Even in some of the most visited countries in the world, there are still unspoiled destinations to discover. Tourists are becoming unwelcome in Europe's hotspots. Barcelona protesters have , Venice now charges day trippers, and Dubrovnik limits the number of visitors.
Top destinations are fighting back, with locals erecting fences and scrawling graffiti telling tourists to "go home." If the conflict between tourism cash and weary locals doesn't appeal, head for Europe's lesser-visited destinations. There, you can bask in the knowledge that the lack of welcome, high costs, fully-booked accommodation, and less-than-optimal service due to visitor numbers won't affect you.
France may have asked visitors to avoid its top 20 per cent of attractions, but that still leaves 80 per cent to be explored. The most visited country in the world is chock-full of hidden gems devoid of tourists. One easy way to find lesser-known spots is to take a French road trip and program satellite navigation systems to avoid toll roads.
Rural France is revelatory - roam between impossibly gorgeous villages, stop for a cosy lunch, sample olive oil, and toast to a grand escape. Those dreaming of the beach can head to the West Coast, where the Atlantic waves crash against miles of sand. The towns of Biarritz, Arcachon, and La Rochelle offer cosmopolitan French culture.
Recent Google and Deloitte research says Spain will overtake France as Europe's most visited country by 2040. There's plenty of time to take .