Many countries are moving toward a more sustainable future and lower carbon emissions. France committed $1.7 billion toward research of hydrogen-powered aircraft as its goal is to replace the Airbus A320 with a carbon-neutral plane by 2035. France is also focused on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which emits 80% fewer greenhouse gases, and will require airlines use more of it.

Of course, France is abundant with interesting things to see and do, and Paris alone is probably worthy of a thousand vacations. But if you’ve gotten tired of jockeying for position with all the other tourists thronging the Champs-Elysees or waiting in the lines at Notre Dame, the Louvre, and Sacre Coeur, then you may want to invest some of your vacation in seeing a bit of the rest of France. Here are some suggestions for you.

Step back in time more than thirty thousand years at Lascaux. While you may not be able to see the actual prehistoric artwork at this amazing cultural site (too much exposure to humans is actually damaging the fragile paintings), the nearby true-to-scale replica is well worth the excursion (and guilt-free).

Inspect the fortifications on the Maginot line in Alsace. Spend a day exploring the ruins of the bunkers and other fortifications that were supposed to protect the French from Hitler’s blitzkrieg during World War II. Just make sure you leave room to sample the local wine and the choucroute garnie.