Text & Photographs by Lakshmi Pramanik
Spring 2025 came alive as we embarked on a 15-day escapade through some of Europe’s most celebrated and soul-stirring destinations—Berlin, the French Riviera, Paris, and Prague. Each place, a chapter. Each chapter, a memory etched in colour, taste, sound, and sunlight.
Berlin: A Beat That Never Sleeps
Berlin greeted us with a crisp morning and the raw energy of a city always on the move. From the towering presence of the Brandenburg Gate to the sobering depth of the Holocaust Memorial, every monument whispered stories of resilience and rebirth.
The East Side Gallery, a powerful symbol of freedom, unity and expression, presented me with an open-air art-gallery experience unlike any other. Meanwhile, ‘U-Bahn,’ Berlin’s underground railway, zipped me from the artsy lanes of Kreuzberg to buzzing Alexanderplatz, every station revealing another layer of Berlin’s character—gritty, expressive, defiant.
And, oh, the food—from Germany’s favourite sausage curry or ‘currywurst’ on the street corner to Turkish döner kebabs served with love in the borough of Neukölln, and artisan coffee brewed by tattooed baristas in Prenzlauer Berg—the city had a lot to offer to the foodie in me. By night, Berlin transformed into a canvas of neon. Music pulsed from underground clubs, sidewalk bars spilled over with laughter, and impromptu performances popped up like spring flowers.
French Riviera: A Sun-Soaked Canvas
After bidding farewell to Berlin’s urban heartbeat, our flight drifted us into a different rhythm—one woven with salt air, citrus trees, and the cerulean blue of the Mediterranean. We landed, via Paris, in Nice, the radiant gateway to the French Riviera.
The sunlit Promenade des Anglais welcomed us with its wide boulevards, swaying palms, and café tables spilling out onto the sidewalks. The city buzzed gently and with an easy grace, every corner offering art, gelato, or the faint sound of a violin.
Our journey by car took us eastward to the charming border town of Menton, often called the ‘Pearl of France.’ With its lemon gardens, pastel-coloured buildings, and a slow, timeless charm, Menton felt like a dream in watercolour. The scent of citrus hung in the air, and the town’s Italian influence gave it a unique, romantic flair.
Next came Monaco (also known as the Côte d’Azur), glittering with opulence! From the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo to the yacht-studded marina, there was luxury at every turn. But beyond the glam, Monaco held a rich elegance, its palace perched above the sea, and its cliffside views beyond breathtaking.
Cannes followed, chic and full of cinematic nostalgia. We strolled the Boulevard de la Croisette, dipping our toes in the sea and watching the sun bounce off haute-couture shop windows. Even without the film festival, Cannes sparkled with stories.
And a day later, it was St. Tropez, about 40 miles west of Nice—sun-drenched, unapologetically stylish, yet disarmingly quaint. Fishing boats floated beside sleek catamarans, and narrow streets overflowed with bougainvillea and merriment. Locals played cards in the afternoon shade, while we savoured grilled fish and fresh rosé at Sénéquier, the town’s most famous café, renowned for its Tarte Tropézienne, white nougat, and candied fruits.
Each stop on the Riviera was a brushstroke in a masterpiece. The food was pure Mediterranean poetry—herbs, lemon zest, olives, garlic, sun-ripened tomatoes, and wine that captured the mood of the coastline in a glass. Life here wasn’t just lived—it was relished.
Paris: A Love Affair in Layers
Paris is not just a city; it’s a dream you live while wide awake.
We reached the Eiffel Tower just as dusk was falling, and watched the Seine shimmer like a moving poem. The views were gorgeous, but the magic was down below, in the cobbled alleys and open cafés. And the light drizzle lent the evening an air of romantic poetry.
A visit to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, atop Montmartre, brought peace, while the walk across the Pont Alexandre III provided the most cinematic view of the city, with gold-tipped lampposts and lovers locked in eternal photographs.
Paris reminded me to slow down, to savour. Breakfasts were sacred—buttery croissants, café au lait, and fresh strawberries. Lunches melted into lazy afternoons with cheese boards, escargots, and conversation. And dinner at Café de Flore, a celebrity haunt serving familiar French fare in a charming locality, had an ambience all its own.
Prague: A Symphony in Stone and Light
From France, we made our way to the Czech Republic, and the fairytale city of Prague, our final stop. If Berlin moved to techno, Prague hummed to the tune of violins.
A dreamy evening walk across the Charles Bridge, under its centuries-old stone arches, felt like a stroll through history. Live musicians serenaded the crowd, while the Vltava River reflected the twinkling city lights. In the morning, we visited one of Prague’s most magnificent and iconic churches, St. Vitus Cathedral. Nestled inside Prague Castle complex, it’s a prime example of Gothic grandeur. And the steep climb up the 300-plus steps was worth it, as it allowed us a 360-degree view of this ancient, historical, and most happening cosmopolitan city.
The Old Town Square bustled with life—buskers, clinking beer glasses, and the soft toll of the astronomical clock. As I sipped mulled wine wrapped in my coat, the cool breeze kissed my cheeks, and laughter echoed off the ancient façades.
15 Days, 4 Countries, and Countless Memories
What started as a spring break turned into a soul-awakening journey—from Berlin’s urban pulse to the Riviera’s coastal elegance, from Parisian poetry to Prague’s timeless romance. Each city left its scent on me: the spice of Berlin, the lavender of Nice, the pastry warmth of Paris, and the smoky charm of Prague.
And now, back home, as I scroll through my photographs, I don’t just see pictures—I hear the music, taste the food, and feel the rhythm of cities that will forever wander in me.
--ends--
