Skiing in the Cantal...
Why not take a break from the Alps or the Pyrenees and go for a winter trip to the Cantal??
Cantal is located in the Haute Auvergne region, a more mountainous area. It's a volcanic massif with its highest peak, the Plomb du Cantal, at 1855 meters. It was on the Plomb du Cantal that I discovered Le Lioran, a family-friendly ski resort. Situated at an altitude of 1160 meters, its ski area alternates between forests and mountain peaks. It's the best-equipped resort in the Massif Central.
Travel to Japan...
This trip to Japan was a wonderful discovery. To begin with, I recommend traveling light, as we did. We focused on three cities: Osaka, Kyoto, and finally Tokyo.
Our luggage was limited to a carry-on suitcase and a small backpack, more practical for traveling by train between cities. For accommodation, we rented apartments, very reasonably priced and well-equipped (washing machine). We even saw some Japanese-style apartments, complete with the famous high-tech toilets! (Really very good).
The Japanese don't want to bother you; you might get a first impression of coldness, but once you approach them, you discover that they are welcoming and helpful. Of course, you have to be aware of and respect the customs and traditions, which are quite different from those in Western Europe.
My impression of the cost of living (from what I've seen) is that it's less expensive than in France (food, gas, etc.).
Public transportation, including the subway and trains, is very extensive, safe, and clean. The famous high-speed train, the Shinkansen, is truly spacious and comfortable.
Modernism, skyscrapers, and numerous temples coexist in Japan's megacities...
For your phone, I recommend buying a SIM card upon arrival at the airport; there are many specialized shops. The card is generally valid for one month, which will be much cheaper than keeping your French SIM card, and I advise you to remove it for the duration of your stay.
n Japan, it's very pleasant to be able to travel, even walk around late at night in the streets and feel safe; there's very little incivility...
→ Photographs from the trip to Japan
