SEE FRANCE FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE

wWith centuries of history and a lifetime of things to see and do, France is a destination that deserves to be savored.

While France is the most-visited country in Europe, many travelers arrive in Paris and tend to stick around the area—but there is so much more to see and do across “L’hexagone,” you owe it to yourself and your students to branch out. From the history of Normandy to the agriculture of Provence and the royalty of Versailles, France is a varied place with endless options for groups to explore. As the Olympics are coming to Paris in 2024, you’ll definitely want to explore the countryside.

With the help of a few international tour operators, let’s take a look at just some of the hidden gem destinations and attractions in France.

THE OTHER SIDE OF PARIS

You already know about the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, and they’re well worth visiting. However, Shannan Carter of

Live Travel & Tours suggests a different perspective of the City of Lights, with adventures like the Montparnasse Tower

Panoramic Observation Deck. From 656 feet up, you can enjoy an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower and beyond. Or, follow the suggestion of tour operator WorldStrides and see the city’s underside in the Catacombs of

Paris, an astonishing labyrinth five stories underground, containing the remains of several million Parisians. It’s not just bones— students can learn about geology, ancient fossils and the history of public health. The Louvre is iconic to be sure, but for a more manageable art museum, check out The

Musée de l’Orangerie, full of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, such as Monet’s wall-length Waterlilies. Then head to the Rodin Museum with its chateau and garden featuring The Thinker on a pedestal, with a wonderful view of the Eiffel and the gold dome of Les Invalides. Next, most visitors flock to Versailles to explore the opulent Palace Apartments and catch a glimpse of the vast gardens, but WorldStrides suggests a bike tour, offering the opportunity to get away from the crowds and explore the gardens’ 2000 acres and all its secrets. Hidden in the gardens is Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, a stunning model village complete with a mill that the Queen had built as a retreat for her family and friends. For more options in Paris, Live Travel suggests Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris; The Marais neighborhood,

featuring private mansions with magnificent architecture; Rue des Thermopyles, a hidden laneway with artwork and gardens; and Opera Garnier, the setting for Phantom of the Opera. Meanwhile, operator EF Tours suggests heading to the Seine River for a cruise through the city.

TO THE NORTH

Outside of Paris, a highly popular destination for North American groups is Normandy, well-worth a visit thanks to all the WWII history. For instance, Live Travel suggests the Civilians in Wartime Memorial in Falaises dedicated to the lives and survival of civilians. Or visit the famous Omaha Beach, but go sand kiting or fat-tire biking for a different perspective of the D-Day Landings. Similarly, rail biking through the Normandy countryside is beautiful. Also in Normandy is the impossibly picturesque commune Mont Saint-Michel, the stunningly beautiful harbor city Honfleur, the seaside resort Deauville, and Monet’s House and Garden in Giverny.

Groups not from the U.S. should be sure to enjoy the Somme region, full of WWI history connections, such as the network of quarry tunnels in Arras, not to mention art and literary history, such as Jules Verne’s House in Amiens.

CENTRAL FRANCE

To really get away from the bustle of crowds, head to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central France, full of old châteaux to take in and magnificent modern gardens.

For a unique student group experience, WorldStrides suggests some experimental learning at Guédelon Castle in northern Burgundy. Here, a team of 40 master-builders have taken on the extraordinary challenge of building a castle using the technology and materials of the Middle Ages. Student groups have the wonderful opportunity to take part in the adventure and participate in workshops to help restore the flour mill, the castle and the surrounding village using traditional methods.

Then, on the far outskirts of Paris lies Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which provides a truly unique group experience. The chateau was known in the past for its exceptional feasts and lavish parties, so today, groups can visit the chateau and learn about French etiquette with its dedicated staff. The fun workshop introduces groups to 18th-century French gastronomy, table manners, dress code and the art of conversation.

TO THE SOUTH

Along the southern coast of France, far from the City of Lights, lies the famous French Riviera and its surrounding regions. Travel south to l’Occitanie, a region featuring Carcassonne, a medieval fortified city with a fortress dating back to the 5th century. Here, you can also see the Canal du Midi, an engineering feat established in the 17th century, going all the way from Toulouse to the Mediterranean. Speaking of which, don’t miss out on the cities of Toulouse, known as The Pink City for its terra-cotta bricks, and Montpellier, with a blend of contemporary and traditional treasures.

The neighboring region of Provence borders Italy and has a diverse landscape, where agriculture, sunshine and a slower pace of life reigns. With cities like Nice, Monaco, and a number of quaint villages, this is the France we dream of—the industries and way of life here are absolutely worth the trip, according to Live Travel.

Finally, WorldStrides suggests capping it all off with a perfumer’s apprentice workshop at Fragonard Perfume in Eze. Set in a gorgeous building on the French riviera, the Fragonard Perfume factory holds workshops to introduce groups to the art of French perfume-making. Create your own personal Eau de Cologne using a blend of traditional and modern methods.

While there’s so much we haven’t covered here, from the culture and environment of the Alps to the beach towns and delicious cuisine of the west coast, France is waiting for you to explore—and tour operators like Live Travel & Tours, WorldStrides and EF Tours are here to help.