Cats from Tokyo {Japan}

A couple of weeks ago, a friend gave me an autographed copy of the book NEKO LAND, a stunning collection of cat photos taken by Alexandre Bonnefoy during his stay in Japan. Also featuring cute drawings of Japanese felines by children's book illustrator Delphine Vaufrey, this coffee table book is of remarkable quality and an absolute delight to leaf through.

"Tokyo is in perpetual motion; houses are destroyed and built. The old districts modernize and their sites become ideal hunting grounds for cats," writes Alexandre Bonnefoy. "These protected lands, surrounded by palisades, are also ideal shelters. The cats can rest quietly during the night, returning to the back of the houses and the quieter streets in the early morning."

NEKO LAND is published in French, but as the pictures and drawings take up the majority of the book, it's the perfect gift for cat lovers anywhere.

---

Amazon US / Amazon FR / Amazon UK

Cats from Paris {France}

As small as it may be, Rue Crémieux in Paris is an attraction in itself. Photographers in particular like this cobbled pedestrian street with colorful two-story houses in the hues yellow, blue, green, pink and red. The narrow walkways on both sides display many potted plants in front of the homes.

Rue Crémieux is also a sure spot if you want to meet Parisian cats. You'll notice a myriad of eye-catching feline decorations reminding us that this is a street where felines rule.

If you'd like to spend the night in the midst of all these cats and colors, you may consider Hôtel Particulier, which is situated in Rue Crémieux. The hotel is conveniently close to the Gare du Lyon and several bars and restaurants. For more pictures of Hôtel Particulier and/or to book your stay, go here.

For more pictures of Rue Crémieux, go here.

Other nearby attractions: Opéra Bastille and Centre Pompidou

Cats from Clervaux {Luxembourg}

I recently visited Clervaux in Luxembourg to research a new supernatural thriller. In my book, Clervaux has more cats than one can handle. In reality, though, there's only a handful of them.

When I visited Clervaux for the first time fifteen years ago, I met the famous Clervaux castle cat, a cute calico that greeted all visitors at the entrance to the 12th century whitewashed castle. Today, that cat is no longer there. However, if you walk along Rue Schloff which surrounds the castle, several other cats will greet you. The cats above were spotted at Rue Schloff 7 and 9.

Find more info and pictures of Clervaux here.