7 Alternatives to France’s Busiest Tourist Attractions That Will Surprise and Delight You
France is a truly spectacular country chock full of gorgeous palaces, important historical sites, bustling cities, and adorable villages. It’s the #1 most visited tourist destination in the world, and I think it definitely earns that title!
Of course, so many alluring attractions often come with heavy crowds – not exactly the idyllic bliss that you might have been imaging. The good news is that while yes, the most famous sites see millions of visitors a year, there are similar destinations that are equally incredible that are “off the beaten path”.
So while I love all the “popular” places on this list and would recommend them, too, if you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet, you would do well to check out these alternative tourist destinations in France.
7 Quieter Alternatives to France’s Busiest Tourist Attractions
1. Instead of Versailles, Visit Fontainebleau
The Chateau de Versailles is one of the most famous palaces in the world, and has inspired countless other castles in Europe and abroad. This palace sits just outside of Paris, and was the the home of King Louis XIV, XV, and XVI.
King Louis XIV moved the monarchy from the Louvre Palace to Versailles and turned what was a smaller residence into the expansive, over-the-top opulent palace it is today.
The palace is filled with gold-leafing, sculptures, marble, decorations, embellishments, murals, and enormous rooms, and the 250-acre gardens are immense and intricate.
Versailles sees over 10 million visitors every year, and the crowds, especially in the palace, can be intense!
So, instead of Versailles, consider visiting the Chateau de Fontainebleau, another castle just a short day trip outside of Paris with only 300,000 visitors each year.
The Château de Fontainebleau, a sprawling 1,500-room palace, carries over 800 years of royal history and served as a residence for French monarchs from King Francis I to Napoleon.
Originally a medieval hunting lodge, it was transformed during the Renaissance by Francis I, who brought Italian influence into its design. Fontainebleau later became an imperial seat for Napoleon, who ultimately abdicated his throne here in 1814 before going into exile.
The interior of Fontainebleau rivals Versailles in grandeur and opulence. The Gallery of Francis I is lined with frescoes and intricate woodwork, and the Diana Gallery showcases exquisite art alongside a library.
The fully furnished rooms, including Napoleon’s throne room, allow you to experience the palace as it was in its prime. Other highlights include the Royal Chapel of the Trinity and the grand ballroom with its gilded ceilings and chandeliers.
Outside, the peaceful English Garden and Carp Pond offer a quiet respite from the crowds—a serene contrast to the bustling gardens of Versailles.
2. Instead of Paris, Visit Bordeaux
Paris almost needs no introduction – the city is filled with world-class museums, iconic monuments, stunning gardens, beautiful riverbanks, historic churches, and picturesque streets.
The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame, Sacré Coeur, and Seine River are among Paris’s top bucket list spots to visit.
And while you can certainly escape the crowds at the many hidden gems throughout Paris, Paris hosts around 50 million visitors a year, and no matter when you visit, there’s really no escaping crowds at some point during your visit.
Instead, consider visiting Bordeaux, which has been called “The Paris of the South.” Y’all, I LOVE Bordeaux – it is a truly gorgeous city. Like Paris, much of the architecture in Bordeaux is “Haussmanian style”, which does give it a similar elegant vibe but with a more relaxed ambiance.
One of the city’s standout features is the Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror, a striking reflective pool of the city’s most stately plaza. Strolling through Bordeaux, you’ll also find grand squares, ornate fountains, and stately, tree-lined avenues that make it feel every bit as iconic as Paris.
For museum lovers, Bordeaux has the excellent Cité du Vin, an innovative wine museum that takes visitors through the world of wine with interactive exhibits and tastings.
Bordeaux’s historic gates add an extra layer of character to the city. The Porte Cailhau was once part of the old city walls, and the Grosse Cloche, a large bell-towered gate, is one of the oldest belfries in France.
The Jardin Public offers a well-kept green space with ponds, pathways, and open lawns perfect for a laid-back afternoon stroll. Bordeaux’s churches are also worth a visit—Saint-André Cathedral a stunning Gothic church, and the Pey Berland Tower nearby offers excellent views over the church’s rooftop city.
Bordeaux is also a great base for exploring the surrounding wine country. Dozens of vineyards and wine-making villages are only a short drive away, making it easy to add scenic wine tours to your itinerary.
Combined with its riverside location and relaxed outdoor café culture, Bordeaux gives you all the charm of a quintessential French city, minus the constant rush of tourists, as just 7 million visitors come to Bordeaux each year.
The best part? You can get to Bordeaux from Paris in just 2 hours via a high-speed direct train.
3. Instead of Nice, Visit Antibes
Nice, with its famous Promenade des Anglais and vibrant Mediterranean beaches, has long been a top destination on the French Riviera (and indeed, it’s one of my favorite cities in France).
The city’s Old Town is unmatched, full of narrow lanes, charming squares, and colorful facades. Plus, Old Town hosts the incredible Marché aux Fleurs, a flower, produce, and local goods market that is one of the best in southern France.
Add in the fantastic hilltop views from Castle Hill and the charming Old Port, and it’s easy to see why Nice attracts millions of visitors each year.
However, Nice’s popularity also means crowded beaches and busy streets, especially in peak season.
For a more laid-back vibe, consider visiting Antibes, a smaller coastal town just a short train ride from Nice. Antibes offers its own slice of Riviera charm, and with about half the visitors of Nice, it has a more relaxed atmosphere.
One of Antibes’ highlights is its historic Old Town, enclosed by 16th-century ramparts that overlook the sparkling Mediterranean. You can actually walk up and on the ramparts, getting a unique view of the port, town, and sea.
Wandering the cobblestone streets, you’ll find charming cafes, boutique shops, and the lively Provençal Market, a local favorite for fresh produce, cheeses, and flowers.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Picasso Museum, set in the Château Grimaldi where Picasso himself once worked, showcasing a unique collection of his Riviera-inspired art.
The town’s beaches are also a draw, especially Plage de la Gravette, a sandy, crescent-shaped beach nestled beside the old walls. For a scenic walk, head to the Cap d’Antibes peninsula, where walking trails wind through pine groves and rocky cliffs, offering sweeping sea views and secluded spots to enjoy the coastline.
Plus, Antibes is still very well-connected to other Riviera towns and cities by train, and accommodations are generally quite a bit more budget-friendly than in Nice.
4. Instead of Eze, Visit La Turbie
Eze, perched high above the French Riviera, is one of the region’s most stunning villages and one of France’s adorable “perched villages”. Its winding, cobblestone streets, centuries-old stone buildings, and Mediterranean views make Eze feel almost like a fairytale.
The Jardin Exotique at the top of the village is a highlight, filled with exotic plants and offering sweeping views over the sea and coastline.
Plus, Eze’s art galleries, boutique shops, and historic chapels provide plenty of spots to explore as you wander through this charming medieval village.
However, Eze’s popularity also means crowds—especially in the summer. For a quieter, off-the-beaten-path alternative, consider La Turbie. Just a short drive from Eze, La Turbie offers many of the same scenic views but with a more relaxed, local feel.
La Turbie’s standout feature is the Trophy of Augustus, the ruins of a towering ancient monument built by the Romans to celebrate their victories. This impressive structure, visible from miles around, is an incredibly unique reminder of the Roman occupation of southern France nearly two millennia ago.
For an even more breathtaking view, head to the Tête du Chien viewpoint just outside of town. Perched on a dramatic cliffside, it offers one of the best panoramic vistas over Monaco, the Mediterranean, and the coastline stretching out below.
In the village itself, you’ll find narrow, picturesque streets, quaint houses, and lovely squares with a much quieter ambiance than Eze. The Church of Saint-Michel is another highlight, with its Baroque design and impressive interior.
Overall, La Turbie is a fantastic alternative to Eze, offering all the charm with a fraction of the crowds.
5. Instead of Omaha Beach, Visit Utah, Sword, or Gold Beaches
The D-Day beaches in Normandy are among the most significant World War II sites in Europe, serving as a memorial to the brave Allied forces who landed there on June 6, 1944. They are one of the most popular spots to visit in Normandy.
Among these, Omaha Beach often stands out for visitors, as it saw some of the heaviest fighting and the highest number of casualties during the invasion.
This wide, sandy beach holds poignant sites like the American Cemetery, a solemn resting place for thousands of soldiers, as well as the Omaha Memorial and the bomb-scarred cliffs of Pointe du Hoc.
These landmarks make Omaha a deeply moving destination, especially for those tracing the American experience of D-Day.
Omaha Beach also easily has the highest visitors of the D-Day sites, and the other beaches have equally fascinating memorials and museums.
For example, Utah Beach, the westernmost beach, saw a successful landing with fewer casualties and features the Utah Beach Museum, where exhibits cover the strategies and equipment used, as well as a preserved tank and landing craft displays.
Nearby, Sainte-Mère-Église and its Airborne Museum pay tribute to the paratroopers, with lifelike exhibits and immersive displays that recreate the experiences of the invaluable airborne troops who helped secure this area.
At Arromanches-les-Bains at Gold Beach, the D-Day Museum showcases the impressive engineering behind the artificial harbor built to supply Allied forces—a crucial feat that sustained the invasion effort.
Visitors can still see remnants of the harbor structures in the water, a fascinating contrast to the town’s lively atmosphere.
The British Normandy Memorial, overlooking Gold Beach, honors the British troops with a moving display of statues, engraved names, and haunting silhouettes of soldiers.
At Sword Beach, the focus shifts slightly inland to the Merville Battery, where a brave British paratrooper assault took control of key German guns.
Pegasus Bridge also played a vital role in securing the area and now has a museum dedicated to the airborne efforts.
Together, these sites provide a comprehensive look at the D-Day landings, offering quieter yet equally powerful insights into the Allied efforts that changed the course of history.
6. Instead of the Louvre, Visit the Musée Rodin
The Louvre Museum is one of the world’s most iconic art museums, housing a vast collection that spans thousands of years and countless styles. From the Mona Lisa to the Winged Victory, the Louvre holds masterpieces that draw nearly 9 million visitors each year, and is a treasure trove for art lovers.
The museum’s stunning architecture, highlighted by the famous glass pyramid entrance, adds to its grandeur and allure. However, the Louvre’s immense popularity can lead to long lines and crowded halls, making it a challenge to fully appreciate.
For an equally inspiring experience, consider visiting the Musée Rodin.
The Musée Rodin, on the other hand, offers a unique focus on the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin. This smaller museum is set within an elegant mansion surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens where some of Rodin’s famous sculptures, like The Thinker or the Gates of Hell, are displayed.
The peaceful garden setting, along with the museum’s manageable size, makes it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy art without the crowds.
7. Instead of Notre Dame in Paris, Visit Notre Dame in Amiens
Notre Dame de Paris is one of the world’s most iconic Gothic cathedrals, renowned for its historic significance and architectural beauty.
Located on Île de la Cité in Paris, this 12th-century masterpiece showcases classic Gothic features, including pointed arches, flying buttresses, gargoyles, and the famous Rose window. The cathedral’s intricate façade, with its sculpted portals and statues, has made it a symbol of Paris.
Welcoming millions each year, Notre Dame has become a cornerstone of French history and art.
For a similar but quieter experience, Notre Dame in Amiens is a fantastic alternative.
As the largest Gothic cathedral in France, it resembles its Parisian counterpart in design with its towering square bell towers, detailed stonework, and expansive stained glass windows. Inside, the vaulted ceilings, elaborately carved chapels, and magnificent altarpiece create a grand, open space.
Amiens Cathedral is also home to a revered relic: the skull of John the Baptist, encased in silver and on display in the church.
Visitors in summer can enjoy the Chroma light show, a vibrant, 45-minute display that illuminates the cathedral’s façade with colored lights.
Amiens is a true hidden gem city in France, so unlike Notre Dame in Paris, which can feel bustling and crowded, Amiens provides a more peaceful setting to admire Gothic architecture.
Adding to its unique story, the construction of Notre Dame d’Amiens was largely funded by waide, a yellow flower that produces a rare blue dye, tying the cathedral’s history to the regional heritage of Amiens.
It’s truly one of the most incredible churches in France.
