Traveler's olfactory map: corners that smell good
Nevertheless, there are places where odors seem to stick better , either for its variety or for its persistence, stays on the planet that undoubtedly deserve to stop and breathe. We propose an olfactory journey around the world, so that you become the alchemist of your dreams and create your own code of traveling essences. Whether you have a themed nose or a pituitary fusion, this is your route.
1. IF YOU LIKE CHOCOLATE
Bruges, Flanders
Nothing better than strolling through the cobbled medieval streets of Bruges using as a guide the penetrating aroma of cocoa that flows from its charming buildings . Bruges has more than 50 active master chocolatiers, so that it can be considered a true urban laboratory on the subject. In its establishments you will find everything, from traditional proposals, one hundred percent handmade and in some cases with high percentages of cocoa , even the most daring creations, where the mixture with gold, hot chili pepper, coca-cola or tropical fruits . If you want to live a round experience, bet on The Chocolate Line, in addition to being able to smell chocolate, you will discover what it means to taste a gastronomic chocolate.
Interior of The Chocolate Line
two. IF YOU LIKE COFFEE
National Coffee Park in Quindío, Colombia.
A give a didactic point to your experience and start with reserve a seat on your cable car. You will get a complete overview and you will be able to admire at your leisure the green terraces of its extensive coffee plantations. Take a deep breath. Later you will discover how the first peasants of Quindío dealt with the threshing, grinding and roasting machines, and you will be ready to spend the night at the ** Finca Bosque del Samán, ** one of the most beautiful Haciendas in the place. Let its colonial charm catch you and of course do not get lost a stimulating cup of coffee at sunset.
Chagga Region, Tanzania
Treat yourself to an awakening with intense aroma of coffee at the foot of Kilimanjaro, in the heart of Africa. Take a four-by-four route through its dreamlike coffee plantations and let the sweet notes of unroasted Arabica help you discover the magic of the enigmatic black continent.
National Coffee Park in Quindío, Colombia
3. IF YOU LIKE FLOWERS
Grasse, France
The capital of perfume. It is possible that the colorful vision of its endless fields of flowers I left you speechless, that the scent of rose, jasmine and lavender spear through your car windows and ignite your senses, but wait and see what they can do with so much raw material Master perfumers from Grasse . You are in the mythical land of “the big three”: Gallimard, Fragonard and Molinard and from them, everything is history. A love story with perfumes as unforgettable as the legendary Chanel Number 5.
Picking flowers in Grasse
Four. IF YOU LIKE CHEESE
Rochefort, France
The king of cheeses. If you like strong experiences you will enjoy the powerful smell blue-fungus Roquefort, one of the most sought after cheeses in the world. A jewel that begins to taste with the nose when you enter the labyrinthine underground network that gives it its being and you tour the caves of Roquefort , where the cheese matures slowly at the foot of l Mount Combalou . Let the master cheese makers reveal the secrets of their art to you and enjoy the tastings that accompany the view. They will surprise you.
Roquefort Caves
5. IF YOU LIKE SPICES
Madagascar, vanilla essence
The intoxicating aroma of vanilla will accompany you throughout your tour of the island, but you will come to enjoy it more when you can buy it in their markets. Don't miss out on Antananarivo , its capital, where you will also be seduced by its prices.
Kerala, land of 1001 spices
The hospitable Kerala, located in the southwest of the country is famous for explosive mix of spices . And this has happened since ancient times, when the route that ended in Egypt sought the best essences of the city to better preserve its mummies. Let yourself be trapped by the penetrating smell of cloves, cinnamon and pepper, the queen of the place. Discover the Ayurvedic precepts in its fascinating cuisine and remember that spicy does not always mean spicy.
kerala market
6. IF YOU LIKE THE SEA
Gijón: salt, cider and sardines
Get drunk on the sea on a windy day and let yourself be tempted by the whiff of Grilled sardines that the Cantabrian offers in the many restaurants of Gijón. head to Cimadevilla and watch how the cider mixes unapologetically with the sawdust and the effluvia of the fruits of the sea They combine perfectly with laughter and pouring. Discover the seafaring soul of Gijón and save the aroma for your memories.
Aberdeen, Scotland
Forget your prejudices about the oil-bearing North Sea and allow the gastronomic offer of the brand new port of Aberdeen to capture your senses. You will walk through narrow streets where the smell of seafood and algae will want to turn you into a mermaid and you will be able to admire how the large fishing boats make stops on their enigmatic routes. Order a portion of oysters and breathe. Aberdeen smells like the sea in its purest form.
Cimadevilla, Gijon
7. IF YOU LIKE THE MIX
Big cities blend masterfully the olfactory pantone of life allowing a rich network of aromas to be drawn between its streets, similar to the one drawn by its public transport map.
The Angels
Considered by some rankings as the best smelling city in the world The secret, without a doubt, is in the mix. Test your nose and soon you will discover the ingredients of its essence . The gentle ocean breeze that comes from Santa Monica , the dry desert air that seeps into the Downtown , the clean scent of pine and eucalyptus that blows from its hills and the note jasmine sweetness, guest of honor of the luxurious urbanizations of Beverly Hills . If you add to all this the powerful aroma of sunscreen cream from venice beach you will have unlocked his secret.
Venice, Los Angeles
London
from the unequivocal butter scent that you can already perceive in any of its airports until the fragrant flower essences from its parks in spring , London is also tremendously cosmopolitan if it is included in an olfactory map. Don't miss the lullaby of fried food from the street stalls of Camden Town, the luxurious scent of wrapping paper Harvey Nichols, the exotic and tropical festival offered by the fruits of the market of Notting Hill Gate and the sumptuous company of the flowers of Covent Garden.
Covent Garden, London
Paris
If you love complex essences and can't help but stick your nose in the window of a perfume shop, the capital of the Seine will more than meet your expectations. If you also want to find your own perfume, be sure to visit the Maison Kurkdjian , the house of one of the most avant-garde noses of the moment . If you are looking for something more groundbreaking, bet on Jovoy, very close to Place Vendôme. A charming establishment where you can let your imagination run wild with François Heinin, determined to return to the perfume its mystical essence.
Smell of bread and pastry
And so that the contrast lives forever in your memory, after such an elaborate journey, let yourself be carried away by the inimitable aroma of freshly baked bread from the best bakeries in the city . Enjoy the best baguette in town at the recently awarded Sébastien Mauvieux at 159 Rue Ordener. You will share bread with Francois Hollande . Don't forget to try Le Grenier á Pain bread, Coquelicot breakfasts and the star creations of Gontran Cherrier, one of the most celebrated bakers in Paris.
bread and more bread