The Orkney Islands sit just off the northern coast of Scotland. This group of around seventy islands offers wide horizons, quiet roads, and coastlines shaped by wind and waves where visitors often arrive expecting rugged scenery and leave talking about the sense of space from the long beaches to the steep cliffs and sea stacks rising straight from the water. One striking example is the Old Man of Hoy, a tall sea stack that draws photographers and climbers alike.
Coos Bay is the Coast's largest urban community and a major wood products shipping center, thanks to the deepest harbor between San Francisco and Puget Sound. In addition to museums, shops and theaters, Coos Bay is well known for its myrtlewood and diverse activities in beautiful surroundings. Visit the Coos Art Museum; fish for chinook and coho salmon in the Coos River or the ocean; take a drive out to Golden and Silver Falls State Park.
Vatican City is a sovereign city-state enclosed within Rome and the smallest independent state in the world by territory. Its compact area contains major religious, artistic, and architectural landmarks associated with the Catholic Church. At its center is St Peter’s Square, framed by the sweeping colonnade designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and leading to St Peter’s Basilica, built over the traditional site of the tomb of the Apostle Peter.
Lake Toba is another of the island's spectacular sights - a remarkable volcanic crater set in the middle of northern Sumatra, 176km from Medan. The lake is huge (the largest in South-East Asia), occupying the caldera of a giant volcano that collapsed on itself after a massive eruption some 100,000 years ago.
Biarritz, located on the Basque coast of southwestern France, is a glamorous seaside city renowned for its picturesque beaches and rich history. Once a modest fishing village, Biarritz evolved into a luxurious resort destination favored by European royalty in the 19th century. Visitors can explore the grand Hotel du Palais, a stunning example of Second Empire architecture originally built for Empress Eugénie. This historic hotel remains a symbol of the city's opulent past and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The city's beaches are among its main attractions. The Grande Plage is a vibrant spot popular for sunbathing and surfing, while the Côte des Basques is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and excellent surfing conditions. Biarritz’s surfing culture dates back to the 1950s when American surfers introduced the sport to France. Today, Biarritz hosts numerous surf competitions and offers a range of surf schools for all skill levels.
The Basque Cuisine in Biarritz is celebrated for its unique flavors and influences, with local specialties such as Basque cake and seafood dishes that reflect the city’s coastal heritage.
A fun fact about Biarritz is that it is home to the only casino in France that is located right on the beach. The Casino Municipal offers both gaming and entertainment with stunning views of the ocean. For the best experience, visit Biarritz between May and September when the weather is perfect for enjoying its beaches and outdoor attractions.
Other Popular Destinations in France
Paris
France's capital and most populated city, Paris is an alluring destination and an essential stop for any global traveler. A center of fashion, gastronomy, and the arts. Major tourist attractions in the City of Lights include the Eiffel Tower (such great heights!), the Louvre (home of the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo), the Arc de Triomphe, and Grand Palais.
Strasbourg
This vibrant and picturesque city sits near the German border and is the 2nd most popular tourist city in France. Its historic city center is classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the Stasbourg Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture.