Villages & Landscapes in Lebanon

Dominated by a crusader citadel and open to its port, Saida (or Sidon) is one of the most prestigious cities on the southern coast of Lebanon. A city steeped in history, with little-known origins, but which charms with its small streets and souks remaining in their original state. Saida is one of the most beautiful tourist sites in Lebanon which is worth the detour. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2eDjmlgNy8/ https://www.instagram.com/p/B2j2ifDnBme/ For a successful stay in Lebanon, a little trip to the mysterious city of Saida (or Sidon) is recommended. imposed. Located 48 km south of Beirut, Saida is a very old coastal city also known as the “capital of South Lebanon”. An emblematic city of ancient Phoenicia from which it takes its origins, Saida was born at the same time as Jbeil-Byblos and Tire were born. In its history, it essentially keeps traces of the passage of the Babylonian and Roman Empire. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv48vDEFvXq/ https://www.instagram.com/p/BvhIN1cHxuB/ Saida is an obligatory step to fully immerse yourself in authentic Lebanon. This city constitutes a true historical and commercial crossroads for the entire country. Through its heritage and its souks, the citadel succeeds in highlighting its most beautiful assets. https://www.instagram.com/p/ByFTTUpp3ht/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba6zmsgFKTj/ First stopover during a stay in Saida,

Are you looking for a perfect place for hiking in Lebanon? Heading for the village of Baakline. Located on a green hill overlooking Deir el-Qamar, Baakline is one of the most beautiful villages of Chouf, known for its splendid forests and preserved nature. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1vxs5djRAv/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv5v-rjFR_j/ This small village, steeped in history, represents a traditional stronghold of the Druze community in Lebanon. It was the capital of the Maan emirs, the most famous of whom is Emir Fakhreddine. Baakline is famous for its national library which offers you a significant number of information sources. Open to the public every weekend since 1987, this library constitutes a true historical monument for Lebanon. It bears witness to the struggle of a people who fought for their freedom and fundamental rights. https://www.instagram.com/p/BzseUNaJzGK/ https://www.instagram.com/p/iMrN87Q84S/ Baakline is a modern village which has preserved its most beautiful historical monuments. The palace of Hussein Hamadé, built in 1591 and the historic church of Saint-Elie dating from 1753, constitute a fine example. There are also Druze or Khalwat temples which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Unique places to visit during a hike, discovering an important period in the history of Lebanon and the region

Lebanon is a country particularly appreciated for its atypical villages. Today, I invite you to discover Eddé, one of the rare villages on the Lebanese coast which has managed to keep the charm of an ancient village, despite the advancement of technology and the intensive urbanization brought about by the presence of Byblos, just next to. The village of Eddé takes its name from several possible origins. Eddé could be a word of Syriac or Aramaic origin, meaning "laurel". The village also has a large number of laurel trees growing in its streets. But the word Edde can also be of Canaanite origin and mean “strength” or “arm”. A name mentioned in the Bible to express resistance, toughness and defiance. Located 41 km from Beirut, and 5 km north of Byblos, the village of Eddé extends over a vast hill caught between two valleys which descend towards the sea. A hill marked by an asphalt road which winds in bends up to 'at an altitude of 300 m. This hill offers a magnificent landscape made up of beautiful stone residences and old churches surrounded by a multitude of small gardens, woods and ponds. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqrOwlwFHBV/ Among the most popular tourist attractions in the village of Eddé, the church

Head to the north of Lebanon, to discover the Qadicha valley, a UNESCO world heritage site, ideal for organizing hikes in the great outdoors. Literally holy in Syriac, the holy valley of Qadicha takes its name from the very large number of monasteries it is home to, most of which date back several centuries. A true historical and cultural site which can be discovered during a weekend of hiking, between Becharré and Ehden, in the caza of Zghorta, in one of the most beautiful natural settings in Lebanon. The monastery of Saint Elysée, Mar Lichaa or Elisha, is made up of four small chapels cut into the rock. This convent, whose origins are unknown to date, dates from the 14th century. But during its restoration, debris of objects from the 11th century were discovered on site. Former residence of the bishops of Bcharré, the Elisha monastery was also the refuge of Maronite hermits and Carmelites in 1643. After being completely abandoned in 1693, it hosted the founding of the first Lebanese religious order in 1695 before becoming the seat of the noble Provençal François de Chasteuil, in the 17th century. The monks also occupied the premises in the second

Lovers of a picturesque getaway, today I invite you to discover, for a short weekend or a simple day, a magnificent place. Taanayel, a typical village in the Bekaa, located just an hour and a half drive from the Lebanese capital. Depending on your wishes and the weather available, we can choose to take the mountain road which passes through Bickfaya, Antoura, Zahlé then Taanayel to fully enjoy a bird's eye view of the Bekaa plain. But there is also another path that leaves Beirut, shorter and more direct, and which barely passes through a few traditional neighborhoods like Kahalé, Aley, Dahr el-Baïdar and Chtaura. Whatever path you choose to take, this walk in Taanayel promises you great encounters and a very enriching cultural discovery. First by visiting the Taanayel estate and farm of the Jesuit fathers, currently managed by the Rainbow Association. A superb place to observe livestock such as cows and calves in their feed trough. Not far from there, a detour is also necessary to the farm shop where a wide range of fresh and artisanal dairy products are on display. On the

Need to recharge your batteries in nature, next to spring water that gushes down the side of a mountain peak? Head to the Afqa waterfall, one of the wildest rivers ever tamed by man. Located 80 km from Beirut, at an average altitude of 1,200 m, the Afqa waterfall is a place specially dedicated to the celebration of the cults of Adonis and Astarte. Its speed, its falls, its steep slope, can be strongly dissuasive. But nothing stops you from visiting the place to admire a striking spectacle with family or friends. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1gQrpxFtwQ/ https://www.instagram.com/p/BjCGy0QBGvF/ The Afqa waterfall is considered one of the most beautiful sites in the world. A great reputation that it owes mainly to its immense spring which emanates from a majestic cave nestled in the side of a sheer rock, approximately 200 m high. The water gushes out with force, projects droplets tens of meters away, then continues its path through large steep rocks over a course of approximately 45 km. It is to this beautiful place that you must come to know the legend of Adonis and Venus Astarte. The place particularly impresses with its countless caves from which the abundant waters of the Adonis river “Nahr” emerge.

Nahr Ibrahim or The River of Abraham, is also known as the River of Adonis. This valley with its varied landscapes charms locals and visitors, particularly fans of hiking in the great outdoors. From the breathtaking view from the top of the valley to the coolness of the river below, the breathtaking landscape is completely exotic. The place is ideal for hiking, starting from Ibri or Shouwen, to Wadis Janneh. According to legend, the reddish color of the Nahr Ibrahim River in spring comes from the blood of Adonis, god of love and beauty, who was killed on the spot by a wild boar sent by Adès, god of war. . But scientists attribute this color to the erosion of the red rock of Afqa Cave. Between the rites and reality, the hamlets and the impressive waterfalls which adorn the River of Abraham do not fail to charm visitors. Departing from Ibri, an old village which is home to ancient ruins, the path which leads to the top of the Nahr Ibrahim valley offers magnificent views. The path leads to Janneh and allows you to take exceptional photos while experiencing a special moment of relaxation.

You couldn't have missed the photos of this medieval castle located in Lebanon, between Deir el Qamar and Beiteddine. Towers, ramparts, moats… A priori, it is a real construction dating from the Middle Ages in Europe. In reality, it is a completely improbable imitation which was built in the 20th century under the leadership of a single man. And behind this crazy project, a story that is barely believable and yet true from start to finish. Let me tell you about it! This article is part of my guide “Lebanon by Libshop”, which lists the best places to discover in Lebanon! Discover the summary here: Libshop Travel Guide: the ultimate tourist guide to holidays in Lebanon At the origin of this crazy project, the story of Moussa Abdel Karim Al-Maamari The story goes that Moussa Al-Maamari was passionate about medieval castles since a young age. He used to draw castles during his lessons at school. An occupation that was not to the taste of his teacher, who did not hesitate to punish him for it. “And now take a sheet of paper and draw a bird,” the teacher said to his young students. (…) " I

Located in southern Phenicia, Tyre, the ancient great Phoenician city, mistress of the seas and founder of prosperous trading posts such as Cadiz and Carthage, today takes on a historical role made up of important archaeological remains dating from Roman times. A truly legendary tourist destination, Tire is worth a detour during a historic trip to Lebanon. Located in southern Lebanon, Tire is one of the oldest cities in the country. Its historical heritage precedes it and continues to impress visitors who come particularly to marvel at archaeological remains such as the Roman baths, the hippodrome and the arch. Tire inherits a heritage of inestimable value, the remains of which are, for the most part, listed as world heritage sites. The historical wealth of Tire is a real treasure to be exploited. But the uniqueness of this city is not limited to the Byzantines, Ottomans and Crusaders. Tire is also a modern city where seaside resorts and tourist sites intertwine to amuse and relax visitors. Like Saida, Tire is a seaside town with its beach and small port. Among the tourist sites you absolutely must visit are the archaeological sites of Al Medina and AI Bass. A little further north, the old multicolored port

Lovers of nature, the mountains and the great outdoors, you are looking for an exceptional place that exudes calm and serenity. The picturesque village of Bet Ed Dine is for you. Located at approximately 850 meters above sea level, on a height facing Deir el-Qamar (yet another picturesque place in Lebanon), Beit Ed Dine is a real tourist destination which is mainly due to its palace, which also bears its name . It is precisely this magnificent place that I wanted to show you today through this article, which I remind you, is part of my tourist guide “Lebanon by Libshop”! Libshop Travel Guide: the ultimate tourist guide to holidays in Lebanon Accessible from Beirut, by the southern road to Damour (remember, the place full of Miami-style beaches!), you can reach Beit Ed Dine by the road that leads to Deir el-Qamar, about 25 kilometers from the coast (an hour's drive by car). A true Arab-Baroque architectural gem, the history of the Beit Ed Dine palace is closely linked to that of the Chouf emirate. Declared a national monument in 1934, upon Lebanon's independence, the palace welcomes each year, between its