12 Overhyped Sights in France (And Where to Go Instead)
France is packed with incredible places, but not everything lives up to the hype. Some spots are overcrowded, overpriced, or just not as special as people expect. If you want to make the most of your trip, it helps to know what’s worth skipping – and where to go for a better experience.
1. The Moulin Rouge Is Just a Tourist Trap
The bright red windmill and flashing lights scream “Paris,” but inside, the Moulin Rouge is a pricey, tourist-packed spectacle.
The historic cabaret spirit is long gone, replaced by a polished show with sky-high ticket prices.
If you’re after an authentic Parisian cabaret, Paradis Latin is a much better choice. It’s one of the city’s oldest venues, still intimate and lively, with real energy instead of rehearsed glitz.
2. The Champs-Élysées Feels Like Any Other Shopping Street
People dream of strolling down the Champs-Élysées, but once you’re there, it’s mostly chain stores, overpriced cafés, and endless crowds. Unless you’re heading straight to the Arc de Triomphe, there’s not much to see.
For a real Parisian street experience, Rue Montorgueil is the place to be. It’s full of traditional bakeries, cheese shops, and cafés where actual locals hang out.
3. Nice’s Beaches Are Overcrowded and Rocky
The French Riviera sounds glamorous, but Nice’s beaches can be a letdown. They’re packed in peak season, the pebbles are rough on your feet, and a sunbed will cost you a fortune.
If you want turquoise water and a more relaxed vibe, head to Plage de la Mala in Cap d’Ail. It’s a little harder to reach, but the reward is a beautiful, secluded cove with soft sand and crystal-clear water.
4. The Catacombs Are More Hassle Than They’re Worth
The idea of wandering through underground tunnels lined with skulls sounds eerie and fascinating. The reality? A long wait, a short walk, and a crowded, tourist-heavy experience.
If you’re interested in Paris’s underground history, Les Carrières de Paris, a lesser-known quarry museum, offers a much deeper look into the city’s hidden tunnels – without the two-hour line.
5. Mont Saint-Michel Feels Like a Theme Park in Summer
This fairytale island is stunning, but when high season hits, it turns into a slow-moving parade of tourists crammed into narrow medieval streets. The charm disappears when every doorway is a souvenir shop.
If you want a magical hilltop village without the crowds, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in the Lot Valley has just as much medieval character, perched dramatically over a river, but with a more relaxed and authentic feel.
6. Valensole’s Lavender Fields Are an Instagram Circus
Yes, the lavender fields are beautiful, but in July, Valensole becomes a chaotic mess of tour buses and influencers trampling the flowers for the perfect shot.
If you want to experience Provence’s lavender in peace, Drôme Provençale offers the same breathtaking landscapes without the crowds – and you might actually hear the bees buzzing instead of camera shutters.
7. Montmartre’s Famous Staircase Is a Tourist Funnel
Sunset from the steps of Montmartre sounds romantic until you’re packed in with a hundred other people, dodging aggressive street vendors.
It’s crowded, chaotic, and not as magical as it looks in photos.
For a peaceful city view, Parc de Belleville is a hidden gem. Perched on a hill in a real Parisian neighborhood, it has stunning skyline views and almost no tourists.
8. Cannes Is Just a Fancy Name Without the Festival
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(@corina.in.cotedazur)Unless you’re there for the Film Festival, Cannes feels underwhelming. It’s all high-end boutiques and luxury hotels, with little of the charm that makes the Riviera special.
If you want a true Mediterranean experience, Antibes is a much better stop. It has an old town filled with history, a stunning coastline, and even Picasso’s former studio.
9. Étretat’s Cliffs Are a Tourist Circus
The white cliffs of Étretat are undeniably stunning, but in peak season, the main viewpoints are packed. You’ll struggle to get a clear view without someone’s selfie stick in the way.
If you want dramatic coastal scenery without the crowds, Cap Blanc-Nez in Pas-de-Calais offers rugged cliffs, sweeping views, and the added bonus of spotting England across the water on a clear day.
10. The Love Lock Bridge Isn’t What It Used to Be
At one point, Pont des Arts was covered in thousands of love locks, creating a symbol of romance.
But the weight of all that love nearly collapsed the bridge, and now it’s covered with glass panels. Tourists still go, but the magic is gone.
If you want a scenic, romantic spot in Paris, Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir is a much better option. It’s elegant, modern, and has fantastic views over the Seine.
11. Chamonix’s Mont Blanc Viewpoints Are Overcrowded
Taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car in Chamonix spells epic views, but it also comes with long lines, steep prices, and a tourist-heavy experience.
If you want to see the power of Mont Blanc without the crowds, Mer de Glace is worth the trip. This massive glacier is reached by a scenic train ride, and you can explore ice caves carved directly into the frozen landscape.