Berkeley

The word „Berkeley“ recalls without any doubt the University of California which makes for the reputation of the city.

The campus is one of the most well-known in the United States. The ones who come to study are certain to succeed their professional life. With its 100,000 inhabitants, Berkeley is of course more than just a student town. Located in the San Francisco bay, in the north of California, Berkeley is historically and culturally very rich and has a splendid natural environment. Water of the lakes and rivers cover 40% of the city area which reminds rather of the Scandinavian cities than the typical American ones. Berkeley is with its marina a paradise for water sports fans. The ones who prefer the country side will also be delighted by Berkeley surroundings where they will hike at leisure.

The city, which owes its name to the Irish philosopher, George Berkeley, used to be the symbol of the anti-Vietnam war. Students of the university were at the origin of the national protest movement. Berkeley is still regarded today as a famous pilgrimage site.

With its spaceship style, the university library evokes Corinthian temples and you will certainly be tempted to stop by to throw yourself into the million and millions of available books. From the top of the tower of the University, you will have an impressive view over the campus and the city and you will have the opportunity to admire a sunset on the Golden Gate Bridge. This will be the highlight of your day. On the heights of the city, there is the Lawrence Hall of Science, a museum particularly adapted to children. The Berkeley Art Museum and the Pacific Film Archive are worth the detour for art and cinematography lovers.

If you wish to learn more about the city’s origins and atmosphere, we recommend you go through the Telegraph Avenue. In the middle of colorful houses, record shop owners and book stores such as Moe’s, Cody’s and Shakespeare’s, you will find yourself back into the hippie atmosphere of the Flower Power. Treat yourself with a break in one of the numerous cafés after having experienced the pace of the street life. If you wish to pamper your papilla with a unique flavor taste experience, then go savour worldwide specialties at the “Berkeley Bowl Marketplace.”

After your visit of Berkeley, time for you to enjoy the Californian coast. San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland deserve more than just a one day trip and they are easily reachable by car. For instance San Francisco has a huge amount of tourist attractions and among them the famous Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars. If you are exhausted by the city’s pace, get back into your car and drive towards the Pacific coastline. You will be able to admire magnificent sceneries where mountains, forests, the ocean and its dream beaches follow one after the other. If you enjoy diversity, you have come to the right place!