Unusual Seaside Activities: 6 Ideas for Your Summer Holiday
In short: paragliding, a scenic flight, coastal rescue training, wave ski, paddle yoga or a night in a lighthouse: here are 6 unusual seaside activities to add a touch of madness to your holiday by the sea, somewhere between thrills and total relaxation.
The essentials
| Activity | Mood | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Paragliding | Thrills at height | Tandem flight with an instructor, no experience needed |
| Scenic flight | Aerial views | Helicopter, plane or microlight with a licensed pilot |
| Coastal rescue | Sporty | Introduction with a qualified lifeguard |
| Wave ski | Gliding | A mix of surfing and kayaking, check tide and weather |
| Paddle yoga | Relaxing | Yoga poses on a stand-up paddle board |
| Night in a lighthouse | A change of scenery | For example the Kerbel lighthouse in Brittany |
Gain some height with exceptional seaside activities
Paragliding or a helicopter, plane or microlight flight: two ways to discover the coast from the sky, always with a professional.
This summer, leave the beach bag and swimsuit behind and discover the ocean as you have never seen it. Ready for take-off?
1. Treat yourself to a paragliding flight
Looking for an unusual activity to wake up your seaside holiday? Nothing beats paragliding for thrills and a feeling of freedom. It almost makes you want to sing "I believe I can fly".
For beginners, a tandem introductory flight lets you fly over the ocean with an instructor. There is nothing to fear: they take care of everything and all you have to do is enjoy the view.
If you are spending your holiday in the south-west of France, try paragliding from the Dune du Pilat (website in French), the largest dune in Europe. You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Arcachon basin and the Banc d'Arguin.
Other stunning landscapes can also be discovered from the air, such as the Normandy cliffs or the Breton coast.
2. A scenic flight with a view of the ocean
Paragliding is not for you, but you still want to see the coast from the sky? Helicopters, planes and microlights take you to discover the shoreline. Here too you will not be alone: licensed pilots take you to the most beautiful views.
By helicopter or plane, you can even share this extraordinary moment with a few loved ones. Unforgettable memories guaranteed!
Sporty activities to tame the ocean
Coastal rescue and wave ski let you take on the waves, with supervision and an eye on the weather.
Come back down to earth, or rather onto the sand, and cool off in the lively waters of the coast.
3. Train in coastal rescue
Every summer, are you impressed by the work of the lifeguards who make the ocean a safer place for swimmers? Step into their shoes for a few days by trying coastal rescue. Ready to run on sand and swim among the waves?
The programme of this short course: awareness of the dangers of the ocean and learning rescue techniques alongside a qualified lifeguard. Swimming, running, buoy, board... coastal rescue will soon hold no secrets for you. Thanks to the first-aid basics you learn, you will enjoy your stay by the sea more calmly, in the water and on the sand. If this topic interests you, read our article on rip currents and how to swim safely.
4. Tame the waves with wave ski
When you think of a seaside holiday, you already imagine practising a water sport in the heart of the ocean. This year, forget the traditional surfboard and its failed take-offs: try wave ski, or surf kayak!
Nothing to do with mountain skiing or water skiing: wave ski is a water sport that mixes surfing and kayaking. Take your place on the board (the wave ski), paddle in hand, and discover new gliding sensations. As with surfing, it is important to check the weather conditions and the tide time. Take a look at your tide clock before planning your session, or learn how to read tide times.
Original, 100% relaxing seaside holidays
Paddle yoga and a night in a lighthouse offer an unusual break, far from the traditional lounging on a towel.
After all these thrills, you have earned some rest. On the relaxation side too, here are unusual experiences to break up the classic lazy day.
5. Fill up on serenity with paddle yoga
What better than yoga to release tension? After being tossed about by the waves and exhilarated by a scenic flight, set off on a rather special beach activity: paddle yoga.
The challenge: holding yoga poses on a stand-up paddle board. A little balance is needed if you do not want to end up in the water! Learn to let go in the middle of the ocean, enjoy the benefits of sea air and, above all, admire the landscape between each asana. Looking for more spots? See our selection of beach destinations for yoga.
6. Spend an unusual night in a lighthouse
This summer, step off the beaten track! How about leaving the hotel or campsite behind for one or more nights? Here is an original alternative: sleeping in a lighthouse.
You can, for example, live this unique experience in Brittany, in the Kerbel lighthouse (page in French). A magical place to watch a sublime sunset with a panoramic view of the ocean, and to be lulled by the rhythm of the waves. Ready to pack your bags? Not far from you, there may be others: take a world tour of the most beautiful lighthouses.
And you, what will you do on your summer holiday?
Keep an eye on the tide
Frequently asked questions
What unusual activities can you do by the sea?
Paragliding, a helicopter, plane or microlight flight, coastal rescue training, wave ski, paddle yoga or a night in a lighthouse: plenty of ways to step out of the traditional lounging on the beach.
Can you go paragliding without experience?
Yes. The introductory flight is in tandem, with an instructor who takes care of everything. All you have to do is enjoy the view.
What is wave ski?
Wave ski, or surf kayak, is a water sport that mixes surfing and kayaking: you sit on a board, paddle in hand, to glide on the waves.
Why check the tides before a wave ski session?
As with surfing, weather conditions and tide time affect the quality and safety of the session. A tide clock lets you check them at a glance.
Where can you sleep in a lighthouse in Brittany?
The Kerbel lighthouse, in Riantec in Morbihan, offers an unusual night with a panoramic view of the ocean and a sunset.
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