Kiev and Chernivtsi: one week

A stroll through the old town: visit the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, home to superb frescoes, which is undoubtedly the most beautiful religious building in the capital. Opposite, another place of worship, St. Michael's Cathedral, one of the oldest monasteries in Kiev. After the cathedral, head for Khreshchatyk, the city's main street, full of trendy shops, bars and restaurants. The avenue leads to the Independence Square (Madan Nezalezhnosti), the main stage of the country's political and social life in recent years, but also one of the most lively places in the city. Many concerts are offered throughout the year. Ukrainian ice cream and specialty shops offer you their best delicacies. On the same avenue, turn right at the ZUM department store - Galeries Lafayette made in Kiev -, walk down Volodymyrska Street. You will discover superb buildings dedicated to culture and art.

A few metres away are the Golden Gates (Zoloti vorota), the city's ancient ramparts dating back to the 11th century. Continue up to the Saint-André descent (Andriyvsky Ouzviz), the most artistic descent in the capital. At the very top of the alley, we arrive at Saint-André church and the medieval Richard the Lionheart castle. Further on, the Musée de la rue, dedicated to the history of the Saint-André descent and its inhabitants. Down the street, you can visit one of the most original museums in Ukraine - the house of the writer Bulgakov, where a talented scenographer has recreated the moods of the writer's various novels, as well as the different "atmospheres" of his life... Nicknamed the Ukrainian Montmartre, because of the many artists who exhibit watercolours and sculptures there every weekend, this street is full of sympathetic art galleries. Going down the street, you arrive in the Podil district, in Kontraktova Ploshchad, one of the oldest squares in the city where the oldest faculty in the country, the Mohyla Academy of Kiev, founded in 1632, is located.

Discover the capital's main boulevards (Shevchenko Boulevard and Khmelnytsky Boulevard) via St. Volodymyr Cathedral, the headquarters of the Patriarchate of Kiev. Before leaving Kiev, spend a day visiting the Pechersk Lavra, the Orthodox monastery built in 1051 by the monks Antoni and Feodosi. It is made up of many churches, one of which has a passage leading to the catacombs where the mummies of clergymen are buried. The descent into the caves is made by a very narrow staircase, in a solemn and spiritual atmosphere where everyone, equipped with a small candle, comes to lay his most dear prayer with the monks. After visiting the Laure, continue until you reach (Rodina monument à la Mère PatrieMat'). Built in memory of the 1941-1945 war, this statue dominates the Dnieper River and reaches 102 metres.

The city of Bucovine, the city of Chernivsti, makes a different Ukraine discover. Located on the Romanian and Moldovan border, she witnessed an extraordinary mix of cultures and languages. Despite its charm, the city is still very popular with tourists, often discouraged by the long train journey necessary to reach Chernivsti. Once you arrive, however, you will soon realise that this city is worth a detour.

Start your stay by visiting the central square (Tsentralna ploscha). Since 2004, a beautiful tradition has existed on this square: a musician dressed in Bucovinian style plays a well-known piece from the balconies of the town hall (dating from 1847) every day at noon. Take Kobylyanskoy Street, whose buildings are reminiscent of Austrian architecture, and continue towards the Armenian Church. Going through Rouska Street, you arrive at the Boat House - the architectural jewel of Chernivtsi. Chaikovskoho Street leads to the Philharmonic Square.

Further on, the Theatre Square (Teatralna ploscha) where the Cultural Centre housing the Museum of Jewish History and Culture is located. Finally, discover THE curiosity of the city. This is the University of Chernivtsi, former residence of the metropolitans of Bucovina, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

Back in the Ukrainian capital. Departure.