Fly from Nice to Bratislava

Bratislava has quite a story to tell! Founded by Celts and successively occupied by Romans, Germans, and Slavs, it rose to prominence as the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary at the dawn of the Renaissance. Later absorbed into the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then Czechoslovakia, it regained its capital status when Slovakia became independent in 1993. A destiny like this gives a city both character and a rich heritage. To get a sense of it, simply wander through the Old Town, or Staré Mesto. Its old façades in soft hues, narrow cobblestone lanes, charming little shops and enticing cafés create an especially romantic setting for couples out for a stroll.

While Bratislava is an appealing destination in its own right, it is also the ideal starting point for exploring the whole of Slovakia. This country, still off the beaten path, is truly enchanting. Across its countryside and mountains, unspoilt landscapes provide a haven for a remarkable variety of wildlife and the perfect setting for invigorating hikes in the fresh air. This return to nature is combined with delightful stopovers in towns, spa resorts and villages imbued with history. A fortress castle, a gabled house, a wooden church, natural hot springs: each day brings a new discovery.

• Admire Bratislava Castle and take the time to stroll along its ramparts, courtyards and exhibition rooms. Take a breather on one of its terraces or climb to the top of the Crown Tower to take in the Danube and the old town at a single glance. On a clear day, the view stretches as far as Austria and Hungary.
• Lose yourself in the alleyways of the old town and admire its Baroque palaces, ancient houses with pastel façades, and lively little squares. Make your way to Hlavné Námestie square, the heart of the historic centre, home to the famous Roland Fountain and some of the city’s finest buildings, including the old City? Hall.
• Stroll along St Michael’s Street (Michalská Ulica), indulging in a spot of window shopping, until you reach the gate of the same name. This last surviving remnant of the city walls once protected Bratislava, the 51-metre tower now houses the collections of the municipal Museum of Arms. Many visitors also come for the exceptional view from the top.
• Keep an eye out for the statues that have appeared throughout Staré Mesto since the 1990s. Among the most famous are paparazzi hiding around a street corner, a Napoleonic soldier, Hans Christian Andersen (creator of The Little Mermaid), and – most celebrated of all – Čumil, the workman emerging from a manhole.
• Head to the Slovak National Uprising Bridge, an impressive road structure, and climb to the top of its single pylon, nicknamed the UFO Tower. It is crowned by a large observation platform shaped like a flying saucer. With its panoramic bar and restaurant, this lookout perched more than eighty metres above the river is the perfect place for an atypical meal with a spectacular view.
• Step away from the more popular itineraries of the old town and head towards the Danube to discover perhaps the most charming church in the country: St Elizabeth’s. Often called the “Blue Church”, it owes its nickname to its architect, Ödön Lechner, a leading figure of Art Nouveau, who entirely covered the building with blue tiles and mosaics. The result is both original and delightful.
• Venture further from the city centre to Devín, a small village now incorporated into the capital, and explore the ruins of its fortress. A place of great significance in Slovak history, this former stronghold stands on a vast rocky promontory high above the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. The visit combines nature and culture, featuring breathtaking views, historic ruins, a quaint museum and a peaceful garden.
• Leave the city to explore the Little Carpathians, the rolling hillsides that border Bratislava. Choose from many hiking trails for a welcome dose of nature. Stop off in the nearby villages and browse the pottery workshops, a local handicraft. Follow the Little Carpathian Wine Route, one of the most renowned in the country. But remember to enjoy it in moderation!
• Sample Slovak cuisine in a brewery or traditional restaurant and taste the national dish, bryndzové halušky. These are little potato dumplings served with bacon and sheep’s cheese.
• You might also take the train for a day trip to nearby Vienna in Austria. The journey takes less than an hour and costs only a few euros. Trains run frequently from early morning until evening, a short hop that is well worth it for anyone who has yet to discover the city of Empress Sisi.