Cuba and Havana

How to depict this Caribbean island located at the Tropic of Cancer where the melodies of Buena Vista Social Club and classic American cars flow? Christopher Columbus landed here with his crew in 1492. The New World wasn't the anticipated El Dorado but transformed into an essential hub for the cultivation of coffee, cocoa, or sugar cane thanks to African slaves. After belonging to the crown of Spain, Cuba became during the prohibition a refuge for alcohol or gambling consumers, with dictator Batista maintaining special relations with the United States.

La Cosa Nostra ruled over the island and it was the Cuban revolution of 1959 that ousted them. The Bay of Pigs battle inflicted a setback on the Americans who retaliated with an embargo towards Cuba. Barack Obama's visit to Cuban soil in 2016, preceding the normalization process, illustrated this easing. It seems that Havana has always attracted stars: Hemingway had his quarters in Havana where he hosted Clark Gable or Ava Gardner. In 2013, Beyonce and Jay-Z did not hesitate to show up in the Cuban capital, followed by Katy Perry or Spike Lee spending their vacation in Havana. The fashion world also made its presence known, exemplified by Chanel organizing its first fashion show on the Prado. Major show-business names were then present, such as Vin Diesel or Géraldine Chaplin...

After belonging to the crown of Spain, Cuba became a refuge during the Prohibition for consumers of alcohol or gambling, with dictator Batista maintaining special relations with the United States.

In addition to the cathedral square with its colonial architecture, Habana Vieja encompasses no less than 900 historical buildings, the old city being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Know that these preserved districts owe much to the efforts of Spengler, the "historiador de la ciudad"! Saint Francis of Assisi Square's "camera oscura" provides you with a 360° real-time view thanks to a 30 times magnification! How did this machine invented by Leonardo da Vinci end up in Havana, it is said that the city of Cadiz gifted it to the Cuban capital!

Brad Pitt is a fan of Mojito, Hemingway of pina colada, and you of cuba libre? What these cocktails have in common is that they are all made with rum! How about stopping at the Habana Club Rum Museum tucked away in a mansion close to Plaza Vieja. From the "solar", the courtyard, you are invited by the ringing of a bell to visit the cellar room. You will learn that a locomotive used to transport the sugarcane! At the end of the thrilling visit, would you try the "cata vertical", a rum tasting from the youngest to the oldest?

You will undoubtedly be amazed by the Museum of the Revolution decorated by Tiffany, reminiscent of Versailles and its Hall of Mirrors! The staircase bears the scars of the failed assassination attempt on Batista. The "despacho presidencial" is the place where Fidel Castro was sworn in in '59! Outside, equipment recalls the episode of the Bay of Pigs. The building that housed the governing bodies was converted into a museum in 1974 and is listed as a national monument. However, it is very likely that you will find it has a spirit of propaganda!

Then you will head to Marti or Prado passage, 2 km long, directly inspired by the Ramblas of Barcelona. Stop at the Indian fountain to listen to stories; it is used as a speakers' corner! You will pass in front of the palace of marriages where people marry for real! You will leave behind the great neo-baroque theater without mentioning the capitol! Finally, relax in the Fraternity Park designed to commemorate the 4th centenary of Christopher Columbus's arrival, where you will notice a bust of… Lincoln!

Already I can tell that you dream of entering the lobby of the legendary Hotel Sevilla with its yellow facade. On the 6th floor, you could see a plaque with Al Capone's name on it! The hotel had a casino! Moreover, you might not know, but it rolled out the red carpet for the controversial Josephine Baker due to her skin color. Finally, Graham Greene set the scene of his novel "Our man in Havana" where the spy passes off vacuum cleaner plans as those for a military facility!

From the Plaza de Armas, you will take a one-hour tour in a beautiful American car starting from the square. How shiny these Mustangs, Buicks, Chevrolets are... and surprisingly well-maintained. During the Revolution, Cubans fled the country overnight leaving behind their homes, their cars... In the absence of spare parts, they have become exceptional mechanics especially since a new vehicle remains unaffordable. There are still 60,000 specimens and it is not permitted to export them.

 The Revolution Square, topped with the portrait of Che and the phrase: "Hasta la victoria siempre." This modern district contains a gem, the National Hotel, whose construction dates back to the 1930s. It hosted the world's greats: Weissmuller, Churchill, Gagarine, Marlene Dietrich, Gary Cooper, and Marlon Brando… Coppola was inspired by the famous conference of the crime syndicate and the American mafia for the creation of The Godfather 2! It was Sinatra who lent his voice to the event. During the missile crisis of '62, anti-aircraft guns were installed on the roofs!

The malecon corresponds to a seaside promenade that stretches for 8km. This coastal strip created at the beginning of the 20th century is often nicknamed the "world's largest sofa".... People meet there, stroll, and kiss… Therefore, it is a must-visit to feel the pulse of the Cuban capital. You will be surprised to spot fishermen with their lines pulling up fish such as perch or bass…

To blend into the scenery, there is nothing like smoking a cigar just like Fidel Castro, whom the Cohiba house initially supplied exclusively. Did you know, Cohiba means tobacco in the language of the Taino Indians! The mansion that houses the factory employs the best torcedores—rollers. The tobacco leaves are the finest in the world and are fermented in barrels. Who knows, will you have the privilege of smoking a habano with the factory’s director over a sweet coffee on the terrace?

This coastal strip created at the beginning of the 20th century is often nicknamed the "world's largest sofa".

At La Floridita, in the company of Hemingway on foot! Unless you prefer La Bodeguita, also frequented by Salvador Allende or Pablo Neruda.

At the Tropicana Club, an open-air cabaret in a botanical garden would be a "paradise under the stars" that Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, and Ingrid Bergman enjoyed.

The Casas de la Musica where the great names of salsa perform!