Fly from Nice to Southampton

It’s true that Southampton isn’t the first destination to come to mind when thinking of a holiday in England. But, in terms of making guest visits more enjoyable, this city isn’t the last, far from it. It definitely meets all the criteria with a past rich with stories, streets full of desires and charming surroundings from Plymouth to Winchester, to the Isle of Wight, a nugget that shines as much for its nature as it does for its heritage. Visit as a family or a couple and walk around this great city as if you were in a history book, making a stop to visit some of the key names in Western culture, such as the Mayflower, the Queen Victoria, the Titanic, the Spitfire, etc. Even though this is the birthplace of the renowned Benny Hill, this isn’t something that is remembered especially. The city is moving forward, in its own time, as shown by its chic boutiques and “so English” retailers, its gourmet restaurants that are open to the most cosmopolitan of influences and its nightlife that exudes youth and the carelessness of a good time.

• Wander around the city to discover the old Southampton. While German bombs have deprived it of much of its heritage, it has nonetheless managed to keep hold of a few old stoneworks that are worth visiting, such as Bargate (its monumental gate), Catchcold Tower and God’s House Tower, and also St Michael’s Church.
• Smell the sweet scent of Old England while visiting Tudor House and Garden. This large and beautiful half-timbered house, which is five hundred years old, and its beautiful garden tell you about the daily life of the English in the olden days through its exhibitions and animations.
• Pass through six centuries of art history, shown in the exhibition rooms of the City Art Gallery and its rich collections of over 5,000 paintings, sculptures and photos.
• Go shopping in the chic boutiques at Ocean Village, on Southampton Marina, or the city's major shopping centres, such as Marlands Shopping Centre, West Quay Retail Park and especially Westquay, with a hundred retailers.
• Take to the seas with the SeaCity Museum, the maritime history museum. The Port of Southampton has seen a number of ships pass through it, starting with the Titanic. Part of its story is told here through wonderful models and many artefacts and documents of the era.
• Get up close to the wings of a legend: the famous Spitfire, winner of the Battle of Britain. It’s one of the major pieces of the collection in the Solent Sky Museum, an aviation museum that houses both old aeroplanes and jet aircraft.
• Raise the anchor and head to the Isle of Wight, an emerald on the waters of the English Channel, which is classed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. You’ll discover wonderful landscapes, Queen Victoria’s home, a steam train and the oldest amusement park in the United Kingdom.
• Take a trip to Plymouth, a great city in Devon. This is the port city from which the Pilgrims of the Mayflower left. Sunbathe on the beach at Plymouth Hoe, stroll along the cobblestones of the Barbican, amongst art galleries and designer shops, visit the National Marine Aquarium, England's largest aquarium, etc.
• Find Lancelot, Perceval and King Arthur around the famous Round Table, guarded by the Great Hall, in Winchester, the charming capital of Hampshire. It’s not real, of course, but a replica imposed by King Edward I of England, more than 700 years ago.
• Enjoy a pint or a cocktail in a pub, club or bar in Southampton. The best places are located in Bedford Place, the epicentre of student life, and all around. Looking for authenticity? You can count on the Duke of Wellington, found in a building that is eight hundred years old. You’ll find English specialities, beer on tap and jazz on the menu.