When many think of France, the first area that comes to their mind is Paris. While Paris is indeed a magnificent city full of wonder, it is not the only place to visit in France. Today we present to you some of the best places to visit in France besides Paris.
Deauville: Deauville is a charming sea-side resort founded by Duc de Morny between 1860 and 1864. During the summer months this town is bustling with tourists enjoying the beaches and the many water activities of the region. When not on the water, you can check out some of the casinos and hotels in Deauville or take a stroll down the boardwalk to find some of the best food and spirits in the area. If you love music, check out the D'Orano Auditorium. Each year, the venue is host to numerous singers and performers from the region as it is used as a breeding ground for musical talent in the region.
Cannes: "Life is a festival" would be the best way to describe Cannes as the area always seems to have some type of a gala, regatta, or celebration. The Cannes Film Festival is renowned worldwide and is a huge draw each year. Coco Chanel first popularized the beaches of Cannes and now the beaches are a huge draw to tourists each year. Le Suquet, known as the old city of Cannes, is a popular tourist stop with its cobbled lane and fabulous views of the area atop the local clock tower. The houses are ancient and the streets were laid out over 400 years ago. In addition there are numerous romantic restaurants in the area.
Bordeaux: It is no surprise that Bordeaux is the reference for wine enthusiasts from around the world. The area was control by Britain for over 300 years and many think that the city is the most "un-French" city in France. There is endless energy here supported by a strong university population. Some of the popular attractions in the region include the Grand Theatre and Basilica of St. Michael. The Grand Theatre is one of the oldest wooden framed opera houses in Europe having been built in the 1780's. It was restored as recently as 1991 and is host to regular shows. The Basilica of St. Michael dates back to the 1400's and among ancient monuments is the tallest in southwest France. It is a marvel of ancient religious architecture.
Lourdes: Nesled in a valley of the Hautes-Pyrenees, Lourdes is host to millions of tourists each year. The city is a revered city by Catholics and many believe that Bernadette Soubirous witnessed the appearance of the Virgin Mary 18 times. Many come to the city each year to drink from or bathe in the waters of the flowing spring at The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes as it is believed to have healing powers. The observatory at Pic Du Jer has some of the most amazing views of the area, offering a 360 degree panoramic view of Lourdes. The Cirque de Gavarnie is also a popular destination as it is an area of immense beauty and great for those that love the outdoors. Visitors can hike to Gavarnie Falls, the tallest waterfall in France with a drop of 400 meters.
Expect more interesting countries to visit soon
