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TravelAwaits
May.12.2021
The classic French cheese Brie, a staple of any cheese platter or course, is sometimes known as the Paris cheese. The two cities that produce the best and most authentic Brie are Melun and Meaux. Both are located in the Ile de France region, which encompasses Paris and its suburbs. Only 25 miles from Paris (approximately 30 minutes by train), these cities have a lot more to offer than Brie although if you are a cheese lover, the cheese might be incentive enough.
Below are just a few of the interesting things to do in Melun and Meaux. Both cities are off the beaten path and not visited by many tourists.
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Back in 1993, Buckingham Palace threw open its gates to allow visitors for the first time in its 314-year history. Needing to fund renovations at Windsor Castle after a devastating fire ripped through the royal residence in 1992 and causing more than £36 million (approximately $61 million) worth of damage, Queen Elizabeth II gave her permission to allow visitors into the palace, with tickets selling out three years in advance as soon as they went on sale.
The palace opens for 10 weeks each summer while the queen removes to Balmoral in Scotland, but the palace gardens have always remained closed to the public. The space was only used by the royal family, along with their guests, most notably during the three annual garden parties hosted each summer during which the queen recognises those who have made contributions to the military, community, arts, education and more.
To enjoy springtime people in Paris and the suburbs are going to the parks, some of which have cherry blossom trees in bloom this spring.
The Japanese have a custom called Hanami (花 見, literally “to look at the flowers”),
This traditional Japanese custom is appreciating the beauty of flowers, mainly cherry blossoms (sakura). It is interesting to note that each cherry tree may only bloom for up to a week. The Japanese have a tradition of picnicking beneath cherry blossom trees .
With only stores selling essential products, restaurants, bars, museums and theaters and movies closed, the parks are very popular.
Parc de Sceaux, about 30 minutes from Paris, has the most beautiful and largest cherry blossoms n both white and pink. There is an entire orchard of pink cherry blossom trees. The beautiful park featuring an octagonal lake and canal was designed by Andre Le Notre, the famous gardener of King Louis XIV of France.