"Keep Portland weird," claims a downtown mural. Translation: Let's keep Portland weird. The city is indeed considered the coolest in the world, the most tolerant and the most creative in many areas. So tolerant that the day after the election of Donald Trump, in this very democratic city, the business managers and cafés felt the need to reaffirm that everyone was welcome at home by putting signs on their windows. So open that the sale of marijuana is legalized, even for recreational purposes, Portland is a green city with a very efficient transportation network, with modern streetcars, cable cars and numerous bicycle paths. In the 1970s, the authorities decided to limit the city's growth so as not to encroach on green spaces. Portland has no less than seven parks, including the Japanese Garden on the heights of the city and the International Rose Test Garden, the oldest public rose garden in the United States. Divided into four sectors by the Willamette River and Burnside Street, the city is composed of neighbourhoods with a strong identity: the elegant Pearl district, the artistic Alberta, the gastronomic Division/Clinton or the skater Burnside. Mississippi Avenue has reinvented itself after many difficult years. The shops have returned and the colourful facades of the houses have been renovated. Visit Kay, a local figure and living memory, in his Sunlan Lighting light bulb store. And discover Paxton Gate, taxidermy shop, fossils, stones and other curiosities. Eclectic, the offer of restaurants is not in rest. We eat everything and we eat very well in Portland. The chefs were able to take advantage of local productions to offer the freshest possible cuisine. All plans are represented, especially the vegan. Want to eat on the go? No problem: go to the food trucks for an amazing choice of world cuisine, all at a low price. In the town of the Simpson creator, Matt Groening, the doughnut is in a good place. Direction for example to Voodoo Doughnut, in the city centre or at the airport, for recipes with offbeat names.