Next weekend — March 30-April 1Friedrichshafen, Germany: 73.09 pounds round tripFly Ryanair from London Stansted to Friedrichshafen.
For many, a trip to Friedrichsafen on the bank of Lake Constance will be all about airship history. For others, it’s all about the view.
The Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen, on the promenade of Lake Constance, contains an extensive collection of objects on the history of airship flight and technology. The museum’s upper floor also houses an art collection from the local region dating back to the Middle Ages.
After exploring the exhibits, enjoy a meal in the museum’s restaurant. It offers a view of the lake and the Austrian and Swiss Alps. The museum’s Web site, www.zeppelin-museum.de, reminds visitors that the museum is closed on Mondays and military and civil service employees with proper identification receive discounted admission.
For a closer look at airship flight, take a ride on the airship Bodensee, built with modern technology and using inert helium gas. The Bodensee glides over Lake Constance at 34 mph and carries 12 passengers for an hourlong flight, according to www.zeppelinflug.de. Be prepared to open your wallet to enjoy this experience as the flight costs 340 to 375 euro per person ($460 to $509).
Visitors wanting a terrific view of the lake and the Alps without the expense of an airship flight should climb the stairs to the top of the Lookout Tower of the Mole of the Harbor. For those wishing to enjoy the view with both feet planted on solid ground, take a stroll along the lake promenade.
Next month — April 27-29Pau, France: 65.97 pounds round tripFly Ryanair from London Stansted to Pau.
Pau exploration should start with a ride on the funicular to the Pau Chateau, the birthplace of Henri IV, the first protestant king of France. The Chateau, now a museum, offers visitors one-hour guided tours. The chateau displays a large collection of tapestries alongside Henri IV memorabilia. Of particular interest is his baby crib made of a single tortoise shell. Alongside the Chateau runs the Boulevard des Pyrènèes, with plenty of cafes offering a view of the surrounding mountains.
Art enthusiasts should visit the Musee des Beaux Arts, housing a collection of little-known works from the 14th to 20th centuries, alongside better known works by Rubens and Edgar Degas. The Musee Bernadotte houses a collection of traditional Bearnaise furniture and some valuable works of art.
To find boutiques carrying chocolates, sweet jams and antiques, the city’s Web site, www.pau.fr, suggests visiting the pedestrian rue Serviez and rue des Cordelieres. Here you can also find restaurants serving traditional local fare, including tender slices of duck breast and poule au pot, a whole chicken cooked in a pot with onions, potatoes and wine.
Airfare prices include estimated taxes and are courtesy of the Web site www.skyscanner.net. Prices were verified as of Monday afternoon when Stripes UK went to press. Deals are not guaranteed to be available; restrictions may apply.
