Forty-eight hectares of rolling lavender fields bloom a blanket of purple on one of the world’s largest lavender farms. The five-week harvest begins in early January with the distillation and processing of the lavender in full swing. A tasting area allows you to experience the unique use of Bridestowe lavender as a subtle flavouring in superb quality foods. Sit and enjoy a coffee in the Bridestowe café or picnic under the century-old oak trees and stroll through the fields. The Bridestowe gift shop has lavender filled bears, lavender infused oils, lotions and potions and culinary lavender — so you can make your own lavender treats at home.

The Pyrenees ski resorts are easily accessible from Pau if you want to go on a ski holiday. The Pyrenees are more affordable than the Alps when it comes to passes and hire. You can reach the different destinations easily by buses and shuttles. Some of the ski areas in the area are: - Saint-Lary Soulan, with 100km of pistes, plenty of off-piste opportunities, and a kids’ park with its own toboggan run; - Les Angles, a huge ski area with loads of pistes; - La Mongie/Barèges, with a total of 69 pistes and 42 lifts.

The favelas are Brazil's gloomily famous shanty towns. Once a shelter for war veterans and freedmen, they have now become the symbol of social and economic inequalities in the country. A guided tour of these communities represents a unique opportunity to understand the locals' living conditions, their challenges and their daily struggles. If you have the chance, visit the famous favela named Rocinha to discover a whole different side of Rio de Janeiro. Visits are only recommended as part of a supervised guided tour and may be unsafe to do on one's own.