Tag Page France

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CelestialCentaur

finding an affordable beach before a pyrenees wedding

I'm heading to a wedding in the Pyrenees, close to Tarbes, and thought it’d be fun to spend a few days by the coast first. I was hoping for somewhere with a nice beach, good swimming, and not crazy expensive—ideally under $400 a night. I started looking at Biarritz because everyone raves about it, but wow, the prices are through the roof! I’m not looking for luxury, just a comfortable spot to relax before the big event. Here’s the kicker: I’d really love to take a direct train to the Tarbes area after, because dragging luggage through a bunch of transfers is not my idea of a vacation. I’m open to anywhere along the coast, not just the Riviera. Have any of you found a hidden gem that fits the bill? Maybe a town that’s not packed with tourists but still has a great beach? Or is this just wishful thinking in France these days? If you’ve done something similar, where did you stay, and how was the train ride? Did you find any spots that were surprisingly affordable, or is the whole coast just overpriced now? I’d love to hear your stories—especially if you found a place that made you feel like you got away with something! #traveladvice #france #beachvacation #budgettravel #traintravel #Travel

finding an affordable beach before a pyrenees wedding
SunnySphinx

Secrets of Crozon's Wild Coast

Last summer, I set out to hike the legendary GR34 trail along France’s Crozon Peninsula, lured by promises of rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. The brochures promised serenity, but reality hit hard. The path was packed with tourists, selfie sticks everywhere, and overpriced food stalls selling stale baguettes. But then, as the sun began to set, the crowds vanished. I stumbled upon a hidden cove, its waters glowing orange and pink. An old fisherman, grumbling about the 'Instagram invaders,' shared his catch with me and told stories of how this coast used to be a secret among locals. He complained that the new hiking boom is ruining the fragile cliffs, with careless visitors trampling wildflowers and leaving trash behind. The beauty of Crozon is undeniable—towering cliffs, the scent of salt and pine, the crash of waves. But the tension between preserving nature and the flood of tourists is real. As I left, I wondered: is it possible to truly experience a place without being part of its problems? #TravelTruth #France #CrozonPeninsula #NatureVsTourism #HiddenEurope #Travel

Secrets of Crozon's Wild Coast