Fly from Nice to Tampere

Tampere is a former industrial city and it shows: factories and plants abound, giving the city a very industrious look. But don't be fooled! Behind the large brick façades, there are no more machines, but rather places of culture or entertainment full of imagination with discoveries to be made around every corner. This is because Tampere has a long memory: its streets and museums tell you a curious story. Add to that the joyful, creative and indulgent day-to-day lifestyle and festive nights. Like its population, the city is indeed jovial, warm and inventive. A perfect atmosphere for a city break as a couple or with friends.
These city pleasures do not exclude a more natural side. Tampere is the gateway to one of the most beautiful Edens on earth: the Lakeland region. The name is not misleading: there are more than 100,000 lakes surrounded by forest, and Saimaa, the largest, covers more than 4,000 square kilometres. Lush nature that offers simple pleasures: a walk along the water, an invigorating bath, a night in a wood cabin. Magical moments to share with your partner or even as a family.

• Work up a sweat to cleanse yourself from the inside with a good sauna. For this you are spoilt for choice. A favourite venue: Rajaportti, the oldest Finnish sauna in operation and certainly one of the most charming.
• Leave the city centre and wander through the Pispala district, with its hundreds of small, colourful wooden houses. It was once a haven for workers. Today, it’s home to numerous craftspeople. Seriously charming!
• Shop while steering clear of high fashion. Tampere specialises in all that’s vintage. A number of shops offer clothes, accessories and jewellery from bygone days. You’ll leave with a style that’s truly all your own!
• Hang out in the Finlayson neighbourhood. It owes its name and architecture to a former cotton factory. Today, its large, gleaming brick buildings house museums, bars, restaurants and trendy shops.
• Take a trip back through History with a capital H! That of Lenin, in the only Western museum dedicated to the father of the USSR. Located in the house where Vladimir Ilich Ulyanov first met the young Stalin in 1905, the Lenin Museum, while not "revolutionary", is well worth a visit.
• Climb to the top of the Pyynikki Tower. It’s not very high: barely 26 metres. But perched atop the hill from which it takes its name, it offers a 360-degree view of the entire city. Truly unforgettable!
• Take a selfie at the Tammerkoski, the Tammer rapids, where the Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi lakes meet. Rushing waters, picturesque quays, colossal statues, ancient buildings, and a park: the walk is as engaging as it is invigorating.
• Start the evening on a high note! On the roof of the Hotel Torni: the Moro Sky Bar. On the terrace or indoors, you can see the entire city. And the view is even more beautiful after sundown.
• Taste the best in local produce at Tampere's market halls. They are the largest in Scandinavia and offer local specialities, smoked fish, cold cuts, cheese, pastries, and more.
• Wander around the Lakeland region, take a canoe trip, go on a day cruise, visit a village, or go on a farm tour and spend the night in the home of locals or get a small wood cabin all to yourself. All right at the water’s edge of course!