By Laura Sam

A big wooden table on one side, a comfortable sofa on the other and a great choice of spectacles around,you have entered Simon Lauzier and Boris Vicard’s Les Lunettes de Marius.

Located in the touristic area of Vieux Lyon, Les Lunettes de Marius is not like other optical and traditional shops. “We’re selling a dream, pieces of jewellery. Glasses are like a fashion item, not something we have to wear but we want to. An exclusive piece,” says Simon Lauzier. The choice of glasses and sunglasses offered in the boutique shows it – great quality and design and all from independent brands including Claire Goldsmith, Isson, Lafont, L.G.R., Sashee, Persol and Masunaga, with most of it being handmade in Europe or Japan. And the owners know how to greet their customers, they will offer you tea or coffeewhilst discussing with you about their products. More than just a spectacles shop, it feels like home. If you want more, they also do exhibitions and events around art, fashion and design. And they are open seven days a week! There is no reason not to stop by, you can go in with your eyes closed.

Photos courtesy of Les Lunettes de Marius

Les Lunettes de Marius

1 Rue Marius Gonin, 69005 Lyon 

Phone: (+33) 09 50 53 57 17 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9am-8pm; Sunday to Monday 2pm-7pm


Why not take a trip to Lyon? Have a look at our flights here!

Buildings that challenge gravity with their inclination always cause profound impact, though this peculiarity that makes them famous also can totally destroy them. Pisa has its Leaning Tower and Venice had the San Marcos inclined hasbell – rebuilt after collapsing the original construction in 1902 – Bologna has many inclined medieval towers, one of the most characteristic elements and icons of the city, who have defied earthquakes, bombings and, in general, neglect of man.

The history of these towers is very curious. The most conservative estimations counts about 100 towers crowding the medieval city of Bologna, some of them could even reach 100 meters high. These towers were built for the purpose of demonstrating family lineages’s power; the richer the family lineage, the higher was the tower. As time passes by, the towers were demolished or collapsed and the ones which still stand, were taken for other uses – prisons, homes or shops.

Among the most significant towers that still remain include the towers of Garisenda and Asinelli. Those towers are mentioned by Dante Alighieri, who lived in Bologna, in the Divine Comedy. You can visit Asinelli tower ascending its 500 steps. It has 97.6 meters in height and 3.2 meters inclination while Garisenda tower, which is on its side, is 48 meters high and a lower inclination.

Picture by Onanymous

Why not take a trip to Bologna? Have a look at our flights here!

1 – A few pintxos through the old town

Yes, accompanied by a zurito and taking our time, a requirement. Walking from the port to the square of the constitution we can test any of these delicious miniatures as cod fritters, squid-in-its-ink croquettes , stuffed aubergines …. the list is endless and there is something for everyone.

2 – Palacio de Miramar

Located in one of the most beautiful places in the city, this English-style old building that used to house the Spanish royalty we can enjoy from one of the best views of the bay of San Sebastian and
its gardens.

3 – Kursaal

One of the most emblematic buildings of the city where (among other events) the famous San Sebastian International Film Festival is celebrated. An impressive building of translucent cubes, work of Rafael Meneo, facing the sea. It is also located in Gros, the surfer neighborhood, so if you like surfing, you can always go down with your board to practice.

4 – Playa de la Concha

It is one of the most famous beaches in the country for a certain reason. Summer or not, admiring the island of Santa Clara as you walk , you ride your bike , or even surf the waves is another delicacy that San Sebastian offers. Do not struggle , you’ll end up falling in love with her.

5 – Igueldo

With an endearing wooden funicular that we can take very close to El Peine del Viento, in this magical corner we can see the best view of the city, Concha bay and the island of Santa Clara.

Besides enjoying the beauty of the natural environment, the amusement park and the old lighthouse that oversees city are some of the best kept secrets of the place.

Image: Mikelo

By Isabel Sánchez

Why not take a trip to San Sebastián? Have a look at our flights here!

Lanzarote is a spectacular place, almost magical with its volcanic landscapes that look like other planets, its quiet white sand clear watered beaches, small coves and palm oasis. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for its protection and conservation of nature and the environment, it has natural areas of great beauty and interest, such as the Timanfaya National Park, the Natural Park of the Volcanoes or the Guinate Tropical Park.

With 21 degrees Celsius on average and 4,800 hours of sunlight every 365 days! That is why Lanzarote has pleasant temperatures for most of the year that invite you to enjoy the sea and practice numerous water sports like surfing and windsurfing. You will also find out about its hospitable people -formerly called conejeros due to the large number of rabbits that were in the island- and their ingrained habits.

César Manrique, international artist, has taken advantage of the charms of the island to make them artworks. His work has been recognized as it should in Lanzarote, and he has the César Manrique Foundation which is in Taro de Tahiche. It is the former home of the artist – he designed it himself – were we can see, as well as representative works of César Manrique’s path, his private collection that brings together authors of the importance of Pablo Picasso, Miró, Chillida or Klee.

Do not forget your food! If you visit Lanzarote you have to try, apart from its delicious cheeses and wines, some of the traditional dishes like Sancocho – with fish, wrinkled potatoes, fish fritters or the bienmesabe-traditional dessert made ​​with almonds, biscuits, egg, sugar and lemon-.

Download here the map of Lanzarote and start planning your trip to this magical island.

A place well worth discovering! Check out our flights here.

Picture By Pedro caba