Inspirations - travel

4 places to discover

Looking for sun and escape? The Poinçon 22 team shares its favorite French spots for this summer. From the beaches of Biarritz and Porto-Vecchio to the ramparts of Saint-Malo and the paradise-like Lily of the Valley in La Croix Valmer, our beautiful country is brimming with resources for dream vacations of all kinds! Four travel inspirations to recharge your batteries before the start of the new school year:

Palombaggia © Michelin Voyage

Palombaggia in Porto Vecchio

Porto-Vecchio, a port town in southern Corsica, is home to a thousand and one wonders. Corsica's third-largest town, it attracts visitors with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery. With its harmonious blend of 16th-century Genoese citadel walls, pine-fringed sandy beaches and mountainous landscape, many French people come here to recharge their batteries.

Our favorite part of the town? Palombaggia beach. A heavenly spot where we're already dreaming of basking in the sun.  

This beach offers a magnificent panorama of the Cerbicale islands, classified as a nature reserve and much loved by birds. An oasis, surrounded by nature, where you can escape between bright green pines, wild coves and sparkling turquoise water.

Lily of the Valley, la croix valmer

A true haven of peace, Lily of the Valley is set in unspoilt countryside overlooking the sea. It's just 20 minutes from Saint Tropez and a stone's throw from Gigaro beach, a five-kilometre stretch of fine sand. A place close to nature, thanks to the design of the buildings by Philippe Starck. The wellness center at the heart of the hotel invites you to relax, both mentally and physically. A luxurious experience where the watchword is to make every moment unique. A warm and eclectic atmosphere to make you feel at home in the heart of lush greenery.

Our favorite? The terraces, with their sweeping views of the Mediterranean, are the perfect place to savor the dishes of chef Vincent Maillard or enjoy a drink as the sun sets.

Lily of the Valley

©CarlosBiarritz

The Miramar beach in Biarritz

An elegant seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, Biarritz is a popular summer destination. Always bustling, the town nestled in the Bay of Biscay is a favorite with surfers. If you're an experienced surfer or want to discover a new passion, there are numerous surf schools waiting to welcome you. For a more intimate setting, we recommend the Miramar beach, often less crowded than the city's other spots. 

This charismatic town has many other facets to offer, thanks to its extensive natural, cultural and culinary heritage. For example, you can admire the rock formation of the Rocher de la Vierge or its famous 19th-century lighthouse, overlooking the surprisingly white Miramar beach. Then enter the heart of the town to discover the lively center and sample some of the specialties of the Basque coast. We invite you to enjoy an aperitif at Chez Carlos, overlooking the sea.

The ramparts of Saint Malo

A port city in northern Brittany, Saint Malo is known for its rich history, but also for its location on the most beautiful coast in Brittany: the Emerald Coast. A stroll along the "chemin de ronde" offers a magnificent view of the town's narrow streets on one side, and a panoramic view of the beaches, the forts we invite you to visit, and the port on the other. The Fort du Petit Bé, accessible on foot at low tide, offers a breathtaking 360° view. 

We suggest you take the opportunity to visit Dinard, and why not let yourself be tempted by the Castelbrac hotel for a unique stay by the sea. A Breton getaway for fresh air, walks and crêpes!

Saint Malo ©Pinterest