Three weeks in the Baltic States

Start with a visit to the upper town (Toompea hill). Once inside the old town, take Pikk Street to reach the Toompea hill. From the hillock, a lookout offers a magnificent view of Tallinn. A photo break is required before visiting the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Duomo Church. Leave Toompea to discover the lower city whose heart is the Town Hall Square, the former Market Square. Then take a random walk through the alleys and backyards to immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of Tallinn. Let yourself be surprised by the Estonian cuisine offered by the capital's restaurants. Take a trip west of the old town to visit Kadriorg Palace and its museum. If you still have time, go along the beach next door to enjoy all the tranquility and infinity of the Baltic Sea.

Enjoy the exceptional fauna and flora of this park along the Baltic sea. And to enjoy the sea, stop in one of the small coastal towns of the park, Vosu and Loksa.

In the seaside resort of Haapsalu, you can start your visit with the ruins of the Bishop's fortress, the Gothic cathedral, not to mention the station and the Kuursaal.

Hiiumaa is surrounded by beaches (the most beautiful are in the northwest, the warmest near Kassari) while the interior is marshy and forested. From Heltermaa (east of Hiiumaa), a ferry operates between Rohuküla on the mainland (southwest of Haapsalu city) and the island of Hiiumaa. The islands of Hiiumaa and Saaremaa are only 5.5 km apart. From May to September, a ferry service connects the two islands, from Orjaku (Hiiumaa) to Triigi (Saaremaa).

Drive from Haapsalu to Saaremaa Island. Discover along your way to the island's capital, Kuressaare, the wild beauty of the preserved fauna and flora of Saaremaa. Once you arrive in Kuressaare, stroll through the small streets of the old town.

The city of Parnu is the thermal capital of Estonia, home to luxury temples and smaller establishments. Take the time to soak your feet in the water while admiring the summer wooden architecture.

Enjoy the sea again in Parnu and then head for the Latvian capital, Riga, at the end of the day. It takes about 2h30 or even 3h by car

Early in the morning, start by visiting the halls of the covered market (the largest in Europe). These are old zeppelin hangars. Enter the old city through the Camel Gate, which reminds us that the goods of Asian caravans arrived as far as Riga. Then go up to the bell tower of St. Peter's Church to admire the view of the city. Then, take rue Skarnu to reach the Place du Dôme, the centre of the old town, where the cathedral of the Dôme is located, home to one of the most beautiful organs in Europe. Stroll through the maze of streets that make up the historic centre of Riga and discover the many historic buildings of Old Riga.

Bordering the old town along Basteja Boulevard is the Opera House. Not far from the Opera House, in Brivibas Street, the city's main artery, stands themonument de la Liberté. Riga is known to be the European city with the highest number of architectural masterpieces in the Art Nouveau style. A walk along Elizabetes Street (opposite the station), where part of these buildings are concentrated, is a must. At the end of the street, on Alberta Street, you can admire the city's most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. We owe the whole street, except number 12, to Eisenstein, the father of the famous filmmaker. At Hotel Latvija, on the 26th floor, the Sky Bar offers a panoramic view of the old town. Take the time to enjoy a cocktail while admiring the sunset...

Relaxation day in the seaside resort of Jurmala. Its long sandy beach lined with pine trees invites you to take a stroll. A walk that easily extends into the city's alleys, which are full of wooden houses with very varied architectural origins: Russian, Finnish, Swedish or German.

Bifurcate towards Jelgava where you can admire its Baroque castle and Orthodox church, both built on the orders of Catherine II according to the plans of the famous Italian architect Rastrelli.

Continue south to Pilsrundale, known for Rundale Castle. This palace was built in 1740, at the request of the Duke of Birzov, by Franscesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the architect who designed the Winter Palace of St Petersburg. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful palace in the Baltic region.

Riga's rival, the capital of the coast. Visit the old town and the castle of the Order of Livonia. Dine in the old Douanes customs warehouse on the quay of the old port. You can stroll through the streets of the old town or in the parks along the beach, it is rare that there is no concert or show.

Extend your itinerary along the coast to Liepaja, the other major city on the west coast. This former forbidden city, which housed a Soviet naval base, is undergoing a complete renewal and its cultural life is no match for Riga's. If you are in an adventurous mood and like unusual situations, take part in the reality show at Karosta Prison. We suggest you live the life of a prisoner in the Soviet era, and know that this one is not pink... especially when you are a French spy!

Now you are in Lithuania! Klaipeda does not require more than one day for a visit to the old town. We drink the Svyturys beer! You can also visit the brewery, but you must book in advance.

Before visiting Rumsiskes, a visit to the Baroque monastery of Pasaislis is a must. From there, by boat, on the other side of the artificial lake, is the Ethnographic Museum, in the open air, of Rumsiskes. It is a good way to discover the traditional architecture of the country's four major regions.

40 km from Vilnius, the site of this small village is sublime with the Neris valley and its many hills. After a walk through the village and the old kolkhoz, you have to take the paths for a short walk or even a picnic in an exceptional natural site, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The second city of the country, and the old capital in the half-wars, deserves a small visit. Its old town, castle and pedestrian street are very pleasant. Museums must be visited, especially that of the Pharmacy, but especially the Diable museum, very picturesque.

Trakai is a small town 28 km from Vilnius, famous for its lake and castle, which was once the capital of the Duchy of Lithuania. On the program, visit the castle and the Karaite Ethnographic Museum to discover this Lithuanian minority. If the weather is nice and hot, you can swim in the lake or rent a boat for a walk along the water. After lunch, take the road to Riga (3 hours) and, a few kilometres after the border, at Bauska, follow the signs for Rundale Castle. Located 80 km from Riga, this palace was built in 1740, at the request of the Duke of Birzov, by Franscesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the architect who designed the Winter Palace of St Petersburg. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful palace in the Baltic countries.

Start your visit with the Cathedral Square, which you will recognize by its imposing French classical style. Go up through the park to the Gediminas tower overlooking the square. At the top of the tower is a belvedere that offers a beautiful view of the city. Then take Gedimino prospektas, Lithuania's "Champs-Elysées". In this street is the Museum of the Victims of Genocide, more commonly known as the "KGB Museum"; moving, it evokes the hell of political prisoners under Soviet occupation. After having walked through Gedimino, leave the Cathedral Square and go up Pilies Street, which is full of restaurants and cafés; take the opportunity to take a break at one of its terraces. Continue your ascent through Didzioji Street, which will lead you to theplace de l'hôtel de ville. From the square, you will see the church of Saint-Casimir, recognizable by its crown-shaped bell tower and its pink colour. Walk past the Astorija Hotel and go up to the porte de l'Aurore.

Start the day with the visit of Sainte-Anne church to the red brick facade. Behind is all the churches of the. Cross the river and go to "the republic of Uzupis", a Bohemian artist neighbourhood called the "Petit Montmartre". Climb to Basteja, and let yourself be seduced by the view. To the north of the city do not miss the church Saints-Pierre-et-Paul. Its interior offers one of the best examples of Lithuanian Baroque. At the end of the afternoon you can go to the TV tower. From here you can admire Vilnius and its surroundings, dine or drink a drink in the restaurant.