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If the sun, the beach, the bathing suit and the sunscreen don't appeal to you, this article is for you! Why not spend your summer in the cool? Far from the crowded coastlines and all the vacationers looking for heat, go and discover original destinations where summer is mild, even cold! Cross the equator where winter still reigns or discover the Nordic countries, you just have to choose! Petit Futé offers you its selection of ideal destinations to spend a cool summer and wait quietly for the return of autumn and milder temperatures!

N° 10 - Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian capital between modernity and traditions

Place Chinggis et la Parlement© (c) Baiterek Media - Shutterstock.com

Between modern skyscrapers or with a Soviet look and old buildings, the capital of Mongolia is a great destination for those who do not want to suffer from the heat in summer. Ulaanbaatar is often the first stop for those who wish to travel to the small traditional mountain villages. In August, temperatures are around 15°C. The atmosphere is then ideal to go and see the architectural treasures such as the Gandan Khiid monastery and the Winter Palace. The Chinghiis Khaan square is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the city. Later on, head to the Altan Khaan gallery to see contemporary Mongolian art, unless you are more tempted by the tools, clothes and accessories of the Naran Tull market, very typical.

No. 9 - Take a cruise in Antarctica

© Oversnap

In 1902, Jean-Baptiste Charcot was the first navigator to organize an expedition there. Since then, Antarctica has been the dream of many travelers... Ideal for an original and cool summer vacation, this white paradise is home to exceptional flora and fauna: penguins, seals and icebergs are all part of the landscape. Numerous agencies offer all kinds of packages: animal watching, coastal navigation or deep sea, the choice is yours! In any case, you are sure to enjoy the view and don't worry, the sun can also shine on the immaculate landscapes of Antarctica.

No. 8 - Edinburgh, city of legend

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If you prefer Loch Ness and rain to white sandy beaches and sea spray, go to Scotland! Here, the temperature rarely exceeds 20°C and the frequent showers give a certain charm to the landscape. Edinburgh, intriguing and romantic, fascinates all visitors who come for a few days to spend a cool summer. In August, it hosts many festivals that give it an incomparable vitality! The Fringe and the Edinburgh Art Festival are among the most renowned and are both dedicated to the performing arts. From architecture and culture to whisky tasting and lush gardens, Edinburgh is the city of choice for those who want to enjoy the summer without breaking a sweat.

7 - Helsinki, "the daughter of the Baltic

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Active and modern all year round, Helsinki is transformed when it is bathed in sunlight. No, it doesn't snow all year round in Finland! In summer, temperatures remain cool, but it rarely gets dark before 11pm! We take advantage of the mildness to go and see the most beautiful monuments of the Finnish capital, like the atypical church of Temppeliaukion. Another option is to go shopping in the Design District, in the district of Punavuori. Swimming can even be part of the game in summer. Go to Hietaniemi beach, where the water temperature is only 18°C. The Helsinki archipelago is made up of 330 islands and there is nothing better than a sea trip to discover them. Pihlajasaari, very popular with Finns, is ideal for a day at sea!

6 - Enjoy the summer ski areas in France

© Musat - istockphoto

You thought skiing in France in the middle of August was not possible because of the rising temperatures? Think again! Four ski areas are open in the Alps for ski lovers: Val d'Isère, Tignes, Les 2 Alpes andAlpe d'Huez offer the possibility to go all shuss on a glacier! You can also practice other activities such as hiking, mountain biking... The ideal place to enjoy winter sports... in summer ! No need to go far away to find a little coolness in summer, France has some pleasant surprises in store for all those allergic to the sun.

5 - The Faroe Islands, a natural paradise

© Fedev Photo

The Faroe Islands are an archipelago of 18 islands where nature is still preserved. The colors of the houses contrast with the dark vegetation and offer a sumptuous landscape to the visitors who arrive here. Summer is the ideal season to visit the Faroes, as temperatures are milder and connections between the islands are more frequent. With maximum temperatures that do not exceed 13°C, it is even necessary to keep a small jacket to go for a walk around the Leitisvatn lake and to admire the extraordinary viewpoints at Gásadalur. Here, tourism is still very little developed, so it's time to discover them!

N°4- Auckland, "the "city of sails

© Mlenny

Located on the North Island, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. Elegant, young and dynamic, it attracts backpackers from all over the world for its quality of life. Bathed on both sides by the Tasman Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, it is nestled in an exceptional environment where the sea is never far away. The Hauraki Gulf and its beautiful islands are an ideal setting for a cool vacation as the temperature averages 15°C in the afternoon in the middle of summer. The good thing about Auckland is that between its lively neighborhoods, beaches and surrounding islands, there is plenty of choice for a memorable summer, and cool of course!

3 - Jökulsárlón and its icebergs

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If you prefer to see icebergs in the sea rather than in your glass, Iceland is the ideal destination for your summer vacations! Jökulsárlón is a must-see in the country. Its spectacular landscape is made of icebergs from the Vatnajökull glacier coming to rest on a black sand beach. You can even see seals swimming in complete freedom! Take pictures, go around the glacial lagoon, enjoy the sublime sunrises or sunsets, there are many ways to enjoy these sublime landscapes. The must is to go on board a boat for a walk in the ice. It is unforgettable!

No. 2 - The Svalbard archipelago and the midnight sun

© seafarer81

Halfway between Norway and the North Pole, the Svalbard archipelago is located in the Arctic Ocean. It is home to exceptional flora and fauna, including several thousand polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer, whales and gigantic glaciers. Even during the summer, it is possible to ski on them or simply to admire them all day long... and night long! Here, between April and the end of August, the sun never sets! For those who love beautiful and vast landscapes that remain cool even in summer, here is a destination that is still unknown and that you should discover as soon as possible.

No. 1 - Ushuaïa, an escapade at the end of the world

© saiko3p

Located in Patagonia, this immense territory on the southern Atlantic tip of the Andes Mountains, Ushuaïa is the southernmost land in the world. Between mountains and sea, its climate is often windy and rainy, especially from June to September when winter is in full swing. There are many ski areas and it is the starting point for all cruises to Cape Horn. Other options include hiking in Tierra del Fuego and discovering the Laguna Esmeralda surrounded by its snowy peaks. A vacation that is not only refreshing, but also a change of scenery!