France Tours: Off the Beaten Path

When you hear people talk about France tours, they’re probably going to focus on a number of well-known areas. Paris and all its iconic destinations are sure to make the list, as are the scenic towns of the French Riviera along the Mediterranean Sea. As any avid traveler can tell you, though, sometimes the most memorable highlights are the ones off the beaten path. France certainly has its fair share of those, all of which can be visited through travel companies that specialize in custom tours.

Many of the lesser-known spots in France reside in the small city of Amiens. With a population of just over 139,000, it maintains the appeal of bigger cities while keeping crowds down, so you can explore its beautiful streets at your own pace. Whether you’re walking through one of the city’s quaint “quarterlies” or stopping for a bite along the Somme River, the most noticeable part of Amiens is undoubtedly the Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens – a breathtaking piece of architecture that stands twice the size of Paris’ famed Notre Dame. A perfect example of Gothic Architecture, the cathedral is more than 750 years old and will surely leave a lasting impression long after you’ve headed home from Amiens.

France is among the most popular European destinations thanks to its stunning cathedrals, cultural history and trademark cuisine. However, France also has some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. If you’re trying to avoid the big crowds at scenic hotspots, head to the country’s west coast, which borders the Atlantic Ocean. Anywhere you decide to visit along this picturesque stretch of coastline will be a wise choice, but you can’t go wrong by stopping by La Rochelle, a city of about 80,000 situated on the banks of the Bay of Biscay.

The unrivaled highlight of a tour in La Rochelle is the city’s Old Harbor. A hub of activity, the heart of the city is lined with delicious seafood restaurants, beautiful views of the ocean and a relaxing atmosphere you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. It’s also the launching point for several small islands including Île de Ré and Île-d’Aix.

Marseille is another oft-overlooked gem of a destination in France. While you might be more familiar with the name than La Rochelle or Amiens, Marseille remains relatively empty of tourists compared to the bigger draws. Yet, there is still more than enough for you to do and see. Located in the southeast corner of the country, Marseille is especially attractive to anyone looking to explore some of France’s best museums, such as the Musée des beaux-arts de Marseille – which houses pieces from some of the best known artists in history – and the Museum of Natural History.

Of course, there is much more to France’s second-largest city than museums. Make sure to explore Marseille’s Old Port, setting aside time to visit St. Victor’s Abbey and the iconic Phare de Sainte Marie lighthouse – just to name a few highlights.

Big attractions become popular tourist destinations for good reason, but doesn’t it feel good to get away from the hustle and bustle of large crowds, even for a few hours?

 

Tags: Amiens, Amiens Cathedral, Atlantic Ocean, France, frenchriviera, La Rochelle, Paris, River Somme

Category: Travel