The area around La Piscine is buzzing with creativity with artists workshops, art galleries, fashion shops and Le Vestiaire part of the Maisons de Mode project. This fabulous initiative in Roubaix and Lille utilises renovated studios and nurtures young fashion designers. The result is a fabulous collection of new labels for those who appreciate design and originality as well as quality.

Read more about Roubaix here

Fabulous modern restaurant with a great atmosphere in a former foundry. Another great example of how Roubaix is re-inventing itself.

More photographs on TravelWithKat.com

The location of an annual festival hels every July, Pile au Rendez-Vous. Every year brings a collection of unusual events. 

I attended one of them this year. You can read about the lovely evening I had (and read a couple of stories) here >

Storytelling, a dying art? Not in Roubaix!

La Piscine is a fabulous art deco swimming converted into a beautiful museum or art and industry - a must see if you are in the area. Took my breathaway!

You can read about my visit and see more photographs on TravelWithKat.com

Home to one of Europe's favourite Christmas markets, Winchester Cathedral is one of England's loveliest cathedrals and is just an hour by train from London's Waterloo Station.

Photographs of the Christmas Market

Photo tour of the cathedral

I have sponsored Lisa since 2005 and have been lucky enough to visit her many times. Read about my latest visit on 'Travel with Kat'.

The sacred pool at Katchikally is a popular place to visit. I went there back in 2009 determined not to go near any of the inhabitants of the pool. Somehow when I was there this determination crumbled and it wasn't long before I found myself stroking a crocodile!

Read more about my visit and other wildlife encounters in The Gambia here.

Visitng the village of Kanuma was a fantastic start to #BlogGambia We were here to see the 'Light up a vilage' solar power project and also to see a Kumpo, the mythical character from Jola folklore.

For more photos and the stories behind them visit Light up a village and On the trail ot the mythical Kumpo of Kanuma

On a chilly Sunday morning I spent a wonderfull couple of hours exploring this charming cobbled street near the centre of Paris.

My guide, a local chef, took my to the oldest patisserie in Paris, the best formagerie and many other delicious food shops and stalls.

More photos and a video tour on TravelWithKat.com

Great day out or even an overnight - but you can't drive there! YOu have to arrive by boat or via a long walk through the marquis covered mountainside.

More photos of Girolata and the Scandola Nature reserve at TravelWithKat.com

A camel ride into the Sinai Desert and dining with the Bedouins 0 see more photos and read about my experience on Travel With Kat..

Camel ride in the Sinai Desert

Dining with the Bedouins

Read about the mysterious pre-historic monument of Stonehenge on TravelWithKat.com

An easy day trip from London by car or by coach from Victoria coach station with companies such as Viator.

Read about the great time I had exploring Bath including a visit to the Roman baths on TravelWithKat.com

Bath is an easy day trip from London being just an hour and a half away by train from Paddington station.

Camden Market's

Camden is one of my favourite parts of London. Full of life throughout the day and late into the night there’s plenty to see and do there whether you’re looking for interesting shops, great inexpensive restaurants, lively pubs, superb live music or simply fancy a spot of people watching.

More photographs and information on visiting Camden's colourful markets on Travel With Kat

The Pump Room is superb place for breakfast, lunch or an evening meal in a very grand setting. Famous for their afternoon teas.

Read about the fabulous day out I had in Bath on TravelWithKat.com

The best sausages you can buy!

Read about the fabulous day out I had in Bath on TravelWithKat.com

Fantastic deli serving homemade cakes, quiches, soups and sandwiches.

Read about the fabulous day out I had in Bath on TravelWithKat.com (including the most delicious sandwich I can remember eating for a very long time!)

Read about the fabulous day out I had in Bath on TravelWithKat.com

Superb restaurant and deli that reputedly sells the best carbonara in Rome.

Carbonara is a traditional Roman pasta dish that dates back to the time f the Roman Emipre.

Discover more about Rome cuisine including my visit to this superb restaurant, deli and neighbouring bakery on Travel With Kat.

Roscioli website

A fabulous bakery and the place to go for a lunch time snack of pizza by the slice or pizza bianca.

Read about my visit on Travel with Kat

A fabulous bakery and the place to go for a lunch time snack of pizza by the slice or pizza bianca.

Read about my visit on Travel with Kat

A superb introduction to wine and food pairing. Find out which wine went best with dark chocolate and which with the deliciously smelly cheese from Puglia. Read more at Travel with Kat

Pastificio, a plate of pasta and a glass of wine for 4 euros - the best value lunch in Rome!

Read about my exciting trip to Rome with Expedia and my first post about discovering Rome's food and wine on Travel with Kat

A celebration of the first ever UN International Day of the Girl promoting the right for all children to an education and seeking the end of child marriages.

Famous landmarks around the world, including the London Eye, the Niagra falls and the pyramids of Giza, were turned pink in recognition of the day.

Read about the exciting day I had when I attended the charity PLAN's celebration of the day, which included a speed mentoring session on the London Eye with some 200 inspirational women, from a wide range of fields, mentoring 200 school girls.

Celebrating the International Day of the Girl in London

Fantastic morning with 'Walks of Italy'... salami, cheese, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings plus making pizza and the best coffee in town.!

Read all about it on Travel With Kat

Pizza making artilce to follow soon!