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Journey across Poland, full of splendour and emotion
3 stops
5 nights
447 miles
From the southern coast of the Baltic sea to the historic sites around Krakow, passing through the astonishing capital, Warsaw, this Route du Bonheur sets out to discover Poland, this unknown European giant. Baroque churches, soviet inspired buildings, lively cafés and film sets, travelers will find this trip full of emotion…
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Departure
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Gdynia
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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The Golden House, Gdansk
For the traveller, the name of Gdansk evokes above all the naval shipyards and the trade union Solidarność. It is perhaps here that modern Poland was born. Today Gdansk remains a town of contrasts, between the bustling activity of the port and the gentle atmosphere of the roads dominated by patrician houses. Built in the 17th century, the Golden House has survived all the wars and still displays the richness of Danzig, the former Prussian town.
During your stay
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Open’er Festival, Gdynia
Before Bruno Mars and Gorillaz, Radiohead, the Foo Fighters, Pharrell Williams, PJ Harvey and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have played on the Open'er stage in recent years. Every summer the festival offers a varied programme with international artists and fashionable groups from the Polish scene. The concerts take place at the heart of the town, just a few cable-lengths from the beach…
During your stay
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Discover Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia on the Polish Riviera
On the shores of the Baltic Sea lie the cities of Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia. Together they form the 'Tricity' (Trojmiasto), one of the most important cultural and industrial centers in the country. As you travel along the coast, you'll get to discover them one after the other: the modern Gdynia with its naval museum; Sopot, the charming and very select seaside resort prized by all the country's stars; and finally historic Gdańsk, home to the most famous trade union, Solidarność...
On the road
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Explore Malbork Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Malbork)
Considered the most important medieval castle in Europe, Malbork shows off its impressive red brick walls overlooking the Nogat River. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries by warrior monks, the fortress-monastery was then the capital of the knights of the Teutonic Order. Composed of three castles, it is now home to a vast museum housing both relics (many amber objects) and modern works.
02
266 milesCar
Recommended duration : 1 night
Warsaw
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Warsaw, the admirable reconstruction
Former European Capital of Culture (2016), Warsaw is classified as a UNESCO Heritage Site for the extraordinary restoration of its historic center. After its destruction in the summer of 1944, it was rebuilt almost to its original form in only five years. As the political, economic and cultural center of the country, the city today is a collection of churches, palaces and modern skyscrapers. An urban, historical, and idyllic setting...
Things to do, see, and discover
On the road
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Visit the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews (Warsaw)
Since 2013, the ultra-modern Museum of the History of Polish Jews (known as POLIN) recounts '1,000 years of Jewish history in Poland.' Located in Muranów, in the heart of the old Jewish quarter, the museum is dedicated to demonstrating the unbreakable ties between the Jewish people and Poland. Warsaw has long been the center of Yiddish culture. More than 3 million Jews lived in the country in 1939. Only 200,000 survived...
On the road
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A view of Warsaw
To get to know Warsaw's many facets, you have to climb to the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science, an imposing tower of 230m. Vestiges of the Stalinist era contrast with high-tech buildings and baroque edifices. Built between 1952 and 1955, the sky scraper today houses two museums, three theatres, a multiplex cinema, a swimming pool, bars and restaurants. As much a crossroads as a tower…
03
181 milesCar
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Krakow
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Strolling along the “Royal Road”, Krakow
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, Krakow has withstood time, destruction and invasions: just follow the 'Royal Road' into the historic city centre to see for yourself. From Matejki Square to Wawel Castle and Cathedral via the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the Royal Road was once taken by monarchs visiting the city.
During your stay
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A duty to remember: Auschwitz-Birkenau, Oswiecim
Symbols of Nazi horror, the former Auschwitz and Birkenau camps west of Krakow are much more than a museum, they stand as a necessary memorial reminding us that over a million Jews were exterminated here. Take a deeply moving tour through the various camp buildings, the ruins of the crematoria and the gas chambers, where you will discover photographs taken at the time and some belongings of the deportees.
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