Fly from Nice to Doha

Although almost all of the big hotels in Doha have a Kids’ Club, the activities on offer in this destination make it better suited to a couple, a group of friends or a family with older teenagers. These are the kinds of travellers who will get the most out of Doha’s main attractions. Explore the city on foot to discover its old neighbourhoods (which contrast with the ultra-modern constructions by Pei and Nouvel), its chic restaurants and cheap eateries, its fashion stores and massive shopping centres, and the unbelievable jewellers of the Gold Souq.
Had enough of urban pleasures? Want to get back to nature? Then head for the seashore, relax on sun lounger on the private beach of a palace, climb aboard a dhow to head for an island, or explore the reefs and cargo ship wrecks, looking for groupers, barracudas, or one of the few remaining dugongs.
Then it’s back to land, or rather sand: that of the desert! This is a preferred hunting ground of rich Qataris and their falcons. You can cross it in a 4x4, on a quad bike, or on a camel: a fascinating experience, day or night.

1. Visit the unmissable Museum of Islamic Art, which boasts a remarkable collection, but also stunning architecture by Pei and Wilmotte. Enriching!
2. Stroll through the alleys of Katara, a cultural village established by the former Emir of Qatar. Traditional pigeon towers, a mosque adorned with Persian mosaics, a Greek amphitheatre… Astonishing!
3. After nightfall, wander along the Corniche, a long pedestrian promenade by the seafront, and admire the skyline carved out by the skyscrapers. Striking!
4. Haggle for souvenirs in Souq Waqif. With its Art Centre, its falcon market, its spice bazaar and its perfume market, this modern souk has real soul. Enchanting!
5. Climb onto a camel to ride through the dunes, and if the idea appeals, sleep in a tent in the middle of the desert. Magical!
6. Go for gold: the Gold Souq is the place to find intricately crafted bracelets or 22 karat necklaces. This market brings together around 40 local jewellers. Dazzling!
7. Take a gondola trip at Villaggio Mall, an open-air shopping centre built around a canal, Venice-style. 200 different brands, with something for everyone. Great fun!
8. See the sea in the desert: Khor al Adaid. 60 kilometres south of Doha, the ocean has carved out an inlet into the dunes, forming a vast inland sea. Spellbinding!
9. For a five-star tan, grab a sun lounger on the private beach of a luxury establishment: the Sharq, the InterContinental, the Diplomatic Club or the W. Drive. Relaxing!
10. Lift the anchor! Discover the islands off Doha in a dhow. Explore Al Shafliyeh, Al Shafliyah or Shara’o: near-deserted islands with magnificent beaches. Exotic!