12 Enchanting French Destinations to Visit Instead of Paris
A French government agency, Atout France, says while 100 million international tourists visited France in 2023, Paris and the Île de France region received 47.5 million visitors. This means around 47 percent of the annual visitors to France are found in Paris.
That’s right! France gets close to 100 million travelers every year, and many people don’t even consider visiting the Eiffel Tower. There are so many other hidden gems in France.
Have you grown tired of traveling to Paris like most travelers? If you are a travel enthusiast looking for authenticity and cultural depth, check out these twelve French destinations that might help you see France in ways you’ve yet to see.
Annecy-The Jewel of the French Alps
Annecy is popularly referred to as the “Venice of the Alps.” Home to canals full of pictures, pastel building masterpieces, and towering surrounds, this is just the Alpine town to leave you breathless.
Don’t miss the chance to rent a bike and ride the trails around Lake Annecy, which is highly recommended in Europe for its (putative) cleanest lake. Tartiflette and raclette look tasty and can be sampled at the waterfront restaurants.
Colmar
Colmar is a picturesque town in its own right. It is arguably the most magical town in France. For its half-timbered houses leaning on bright colors, Colmar is a photographer’s dream.
It’s also home to wine culture and sits in the heart of the Alsace wine route. Spend an afternoon in “Little Venice,” a charming district filled with canals and flower-lined bridges.
Visit the vineyards and see why Riesling and Gewürztraminer are two of the region’s finest wines with a guided wine tour. It is charming in every corner; you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
Lyon – The Gastronomic Capital of France
If you’re a food lover, Lyon is your heaven. It also has a 2,000-year-plus history of ancient Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, and cutting-edge cuisine.
If you want to savor the city’s traditional dishes, dine inside Bouchon, Lyon’s traditional restaurant. Visit Les Halles de Lyon and Paul Bocuse to shop for gourmet food. As you walk through this UNESCO World Heritage city with amazing views from Fourvière Hill, see and take every bit of it.
Provence
No introduction is needed for Provence. With paintings of fields of fragrant lavender to sun-drenched villages, every inch of Provence is a painting.
Head to the higher-up hilltop village of Gordes, one of the most picturesque. Sénanque Abbey is home to postcard-perfect lavender fields in summer. You should shop at local markets for artisanal olive oil and lavender honey.
Bordeaux-Wine Enthusiast’s Dream
Bordeaux produces some of the world’s finest wines. There’s more to this port city than just vineyards, though.
Learn about the Cité du Vin, an awe-inspiring museum devoted entirely to wine. Explore neoclassical architecture along the banks of the Garonne River. Oenophiles should visit the nearby Médoc or Saint-Émilion regions to glimpse their vineyards.
Strasbourg – A Blend of French and German Culture
Strasbourg is close to the German border and boasts a fusion of unique cultures. Grande Île, its historic center, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the Gothic wonder of Strasbourg Cathedral.
La Petite France is a collection of 16th-century houses you can cruise around in the canals. Alsatian cuisine is hearty and don’t miss out on tarte flambée and choucroute garnie.
Giverny – Monet’s Masterpiece
Art lovers must have Giverny on their list. This small town inspired Claude Monet’s paintings of the famed Water Lilies series, and its house and gardens are a top attraction.
Visit Monet’s carefully repaired house and studio. The dreamy garden has a Japanese bridge and blooming flowers to admire. Go to the Museum of Impressionism to learn more about this art period.
Biarritz – The Surfing Capital of Europe
A coastal gem on the Basque coast that will appeal to surfers and sun worshippers alike. A town once playground of European royalty now blends luxury with laid-back vibes.
Grande Plage and Côte des Basques offer surfing lessons. Basque cuisine is a must—and pintxos are excellent! Finish your day with the sunset on the Rocher de la Vierge, a cliff outcrop off the Atlantic.
Rocamadour — A Medieval Pilgrimage Site
Rocamadour almost defies gravity as it clings to the side of a limestone cliff over the Alzou River Gorge. From a religious point of view, it’s a pilgrimage site and a historical wonder.
Visit the Sanctuary of Rocamadour, the house of the Black Madonna. The cobblestone Via Sancta has chapels and old houses where you can walk. Even the 216 steps up are worth it.
Nîmes – The French Rome
Nîmes is a treasure trove of Roman architecture with some of the best–preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. Experience history in the Nîmes Arena or discover the beautiful Roman temple Maison Carrée.
Then, visit the fantastic aqueduct bridge, the nearby Pont du Gard. Don’t forget to enjoy Costières de Nîmes wine at sunset.
Chamonix – A Winter Wonderland
There is plenty of action here for the adventure seeker. The Alps host world-class skiing, and the scenery is jaw-dropping. You should ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car for the undoubtedly best Mont Blanc views from the world.
Explore the scenic trails or ski down the legendary Alpine slopes. Then, there will be a warm-up with hearty Savoyard cuisine and mulled wine.
Reims – The Champagne Capital
A sparkling gem in the Champagne region, Reims is only a few hours from Paris, making it an easy day trip. In addition to being home to grand Champagne houses, the region’s history is incredible.
Tour and taste your way around Champagne Pommery or Veuve Clicquot. Visit the Reims Cathedral, where French kings were once crowned. Finish your visit with a wander down the art deco-styled streets of this beautiful city.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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