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Want to make sure you have no regrets on your next trip to Paris? Make time to visit the Musée Edith Piaf when you next stay at Le Méridien Etoile.

One of France's most famed singers, Piaf is best known for songs like "La Vie en Rose" and "Non, je ne regretted rien" (and for being played by Marion Cotillard in 2007's La Vie en Rose, which won the actress an Oscar). You'll be able to glean some lesser-known facts about Piaf with a visit to the private museum in a Belleville apartment, a neighborhood Piaf spent time in as a child. It's owned by Bernard Marchois, who knew the singer for the last six years of her life and wrote two biographies about her. You'll need to call ahead to make an appointment and get the code to enter the building, then walk up four flights of stairs. What awaits is a two-room labor of love, a collection of memorabilia that includes her famed black dresses, a pair of open-toed heels, china, books and music, and gold and platinum records. Private letters from the likes of the word boxing champ Marcel Cerdan, Piaf's married lover who died in a plane crash en route to visit her, and photos provide an even fuller picture of Piaf.

It's only appropriate that a trip to a land in the Indian Ocean be filled with exotic tastes and smells. The best way to do this in the Seychelles is to visit Le Jardin du Roi, a spice plantation that's sure to take you back to the days of yore, when treasured spices were as dear as gold.

This tucked away gem features lovely gardens atop hills and across valleys (it's steep in some places, so you'd be wise to wear sturdy shoes), filled with rows of vanilla vines, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, and other spices. Stroll through the grounds at your leisure - if you're lucky, you'll see some of the giant tortoises that call the gardens home - or call at least one day ahead and book a guided mountain hike. The best of the gardens get put to use a short distance from where it grows - a rustic open-air restaurant, considered one of the area's best, overlooks the sea, and features drinks and local seafood flavored with Le Jardin du Roi's own spices. Don't miss the ice cream, which comes in stunning flavors like lemongrass and clove. And look no further for the perfect souvenir of your trip: A shop sells the garden's precious bounty. Make a stop there before heading back to Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove.

[image via Sam Mugraby, Photos8.com]

Cyprus has a winemaking tradition that goes back more than 5,000 years, its "kindly slopes" so fertile for the cultivation of grapes that it became a spiritual center for followers of Dionysus, the god of wine. That tradition serves as the foundation of the Limassol Wine Festival, an annual wine event that connects ancient history with the present day through the island's amazing wines. This year's festival (August 27 - September 5, 2010) will feature a performance by the Limassol Philharmonic Orchestra, an exhibition of Cypriot dance by the Limassol Folklore Association, and entertainment ranging from magic shows to storytelling. As for the wine, a variety of events will educate and enlighten visitors on the noble grape, including a series at the Cyprus Wine Museum that lets you learn about Cypriot wine traditions while enjoying some of the finest wines produced there today. Of course, you'll want a comfortable and convenient place to stay after the festival, so book a stay at the luxurious Le Méridien Limassol Spa & Resort (pictured). This stylish resort is a perfect place to experience the festival, with chic guest rooms and garden suites situated on 100,000 square meters of landscaped gardens. The resort has a variety of special offers to choose from, including the Early Bird package and the Royal Spa package, so book your stay today and immerse yourself in Cyprus wine history.

L'Aventure du Sucre (Sugar Museum) is set on Mauritius' Beau Plan Sugar Estate in the Pamplemousses district and details the island's history of sugar production with preserved equipment and artistic artifacts. Exhibits are curated to appeal to both a local and an international clientele. And it's even suitable and stimulating for all ages. Younger visitors will be greeted by mascots Raj (a mynah bird) and Floryse (a mongoose), colorful mascots who will educate and entertain the little ones. After taking in the exhibits, dine and unwind with an idyllic garden and mountain view at the museum restaurant Le Fangourin. The menu offers fresh fish, meat, vegetable platters, and, most importantly, desserts featuring unrefined cane sugars. The boutique stocks great gifts to bring back home, including exotic teas with special sugars. Should you have any needs to organize a business meeting while in Mauritius, the conference room is a creative and suitable choice.

Stay at Le Méridien Ile Maurice for convenient access to L'Aventure du Sucre as well as the island's central shopping and food. It's just 15 minutes away by car into this world of sweetness. There are sugar museums all across the world in places such as Berlin, Maui, Toronto, and Barbados. Have you been to any of them? If so, we'd love to hear about those experiences along your travels. Please recount your sweet adventures in the comments section below.

[Image via mauritiusattractions.com]