France is one of the most visited countries in the world – but only some parts of it are rammed with tourists.

The overcrowding experienced just in certain locations has been noted even by the French Tourism Ministry, which last year said an average of 80 percent of holidaymakers tend to flock to just 20 percent of the country – including Paris and the French Riviera.

The French capital and the Île-de-France region alone welcomed some 47.5 million tourists in 2023, an increase of more than three million compared to the previous year.

Elsewhere in the country, Nice welcomes an average of five million holidaymakers every year.

Among the many other areas of equal beauty waiting to be discovered in France is La Rochelle, located 290 miles from Paris in western France.

This beautiful city sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and has a history closely linked to the sea.

On the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle is regarded as France’s “Door océane” (gateway to the ocean) due to its three ports – for fishing, trading and yachting.

Unsurprisingly, the heart of the city is its old harbour, which features three medieval towers and a stunning promenade, lined with seafood restaurants.

This city also enjoys a rich architectural heritage, which can be admired simply by strolling through the city.

Besides exploring its culture and traditions, visitors to La Rochelle have plenty to do thanks to the full calendar of events taking place in the city, including the International Film Festival and the Francofolies festival dedicated to French music.

La Rochelle is a four-and-a-half drive away from Paris – but can also be reached by tourists by plane, as it boasts an international airport, and train, thanks to its Gare de La Rochelle station connecting the city to Bordeaux, Nantes, Poitiers and Paris among other cities.