ATHENS Greece
A journey back in time, departing from Rennes
Commonly regarded to be the birthplace of democracy and western civilisation, Athens is very different from the rest of Greece. Fascinating and enchanting, it is one of the world's oldest cities, where a sense of history is omnipresent.
Regular flights between Rennes and Athens
You can fly to Athens all year round via Paris-CDG with Air France.
Climate : Mediterranean. The summers are hot and dry, particularly in July and August. Athens holds the world record for the highest temperature reached in Europe, a sweltering 48°C. The winters are mild. The weather in the spring and autumn alternates between blue skies and showers, with variable temperatures.
Time difference with France : + 1 hour
Currency : Euro
Travel document requirements : valid passport or national identity card
Tourist information : www.visitgreece.gr
A trip to the cradle of history
When you visit Athens you feel as though you have travelled back through time. It is one of the world's most ancient cities. The ancient remains, the agora by the temple of Zeus and the unmissable Acropolis are just some of the sites which give the city its unique ambiance. Athens was named after goddess Athena, and the city is defined by its historical remains which have appealed to visitors for centuries. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable trip to the city where western civilisation began.
A dynamic and lively city
There's more to Athens than its history; it is also full of life. Its hosting of the 2004 Olympic Games brought a fresh impetus to the city. A number of spectacular urban development projects were completed, such as the underground - a masterpiece of modern design - and the city's transport infrastructure was upgraded and reorganised (e.g. to facilitate access to the airport). The end result is a very tourist-friendly city.
Must-see attractions
The list of attractions in Athens is very long. The following should definitely be prioritised in your itinerary: the Acropolis (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Benaki museum, the Parthenon, the Agora, the Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis Museum, the Theatre of Dionysos… One thing is sure: you won't be bored!
Away from Athens
If you are thinking of visiting other parts of Greece, note that the islands are nothing less than paradise on earth. They are well worth a detour, particularly the famous Cyclades group. The country has more than its fair share of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The best-known include: the Delphi archaeological site, the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns, the old town of Corfu, the mediaeval city of Rhodes, the historic centre (Chora) on the island of Patmos and Nea Moni monastery on the island of Chios.
