The famed Palace of Versailles had a comparatively modest beginning as a hunting lodge built by Louis XIV in 1624. It would evolve, of course, into an emblem of the absolute rule of the Ancien Régime – and a visible symbol of the wealth that supported it. Located to the west of Paris in what is now a moneyed suburb, the hunting chateau was originally surrounded by rural countryside. An unusual place for a seat of power, perhaps, and far from the King’s original residence in the Louvre, but it was an undoubtedly beautiful setting.

Tease amour out of your better half by immersing them in the most romantic places the planet can provide. To help choose a location most likely to play on your heartthrob’s heartstrings, here’s our selection of the 10 most romantic places in the world, to make even the most stonyhearted lover swoon.

Ushering in the New Year used to be simple. Friends had the same dates and kept the same customs. Today, however, people operate in the midst of several calendars, they’re increasingly conscious that it’s celebrated in myriad ways, and as a result, encounter many different New Year traditions. Therefore, in the spirit of an increasingly interconnected world, it’s time to take a look at some of the most interesting New Year celebrations around the world.