12 Hidden Gems in France
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If you’re lucky enough to be planning a summer vacation or city break in France, you’ve likely already considered the country’s most popular tourist destinations, such as Paris and the Eiffel Tower, Nice and its beautiful beaches, and Bordeaux and its iconic wine. While all these places are excellent, what about France’s lesser-known destinations?
Staying on the tourist path and exploring France’s most famous attractions can be tempting, but there’s much more to see. To show you what you’re missing out on, here are 12 hidden gems in France. These incredible locations were selected because they offer breathtaking beauty, rich history, and fewer crowds. Let’s get started.
La Petite Venise, Colmar
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First, we have a wonderful hidden gem in the charming city of Colmar, in France’s Alsace wine region. Colmar is a vibrant city renowned for its beautiful architecture, relaxed atmosphere, and picturesque canal. One of the most fascinating attractions in the city is La Petite Venise, France’s very own Venice.
La Petite Venise, known in English as Little Venice, is a lovely Colmar district with colorful half-timbered houses, a waterway lined with vibrant flowers, quaint cafes, and restaurants. This popular photography spot allows tourists to explore the past, admire Colmar’s architecture, and ride a motorized boat down the canal like you would on a gondola in Venice.
Read also: Instagrammable French Spots
Eguisheim
While Colmar may have more restaurants, a livelier buzz, and more things to see, it can’t compete with Eguisheim when it comes to offering a more laid-back and peaceful experience. Just a 15-minute drive from Colmar, the two places are very similar. Like Colmar, Eguisheim features fairy tale-esque Alsatian half-timbered houses with vibrant facades.
In the heart of the medieval village lies the impressive Château Saint-Léon, a centuries-old castle. It’s in Saint Léon Square, where you’ll also find the Fontaine de Saint-Léon. Other noteworthy locations in Eguisheim include Église Saints-Pierre-et-Paul, Les Couleurs d’Eguisheim, and Maison Léon Baur. Meanwhile, the Three Castles of Eguisheim are only 10 minutes away.
Read also: Most Beautiful French Neighborhoods
Èze
Couples planning a summer vacation to Southern France usually stay in famous destinations like Nice, Marseille, and Cannes. If you want to experience the beauty of Southern France and avoid the crowds, visit Èze instead. This lesser-known destination is tiny but has much to offer, especially if you enjoy peace, tranquility, and romance.
This beautiful small town sits atop a picturesque hilltop just an hour from Nice. You’ll be treated to panoramic sea views in a secluded slice of paradise home to just a few shops and places to eat. You’ll need no excuse to spend your days lazing on the beach, indulging in French cuisine, and sipping cocktails at a beachfront bar. What’s not to like?
Read also: Incredible Places in Southern France
Verdon Gorge, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
One of France’s most spectacular natural hidden gems is Verdon Gorge, a breathtaking river canyon in southeastern France. This narrow, steep limestone gorge, carved by the Verdon River, features verdant rock faces, white water rapids, and inviting emerald waters. If you want a unique experience in France, hire a kayak or raft down the Verdon River.
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Adventurers can also bungee jump above the river or rock climb on the gorge walls for the ultimate thrill. If you’d prefer to keep both feet firmly on the ground, you’ll be pleased to hear many hiking trails offer picturesque views of the gorge and river. Alternatively, you can drive the winding road that passes the gorge. Epic gorge views can be found at the Belvedere de la Mescla.
Read also: France’s Dreamy Destinations
Château de Chambord, Loire Valley
According to World Population Review, there are approximately 40,000 castles in France, which is great news for history buffs and architecture lovers. One of the most impressive French castles is the Château de Chambord, an architectural masterpiece in the enchanting Loire Valley.
Constructed in 1519 and opened in 1547, this monumental castle is well-recognized for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture, which combines traditional French medieval styles with classical Renaissance architecture. A symbol of France’s opulent history, it’s believed that Leonardo Da Vinci inspired parts of the castle’s intricate design, including a beautiful double helix staircase and the center-plan design. As you explore the estate, you’ll be blown away by the turreted spires, luxury facade, and lush gardens.
Read also: Beautiful French Castles
Canal de Bourgogne, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Canal de Bourgogne in Eastern France might not be France’s most famous waterway, but it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts planning a cycling and walking holiday and history buffs wanting to explore chateaux, abbeys, and medieval villages. This picturesque canal was constructed between 1775 and 1832. It connects the river Yonne at Laroche-Migennes with the river Saône at Saint-Jean-de-Losne, covering a total distance of approximately 150 miles (242 kilometers).
The beauty of the canal is that you can join it at any point. If you don’t want to tackle the entire length, choose a convenient starting point, like Tonnerre, a 40-minute train ride from Paris. Popular points of interest along the canal, which offers flat and easy trails, include the Abbaye de Fontenay, Saint-Florentin, and Beaune.
Read also: Explore France on a Budget
Dune of Pilat, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
The next hidden gem on our list is the Dune of Pilat, also called Grande Dune du Pilat. Lying on Arcachon Bay, south of Bordeaux, this impressive dune rises over 328 feet to 377 feet (100 to 115 meters) depending on the time of year, making it the tallest dune in Europe. For context, the Big Dipper in South Wales, considered the second-largest dune in Europe, is only 200 feet (60 meters) tall.
Aside from being an iconic French landmark, the Dune of Pilat is incredibly beautiful. As you climb the dune, you’ll be surrounded by a golden-sand landscape, panoramic ocean views, and lush forest. If you’re looking for some action, you’ll enjoy sandboarding and paragliding at the dune.
Read also: Underrated French Beach Destinations
Conques
If you love all things Disney, you must visit Conques, a fairy-tale medieval village in Southern France. This gorgeous hillside village sits between the River Dourdou and the River Ouche and is surrounded by picturesque woodland. It features winding cobblestone pathways, adorable French cottages, and impressive landmarks like the Saint Faith Abbey Church of Conques.
However, despite the village’s apparent beauty, the main draw for Disney fans is Beauty and the Beast. It’s widely reported that Conques inspired the fictional town of Villeneuve in Beauty and the Beast. Therefore, visiting the village allows you to step into your favorite fairy tale. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Read also: Beautiful Medieval Towns in France
Palace of Versailles, Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the perfect example of why it’s important to venture out of Paris and discover other places in France. This 17th-century former royal palace is just an hour from Paris, so you can easily visit it on a day trip. Commissioned by King Louis XIV, the palace allows tourists to experience France’s immense wealth, exceptional artistry, and mesmerizing architecture.
Once the epicenter of French power, the palace features beautiful gardens, mind-blowing halls, fine art, and the grandest of staterooms. You don’t want to miss the Royal Chapel, the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s State Apartments, and the Gardens of Versailles during your visit.
Read also: Tourist Mistakes To Avoid in France
Massif de l’Esterel, Var
Massif de l’Esterel, also called the Esterel Massif, is a vast mountain range spanning 79,000 acres (32,000 hectares) of landscapes on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. As you would expect, this scenic destination is a big hit with outdoor enthusiasts and landscape photographers.
The range covers the southeast of Var and a small part of the Alpes-Maritimes. Its highest point is Mont Vinaigre, standing at 2,014 feet (614 meters) tall. The best way to enjoy this natural wonder is to hike. Noteworthy hiking trails include the Roquebrune Rock Hike, the Great Bear Tour, and the Cap Dramont Hike. Keep your eyes peeled as you might spot wild boar, deer, and birds of prey as you hike.
Read also: Plan Your French Dream Trip
Menton
The vibrant French Riviera town of Menton in Southern France is a stunning destination famed for its vibrant pastel-colored architecture, beautiful beaches, lush gardens, and high-end French restaurants. It’s the perfect vacation destination for tourists who want to enjoy the French coast at a slower pace and escape the hustle and bustle of France’s busy cities.
In Menton, you’ll spend most of your time strolling through the charming 17th-century streets, taking photographs of the colorful traditional houses, enjoying authentic French cuisine, and relaxing on the beach. The top attractions in Menton are Les Sablettes Beach, Val Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Garden, Jardins Biovès, and the Old Port of Menton.
Read also: Southern France’s Best Retirement Destinations
Omaha Beach, Normandy
The final hidden gem in France is Omaha Beach in Normandy, Northern France. The beach offers golden sand, lush cliffs, and turquoise waters, but it’s the area’s tragic past that draws tourists in, especially travelers who like history. This significant location was one of three beaches landed on by Allied troops during D-Day.
On 6 June 1944, over 130,000 troops landed along the 50-mile (80-kilometer) stretch of Normandy coastline in what marked the start of a long campaign to liberate north-west Europe from German occupation. Sadly, approximately 2,500 soldiers were killed on Omaha Beach. Today, visitors can still see the remains of German bunkers, as well as a stainless steel sculpture dedicated to fallen allies, Les Braves.
Read also: Unmissable French Beach Destinations
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