French traveller urges Europeans to see Russia for themselves

A French traveller who has visited 20 Russian regions says Europeans should experience the country as tourists, describing it as large, interesting and rich in natural variety.

Noémie Alix, who also writes a blog about travelling in Russia, highlighted the range of its landscapes and climates. You can go to the sea or to the mountains, she said, and find plus 40 degrees or minus 40. She called the diversity incredible and said she genuinely recommends that all Europeans visit.

Alix said Western politics stands in the way of European travel to Russia. She urged people to stop fixating on stereotypes about the country and to look beyond politics.