Where to go in

August

Where to go in

August

The August holiday is so ubiquitous, so romantically quintessential, that you feel bereft without one. Sometimes it’s better to not buck the trend. It’s the month made for sun basking, Rosé sipping and taking winding Riviera road trips with mates. It’s also the last hoorah of summer proper so hedonism is guaranteed knowing Autumn is a little too close for comfort around the corner. Do it Dis-loyalty style and take your pick from peak decadence in Ibiza or the guaranteed chic of a nostalgically familiar Mediterranean getaway on the Cote d’Azur. If it ain’t broke…

The Mediterranean

Some things are just meant to be, like The Med and August. The Mediterranean in peak summer is a vibe all of its own. It’s the time when everyone is in holiday mode and all the more fun for it. Plus, you’re guaranteed the best weather, too – consistent sunshine, so no cloudy days to dampen your mojo. There’s a reason why Parisians take the whole of August off and de-camp to their southern jewel of the Cote d’Azur: it’s the place to be. From Nice to Cannes (why not stay in both?), this tres chic strip of coastline is buzzing – think swanky beach clubs, night markets by the sea and jazz festivals across the region (hang with the beautiful people in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat). More of an island lover? Then head to Ibiza, which has fully found its groove in August. It’s the hottest month for weather and goings-on. August is traditionally the fiesta month so join in local festivities like Ibiza Town Saints Day on the 8th, and be dazzled by the fireworks over the old town. You can also check out the famous bohemian markets, like Las Dalias and Benirras, provided you feel up to it after making the most of the clubs, which are of course in full swing. As for where to stay, you’re spoiled for choice, with Marseille, Nice (up to 50% off until 12th September) and Cannes to choose from in France, and two super-stylish, super-luxe options in Ibiza.

Hamburg

Freshwater swimming, beach bars, city parks and a legendary music scene – there are plenty of reasons to visit Hamburg in August. Unlike places further south in Europe, the weather is perfectly pitched – not too hot, not too cold - meaning you can go about your adventures without breaking a sweat. There are plenty of events to check out too, like the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival where an eclectic range of venues include manor houses, mansions and even decommissioned shipyards. August is all about getting outdoors, whether you want to check out the city’s many outdoor pools and beach (yes, really) or chill in the city’s vast green space, Don’t miss a wander around Speicherstadt, the historic warehouse district (also a UNESCO World Heritage site). It’s particularly charming in August, with its red-brick buildings and canals reflecting the summer sun. Then you’re just a leisurely stroll away from the best hotel, 25Hours Hotels Hamburg Hafencity.

Luxembourg

A tiny country, hugged by Germany, France and Belgium, Luxembourg is not the first place you think of for a summer holiday but that’s exactly why you should go. The capital, Luxembourg City, is built on the foundations of a formidable fortress so you’ve got history and culture at every turn. The deep valleys and high cliffs give it a magical, otherworldly feel – like you’re the protagonist in your own fairy-tale. And its unique geography means there are lots of distinct pockets of the city to experience. The picturesque Old Town – all pink buildings and tall spires surrounded by rocky cliffs - has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. There’s an outdoorsy vibe, too, with riverside gardens to enjoy and city parks. Or, if you fancy some caving, take a trip to the subterranean casemates carved out of the rock of the Bock promontory. As for where to stay, Mama Shelter is in yet another distinct neighbourhood - Kirchberg, where you’ll find Mudam, the Contemporary Art Museum (designed by I.M. Pei, also known for the glass pyramid of the Louvre in Paris). Don’t miss Mama’s Bakery for the best croissants and the pétanque area on the rooftop for a game of boules.

Rennes

Pack your Breton stripes and take a high summer trip to medieval Rennes, the capital of Brittany located just 1 hour 25 minutes from Paris by high speed train (TGV) so a handy Eurostar+ destination. A lively student city, this cultural capital is known for being something of a foodie hot spot. The speciality is a galette-saucisse –a sausage wrapped in a buckwheat galette, maybe with onions, but strictly no sauce. When you’re not eating, Rennes in August is all about leisurely wandering or cycling. It’s a compact city so you can easily reach everything on foot – from Marches des Lices, the Saturday morning street market, to taking in the architecture of St Peter’s cathedral or chilling in the botanical dream that is Thabor Gardens. If you have time and have a beach hankering, you’ll be in Saint-Malo and on the beaches of the Emerald Coast within less than an hour. Make Mama Shelter your Breton bolt hole, in the heart of the historic old town with its pedestrianised streets, squares and colourful half-timbered houses. The rooftop, a novelty in Rennes, reveals an incredible view of the city, too.