13 Jun 2025
Looking for a fresh and different way to explore France? Meet the destinations and attractions attending our second 'Alternative France' event in London this month
An alternative in Paris
Just 10 minutes by metro from central Paris and Gare du Nord, Paris La Défense is a striking fusion of modern innovation and cultural richness. Renowned as Europe's tallest high-rise district, its skyline is punctuated by soaring architect-designed towers. Beyond its architectural marvels, the area is a haven for art lovers, offering the largest open-air museum in the region with over 50 monumental contemporary artworks by globally celebrated artists. Entirely pedestrian-friendly, the district encourages leisurely exploration and blends urban energy with walkable ease. At its heart lies Paris La Défense Arena, the largest indoor concert venue in Europe, drawing world-class performers. For shoppers, the appeal continues with Westfield les 4 Temps and CNIT, collectively forming Europe's largest shopping centre with an expansive range of retail, dining and entertainment options. Paris La Défense successfully redefines the experience of a business district into one of culture, convenience and modern vitality.
An alternative in the Loire Valley
Loches Touraine Chateaux de la Loire
Nestled in south Touraine, Loches is a captivating and unspoilt Loire Valley town, steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. Once a royal residence, the town boasts an impressive chateau and a rich historic heritage that stretches back to prehistoric times, showcased at the museum in nearby Grand-Pressigny. Loches is also a haven for art lovers, a land of painters including Emmanuel Lansyer and Caravaggio, and home to an impressive iron sculpture park. Surrounding the town are some of the region's most picturesque villages including Chédigny, famed for its lush gardens and annual rose festival, and Montrésor – aptly named 'My Treasure' – recognised as one of France's most beautiful villages. Loches' culinary scene features several top chefs, two Michelin-starred and one Michelin-Green-starred, and local delicacies like the famed AOP Sainte-Maure de Touraine goats' cheese and the traditional Cormery macarons. Nature lovers will find peace and adventure in the Loches National Forest, ideal for hiking and cycling.
Four alternatives in the South of France
Unlike traditional museums where you passively look at artefacts, the Musée de la Romanité immerses visitors in a sensory journey through time with cutting-edge multimedia, interactive displays and experiential tours: tasting Roman food and wine or making Roman wellness products. It transforms a typical museum visit into a cultural adventure. Twenty-five centuries converge here, with chronological and themed storytelling, revealing the evolution of lifestyles, beliefs and daily life through the ages – from Gallic tribes to Roman power, through the Middle Ages and into modernity. This is a museum for everyone, with family-friendly visits, guided experiences and playful educational workshops – it speaks to a wide audience. It's inclusive, modern and emotionally engaging, far from the old-school 'do not touch' museum model. And of course, its location is hard to beat: at the crossroads of Provence, the Camargue and Occitanie, Nîmes combines the Mediterranean lifestyle with rich cuisine and cultural vibrancy, all in a walkable, sun-soaked city. It's ideal for travellers looking to escape the mainstream and experience the 'real' South of France, full of living traditions and local flavour.
Built 2,000 years ago by the Romans, the Théatre Antique d'Orange is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved ancient theatre in Europe, renowned for its magnificent stage wall. Blending past and future, the site offers cutting-edge visitor experiences like 'The Secrets of the Theatre', a VR journey transporting guests back to its Roman heyday to explore backstage, the audience area and its grand decor. The 'Legends of the Theatre' tour enhances the experience with 360° videos, while themed alcoves explore how Roman innovation still shapes modern life. 'L'Odyssée Sonore' is a breathtaking nighttime show featuring videomapping and immersive sound. Its latest development invites visitors into a mythological quest, transforming them into the heroes of an unforgettable, sensory-rich experience under the stars. Also in Orange is its own Arc de Triomphe, another UNESCO-listed treasure and a striking symbol of Roman grandeur. Set in the heart of Provence just 30 minutes from Avignon and 40 from Nîmes or the Pont du Gard, Orange is a serene, richly historic alternative to more crowded destinations. You can also add a visit to the prestigious nearby vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
The other faces of Nice-Côte d'Azur
This much-loved Mediterranean city is inviting visitors to explore its vibrant heritage, culture and natural beauty in exciting new ways. The dedicated Nice-Côte d'Azur app, developed since its 2021 recognition as a 'Winter Resort Town of the Riviera' by UNESCO, offers a series of panoramic 360° virtual tours and supports physical exploration with itineraries around Mont Boron, Campo Longo and Cimiez. Take in archaeological wonders like the Musée d'Archéologie de Nice-Cimiez, which showcases ruins of Roman Cemenelum, and Terra Amata, a prehistoric site with the world's earliest evidence of fire use. Nice's alternative coastal adventures include silent solar boat tours past iconic Riviera villas and freediving sessions with champion Guillaume Néry. The SOS Grand Bleu association offers marine excursions to raise awareness about Mediterranean conservation. Culinary traditions thrive through the Cuisine Niçoise label and hands-on classes. Wine lovers can explore historic vineyards in Bellet and Saint Jeannet. Finally, around Nice lie lesser-known Vence, Cagnes-sur-Mer and Cap d'Ail. Nice's UNESCO recognition also reflects its devotion to off-season tourism, making the most of its mild climate.
The enigmatic island of Corsica offers numerous hidden aspects that combine outdoor adventure, culture, history and cuisine. Begin by exploring on two wheels via the Grande Traversée GT20, a 12-stage cycling route from Bastia to Bonifacio that showcases Corsica's dramatic landscapes – whether you're powering yourself on a road bike or cruising effortlessly with electric assistance. For another type of scenic journey, hop aboard the island's railway winding from Ajaccio to Bastia via Calvi and admire the views of Corsica's rugged interior and villages. The island's unique food and wine culture includes the PDO wine route which connects nine distinct appellations. Stop at mountain inns for hearty traditional dishes or enjoy fresh fish on the coast. Meet local producers and craftsmen who embody the island's strong artisanal heritage, from cheesemakers and beekeepers to weavers and woodworkers. Spring and autumn, when the island is at its most serene, are good times to take in Corsica's fascinating prehistoric and ancient sites: mysterious standing stones, archaeological ruins and Roman remains that chart centuries of human history. This multifaceted itinerary allows visitors to connect deeply with Corsica's soul.
Two alternatives in the French Alps
Unlike many Alpine resorts, Saint-Gervais-Mont Blanc is a true year-round destination, offering uncrowded hiking and biking trails, spa relaxation and fully operational infrastructure in all seasons. A major recent upgrade is the Valléen gondola, now celebrating its first anniversary, which connects the town seamlessly to Le Fayet and its TGV station, just under four hours from Paris. Saint-Gervais enjoys a relaxed village spirit with uncrowded restaurants, shops and lifts, offering an authentic alternative to busier mountain hubs – while also being one of the best gateways to Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak. The historic Mont Blanc Tramway, operating since 1909, provides the highest public transport access to the summit, while in summer, the town serves as a key base for climbers on the Goûter Route. Saint-Gervais also charms with its elegant Belle-Époque architecture, including the grand Hôtel du Mont-Blanc and period villas that once hosted European aristocracy. Another highlight is the 200-year-old thermal spa, Les Thermes. The recently added hydraulic waste water-powered 'Ascenseur des Thermes' elevator now links the spa directly to the town centre.
Isère, French Alps
Isère is one of France's most dynamic and underrated departments and very easy to reach by train: just three hours by TGV from Paris, you can be in Grenoble in time for lunch, possibly at the Café de la Table Ronde, France's second oldest café. Framed by four distinct mountain ranges – the Belledonne, Chartreuse, Vercors and Oisans – Isère is a year-round destination for hiking, biking and skiing, with dozens of resorts and thousands of kilometres of trails. At its heart lies the buzzy city of Grenoble and nearby, the Roman city of Vienne and the hanging houses of Pont-en-Royan add historical depth. Half of Isère remains wild and untamed, home to Alpine lakes, scenic passes and unspoilt landscapes best explored on foot or by bike. Food lovers find plenty to savour, from local cheeses like Bleu de Sassenage and Saint-Marcellin to the famous Raviole du Dauphiné and Grenoble walnuts. The department's culinary pride is matched by its drinks: the iconic Chartreuse liqueur, a growing network of microbreweries and a revitalised wine scene led by passionate young vintners.
Two alternatives in the east of France
Close to Paris but far from its hustle and bustle, Aube may lie within what it calls a 'diagonal of emptiness', but this description belies a region of authenticity, tranquility and understated charm, where the absence of crowds amplifies the richness. There are no sea views or Alpine peaks here – only serene lakes, vast whispering forests and a slow pace of life. It's the kind of place people stumble upon, perhaps en route to somewhere else, only to find themselves staying for three days or more. The gastronomic identity of the region is anchored by the distinctive andouillette, best savoured alongside a chilled glass of local champagne. Along the 220km Champagne Tourist Route you can meet around 50 winegrowers who have been awarded the 'Vignobles & Découvertes' label and will gladly open their cellar doors for you. Aube also surprises visitors with its cultural depth: faces light up at the discovery of Renoir's childhood village, the poetic legacy of Camille Claudel, the echoes of Napoleon's early years and the Gothic beauty of Troyes with its half-timbered houses and kaleidoscopic stained glass at the recently-opened Cité du Vitrail.
There are many sides to beautiful Burgundy – winding rivers and canals, pretty towns and world-class food and wine – and yet it remains a peaceful, alternative French destination. The Vallée de la Gastronomie is a highlight, with a train connecting the gastronomic towns of Chalon, Tournus and Macon 30km apart. Southern Burgundy's Côte Chalonnaise is best experienced by 2CV from Puligny-Montrachet; in this iconic car, a local guide and wine expert accompany wine fans who like going off the beaten track. Biking through the vineyards is another draw, stopping off at Beaune, Nuits-Saint-Georges and Vosne-Romanée over the course of two or three days. A peaceful, well signposted route runs from Beaune to Santenay and bike rentals and guided tours are available. The lovely Canal du Nivernais winds through western Burgundy from the Yonne to the Loire and is open to navigation by licence-free houseboats. Close to the canal, the Chablis vineyard produces exceptional white Burgundy wines made from a single famed grape variety: Chardonnay. The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne in Chablis complements the experience with a museum visit and wine tasting courses.
Getting there: LeShuttle
We've talked about trains – but another type of train is one that takes your car! With Eurotunnel LeShuttle, the journey from the UK to France takes just 35 minutes and you can drive to any of these destinations, exploring at your leisure and filling the boot for your return. Tickets are per car, not per person – and pets are welcome.
