Looking for inspiration for an original weekend in Europe? Instead of flying to a European capital for just a few days, discover 3 ideas for weekends in Europe without flying. Whether you want to go away for 2 days, 3 days, as a couple or with friends, get some inspiration for a short stay and discover an eco-friendly accommodation for each destination.
#1 Weekend around Namur in Belgium
What to see in Namur ?
Namur is a charming city in Wallonia, Belgium. A former Roman city, it still has many historical vestiges. It is also a student and dynamic city. Do not miss to discover in particular:
- The Citadel of Namur, designed by Vauban and Coehoorn. Originally a fortified castle built in the Middle Ages, the building offers an interesting historical visit as well as charming green spaces with a breathtaking view of the city. Nearby, make a small detour to discover Jean Fabre's Searching for Utopia statue, an amazing giant turtle in gilded bronze;
- Old Namur. Pedestrian streets and magnificent monuments await you in the city center, including the Saint-Aubain Cathedral and the Provincial Palace.
To complete your discovery, take the time to discover Dinant, a pretty town in Wallonia nestled on the banks of the Meuse, with a postcard look. Discover for example :
- The citadel installed on the heights of the city, accessible on foot or by funicular. At the top, a beautiful view of Dinant awaits you;
- The collegiate church of Dinant. Imposing gothic church installed against the cliff that borders the Meuse, it offers a very beautiful architecture in a picturesque setting;
- La Maison de Monsieur Sax. Yes, this is where Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, was born;
- La croisette, with several pleasant terraces installed on the banks of the Meuse.
An idea for a cycling weekend around Namur
What if you were to let yourself be tempted by an unusual weekend of cycling along the Meuse, on the Eurovélo 19?
To easily transport your bike (which is not accepted unassembled in Thalys trains), plan to leave from Givet station in the heart of the Ardennes in France.
From there, pedal 8 km to Les Sorbiers, an eco-friendly accommodation located directly on the banks of the Meuse River, perfect for a first stop on your cycling trip.
Take advantage of your weekend to discover and visit Dinant and Namur, 2 charming Belgian cities full of surprises.
For the return trip, take the train between Namur and Dinant, before pedaling again to Givet.
Here are the 2 main stages of this weekend on the Meuse by bike:
- From Givet to Dinant (24 km) ;
- From Dinant to Namur (28 km).
On the way, you will cross the castle of Freyr, the castle of Waulsort, the cliffs of the Bayard rock or the ruins of the feudal castle of Poilvache which stands on a rocky spur.
Where to stay around Namur ?
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, discover Les Sorbiers, a hotel in Hastière on the banks of the Meuse. The establishment offers 32 comfortable rooms and several glamping tents set up on the large 17-hectare domain. Treat yourself to a sweet night lulled by birdsong and the rustling of leaves, close to nature.
Discover local produce in the restaurant "En Face de l'Île" which offers a seasonal menu and tasty dishes prepared mostly with local products.
How to get to Namur ?
If you just want to visit Namur as a city-trip, the city is accessible in less than 3 hours by train from Paris. Take the Thalys to Brussels-Midi and change for Namur at Brussels station.
To complete your weekend with a visit to Dinant, count 30 minutes by train from Namur.
To reach Givet and make a cycling weekend, you will have to take a 3 hours train from Paris Gare de l'Est with a change in Charleville-Mézières. The TGV to Charleville-Mézières has bike racks for a fee and subject to reservation. The TER to Givet offers a free bike space.
#2 Weekend in Rotterdam in the Netherlands
What to do in Rotterdam?
For a change from the classic weekend in Amsterdam, why not discover Rotterdam? This city, nicknamed the "Gateway to Europe", offers an architecture that is out of this world and sometimes unusual. Don't miss to discover its most iconic monuments:
- The Erasmus Bridge with its amazing swan shape, more than 800 meters long;
- The cube houses designed by Piet Blom. Fascinating and surprising, take the time to visit the one that is open to the public to fully appreciate the architectural feat behind the building;
- The Delfshaven district. This area of Rotterdam offers a charming concentration of the Netherlands between canals, mills and boats.
Rotterdam is also a renowned cultural place with many exciting museums:
- The World Museum, which promises a dive into the heart of different cultures;
- The Maritime Museum, the oldest in the Netherlands, which houses a beautiful collection of objects and works related to maritime life;
- The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen brings together an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the 18th century to the present day.
Where to stay in Rotterdam?
In the heart of downtown Rotterdam, discover the Pincoffs Boutique Hotel. Each room in this charming establishment offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere. From a cozy comfort room to a spacious Art Suite decorated with artworks to contemplate, let yourself be transported by the atmosphere of Pincoffs Boutique Hotel.
The hotel partners with renowned restaurants in the city. Enjoy unusual and creative dishes and make your stay in Rotterdam a true gastronomic experience.
How do I get to Rotterdam?
The easiest way to get to Rotterdam is to take the Thalys. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Paris Gare du Nord.
An idea for a weekend in Europe in the heart of Catalonia
What to do during a weekend in Catalonia?
How about a long weekend in Catalonia without going to Barcelona? Whether you already know the city of the Sagrada Familia or you want to discover this beautiful region of Spain in a different way, far from mass tourism and off the beaten track, Ethik & Trips offers you the ideal escapade!
Start your visit in Girona, a pleasant Catalan city rich in history. Discover its different monuments and let yourself be transported through the ages:
- The Força Fortress takes you back to ancient times;
- The Barri Vell, the medieval quarter of the city, houses the city's imposing cathedral with a beautiful 22-meter wide Gothic nave.
Then stroll through the beautiful, colorful and picturesque houses on the banks of the river Onyar.
After Girona, head to Vic, a charming medieval city. After a stroll through the historic center, don't miss the Episcopal Museum to discover its important collection of Gothic and Romanesque art.
On the nature side, discover the natural area of Savassona and the Massif des Guilleries, which offer several beautiful walks to discover the Catalan panoramas.
Where to stay in Catalonia?
For your stay in Catalonia off the beaten track, book at the Avenc, a hotel in Tavertet set in an old restored farmhouse. A clever mix of old world charm and modern comfort, Avenc offers you to stay in :
- One of the accommodations set up in the historic barn for an immersion in the traditional and rural spirit;
- A room, studio or apartment in the new, more modern bioclimatic wing of the building.
Rejuvenate in the indoor pool heated by a biomass boiler and treat yourself to a massage or yoga session to fully relax.
Ask the owners of Avenc for advice on how to explore the natural beauty of the area.
How to get to Catalonia?
Catalonia is easily accessible by car for people living in the southwest of France. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Perpignan and 4 hours from Toulouse for example.
By train, to reach Girona, count 2 hours 30 minutes by TGV from Montpellier or 4 hours from Lyon. Girona is a good starting point to rent a car and explore Catalonia off the beaten track.
Which weekend idea in Europe appeals to you the most?
Ethik & Trips is a platform for eco-friendly accommodation around the world. Browse our selection of addresses and become an actor of sustainable tourism !
