Everyone goes to France for Paris.  What if you traveled there for something else?

A friend of mine, Rachelle just spent a year living in France.  She did not live in Paris.  In fact, she only went to Paris for two quick visits while living in France.  Now that is dedication to explore the rest of the country!

The following are interesting things to do and see in France.

16 things not in Paris:

• Monet’s Garden at Giverny – the lily pond is at it’s best late July through early August.
• Fontainebleau – a hunting lodge from the 12th century – NOTE:  it’s closed on Tuesdays.
• Chateau de Chenonceaux in the Loire Valley - they have vineyards and delicious wine!
• Belle-Ile-en-Mar – the largest of Brittany’s islands – travel by ferry from Quiberon and check out the lighthouse.
• Marais Poitevin – nicknamed ‘La Venise Verte’ – the Green Venice.
• The Aven-Armand Cave – the worlds tallest stalagmite – NOTE: the cave is closed in December.
• Les Gorges du Verdon – the largest gorge in Europe – people call it Europe’s Grand Canyon.
• Gorges du Tarn – Want to see another gorge?  This is one of France’s most beautiful gorges – ride in a glass-bottom boat.
• Mercantour National Park – best between June and October.  NOTE: This is a high altitude experience.
• Orange – an 8th Century theater created by Charlemagne where you can still see live theater.
• Avignon – a picturesque French city on the water – this is a thriving energetic city!
• Les Calanques – a series of long, narrow inlets, like mini fjords, cut into limestone cliffs along the Mediterranean coast.
• Arles – Medieval buildings, including a roman arena, similar to the colosseum in Rome – in the summer they have live races and bull fights in the arena.
• The Camargue – an area of marshland with wild horses and a rare bread of flamingos – best between March and October.
• Marseille – an exciting, colorful, cosmopolitan city that travelers often avoid.  I have to trust the recommendations of others for most of these places outside of Paris.  However, I have personally been to Marseille and it is a colorful, amazing place.  The TGV train now links to Paris, which allows Marseille to be accessed more easily from Paris.
• St-Tropez – the beach holiday destination for the rich and famous – not a budget destination!

Now you know about many other opportunities for adventure while visiting France.  However, a traveler must leave Paris to get in on any of the beautiful, intriguing places on the list.

Unless you plan on living in France for a year, as my friend just did, you probably won’t be able to do everything on the list.  You know yourself best!  Follow your instinct on what sounds the most interesting.

It is really easy to use google maps while planing your time in France.  Just make sure you set an alarm clock so you don’t miss your bus or train.  If you can find a group of backpackers, sometimes renting a car will save everyone in your group money.  I spent sometime driving in the south of France!  It isn’t too difficult, you just need to drive slow enough to read the French signs.  Don’t forget your French phrase book, some euros and your adventurous, flexible self.

Enjoy your next visit to France, and get out of Paris!

Tags | budget travel, France, itinerary, Shoestring