Tourists urged to ditch France for 1 country with 'stunning countryside' and villages

With summer holidays on the way, Brits are beginning to consider just where to jet off to this year, with many opting to explore some hidden gems rather than typical destinations. One increasingly popular destination is the Provence region of France, with its stunning lavender fields and vineyards.

However, its popularity has led to Provence becoming something of a tourist hotspot, meaning anyone looking for a quieter destination may decide to avoid this region. Considering this, experts at Travel Counsellors have shared a potential dupe for Provence, recommending tourists travel to the Transylvania region of Romania instead. They explain: "Transylvania in Romania and Provence in France share many common features: rolling hills, medieval villages and stunning countryside."

They add that Transylvania feels much wilder than Provence, with the dramatic backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains rivalling the beauty of Provence's lavender fields.

Transylvania is packed full of things to do for any type of visitor. History buffs and literature fans may want to take a beeline to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle, as the castle served as the home of the vampire Count Dracula in Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Although it only has tangential links to the real-life inspiration behind the fictional count, Vlad the Impaler, the castle is still teeming with the region's history, dating back to 1377.

It's also not the only castle in the region, with the beautiful Corvin Castle located in Hunedoara - about a three hour drive from Bran, but still within the Transylvania region.

While those more interested in nature and animals may want to head to Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti, the biggest brown bear sanctuary in Europe. One TripAdvisor reviewer described the sanctuary as an "amazing place", while another labelled it as the reason they chose to holiday in Romania.

Speaking about the rise in people opting for 'destination dupes', Travel Counsellor's Louise Mitchell said: "We're seeing increasing demand for holidays off-the-beaten-track, and there are some fantastic hidden gems that rival well-known bucket-list locations.

"It's not just about avoiding the crowds, it's about making more mindful travel choices that create a deeper, more meaningful experience while also benefiting the destinations themselves.

"As experts in crafting personalised itineraries, we're passionate about helping our customers discover new places, immerse themselves in different cultures, and travel in a way that feels both rewarding and responsible."