10 gorgeous places in France where you can go to escape the tourist crowds

Christiaan Verhulst/EyeEm

Étretat

Everyone knows of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre Dame Cathedral — but when visiting France, there’s an entire countryside and coastline that’s also worth exploring.

Photo-sharing app EyeEm recently collected from their members images of 10 of France’s less-frequented spots — places that are just as tourist-worthy as the usual suspects.

From tucked-away urban vineyards to sand dunes, check out the suggestions below when planning your next trip to France.

The Verdon Gorge is for the ultimate out-door types — kayaking, hiking, hang-gliding, and even parasailing can be done here. It’s also a nationally designated region of geotourism for those who are fascinated by fossils and minerals. Although difficult to get to, the views are worth it.

Source: The New York Times

The port town of Honfleur, located on the Seine river, was a famous artist hub during the 1800s. Painters including Claude Monet and Jean-Francois Millet were influenced by the beauty of the coast.

Source: Travel and Leisure

Located on the Mediterranean coast, the Camargue Nature Park is home to all manner of wildlife, including flamingos, bulls, and the indigenous white horse breed: Camarguais.

Saint-Malo is a historical coast city lined with stone walls that have been in place since the 12th century. Its broad beaches and deep blue waters are a sight to behold.

Source: Lonely Planet

Cobblestone streets weave through the charming country town of Colmar, where visitors can find 10 museums to explore.

Source: Colmar Tourisme

Opened in 2004, Viaduc de Millau is the tallest bridge in the world — with one mast rising 1,125 feet above the ground.

Source: Amusing Planet

Located between a pine forest and the Atlantic Ocean lies Europe’s tallest sand dune, Dune du Pilat, which is a popular spot for paragliders.

Étretat has all the makings of a classic, quaint coastal town: fishermen catching their bounty for the local markets, a stunning backdrop for hikers, and great food.

Source: New York Times

Another favorite for adventurous beach goers is Les Calanques — a 12 mile stretch of rocky landscape and clear waters. Some of the small beaches are accessible only by boat.

Source: Lonely Plant

For those visiting Paris, the Clos Montmartre vineyard is a must-see hidden treasure. Here you can find 27 varieties of wine — and appointments are required to explore the grounds.

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