alternatives to paris
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ALTERNATIVES TO PARIS – 14 Romantic Getaways Minus The Hype

Aah Paris! The City of Love. Or is it? There is not a young girl in the world that has not harbored dreams of being in love in Paris. Or falling in love, even. They wait all their lives and eventually take that dream trip to the French Capital to find….disappointment. Paris can be overcrowded, overhyped, and downright snobby at times. Now, though, people are looking for alternatives to Paris. Places a little more, dare I say, Romantic!

Paris
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Now don’t get me wrong. Paris is a wonderful city. But once you have been and seen it, there are plenty of other places to visit that are just as good. Especially if you are looking for romance. Paris is idyllic, to a point. So, if you are looking for something different, where can you go?



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There are many alternatives to Paris, and despite what people may believe, many of them are perhaps even MORE romantic. Here, I have curated a list of cities and town, both in France and abroad, that you should consider when planning that next romantic getaway. Paris is not the ONLY place that you can fall in love, propose, or simply have that perfect weekend getaway. Instead, consider some of these!

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Table of Contents

French Alternatives to Paris

First, I will start with the French Alternatives to Paris. Because to put it simply, Paris is not the only romantic city in France. In fact, there are plenty of lesser known towns that tick all the same boxes and more. France, after all, is indisputably one of the most romantic countries on Earth. The reason for that is culture, language and people. NOT a single city.

So let’s take a look.

Colmar, France

Colmar is the quintessential fairytale village. It is one of those places that literally looks like it just dropped off the face of a postcard. Could you possibly find a more romantic setting?

Romantic Colmar, France
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When it comes to alternatives to Paris, you really don’t need to look any further than Colmar. Located not far from both the Swiss and German borders, the influence of all three countries is everywhere you look. From the quaint cobblestoned streets, half wood houses lining the canals, and flowering plants bringing everything to life, it really is like living in a dream. Colmar is also a foodies heaven, with restaurants and cafes overflowing with local delicacies, and the wine and coffee flowing freely. Colmar is never going to disappoint!

Nice, France

Could there be a better romantic setting than the French Riviera? And what better than the capital, and center of it all? Nice is a city that is constantly humming with activity, while also sporting that laid back, seaside beachy relaxation. Basically, Nice is the best of both worlds.

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Even though the beaches are amazing in Nice, it is not all that the city has to offer. Civilization in this part of the French coastline has been dated back 400,000 years, and with good reason. Nice has the perfect weather, atmosphere and location to please everyone.

Relax on the white sand beside the azure blue sea. Take a hike to one of the many viewpoints on the surrounding hills. Explore Old Town, before kicking back and taking in the sights from one of the many amazing alfresco cafes that the city is famous for. Nice will charm you, and make your romantic getaway exactly what you were looking for.

Annecy, France

Located in the South East of France, Annecy can be found close to the Swiss and Italian borders. In fact, Geneva is only a short drive away. A beautiful little town, Annecy was one of the first towns I picked for this list of alternatives to Paris. Why?

Annecy France
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Picture the perfect lakeside town. Now add a backdrop of incredible mountains, and sprinkle in canals, Castles and Cathedrals. Now, you have Annecy. This has to be one of the most romantic towns in the world, if not Europe. They even have a bridge that is actually called “Lover’s Bridge”!

Annecy is the perfect getaway. The great outdoors here is so prevalent and part of their culture, that even with amazing dining and architecture, most of the population still spend their days outside. Boating on and swimming in the lake. Hiking around its edge, or off into the mountains. Biking absolutely EVERYWHERE. This is a town that fell from heaven, and France was just lucky enough to catch it.

For more information on Annecy, check out my full guide HERE.

Etretat, France

Etretat is one of the most famous and popular seaside retreats in France. Despite that, it has still managed to maintain that “small town” feel, and to this day remains a village at heart. Only 2 hours by train from Paris, or under 3 hours by car, it is the perfect place for a quick getaway.

alternatives to Paris etretat
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It is for this reason that Parisians themselves first began flocking to Etretat. What better qualifications do you need for alternatives to Paris, when the locals themselves choose it! It wasn’t always that way, however, and in a time not too long ago, Etretat was still just a small fishing village. That was until poets and artists discovered it, most famously Claude Monet. He made it his home, and Etretat suddenly landed on the radar of the rich and famous of France.

Now, the town sees a steady tourism trade. The towering chalk colored cliffs that cascade into the sea have become famous around the world. Visitors spend their days hiking to the top to enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets, or while away the middle of the days relaxing on the idyllic beach sands.

If you are looking for a romantic getaway that is not Paris, then you can’t get better than Etretat!

European Alternatives to Paris

Although France is a very romantic country, it doesn’t have the monopoly of choices for romantic getaways. Therefore, next up on my list of Alternatives to Paris are my European choices. All of these are outside of France, and all are just as beautiful. Some, you will know quite well, while others are flying well under the radar, and enjoy it that way!

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia, but is also one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. With a population of only 293,000 people, this is one capital city that still maintains a small town feel.

Ljubljana, Slovenia
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What makes Ljubljana one of the great alternatives to Paris is that the city is just perfectly set up for romance. It has a very youthful feel and atmosphere, with over 50,000 students making the city their home. Life is slow and relaxed. Stroll along the beautiful river, relax in the impossibly green parks, or enjoy lunch and have a laugh in the endless cafes.

For many visitors to Europe, there is the dream of proposing or getting married in a medieval castle. You can actually do BOTH in Ljubljana. If taking that big step of commitment is just a little further down the road for you, then try visiting the Butcher’s Bridge, the city’s very own Lover’s Bridge. Join thousands of other lovers that have left their “love locks” hanging on the bridge. What better romantic setting could you ask for?

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is often referred to as the “Paris of the East”. Of course, there are many other cities that have been bestowed with that title over time, but for Budapest it rings true. There are a lot of similarities between Budapest and Paris, with romance being one of the biggest.

alternatives to Paris, Budapest
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Visiting Budapest is a sure-fire winner for couples that are in search of a romantic getaway. With sweeping views, incredible architecture, and a seemingly endless list of iconic places to take in a stroll with that someone special. Wander across the Danube via a myriad of different bridges. Take a romantic Thermal Spa in the Baths. Cruise the river or be amazed by the Music Fountain. Budapest has plenty to keep your romantic getaway humming along perfectly!

Barcelona, Spain

Like many places on this list, Barcelona is seen as a very romantic destination. Although it is one of the best alternatives to Paris, it can also suffer from the same problem as the French Capital. Hundreds of thousands of tourist’s flock to the city on a daily basis, and especially on weekends and holidays. So why, then, would I include it in this list if it is going to be just as crowded?

Unforgettable Barcelona Spain
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There is a simple reason. Barcelona has more than just a couple of iconic points to visit. You can get away from it all anywhere in the city, and STILL be enjoying the wonderful romance that Barcelona can deliver. Take a stroll though the parks, be amazing by inspiring architecture and breath taking views. Then, when you are done for the day, visit any of the cities incredible restaurants or cafes, before snuggling up for the night over a glass or wine or two in one of the iconic rooftop bars.

Barcelona, you have done it again!

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges may actually be the most beautiful city in Europe. Located in Belgium, it is only the fourth most popular city in the country, but that is only due to the fact that it is so much smaller than the others. Nicknamed the “Venice of the North” it is also a haven for lovers looking for a romantic getaway, and it’s not hard to see why.

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White swans lazily swimming on dreamy canals, that are lined by medieval buildings constructed with the most amazing architecture is what awaits in Bruges. Stroll the streets or cycle around the town. Get lost without a care, as there is something to see and discover around every corner. Simply put, Bruges is the perfect little European town, and every visitor will bear ready witness to that fact!

If you are looking for one of the perfect alternatives to Paris, then Bruges really can’t be beat. It is a dreamy town with a perfect postcard look. There is even a lake in the middle of town called “Lake of Love”! If that doesn’t convince you that Bruges is geared up for romance, then nothing will.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

In recent times, Croatia has become a haven for romance seeking couples from all over the world. Dubrovnik, nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic” is nestled at the very bottom tip of Croatia, and has become one of the most popular of the Croatian destinations. Game of Thrones has a lot to do with that, however the city has a LOT more going for it than being the setting for a great TV show.

alternatives to Paris Dubrovnik
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Dubrovnik is a place that has a bit of everything. Tumultuous History, incredible architecture, amazing food, culture and the best beaches on the Adriatic Coastline make the city a dream destination. Take a ride up the Funicular to see the best views in the city. Take a trip to nearby islands, or simply explore old town, one of the most incredible 7th century towns you will find anywhere!

Dubrovnik is a city that couples are drawn to. Many go there to have a romantic escape. Others go there to get married. There are even many that ELOPE to Dubrovnik, such is the size of its romantic drawcard.

Alternatives to Paris Further Afield

Even though you have to go to Europe to visit Paris, it doesn’t mean you have to go all the way there just to get that perfect getaway. If you don’t live in Europe, then the good news is that you can find alternatives to Paris a lot closer to home!

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, the “Red City” of Morocco, is an incredible mixture of architecture and culture. Nicknamed “Morocco City” by early travelers, it has seen its popularity increase in recent times, and is now the most popular place to visit in Morocco.

The city of Marrakech has two parts. The inner Medina that was built in the Middle Ages, surrounded by a wall and home to Palaces, Mansions and Souks. The outer city area was constructed more recently, and is the hip place to be, with cafes and boutiques lining its iconic streets.

Marrakech Morocco
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Strolling around Marrakech is becoming a common dream of couples in search of a romantic getaway. Morocco itself has seen a rapid rise on the Wishlist of international travelers, and the city itself these days plays host to many Destination Weddings.

As far as alternatives to Paris go, Marrakech is akin to a forbidden love, that adds that small taste of adventure, and exotic aftertaste to what could be your perfect interlude away.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has been dubbed the “Paris of South America” and is it not hard to see why. The city boasts amazing green parks, wide leafy boulevards, and a café culture that is hard to beat. A visit to Buenos Aires will mean enjoying never-ending alfresco dining, hopping from café to café, and being amazed at the incredible architecture that lines nearly every street.

Buenos Aires
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If there is one thing that can be said about Argentinians, it is that they really know how to celebrate being in love. Their national dance is the Tango, which is basically a seductive dance about being in love. One of the most popular bridges in Buenos Aires is even designed around the Tango, depicting two dancers intertwined. Everywhere you go in Buenos Aires, it seems that parks, buildings, the stroll along the river bank, were all designed with lovers in mind. If a romantic getaway is what you are looking for, then get down to South America, and see how every other city SHOULD be doing it!

Sydney, Australia

Being Australian, I admit to being a little biased by putting Sydney on this list. But the fact remains that Sydney IS a very romantic city. Even amongst Australians it is a very popular choice for a romantic getaway, and a perfect addition to my alternatives to Paris.

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Why? How could you go wrong, really? Sydney has the amazing harbor, framed by such iconic locations as the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. A night cruise slowly under the lights on Sydney Harbor just can’t be beat. Add to that the incredible beaches that line the shores north and south, and beautiful Blue Mountains to the west, and Sydney is a hands down winner!

Honolulu, Hawaii

Is there possibly a more romantic setting than a tropical island? Honolulu is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world for a reason. They just do it right. And those lei’s on arrival? That’s just surefire romantic flame starters right there!

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Take a stroll along Waikiki Beach. Go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Head to the North Shore and go waterfall hunting, horseback riding or hiking. Learn to surf at the most famous breaks in the world, take a helicopter flight or go dolphin spotting. Hawaii is nothing if not a playground for anyone, and a showcase for any adventure activity that you can think of. That almost makes it perfect, in my book.

Hidden Gem Alternative to Paris

For my final entry in my list of alternatives to Paris, I have decided to include a Hidden Gem. Just because I am a sucker for throwing out something unexpected! This little town is idyllic, and I am sure you will fall in love with it!

Pienza, Italy

Pienza is my only addition to this list that is located in Italy. Which even I find strange, as there are so many wonderfully romantic towns and cities in the country. Probably the most famous, of course, is Venice. Like Paris, however, it is very overcrowded and many actually seek alternatives to Venice, so there would be no point adding it to THIS list.

Instead, I am going to concentrate on the most idyllic little town in Italy, called Pienza.

Quintessential Italy in idyllic Pienza
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Pienza is located in probably the most romantic part of Italy amongst the rolling hills of Tuscany. It is perched perfectly on top of a hill, and commands beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It features everything that any visitor would expect and wish to find in a small Italian town, with amazing architecture, cathedral, and Piazza.

Pienza was not always so idyllic, however. Up until the 1400’s it was just another Italian village, until one single event changed its fate and history. Pope Pius II was born in the village, and when he came to office decided to gift his hometown with an injection of funds. He expanded, built and created his dream town under the Tuscan sun. The result – the perfect little Italian town, and one of the best romantic alternatives to Paris!

Summary

Paris is a wonderful city. But it certainly has competition when it comes to the title of most romantic getaway. No matter where in the world you are from, you will find alternatives to Paris, and some of them will please just as much, if not more!

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