We have just returned from a wonderful Xmas break in the city of Valencia, on the east coast of Spain. I can highly recommend this city to anyone, couples, family’s or single people, who wish to take a break that will be both relaxing, fun and lively.

When you live in France, as we do, you really appreciate the difference between France and Spain when you visit. For one thing, in Spain the shops are open nearly all the time and until midnight; as are the restaurants and the public exhibitions open all weekend. In France, nothing opens on Sundays, shops close at 7pm during the week and the restaurants close before 10pm. Spain…she stays awake and alive!

Valencia has many things to offer everybody. From a beautiful historic town to the 21st century exhibits of L’Hemisfèric (Planetarium) , the City of Arts and Sciences (pictured above) , Príncipe Felipe Science Museum and The Palau de la Música. You can get a meal at whatever time of night, or morning, you wish and Valencia has restaurants offering food from all over the world. Unlike the French who stick to serving French food only, and we all know how limited and boring French cuisine is ( those of us who live here that is).

The beaches of Valencia are stunning and the people are friendly and welcoming; can’t speak Spanish?…no worries just about all of them there can speak English and are not averse to doing so to those visiting their wonderful city.

Take a bow Valencia, you can certainly teach the French a few lessons.

We loved it there.