A journey through articles to explore Russia in depth

If there is one place you should explore in the immense territory of Russia, it is Lake Baikal. A land of conquests, marked by trouble and history, a land soaked in Shamanism, where you feel sucked in by the translucent water of the lake. It's called the "pearl of Siberia" for good reason. Lake Baikal is an endless source of fascination for the travellers who go to see it.

Russia is the biggest country in the world. So it's not really necessary to point out that you're bound to find something you like, whether it's towns that are filled with history or landscapes that go on forever.

The largest lake in Europe and the second-largest in Russia offers fantastic Nordic scenery, made up of rocky coastlines and both dense and sparse coniferous forests. With its strong, although Nordic, light, its natural areas of great serenity and an absence of urban areas on its shores, despite the proximity of St. Petersburg, Lake Ladoga is an enchanting setting.

With its subtropical climate, beaches  and beautiful mountain landscapes, the Black Sea coastline is perfect for a coastal trip in an exotic setting. With its datchas and dynamism, Sochi is the Black Sea resort par excellence along the Russian Riviera, though it's so close to the Krasnaïa Poliana ski resorts; other people perhaps prefer Adler which is frequented by a less affluent crowd.

Russia is full of places to visit by yourself, as a couple or as a group. Some people have full confidence in everything they read in printed guides or online, while others prefer to rely on a local English speaking guide, an expert of the area, so as not to miss out on anything the land of the Tsars has to offer.

Alongside the Louvre or the British Museum, the Saint Petersburg Hermitage Museum is amongst the best in the world. A sumptuous neo-classical palace built on the command of Peter the Great, it holds an impressive collection of paintings. Playing host to some of the most beautiful works of European art, this must see is likely to keep you there for days and days.

Moscow was built in the heart of Russian history. All around, princes, dukes and tsars built sumptuous palaces, and the Orthodox church erected some magnificent monasteries. Between Moscow and the Golden Ring cities, you can go on fascinating trips discovering Russia's historical heritage.

Russia's gateway to the Pacific, Vladivostok is a fascinating city port. Its port, a former military zone now booming after the end of the Cold War, has become an exciting, cosmopolitan hub in a continually evolving city that's vibrant and fun... A place where rusty relics and fast-paced modernity collide.

Russia is the largest country in the world. So you'll have plenty to see and do! But what if eco-tourism and untouched nature is more your thing? Is there still such a wide choice? The answer's 'yes'. There's a republic in the northwest that any eco-tourist will love, be it during summer or winter: Karelia.

Imperial Russia, having conquered the Caucasus, fell in love with its mountain climate and spa waters. It built beautiful towns where the upper classes went to drink the waters. This tradition, which continued during Soviet Russia, continues today in Stavropol Krai, in Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Zheleznovodsk and Yessentuki , which are pleasant towns in beautiful settings.