You like travelYou can only do this during thesummer but you're fed up of finding yourself in tourist countries where there are more travellers than locals? Here are 10 destinations where tourists are rare.
5 little-known countries
Summer is a great time to travel to little-known countries, away from the tourist crowds. Marvel, discover and enjoy away from the crowds.
New Caledonia
Want to change of sceneryto lizard over the beachesto swim in translucent turquoise waters ? Welcome to New Caledonia. Hello to the paradise landscapes, rainforest adventures and the discovery of a rich culture. New Caledonia is: a luxuriant nature, from warm sandy beaches, a magnificent mountain range, cliffs and waterfalls but above all the world's largest lagoon. New Caledonia is also a clash of cultures, with different peoples from different parts of the world. If you want to discover the richness of the country and are keen on adventure, don't hesitate to stay in the bush (tropical vegetation made up of bushes, herbaceous plants and shrubs) to meet Melanesian tribes, on Caldoches farms (cattle, pigs, geese and chickens) or on the splendid islands of the Loyalty Islands and the Pine Islands. For this country, bring a mask, snorkel and hiking boots.
New Caledonia is the most visited country on our list, with 121,000 tourists a year. 6.3 tourists per square kilometre. We advise you to visit this country between June and November to make the most of it!
Moldova
Desire for a country timeless and authentic ? Introducing Moldova! This very young country was part of the USSR before 1991. Neglected by tourists, Moldova is a little-known country despite its geographical proximity. This country is sure to please lovers of the medieval period. Between historical museums, nature reserves, caves, forests and valleysyour trip to Moldova will be unforgettable. Fill up on history, adventure and culture when you visit Moldova. Discover Old Orhei, an open-air museum and, more specifically, an archaeological site dating back to the Palaeolithic and the Iron Age. You can also visit the ruins of a medieval village and the remains of a mosque. If you travel to Moldova at the end of August, you can attend theethno festival Gustara music festival with a Moldavian flavour. Nature loversTake a stroll through the 6032-hectare Princiere forest. If you're lucky, you'll come across some rare plants. And if you prefer animals to plants, you should know that this forest is also a zoological garden for endemic species such as martens, deer, wildcats and snakes. You can also visit the Emil Racovita cave, where you can marvel at one of the largest caves in the world, with giant crystals, a dinosaur cemetery and waterfalls plunging into transparent green and blue lakes.
With 145,000 tourists a year in Moldova, that's 4.3 tourists per square kilometreYou should be able to rest easy. The best times to travel in this country are between May and September.
Paraguay
Want to visit a country authentic and warm ? A rural country whose main travellers are locals, international tourists avoid travelling to Paraguay because there are no beaches available. Paraguay is the only country in South America without an ocean or sea. If you want to play the explorer, off the beaten trackthen this is the country for you. Paraguay is a a land of authenticity and surprises. The country's rich and complex history has resulted in an eclectic population: from the Guarani Indians, the country's native community, to descendants of Spaniards, Germans and Dutch, Amish from Eastern Europe who arrived in the 1920s and Italians in the 1940s. Paraguay is a paradise for travellers who want to feel like they're on the move. discover the New World.
If this is the country that catches your eye, the best time to go is from May to September. 1,537,000 tourists a year, that's just 3.8 tourists per square kilometre. I'm not sure you'll come across any!
French Guiana
Looking for a warm climateto see a lush forest and beautiful landscapes ? Head for French Guiana. This French territory is full of secrets. A veritable mix of ethnic groups, French Guiana is a clash of cultures between ancient traditions and modernity. A thick equatorial forest protects an incredible biodiversity. It covers 95% of French Guiana. This forest is one of the best preserved reserves. If you're a keen hiker, French Guiana is your paradise. Thanks to the Office National des Forêts (French National Forestry Office), there are some superb hiking routes that pass through the Guiana Regional Park and the Guiana Amazon Park. Breathtaking experiences await you in French Guiana: going down and up the river in a pirogue, spending a night in a hammock in a carbet, swimming in dark water in a creek, etc. If you also want to perfect your tan, you can enjoy the sumptuous coastal beaches. You may be disturbed by migratory birds or the birth of turtles on their way to the ocean. French Guiana has no shortage of wonders.
This area can be visited all year round without any worries, but the best time is during the summer.August to October. A perfect way to start the new school year. 245,000 tourists go there every year 2.7 travellers per square kilometre.
Tajikistan
Want to visit a a little-known, mountainous and isolated country ? Welcome to Tajikistan. This country has long been neglected because of its tumultuous history, and today it is still the smallest and poorest of the former Soviet Socialist Republics of Central Asia. Despite this, Tajikistan is slowly beginning to emerge in the world of tourism. Fans of unspoilt landscapesof cycling tours or even trekking will be delighted. Tajikistan offers two journeys, one easy to reach in the west, where you can enjoy walks in the mid-range mountains, around high-altitude lakes or amid the ruins of the bazaars of Punjikent, nicknamed the "Pompeii of Central Asia". For the more adventurous, the wild east will be your paradise. Discover the M41 road and the ancient Silk Road. Here you'll find infinite space, dazzling nature and isolation. The villages you'll come across are cut off from the rest of the world, nestling deep in valleys. Authenticity and discovery will be the watchwords of this incredible country..
Tajikistan sees an average of 180,000 tourists a year. 1.3 tourists per square kilometreSo you're unlikely to come across any tourists. What's more, it's just the right time to leave: fromApril to October you'll have the best possible weather.
5 little-known countries
Would you like to travel to countries where there are hardly any tourists? This is the place.
The Marshall Islands
Want to discover a volcanic island and coral reefs ? The Marshall Islands are ideal for that. These islands are lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, making them little known to the general public. Visit the Marshall Islands and neighbouring islands without the crowds of tourists. On the programme: luxuriant nature, multicoloured fish, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. It's unlikely that you'll come across a tourist, but you're sure to come across more than one fish, as there are more than a dozen of them. 800 species of fish in the mountains surrounding the islands. You can also see more thanaround a hundred corals diverse and varied. A diver's paradise, grab your flippers and mask and enjoy a heavenly landscape beneath the surface. You can see up to 50 metres below the surface. You'll also find a multitude of shipwrecks dating back to the Second World War. American and Japanese boats. The Marshall Islands suffered a lot during the war, but they don't let anything show.
If you fancy seeing more fish than tourists, head for the Marshall Islands all year round. Around 6,000 tourists enjoy this paradise every year, and with 0.5 tourists per square kilometreWe'll have to look for another traveller.
Madagascar
Looking for a a total change of scenery in a remote area ? Head for Madagascar. Remote and isolated from the African continent for almost 165 million years, Madagascar's flora and fauna have evolved thanks to this isolation. Despite its enormous potential for tourism, Madagascar remains underdeveloped and few tourists travel to its lands. Madagascar, which is sometimes referred to as the red island because of the colour of its soil, is nonetheless one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. one of the richest areas of biodiversity on the planet. There are many endemic species to discover. Madagascar is an island full of authenticity and incredible natural wealth. Between the memories and traditions of a wide variety of peoples, there's plenty of culture to explore.
To make the most of these Madagascan lands, we advise you to travel between April and October. With 0.4 tourists per square kilometreyou should have no worries.
Papua
Looking for a landscape made of wild forests, coral islands and turquoise waters ? Introducing Papua. Tourism is rare here, but is gradually developing, so this is the ideal time to take advantage of a magnificent place where a breathtaking variety of flora and fauna. After Amazonia, Papua has the world's largest intact tropical forest. If you're a seasoned traveller, you won't be disappointed when you visit Papua, which has more than one marvel to offer. The island is made up of two countries, West Papua, which is politically attached to Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The western part of the island is the most accessible because it is linked to Indonesia. Between pristine mountains and deserted islandsYou'll feel like you're in the middle of a postcard.
You won't be disturbed by other tourists: 0.4 travellers per km²That's 229,000 tourists a year. The only thing that will bother you is the fish. Don't hesitate to go there between May and October so you can make the most of your trip.
Mongolia
Looking for a picturesque journey and a taste of nomadic life ? Then Mongolia is the place for you. Over the last 10 years, tourism in this country has changed very little. Tourists are very rare. This country is virtually unexplored by travellers, with the exception of those looking for an unforgettable experience. a unique destination and an extraordinary journey. Mongolia is a land of picturesque landscapes between perfectly unspoilt lunar and desert landscapes, remote steppes and a nomadic people with unique and little-known customs. Have you ever seen horses, camels and yaks roaming freely? Mongolia also has a rich natural and cultural heritage, thanks to the people who preserve it.
The best time to discover this incredible country is the month ofAugust so plan your trip now. With 480,000 tourists a year, the equivalent of 0.2 tourists per square kilometreYou'll be alone in the middle of nothing. Take the opportunity to recharge your batteries and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Siberia
Looking for a a radical change of scenery where snow reigns supreme ? Welcome to Siberia. Russia in general is a destination shunned by tourists. Siberia represents 77% of Russian territory, but only 27% of its population live there. Siberia is a little-known region, despite its breathtaking, immaculate, endless landscapes. Between immense rivers, a cold climate, winter caves and frozen lakes, the most adventurous people enjoy travelling through these wide open spaces. If you're lucky enough to meet the Siberian people, you'll receive a warm welcome. Discover their customs and their way of life in this unique region. a magical place steeped in myth and legend.
Unless you're very unlucky, it's unlikely that you'll come across any other tourists, as Siberia counts 800,000 tourists a year, i.e. 0.06 passenger per km². If Siberia appeals to you, the best time to go is between May and September.
Interested in one of these destinations? All that's left to do is book your plane ticket, your hotel and your activities. And don't forget your parking close to the airport. Whether you are departing from Bordeaux, Nantes, Roissy or Lyon, we can offer you several partner car parks close to the airport, such as in Marseille for example: car parks near Marseille airport. Enjoy your trip!
