Skip Paris and Visit One of These Lesser Known French Destinations
France is a dream destination for travellers, famous for its rich culture and mouthwatering cuisine. While Paris gets all the spotlight, the real magic lies in the charming, off-the-radar towns most tourists miss. So, are you interested in experiencing France like never before? Skip the clichés, forget about the tourist spots and add these hidden gems to your bucket list. From tranquil villages to breathtaking landscapes, these spots offer all the beauty without the tourist crowds. It’s time you discovered the true heart of France!
Reims, Grand Est
Reims, though unofficially, is considered the capital of the Champagne region. The city offers numerous tastings and historic cellar tours daily, making it a perfect destination for champagne lovers. Visitors can also explore the city’s iconic Nôtre Dame Cathedral before sipping some delicious Champagne in a local bar accompanied by a few bites.
Camargue Regional Park
Camargue is a unique region in southern France, often called the Wild West of France. Where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll find pink flamingos, salt marshes, and the only rice fields in the country. Camargue is also famous for its white horses and traditional bullfighting events known as courses camarguaises. The perfect place for nature lovers.
Avignon, Provence
Avignon is a popular destination for its Provençal food, historical museums, and the Avignon Festival, which takes place every summer and features performing arts. The Palace of the Popes, the largest Gothic palace in the world, is one of Avignon’s most well-known landmarks, along with its beautiful gardens. People can also visit the famous Saint Bénézet Bridge and the Musée du Petit Palais.
Baccarat, Alsace
Baccarat is well-known for its Art Nouveau culture and expertise in producing high-quality crystals. It is also a significant religious center and an ideal location for day trips around the Alsace region. You can tour the city’s renowned crystal factory and even take an exquisite piece home to surprise your friends and relatives with the perfect souvenir.
Strasbourg, Alsace
Strasbourg is found on the border between France and Germany. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, beautiful canals, and essential EU establishments. The city is also known for its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions by promoting cycling over driving, making it one of the most eco-friendly cities in Europe. This is the ideal location for those wanting to immerse themselves in this unique French region with strong German influences.
Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Annecy is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains. Visitors can also explore the historic old town, with its winding canals, narrow streets, and colorful buildings. Its crystal-clear lake is a popular spot for boating and other activities. In addition, Annecy is known for its delicious local cuisine, including cheese and wine. Of course, you can also spend one or more days visiting the surrounding Alps.
Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Biarritz, located in the beautiful Basque region, is a popular destination for those seeking a mix of French and Basque cultures. Biarritz is also a surfer’s paradise with stunning beaches and great waves. For day trips, the nearby Spanish cities of Bilbao and San Sebastian are just a short train ride away. This is the perfect destination for those wanting to explore both countries.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Chamonix, which hosted the inaugural Winter Olympics in 1926, boasts exceptional ski slopes and breathtaking views of the French Alps. Its charming town is vibrant with color and alpine culture. The highest cable car in the country takes skiers up to an elevation of 12,600 ft, while trains departing from the city provide scenic journeys to France’s largest glacier.
Aix-en-Provence, Provence
Aix-En-Provence is a beautiful city in southern France that serves as a gateway to the country’s most iconic landscapes. From sprawling lavender fields to charming Provençal villages, there’s no shortage of breathtaking sights to discover. The city also boasts a lively art and culinary scene, with markets and events occurring all year. An extra reason to visit? This city is extremely close to the Mediterranean Sea!
Corsica
Corsica is a stunning island famous for its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, due to its breathtaking landscapes, this island is often called the Isle of Beauty. Additionally, Corsica has a rich history and cultural heritage, being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. This is the ideal location for those wanting to enjoy a swim in the sea.
Burgundy Region
Burgundy is a top wine destination, famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. You and your friends can tour the vineyards and taste the region’s delicious wines while eating local delicacies. In addition to wine, Burgundy boasts charming medieval villages and picturesque rolling hills. It is a perfect place for a relaxing and indulgent vacation.
Loire Valley, Centre-Val de Loire
The Loire Valley has beautiful riverside villages and a rich heritage and is particularly renowned for its classic French castles, such as the beautiful Château d’Angers, Château de Loches, and Château de Montrésor. It is famous for its vineyards and wine and offers a plethora of outdoor activities that any visitor can enjoy. Visiting this region perfectly blends history, culture, and natural beauty.
Colmar
Located close to the German border, Colmar is a must-visit place if you’re heading to the Alsace region. This site is characterized by a strong German influence, evident from its architecture, and has plenty to offer. Head to the Bartholdi Museum, visit the Saint-Martin Church, or simply stroll through the old town and marvel at Colar’s ancient houses.
Parc De La Vanoise
Located in southeast France, this national park is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. Parc De La Vanoise is perfect for discovering the French Alps. This area has plenty of hiking paths for all fitness levels, and here, you may even spot local animals, such as the majestic Alpin ibex. After visiting the park, you can head to one of the many picturesque villages and ski resorts surrounding this natural area.
Saint Cirq Lapopie
If you are looking for true French charm, then you need to visit Saint Cirq Lapopie. The quiet town sits above the Lot River and has some of the most beautiful, classic architecture in the country. The cobblestone streets and wood-framed houses are a classic part of French culture. Plus, the beautiful river views are peaceful and serene.
Cancale
If you want some delicious seafood, a picturesque coastal town, and also a quiet, relaxing vacation, then you need to go to Cancale. Located on the Emerald Coast of Brittany, Cancale may be one of the best places for culinary enthusiasts. The town is known for its fishing fleets and oyster beds, which drive the local economy. Enjoy a plate of the freshest oysters paired with a French white wine, and you may feel like you are in heaven.
Arras, Hauts-de-France
Located in the Hauts-de-France region, close to the Belgium border, Arras is a picturesque city offering plenty of activities for all types of tourists. People can enjoy a crepe in the main square, visit the beautiful Citadelle d’Arras, or simply stroll among its stunning streets, marveling at the typical French architecture. Tourists can even climb the Belfry of Arras to get the perfect view over the city.
Collioure
Collioure is a breathtaking coastal town in southern France with gorgeous pastel houses built alongside the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean. Its artistic charm has inspired painters like Picasso and may inspire you as well! Nestled in the Languedoc region, Collioure is also home to renowned vineyards, offering exceptional wine tastings that highlight the area’s rich winemaking tradition. You can sip on local wine by the sea and then take a stroll through the quiet streets. Collioure is the perfect example of France at its finest.
France is a country full of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From Provence’s charming villages to the French Riviera’s stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to France next summer, take some time to explore beyond Paris and discover all the wonders this country has to offer. You won’t regret it!
