I have 3 free days in Southern France – what should I do?? I am traveling to the Pyrenees for 3 weeks in June-July. I will have my road bike and a rental car (but can leave these behind). I plan to cycle some of the big climbs in the area of the Pyrenees and will be based out of a friends farm south of Pau (Gan). I plan to ride near St Lary Soulan, Luz St Saveur, and Laruns (2-3 days each place). I have about 3-4 days free between a cycling event and watching a stage of the TDF. I also enjoy museums, morning markets, hikes, rafting, history, culture, cooking, and other activities and was hoping someone would have a good idea what to do with 3 extra days. I am open to a cheap flight or train ride somewhere. Last year I went to Geneve, Chamonix, Alps and Provence, in previous years I have gone to Paris, London, Brussels, Bordeaux, Anger, The Dordogne (I loved it), Lourdes, Gavernie, Cautarets, San Sebastian, Nice (area), Provence, Perpignan. Has anyone discovered a great area to go to relax (and celebrate) after a really hard bike ride? I would leave from and return to Pau, France. Any ideas are welcome. Thank you.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
How about Amsterdam? Transavia airlines flies in and out of Pau on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and the cost is as low as 165 Euro round trip. Great city, lots of cultural attractions and, of course, full of bicycles! ;)
Posted by
Lodi, California, USA
149 posts
Hi Karen, We discouvered a nice area at the Atlantic coast called Hossegor (55 km. north of the Spanish border). The beach is very quiet with just sand; that is: no umbrellas, beach chairs, bars, or entry fees. It's popular with wind and kite surfers. We stayed at a small hotel with studio-type rooms; stove, fridge, table, pans, plates, patio, shower and toilet, etc. Web site: http://www.les-acanthes.fr/ Hossegor is about 130 km. from Pau.