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Best Summer Beaches in France & Local Brews To Go With Them

Beach in France with old fort

France, with its stunning coastline stretching for thousands of miles, is a country for beach lovers. From the windswept cliffs of Normandy to the sun-soaked beaches of the Cote d’Azur, here are some of the best beaches in France for your summer travels.

1. Palombaggia, Corsica

Palombaggia is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in France. With its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, this beach is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Corsica and a great place to soak up the Sun, swim, and enjoy water sports.

Day Trips

From Corsica, you can also take day trips to Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio to explore the historic towns, local markets, and try out traditional Corsican food. The Sentier des Douaniers hiking trail also runs along the coastline and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Local Brews

Try Cedratine, a liqueur that is made from the fruit of the cedrat tree, which is native to Corsica. It has a sweet and tangy flavor and is often served as an aperitif. And Eau de Vie, a type of brandy that is distilled from local fruit, such as figs, plums, and cherries. It is a strong and aromatic spirit that is often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal.

2. Plage du Sillon, Saint-Malo

Plage du Sillon is a long sandy beach located in the charming town of Saint-Malo, in the Brittany region. This beach is popular with locals and tourists alike and is an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, and walking. The beach is backed by a long promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Day Trips

Visit Cancale, a small fishing village that is located about 20 minutes from Saint-Malo. The town is famous for its oysters, which are harvested from the nearby beds. Try the local seafood in one of the town’s many restaurants and visit the local oyster farms.

Local Brews

Chouchen is a traditional Breton mead that is made from fermented honey. It has a sweet, slightly spicy flavor. Then there is Muscadet, a white wine that is made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, grown in the Loire Valley and Brittany. It has a light, crisp flavor with notes of citrus and minerality. We recommend pairing Muscadet with seafood and local dishes.

3. Biarrtiz, Basque Country

Biarritz is a chic seaside town located in the Basque Country, in southwestern France. The town is known for its world-class surfing beaches, including La Côte des Basques and Grande Plage. The town itself is also worth exploring, with its elegant architecture, excellent restaurants, and lively nightlife.

Day Trips

Visit Espelette, a small village located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, just a short drive from Biarritz. The village is known for its production of Espelette peppers, which are a key ingredient in Basque cuisine. Visitors can explore the village’s many shops and cafes, and even visit a local pepper farm.

Local Brews

Basque Cider is a popular drink in the Basque region, and Biarritz is no exception. Basque cider is usually tart and slightly effervescent, and it’s traditionally served from a large barrel called a “txotx.” You can try Basque cider at local cider houses or bars. Biarritz also has its own microbrewery, La Brasserie du Basque, which produces a variety of high-quality beers.

4. Plage de Pampelonne, St. Tropez

Plage de Pampelonne is one of the most famous beaches on the French Riviera. Located near the glamorous town of St. Tropez, this beach is popular with celebrities and jet-setters. With its golden sand, crystal-clear water, and luxurious beach clubs, Plage de Pampelonne is the perfect place to see and be seen.

Day Trips

Travel to Port Grimaud, a charming seaside town located just a short distance from Plage de Pampelonne. The town is known for its network of canals, which are lined with colorful buildings and boats. You can take a boat tour of the canals, explore the town’s many shops and cafes, or simply enjoy the beautiful views.

Local Brews

St. Tropez is located in the heart of the Côte de Provence wine region, which is known for producing high-quality red, white, and rosé wines. You can take a guided tour of a nearby vineyard to learn more about the winemaking process. Pastis is a popular anise-flavored liqueur that is often served as an aperitif in St. Tropez. It’s typically mixed with water, which causes it to turn cloudy and creates a refreshing, slightly sweet drink.

5. Plage des Ondes, Ile de Ré

Plage des Ondes is a beautiful beach located on the tranquil Ile de Ré, off the west coast of France. With its clear water and golden sand, this beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The beach is also popular with wind and kite surfers, who take advantage of the island’s steady winds.

Day Trip

Les Marais Salants de l’île de Ré is a salt marsh located on the eastern side of Île de Ré. The marsh is a protected natural area, and you can take guided tours to learn more about the local wildlife and the traditional salt-making process.

Local Brews

Try the Pineau des Charentes, a sweet, fortified wine that is made in the Charente region of France, which includes Île de Ré. The wine also pairs well with local cheeses and desserts.


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Most Beautiful Small Towns in Spain & What You May Find There

Small town in Spain by the seaside with a lighthouse

Spain’s big cities are all too well-known. A simple search on Pinterest will throw up tons of bucket lists with things to see and do in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Granada. So we’re moving deeper into Spain – to those small towns which still carry the old-world charm into the present-day. Here are the five most beautiful small towns in Spain and what you may find there.

1. Zaragoza

Located in northeastern Spain, Zaragoza lies between Madrid and Barcelona. With a history that dates back over 2,000 years, the city has been home to the many, including the Romans and Moors. All have left behind some stunning architecture and added to the city’s present day culture. Even today, Zaragoza remains a top choice for expats looking to relocate to Spain.

Place To See

The Basilica del Pilar is a stunning baroque church that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church is located on the banks of the Ebro River and is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics

Aljaferia Palace, a stunning Moorish palace that was built in the 11th century

The Pablo Gargallo Museum is dedicated to the works of the famous sculptor Pablo Gargallo

Basilica del Pilar and Ebro river, Zaragoza
Basilica del Pilar by the banks of Ebro river

Local Food Specialties

Zaragoza is known for its Chilindron – a stew made with chicken or lamb.And Migas, a dish made with breadcrumbs and pork.

Chicken Chilidron
Migas with egg

2. Cuenca

A charming city located in the central region of Spain and was a strategic location during the Spanish Civil War. The city has a number of monuments that commemorate the conflict. Cuenca is also known for its music festivals, including the Festival Internacional de Música de Cuenca, which attracts musicians and music lovers from all over the world.

Places To See

Cuenca’s Hanging Houses

The Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas), are a row of houses that hang precariously over the Huecar River. The houses date back to the 14th century and are one of the most photographed attractions in the city.

The Cuenca Cathedral, a stunning Gothic building that dates back to the 12th century. The cathedral is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful stained glass windows.

The Museum of Abstract Art, which is dedicated to contemporary art

Local Food Specialties

Try Morteruelo, a type of game paté, and Zarajos, grilled lamb intestines. The city is also known for its wine, particularly red wine from the La Mancha region.

Morteruelo
Zarajos

3. Avila

One of the most impressive walled cities in Spain, situated in the province of Castilla and León. Avila is the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Avila, a prominent Spanish Mystic and Theologian who lived during the 16th century. When visiting Avila, you will find stunning architecture and its hilltop location with superb town views. The city is also home to religious festivals, including the Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feast of Saint Teresa. 

Places To See

Walls of Avila

The Walls of Avila are a series of impressive fortifications that surround the city. The walls were built in the 11th century and are some of the best-preserved medieval walls in Spain. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

The Avila Cathedral is a stunning Gothic building dates back to the 12th century. The cathedral is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful stained glass windows.

Local Food Specialties

Avila is known for Chuletón, a traditionally prepared grilled steak and Judiones, a type of white bean stew. Try the red wine from the Ribera del Duero region.

Chuleton
Judiones

4. Bilbao

A vibrant city located in the northern Basque region of Spain. At one point, Bilbao was an important center for steel and shipbuilding, and played a vital role in Spain’s development. 

Places To See

Guggenheim Museum, Bilabo

The Guggenheim Museum is a stunning contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry. The museum is known for its innovative architecture and impressive collection of modern art.

The Old Town in Bilbao, a charming neighborhood that dates back to the 14th century. The Old Town is home to a number of impressive buildings, including the Santiago Cathedral, a stunning Gothic construction.

The Bilbao BBK Live is an annual music festival that takes place in the city every summer. The Bilbao BBK Live features performances by internationally renowned musicians and bands across a variety of music genres, including indie, pop, rock, and electronic music. The festival takes place over three days in the Kobetamendi mountains, which provide a stunning natural backdrop for the performances.

Local Food Specialties

Try Pintxos, small dishes of food that are similar to tapas. And Bacalao Al Pil Pil, a cod dish cooked in garlic and olive oil. The red wine from the Rioja region is highly recommended.

Pintxos
Bacalao Al Pil Pil

5. Galicia

Home to some of the most beautiful and dramatic natural landscapes in Spain. The region’s coastline stretches for over 1,200 kilometers and is dotted with stunning beaches, hidden coves, and rugged cliffs.

Places To See

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

The Rías Baixas are a series of estuaries that flow into the Atlantic Ocean. They are particularly popular with tourists and known for crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.

Inland Galicia is equally impressive, with rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling rivers. The region is also home to the Picos de Europa, a stunning mountain range that straddles along the border of Galicia.

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the region and the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Local Food Specialties

Pulpo A La Gallega
Caldo Gallego

Galicia is famous for its seafood, which is some of the freshest and most delicious in Spain. Try the region’s signature Pulpo a la Gallega, or the Galician-style Octopus, which is boiled and served with potatoes and paprika. Other popular dishes include Percebes (goose barnacles), Empanadas (savory pastries filled with meat or fish), and Caldo gallego (a hearty soup made with beans, potatoes, and greens). Also try the wine, particularly the crisp and refreshing Albariño, which is grown in the Rías Baixas region. Discovering Spain With TwixAir eSIMs

Discovering Spain With TwixAir eSIMs

Find the truly local experiences that don’t make it to any bucket list.

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