When you think of visiting France, you immediately picture yourself standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, or perhaps roaming inside the Louvre. After all, they are two of the most popular tourist spots, not just in France, but in the whole world. Eiffel Tower and Louvre are responsible for putting France on the map of global tourism. However, that does not mean that there is nothing else to see in this part of Europe.
Paris is a beautiful city with lots of places to explore, including the two we just talked about. Of course, apart from the usual spots, there is still a lot more than you can check out, both inside and outside of Paris. For this article, we will look at seven such places in France that, although not as popular as mainstream tourist spots, are just as beautiful and interesting.
1. BelRepayre Airstream & Retro
You will love this place if you are a fan of vintage motoring homes or trailers. Located on the top of the Pyrenees hills, the BelRepayre Airstream & Retro is a trailer park that has a huge collection of vintage aluminum trailers. The trailers in the collection date back as early as 1940, and they are not just there to amuse you. You can even rent one of these trailers to spend a day or two inside, just to see how it feels.
Although an enjoyable experience for people of all ages, this trailer park will especially appeal to those who are into vintage objects or taking retro pictures for Instagram.
2. The Pont d’Arc
The weather in France is usually quite beautiful and serene. The sunny days are quite pleasant with sunshine throughout the day, and the temperatures are also on the lower end of the scale. Apart from some of the more harsh winter and rainy weather, the climate in this part of Europe is perfect to enjoy some spectacular natural beauty, like the Pont d’Arc.
The Pont d’Arc is a natural bridge that is 59 meters across at the base and has an opening that stands 34 meters tall. It is a thrilling experience to go swimming or kayaking under the bridge’s magnificent arc. To get the best view of this rock arc, you need to find a way under it. Hence, even if you are not into kayaking or swimming, you better learn at least one of those two things so that you can get a clear view of the arc.
3. Le Palais Idéal
The Palais Ideal includes some of the finest architecture you will ever see. Made entirely out of pebbles, this mansion-like structure is one of the strangest landmarks in the world. It was declared a national landmark of France back in 1969.
It took over three decades to build the Palais Ideal. The structure acts as a beautiful backdrop for some intriguing pictures. Apart from that, it is also the site to explore if you are into historic architecture or architecture in general.
4. The Skull-Filled Catacombs of Paris
This place is exactly what the name suggests. It is hard to believe that such a terrifying place exists right under the streets of the beautiful city of Paris.
It is said that the catacombs hold the remains of around 7 million Parisians. Overcrowded cemeteries led to the creation of this catacomb. Certain parts of this place are still restricted to the public. You can still check out some of the ones that have been kept open if you want to experience something straight out of a Game of Thrones filming set.
5. Mer de Glace Ice Caves
For a more “chilling” experience, pay a quick visit to the Mer de Glace on the northern side of Mont Blanc. The Mer de Glace is the longest glacier in France, and one of the longest in Europe. You will especially be interested in the ice caves at the glacier. It is natural beauty at its purest. There are also tourist facilities available here for you to properly enjoy the place.
That is all for this article. Do these places not seem interesting to you? So do give some of them a try the next time you visit France and want to explore a few uncommon tourist spots.
