As the days get shorter and the temperatures cooler, a break is in order! Overview of our 13 favorite destinations for long winter weekends (as soon as it becomes possible to travel again!).
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Angers, in Maine-et-Loire
It is good to stroll through the historic alleys of the capital of Anjou, a medieval town which is also worth a detour for its castle. We go there in particular to admire the Apocalypse tapestry, a set of tapestries that form a monumental fresco. Another period building to visit, the Sainte-Maurice cathedral, Romanesque and Gothic Plantagenêt. Between two walks on the quays of Maine and two tastings of local specialties – calf’s ass with angel wine, Crémant d’Anjou or even Cointreau (in moderation) – we discover the artistic richness of the city in one of its many museums.
Venice, Italy
If the temperatures remain mild in Venice, you can witness periods of acqua alta (the overflow of the canals). In addition to the main unmissable sites of the city – Saint Mark’s Square and the basilica of the same name, the Doge’s Palace or the Campanile – you can take a boat trip on the Grand Canal, explore the bohemian district of Cannagerio or the Jewish quarter of the “Ghetto”. If you’re feeling peckish, sit down in a “bacaro”, a typically Venetian wine bar, and taste “cicchetti”, a kind of Italian tapas.
>>> If you want to discover in pictures our selection of the best destinations for a weekend in winter, go to our slideshow !
Norman Switzerland
This region straddling Calvados and Orne also has many assets. The post-impressionist painter André Hardy was not mistaken, he who spent part of his life in Clécy and left a museum in his name there. From the crest route to the forest of Grimbosq via the Roche d’Oëtre and the Château Ganne, a weekend in the middle of nature awaits you, to discover the Normandy region.
The Mont Saint Michel
Unmissable but still just as magical, this spot for which Bretons and Normans compete for membership lends itself well to long, melancholy winter weekends. On the program, a visit to the Benedictine abbey, the Saint-Pierre church and the Tiphaine house, a gourmet stopover at the Auberge de la Mère Poulard and a crossing of the bay on foot, of course.
Le Havre, in Seine-Maritime
Come rain or shine, the architecture of Le Havre, a city bombed and almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, can be discovered no matter the weather. Whether it is Oscar Niemeyer’s “Volcano”, Jean Nouvel’s Bains des Docks or Auguste Perret’s buildings, the modern wealth of the city is revealed as you stroll through this maritime metropolis.
L’Algarve, au Portugal
Fancy sun and relaxation? See you in the south of Portugal, where there are fewer tourists this season, more than mild weather and incredible light. Rather seaside resorts? Direction Albufeira and Portimao. Rather nature? Do not miss the cliffs of Lagos and in particular the “ponta de Piedade”. Before leaving, a little trip through the alleys of the pretty Tavira will offer a peaceful break.
Mont-de-Marsan, in the Landes
For a gourmet weekend, head to Mont-de-Marsan, where you can taste the famous Landes pastis or the tourtière, this typical Landes cake topped with Armagnac. In order to facilitate digestion, stroll along the Midouze, on the recently rehabilitated banks, or in the historic center, where you can admire the golden buildings, in “shell” stone.
Cap Ferret, in Gironde
With its atmosphere at the end of the world, lovers of fish, seafood and shellfish will feast on this upscale corner of Gironde. The many beaches and beautiful walks to do will convince you for a maritime getaway for a weekend at Cap Ferret.
Île de Ré, in Charente-Maritime
The “adored beauty” of Nougaro reveals all the potential of its natural charm in low season. Whether it is to go up on the Vauban fortifications, to practice fishing on foot at low tide on the Estran or to meet marsh birds and “Baudets du Poitou” (the donkeys mascots of the island) by bike, serenity is guaranteed on the Île de Ré.
Guérande, in Loire-Atlantique
Renowned for its marshes and its white gold, salt, the medieval town is full of places to visit between two walks: the Saint-Aubin collegiate church, the Saint-Michel gate, the Notre-Dame-la-Blanche chapel and of course its battlements.
Colmar, in Alsace
Cobbled streets and half-timbered houses are the hallmarks of this little Venice, nestled in the heart of the Alsatian vineyard. At the gates of Germany and Switzerland, we do not miss the tasting of wines produced in the surrounding area, in particular Riesling, Pinot Gris or the unpronounceable Gewurztraminer. All in the “winstub” which can be discovered along the flowery alleys of Colmar.
The Bay of Somme
Long sandy beaches that seem to stretch endlessly… you are not on a paradise island but in the north of France, on a territory of 75 m2. Renowned for its ornithological wealth, it is the ideal haunt for birds, especially in the Marquenterre park. The small villages of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme and Mers-les-Bains are ideal for admiring the autumn sunsets.
Dieppe, in Seine-Maritime
The “city of four ports” is the ideal place to drop anchor and discover the most beautiful towns of the Alabaster Coast, such as Varengeville-sur-Mer and Veules-les-Roses. Its castle-museum, which dominates the city and the sea, reflects the maritime history of Dieppe. The city is famous for its scallops and herring, which even have a party in November.
Read also :
⋙ What are the most beautiful countries in Europe?
⋙ What are the most beautiful ski resorts?
⋙ What are the most beautiful libraries in France?
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