For a first-timer, this trip to Porto lived up to all its promises in every respect. In the end, it was just as pleasant as Lisbon, albeit in a totally different style.

You’ll find a summary of the articles about this trip to Porto at the bottom of the page.

The destination

Porto is as pretty as it is pleasant, and if its heritage is less than Lisbon’s, it’s still very interesting and there’s plenty to see.

Added to this is the fact that, in addition to benefiting from a river – something that always changes the face of a city – part of the city is located by the sea.

Last but not least, it’s a very pleasant city to stroll around, with a historic center and sites that are more compact than in Lisbon. However, given the topography of the area, you’ll need good legs to tackle the city’s hills, which will give your buttocks a real workout.

Flights

For me, it was a return to KLM after a long wait, and a new chance for Air France’s medium-haul business after a series of disappointing experiences.

Well, if we’re disappointed, we’re not shy about saying so, but let’s face it, even if it doesn’t deserve to be hailed as a masterpiece, it was quite good.

On Air France, catering was not only not as bad as expected, but even good, even if I think there’s still room for improvement, and something solid as usual on KLM.

As for the service, it was very attentive on KLM and without any notable fault on Air France.

I’m going to come to believe that the net progress made in long-haul is really trickling down to medium-haul, something I’ll be able to verify a few days later.

As for the aircraft, special mention goes to Air France’s A220 for both cabin comfort and aesthetics. The same cannot be said for KLM’s Embraer.

Hotels

I won’t go back over yet another stay at the Moxy Roissy CDG, which, while less disappointing than in the recent past, is still struggling to win me back as it did at the start.

As for the Renaissance Porto, despite the fact that it’s a little out of the way, it’s an excellent product that’s still in the early stages of development. In any case, constructing such a building in the historic center would certainly not have been possible.

Restaurants

It’s a commonplace when we talk about Portugal: you can eat very well, with simple food and quality products at all price ranges.

I would also add the quality of the service and the interpersonal skills of the staff with, I know this is a criterion for some, a very good command of French.

Bottom line

A perfect stay in a very pleasant city to which I will return with great pleasure.

The articles about this trip to Porto

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