ISTANBUL Turkey
Where Europe meets Asia
Istanbul is Turkey's largest city, ideally located on the Bosphorus straits, between Asia and Europe. Its geographical situation and its historic heritage have made it an economic powerhouse.
Regular flights between Rennes and Istanbul via Paris CDG with Air France
> Climate : temperate Mediterranean-type.
> Time difference with France : +1hr in Turkey
> Currency : Turkish Pound
> Travel documents required : No visa is required for tourists visiting Turkey for no more than 90 days out of a period of 180 days. A national identity card or passport valid for at least 150 days after entering Turkey.
> Tourist information : www.istanbulguide.net
Saint Sophia
Istanbul’s most famous mosque, with a name that means "the Saint of Wisdom”. It was built in 325 under the reign of Emperor Constantine. Its Byzantine architecture is impressive and makes it a monument to the past.
Topkapi Palace
This was the palace of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire. The building's different styles reflect the country's long and tumultuous history. Its magnificent architecture bears witness to everyday life under the Ottoman Empire. Not to be missed! The Sultan’s private apartments, the “Harem”.
The Grand Bazaar
It is one of the world's largest bazaars, with over 4,000 shops: selling cheap carpets, jewellery, local specialities, water-pipes… all waiting for your visit.
Local culinary delights
Constantinople (as Istanbul used to be known) has many different local delicacies: kumpir (a large potato stuffed with all sorts of filling), loukoum (a sweet made with sugar and starch), muhallebi (rose-water and orange-blossom flavoured rice pudding), and many other delights sure to make your mouth water! And don’t forget, they taste even better with a glass of Çay, the famous Turkish tea. Tea can be drunk at any time of day in Istanbul, it’s a local institution.
