5 Places to Escape the Crowds Before (or After) the Olympics
Image courtesy of Les Fermes de Marie
Europe is abuzz with the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. With the official dates set for July 26 to August 11, France is expecting an estimated 15 million visitors this summer. And if you’re lucky enough to have scored a ticket to your favorite event, you may need a breather either before or after the big games.
I’ve put together a list of some incredible properties in under-the-radar destinations in France, all of which are ideal for immersing yourself in French culture without the crowds. From mountaintop experiences to island adventures, uncover a lesser-talked about side of France with these travel ideas.
When you’re ready to book — or when you want personalized recs — connect with me to start customizing your pre- or post-Olympic getaway.
Île de Ré
Image courtesy of Hotel de Toiras
Connected to the French mainland by an almost 2-mile bridge, Île de Ré sits just off the Atlantic coast and embodies everything right about slow travel. Sleepy villages are the perfect place to unplug, while local flavors include briny oysters and excellent French dry wines. Picture your vacation spent biking on the seaside with a baguette in your basket. And with Paris only a little over three hours away by train, Île de Ré is an easy jaunt for unwinding after the excitement of the Olympics.
Hotel de Toiras
Image courtesy of Hotel de Toiras
With a white-washed stone exterior and tiled roof, this charming hotel overlooks a marina. The style reflects its French heritage — think antique furnishings, classic fabrics and gold-framed mirrors.
Guests are treated to impeccable service, from arranging excursions and dining experiences that are tailored to you. The hotel's sister property, Villa Clarisse & Spa, offers a quiet garden and pool, just a short stroll away. (Villa Clarisse & Spa is worth a visit in itself: it’s an 18th-century mansion-turned-hotel.)
Insider tip: Families will appreciate the ability to connect rooms and suites to create a comfortable home base for exploring the area.
Fora Perks:
Private roundtrip airport transfers, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Biarritz
Image courtesy of Regina Experimental Biarritz
Biarritz is all about its gorgeous wide beach, La Grande Plage. The southwestern town was a popular resort town in the 1800s and has been attracting beach lovers ever since. The town’s showy center includes a casino, a boardwalk (complete with a carousel) and bustling shops. There are also quieter pockets, where narrow lanes lead to tiny cafes and artisans. And if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf, this is the place to do it. The town hosts multiple surf-themed festivals each year, making the most of the ideal waves.
Regina Experimental Biarritz
Image courtesy of Regina Experimental Biarritz
Experimental Group has great properties all over Europe, and now they've brought that eye for design to Biarritz — with not just one, but two amazing hotels. These additions have brought a new level of hip to this classic seaside town.
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic, Regina Experimental isn’t shy when it comes to design. The hotel’s center atrium wows guests with a soaring glass ceiling and plenty of seating areas. Rooms and suites (some with sea views) make a bold impression with built-in headboards done in colorful fabrics and textures. Other amenities include a small outdoor pool and a full-service spa, all just steps from the beach.
Insider tip: The hotel's atrium bar heats up as the night falls, with live music and DJ events. Ask me about upcoming events.
Fora Perks:
A welcome amenity, daily breakfast and an upgrade whenever possible.
Loire Valley
Image courtesy of Relais de Chambord
Positioned about two hours southwest of Paris by car, the Loire Valley is famous for its wine production and magnificent historic châteaux. Save time to wander the village streets of Amboise and Saumur, or cycle along the scenic Loire River.
Relais de Chambord
Image courtesy of Relais de Chambord
If you've heard people raving about Mallorca's Cap Rocat — get ready. The same brand also has an outpost in the Loire, Relais de Chambord. The hotel is a 17th-century manor that has been completely redone to add modern structural elements and amenities but still keeping its historic charm — plus the gorgeous views of Château de Chambord’s iconic turrets and large property.
You'll find rooms decked out in French style with modern touches, like wall murals of the Château. There's a restaurant that serves regional Loire Valley flavors — make sure to book a table on the terrace that has incredible views of the Château.
Insider tip: For a superb vantage point of the estate, wake at dawn to experience the sun rise over the valley from a hot air balloon.
Fora Perks:
withIN by SLH Perks include a property credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Megève
Famous as a winter wonderland, Megève also makes a brilliant choice for a summer getaway. Instead of snowy peaks, summertime means hiking through blooming meadows and taking gondola rides to see incredible views. Overflowing flower boxes line the town’s cobblestone streets where visitors can explore the shops and take breaks in sidewalk cafes. And don’t forget to step outside in the evening to watch the starry sky come alive.
There are three excellent hotel options from the family-owned hotel group Maisons & Hotels in Megève: Les Fermes de Marie, Lodge Park and Mont Blanc Hotel. We’re smitten with all three properties, but for the summer season, Les Fermes de Marie is a particularly nice choice.
Les Fermes de Marie
Image courtesy of Les Fermes de Marie
Les Fermes is rustic-chic at its French best — from the wood-beamed ceilings to cozy nooks and alpine views, these are the mountain digs of our dreams. As romantic as it may feel (and yes, this is perfect for couples), there are also family rooms and even chalets for those who want to spread out in more space with a larger group. Don't miss the spa, with indoor pools, saunas and even a Japanese bath.
Insider tip: A Kid’s Concierge customizes activities for your little ones, like cooking classes, gaming contests and outdoor adventures.
Fora Perks:
A bottle of wine and daily breakfast.
Provence
A quick flight from Paris (you can also take the train), Provence is always a fabulous choice, especially when it comes to spending more time outdoors. Rolling vineyards, picturesque villages and fragrant lavender fields are right out of a storybook. Prime spots for wandering include Vauvenargues and Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, where cobblestone lanes lead to mom-and-pop cafés and bustling markets. Vineyards, olive groves and historic châteaux dot the countryside, which has more than its share of charming hotels and was the inspiration for many artists.
One of our favorite properties in all of the South of France is Villa La Coste; it's an ultra-luxe experience with only 28 suites. The hotel has a sister property that's lesser-known about: Auberge La Coste. The latter is an inn that quietly boasts an authentic Provencal way of life.
Auberge La Coste
Image courtesy of Auberge La Coste
Set on the sprawling grounds of Château La Coste, this recently opened spot offers 76 rooms and suites. The hotel has the feeling of a welcoming inn, with archways leading to stone terraces and gardens, where lingering is encouraged. Interiors are bright and minimalist with white and pastel colors, and guests shouldn’t miss the on-site restaurant, where the hotel’s garden inspires the menu. For the ultimate Provencal experience, book a room with vineyard views or a private terrace.
Insider tip: Learn the nuances of the estate’s organic wine by booking a wine workshop, complete with a tasting and tour.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Connect with me for more inspiration on how to make the most of your Olympic adventure by exploring the lesser-known treasures of France.
