Discovering Latvian diversity

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 Old Port 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 Dôme (not to say the Protestant cathedral) 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 away, in Brivibas Street, the city's main artery, stands the Freedom Monument.

Riga is known to be the European city with the highest number of architectural masterpieces in the Art Nouveau style. These buildings were built at the beginning of the century, when Riga was one of the richest European cities. In twenty years, about 700 Art Nouveau style houses have been built in the centre of Riga and it must be said that competition among architects is fierce. Every homeowner wants to convey a message through the symbolism he chooses to decorate the facade of his house. The symbols most often used are animals (for example, the peacock represents wealth), mythological characters, nymphs, Greek sculptures, many flowers. It is this legibility of the façades that allows Riga to distinguish itself from other cities with Art Nouveau style buildings. Probably some of the most famous and impressive Art Nouveau buildings are located on Alberta Street, which owes its entirety, except for No. 12, to Eisenstein, the father of the famous filmmaker (whose most famous film is The Battleship Potemkin). But above all, don't miss the famous buildings in Smilsu, Skunu, Valnu, Valdemara, Caka, Ausekla, Brivibas, Miera, Avotu streets... In the evening, take the time to enjoy a cocktail while admiring the sunset and the panoramic view of Riga from the 26th floor of the Hotel Latvia (Sky Bar).

Relaxation day in the seaside resort of Jürmala, with walks along the beaches and spa sessions in one of the hotels facing the sea. Its long sandy beach lined with pine trees invites you to take a stroll. A walk that easily extends into the alleys of the city, which is full of wooden houses with very varied architectural origins: Russian, Finnish, Swedish or German.

Head west to the Kurzeme region to reach the city of Tukums. Its museum dedicated to the inhabitants of Tukums opens its doors to you in the restored tower of its castle of the Livonian Order. If you are fond of beautiful buildings, don't miss visiting the neo-Gothic Jaunmoku Castle and its superb park near Tukums

From Kurzeme, go to Kuldiga, a charming small town along Venta River. You will discover the largest waterfalls in Europe.

You will then head north to the coast and follow it to Kolka. On the way, it would be a shame not to stop at Engure Lake. Indeed, this lake is located in the heart of a nature reserve where you can follow the orchid path dedicated to 22 species of these rare plants for 3.5 km, contemplating from its observation towers the 122 species of birds that find refuge in the reserve. As you continue north, you will pass through a series of fishing villages. Stop on the beaches between Roja and Kolka: it was one of the best places to collect amber from the Baltic, but not anymore.

Located at the tip of the country, Kolka offers a magnificent panorama of wild beaches and wooded dunes. Take advantage of your walk to observe the phenomenon of crossed waves. Going west, you will cross Sliteres Park, which is home to deer, reindeer, buzzards and a large number of bird species. Take a break in the village of Mazirbe and discover the people of Livonia, the first inhabitants of Latvia

Leaving the park, you will follow the coast to Ventspils, not forgetting to visit the fishing villages along your route and especially the ghost town which still houses a science centre whose main interest is the radio antenna whose diameter reaches 32 m², allowing you to study the sky. French scientists are often present on site. However, this place is very difficult to find because there is no sign indicating its location.

Ventspils, Riga's rival. Visit its old town and the castle of the Order of Livonia. Dine in the former Upis customs warehouse on the quayside of the old port. You can stroll through the streets of the old town or in the parks along the beach, it is quite rare that there is no concert or show. The best way to discover Liepaja is to follow the silvery notes engraved on the city's pavement (Liepaja is the musical capital of Latvia, especially for its rock aspect)

Extend your itinerary along the coast by joining Liep?ja, the other major city on the west coast. This former city, which was formerly a Soviet military naval base, is undergoing a complete revival and its cultural life is no match for that of Riga. If you are in an adventurous mood and like unusual situations, take part in the reality show of Karosta prison, built in the 19th century by the Russian tsar for his garrisons (you will still see the ruins of the royal barracks). 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!

20 minutes south of Liep?ja by road, you can visit the Pape National Park, famous for its buffalo and wild horses. You will then take the A9 road to get inland. On the way, visit the city of Saldus and its green parks

Turn to Jelgava where you can admire its baroque castle as well as its Orthodox church, both built on order of Anna Ivanovna, for his lover Ernest Biron, the Duke of Curonian, according to the plans of the famous Italian architect Rastrelli.

Bauska opens the doors of its 13th century castle, built by the Livonian order to defend the nearby Lithuanian border

Continue your journey with a visit to the Rund? palace, nicknamed the "Latvian Versailles", an architectural monument in baroque and rococo style unique in Latvia. If you are passionate about beautiful buildings, take advantage of your presence on the premises to visit the village of Mezotne, stroll through the English garden of its neoclassical palace, a completely renovated architectural jewel that now houses a hotel with majestic rooms and affordable prices.

Discover the land of lakes, with wilderness dotted with charming villages.

Stop in Rezekne on the shores of Lake Kovsa, and visit the remains of its castle, the Orthodox church and the Latgale Museum of History and Culture.

Visit of Daugavpils where you discover its magnificent fortress of the Tsariste era.

Discover the Gauja National Park. Its centre is located in Ligatne, with an animal park where the animals of the region live in semi-liberty and around which many cottages are located

Also visit the town of Ligatne, with its wooden houses, 18th century paper mill and incredible top secret bunker from the Soviet era. In the region, don't miss the lovely village of Cesvaine.

Stroll through the medieval streets of C?sis, the former capital of Livonia. Discover its castle, built in 1209 by the order of the Sword and Teutonic Knights, as well as its magnificent alleys and park.

Sigulda is located in the most hilly part of the Vidzeme region. On the hillside, you will find the ruins of its castle and the amazing bobsleigh run that can be used in both winter and summer. You can visit the caves of Guttman, along the Gauja River, and the Turaida Castle, which seems to have emerged from a fairy tale. Ask for the legend of the Rose of Turaida to be told to you...

Return to Riga.