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As the most visited country in the world, France has welcomed tourists with open arms season after season, and its tourism industry shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
With record visitor numbers expected for the summer of 2023, France is now pointing to combat overtourism in its most sought-after destinations and find ways to get visitors to explore the country’s lesser-known places.
France has seen a massive explosion of visitors to areas recently made famous for popular spectacles, such as the Lupine Canal beach in Etretat, not to mention that the country is facing a massive housing crisis (which some blame on tourism and rents). in the short term) and loss of biodiversity in ecologically fragile areas due to excess tourism.
Can an official campaign convince its 37 million tourists to skip the main attractions and spread out across the country to explore?
Time will tell, but France is to be applauded for trying to tackle its overtourism problem, joining the ranks of other mega-popular countries in the process.
We may always have Paris, but why not leave the city of lights for another visit and instead head to the many other regions of France that are dotted with towns and villages straight from the pages of a book? of tales?
Not only will you be able to experience a much more authentic French way of life, but you’ll also avoid the tourist masses and help France combat its overtourism problem in the process.
Here are 6 underrated French cities to visit this summer:
Annecy
Is Venice too busy for you this summer?
Then Annecy in France is the answer, with its network of canals winding through the old town. Located along the turquoise Lac d’Annecy, the town is both romantic and historic, and the backdrop of the Alps in the distance doesn’t hurt either.
Annecy provides the perfect summer inspiration for your photos, and the food and wine scene here is a delicious mix of French and Swiss influences.
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@observetecoute ❤️ coup city, and you? #love #travel #vacation #field #wonderful landscape #clear water #Unfiltered #cool #holidays #family #travelactivities #annecy #France #good place #summer ♬ M83 Another Versailles intro – yaten82
Limoges
This compact and pretty city in south-central France is well worth a visit and has much to offer those making the trip.
As well as being steeped in history, there are many impressive buildings to visit here, including the town hall and the train station.
Limoges is known as much for its cattle as for its porcelain production. The street markets here are a highlight, as is the grand La cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Limoges.
beynac
The impressive town of Beynac stretches out on the north bank of the Dordogne River and is crowned with an imposing castle that dominates it all.
Take a canoe down the river and marvel at the views, or stroll through the narrow streets lined with yellow stone buildings at every corner.
Visit the Chateau de Beynac or cross the river to see the Chateau de Castelnaud. If the city looks familiar to you, you may have seen it in the movie Chocolat or The Story of Joan of Arc.
besancon
Less than three hours by train from Paris, you can find yourself in the underrated city of Besançon, tucked away on the edge of the Jura mountains.
With an impressive Citadel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city also offers some impressive museums to wander through when the summer heat gets too much.
Enjoy some local fortified wine along the River Doubs, stroll through the town square, and learn about the importance of the area in the history of watchmaking.
Gerberoy
Often referred to as the prettiest village in all of France, Gerberoy looks like something straight out of the opening scene of Beauty and the Beast. Best known for its postcard-perfect 17th and 18th century country houses, the village is the perfect place to soak up the ionic French atmosphere.
Another nickname for this colorful destination is the town of a thousand rose bushes, and you’ll see an endless number of them in every garden, trellis, and park.
@noemmilly Officially one of the prettiest villages in France, Gerberoy is full of charm and abundant with flowers, especially roses, wisteria and hydrangeas. The best time to visit is from late spring to late July, to see the flowers at their best. #gerberoy #oisetourism #discoverfrance #for you #fipsi #lesplusbeauxvillagesdefrance #hautsdefrance #tiktoktravels ♬ Planetarium – Justin Hurwitz
brontom
This beautiful village is located north of Perigueux, on the banks of the Dronne river.
Often referred to as the Venice of Perigord, Brantome offers Renaissance and medieval architecture and showcases its popular Brantome Benedictine Abbey.
Spend time strolling along Boulevard Charlemagne and the Monks Garden, and don’t miss the fantastic restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Moulin de l’Abbaye.
Near Brantome, you can also find the impressive cave system of Grotte de Villars, with prehistoric paintings and rock formations.
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