It's rather late in the day for me to write this second article on Andalusia, as I've been a bit swamped of late. But here we are, welcome to Seville, the capital of Andalusia ! Who hasn't heard of this splendid city, if not in their Spanish or history lessons at school? 😂

Seville has a rich heritage (thanks to its past) but also a reputation as a tourist destination, and has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe! So let's rediscover Seville together...

1. Presentation and location of Seville

Sevilla in Spanish is just 2H30 / 3H from Paris by plane, this city is in the south-west of Spain, of course since it is the capital of the province of Andalusia. Its geographical location on the Guadalquivir, between Córdoba and the Atlantic Ocean, has enabled it to develop economically (or invaded 😟) since boats can sail up from the Atlantic Ocean to the city.

The town has been built around the river over the centuries, but since 1948 the river has bypassed the town to the west for safety reasons (flooding), and the river port has been set up in basins (Darses) dedicated to berthing and loading and unloading.

Seville now has a population of almost 700,000 and is the country's fourth-largest city, as well as the economic, political and cultural heart of Andalusia. Surrounded by fertile plains (which are becoming increasingly arid) this city has also developed through various productions These include olive oil, cereals, fruit and vegetables, not to mention livestock. We can talk here des Toros Bravos for bullfighting, but also Andalusian horses.

A pure Spanish breedof ancient stock that has been the model of classical equitation in 18th and 19th century Europe. The Andalusian horse is easily recognisable, with its generally grey coat, elegant body and raised gait natural to piaffe and passage exercises.

2. Culture and architecture

Culturally very rich, it is also the cradle of Flamenco.this the art of dancing and singing to musicYou won't want to miss it when you take a stroll around the city, in the Triana district or in Plaça de España.

But it's not just about dancing, Seville is steeped in history, as evidenced by its superb architecture. Among the must-sees is the Plaza de Españawhere you can walk or ride in a horse-drawn carriage, and take a break in the gardens of El Prado des San Sebastian or, even bigger, El Parque de María Luisa. (You can zoom in on the map above)

Recharge your batteries near the fountains, ponds, tamarisk trees, Canary Island date palms, Chinese palms, olive trees, hibiscus, Japanese plum trees, latanian trees... in short, you'll have understood that there are plenty of things, each more exotic than the last, to enjoy and photograph.

Not to be missed either is the Plaza Viergen de los Reyes where you will find Seville Cathedral (on the left of the photo), juxtaposed with the Giralda (the minaret built in 1184 and 1198) is the most imposing monument to the Muslim presence in Seville's history. Opposite it is el Monasterio de la Encarnaćion.

If you walk up the street in front of the Giralda, you'll find a wide choice of restaurants and bars to quench your thirst.

3. Climate

By the way, Andalusia has its very hot periods, so if you can't stand the heat, avoid going there in summer or even late spring, as it heats up nicely and 40°C is very easy to get to 😅! On the plus side, it's possible to get out and about late and take an afternoon siesta!

If you prefer 20° in autumn, early or late winter is the perfect time to visit Andalusia!