Peter Haines, Author at European Travel Escape

8 Best Rooftop Bars in Florence

Visiting a rooftop bar or two is one of the best things to do in Florence. If you want drinks with a view of the Duomo, you have quite a few rooftop bars in Florence to choose from. In this guide, we cover the top picks and practical information so you can choose which ones to visit.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE FLORENCE ROOFTOP BARS

Ideally, Make Your Reservation in Advance

Some rooftop bars take reservations and some rooftop bars are first come, first serve. We suggest making a reservation in advance for each of these rooftop bars, unless otherwise noted. Several of these are extremely popular spots and book up in advance.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit a Rooftop Bar?

When we did this in September 2022, on average, we paid 12 to 16€ for a cocktail. Appetizers/small plates ranged from 10€ to 20€, depending on the place and what was on the menu.

Expect to pay a minimum of 12€ per drink, plus extra if you want a small plate of food. The cocktails at the rooftop bars are extremely expensive, much more so than if you were going to get a cocktail at a restaurant elsewhere in the city.

We give the link to each rooftop bar and from here you can check the menus and pricing.

Hours of Operation

We recommend checking the official website for hours of operation. The links are included for each rooftop bar in this article.

Dress Code

For all of these rooftop bars, smart casual clothing is recommended. Some rooftop bars are very casual, such as View on Art and Fishing the Roof, while others are more upscale, such as SE·STO on Arno and La Terrazza.

Note: Many of these rooftop bars are located on top of hotels. You do not have to be a guest of these hotels in order to visit these rooftop bars in Florence.

Not all the Rooftop Bars are Open All Year

Some rooftop bars are only open during peak season (late spring into early fall). Several of these rooftop bars close around the end of September. If you plan to visit Florence in the fall, check the websites for their hours before you go.

BEST ROOFTOP BARS IN FLORENCE

Below is a list of the best rooftop bars in Florence. These are in order from our favorite to least favorite rooftop bar.

1. VIEW ON ART ROOFTOP COCKTAIL BAR

Location: Hotel Medici
View: The Duomo
Hours: Noon to 10ish on weekdays, noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday
Reservation: First come first served
Website: viewonart.en

This rooftop bar has a spectacular view of the Duomo…the best of any place we visited in Florence.

From this outdoor rooftop terrace, you look across just a few rooftops to the Duomo. You are close enough that you can see people on top of the Campanile and the dome. From this angle, the lighting is perfect on the Duomo in the late afternoon and early evening.

The downside is that the rooftop area is very small, service can be slow, and the decor is very basic. But what you came here was for drinks with a view, and this rooftop bar definitely delivers on both of those.

The View on Art serves lunch, but since they get terrible ratings for their food, I recommend just having a drink while you are here.

We spent about 30 minutes here, just enough time to have a drink and enjoy the view. In our experience, the drinks were good and the service was fast. Overall, we had a very good experience, simply because we thought the view was phenomenal.

Come for a drink, enjoy the view, and have dinner afterward at a different restaurant or rooftop bar, where the service and quality of food is better.

2. DIVINA TERRAZZA ROOFTOP BAR

Location: Grand Hotel Cavour
View: Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Bargello Museum
Hours: Opening times vary, check the website for hours
Website: hotelcavour.com

Sitting on top of the Grand Cavour Hotel, with a location between the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, is one of our favorite rooftop bars in Florence.

From this small rooftop terrace, you have 360° views over the city. In one direction, you have an unobstructed view of the Duomo, and it is amazing. If you turn 180°, you can see Palazzo Vecchio and the top of the Bargello Museum.

This rooftop terrace has a casual, laid-back atmosphere. From most seats on the terrace, you get a wonderful view of the Duomo, even while seated. Most seating is on small sofas and high-top tables, so you are not packed in with other guests, as in some of the other rooftop bars.

Divina Terrace only offers cocktails, beer, and wine. They do not serve food, other than a small dishes of pistachios, corn nuts, and crackers that come with your drinks.

View from Divina Terraza

3. TOSCA & NINO ROOFTOP BAR

Location: Piazza della Repubblica, Rinascente department store
View: Piazza della Repubblica and the Duomo
Hours: 9 or 10 am through 11 pm/midnight (hours depend on the day)
Reservation: This rooftop bar does not take reservations; it is first come first served
Website: toscanino.com

Ride the elevator to the top floor of the Rinascente department store. Walk to the wine shop, climb the staircase to the rooftop bar, and enjoy a close-up view of the Duomo.

We loved this view. It’s not as well-known as other rooftop bars, but it’s easy to visit, and the views of the Duomo are one of the best in Florence. Once the rooftop terrace fills up, you will have to wait for people to leave, until you will be permitted to enter the terrace.

Late afternoon and sunset are popular times to be here. Early in the day (morning and early afternoon) you have a better chance of visiting this rooftop bar without a wait in line. We visited this spot multiple times and timing really makes a difference.

They serve cocktails, beer, and wine. They also serve a full menu, from appetizers to soups and salads to main courses and desserts. You can have a full meal here, all with one of the best views of Florence.

They get very mixed reviews on their service. Some reviewers state they had fast, friendly service while others say that service was very slow. We were in the “slow service category,” and it took about 20 minutes for our drink to be served.

Tim and I still think it’s a great rooftop bar to add to your list, since you don’t need a reservation and it has a great view of the Duomo. Take your pick between View on Art and Tosca & Nino, since they offer very similar views.

View from Tosa & Nino

4. SE·STO ON ARNO ROOFTOP BAR

Location: The Westin Excelsior
View: The Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Arno River, Ponte Vecchio
Hours: 11 am to 1 am
Website: sestoonarno.com

The view from this rooftop bar is one of the best in Florence. From here, you look out over the rooftops and can see many of the city’s famous landmarks: the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and the Arno River.

This rooftop bar has a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. If you want an outdoor table with a view of the Duomo, there are only five available tables.

As you can see in our photos above, there are a few rooftops and nearby structures that block photos, but as you sit here, sipping on a glass of wine or cocktail, you have a fantastic view of the Duomo and the city of Florence.

The indoor section of SE·STO on Arno also has a nice view of the Duomo and across the Arno River to the south side of Florence. You don’t have the awesome views like you do from the small outdoor terrace, but it makes a good option if you happen to be here on a rainy day.

There is a second, larger outdoor terrace, but these tables have a view over the Arno River, not the Duomo.

The bar opens at 11 am for drinks. Is 11 am too early for a cocktail? Not when you are on holiday in Florence!

Lunch is served from noon until 3 pm and after this, you can order off of the snack menu. We had the burrata pomodoro salad and it was delicious. The cocktails were great too.

The service is 5-star, and this is one of the most high-end rooftop bars in Florence.

On a visit to the Westin, a walk here might feel a little bit out of the way, but your reward is an expansive view of most of the city, so we think it’s well worth it. Just make your reservation in advance…this is a popular rooftop bar in Florence.

5. FISHING THE ROOF

Location: NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi
View: Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio
Hours: Hours vary, check the website for hours during your visit
Website: fishinglab.it

The NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi Hotel is a 4-star hotel in the historic center of Florence. This rooftop bar sits on the top floor of the hotel and offers stunning views of the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio.

We really liked this rooftop bar, both for its views and its casual atmosphere. The drinks were good, the food was good, and the staff was super friendly. On the menu are a lot of fish-based dishes, so keep that in mind. The serve small plates all evening.

Fishing the Roof is one block over from B Roof, another rooftop bar in Florence (mentioned next). We liked Fishing the Roof more since it has a better view of the Duomo. The NH Hotel (the location of Fishing the Roof) actually blocks part of the view from B Roof, so if you are picking between the two, based on the view, Fishing the Roof is the winner.

View from Fishing the Roof

6. B ROOF

Location: Grand Hotel Baglioni
View: The Duomo, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
Hours: Hours vary, so check the official website
Website: b-roof.it

Sitting on top of Grand Hotel Baglioni is a rooftop bar and restaurant. Together, the restaurant and rooftop bar span the entire top level of the hotel, so it’s a huge indoor and outdoor space with 360° views of Florence.

B Roof, which is the rooftop bar, takes up the majority of the top level.

B Roof has a large outdoor terrace with tables and chairs. From this terrace, you mainly have a view of the Florence rooftops without any major landmarks, like the Duomo or Palazzo Vecchio. However, if you walk to the far end of the terrace, you get an unobstructed view of the Duomo.

Most of the terrace seating is in a garden-like setting, with shrubs and flowers lining the terrace walls and a long archway of vines covering the seating area.

There are a few elevated patios on the rooftop terrace, but they were not open during our visit (the end of September). These upper patios are open from late spring through the summer.

Also on the top floor of the hotel is a restaurant. This restaurant is all indoors and has incredible views of the Duomo. It is open at 7:30 pm and a reservation is necessary for dinner.

For the best view from this rooftop spot, come in the summer and request the upper patios in your reservation. Or, book dinner in the restaurant.

If you can’t get a reservation for an upper patio, or if it’s not open as in our case, come for a drink, take your photos from the far end of the terrace, and then relax in the garden-like area.

Great Atmosphere at B Roof

7. LA TERRAZZA ROOFTOP BAR

Location: Hotel Continentale
View: Ponte Vecchio, Arno River, Palazzo Vecchio
Hours: 4 pm to 10 pm
Website: lungarnocollection.com

This small, upscale rooftop bar sits on top of Hotel Continentale, just steps away from Ponte Vecchio.

La Terrazza is one of the smallest and busiest rooftop bars that we visited in Florence. It’s also one of the most expensive, and for the views that you get, we don’t think it is worth the high price tag.

From this rooftop bar, you can look down onto Ponte Vecchio, but there is a catch. You only get a view of this iconic bridge if no one is seated along the sofas that run along the west side of the terrace. And to get the view, you need to kneel on the sofa to look down onto the bridge. To take the photo below, I had to hold the camera out over the ledge.

If these seats are taken, you will not be able to get the view, and the photo above, so keep that in mind.

Low walls and greenery line the rooftop terrace, so once seated, you won’t see much, other than the tower of Palazzo Vecchio.

La Terrazza opens at 4 pm. It’s generally busy until 7:30 pm, according to the staff that works here. To get a seat, it’s highly recommended that you make a reservation. A reservation guarantees you a seat, but it comes with a big price tag. With a reservation, your first drink is 35 euros, whether it is a cocktail or a glass of Coke. Each additional drink then gets added to your bill.

However, without a reservation, you risk not getting a seat. We were here on a Thursday at 5 pm at the end of September, not peak season in Florence. Every seat was taken during our visit and people were being turned away.

They really pack people into this small rooftop terrace. We sat between two other couples, Tim and I facing each other across a table. It was hard for us to have a conversation, but easy to eavesdrop on those around us, since we were all seated so close together. We weren’t fans of the overall set up of seating.

On average, cocktails cost 21 euros, the most expensive of any rooftop bar we visited in Florence.

The mediocre views, expensive drinks, and packed atmosphere make La Terrazza one of our least favorite rooftop bars in Florence. If you read reviews online, they tend to echo this statement.

Rooftop seating at La Terraza

8. ANGEL ROOFBAR

Location: Hotel Calimala
View: Palazzo Vecchio, a small portion of the Duomo
Hours: 6 pm to 12 am
Website: hotelcalimala.com

The views from this rooftop terrace are not all that exciting…you do get a wonderful view of Palazzo Vecchio and you can see the front of the Duomo (from one prime spot on the outdoor terrace), but you cannot see the dome from this rooftop bar.

If you are short on time, and just want a great view of the Duomo, this is one to skip. But if you want a great cocktail or meal, this is the place to go. The drinks and the food were the best we had in any rooftop bar in Florence.

Reservations are highly recommended at Angel. But that does not guarantee that you will get a table with a good view.

We had a reservation for a rooftop terrace table and sat inside, with no view, since a private event got the privilege of better tables and viewpoints. After taking a few photos, we almost left, since we were so disappointed, and frustrated, but decided to have one drink.

The cocktail menu is very creative and the drinks are superb. We tried several, including the various Negronis, and have to say that the Ideal Negroni was our favorite drink here.

We had an excellent experience with the food here, but if you look at the reviews, they are all over the place. Maybe we were just here on a good night, but we loved the small plates that we ordered off the aperitif menu. It seems as if many of the bad reviews seem to come from ordering off of the dinner menu.

We recommend the Burgerini (burger sliders…yum!!), Il Tagliere (meat and cheese board), and Patata Perfetta (fantastic French fries).

So, make your reservation, if you don’t get prime seating, go up to the terrace and take a few photos, and then order drinks and snacks off the menu…we loved the experience even though it turned out differently than we expected.

Let’s Explore Strasbourg in France Together!

I’d love to take you on an adventure through Strasbourg! This popular tourist attraction is not only a beautiful city in northeastern France and the capital of the Grand Est region, but it is full of history, culture, and excitement, and I know you’re going to love it.

The Strasbourg Old Town

We’ll start our adventure in the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where you’ll find the city’s most famous landmarks, like the Strasbourg Cathedral and the Petite France district.

Cathédrale Notre Dame

The Cathédrale Notre Dame is a must-see for any visitor to Strasbourg. Located on Place de la Cathédrale, which is the main square in the Old Town, it is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, and it’s absolutely stunning.

Being a Gothic cathedral that was built in the 11th century, it is the tallest church in the country and is known for its intricate stained glass windows and astronomical clock.

It is the seat of the Archbishop of Strasbourg and is one of the most important religious buildings in France. The cathedral is also a popular tourist destination, attracting over 1.3 million visitors each year.

The cathedral is open to visitors from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. Admission is free. Visitors can climb the 332 steps to the top of the spire for stunning views of the city. The cathedral also offers a number of guided tours, including tours in English, German, and French.

Cathedral Notre Dame

The Pettie France District

This charming neighborhood is located on the banks of the Ill River. The neighborhood is full of narrow canals and half-timbered houses. It’s the perfect place to wander around and get lost.

There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore, as well as a number of museums and historical sites, including the Musée Alsacien, the Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame, and the Barrage Vauban.

Petite France is a very walkable neighborhood, so you can easily get around on foot. However, there is also a good public transportation system, including buses and trams. It is also a very safe area, but it is always good to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.

The locals are very welcoming and most people speak English. However, it is always good to learn a few basic French phrases before you visit.

The Pettie France District

Modern Strasbourg

After exploring the Old Town, we’ll head to the Neustadt district. This is the modern part of Strasbourg, and it’s full of museums, art galleries, and shops. The European Parliament is also located in the Neustadt district, so you can take a tour and learn about how the European Union works.

Don’t Forget the Good Food

No trip to Strasbourg would be complete without trying the local food. The city is known for its Alsatian cuisine, which is a mix of French and German influences. Some of the most popular dishes include:

Choucroute garnie

Choucroute garnie is a traditional Alsatian dish that consists of sauerkraut, sausage, pork, and other meats. It’s a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for a cold winter day. You can find choucroute garnie at most restaurants in Strasbourg.

Flammekueche

Flammekueche is a thin pizza-like tart that’s made with a dough of flour, water, and yeast. It’s topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. Flammeküche is a popular street food in Strasbourg, and you can find it at many bakeries and cafes.

Spätzle

Spätzle are a type of noodle that’s made with flour, eggs, and water. They’re often served with a variety of sauces, such as cheese sauce or tomato sauce. Spätzle are a popular dish in Alsace, and you can find them at many restaurants in Strasbourg.

Strasbourg Night Life

If you’re looking for something to do in the evening, Strasbourg has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are bars, clubs, and restaurants to suit every taste. You can also catch a show at the Opera National du Rhin or the Théâtre Municipal de Strasbourg.

strasbourg nightlife

Strasbourg is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with something to offer everyone.

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Strasbourg!

The Best Hot Springs in Tuscany

The Saturnia thermal hot springs are one of Italy’s best-kept secrets and an absolute must for any visitor to Italy. It is a collection of silk blue water springs on cascading levels that are heated by the nearby volcano. A small but powerful stream of water keeps the water flowing down these levels and makes sure it has a delightful and constant temperature of 37 degrees.

The Blissful Feeling of Bathing in the Hot Springs

About Saturnia, Tuscany

Saturnia is a spa town in Tuscany, Italy. One common misconception is, that the springs are part of a nearby located spa resort and therefore, a cost must be attached. The Saturnia hot springs in Tuscany are completely FREE to visit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

How to Visit the Saturnia Hot Springs in Tuscany?

Being strategically located between Siena (2 hours) and Rome (3 hours) makes Saturnia a perfect stop to add to your Tuscany road trip. The best option is to rent a car, drive there and spend the night at one of the bed and breakfasts near the hot springs.

If you’re renting a car in Italy we recommend Sunny Cars as they work with local car rental companies and the price includes all insurance.

Enjoy the peaceful baths during sunset or sunrise when the least visitors are in the baths. The relaxing sound of the powerful waterfall will muffle the talking that you would normally hear around you.

If you prefer a private experience, visit the spring before 7 AM. Next to the hot spring is a parking area that’s also open the entire day. UPDATE: The parking is moved to a nearby location indicated with signs.

Why Does the Hot Spring in Saturnia Smell?

Because of its natural volcanic heating process, the sulfur smell is a small drawback of the Tuscany thermal hot springs. Some days it’s worse than others, but as the water is said to be healing, you will feel as new after a good bath here.

What to Bring to the Hot Springs in Tuscany

Your trip through Italy isn’t complete without a proper swim in the Saturnia hot springs. Bring your towel and drinking water so you won’t get dehydrated but change in your hotel or car because there are no changing facilities at these hot springs in Tuscany.

It is so unusual that a place like this exists and that everyone can enjoy it for free. Please take your garbage with you and leave the hot springs even cleaner than before.

Hotels in Saturnia

There is a handful of good hotels and B&Bs in the area. The B&B 8380 is a 5-minute walking distance from the thermal hot springs. The same goes for the Spa and Golf Resort. It’s best to choose accommodation in either Saturnia or Montemerano.

Self Drive Trips in South of France for Two Weeks

The South of France is the perfect French holiday destination. There are many great places to visit, the scenery is always beautiful, and the food and culture are hard to beat.

This area of France has a wonderful climate with long warm summer days stretching through to September and October. Winters in Southern France, especially along the Mediterranean coast, is always mild.

The Ultimate South of France Road Trip Itinerary (2 Weeks)

The best way to explore Southern France is by car. This south-of-France road trip from Toulouse to Nice (or vice-versa) covers the French regions of Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. This Southern France road trip itinerary lasts two weeks, and it is a good itinerary for first-timers in Southern France who love history, sightseeing, outdoor activities, and great food.

This road trip south of France is one of the best road trips in France. Read more about road-tripping in France:

Southern France Road Trip Overview

Start: Toulouse
Finish: Nice
Duration: 14 days
Suggested route: Toulouse – Narbonne – Arles – Camargue – Aix-en-Provence – Cassis – Cannes – Nice
Total distance: 751 Km, 8.5 hours drive in total
Region covered: Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Best for: history, sightseeing, nature, small towns, food & wine

This south of France road trip itinerary starts from Toulouse, the capital city of the Occitanie region. Toulouse is easy to reach by train from Paris or Bordeaux. The journey from Paris to Toulouse by train takes around 4 hours while Bordeaux to Toulouse by train is only 2 hours.

Toulouse also has one of the major airports in France. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) has regular and seasonal international flights from Europe, Africa, and America.

South of France Road Trip Map

South of France Road Trip Itinerary

For this south of France road trip, you don’t need the car until day 2, so if you are taking a self-drive trip in a hire car, wait until then to pick up your rental car in Toulouse. Go here for some great tips for renting a car in France.

Day 0 – Arrival at Toulouse

Arrive at Toulouse the day before the start of this road trip around Southern France. For your two nights in Toulouse, the Boutique Hotel SOCLO is comfortable, beautiful, and very central. Its swimming pool and garden are ideal for the warmest days in Southern France.

Located in the southwest of France, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France. Boasting a rich historical heritage and sumptuous monuments, the famous ‘Pink City’ always ranks among the most beautiful cities in France.

Cradle of aviation and space, Toulouse is ranked among the most advanced technology parks in terms of research. With many mansions, old buildings, museums, and monuments, Toulouse welcomes many students and tourists each year, making the city very lively and an excellent base to explore the region.

The list of interesting things to visit in Toulouse includes:

Place du Capitole
Basilique Saint-Sermin
La Cité de l’Espace
The banks of the River Garonne
La Maison de la Violette
Halle de la Machine (exhibition hall of performance machines)
Nocturnes at Marché Victor Hugo (Thursday night)

Day 2 – Toulouse – Carcassonne – Narbonne

It’s time to hit the road and drive to Narbonne, the next stop of this Southern France road trip. The drive from Toulouse – Narbonne via the A61 highway is straightforward and it only takes 1.5 hours.

If you are not in a hurry, stop for a couple of hours at Carcassonne to admire one of the most beautiful medieval towns in France. The Cité de Carcassonne is listed UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the top sights of the Cathar Country.

For your stay in Narbonne, book two nights at Hôtel La Résidence. Set in an elegant 19th building well located to the Canal de la Robine, with restaurants and public parking nearby, Hôtel La Résidence offers everything you could expect for a perfect stay in Narbonne.

Day 3 – Narbonne

Located in the Aude department, in the Occitanie region, Narbonne is a touristy city thanks to its 5 km of thin sand at Narbonne-Plage. It is also a city with a rich history that goes back to Roman times (118 BC) and an excellent base to explore the Massif de la Clape and the Fontfroide Abbey.

The Canal de la Robine is one of France’s oldest canals, and it separates the Historical Center and the Cité district in central Narbonne. Here, you will see vestiges of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and Narbonne’s Age of Gold at the end of the 19th century.

The list of interesting things to visit in Narbonne includes:

Stroll around the Old Town
Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Narbonne
Visit the Musée Lapidaire de Narbonne
Explore the Musée Roman Horréum (ancient Roman galleries)
Beach day at Narbonne-Plage
Sail the Canal de la Robine on an electric boat (no boating license required)

Day 4 – Arles

After three days in the Occitanie region, this road trip south of France moves to Provence. Provence is one of France’s favorite destinations and a must on any road trip to Southern France. With gorgeous towns such as Cassis, Grasse, St Remy, and Arles; and stunning countryside, you can see why it remains one of the most popular destinations in France to visit.

Start the day early with a coffee and drive to Arles, where you will spend one night. For your stay in Arles, book at Hotel du Musée, a charming former mansion built in the 17th-century and lovingly renovated in the center of Arles. Hotel du Musée offers stylish rooms with comfortable beds and a delicious breakfast in a lovely inner garden.

Located in the heart of Provence, Arles is always a favorite. Arles has it all: an interesting Roman heritage, beautiful 17th-century mansions, mazy streets, modern museums, and the wide rolling Rhône River. When the temperatures are warm, all the café-terraces and restaurants are full of locals and tourists, creating a lively atmosphere.

Arles was also the base for Paul Gauguin and Van Gogh. Here, Van Gogh painted some of his most famous masterpieces.

The list of interesting things to visit in Arles includes:

Arènes d’Arles
Roman Theater
Arles through Van Gogh: Espace Van Gogh & Fondation Van Gogh
Abbey of Montmajour
Church and Cloister St Trophime
Musée Départamentale Arles Antique
Les Alyscamps (Roman necropolis)

Days 5 and 6 – The Camargue

From Arles, this road trip takes a detour for the sole reason of visiting the Camargue. The Camargue Regional Natural Park is the largest wetland in France, covering a surface of 100,000 hectares. It is famous worldwide for its stunning landscapes, lakes, and exceptional fauna.

Located on the axis of migration of birds from northern Europe to Africa, this area is also home to one of the main nesting sites for pink flamingos in France. But above all, the Camargue is an area for breeding Camargue horses and bulls! Here, bulls and horses live in semi-freedom, most often in herds, watched over by herdsmen on horseback.

From Arles, take the road D570 to Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Considered the capital of the Camargue, Les Saintes is a little corner of paradise, with beautiful beaches, wild nature, and some places of interest.

After four days on the road, it’s time to relax for a couple of days in one of the most beautiful natural regions of France! For your stay in the Camargue, book two nights at the Hotel La Tramontana. The hotel offers individually-decorated, airy rooms which lead to the outdoor swimming pool, the garden, and a private pond.

Day 7 – Aix-en-Provence

Start the day early and enjoy a last breakfast in the gardens of Hotel La Tramontana. Back to Arles, take the N113 road direction to Aix-en-Provence, the next stop of this road trip to Southern France.

For a unique stay in Aix-en-Provence, book a night at the Hotel des Augustins, a former 12th-century convent just off the famous Cours Mirabeau in the heart of the old town. The hotel features spacious rooms combining historic and modern features and a magnificent lobby.

Aix-en-Provence is the typical Provencal city and a wonderful place to explore in southern France. Aix’s historic center with Italian influences boasts beautiful architecture and pretty squares adorned with stone fountains. The markets of Aix are also worth exploring for their colorful stalls and delicious local products.

The list of fun things to do in Aix-en-Provence includes:

Stroll around the city center
A coffee break at Cours Mirabeau
The Mazarin neighborhood
Paul Cézanne’s workshop
Granet Museum (art museum)
Taste the famous calissons (Aix’s typical sweets)
The Montagne Sainte-Victoire

Days 8 and 9 – Cassis

From Aix-en-Provence, drive to Cassis, the last Provencal destination of this south of France road trip itinerary. For your stay in Cassis, book two nights at Le Jardin d’Emile. This characteristic Provence-style house has the perfect location by the beach with a short walk to the port/town. It offers uniquely decorated rooms each with a different color and atmosphere, a garden, and an outdoor terrace overlooking Cape Canaille.

Cassis is a cute fishing town located on one of the sides of the Parc National des Calanques de Marseille-Cassis. This colorful town near Marseille, so typical of Provence, is one of the best coastal towns in France, perfect for a couple of relaxing days by the Mediterranean Sea.

Spend day 8 exploring Cassis. The town is dominated by a castle built in the 8th century and it is renowned for its trails running along the Cap Canaille, its round pebble beaches, and a little bit further, its creeks and their majestic cliffs plunging into deep blue water (Calanques). There’s also an adorable little port lined with multicolored buildings, cafés, and delicious restaurants offering bouillabaisse, seafood, and fish dishes.

On day 9, you can take a day trip to Marseille. You can also explore the Calanques of Cassis on foot or on a catamaran tour.

Days 10 and 11 | Cannes

The last days of this south of France itinerary by car are spent in Côte d’Azur, also known as French Riviera. Côte d’Azur is well-known for its beaches and coves, impressive views, azure water, and for being a playground for the wealthy. The French Riviera is also home to pretty towns and villages, and there’s a vibrant cultural scene, especially in the summer.

From Cassis, drive to Cannes, where you will spend two nights. For your stay in Cannes, book at Hotel Croisette Beach Cannes Mc Gallery. Located in central Cannes, 150m far from the famous La Croisette beach, this hotel offers the best of the French Riviera: stylish and comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant with sea views, and a private beach at an extra cost.

Known for its luxurious accommodations and shopping, as well as for the world-famous Cannes Film Festival, Cannes truly is a dream destination for many travelers. Cannes is the kind of place you visit when you want to relax and enjoy some luxury. With its stunning beaches, warm weather, and convenient location close to Nice, this is where the stars go for a holiday.

Use the first day in Cannes to visit the city.

The list of fun things to do in Cannes includes:

Explore Le Suquet (Cannes’ oldest neighborhood)
La Croix des Gardes neighborhood
The Old Port
La Croisette Walkway
Sandy beaches
Villa Rotschild

For your second day, you can take a relaxing catamaran tour with lunch or drive to one of the many great places to visit in the French Riviera, near Cannes:

Antibes
Juan-les-Pins
Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Lérins islands by ferry

Days 12, 13 and 14 – Nice

The last stop of this road trip Southern France is Nice, the capital of the French Riviera. For your stay in Nice, book three nights at the Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges. This 4-star hotel is nestled into the Colline du Château, and it comes with Nice’s best view over the Baie des Anges. Rooms are huge, with elegant Mediterranean décor and some of them also come with a private balcony with great ocean views.

In Nice, take your time to explore the Old Town, taste some provençal specialties, and of course, have a stroll on the famous Promenade des Anglais! Nice also has some of the best French Riviera beaches, and their turquoise waters are calling for a dip.

For your first two days in Nice, we recommend this Nice 2-day itinerary, which also explores the colorful neighboring town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. For your last day in the city, take one of these best day trips from Nice. We recommend Éze Village, but all the places on the list are lovely.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your road trip Southern France today!

The Best Places to Visit in France

France is a beautiful country with lots of culture and beauty to soak in and experience. Here are ten of the best places to visit in France…

Paris at Dusk

Champagne

Our tour de France wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention the birthplace of bubbly in the list of the best things to do. The Champagne region, which lies about 1.5 hours from Paris in the northeastern part of France, is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates wine. Viewing the setting sun over rolling vineyards and a dreamy landscape is more than enough reason to visit the region. It is possible to tour one of the Champagne houses if you wish to learn more about Champagne – an unforgettable experience.

Gorges du Verdon

Why not visit the French equivalent of the Grand Canyon? Found in France’s south-eastern region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur the Gorges du Verdon, a 700 meters deep landmark is a must-see. The largest limestone canyon in Europe, carved by the Verdon River. A big attraction for those who love adrenaline-styled water sports and activities.

Corsica

Visit the stunning Mediterranean island Corsica, and you will soon forget that you’re on French land. Sitting between Italy and France, this island celebrates the best of each culture. The island is famous as the birthplace of Napoleon. And it is easy to see why it is known as the island of beauty.

The stylish coastal towns, pristine forests, and rocky peaks are wild, unspoiled, and beautiful. There are around 1,000 kilometers of picturesque turquoise coastline to explore, plus Corsica is a hotbed for scuba diving and snorkeling. If activities are not your thing and you want to relax, the pristine sandy beaches are irresistible.

Provence

Provence is one of the most beautiful destinations in France, especially for its seemingly endless expanse of lavender farms. The area is almost completely covered with aromatic crops during the summer. The Valensole Plateau, the Sault Plateau, and the Luberon Valley are among the most beautiful places to visit.

For a photo that captures the beauty of Provence perfectly, nothing beats the flower meadows surrounding the Notre Dame de Sénanque Abbey. Every June and July, tucked away in the peaceful countryside near Gordes, the beautiful 12th-century church is bathed in purple hues.

Beautiful Provence

Dune du Pilat

The top of the Dune du Pilat, Bordeuax, which boasts stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the region, is a must-see for nature lovers. The breathtaking natural wonder, which is one of the most well-known sites in France, is located in La Teste-de-Buch on the Arcachon Bay coast. Every year, over one million people come to climb to the top and stroll along the 2.7km ridge.

Rocamadour

The wonderful hilltop hamlet of Rocamadour is France’s second most visited attraction, after Mont-Saint-Michel. The sacred village perched high on a limestone cliff overlooking the Alzou canyon in the Dordogne region is nothing short of spectacular. The UNESCO-protected medieval town was once a notable pilgrimage site renowned for its religious buildings. A famous statue known as the Black Madonna, which dates from the 15th century, is housed in the Chapel of Notre Dame.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a magnificent medieval monastery perched on an island 600 meters off the coast of Normandy. The stunning ancient building looks like something from a fairy tale. The sheer natural beauty of this ancient city is enhanced by the tiny, twisting lanes and picturesque timber-framed homes that climb up to it.

best places to visit in france

Auvergne

It is the world’s largest volcanic ensemble and a prehistoric-era relic nestled within the heart of central France. There are four volcanic massifs in the park which cover 395,000 hectares. As the highest volcano in the region, the Puy de Dôme stands at an altitude of 1,465 meters. There are thousands of visitors from around the world who come to see these long-dormant sleeping giants. Hot-air ballooning, cycling, and hiking are popular on the peaks.

Saint-Tropez

There are many opportunities in Saint-Tropez for you to immerse yourself in the luxury lifestyle the town is famous for. Along the French Riviera, this gorgeous resort is home to countless designer boutiques, immaculate beaches, and yacht-hopping celebrities. It originally started out as a sleepy fishing village but was transformed into a luxury resort in the late 19th century with the arrival of artists such as Paul Signac and Albert Marquet.

The Loire Valley

Formerly the home of French royalty and nobility, the Loire Valley is known as the garden of France. It is one of France’s most iconic tourist destinations today and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Castles date back to the 9th century, but the Renaissance castles are the most famous like Chambord and Chenonceau. There are more than 300 elaborate chateaux open to the public, and each has a different story to tell.

10 French Chateaux to Live Like a Prince at Affordable Prices

A château holiday needn’t cost a king’s ransom. These 10 sumptuous castles-turned-hotels across France won’t break the bank

Chateaux in France

1. Château de la Côte, nr Périgueux, Dordogne

This spectacular 15th-century château has been owned and run by the same family since the last century. Travel past golden sunflower fields and it emerges through a forested hilltop. The interior pile oozes grandeur with original stone walls, wood panelling, a suit of armour in the hall, and huge fireplaces. Bedrooms are old-fashioned but impressive with antiques and numerous four-posters to choose from.

Breakfast can be taken in the “tower room” or on the front lawn. There’s also a pool, children’s play area and a secret arbour within the 20 acres of grounds.

2. Le Château, nr Lens, Pas-de-Calais

This tranquil manoir lies in a private park in the village of Fresnoy-en-Gohelle. It was built in 1928 to replace a chateau destroyed in the first world war, and the Vimy War Memorial is close by. Light pours in through art deco windows and interiors have been enhanced by the owner’s modern taste.

Sofas face a log-burner in the monumental hall, bedrooms are immaculate (satin sheets, electric shutters, smart antiques), and wonderful breakfasts are served at a table set with porcelain. Also on offer are a sauna, a gym, and simple-but-elegant dinners in each first-floor bedroom.

3. Château d’Étoges, Marne, nr Epernay, Champagne-Ardenne

Etoges, used as a stopover by French kings on journeys east, is a moated 17th-century château: you pass through the wrought-iron gates then over the footbridge to a little island fortress. The grounds have fountains, lawns and ponds.

It is, indeed, fit for a king, from the rooms with their delicate fabrics and linen to the elegant meals with home-grown veg. Opulent bedrooms glow with antiques and fresh flowers. The restaurant, in the orangery, has a fireplace – and if you fancy breakfast in bed, staff will bring it to your lace-covered table.

4. Château de Prye, nr Nevers, Burgundy

This château, in the village of La Fermeté, dates back to the Middle Ages and has an intriguing history: the Queen of Poland, Marie-Casimire, lived here at the tail end of the 17th century. It was enlarged in the 19th century, with vast rooms and palatial stables that even have marble-panelled walls, and the corridors heave with antlers and stag heads.

Cavernous bedrooms are en-suite and furnished with unusual antiques; breakfast is taken in the oak-panelled dining room with views of the park. Head out to explore the woodlands and river contained within the seven kilometres of walls.

5. Le Château de Mazan, nr Avignon, Provence-Alpes

The Marquis de Sade’s father and uncle were born in this château in an appealing little town at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Though the infamous Marquis preferred Paris, he often stayed at Mazan, organising France’s first theatre festival here in 1772.

These days, it is a family hotel and Frédéric, who speaks good English, runs it while his mother takes care of the décor. There are frondy palms and secluded spots in the garden and a beautiful terrace for dinner; the chef has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and is keen to win his own.

6. Château les Oliviers de Salettes, nr Valence, Rhône Valley-Alpes

After three years of renovations, the hotel now runs like clockwork. The building, athree-storey house with a turret at each end, lords it over five hectares of landscaped parkland, with dining terraces, boules pitch, and infinity pool.

For the doers, there are cookery lessons, wine tastings, and electric-bike rentals. Uncluttered bedrooms are full of lofty splendour and furnished in the classic French style. But dinner is the highlight here – beautiful food accompanied by heavenly views. The menu-de-midi is great value.

7. Château Touny les Roses, nr Albi, Midi-Pyrénées

If you’re on the trail of local hero Toulouse-Lautrec, then this pretty country estate will be right up your street. Set in seven hectares of garden and vineyard, the château’s traditional exterior gives no hint of what awaits. Inside, art is everywhere: in the flagged entrance hall and the striking red room, where breakfast is served, is an ever-changing backdrop of modern paintings.

The big bedrooms meld old-fashioned comfort with contemporary touches, and the château’s verdant grounds are no less impressive – 300 roses bloom in the formal garden, and there’s a pool, woodland to explore and a pathway that leads to a private jetty on the Tarn.

8. Château de Tanay, nr Lyon

This château is surrounded by acres of parkland with pool, and inside is equally splendid. A sleek modern decor illuminates fine stone work and medieval beams, there’s a games room, a grand piano and, beneath the great carved fireplace, a breakfast table.

In summer, you can tuck into croissants, hams and jams by the moat beneath the willow. Spend the day in old Lyon or treat the family to the Parc des Oiseaux… return for a château tour with your hosts or trot off for dinner at the local pizzeria.

9. Château de Potelières, nr Avignon, Languedoc

This château is surrounded by organic olive groves and orchards, which supply the fruits for homemade jams, there are benches under vast trees, and a pool with loungers and parasols. Inside is a hallway flooded with light, a wide stone stairway to galleries above, of which are terracotta and parquet-floored salons.

The dining room opens up to a balustraded front terrace, glassed-in for autumn and spring and open in summer, where buffet breakfasts are taken, and there’s a library and a music room, a billiard room and a scarlet salon with a fire that can be lit on cooler nights.

10. Château de Cop-Choux, nr Nantes, Western Loire

This elegant house was built just before the French Revolution, with towers added in the early 20th century. It has 18 hectares of park, a pool, rolling lawns, and ancient trees. Chestnut trees line the approach, a river runs through the grounds, and there are lakes and woods for ramblers, farm animals – and even dromedaries in summer.

Several bedrooms have windows on three sides and all are spacious. Breakfast comes with a selection of teas in a pretty paneled room or on the terrace; dinner is at separate tables.

Acknowledgements: The Guardian

Camping the Grounds of Paris

Paris has a nice selection of camping grounds. Some of the best camping sites around Paris are located at Charente-Maritime, Brittany, Central Cote d’Azur, Languedoc, Aquitaine, and Vendee.

Camping at Brittany:

Brittany has some stunning grounds where superb buildings stand out in the background. The campground provides you fun and entertainment since you will visit the splash zone while enjoying many activities.

Brittany is a wonderful way to spend your holidays because it includes the tales of the past. The tales will walk you through spooky moments where you will take a haunting adventure back to the sprites of folklore giants, such as King Arthur and the well-known Merlin. The sorcery memories come alive as you listen to the tales of old.

On the adventure, you will enjoy ivy films along with beautiful views of lighthouses, which spread out over rock-strewn inlets, bays, and coves. Throughout the bays are remarkable villages where friendly Parisians live. This cultural environment will allow you to enjoy music that takes you back to the legends and myths of the land, as the drums, harps, flutes, and bagpipes sound in your ears.

One of the Campsites in Brittany

Taking a camping trip to Languedoc:

If you enjoy nature, spread your wings and fly since you will walk through luscious green/purplish pathways that lead up to ancient structures. This area is highly guarded by the French residents, and to see it you would know why. The beaches are filled with white, pearly sand those channels beyond the luscious fruits of town. Scented fields of lavender lilacs take you beyond the wild Marsh Island horses painted white. As you camp on these grounds, you will enjoy the tastes of hardy ripe grapes.

Past the broad-based cities near this lavishing park are labyrinths of walkways that take you to some of Paris’s hottest antique shops. You have a selection of other shops as well.

Tourist Attractions in Languedoc

Tossing your tent in Aquitaine:

Taking a camping trip to Aquitaine will put you on Paris’ finest sandy beaches around. This sunny beach has a shred here and there of vineyards that stretch along the mountains of Pyrénées. The beach has a wide array of land that stretches over to Spain. Aquitaine is the capital of Bordeaux, which land area surrounds glaciers, ponds, lakes and stretches to the Atlantic Ocean. Grapes are the most valued fruits on this land that vines around forests.

Vendée Camping:

If you want comfort, relaxation and adventure combined then Vendée Camping is your choice. This beautiful sandy beach area provides you with golf courses, museums, wildlife, monuments, and more. You can enjoy surfing followed by a visit to one of the lovely areas around Paris. If you enjoy sea diving, then Vendée is the place to camp. Vendée lies central west of France. The area surrounds the Atlantic Bay and stretches onto the southern-east parts of the département of France.

Vendée at one time served as a battleground, yet today the lovely area is a peaceful water galore haven. Mont Mecure is Vendée highest point stretching up to 935 feet and over 285 miles. Around Vendée areas, many tourists, industries, agriculture, and processed foods make up the environment. The camping at Vendée however is one of the most popular adventures.

Along the cultural grounds of Vendée are hundreds of miles of sandy beaches that stretch to dune edges around mild climates, pinewood, and so on. On the south region of the beach is Paris’ nude region. The nude beaches are at Pointe d’Arcay south of the lovely La Faute sur Mer.

Campsite and Recreation Area at Vendee

Tourists are Invited to Visit Paris

How to go Camping in France Paris:

Touriste (Tourists) are invited to visit Paris, France to view artiste (Artist Performers) and enjoy a stay at some of the finest hotels. In Paris, you can enjoy téléphérique (Teleferic transportation on the aerial tramway, lifts, etc. These cable cars and/or ropeways will take you through the mountains of Paris. It is best to travel in these cars when il’ fait mauvais. When the weather is fine, you will enjoy a fabulous view of the mountains around Paris.

If you plan to camp in the mountains do not forget to bring your tente (tent) so that you can build a campfire and enjoy the remarkable wildlife, environmental captions, and more. While camping perhaps, you can tendre (extend or reach out) your Terre (earth or ground) and visit the many sites in the Paris mountains. Throughout the mountains of Paris are luscious scenery, outstanding natural landscapes, and resorts along the way.

While camping in Paris you will enjoy many attractions as well as activities. If you plan a camping tour to Paris, expect to enjoy parks, swimming pools, bicycling, and more. On some camping trips, you will have the opportunity to shop. You can travel to and from campsites in Paris to visit restaurants, bars, supermarkets, exciting buildings and more as well.

Paris offers you the opportunity to camp at gorgeous country landscape manors where you will rest inside the most beautiful gardens around. Once you are finished with your day of camping perhaps, you would like to visit the town to enjoy café au lait, or coffee with milk. You may enjoy a tasty gáteau as well. (Cake)

How to choose campsites:

In Paris, you have a wide array of campsites to choose from. Lake Garda is one of Paris’s nicest campgrounds. Here you will enjoy a twist of Italy as you feast on Paris’s gorgeous lake. Along the slopes of the lake are beautiful sandy beaches where you can cool after a long day of sightseeing. The Bella Italia brings you a variety of water-based enjoyment.

The campground is near the charming Paris Peschiera. The areas around here are within walking distance, which gives you a wide array of shopping arenas, bars, and restaurants.

Around this camping arena, you can travel to the lovely premier theme parks, including Garland. In the distance, you may want to take your children to the fabulous water park and Caneva World.

Barcelona also has some nice camping areas. Vilanova Park is located near this campsite. If you intend to take the children, be aware since your children will have the time of their life while you sit and bite your nails. This campsite offers children free clubs that are suitable for children of all ages. The clubs include the Tiger, T-co, and the Paw club.

Some of the greatest campsites in Paris are located in various areas around Cote d’ Azur, Languedoc, Aquitaine, Vendee, Charente Maritime, and Brittany. Cote d’ Azur got its name from the shape of the campsites. Charente Maritime received its name from the Charente River, which at West France. The river flows into the Atlantic Ocean stretching from Charente-Maritime, Vienne, Rochechouart, Haute-Vienne, and the department of Haute-Vienne.

If you plan to camp in the lovely Paris area, you may want to spend your holidays at the magnificent Brittany. Breton has a rich cultural background, and its myths bring home folk art, folk music, and the legends of the past.

Throughout the campground, you will enjoy coves, villages, lighthouses, ivy vines, and more. You will definitely enjoy the grounds where giants of the past sorceries once walked.

10 Unique Things To Do In Germany

Germany continues to attract tourists in record numbers. Just the first half of 2019 saw foreign tourists spending nearly four million nights in German hotels – up by 3{206cf90a6d9c99cac6e26553539c399fac2c8e5556827507bde1e1652a95ef42} from the same period in 2018. It’s also not only foreign visitors that are supercharging the German tourist industry – domestic tourism is up as well. Most of these tourists (both foreign and domestic will visit the tourist spots that have always attracted visitors.

Bavaria, Berlin, and the Baltic sea all feature highly. Tourists travel to those spots to enjoy history, cultural attractions, and great cuisine. However, some tourists will want to visit some of the lesser-known attractions in the country – experiencing a touch of the unusual.

Here are 10 unique things to do in Germany

For those with a sense of adventure . . .

1. Visit the ‘Dachshund Museum’.

The museum can be found in the Bavarian city of Passau – and the subject of its exhibits makes it completely unique. it has interesting exhibits on the history of the breed, what makes it what it is today, and plenty of themed purchases that celebrate this short-legged canine companion.

Dachshund Museum

2. Enjoy the Great Heidelberg Tun Experience

Deep in the cellars of Heidelberg Castle is one of the great wonders of the world (even if it simply appeals to wine lovers). This is the Great Heidelberg Tun, the largest wine vat in the world. It can hold nearly 220,000 liters of wine (although it is no longer used for wine storage.

Heidelberg Tun – Greatest wine vat in the World

3. Have a Literary Experience at Frankenstein Castle

Located in Darmstadt in Hesse (and in the middle of the unsettling Odenwald Forest) this is said to be the castle that inspired to write her classic. Even creepier is the fact that it was once home to Johann Conrad Dippel – a scientist who is said to have experimented with human body parts.

Frankenstein Castle

4. Visit the World’s ‘Most Beautiful’ Milk Shop

Pfunds Molkerei in Dresden does not make this boast idly – it is a Guinness World Record holder. Built in the 1880s the stunning beauty of the hand-painted gold and blue Villeroy & Boch ceramic tiles is undeniable. those who visit can select from a wide range of products, including milk, cheese, liqueurs, fine chocolates and other treats.

Pfunds Molkerei in Dresden

5. The Kunsthofpassage Singing Drain Pipes

In more modern marvel, the Singing Drainpipes can be found on the exterior of Garlitzer Str. 21-25 in Dresden. When it rains the pipes channel the water through a network of drains to create sounds that closely mimic the productions of a world-class orchestra.

One House in the Courtyard of the Singing Drainpipes

6. Immerse yourself in the Wonders of the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes

Another Guinness World Record attraction these grottoes have been recognized as the most colorful in the world. The spectacular beauty of the mineral deposits and the informative tours are a delight for young and old. They can be found in Saalfeld/Saale, Germany.

Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes

7. Be Puzzled by the ‘Upside-Down House’

A slightly disorientating experience awaits those who visit this house, which has been built upside down. The roof is at ground level and ascending one comes to the wine ‘cellar’. But the entire house in Putbus on Rügen Island in Pomerania.

The Upside Down House in Putbus, Germany

8. The Berlin Museum of Medical History

A slightly macabre experience awaits those who visit this museum located in a Berlin hospital. Medical oddities abound (deformed brains anyone?). Visitors have been known to faint when exposed to the more disturbing of the exhibits – but it is a fascinating way to explore medical history.

An Old Iron Lung in the Museum

9. One, Two, Three, Four, I Declare a Thumb War

The Alpine regions of Bavaria see two grown men hooking fingers to be declared champion of the art of ‘fingerhakeln’. Observing this practice is truly one of the top 10 unique things to do in Germany.

The Art of ‘Fingerhakeln’

10. Hit the Mud Flats

Visitors heading to the North Sea in parts of Germany can experience the wonders of ‘Wattwandern’ (mudflat hiking) where the fun is to be had exploring the islands of the region on foot – across the mudflats which are exposed at low tide. It’s good, dirty fun for all involved.

Wattwandern – Mud Flat Hiking

Germany is full of wonderful tourist destinations. But for those who want a tourist experience which is slightly different from the usual, then these 10 unique things to do in Germany offer the opportunity to really get under the skin of what makes the country such a popular place to visit.

Terrifying First Cliff Walk in Switzerland

For anyone prone to thrill seeking and adrenalin rushes, the First Cliff Walk by Tissot in the Swiss Alps at Grindelwald might just be ‘the ticket’. Suspended 2000 metres (6,500 ft) above sea level, this terrifying cliff walk in Switzerland offers some breathtaking views. But it’s not for the fainthearted. So if you’re one of those people blessed with nerves of steel and a heart for adventure, then you might want to include this heart palpitating bridge walk in your planning.

first cliff walk grindelwald

As an aside, the name “First” in the title comes from the name of the famous first summit of the Jungfrau mountain range in Bernese Oberland. The “Tissot” part, is the name of the sponsoring Swiss luxury watch company.

The First Cliff Walk has proven to be the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend excursion. Located in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland and opened in 2015, the Cliff Walk has certainly proven to be a tourist draw card – and here’s a bonus – it’s free to enter (but not free to get to).

It is a metal walkway suspended from the cliff side that hugs the cliff face as it winds around. As you walk along it, you’ll be amazed and impressed by the views over Grindlewald, the Eiger and other glaciated valleys. You’ll hear the musical bell sounds from cows in the distance as you survey the vibrantly green valleys and waterfalls.

As soon as you enter the walkway, you’ll “just know” whether it’s going to be too much for you. So if you’re not prone to vertigo and don’t mind heights – and your rational mind can overcome potentially paralyzing fear because you ‘know that it is safe’ then let’s get going!

first cliff walk in switzerland

How to Get to the First Cliff Walk

If you fly into the Swiss capital Zurich, the journey to Grindelwald is another 3 hours by train, or about 2.5 hours by car.

If you’re already in Switzerland, there are two ways to get to Grindelwald. You can either catching a 30 minute train from Interlaken OST or a one hour more scenic train ride from Wengen. If you have the Swiss Half Fare Card then you can purchase your tickets at … you guessed it .. half price.

An alternative is taking a gondola to Grindelwald. The train is faster but the gondola is more scenic.

From the Grindelwald railway station, you take a very pleasant 15 minute walk, mostly in a straight line, through this lovely town, to the cable car. If you’re feeling lazy and don’t feel like walking ‘just yet’ there are also busses to the cable car – about a 5 minute journey.

The cable car runs every minute and there is a cost to embark – but again, if you have the Swiss Half Fare Card, you can cut the cost in half. You can also purchase a cable car “package” that gives you unlimited rides plus one “activity” such as the glider.

Once you’ve arrived at the top, you can navigate your way to the First Cliff Walk, either by turning left and walking through a tunnel to the restaurant and then through it, or by turning right and walking along the metal pathway – about a 15 minute walk. By either route, you’ll arrive at the start of this terrifying First Cliff Walk in Switzerland.

Gondola Ride to First Cliff Walk

The First Cliff Walk in Switzerland Itself

The First Cliff Walk in Grindelwald features a narrow metal walkway which follows the cliff side of the mountains, right by the jagged rocks. At dizzying heights, you’re now on a scenic stroll above the void while the adrenalin starts pumping. The views of the mountains, valleys and cute Swiss towns is incredible.

If you’re feeling especially brave, there is a part of the walk which juts out 45 metres (148 feet) like a suspended pathway over “nothing”. During the warmer months, the views from his observation platform are spectacular – and very Instagrammable!

first cliff walk observation deck

What You’ll Need Before Going There

Sunglasses are highly recommend when you visit, as the sun can be very intense during the summer and reflects from the snow beneath your feet, too. The only other things you’ll need are good climbing shoes and a stomach for heights!

Once you’re done, you might like to make your way back to the restaurant for a celebratory meal of local dishes and drinks.

Here’s a video preview of what you can expect.