With 47.5 million visitors to Paris in 2023, overtourism is a significant concern for France’s capital and its admirers. Also, this summer, the spotlight will be on Paris as it hosts the 2024 Olympics Games drawing large crowds to the French capital and other Olympic host cities across the country, including Lille, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes, Marseille, and Teahupo’o in Tahiti. For those seeking to avoid the tourist rush, here are some alternative suggestions to explore lesser-known French attractions and destinations favored by locals and visitors alike.
While the allure of the City of Light is undeniable, the country boasts numerous enchanting villes awaiting exploration.
On your next trip, consider spreading your itinerary beyond Paris. Each of these five French cities brims with rich history, delectable cuisine and wine, unique shopping experiences, vibrant art and culture, and that unmistakable French je ne sais quoi that will captivate any Francophile.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region, is a delightful blend of French and German cultures. Its UNESCO-listed medieval core, situated on an island, is best explored by boat. The picturesque Petite France neighborhood, with its cobbled streets, arched bridges, and half-timbered houses adorned with flower boxes, is perfect for wandering. Strasbourg’s cuisine reflects its dual heritage, featuring dishes like choucroute (sauerkraut) and tarte flambée (also known as flammekueche), a thin, crispy dough topped with fromage blanc, sliced onions, and bacon. In December, the area around the gothic Cathedral Notre Dame de Strasbourg turns into a winter wonderland with the famous Christmas Market, bringing holiday magic to the city.
Sustainable travel tip: Strasbourg boasts well-marked cycling routes that pass by historical sites and parks, such as Parc de l’Orangerie, the city’s largest green space. The park is also home to a stork breeding sanctuary, symbolizing Alsace.
Arles
Vincent van Gogh had a deep connection with Arles, creating some of his most renowned works during his stay from 1888 to 1889. The city’s rich collection of Roman and Romanesque UNESCO sites, charming streets, and 300 days of sunshine each year make it easy to see why he was inspired. Visitors can follow in van Gogh’s footsteps with the van Gogh Walking Tour Map, which highlights locations where he painted, or visit the Fondation Vincent van Gogh to appreciate his art. The two-tiered Arles Arena, inspired by Rome’s Colosseum, hosts spectacles and concerts, including events on summer Tuesdays that celebrate the city’s ancient chariot racing and gladiatorial traditions.
Sustainable travel tip: Taco & Co offers eco-friendly tours around Arles using electric bikes. They also provide convenient services to transport you and your luggage to and from the train station.
Côte Bleue – The Blue Coast
Visiting the Blue Coast in France offers a serene escape along the Mediterranean, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs and charming coastal towns. Stretching from Marseille to Martigues, this picturesque region is renowned for its stunning calanques—narrow inlets with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The Blue Coast also boasts delightful seaside villages like Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins, where visitors can indulge in fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants or explore historic sites such as Château d’If, made famous by Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. Whether relaxing on pristine beaches, hiking coastal trails, or savoring local cuisine, the Blue Coast offers a quintessential Mediterranean experience in France.
Sustainable travel tip: Support local businesses and artisans by choosing restaurants and shops that prioritize sustainable practices and use locally sourced ingredients and products.
Also Read: 72 Hours In Paris | Travel and Food Guide
Dijon
Once the seat of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy, Dijon boasts a rich history showcased in its many medieval buildings and Renaissance façades. It is also renowned for its culinary delights, with numerous bistros and Michelin-starred restaurants offering the best of Burgundy cuisine. Stroll through the Place de La Liberation, home to the 14th-century Ducal Palace and the Musée des Beaux Arts. The square’s bubbling fountains are a delight for children. Burgundy’s grand cru vineyards were recognized by UNESCO in 2015, and Dijon is an ideal base for wine enthusiasts who can explore the Route des Grands Crus or enjoy the city’s inviting wine bars, such as Le Caveau de la Chouette.
Sustainable travel tip: While Maille boutiques offer world-famous Dijon mustard on tap, you can support local artisans by learning to make your own mustard as a unique souvenir from a Burgundy family.
Toulouse
Known as La Ville Rose (the Pink City) due to the distinctive hue of its buildings, this southwestern city has something for everyone. With a large population of French and international students, Toulouse offers a vibrant scene for tapas (Bodega Chez Vincent is a local favorite) and drinks (Chez Tonton is always popular). The city is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Canal du Midi, ideal for barge cruising, and the Basilica of St. Sernin, the largest Romanesque building in Europe. The pleasant weather makes lounging along the banks of the Garonne River a favorite activity, and the Pyrénées mountains, less than two hours away by train, provide excellent opportunities for hiking and skiing. Don’t leave without trying cassoulet, a hearty stew made with Toulouse sausage, white beans, and duck confit, available at the Marché Victor Hugo.
Sustainable travel tip: Just a half-hour bus ride from the city center, Cité de l’Espace, France’s space capital, offers fascinating exhibits and special programs about space exploration.
For latest travel news and updates, food and drink journeys, restaurant features, and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Read more on Travel and Food Network
Trending on TFN
A Spanish Odyssey: Trafalgar’s Unparalleled Best of Spain Itinerary
Imperial Splendors: Trafalgar’s 10-Day Sojourn in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest
