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As iconic as Paris may be, there are several reasons to skip one of the most recognizable cities in the world this year.
It’s always tempting to fly to Europe and see all the locations you’ve dreamed of, and Paris might seem like the best choice.
However, this is not the case for 2024.
As if Paris isn’t busy enough as one of the most visited cities in the world, this number is expected to increase now that Paris is hosting the ever-popular Summer Olympics.
That’s not a problem, because France offers so many other great places to explore outside the “City of Light,” especially by train.
We’ve all felt the pain and agony of inflation, and ten dollars just isn’t far. Heck, you can barely buy coffee in the US
France $10 Occitanie Rail Tour Pass is a bargain and hands down one of the best travel deals this summer.
Where can travelers go?
The Occitanie region is home to incredible French towns such as Montpellier, Nîmes and Toulouse.
You may be wondering what all these cities have in common.
The answer is…wine!
Well, that’s the most important part of the equation anyway. This side of France is known for its fruit production, which is of course an important part of winemaking.
Europe is known worldwide for its food and drink, but perhaps no country is more sought after than France when it comes to top-shelf wine selections.
This year you can say: “Forget Paris!” and explore this fascinating region packed with dazzling historic towns, picturesque vineyards and delicious bars and restaurants.
Toulouse is one of the few major destinations on this railway line. Honestly, you might not want to go back once you get off here as this is one of the most underrated cities in France.
All the French culture that will be overshadowed by the gigantic shadow of the Olympic Games this summer can be found in this beautiful, historic city.
Better yet, Toulouse certainly hits the mark when it comes to wine, with top-notch bars like Le 5 Wine Bar and vast, scenic vineyards nearby.
To discover The hidden gems of France
Being the most popular country in the world, hidden gems may seem few and far between, but that’s not necessarily true.
Considering that every week there seems to be a new destination dealing with overtourism issues, there may be no better time to explore the road less traveled, or in this case, rail.
France still has a lot to discover, as Paris and the French Riviera are often in the spotlight.
The Occitanie Rail Tour Pass is a success 19 stops on local TER services with easy connections to some lesser-known treasures, such as the medieval town of Carcassonne dotted with beautiful castles and wide-open vineyards.
Or how about the fairytale town of Narbonne, France’s best kept secret along the coast?
The options are seemingly endless for getting out and about in faraway France, avoiding the crowds and embracing the beauty and flavor of the Occitanie region.
What’s the catch?
Ten dollars may sound too good to be true, which raises a few red flags before you consider planning your trip.
It’s always good to be alert, but in this case the deal is as good as it sounds. However, there is always fine print.
The pass really is $10 per day, but yes, there are some limitations to it. However, nothing is too crazy.
Firstly, the pass cannot be used on high-speed TGV, Intercité or night trains.
Second, there may be destinations on your radar that are somewhat out of reach. If so, you only need to pay a few dollars extra to connect via the region’s LiO buses.
Finally, the pass is good for unlimited travel between 2 – 6 days.
Don’t feel rushed to book your trip as there are no reserved seats on regional trains, meaning you will most likely be able to purchase your pass at the last minute.
There are more than 150 stations to choose from for an endless adventure with good wine, beautiful locations and incredible coastlines.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
