The best destinations within a 2-hour flight
From France, a multitude of destinations are less than 2 hours away by flight. It is therefore in record time that we have the opportunity to change countries, to hear another language, to taste a different gastronomy and to discover a very rich architectural heritage. It is entirely possible to plan a city break in advance, or to leave on a whim, and, in less than 120 minutes, find a change of scenery. From England via Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany and even Croatia, Europe is full of treasures. Here are the best destinations located less than 2 hours from France.
1- Dublin, a charming city on a human scale
In 1h30 to 1h50 by plane from Paris, we are in Dublin , the Irish capital which is very easy to reach with a low-cost flight. Dublin is very popular with a wide audience, because it is a city which is home to a very beautiful architectural heritage, in addition to being very dynamic and festive. We can start by touring its main monuments: Trinity College, with St. Patrick's Cathedral at the top of the list, then take a tour of the museums, with the National Museum of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Dublin is also an ideal destination for shopping, such as on Grafton Street, as well as for going to restaurants and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the pubs, and here we can only recommend strolling through Temple Bar, the artistic district. , lively and with incredible architecture.
2- Bari, Italian sweetness
Want a pleasant climate and to experience the Italian dolce vita for a weekend or vacation? So head to the capital of Puglia Bari. In less than 2 hours, we find ourselves strolling through the superb historic center of the city, Bari Vecchia. Lovers of steep streets can take in the sights, and take the opportunity to see monuments such as the San Nicola basilica and the San Sabino cathedral. To admire the art of Puglia, it is in the provincial art gallery Corrado Giaquinto that you take the time to browse the aisles. Bari is also its gastronomy and dishes based on pasta, fish and olive oil. And by renting a car, you can even escape the city for a few moments to admire the superb village of Alberobello, renowned for its whitewashed houses with conical roofs, essential features of the Puglia landscape.
3- Wroclaw, the Polish Venice
If the Polish city of Wroclaw is considered serene, it is because a river and canals run through its city center and along which it is very pleasant to relax. A walk in the Ostrów Tumski district allows you to admire the cathedral, wind through the cobbled streets, then pass over the unmissable Tumski Bridge, the oldest bridge in the city where couples attach a padlock to seal their love. A walk also always leads to Rinek, the main square. We can then only take the time to contemplate the superb facade of the Gothic-style Town Hall. Wroclaw also allows you to contemplate a major work showing the Battle of Racławice of April 4, 1794: the Panorama of Racławice.
4- Hamburg, another important city in Germany
Treating yourself to a city break in Hamburg means giving yourself the opportunity to discover a city whose neighborhoods all have a different atmosphere. We wander through the city center to go shopping, then take the time to stop in the Saint Goerg district, which, although it had a bad reputation in the past, has been completely rehabilitated to become an artistic and multicultural district. We also appreciate the chic Eppendorf district for its shops, restaurants and green spaces, and there is nothing like a stop in the Rotherbaum district to relax along Lake Aussenalster. The city also has very pretty monuments such as the Der Michel church and the Hamburg Stock Exchange.. And there's nothing like crisscrossing the city from the water to marvel at it, navigating the canals of the Speicherstadt district, an open-air museum, and exploring the port, one of the most important in the world and in incredible marine activity.
5- Manchester, cultural lung
Many cities in Great Britain are less than a 2-hour flight from Paris, and if London is a classic, it is in the North West of England that we set down our suitcases today. We start the journey with the unmissable places, by admiring the Manchester Town Hall , the Manchester Cathedral and taking the time to stop in the John Rylands Library . If the building is sublime from an architectural point of view, we also like to spend time there discovering medieval manuscripts. After strolling through Chinatown, a stroll can lead to the Manchester Art gallery or the People's History Museum. Culture occupies a central place in the city, and the Royal Exchange Theater, as well as the Castlefield Bowl where rock and classical music concerts take place, are other places to visit.
6- Porto, city of contrasts
Among the key destinations located less than 2 hours by flight from France, we cannot ignore Porto. The Portuguese city located in the northern part of the country offers multiple experiences. We first enjoy walking along the banks of the Douro then entering the streets of the Ribeira district. This is where we find old buildings with colorful facades and where we stop on one of the terraces to enjoy a good local beer. You can also just after cross the superb Dom-Luís and reach Vila Nova de Guia, unless you prefer to embark on a river cruise. We also have fun in Porto, in restaurants and while shopping in the unmissable Mercado do Bolhão. To admire the main monuments and the extent of the city, nothing better than climbing to the top of the Clérigos Tower, and if you like to take off, you quickly find yourself facing the Atlantic from Porto.
7- Zaragoza, a rich history
Capital of Aragon located not far from Catalonia, Zaragoza is a city not to be missed under any circumstances in Spain. Due to its history, it displays varied styles, particularly in terms of architecture. You can easily see this by going to see its main monuments, which are the Aljaferia Palace and its Islamic style, the San Salvador Cathedral, a mix of Mudejar, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles, as well as the immense Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, symbol of the city, radiant with its towers and countless domes. In Zaragoza, we also take the opportunity to explore its museums dedicated to the Roman past, to stroll through the city center and stop for tapas. In the evening, there's nothing like a digestive stroll along the banks of the Ebro and then returning to rest, serenely.
8- Bastia, city of art and close to nature
There's nothing like a trip to Corsica, less than a 2-hour flight from France, to recharge your batteries and treat yourself to a little enchanted break. In Bastia, the journey begins with the Citadel, built in 1380. Built on a rocky promontory, it proudly dominates Terra-Vecchia. You can access it by passing through the paths of the Romieu gardens, where it is pleasant to spend time in the green, or by taking the steps of the same gardens, which lead very close to the Louis XVI gate through which you enter this unmissable place of the city. We also like Rue Napoléon, for its trendy boutiques and lively atmosphere. In the evening, a stroll around the Old Port is perfect for observing the colorful facades and the sunset. Bastia is also a city open to nature. We don't forget to rent a boat to explore the Gulf of Saint-Florent, or take the Sentier des Douaniers and discover breathtaking hilly and seascapes.
9- Copenhagen, the sweetness of the North
Its architecture, its gardens, its gentle way of life, its nightlife, Copenhagen is the ideal city to break away from everyday life and recharge your batteries. Of course, during a bike ride, since the bike is king, we will go see the Little Mermaid at the mouth of the port, the Amalienborg Palaceand Rosenborg Castle, the great classics. Then we will stroll through its emblematic places. To Nyhavn, to see the pastel-colored houses, then to Christiana for the pleasure of discovering an alternative neighborhood where you can find gardens, a small market and charming artisan shops. Culture is also well anchored in Copenhagen, with several museums, the National Museum of Denmark, the Post Office and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Finally, after gaining some height and observing the city as a whole from the Round Tower, families enjoy a moment at Tivoli Gardens , an ancient amusement park.
10- Zagreb, city of character
We hear a lot about Croatia for its coastline and its pretty seaside resorts accessible in less than 2 hours by flight from France, but you should also not miss going inland and in particular making a stopover in its capital Zagreb . The city has indeed some very pretty monuments, such as Saint Stephen's Cathedral in Zagreb, Saint Mark's Church and the Croatian National Theatre. Without forgetting the numerous museums, which make it a cultural stopover of choice in Europe. We also discover beautiful architecture, like that of the buildings located on the elegant Ban Jelačić square. You can also climb to the top of the Lotršča Tower, to benefit from a sumptuous 360° panorama, then come back to your senses a few moments later around the succulent Croatian gastronomy.
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