Four Glorious French Destinations That Aren’t Paris
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Paris is undeniably a beautiful city and remains today one of the most popular city-break destinations in the world. But by virtue of its popularity, other fantastic locations in France are being unfairly overlooked – and this piece intends to redress the balance a little. France has so much going for it, from the glistening southern coastline to the rolling vineyards inland, and from the natural parks of the south-west to the mountainous peaks of the eastern border.
Wine, cheese, culture, history and unparalleled views of the continental countryside make the lesser-known towns and cities south of Paris invaluable additions to tours in Europe, drinking in the country in a way that’s impossible from its capital. The following list includes some of these overlooked destinations and the things that make them such a crucial visit on your next holiday.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is, of course, the home region of the deep red wine named for it – but the city of Bordeaux itself is a destination worthy of attention, even without the famed vineyards that bound it. It is home to more than 350 monuments historique – a French classification for heritage sites in the country –, the second-largest collection of such sites in France. These monuments include the imposing Place de la Bourse, the 200-year-old Pont de Pierre, and the Grand Theatre. As a city, the nightlife is astonishing – not to mention the local wine selection.
Champagne
Champagne is a product that precedes itself, but the region from which it comes has much more to offer than the famed sparkling wine. It is home to five distinct wine-producing regions, and several historically significant cities and towns, including Reims. Reims was a Roman city of great import, with evidence still standing today of Roman civilisation. Champagne is also home to Troyes, an important trading town with great significance to the textile trade, and home to the Musee d’Art Moderne de Troyes.
Val Thorens
Val Thorens, located in the heart of the French Alps, offers exceptional skiing for those seeking the thrill of winter sports. Sitting high at 2,300 meters, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort, which should give more stable snowy conditions throughout the ski season. This popular ski resort caters to skiers of all ages and levels. Right from beginners to experts seeking thrilling off-piste adventures. If you are considering booking a ski trip, this charming resort offers a vibrant apres-ski scene, featuring a variety of restaurants, off-piste activities and bars to suit all tastes. The combination of stunning alpine scenery, a fun-filled atmosphere, and world-class skiing facilities makes Val Thorens a top choice for those seeking an unforgettable winter holiday.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a small French city just north of Marseille and criminally underserved by its proximity to the coastal city. Aix is a simply beautiful city, with century-spanning architecture epitomised by the Aix Cathedral. Its rues and squares host restaurants and bistros galore, while six museums offer a breadth of French cultural history – from Cezanne’s former studio to the Museum of Old Aix that preserves the area’s heritage.
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