Spooky Travel Destinations

As we approach the end of October with the most anticipated day of the month, Halloween, lets spice up the creepiest time of the year with some spooky travel destination ideas.

From the strange, to the creepy, to the gross, places around the world have some bizarre tourist attractions. Whether you have a love of all things odd or are looking for a break from everyday tourist attractions, these spooky destinations are well worth a visit.

The Devil's Footprint at Munich's Cathedral of our dear Lady, Munich, Germany

In the entrance area right underneath the beautiful organ you will see a footprint with a spore in one of the tiles on the floor. When stepping with your foot right in there and looking at the altar none of the cathedral's picturesque side windows can be seen.
According to the legend, in 1468, the cathedral's architect, Joerg von Halspach, went looking for contributions to rebuild Munich's cathedral and ended up making a deal with the Devil: the Devil would provide the funds for the huge building on the condition that it would be a celebration of darkness, with no windows to let in light.
After completion of the cathedral, the devil entered the cathedral and stopped at this special spot. He laughed that a church with no windows doesn't make any sense and stumped the ground joyfully which left the footprint. After stepping forward all of the beautiful windows came in sight and he realized he was tricked. He was so angry he changed into a huge storm, which did not make any harm to the building. It is being said that you sometimes can still here him meander windily through the cathedral's towers...

Walk with the dead at Père- Lachaise and in the catacombs, Paris, France

For some it might not be of interest to visit a cemetery during your vacation but visiting Paris’ “Pere Lachaise cimetière” is like visiting the RIP - VIPs ! Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde just to name a few.  Soak up the quiet, watch the trees, smell the flowers, listen to the birds. Grab a map and check out the tombs of your favorite RIP - VIPs.

Next stop: the catacombs: The entrance already sends a warm welcome with the French verse: "Arrete, c'est ici l'empire de la mort", "Stop! This is the realm of Death"! Situated 60 feet below ground, the catacombs remain of approximately six million Parisians, transferred gradually 300 years ago as graveyards were being closed due to the pros they posed to public health. The catacombs wind like a maze of dark galleries and narrow passages. You will see an arrangement of bones in a macabre display of Romantic taste. Goosebumps included!

Isla de las Munecas, Mexico

Is "The Ring" your favorite movie? Well, than head to Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City - a real live Mexican version of this story. Visit the eerie "Island of Dolls" created by a farmer haunted by the memories of a young girl whose dead body washed ashore on his island. The farmer collected hundreds of strange dolls, some missing eyes, limbs, even heads. They dangle form trees and wires all around the forbidding island.

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Yet another inspiration for a movie.  After spending a weekend in the Stanley in 1973, Stephen King got so creeped out wandering the almost empty hotel that it inspired him to write the horror cult - classic " The Shining".  The hotel has been spooking guests like King for more than a century. Among its permanent paranormal residents are a phantom playing the piano in the ballroom and ghostly kids who play pranks on the fourth floor.  Sweet dreams!

The Loewenstein'sche chamber of silence, Wertheim, Germany

If you ever get to visit the author's hometown, Wertheim, make sure to stop by the Stifts Cathedral. Walk all the way back to the altar area and you will find a black door on the left side. Open the keyhole plate and peak through it. Not only will you feel the cold, smelly air creeping out, but you will also see the coffins of Wertheim's royals resting there for many centuries.  It is being told that one of them " Dutchess Kaethe" can be seen wandering around on the cathedral's vestibule. Make sure not to meet her, sighting her means harm will find your family!

America's most haunted city, Savannah, Georgia

Established in 1733, Savannah has a long, vibrant history. And with this history comes years of hauntings. Lots of historic buildings or cemeteries in Savannah may let you catch sight of ghostly presences surrounding you. One is "17Hundred90", a historic inn and restaurant. Join a guided tour of the Inn which hosts at least three ghosts.  The most famous entity, Anna, of room 204 was the bride of an arranged marriage who fell in love with a sailor in the early 1800s.  She is said to have thrown herself to her death from a third floor window onto the brick courtyard as the sails of her love's ship disappeared from sight down the Savannah River to the sea.  Patrons report strange cool breezes on the back of the neck, sensations of being physically nudged, and personal items mysteriously disappearing and reappearing elsewhere.  Only the bravest of tourists opt to share a few nights in room 204 - with Anna!

Château de Chantilly - gardens, art, horses, monkeys, gourmetrestaurant, luxury hotel and... whipped cream

Chateau Chantilly

Don't let the title of this post fool you regarding the beauty and magnificence of this château nestled just 25 minutes north of Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport. A fairy tale vision surrounded by an artificial lake and magnificent gardens, the Château de Chantilly contains a superb collection of paintings within the Musée Condé.

Left in a shambles after the Revolution, the greatly restored château consists of two attached buildings, "the Petit and Grand Châteaux", which are entered through the same vestibule. The estate’s Grandes Écuries (Grand Stables) are just west.

Containing the Appartements des Princes (Princes’ Suites), the Petit Château was built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency (1493 -1567,male), who served six French kings as connétable (high constable), diplomat and warrior, and died doing battle with Protestants in the Counter-Reformation. The highlight here is the Cabinet des Livres , a repository of 700 manuscripts and more than 30,000 volumes, including a Gutenberg Bible and a facsimile of the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, an illuminated manuscript dating from the 15th century that illustrates the calendar year for both the peasantry and the nobility. The chapel , to the left as you walk into the vestibule, has woodwork and stained-glass windows dating from the mid-16th century.

The attached Renaissance-style Grand Château , completely demolished during the Revolution, was rebuilt by the Duke of Aumale, son of King Louis-Philippe, from 1875 to 1885. It contains the Musée Condé , a series of 19th-century rooms adorned with paintings and sculptures haphazardly arranged according to the whims of the duke – he donated the château to the Institut de France on the condition the exhibits were not reorganised and would remain open to the public. The most remarkable works, hidden in the Sanctuaire (Sanctuary), include paintings by Filippino Lippi, Jean Fouquet and (it’s thought) Raphael.
The Condé Museum's painting collection makes it the number one museum of ancient paintings (prior to 1850) in France after the Louvre! Comprised of more than a dozen rooms, you will discover throughout the tour over 800 masterpieces of French, Italian, Flemish, English art and many more. During your tour you will enter the monkey room! The Monkey room is a charming boudoir (lady's dressing room), dated 1737 and previously credited to Watteau. It is entirely covered with Christoph Huet murals and represents an incredible and overwhelming number of scenes that feature monkeys and Chineses maggots. In the eighteenth century, monkeys and Chinese maggots were extremely popular and are frequently found in the salons and decorum of private hotels or châteaux.

The "monkey" room

The breathtaking park features 115 acres, divided into three historical gardens: the French style garden designed by André Le Nôtre, the famous designer of the gardens of Versailles, the Chinese garden with its Hameau and the English garden. Chantilly is the only garden created by the gardener of Versailles that is in line with a statue, rather than with the chateau. Le Nôtre drew a great perspective that begins at the honor gate and ends at the statue of the Connétable Anne de Montmorency, extending to the other side of the Grand Canal, up to the forest.

The Grand Canal of Chantilly (1,5 miles) exceeds by far that of Versailles. It is actually the Nonette, a tributary of the river Oise channeled by Le Nôtre. Of all of the Le Nôtre gardens, the gardens à la française of Chantilly feature the largest water expanse.

Chantilly is also world famous for its New Museum of the Horse, the stables and the horse show. The museum is both an artistic and an ethnographic one, including an artistic crossing and hippologique ages with the displaying of about 200 objects showing the importance of the horse from the beginning of civilization.

For the last 20 years, the Live Horse Museum has created season shows and horse demonstrations devoted to the art of Haute-École training, the highest and most considered form of equestrian training in France. The goal of each and every show is: to engage the audience to the classic equestrian arts. Architect Jean Aubert built the Grand Stables at the request of Louis-Henri de Bourbon, the seventh prince of Condé. The legend says the prince was convinced he would be reincarnated as a horse and therefore wished for stables worthy of his rank. 

The horses are true partners to the Live Horse Museum riders. Before taking part in a live show, a long training period for the horses is essential. Focused mainly on the relationship with the rider, its aim is to get a total understanding of the horse's different reactions to ensure total harmony!

Now, what about that whipped cream, you might ask yourself. It's being said that the whipped cream has been discovered right here, at Château Chantilly! A creamy, frothy and subtle preparation of immaculate whiteness, Crème Chantilly is loved around the world. Known in the Anglo - Saxon countries under the name of "whipped cream", it has however kept its French name in many countries, taking Chantilly culinary tradition beyond their borders.

After visiting Chantilly, we agreed that staying overnight is a great option to complete this getaway and to feel like a prince or princess for a while. Stay a night or two at the "Auberge du Jeu de Paume" one of "Relais & Châteaux's" luxury destinations and enjoy a gourmet meal at the "La Table du Connetable", led by the 2 michelin starred young chef Arnaud Faye. The hotel also offers a beautiful spa that includes beauty treatments inspired by the history of Chantilly. 

Et voila...
...You will feel like a prince/ princess, we promise! 

Email tripdesign4u@gmail.com for your royal getaway to Chateau Chantilly!

Ellen's article in the Fort Mill Magazine Spring 2014 issue: Bienvenue a Paris!

Bienvenue à Paris!

Top ten things to see and do while visiting the City of Light.

Paris - the City of Light - and one of the most romantic cities in the world.  Who does not want to visit France’s capital on the Seine river with its countless sights and the wonderful savoir vivre, the French art of living?  Exploring Paris  is very easy as many of the attractions are within walking distance and you may always use the “Métro”  which offers an inexpensive and convenient way to explore the city.  Is there a best time to travel?  Paris has its highlights in every season.  There are the blooming gardens in Spring, the festivals in the Summer, the color changing beauty of Fall  or Christmas  markets in the Winter; every season would be an ideal holiday to enjoy the City of Light. Planning  your visit well ahead, knowing some French greetings and words like “Bonjour, Madame/ Monsieur”  , “Merci” and “Au revoir”  (Hello Ma’am/Mr., Thank You and Goodbye) are encouraged to be used every time entering and leaving a place (trust me, this opens doors), and you will help to enhance your memories for a life time. There is so much to see and explore, but below are my top ten suggestions when vacationing in Paris.

Champs Élysée

With its full name “Avenue des Champs-Élysées” which refers to the Elysian Fields, the place of the blessed in Greek mythology, it is today the most prestigious and broadest avenue in Paris. Plus, shares the title of  the second most expensive strip of real estate in the world, second only to New York City’s Fifth Avenue with the annual rent being as high as over $900.000.00!  Take some time and go window shopping the luxurious stores or as the French say “faire du lèche-vitrine” .  The avenue runs almost 1.5 miles through the 8th arrondissement (district) form the “Place de la Concorde” in the East with its obelisk to the “Place Charles de Gaulle” in the West, which is the location of the Eiffel Tower or “Arc de Triomphe”.

Take a break to stop by “Ladurée” (75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), a beautiful tea room, and get some of their famous macaroons together with the best hot chocolate in Paris!

Montmartre and Sacré Coeur

“Montmartre”, situated on Paris’ highest hill and crowned by the beautiful 17th century church of “Sacré Coeur” is well worth a visit.  Stroll to the “Place du Terre” and almost feel like being rushed back in time when artists  “Picasso” or “Van Gogh” came to publish their masterpieces. Detour safely by strolling  through the back streets to get away from the tourist’s crowd and enjoy Montmartre’s small city charm,  grab a “pain au chocolat” (delicious chocolate croissant) in a “boulangerie” (bakery), get your sweetheart and stretch out your walking legs on the  steps of “Sacré Coeur” enjoying the breathtaking view of the City of Light.  How simply romantic!

La Tour Eiffel

“La France will be the only country whose flag will wave in pride on a mast at 300 meters height”

These were the words “Gustave Eiffel”, a French engineer, used when he started to build the tower which is named after him.

We know this is not true anymore, but being in Paris this massive monument out of steel and masterpiece of engineering is well worth a visit.

Before  your tour please make reservations way in advance to avoid a long wait in line for tickets. If you would like to do some workout, climb the stairs to the second platform and treat yourself with a lunch at the restaurant “Jules Verne” which is also located here.  Originally built for the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, “La Tour Eiffel” , which is its French name, had been built for the world exhibit in Paris which took place in 1889 and was only supposed to be  present for a couple of months.  Now, Paris would not be Paris without its Eiffel tower, right?  

One insider tip for what I think an even more beautiful view if you forgot to make reservations and don’t want to spend the time in line waiting to get up: Head to the “Arc de Triomphe” and go up. A breathtaking view with the star shaped boulevards at your feet towards the Eiffel Tower. There is also a museum where you can learn why Napoleon gave order to build this monument.

Walk with the dead at Père- Lachaise

For some it might not be of interest to visit a cemetery during your vacation but visiting Paris’ “Pere Lachaise cimetière” is like visiting the RIP - VIPs ! Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde just to name a few.  Soak up the quiet, watch the trees, smell the flowers, listen to the birds. Grab a map and check out the tombs of your favorite RIP - VIPs.

Saint Germain District

Put on your Sunday best and head over to “St. Germain-des-Prés” which lines the left bank of the Seine and extends southwards to the sprawling “Jardin de Luxembourg”.  It is one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Paris where you’ll find locals outfitted in Louis Vuitton and Dior on their way to a business meeting or out for a stroll on “Boulevard St.-Germain”.  It is also an artistic hub and in the past a spot for existentialist thinkers like “Jean-Paul Sartre”.  This is the place to see and be seen.  A great way to explore the neighborhood is by booking a patisserie and chocolate tasting tour!  Head to the “Église Saint Germain” , Paris’ oldest church dating back to the 6th century. Stroll through the small alleyways next to the church.  You will find a wonderful assembly of fine bars, restaurants and “brasseries” where you will experience a great time with locals. Enjoy a cafe-au-lait at “Les deux Magots” where Hemingway was a frequent customer. My favorite wine bar is “L’âne et la mule” (14 Rue Guisarde), excellent wine selection, delicious food and wonderful loving local people.

Louvre

Once the biggest building in the world and the palace of the ultimate kings the Louvre was built in stages over 8 centuries.  With its striking 20th century pyramide used as the entrance,  the Louvre now houses the world’s greatest collection of art treasures from prehistory to about 1850.  If you plan on visiting the Louvre during your stay in Paris, plan well ahead to maximize your time!  You will not be able to see the whole collection in one day.  To avoid waiting times which can add to a couple of hours,  buy a city museum pass in advance that will grant you entry to all the museums.  With this pass you can walk right through the entrance and you will be able to see Mona Lisa and Co in no time.

Palais Garnier

The “Palais Garnier” counts as one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. The Garnier is named after its architect “Charles Garnier” and since the completion of the “Opera Bastille” it is mostly being used for ballet performances.  Did you know that this is the original showplace of “Gaston Leroux’s” legendary “Phantom of the Opera”?  The subterraneous waters, which he rows with his boat, really exist and still need to be pumped on a regular basis.  Completed in 1875 at a time where seen and to be seen was an inherent part of each visit to an opera, Garnier showed respect to that matter in adding a spectacular marble staircase into the foyer of the palais.  Also the auditorium was built in a u-shape, which did not guarantee an optimal view from the 1900 velvet draped seats to the stage.  But a perfect view to the loge vis-à-vis!  The lights of the almost 18000 pound heavy chandelier did not turn off during the performance either.  Look up to the ceiling to admire the fantastic painting of “Marc Chagall”  encompassing the entire dome.

Notre Dame

“Notre Dame” cathedral was the first gothic style church located on the Seine island “ l’Île de la Cité”; built over 170 years from 1163-1345. The land itself, has even a longer rich history.  The Celts considered this their sacred ground.  Romans built a temple of worship to Jupiter, a Christian basilica was built in the 6th century and was  the last religious structure  prior to the Romanesque church now known as “Norte Dame”.  Today, “Notre Dame” represents a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most visited places in the world.  Entrance is free!

Orsay Gallery

Are you an artistic admirer of “Vincent Van Gogh”? Then  you must find time to explore the Orsay Gallery or “Musée d’Orsay”. The architecture alone of this former train station (La Gare d”Orsay) will impress not to mention the incredible collection of art masterpieces located inside the gallery. With 25 paintings by “Van Gogh”, such as “Starry Night over the Rhone” as well as many other famous Impressionist and Post Impressionist works, the Orsay gives art enthusiasts  a wide selection of masterpieces to admire.

Shop the local market for a picnic in one of Paris’ beautiful gardens like Buttes Chaumont or Jardin Luxembourg

Did you also grow up thinking cheese was orange and the shape of the bread was square? Well, strolling through my favorite street market in the “Rue Cler” has absolutely enhanced my appreciation of fabulous French  cuisine.  “Rue Cler “ is lined with shops that spill out into the streets, welcoming the mingling and sharing with the locals and tourists.  Shop like a Parisian, meaning shop with their sense of smell; mingle with the chefs, explore how to make your dinner guests feel what the French enjoy over the meal you have planned for them.  Visit a “charcuterie” for deli food, a “fromagerie” for the widest variety of cheeses you have ever seen (and smelled) followed by a wine shop whose owner is more than happy to pair the wine with  those ingredients you’ve selected  for your tantalizing picnic.  Last stop: the “boulangerie” to pick up your baguette. Et voilà!

The best way to enjoy your picnic is to walk into one of Paris’ famous gardens, like Buttes Chaumont or Jardin Luxembourg. Spread your blanket and enjoy the moment of sitting in a garden surrounding that would invite Monet to show up with his easel any minute!  Bon Appétit!

These are my top ten suggestions for Paris but if you are spending more time in the City of Lights, don’t miss out to visit the beautiful castles just outside the city limit. Starting with the world famous “Château de Versailles” which takes you back in time to the blooming days of King Louis XIV.  My personal  recommendation: “Château de Chantilly” with its beautiful gardens just North of Paris.  It hosts the “Musée du Conde”, one of the largest and prestigious collections of French art and ancient book illuminations outside of the Louvre.  Located close to the “Grand Stable” with its fascinating horse demonstrations, “Château Chantilly” is a great idea for a day outside the busy city center of Paris.

There are so many ways to visit Paris and nonstop flights from Charlotte make a trip simply convenient. A wonderful way to combine Paris with the rest of France is by booking a river cruise. AmaWaterways offers various river cruises like the “Jewel of France” which will go all the way to Barcelona or the “Paris & Normandy” route with excursions to the Utah and Omaha beaches. Until then:  Au revoir et bon voyage!

Ellen Rauchhaus is a Fort Mill Magazine Travel Club expert and the owner of TripDesign.  A native European and a travel consultant for nearly twenty years, Ellen is a Europe travel and river cruise specialist and enjoys helping others plan the trip of their dreams.  Let Ellen design your next trip by calling (248) 982-4547 or email tripdesign4u@gmail.com.

Insider tip for Paris - top 10 places to go

If you have never been to Paris, you probably want to go. Here is a list of top ten reasons to book a flight immediately:

1. Le Tour Eiffel is one of the most romantic monuments on the planet. Ride the elevator to the top for a panoramic view of the city (and for a kiss). Picnic on the grass around its base. Book a hotel room with a view of the tower. From any perspective, Gustave Eiffel's masterpiece is quintessential Paris.
The Eiffel Tower: A French Affair
Eiffel Tower: Best Scenic Viewpoint

2. Musee du Louvre is so famous, so filled with great collections of art, so architecturally magnificent, that it deserves at least one visit. Its mammoth presence on the cityscape is undeniable. Since its Roman beginnings as a fortress, it has been the residence of kings and the repository for great works of art through the centuries.
Musee du Louvre

3. The River Seine sublimely splits the city of Paris in two. There is the Right Bank. There is the Left Bank. Each has its own personality, museums, eateries, parks and charm. The river itself is spanned by beautiful bridges such as the venerable Pont Neuf. One can take a cruise on the Seine, rest upon its banks or merely survey the beauty of Paris, reflected in its waters.
Pont Neuf New Bridge
Pont Neuf: Best Scenic Viewpoint

4. Les Jardins du Luxembourg is the beloved city park populated by the citizens of Paris, and tourists alike. In any season the gardens offer splendid respite from the frenetic pace of the city.
Jardin du Luxembourg at the Palais du Luxembourg
Carousel at the Jardin du Luxembourg

5. The cafes of Paris play an important role in daily life. Have a seat, take coffee or tea, inside or on the terrace, and people-watch to your heart's content. Whether you are meeting a friend for a sandwich jambon (ham sandwich) or just taking a well-earned shopping break, the classic Parisian cafe is ubiquitous.
Les Deux Magots

6. Climb the steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for a spectacular view of Paris. Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned this monument to celebrate his military conquests.
Arc de Triomphe: Best Scenic Viewpoint

7. Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris is one magnificent church. Paris is blessed with a plethora of architectural religious gems, but Notre Dame reigns supreme with its gargoyles, stained glass, flying buttresses, and soaring interior.
Notre Dame de Paris: Churches of Paris

8. Musee d'Orsay is heaven for lovers of Impressionist art. Formerly a train depot, this museum's collection is comprehensive and stunning.
Musee D'Orsay: Major Art Museums

9. The Paris Metro is a marvel of public transportation engineering, easy to navigate, whisking one from one corner of the city to another, cheaply, and efficiently. Kids love to ride the metro. It's an experience. Beautiful Art Nouveau entrances and tiled interiors transport residents and visitors day and night, unless of course, there is a strike.
Paris Metron: Function Intersects Art
Paris Metro/Public Transportation

10. The baguette. Top boulangeries (bakeries) compete for the 'Best Baguette in Paris Award' yearly. This simple, traditional, totally French bread, is delectable, whether slathered with butter and jam, or made into a sandwich. When you see a line snaking outside a neighborhood bakery, early in the morning, with the smell of oven-fresh goodness wafting into the street, watch to see if Parisians are exiting with slender tall loaves called baguettes. Snag one if you can.

Best Baguette in Paris
Paris Boulangeries

Strasbourg - a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Strasbourg, not only the capital and principal city of the Alsace region of France, but also a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to the richness of its architectural heritage in the town center, the "Grand Ile". It is very rare for an entire town center to receive this distinction, but in 1988 Strasbourg was the first site in France to receive such an honor. Situated on the Ill river where it flows into the Rhine on the  border with Germany, Strasbourg also is the official seat of the European Parliament!
Overlooking the city is the Strasbourg cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art. The outside of the cathedral is like a picture book of the Middle Ages with hundreds of sculptures, which almost seem to leap out at you from the wall, make great use of light and shadow effects. There is so much to see from the stained glass windows to the huge organ, but make sure you do not miss the Renaissance astronomical clock, which mechanism dates back to 1842. Admire the parade by the apostles every day at half past noon!

Strasbourg cathedral

Visit the Petite France quarter, the most picturesque district of old Strasbourg, where Fishermen, millers and tanners once lived and worked. The magnificent half-timbered houses date from the 16th and 17th centuries. Their sloping roofs open out onto lofts where hides were once dried.

La Petite France

Strasbourg is also known for its outstanding cuisine. Cooking is more than just an art of living, it is vibrant and living culture backed up by centuries of tradition, yet constantly experimenting and innovating, driven on by the talent of the great chefs and the dynamism of the city's restaurant owners. Traditional Alsatian specialties such as sauerkraut, baeckeoffe , flambe tart, spaetzle and foie gras can be best enjoyed in a "winstub", local Alsatian taverns known for their friendly atmosphere. Strasbourg is renowned for its hundreds of restaurants and brasseries offering the latest culinary trends and dishes from all around the world.  

When you hear some locals talk you might ask yourself: Is this French? Is this German? Actually, the Alsation dialect is a mixture of both. This area went back and forth couple of times in history and you will still hear older people in the rural areas speak German dialect.