16. Holkham Beach, England
While in the UK, be sure to visit Holkham Beach in North Norfolk. It’s an award-winning property with limited parking but you can easily ditch any potential crowd by strolling through the neighboring pine forest or even further down this wide-open beach even during the summer. See if you can spot seals or go bird watching. Finally, relax and have a pint or two in the popular Victoria.
17. The Hôtel-Dieu, France
Close to the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral is an unassuming blue door. Through that nigh anonymous entryway is one of the city’s best-kept secrets: the Hôtel-Dieu complex. It’s reportedly home to Paris’ oldest hospital.
As you pass through the sliding doors, stop and ask someone how to get to the courtyard. It is there you will discover Hausmanian architecture, a piano, and a great place to avoid the crowds.
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