Wanderlust Wednesday

 Venice: Skip the Carnival and visit off season. Like now.

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 Travel adventure never gets old, and Paris' location in the heart of Europe makes it the ultimate launchpad to many destinations. Followers of this blog will notice that I try to keep a Paris connection by sticking to places that are accessible "3 hours (or less)" from The City of Light, whether by plane, train, or car. Even so, I've omitted many trips we've taken, near and far, and have so many photos of Paris I can post from anywhere.

Well before I started the blog - and before mass tourism transformed The Floating City into a different kind of carnevale thanks in large part to Instagram selfies - Venice was a cherished destination in Italy, as was Rome, where my Tante Maria, in a heartfelt shared (final) pearl of wisdom, advised: "Keep your adventures discrete and guard your joy."

 However Venezia is worth sharing. It has a magic about it that is palpable. By slipping away in spring or fall we'd avoid the summer throngs, opting for smaller palazzo-style hotels along quieter off-the-beaten-path canals. Or, as we once did with English friends, join them in their weathered fresco-covered-ceiling marvel that might double as a film set.

If you've never experienced the lure of Venice, September’s golden light, thinner crowds, and cooler weather is the perfect pretext to surrender to its spell. Not that you need one. - BPJ

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 3 hours (or less) from Paris 

 

PARIS - VENICE

 

Direct flights daily to Marco Polo airport

 

 

 

 

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These hotels were chosen for their historic palazzo feel in settings along quieter canals in less touristy districts like Cannaregio, Santa Croce, or San Polo. They avoid the hustle of the Grand Canal or St. Mark’s - while still offering Venetian aesthetics (frescoes, chandeliers, antiques) with easy access to highlights:

 

Palazzo Abadessa
Cannaregio, facing a small canal near Strada Nuova
Small (by palazzo standards), elegant, tucked down a quiet alley. Has the feel of a private Venetian residence. Lovely small garden.

Oltre il Giardino
San Polo, near a side canal by the Frari church
Upscale boutique hotel with just 6 rooms on a quiet side canal. It’s all about the giardino - the garden. A rare find in Venice.

Corte Di Gabriela
San Marco, near a small canal off Campo Santo Stefano
Boutique hotel, 10 rooms, located in a quieter corner of San Marco. Close to major sights but feels off the beaten path due to its small canal setting and interior courtyard. Breakfast room overlooks the canal, adding to the charm.

Ai Mori d’Oriente
Cannaregio, overlooking Rio della Sensa
Another boutique hotel in a renovated Venetian palace in the peaceful Cannaregio district. Has relaxing communal spaces like a reading room and breakfast area with Venetian-style decor including Murano glass and rich fabrics.

Hotel Moresco
Santa Croce, near Rio di San Nicolo
In a renovated 19th-century Venetian building. Blends classic and modern Venetian style with mosaics, antique mirrors, plush furnishings. Despite its location near Venice’s bus terminal it’s slightly removed from major tourist hubs and overlooks a small canal. A tranquil bar with a library and fireplace adds to the palazzo-like ambiance.