Five Things to Do in France and Belgium During Summer
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Hi there,
Summer is finally here!
As you might know, French people have a very particular way to celebrate the beginning of summer. If you were in France last week, you know what I am talking about. If not, I tell you more about this here ;)
It’s time for you to enjoy a well-deserved summer vacation. If you’d like some inspiration to plan your summer holidays, here are five things to do in France and Belgium (as well as in some other European countries) during summer.
Relaxing
First things first: summer is all about relaxing. Summer is the ideal season to recharge after a year of studying or working. It's time to kick back, relax, and indulge in some well-deserved leisure activities.
One great way to relax during summer is by immersing yourself in a captivating book. Whether it's a thrilling novel, a non-fiction work, or a collection of poetry, a good book truly can transport you to new worlds. Now that you spent a semester or year abroad, why not reading a book in French?
Another great summer activity is gathering with friends and enjoying a laid-back afternoon, in a beautiful park for example. You can also gather on the banks of the river that crosses your host city, if there is one. Why not even planning a picnic or a barbecue? Grab a picnic blanket, some snacks, and relax while enjoying this beautiful summer moment.
Source: Unsplash
Going to the Beach
How talking about summer without mentioning beaches? A trip to the beach is the perfect summer getaway. There is no such thing as feeling the warm sand between your toes as you stroll along the coastline while enjoying in the gentle rays of the sun…
The beaches of France and Belgium offer a diverse range of experiences, from beach clubs’ parties to hidden coves. Grab your sunscreen and towel, and let the beach become your ultimate playground this summer! Stay tuned, our next article will be all about France’s most beautiful beaches.
Last but not least, if you’re feeling like exploring beaches outside of France and Belgium, I would definitely recommend traveling to Spain. The weather is generally very pleasant there, and the country is full of coastlines and beach cities such as Barcelona or San Sebastian.
Antibes, France. Source: Unsplash
Attending a music festival
Attending a music festival is the ultimate way to embrace the vibrant spirit of the summer season! Joining thousands of enthusiastic music lovers, singing along to your favorite artists' tunes and dancing the night away… How does this sound like?
Pro tip: don’t forget to take your sunscreen and to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated ;)
Click here to discover Belgium’s most emblematic summer music festivals and here to discover France’s. On top of these, there are many famous music festivals taking place everywhere throughout Europe in the summer, such as Glastonbury (UK) or Sziget Festival (Hungary).
Make your researches, grab your favorite festival outfit and adventurous spirit, and let the energy of music festivals become the soundtrack of your summer!
Source: Unsplash
Taking a trip to the mountains
A trip to the mountain during summer is a truly enchanting experience. It is very different, but just as fun as going there to ski or snowboard during winter. In the summertime, mountains have their own charm and allure. So, swap your snow gear for sunscreen, and get ready for sunny hikes, refreshing dips in mountain lakes, and evenings filled with s'mores around the campfire.
While the French Alps offer breathtaking landscapes and very pleasant hikes, Belgium’s Ardennes region is full of forests, hiking trails and charming villages, providing a serene atmosphere.
Switzerland is also very famous for its beautiful mountains. Swiss Alps are a great playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like mountain biking, paragliding, and exploring alpine lakes. Bonus point: you can practice your French is Switzerland ;)
So, whether you're seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure or simply a peaceful escape from city life, the mountains of France, Belgium, and Switzerland are the perfect summer getaway for you.
Megève, France. Source: Unsplash
Visiting an European City
Traveling through Europe in the summer is a fantastic opportunity to explore its captivating capitals. The pleasant summer weather makes it the perfect time to visit cities like Budapest and Berlin, which can be quite cold in winter. My personal favorite European cities are Barcelona, with its beautiful architecture and great nightlife, and Vienna which really impressed me with its rich musical heritage.
For a flexible and adventurous journey, the Interrail pass is an excellent choice for train travel. It is a flexible train ticket that allows travelers to explore multiple European countries within a specified period, providing them with unlimited train trips. What a cool thing
Some lesser-known European cities, that are less crowded during summer and more budget-friendly than European capitals such as London or Amsterdam are: Bologna (Italy), Bristol (England), Granada (Spain) and Vilnius (Lithuania).
Bologne, Italie. Source: Unsplash
I hope that this article provided you with great ideas to fill up your summer agenda. Let us know in the comments section down below what are your favorite summer activities and why.
As long as I like exploring Europe and going to the mountains, my favorite summer activities are definitely going to the beach and attending music festivals. This is why, this summer, I am going to a music festival that will take place on the beach ;)
I wish you a beautiful summer!
Lilas, OLS Community Manager – French
Source: Unsplash