It looks like the Dolomites but cheaper and easier to access.
Who hasn't dreamed of traveling to the Dolomites, Europe's most admired mountain range for its fascinating rock formations and the intoxicating turquoise color of its lakes? Located in northeast Italy, access to them is no easy feat and puts many off, as the journey involves several stages and means of transport, as there is no direct access by plane or train. The nearest airport is Venice, and the nearest train stations are some distance from the natural sites. We've found an alternative that rivals the beauty of the Dolomites, easier to access and less expensive.
This site is nestled in the heart of the mountains, reminiscent of Lake Braies in the Dolomites: in the middle of the lake is an island with its church, offering the same type of "postcard" view as the small wooden cabin placed on the water with the mountains in the background of the Italian lake.
To discover this little-known gem, head to Slovenia, a Balkan country increasingly popular with tourists. With its small Baroque church perched on the island and its turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, Lake Bled offers an equally magical getaway.
You can walk around the lake on a flat, pleasant path in less than two hours, or cycle along a wide, 6-kilometer cycle path. On foot, you'll take beautiful photos with the Julian Alps in the background, while enjoying Kremšnita, the typical creamy pastry found all around the lake. As in Braies, the presence of traditional rowing boats, the "Pletna," that can be rented, adds charm to the scenery. Unlike the Dolomites, the site is not overcrowded in summer, the water is warmer (25 degrees), and access is not regulated.
To complete your exploration, you'll climb to Bled Castle, perched on a steep cliff overlooking the lake. From there, the panoramic view is spectacular. Other magnificent views of the lake can be enjoyed via a short hike to Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica. Another attraction in the area is the Vintgar Gorge, a spectacular canyon with a trail along an emerald river.
Although the distance between France and Lake Bled is the same as that of the Dolomites (around 1,000 km), access is relatively direct and inexpensive: you can fly or take a train from France. You won't need a car, which will save you a larger budget!
This train can be taken from Paris, Strasbourg, or Lyon to Ljubljana, with connections in Zurich or Munich. Once in the Slovenian capital, a train will take you to Lesce-Bled station. Lake Bled is then accessible on foot, by bus, or by taxi. While high-end hotels are the norm in the Dolomites, budgets are much less tight in Bled: you'll find accommodations for between 30 and 40 euros per night.
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