Paris, France: the City of Love, the City of Lights and the city with ‘top things to do’ reaching into the dozens. But if a trip to the heart of France is high on your bucket list, travelling in the high season may present some logistical challenges when it comes to enjoying a classic Paris itinerary.
If you’re looking to have that once-in-a-lifetime Paris trip complete with quiet mornings at patisseries, slow strolls along the Seine and lazy afternoons in the Louvre, the best advice is to avoid the summer months or choose a lesser-visited but equally amazing European city. Did somebody say Paris dupes?
With our new range of rail trips, exploring Europe from Paris has never been easier. Here are 3 trips that will get you away from the crowds and into some of the region’s other iconic cities.
For the foodies: swap Paris for Barcelona
Trip: Paris to Madrid by Rail
Paris is renowned for its food scene, but in the high heat of summer, French fare isn’t always the lightest option. So why not save the truffle pasta and confit de canard for a fall or winter trip and hop on the train to Spain instead.
Spaniards have perfected the art of warm-weather dining, serving flavourful cured meats, artfully chilled soups and small plates that won’t leave you overstuffed. And when it’s really hot, nothing goes together better than a warm summer afternoon and a cold glass of cava or a clara, a refreshing mix of light beer and lemon soda. Plus, if you have a big lunch, it’s only polite to lean into the Spanish art of the siesta and take a long afternoon nap.
Take a tapas tour in Barcelona with Urban Adventures
For the exhibit explorers: swap the Louvre for the Rijksmuseum
Trip: Paris to Berlin
Every year, millions of art lovers make the pilgrimage to the Louvre to see iconic works of art like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. It’s the most famous museum in the world, and in the summertime, it is arguably the most crowded. There are tons of online guides offering strategies for visiting in the summer to avoid hours-long queues and crushing crowds, but if you’re actually interested in appreciating the art (and not just the air conditioning), it may be a wiser choice to visit in the off-season.
So all aboard art lovers, the train is leaving Paris and heading for Amsterdam to visit the Rijksmuseum, the Louvre of the Netherlands. The Rijksmuseum houses work by Van Gogh and Vermeer and the museum’s most notable piece, Rembrandt’s legendary painting “The Night Watch.” With far fewer visitors per summer than the Louvre, you’ll be able to wander through the museum’s 80 rooms at a leisurely pace.
Since you won’t spend hours battling crowds, you’ll have plenty of time to check out Amsterdam’s many beer halls to cool down with a refreshing brew.
For the boat buffs: swap the Seine for the Danube
Trip: Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul
Warm temps and long, sun-filled days make river cruises an ideal summer activity. And while some of Paris’ most iconic sites, like the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Orsay, are visible from the Seine, the boats often sell out quickly (sometimes days or weeks in advance) during the high season.
So, if scenic boat rides are high on the list, head to Budapest instead and trade a cruise down the Seine for one on the Danube. These leisurely river cruises provide some epic views of Budapest’s architecture, including the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges linking Buda to Pest. Opt for an after-dark boat ride to see the city sparkle and finish the night at one of the iconic ruin bars.
A trip to Paris is a must, at least once in a lifetime. But savvy travellers know that there’s something to be said for visiting lesser-known cities during the peak summer months – especially in Europe. So while you’re perfecting your dream off-season Paris itinerary, spend the summer crossing some alternative European destinations off the list.
Need to pivot your Paris plans? Check out last-minute deals on Intrepid trips.
