Places to Visit in France That Are Often Overlooked

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When traveling, some individuals might be pretentious in that they only want to see the most popular tourist spots in the most popular cities. When it comes to France, this is very true. Paris and Nice are indeed wonderful places to visit, but there are a lot of other places in France that deserve our time and attention. In these lesser-known travel locations, you’ll find some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, quaint towns, and magnificent churches. Who knows, but maybe your presence can help these less well-known sites in France emerge as the country’s next big draw for tourists if you try to travel there.

1. Nimes

Nimes, France

Nimes is an excellent location to visit to view some of the more well-known Roman ruins that tourists can find around France. Because it has so many ancient structures, some sometimes call it French Rome. The amphitheater, constructed in the first century, is the most well-maintained arena in France; nowadays, it serves as a ring for bullfighting. You shouldn’t miss seeing the Maison Carrée, a Roman temple devoted to honoring Agrippa’s offspring. On a previous Roman temple’s site is a cathedral that combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. One contemporary structure, created by the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa in the 20th century, has the form of a hemicycle that is suggestive of an amphitheater.

2. The Etretat

The Etretat, France
The White Cliffs of Dover are in England, while the White Cliffs of Etretat are in France. Etretat is located just over the English Channel from Dover. The most famous feature of Etretat is undoubtedly these cliffs. They were helped along the way to achieving this position by several impressionist artists, one of them being Claude Monet, who painted them. These Normandy cliffs result from wind, water, and erosion and watch over the sea below. In addition, the three arches that can be seen along the cliffs were formed as a result of the processes of erosion. Aviators may be interested in seeing the location where, in 1927, two French pilots were flying the White Bird to complete a nonstop passage of the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Toulouse

Toulouse, France
Even though it was established in 1229 and now enrolls 103,000 students, the University of Toulouse is just the fourth biggest in France. Even if your primary reason for visiting Toulouse is the university, you can’t help but be impressed with the city’s amazing buildings. Because the buildings of Toulouse are constructed out of pink terracotta bricks, the city is sometimes referred to as the Pink City or Ville Rose. You shouldn’t leave without seeing the Basilica of St. Semin while there since it’s the biggest Romanesque edifice still standing in Europe. The Canal du Midi, which links the River Garonne to the Mediterranean Sea and passes through Toulouse, is another attraction that should not be missed. It is generally agreed that the canal was one of the most significant building undertakings of the 17th century.

4. Dijon

Dijon, France

Can you name the mustard that is the most well-known in the world? If you answered “Dijon,” you should come to the front of the class. This flavorful mustard was given its name after the location in which it was first produced, which was in the year 1858. However, mustard is not the only delicacy found in this city in the eastern region of France. Churches in Dijon include Notre Dame de Dijon, St. Philibert, and St. Michel, in addition to Dijon Cathedral, which contains a one thousand-year-old crypt. These churches display various architectural styles that have evolved throughout the ages. The roofs are constructed using colorful glazed tiles arranged in geometric patterns, making them one of the most distinctive aspects of the area.

5. Annecy

Annecy, France
The town of Annecy is often referred to as the “Pearl of the French Alps.” You’ll quickly understand why it’s so popular when you get there. The scenery around the city is so breathtakingly magnificent that it defies any attempt to adequately describe it. It is often called the “Venice of the Alps” because three canals and a river pass through it. Visitors may go skiing in the winter, and in the summer, they can go hiking. Annecy is a place that is enjoyable throughout the year. When you travel, you should schedule some time to see the Palais de l’Isle, a castle that was Geneva’s seat of government until 1815. A museum specializing in local history now occupies the building. The family of Geneva’s Counts made their home at the Chateau d’Annecy for many centuries.
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