Table of Contents
Article originally published in the June-October 2017 edition of the Atmosphere magazine. Read the latest edition here.
Discover two different places: a popular one “for all” and a lesser-known one “for you‚” related to a given theme or destination. That’s the idea behind this original feature.
Festive and fictional unite as we celebrate two anniversaries in the literary world by immersing you in timeless classics.
Our “for all” piece transports Sherlock Holmes fans to London’s crime scenes. Written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and published in 1892‚ The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes was the first collection of short stories featuring the famous detective.
“For you” sets the course for a journey through Switzerland and France‚ exploring the sites linked either to the characters of Frankenstein or to its author‚ Mary Shelley‚ born 220 years ago.
Off we go!
For all: London, Elementary, my dear Watson!
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the first collection of Sherlock Holmes’s adventures. Since 2010‚ these stories have been inspiring the popular British TV series Sherlock‚ starring Benedict Cumberbatch. But another important part of Holmes’s world is London‚ and a great way to explore the city is to walk in the footsteps of the eccentric sleuth himself!
First stop
The fictitious apartment of Holmes and his assistant‚ Dr. Watson‚ at 221B Baker Street. On the small screen‚ 187 North Gower Street actually doubles as the exterior of the famous duo’s residence. (Speedy’s‚ the coffee shop next door‚ makes a yummy Sherlock wrap!)
Second stop
The Sherlock Holmes Museum‚ at 221B Baker Street‚ which has recreated the detective’s famous study.
Third stop
The Sherlock Holmes pub at 10 Northumberland Street‚ frequented by the protagonists. It serves Dr. Watson’s favorite pork sausages and boasts a cabinet of curiosities dedicated to the dynamic duo.
For you : In the footsteps of Frankenstein, in Switzerland and France
It was during her holiday in Cologny‚ near Geneva‚ Switzerland‚ that Mary Shelley first had the idea of her horror masterpiece‚ Frankenstein‚ published in 1818.
First stop
Upon the invitation of poet Lord Byron‚ the young Englishwoman stayed at the Belle Rive villa‚ the name she gave to the house of Victor Frankenstein‚ the monster’s creator. Also called Diodati‚ the villa is now a cultural monument of national importance, which can’t be visited but can be admired while sailing on Lake Geneva.
Second stop
In her novel‚ Mary Shelley also mentions Coppet Castle‚ set in the neighboring canton of Vaud. This property‚ where the famed Madame de Staël held a literary salon that Byron often attended‚ is a cultural treasure open to visitors every afternoon from April to October.
Third stop
Then‚ head to the charming town of Évian-les-Bains‚ located on the French shores of Lake Geneva‚ where Victor and Elizabeth Frankenstein honeymooned. And, to complete the picture‚ visit the Plaine de Plainpalais square in Geneva‚ where a bronze statue of the grotesque creature stands. Shake his hand if you dare!
The comments and contributions expressed are assumed only by the author. The recommendations, intentions or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Transat AT Inc. or its affiliates. See terms of use of the Air Transat website.
