The Village of Tocqueville: Final Resting Place for Alexis de Tocqueville

The little village of Tocqueville (population: about 280) has erected a bust for the French diplomat, political scientist, and historian, Alexis de Tocqueville. Tocqueville himself was born in Paris, attended school in Metz, died in Cannes, and is buried in Tocqueville.

He is best known for his works ‘Democracy in America’ and ‘The Old Regime and the Revolution’.

Bust of Alexis de Tocqueville

This is the church and cemetery where he is buried.

Tocqueville Church

We combed the hole cemetery for his grave, and initially could not find it. With the help of a sight-map in the church, we finally located the grave next to one of the side entrances.

Alexis de Tocqueville grave

One of the many mosaic windows in the Tocqueville Church.

Where to Get Free Drinking Water in Paris

After the Franco-Prussian War in 1972, the English philanthropist, Sir Richard Wallace financed 50 cast-iron drinking fountains, known as Wallace fountains, to the City of Paris (and to Lisburn).

The fountains with their free drinking water were a welcome gift to the poor in Paris, and new ones kept getting installed until the beginning of World War I.

Paris has more than three hundred fifty fountains, with the oldest one dating back to the 16th century.

Wallace Fountain in Paris

Wallace Fountain in Paris near Notre Dame

water – a public service

L'eau de Paris

L’eau de Paris

The sign also comes with a list of the water’s components.

Drinking water content

Drinking water content

Look out for these free water supplies along the most popular tourist walks. Drinking plenty of water while touring the city is a must. Yes, you may add some wine to that list, too. 🙂

A Good Reason to Travel

Travel is the best, indeed the only cure for grief.

– Alfred de Musset (1810-1857) –

A Good Reason to Travel


When all’s said and done, all roads lead to the same end.
So it’s not so much which road you take, as how you take it .

– Charles de Lint –

Christmas market decoration in Germany

Things to do on Sunless Days in Biarritz

Mornings on the Biarritz coast are often overcast with some rain showers. With a bit of luck, the sun comes out during the afternoon. Yes, you should have sun glasses and an umbrella with you at all times.

But there is plenty to do around here even on sunless days.

Children enjoy fishing with a net.

Others are surfing at all times.

Water surfing in Biarritz

Some just enjoy the view. There are plenty of benches everywhere.

Biarritz promenade

Others still go for the beach.

Biarritz, La Grande Plage

Yesterday afternoon was also overcast, so we went to the Musée De La Mer (euro 45 for two adults and two students). Along the way, we enjoyed crêpes and ice-cream, sat on benches, took photos and had all the time in the world.

One of the many specimens we saw at the ocean museum was the seiche (cuttlefish or Bobtail squid). All explanatory signs around the museum are in French. I had to note the French names of the more unusual ones, so I could look them up later.

Bobtail squid

There is plenty to do and see around here, even on bad weather days.

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