Things to see and do Route de la soie

Archetype of the Venetian residence and masterpiece of Mauro Coducci, dating from the th century.

oeuvre works (1540), this palace was the home of the last Doge of Venice, Lodovico Manin.

This palace, in the facade worked with a délicatesse of goldsmith, was once covered with gilt (hence its name). This is one of the most famous examples of Venetian Gothic. Now he houses Galerie Franchetti, a collection of paintings by Baron Franchetti.

An admirable example of vénéto-Byzantine style.

Beautiful example of Venetian Gothic dating back to 1437.

Famous for the ball that was given to Joseph II in Austria in 1775.

This church, with its green dome, was built in 1738.

Two amusement parks, a zoo and an artificial lake.

The House of Tea, Vorarlberg Sonnati Sanglang, on the edge of the lake serves as ice rink in the winter. As well, the seasons follow but do not resemble Tehran.

Extending to the heights, in the northern districts and in keeping with the Massifs mountains. Green wood, rocks and panoramic view of the capital are all good reasons to make a jump there.

One of the great and beautiful parks that give oxygen to the city centre, a haven of flowery peace and maintained. Several drinking water points, benches, and a playground for children. Families come there pique (you will be offered a dish with a lesser smile…), groups of women with their children gather on carpets, wise lovers hold by hand. Students and students attend assiduously and happily the places, a high school and a university being nearby. The Carpet Museum is located in the park building.

Located on the famous Valy-e Asr Avenue in the heart of the capital, it is one of the largest parks in Tehran.

With Nakhal, Tania is a safe value. Tourist tours from US $ 60. Several destinations: Baalbek-Anjar-Ksara, Kadisha Valley, Jeita-Byblos-Tyr, Beiteddine-Saida-Tyre. Departure from Sodeco or Hamra from 7 h 30 or 7 h 45. No circuit on Beirut.

Behind the racecourse and the National Museum, surrounded by a large wall, stands the pine forest, planted by Amir Fakhreddine. The "dream pine forest", described by Lamartine during his trip to the East, is now trying to survive as best it can in the midst of dust and pollution. A joint programme led by the Ile-de-France region and the city of Beirut made it possible to redevelop it in 1995. Long reserved for Westerners and people with a permit, the pine forest is at the heart of a legal imbroglio as only Lebanon is capable of creating. After a struggle of several years, a group of inhabitants had succeeded in opening the park to all in 2016. The end of an absurd discrimination, but above all an important victory for the health of Beirut's inhabitants: the number of green spaces in Beirut is limited to a ratio of 0.8 square meters per inhabitant (when the WHO recommends 9...). And then in 2017, the municipality decides to close the pine wood again: a parasite would attack the trees and the authorities fear a contagion. If the epidemic was real, this decision could have hidden real estate embezzlement: building permits were given in protected areas of the park. This rekindled the anger of the inhabitants, who regularly organized sit-ins and demonstrations to safeguard the green lung of the Lebanese capital. The trees have since been treated, and the park is finally open to the public. Perfect for a stroll in the footsteps of Lamartine.

This park hosts a great statue of Kamoliddin Khojandi, a famous th century Tajik writer born in Khojand. The statue lies at the end of a thread of busts representing the local heroes of the Second World War. A fountain completes the table: His central stele has a text thanking the Soviets who built the modern town of Khojand.

Passionate about horses, which are an integral part of Turkmen culture, Khemra Gulmedov bought a former state pigsty that he had converted into Akhal-Teke horse stables in 1997. His stud started with four redeemed horses to the local kolkhoz: it now accounts for 42 of the 2 000 that the country currently counts (the presidential stables have 300, and it is estimated that there are only 4 000 Chevaux-Teke horses in the world). Khemra visits his breeding with passion, and organizes small demonstrations of dressage conducted by a Turkmen in Traditional clothes. The stables also have a small guesthouse, where you can stay for $ 30 per night in full board. And for those who know how to climb, Khemra organizes several days trekking in the desert: most travel agencies in Ashgabat can help organise the expedition.

To finance his livestock, which costs him more than he does, Khemra has embarked on the production of artisan carpets, his second passion. He has brought the best tisseuses in the country, which designs beautiful carpets sold around the world. Its carpets have a degree of thoroughness that gives them astronomical prices: up to $ 1000 m ² for a carpet with a million knots per square metre! You can visit the weaving workshops.

A park with a maîtresse statue, surrounded by Akhal-Teke horses.

This large park on the edge of the Berzengi area covers several hectares. Towards the bottom of the park, the city centre is the commercial centre Edition Altyn, which is recognisable to its pyramid form and cascades that catch the full height of the facades. A high-quality restaurant is located on the top floor of the shopping centre. Coming back to the park, we fall on a giant Ruhnama, with a Niyazov effigy on a purple background. Fill of kitsch: this 2,5 m high book opens on Saturday evening, a true spectacle of sounds and lights in tribute to the president's essential work. Even further in the park is the tower of Independence. In front of it, of course, there is a great golden statue of Niyazov, surrounded by five-headed eagles. This fabulous animal is the president's symbol: the five heads represent the five united provinces, and the snake is wisdom. The tower itself is surmounted by a golden ring, and is surrounded by huge statues representing the heroes of the nation. A museum is located in the tower building. It's the Coin Museum, open from 10 am to 17 pm, but whose visit is really not necessary.

The palace, buried in a park, houses a botanical garden and a greenhouse from the beginning of the th century. The museum exhibits Ligurie palaeontological objects, préromaines and Roman pieces, and the entire collection of ancient vases by Prince Oddone.

A protected nature reserve of 46 hectares, it is 8 kilometres from Beykoz, within the limits of the village of Tokat. It is a rare and endangered ecosystem, in which a colony of fir trees has settled and developed naturally. In Turkish göknar means fir tree, hence the name given to the reserve. Chestnut, linden, hazelnut and hornbeam are the other species present in the park. On hot summer days, you will enjoy this shady area. Very easy access from Beykoz.

Despite the multiplication of industrial sites in its surroundings, Polonezköy has managed to preserve its natural biotope, which is totally characteristic of the flora of the western Mediterranean. The forest is rich in chestnut, lime, elm and alder trees. They are home to an intense sub-flora of plants and a particularly dense wildlife. Storks and some species of birds of prey stop here during their autumn and spring migrations. The geomorphological structure of the place has all the specificities of a plateau.

The grove is part of one of the last legacies of the Ottoman Empire because it is due to the rich vizier of Armenian origin, Ibrahim Paşa (1830-1918). Passionate about hunting, the Pasha owned several residences around the Bosporus. Bought by the State in 1887, it became a public domain. The grove has a large number of species and a diversified flora. Cascades, hiking and jogging trails, observation areas, restaurants and tea rooms are installed.

Monumental in appearance with its immense facade, it was completed in 1908 by two German architects and more than 1,000 Italian stonemasons. This is where trains departed for Ankara, the East or the Southeast. In 2015, the station is no longer in operation and becomes a museum and exhibition space. In any case, it is possible to visit it and sit at the station café for tea, coffee or even a full meal. For an unforgettable sunset, go on the steps, facing the sea, at nightfall.

Guide and driver perfectly bilingual and great amateur French culture (talk to the castles of the Loire!). Nabil is not only extremely competent and erudite, but also has a very rich personality. Travelling with him, which favours small groups, is always the occasion for a nice meeting. Very familiar with the French mentality, it will understand and adapt to your desires to design a tailor-made visit throughout the country for a afternoon or several weeks. Satisfaction guaranteed!

From the visit of Damascus to the entire country, Ghassan offers its Services as a guide or driver guide. Licensed in French and married with a French, so say you could almost take it for a French. Very learned, having a sufficiently extensive knowledge of Islam as well as Christianity, he is also multilingual (Italian and English).

The staff only have plans for the city and the region.

Women in tattooed face and coloured clothes, men bearing the galabiyé, large dress wide, and head covered with a scarf with red and white tiles go to the old souk in Deir ez-Zor from the early morning. Coming from the surrounding villages or nomadic camps, they invest the streets of the city to sell their harvest or buy tools, fabrics, ropes…

Renovated in 2010, the old market kept a traditional appearance with a beautiful vaulted roof and narrow aisles illuminated by the wells of light dug in the ceiling.

In short, the visit not to be missed will delight travellers looking for authenticity.

Set in the attic, you will discover a majestic set of dormant rocks where a set of Roman necropolises was cut into rock. Climb on the left where some kinds of pipes were drawn in stone. Then take the different stairs to take a look at the funeral rooms also dug in the rock. Finally, in the same region, sometimes along the road, it is possible to see individual sarcophagi.

Ain el-Fijé (25 km from Damascus) has a vauclusienne source of 8 m ³ per second on average. What to provide much of the water consumed in Damascus. The ruins of a Roman temple indicate the seniority of the cult dedicated to this source which determines the very existence of the capital.

Haut (51 km, 30 000 inhabitants) is the main town. Expanding between two rows of arid mountains, this beautiful plateau is covered with fruit trees and gardens at the foot of modern pavilions. The official source of the Barada is near a small artificial lake, which is reached by road on the left, 5 km before arriving at, centre. The boats are waiting for visitors for a small tour, a very popular leisure on Fridays.

A few kilometers away, we arrive, through a winding road, in the big village (57 km, 3 000 inhabitants) in the recent buildings perched at 1 500 m altitude. The rich Damascènes come to look for freshness and calm in the summer. In winter, mountains are dressed in white. It's then the chance to see the kids making snow battles or even seeing cars go down in Damascus by proudly wearing a bonhomme on their hood.

Not far from there (at the exit of Bloudan, asking for the path), the source of Boukein provides the country with mineral water. Boukein bottles sell to Homs, then the Dreikishe takes over.

After several years of restoration work, a community of sisters, sisters of the unity of Antioch, lived there since January 2000. Ask to meet with French sister who will be pleased to visit this moving, historic place.

The visit begins first with the oldest piece. According to the dating of the wood on the door (juniper), this piece dates back over 2 000 years. In fact, this Christian sanctuary was first a pagan temple dedicated to the moon.

Then we go through a small little door to enter the church that would be one of the oldest in Syria. Its semicircular apse was on two floors. Inside, gradually after restoration, the frescoes are returned. Left was a mill. One enters the unique nave with two stone arches. The soil dating from the Middle ages has been restored.

On the walls, frescoes in pieces depicting the life of Christ are visible. The bottom of the tower is Roman times. The rest has been completely renovated. She was certainly a watchtower. Finally, the crypt, which was a place of refuge during the massacres of the th century under Baïbar and the th century under the Ottomans. According to the legend, two survivors of the massacre perpetuated in the th century escaped through a tunnel leading to the church of Saint-Nicolas today the Great mosque.

To conclude the tour of Qara, mark a stop at the Grande Mosque (Jaamea al-Kabir). Go down the main street 300 m from the church and turn right. This is actually an ancient cathedral converted into a mosque.

The façade also shows the Byzantine origins of the building.

Déchausser before entering, women must take a veil. Good example of small small town mosque, filled with carpets. The ancient capitals decorate the two mihrab.

From the main road, take a small lane on the right just before a large triangular square. The entrance of the church is a little further on the right. Ask the key to the merchants around the square.

The two Roman officers from Syria were a rich source of inspiration for Syrian religious artists. People in the late th century in Résafé (see «Résafé»), Saint Serge gave his name to the Catholic convent of Maaloula. Here, it is the frescoes that we have to admire. They are still practically intact around the year 1000, which is already fascinating. They represent Saint Serge on a horse, Saint John-Baptiste and the Child Nursing.

The recent Shia shrine, situated not far from the Umayyad mosque, is not missing. Its gloss inside, with a prayer room with hundreds of mirrors, dive in a green light light, slice with the sobriety of other places of worship in the city. Enter the place and observe the devotion of highly expressive Shia women in the expression of their faith. Women must wear a Muslim dress.

The construction of the mausoleum spanned 50 years (from 1172 to 1218). The facade is treated more soberly than that of the adjacent mausoleum, with an arc in full hanger. A small vestibule leads to a courtyard with a basin. On the right, the iwan and, on the left, the old prayer room, which opens onto the courtyard by five bays. All rooms around the courtyard, which were the rooms of the students and masters, are arranged in the library. Jadis once contained the grave of the brother of Saladin, Sultan Al-Adil Ed ed-Din, the man who raised the Damascus citadel, dead in 1218. It houses the Arab Manuscripts section of the National Library.

From the threshold to the éblouissante style of calligraphie style and to the mouqarnas, the funeral room is found on the right. One of the guards will gladly open it with a bakchich. While the tones and themes are identical to the mosaic décor of the Umayyad mosque, the execution is more coarse. Among other remarkable elements of the decor are the mihrab à, steeped in marble, ivory and mother's length, and decorated with floral motifs, calligraphy and geometric motifs, as well as baseboards with marble scales. Completed in 1278, the mausoleum of the Sultan mameluke Az-Zahir Baïbars occupies the location of a house formerly inhabited by Ayyoub, the father of Saladin. Madrasas acts as a library, and there are many dusty books among which the works on Islam contradict Lenin's works.

The Jaqmaqiya Jaqmaqiya was raised in the 1438 th century by the Mameluke governor of Damascus, Jaqimaq al-Argunsawi, who was then Sultan in Cairo from 1452 to. The facade is in black, pink and white. Inside, a central courtyard with a fountain is covered with a richly decorated ceiling worn by columns.

The decorative function of calligraphy, essential in the arts of Islam, is illustrated by the variety of media used: ceramic, stone, paper, metal, glass… On a stage on the right of the entrance, there are very beautiful copies of the Koran. The interest of this museum lies in its playful side, the game of recognizing styles of calligraphy (including the very old coufique, toulouth and naskhi). The lack of explanation unfortunately makes the visit a little tedious.

The most important of Damascus's leaders by its dimensions (2 500 m ²) is late construction. It was completed in 1753, after a little over a year of work. It is the work of Governor Assaad Pasha al-Azem (that of the Azem Palace). In 1833 Lamartine wrote: " It is a huge dome whose bold arch recalls that of Saint-Pierre in Rome. " Its very symmetrical plan consists of a central dome (now collapsed) and eight side domes 8 m in diameter, equipped with 18 openings each. Stairs serve a floor, where 40 rooms are arranged all around the central courtyard. This staircase leads above, to the roof roof from where the view embrasse the city. A fountain with fountain placed in the centre softens the austere effect of the foundation of black and white stone. At present, it is very often a temporary exhibition place. In sum two visits in one!

Among the many holy places and shrines in Damascus, there are three of them attracting the Shia pilgrims in Iran. They are the tomb of Hussein in the Great Mosque, the nearby Rouqqaya mosque, and finally the Saida Zeinab mausoleum. Dedicated to a granddaughter of Mohammed, this mausoleum takes you to Isfahan. The profusion of money and mirrors in the prayer rooms, the rich decor of tiles, the immense golden dome contrast with the modest suburb where it is located. To get there, take a collective taxi for Saida Zeinab (15 km from the city centre, on the road to Souweida south-east of Damascus).

At night, borrow the street that opens face to the mosque Sinan Pasha, recognizable to its unique minaret of green tiles. It is located at the southwest end of the old town.

Typical and unknown to tourists, this shopping street lit by small lamps runs through an ancient and popular area. We sell chicken, cheese, vegetables, pastry… in shops open on the street or on the ground, so you have the fabulous feeling of walking in a giant open-air grocery store. The warm bread leaving the furnaces is deposited on kinds of iron étendoirs. Men separate the patties, spread them and wait by arguing that the khoubz has cooled. Colours glossy, horns of the few daring drivers who dare to confront the crowd of pedestrians, sellers at the auction machine, smell of spices… to prolong this fabulous sensitive journey, stop the time of a tea on the few tables arranged on the terrace of a small café nestled on the terrace of a small coffee, just after the crossing with the main fruit and vegetables.

At the end of Bab Al-Jabiyé street, second-hand clothing enthusiasts or vintage lovers will take on the right about 100 m. There are dozens of small shops offering mostly frippes in very good condition for ridiculously priced prices. At the key, Hermès scarves, Burberry imperméables, Ralph Lauren shirts and many other treasures… but we are warning you, you must have the patience to look in the clothing mountains!