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Aislyn feeding a moose in Sweden

Aislyn

Europe Specialist

As a New England native, I grew up adventuring in the White Mountains and spending summers on the shores of Cape Cod. When I was not traveling I'd go hiking, swimming and horseback riding.

While obtaining my degree in Art History, I spent a summer studying at the Sorbonne University in Paris. It was here that I fell in love with the history, architecture and culture of Europe immediately.

In my professional career I've traveled extensively throughout France, Scotland, England, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Greece and the Netherlands. My favorite trips have included: cycling up the coast of scenic Scotland while tasting whisky along the way, skiing in the majestic French Alps, and exploring the beautiful Fjords of Norway by boat.

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Sheep in front of Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy

I recommend visiting - Mont Saint-Michel, France

I highly recommend visiting Mont Saint-Michel. Located off the coast of Normandy in the mouth of the Couesnon River, this isolated commune boasts an impressive 11th-century Romanesque abbey at its heart surrounded by a medieval village complete with quaint shops and restaurants. Mont Saint-Michel has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance — it was an important place of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages and also played a key role in both the Hundred Years’ War and the French Revolution. Standing at the top of the abbey, I could feel the history all around me and I was struck by the views, encompassing the tidal flats and green Norman coastline snaking off into the distance. At low tide, I watched people searching for shellfish in the shallow tidal pools of the bay and took a moment to reflect on the enduring significance of this truly magnificent place.

Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain

I recommend staying at - Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain, France

First Class

My go to hotel in Paris is located in the legendary Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Le Saint is the perfect sanctuary, situated on a quaint sunny street away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The typical Haussmannian façade of what was once a private mansion creates the perfect atmosphere and charming surroundings typical of this area.

Inside the hotel there's a wellness room with a hammam (spa), a fitness room beneath a vaulted stone ceiling, and of course the Lounge St. Vincent with luxurious sofas and armchairs around a stone fireplace. Le Saint also has a great bar and bistro which offers gastronomic delights in a chic atmosphere. But the best aspect is the signature products and custom- created fragrances that you'll notice upon entering the lobby. In the solarium, there's a wonderful selection of potted flowers available for guests to bring to their rooms.

Le Saint is a subtle, sophisticated hotel with modern amenities, and deluxe guest rooms recreating classic Parisian style.

I'll never forget when…

My most memorable experience while visiting France would be hiking along the calanques of Cassis. A small Mediterranean fishing port and only a 45-minute ride from Aix-en-Provence, Cassis is the perfect spot for a day trip filled with shopping, hiking, swimming and the freshest seafood. The picturesque town is filled with cafés, restaurants, and shops overlooking the water. The marina offers a spectacular view of pastel-shaded buildings and an assortment of boats glistening in the sun. The real reason to visit Cassis is to hike in the famous calanques (coves), narrow inlets framed by steep limestone cliffs. There are three different coves to visit, depending on how much time you have. The hike itself is just challenging enough, allowing you to get the most incredible mountainous views of the sea without breaking too much a sweat. After your hike, there are several areas to swim in — I recommend Grande Mer Beach, in central Cassis. You'll see kayakers, windsurfers and local fisherman in the distance as you float in the cool refreshing water after an incredible day.

Photos of Aislyn

  • Aislyn on a coastal path in Antrim, Ireland Aislyn on a coastal path in Antrim, Ireland
  • Aislyn in the Beaujolais wine region, France Aislyn in the Beaujolais wine region, France
  • Aislyn at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, UK Aislyn at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, UK
  • Aislyn in Edinburgh, Scotland Aislyn in Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Aislyn on ferry to Geirangerfjord, Norway Aislyn on ferry to Geirangerfjord, Norway
  • Aislyn among the Roman ruins in Glanum, Provence Aislyn among the Roman ruins in Glanum, Provence
  • Aislyn on a gourmet food tour in Oslo, Norway Aislyn on a gourmet food tour in Oslo, Norway
  • Aislyn hiking the Briksdal Glacier in Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway Aislyn hiking the Briksdal Glacier in Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway
  • Aislyn hiking in Chamonix, France Aislyn hiking in Chamonix, France
  • Aislyn visiting the Sami reindeer, Swedish Lapland Aislyn visiting the Sami reindeer, Swedish Lapland
  • Aislyn at Versailles, Paris Aislyn at Versailles, Paris
  • Aislyn with the local wildlife in the Scottish Highlands Aislyn with the local wildlife in the Scottish Highlands