Take full advantage of an exotic holiday without suffering the famous jet-lag? Just opt for destinations without jet lag with the metropolitan France, or just a few hours.
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The possibilities lie in a corridor of land stretched between the poles, from the northern reaches of Europe to the tip of Africa. if we want to stick to "zero lag". But for 3 hours maximum, the possibilities are much wider. Overview.
Read alsoJet lag: calculation of the difference by city and country, how to avoid jet lag?
Destinations without jet lag with France
THE CALL OF THE FAR NORTH IN LAPLAND (NORWAY, SWEDEN)
In winter, the Northern Lights set the sky ablaze, as here in Norway. Tsuguliev
Head for the Far North! On the borders of Scandinavia, and Europe, Lapland, territory of the Sami, extends over four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, the first two having no time difference with the France. In Norwegian Lapland, unknown Lapland, the tundra is gradually metamorphosing into fjords. In winter, the Northern Lights set the sky ablaze; In summer, it is the midnight sun that shines.
Beyond the Arctic Circle, in the Lofoten Islands, the mountains are chiseled with harshness, the reliefs, notched with fjords of majestic beauty. Fishing villages and secret coves nestle in the indentations of the coasts whose waters turn from cobalt blue to turquoise.
See alsoFinland, a trip to the land of happiness
SOVEREIGN NATURE IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLE OF SKYE (SCOTLAND)
A small part of the Scottish world, the Isle of Skye unfolds its lochs and bays, its steep reefs and geological formations. Adam
The "Highlands" extend some of Scotland's wildest and most melancholic landscapes: ruined castles and citadels, layers of peat and moorland mantles, wooded valleys and lochs shrouded in mystery. The rugged coastline is punctuated by fishing ports and white sandy beaches. A small part of the Scottish world, the Isle of Skye unfolds its lochs and bays, its steep reefs and geological formations.
Throughout the summer season, the Highland Games animate the localities to the rhythm of showdowns and ceilidh, highly exotic folk balls.
See alsoScotland from loch to loch, the most beautiful lakes for a nature trip
TUTOYER THE ATLANTIC AND AFRICA IN THE ALGARVE (PORTUGAL)
The Atlantic coastline stretches long wild beaches and hides small bays surrounded by rocks. PKAZMIERCZAK
At the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, south of Portugal and at the gates of Africa, the Algarve breathes the fresh air and the fierce ocean. The Atlantic coast stretches long wild beaches and hides small bays surrounded by rocks, sees the ochre cliffs plunge into an emerald sea.
The coast west of Lagos remained wilder, as well as the coastline east of Faro. The west coast, also preserved from mass tourism, boasts Californian beaches, and cliffs worthy of the Wild West.
The hinterland is dominated by sierras, hiking grounds. The Moorish past has shaped the cultural identity of the Algarve, its folded white villages, and its fortified cities bristling with chimneys.
Read alsoThe wildest beaches and coves in the Algarve: our selection
AT THE CROSSROADS OF CIVILIZATIONS IN SLOVENIA
Slovenia's valleys, gorges, cliffs, lakes and rivers call for hiking and adventure. Here, Lake Bled. Gasparic swears
Slovenia, small country but big change of scenery. At the crossroads of cultures, she weaves a patchwork of influences: Slavic, Austro-Hungarian... The twists and turns of history are visible everywhere: in cities, castles, language, gastronomy... It is one specimen among others of the crossing of cultures, between Venetian facades, palaces in pastel colors of Austro-Hungarian baroque, Italian influences and Soviet heritage.
No need to choose between lakes and mountains, skiing and water sports. Valleys, gorges, cliffs, lakes and rivers call for hiking and adventure; mountain trekking, mountain biking, kayaking on Lake Bled, one of the most beautiful alpine holiday destinations, rafting on the emerald waters of the Soča River... A narrow coastal strip, the Slovenian coastline is surrounded by seaside resorts with Venetian architecture. A slow tourism destination that smells good the South.
Read alsoThe most beautiful walks to do in Slovenia
MOROCCO, SO CLOSE AND SO EXOTIC
The more adventurous will live an unforgettable adventure in bivouac in the Sahara. Aleš Nowák
Live awake the dream of the Arabian Nights in Morocco, a colorful destination. Dream of monarchs in the imperial cities of the North such as Marrakech, Fez, Meknes and Rabat, princes and princesses in palaces and riads surrounded by gardens, and look for Ali Baba's cave in the souks.
On the beaches come crashing the impetuous waves of the Atlantic. In the aridity of the land, crossing medinas and kasbahs with colorful and fragrant craft stalls introduces to Berber culture, which the most adventurous will live in bivouac in the Sahara. The ergs of Western Sahara, oceans of honey-colored dunes, open onto oases set with palm trees, mirages that do not escape.
See alsoWhere to go to Morocco in 2023? Our 7 travel ideas in all seasons, from the ocean to the desert
MEETING THE ETHNIC GROUPS OF SENEGAL
Joal Fadiouth Island is located southeast of Dakar. Atosan
An artistic showcase of Africa, Senegal, at the crossroads of migratory routes to the Maghreb, conceals a kaleidoscope of ethnic groups, the Wolofs being the most important. The country is also known as the land of teraanga ("hospitality" in Wolof). The island of Gorée remembers, along sandy streets, colonial houses and places of memory, the time of slavery.
Senegal also has its natural treasures: beaches bordered by lush vegetation, bolongs (saltwater channels) of Casamance that split the mangrove, and Lake Rose, a natural curiosity that owes its purplish hues to a microscopic algae. As for the Saloum delta, it reserves the surprise of an aquatic Africa. The adventurers will push the adventure into the desert valleys of the Sahel, planted with baobabs, territory of the Fulani.
Read alsoWhen to go to Senegal? Climate, temperatures... The best period by region
Destinations with a maximum time difference of 1 hour with the France
FIND MORNING LANDSCAPES OF THE WORLD IN THE CANARY ISLANDS
Lanzarote the volcanic, always more popular with the French. Balate Dorin / stock.adobe.com
Scattered in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands form a confetti of volcanic islands, each displaying its own identity. Volcanoes have shaped lunar landscapes. Conversely, time seems to have had no hold on the lush rainforests. Surrounding colonial cities, a mosaic of natural landscapes emerges, here and there protected in national parks and nature reserves: Teide volcano watching in majesty over Tenerife, petrified lava fields in the Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, laurisilva in La Gomera and El Hierro, bright white sand beaches and Saharan dunes in Fuerteventura, forests and ravines of La Palma, natural pools of Lanzarote and El Hierro... As for Gran Canaria, its nickname "miniature continent" says a lot about its diversity.
On the sea side, the beaches display an equally surprising diversity. Pebbles, fine sand, golden or anthracite, they are bathed by azure or emerald waters. Each has its distinctive seaside features: the sand dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, the black sand beaches of Tenerife, the wild coves of Lanzarote... It is therefore difficult to find in the Canaries a common denominator, if not a deliciously untamed nature, and the assurance of multiple changes of scenery.
- Time difference: -1h
Read alsoThe Canary Islands: which island to choose for your next vacation?
SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA
In South Africa, the safari is done in the settings of the romance Out of Africa. WitR
Head to South Africa to explore one of the world's richest wildlife in parks and nature reserves. The safari is done in the settings of the romance Out of Africa. The search for sunbathing will take you to the beaches of the Indian Ocean. After a night in a lodge in the savannah, we wake up surrounded by wild animals.
- No jet lag in summer, +1h in winter
See alsoFive very good reasons to go to South Africa this summer
Destinations 2 hours time difference with the France
CROSSBREEDING AND CULTURAL MOSAIC IN REUNION ISLAND
A blue sapphire embedded in the emerald cliff: the sublime Langevin waterfall. Bruno Mazodier/Figaro Magazine
From sandy beaches to active volcanoes, Reunion Island proudly defends its nickname of "intense island". Around the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, the mountainous panoramas are to be savored in the vertigo of the cirques of Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie, carpeted with lush forests, punctuated by waterfalls and crisscrossed by hiking trails. The beaches offer a wide range of water activities: surfing, scuba diving... From cirques to peaks and lagoons to waterfalls, at the bend of each road nature enchants.
But this rainbow island, rocked by French, Creole, Indian, Malagasy, Comorian and Chinese cultures, also promises multiple changes of scenery, and several trips in one. This cultural diversity is discovered in picturesque villages, in gastronomy, and religious diversity is felt in churches, Tamil temples and mosques. Everything is to be experienced during colorful festivals that are in full swing with music and dance.
- Time difference: +2h in summer, +3h in winter
Dream of East and Arabia in Oman
In the desert of Ash-Sharqiyah. Antonin Borgeaud
To the east of the Arabian Peninsula, the name of the Sultanate of Oman evokes an epic worthy of those of Lauwrence of Arabia, which combines sea, mountains and deserts.
The mosques and souks of cities with an archaeological heritage bring the visitor on one level into Arabia. Then naturally comes the call of the desert. At the foot of the mountains flow the wadis. The arid expanses of the desert, punctuated by Berber villages, reserve the surprise of oasis to the green palm groves - real mirages and waking dreams. Going on an excursion in the desert can lead to the bivouac under the stars.
After the monochrome aridity of the desert come the sea and its turquoise colors. The stay ends on white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, to practice swimming or diving.
Finally, Omani gastronomy, a fusion of cultural influences, especially Arabic, Persian and Indian, is in itself a journey through the East.
- Time difference: +2h in summer, +3h in winter
