Îles dÉcosse et fjords de la Norvège

In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotlandﾒs biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The cityﾒs chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Donﾒt miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.

Tobermory is a harbour village on the Bruce Peninsula in the province of Ontario. Just southeast, Bruce Peninsula National Park is known for the Bruce Trail footpath on the craggy Niagara Escarpment, and the Grotto, a wave-carved cave in Georgian Bay. The village lies next to Fathom Five National Marine Park, which is home to the Flowerpot Island sea stacks, 19th-century lighthouses and multiple shipwreck dive sites

Capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, which means “church bay”, is an ideal stopover before continuing on to the Northern Isles. Sheltered in a wide bay, the lively town welcomes the visitor with its charming paved alleyways edged by old houses and craft shops. Tankerness House, the oldest homestead in the town, is a must-see landmark. But the true architectural treasure of the aptly named Kirkwall is none other than its remarkable red and gold stone cathedral. And because whisky is inseparable from Scotland’s identity, stop at the Highland Park Distillery for a highly instructive visit.

The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offering travellers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands’ occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands’ history of heritage and culture: Lerwick’s abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.

With its two wooden churches, one red and the other white, plus its breathtaking view of the mouth of the river Oldeelva, Olden looks just like a picture post card. Located a few kilometres from the Jostedalsbreen park, home to one of the last glacier polar icecaps, this little village is a definite must for exploring the blue languages of the Briksdal or Kjennalen glaciers. Make sure you find some time to visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Absolutely amazing. Another gem is lake Lovatn and its turquoise waters inviting you to quiet contemplation.

Niché au cœur du pays des fjords, à moins de 200 kilomètres de Bergen, le pittoresque village de Flåm – prononcer Flôm – vous offre une expérience de la Norvège authentique. Vous pourrez flâner dans les rues aux couleurs vives et admirer les contours majestueux des montagnes environnantes. La ville est également le point de départ de la mythique ligne ferroviaire Flamsbana, longue de 20 kilomètres, dont le trajet offre une vue superbe sur des paysages aussi sublimes que vierges. Cette attraction fait de Flåm l’une des principales destinations touristiques du pays.

Située à l’extrémité du Byfjord, Bergen était la capitale de la Norvège aux XIIème et XIIIe siècles et a conservé de très beaux monuments de l’époque où elle abritait la royauté. Se promener dans les rues de Bergen signifie remonter le temps, à la recherche des trésors cachés qui ont été inscrits au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO. Véritable musée en plein air, Bergen abrite une communauté artistique florissante de peintres, potiers, bijoutiers. Le téléphérique de Bergen vous offre un splendide panorama sur le port et les fjords environnants. Ne manquez pas la visite du vieux quartier avec ses ruelles étroites, témoignage de la puissance de la Ligue hanséatique qui contrôlait le commerce en Europe du Nord à la fin du Moyen Âge.