Our guide on the most common tourist traps in France and how to avoid them for your next trip.
France is one of the most visited countries in the world, offering incredible history, culture, and gastronomy. However, some experiences are over-commercialized or overpriced.
By avoiding these tourist traps and seeking out authentic experiences, you’ll discover the real charm and magic of France, beyond the crowds and inflated prices!
Here’s a guide to the most common tourist traps in France and how to sidestep them for a more authentic experience.
Read here Common Mistakes to avoid in France, France Sim Card for Tourists and 28 Things to Know Before Visiting France
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Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps in France
Travel Off-Season: Visit in spring or fall for fewer crowds and better prices.
Ask Locals for Advice: Locals often know the best places to eat, shop, and explore.
Book in Advance: Skip-the-line tickets and guided tours can save time and frustration.
Avoid Overhyped Spots: Focus on hidden gems or lesser-known attractions.
Use Public Transport: It’s a cost-effective way to explore cities like Paris, Lyon, or Marseille.
Tourist Traps to Avoid in France
1. Eiffel Tower Long Lines
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Waiting times can stretch to hours, especially during peak seasons. Elevator tickets are pricey (€17–26), and the top floor can feel overcrowded.
How to Avoid It:
Book Tickets Online: Reserve tickets in advance for a specific time slot.
Skip the Top Floor: Opt for the second-floor observation deck for equally stunning views.
Alternative: Visit the Montparnasse Tower or Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic city views.
2. Champs-Élysées Shopping
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Known as “the world’s most beautiful avenue,” it’s mostly filled with expensive chain stores and overpriced restaurants catering to tourists.
How to Avoid It:
Explore Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés for boutique shopping and charming streets.
If you visit Champs-Élysées, skip eating there and head to side streets for better quality and value.
3. Overpriced Cafés Near Landmarks
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Cafés near iconic sites like Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, or the Louvre charge high prices for mediocre food and drinks.
How to Avoid It:
Walk a few blocks away from tourist hubs to find authentic bistros.
Research local favorites like Café de Flore or hidden gems in neighborhoods like Montmartre.
4. The Louvre Crowds
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
The Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world, and areas like the Mona Lisa are perpetually packed.
How to Avoid It:
Visit early in the morning or late at night (during extended hours).
Focus on less crowded sections of the museum, like the Islamic Art or Sculpture galleries.
Alternative: Explore smaller museums like the Musée de l’Orangerie or Musée Rodin.
5. Mont Saint-Michel Tourism
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
This iconic island abbey is stunning, but the surrounding area is crowded with tourist shops selling overpriced souvenirs.
How to Avoid It:
Visit early in the morning or during the offseason to avoid crowds.
Stay overnight in nearby towns like Pontorson to explore the abbey when the day-trippers leave.
6. Disneyland Paris
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
While fun for families, it’s expensive and often overcrowded, with long waits for rides.
How to Avoid It:
Visit during off-peak times (weekdays in the fall or winter).
Alternative: Explore Parc Astérix, a theme park with shorter lines and French-themed attractions.
7. Côte d’Azur Overpricing
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Popular destinations like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco can be excessively expensive for dining, accommodations, and attractions during summer.
How to Avoid It:
Visit smaller coastal towns like Antibes, Menton, or Èze for the same Mediterranean charm at a fraction of the cost.
Travel in spring or early fall for lower prices and fewer crowds.
8. Souvenir Shops in Montmartre
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Streets near Sacré-Cœur are lined with generic souvenir shops selling overpriced items.
How to Avoid It:
Wander the quieter, cobbled streets of Montmartre to find local artisan shops.
Visit Saint-Ouen Flea Market for unique and authentic souvenirs.
9. Wine Tasting Tours in Tourist Areas
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Some wine tours in regions like Bordeaux or Champagne charge high fees for generic experiences.
How to Avoid It:
Book tours with small, family-owned wineries for more intimate and personalized experiences.
Research local wine bars or “cave à vin” for affordable tastings in Paris or major wine regions.
10. Palace of Versailles
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
The palace is magnificent but can be overwhelming with its long lines and crowded halls.
How to Avoid It:
Book Tickets in Advance: Arrive early or book skip-the-line tickets.
Visit the Gardens: They are less crowded and equally stunning.
Alternative: Explore Château de Fontainebleau or Vaux-le-Vicomte for similar grandeur without the crowds.
11. Restaurants with Multi-Language Menus
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Restaurants advertising “traditional French cuisine” with menus in multiple languages often serve overpriced, low-quality food.
How to Avoid It:
Look for places filled with locals or menus in only French.
Research well-reviewed bistros or brasseries in advance.
12. Moulin Rouge and Other Cabarets
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
While iconic, shows like the Moulin Rouge are expensive (€100+) and may feel more commercial than authentic.
How to Avoid It:
Try smaller cabarets like Au Lapin Agile in Montmartre for a more intimate and traditional experience.
13. Lavender Fields in Provence
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Peak-season lavender fields (June-July) attract hordes of tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the scenery.
How to Avoid It:
Visit in early morning or late afternoon for quieter moments.
Explore lesser-known areas like Drôme Provençale for beautiful, less crowded lavender fields.
14. TGV First-Class Scams
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
TGV trains advertise luxurious first-class seats, but the experience is often similar to second class for a much higher price.
How to Avoid It:
Opt for second-class tickets, which are comfortable and much cheaper.
Book tickets in advance to secure discounts.
15. Pickpocket Hotspots
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Tourist-heavy areas like the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and the Paris Metro are notorious for pickpockets.
How to Avoid It:
Keep valuables secure in money belts or anti-theft bags.
Stay vigilant and avoid distractions like street performers in crowded areas.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.