France is a beautiful country to visit. When your wanderlust starts calling you over to this country filled with romance and history, listen to it. If you are visiting France for the first time, you may be wondering where to go. While Paris might be your first thought — and how could it not be, with visits to the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, the Louvre, and Champs Elysee — you might take a second to consider alternative destinations.
Architectural Wonders
Of course, you cannot think about architecture in France without thinking about the Eiffel Tower. This classic and timeless staple of Paris is a must-see for any tourist. However, France offers many modern architectural structures in addition to its historical ones.
Montparnasse Tower
Montparnasse is a 56-story skyscraper in Paris. It is a great opportunity for tourists wanting to see the city in a totally different way. It features the best place to see the whole city, including an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. According to the Montparnasse tourist guide:
“In just 38 seconds, Europe’s fastest lift takes you to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower . . . From here you have a really unusual view of the city, which is revealed from a completely different angle: the colour of its roofs . . . the way the streets and main thoroughfares are laid out, the rich green spaces, the diverse range of monuments.”
Millau Viaduct
If you’re looking for an architectural wonder outside of Paris, you can head to Millau. There, you will find the Millau Viaduct, a cable-suspended bridge that Ohio University listed as one of the seven most amazing bridges around the world. They called it “a record-breaking feat of bridge architecture, spanning 1.55 miles across the valley of the Tarn River in France.” It’s a great place to visit if you have already been to Paris or are looking for more unique architectural sites for tourists.
Lesser-Known Destinations in Paris
Speaking of unique places to see, the city of Paris itself is more than the handful of famed tourist locations. While some people consider it essential to visit the most famous places in Paris, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, these famous destinations are usually overwhelmed with tourists. Trips to the Versailles and Notre Dame are worthwhile for many, but they can also be too much for others. Fortunately, there are hundreds to places to visit within the city that are just as incredible.
Le Petit Palais
If you are looking for more peaceful tourist attractions in Paris, consider going to other museums, like the Petit Palais. Here, you can enter free of cost to some of the exhibits. These include works of art as marvelous as the ones at the Louvre with the added benefit of personal space to analyze and introspect.
Saint Denis
Another alternative to put on your Paris itinerary is visiting the Cathedral of Saint Denis. While Notre Dame and Montmartre are the most famous cathedrals in France, Saint Denis is just as beautiful. Here, you can visit the tombs of past kings and queens of France and take in the gothic beauty of the church.
Outdoors
There are many palaces, churches, museums, and other incredible buildings to visit in France. Just as marvelous are the many outdoor destinations you can visit. From coastal paradises to winter heavens, you can find it all in France. Make sure to capture highlights of your travels with plenty of pictures, as you will have experiences you will never want to forget.
The French Alps
The French Alps offer amazing trails for even the most advanced skiers and snowboarders. Here, you can enjoy a mountain getaway and lose yourself in nature while enjoying authentic French culture. Whether you stay at a ski resort or in a small mountain village, a stay in the Alps will be unforgettable.
Le Côte D’Azur
While some may like it cool, others like it hot. If you want to spend your vacation lazily toasting under the French skies and pass the days swimming in the ocean, head to Nice, the capital of Côte D’Azur. Here you will find museums, culture, delectable food, historic districts, and modern attractions.
Saulges
If hiking is your calling, you can head to Saulges, where you can take a tour of the village with a two-hour hike. Here you will also get a chance to explore caves and camp out in nature. Additionally, Saulges offers a recreational area where you can swim, play tennis, and visit The Museum of Prehistory, where you can learn about the origins of France.
Wherever you decide to go, you will come home with unforgettable memories. France offers cultural experiences that are impossible to pass up. You can’t go wrong in this country of romance, history, and culture, so plan your trip and pack your bags!