.com/antequera/torcal/home.htm
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 8km south-west of Malaga city centre. Buses to central Malaga depart every 30 mins, 7am to midnight. Journey approx 45 mins; fare €1. Buses to Marbella vary depending on season. Journey approx 45 mins; fare €3.65. Trains to Malaga depart opposite Terminal 2, from 7am to 11.45pm; fare €1. Taxi fare approx €15 to Malaga; €50 to Marbella. www.aena.es
ENGLAND, MANCHESTER
THE INSIDER… Angela Hulme a fashion designer who runs label Me&yu and a small shop. www.meandyu.com
HER TIPS…
A PLACE CALLED COMMON: Expect expert cocktails and great cheap food. www.aplacecalledcommon.co.uk
ASHTON CANAL: See wildlife and learn about Manchester’s architectural history. www.penninewaterways.co.uk/ashton/
RED CHILLI (ABOVE): A Chinese restaurant specialising in Beijing and Sichuan cuisine. www.redchillirestaurant.co.uk
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 16km south-west of Manchester. All bmibaby flights operate from Terminal 3. Five to six trains an hour go to the city. Journey approx 15-20 mins; fare £3.60. The No 43 bus departs every 10-30 mins from 5am to 11pm. Journey approx 50 mins; fare £2.50. Taxi fare approx £20. www.manchesterairport.co.uk
SPAIN, MURCIA
THE INSIDER… Marta Fernandez, a Spanish designer known for her contemporary garments which emphasize the female figure. www.martafdzresume.blogspot.com
HER TIPS…
BALNEARIO DE ARCHENA: Unwind at this spa located just 24km from Murcia and indulge in hydrotherapy using mineral water from a local spring. Carretera del Balneario, Archena; tel: +34 902 333 222.
RODA BEACH CLUB: Within the Roda Golf & Beach Resort, this club’s peaceful ambience and breathtaking view of the sea is unmatched. Visit the chill-out lounge, then order one of the famous shellfish plates. www.rodagolf.com
LA MURALLA (ABOVE): Order a drink and listen to live jazz at this cocktail bar in the basement of the Hotel Rincon de Pepe. The walls reflect the original Arab architecture of the city. 34 Calle Apóstoles; tel: +34 968 212 239.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 48km south-east of Murcia city centre. Bus No 73 to central Murcia departs at
5.45pm, 7.15pm and 10.45pm. Journey approx 45 mins; fare €7. Taxi fare approx €42. www.aena.es
ENGLAND, NEWQUAY
THE INSIDER… Suzie Hayman runs Smile Surf Shop in Newquay, which sells beachwear.
HER TIPS…
CRANTOCK: Walk to this pretty little village along the coastal path and around the headlands or along Crantock Beach and across the dunes. It boasts tearooms where you can have a delicious cream tea guilt-free after your walk.
THE LEWINNICK LODGE: This bistros sits on the Pentire Headland and overlooks the sea and Fistral beach. Perfect for watching the sea on rainy days. www.lewinnick-lodge.info
SMUGGLERS’ DEN INN (ABOVE): A 16th-century inn that’s just a 15-minute drive from Newquay. Try the fresh Cornish seafood and enjoy live music from the Folk and Blues club every third Wednesday of the month. Trebellan, Cubert; www.thesmugglersden.co.uk
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 8km north of Newquay. Bio Travel (tel: +44 [0]1637 880006) provides a taxi and minibus service running on biodiesel. Minibus approx £4 (€4.35); taxi approx £14 (€15.28), pre-booking advised. www.newquay-airport.co.uk
FRANCE, NICE
THE INSIDER… Mona di Orio is the co-owner and creator of Mona di Orio Parfums, which creates perfumes and scented candles. www.monadiorio.com
HER TIPS…
LA PART DES ANGES: Dine at the restaurant of this wine bar, little sister to the famous Part des Anges in Paris. The dishes are simple but excellent. 17 Rue Gubernatis; tel: +33 (0)4 9362 6980.
RESTAURANT FLAVEUR: Chefs at this restaurant believe strongly in the importance of the sensation of flavour, thus explaining the venue’s name, and the food is amazing. www.flaveur.net/home
HI HOTEL (ABOVE): Considered the place to be seen in Nice, this high-end hotel has a modern and very colourful design, with luxury as its top priority. www.hi-hotel.net
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 6km west of Nice city centre. Buses to Nice take 15 mins; fare approx €4. Buses to Cannes (€12.40) and Monaco (€14) take 50 mins. Trains to Nice leave from the Gare Nice St Augustin (500m from Terminal 1). Journey approx 15 mins; fare €4. Taxi fare approx €25; €70 to Cannes; €75 to Monaco. www.nice.aeroport.fr
ENGLAND, NOTTINGHAM
THE INSIDER… Lloyd Stretton, a Midlands-based photographer. www.lloydstretton.com
HIS TIPS…
NOTTINGHAM’S BIG TRACK: This 16km circular car-free path follows the canal from the railway station, returning via the Trent riverside path.
NOTTINGHAM CASTLE: The views from the grounds are spectacular and the building holds a range of exhibitions. Open daily, 10am to 5pm. www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk
YE OLDE TRIP TO JERUSALEM (ABOVE): England’s oldest pub, built in 1189AD! www.triptojerusalem.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 21km south-west of Nottingham city centre. Skylink buses to the city centre depart every 30 mins. Journey approx 45 mins; fare £5. Airline shuttles to Derby run hourly; fare £2.60. Taxi fare approx £26 to Nottingham, £24 to Derby and £33 to Leicester. www.eastmidlandsairport.com
SPAIN, PALMA DE MAJORCA
THE INSIDER… Kano Afify is a footwear designer for Camper, a trendy shoe company from Majorca that sells shoes in 70 countries. www.camper.com
HIS TIPS…
ES BALUARD (ABOVE): Visit the permanent collection at this modern museum and see pieces by some of the most famous Spanish artists, as well as a temporary exhibition of work by 20th-century German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer (until 30 August). www.esbaluard.org
THE MONOCLE SHOP: Owned by über-cool Monocle magazine, this shop (which closes 18 September) is packed to the rafters with products, such as bikes, clothing and luggage, handpicked to complement the beach lifestyle. www.monocle.com
BON LLOC: Dine at Palma de Majorca’s first-ever vegetarian restaurant, which opened in 1986. Every day this innovative lunch spot is full of customers keen to indulge in healthy, organic food. Try the very good value set menu. 7 Sant Feliu, Palma; tel: +34 971 718617.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is located 11km south-east of Palma. Buses to the city centre depart every 15 mins, from 6.10am to 2.15am. Journey approx 15 mins; fare €1.85. Taxi fare approx €17. www.aena.es
FRANCE, PARIS
THE INSIDER… Fred Vielcanet a photographer and fashion blogger. Fred takes photos of well turned out Parisians and posts them on his blog. easyfashion.blogspot.com
HIS TIPS…
RESTAURANT CHARTIER (ABOVE): Founded in 1896, this is a traditional Parisian restaurant where you can sample very simple, classic French cooking at a reasonable price. Make sure you arrive early though – it’s very popular! www.restaurant-chartier.com
KILIWATCH: A specialist vintage store where you can find lots of amazing vintage clothes and lots of fun fashion. Sometimes a little expensive, but very trendy at the moment. 64 Rue Tiquetonne.
MUSÉE DE LA VIE ROMANTIQUE: Close to the Sacré-Coeur, this was the house of painter Ary Scheffer. Here you can see jewels, furniture and paintings by Scheffer and other artists of the romantic period. After your visit you can have a tea in the calm small garden surrounded by roses. www.vie-romantique.paris.fr/
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 23km north-east of Paris. Buses to Paris depart every 15 mins, from 6am to 10.30pm. Journey approx 45 mins; fare €8.40. Trains to Paris depart every 15 mins, from 5.24am to 11.58pm. Journey approx 35 mins; fare €8. Taxi fare €45. www.adp.fr
FRANCE, PERPIGNAN
THE INSIDER… Lucile Duffau is a fashion designer for Sélénite, which makes women’s clothing and is due to open a new studio in September. www.myspace.com/selenit
HER TIPS…
UBU…LA SUITE: Shop at this designer’s market every Saturday from 11am to 7pm. Peruse through designer clothes, such as French designer FifiChachnil. As your day of shopping comes to a close, grab coffee and an organic meal at a nearby café. 40 Place Rigaud; tel: +33 (0)4 6880 0367.
MIKL LAMBERT’S HAIR SALON (ABOVE): If you need a stylish, new French haircut, this salon is the place to go! If not, sit in the sun on the open patio next to the shop and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. 10 Rue des Augustins; tel: +33 (0)4 6834 4750.
LE FIGUIER: In the heart of Perpignan’s old quarter, this charming restaurant will give you a feel for the city’s soul. It’s located on a square surrounded by olive trees, and it’s easy to relax here while enjoying a great Mediterranean meal. 7 Rue Figuier; tel: +33 (0)4 6863 1482.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 5km north-west of Perpignan. A shuttle bus runs to the city railway station. Journey approx 15 mins; fare €5.Taxi fare approx €15. www.aeroport.fr/les-aeroports-de-luaf/perpignan-rivesaltes.php
CZECH REPUBLIC, PRAGUE
THE INSIDER… Eva Dudasová Turková is the designer behind label Lora Palmer. www.myspace.com/lorapalmerfashion
HER TIPS…
PARAZIT FASHION: Tucked between Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, this store features alternative fashion ranging from retro to street wear, from young and exciting Czech and Slovak designers. 25 Karlova.
UNIQUE RECORDS: Full of new and second-hand records (above) as well as turntables and accessories, they have a good selection of funk, soul, Latin, hip hop, broken beat, rare Czech music and much more. 24 Opatovická.
AKROPOLIS PALACE: Located in the Zizkov district, this live venue captures the artistic energy of the city. Experience music, theatre, visual arts and dance and feel inspired by the charming interiors. The Palace is a multicultural space with a unique atmosphere and the place to enjoy progressive music performances. www.palacakropolis.cz
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 19km north of Prague city centre. Catch the No 119 bus to Dejvicka metro station or the No 100 to Zlicín, and continue underground to the city centre. Journey approx 45-60 mins; fare CZK20. Taxi fare approx CZK600. www.csl.cz
FRANCE, TOULOUSE
THE INSIDER… Evane Friederich runs the boutique Les Fées de la Création on Rue Cujas, where you’ll find clothes and accessories by young designers. www.lesfeesdelacreation.com
HER TIPS…
QUARTIER DE LA BOURSE: Find designer dress shops, record stores and vintage shops as well as many salon de thé nestled along the narrow streets.
BICOQ’ GALERIE VIVANTE: A great little restaurant. The food is local, delicious and well priced and the walls display art by local artists. www.bicoq.com
QUAIS DE LA GARONNE (ABOVE): Stroll along the banks of the Garonne, especially the Prairie des Filtres park, with its beautiful gardens.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 6.7km north-west of Toulouse. Buses to the city leave every 20 mins, from 7.35am to 12.45am. Journey approx 20 mins. Fare €4 single. Taxi €22 (day), €25 (night). www.toulouse.aeroport.fr/US pl
