Hidden Gems in France: 8 Off the Beaten Path Destinations to Explore
France is so much more than just Paris and the French Riviera – beautiful as those places are. Here I’ll introduce you to some of my favourite lesser-known French destinations.
Far from the crowded attractions and typical tourist trails, these places provide a fresh perspective on France. This amazing country has so much to offer, and I’m here to help you discover it.
Whether you’re looking for an idyllic French hilltop village, a secluded national park, or an under-the-radar medieval city to explore, I’ve got you covered with these hidden gems in France.
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I Know France Pretty Well
Other than the UK, where I was born and raised, France is the country I know best. My grandparents lived on the edge of the Dordogne and I spent a lot of time there growing up.
Now, I still visit France at least once a year and always try to explore a new region or city whenever I’m there. It’s a place I feel at home in, and somewhere that I know I’ll always enjoy coming back to.
My Favourite Hidden Gems in France
Lot-et-Garonne
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Lot-et-Garonne is a picturesque region in southwestern France. Think rolling hills, vineyards, atmospheric castles, and medieval towns and villages – perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Life moves slowly here. Some of my favourite things to do are exploring the medieval bastide towns (like Monflanquin and Villeréal), shopping in the outdoor markets, and enjoying the excellent local wine surrounded by sunflower fields and serenaded by birdsong.
I could spend weeks in this idyllic corner of the country. It’s a great place to slow down and immerse yourself in authentic rural French life.
Chateau de Bonaguil
One of the best-preserved medieval castles in France, Chateau de Bonaguil is a hidden gem you shouldn’t miss.
I used to love visiting this castle as a kid and have incredibly strong memories of it. I went back last year and it’s just as epic as I remembered. I felt like an excited child all over again. 🙂
Located near the Lot-et-Garonne border, this imposing fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into history. The castle’s strategic location and impressive architecture are awe-inspiring.
Spend an afternoon exploring the castle’s rooms, battlements, towers, and hidden passageways. The views from the top of the keep are breathtaking, and there’s even a secret cave running underneath. It’s very cool!
Monpazier, Dordogne
Monpazier is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric bastide towns in France, yet it still feels relatively undiscovered by tourists.
This town in Dordogne is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, with perfectly preserved stone buildings and an arcaded central square.
Strolling through Monpazier feels like walking through a film set. Sit and enjoy a leisurely coffee in the main square, soaking in the atmosphere.
Parc National de la Vanoise, French Alps
If you like mountains, you’ll love Parc National de la Vanoise in the French Alps. The park is less crowded than many other alpine destinations, offering a sense of solitude, pristine nature, and magnificent scenery.
I recently drove through this hidden paradise on the way up to Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved road in the Alps. My jaw hit the floor on several occasions – the views are that good.
Alpine meadows full of wildflowers, glacial lakes, towering peaks… if you’re into hiking, this place is a must. I’ve heard that the skiing is pretty epic in the wintertime too.
Bonifacio, Corsica
Perched on the southern tip of Corsica, Bonifacio is a dramatic cliffside town that feels worlds away from mainland France. The town’s old walled fortress, narrow streets, and sea views are all stunning.
There’s a fascinating blend of French and Italian influences here, from the architecture to the cuisine. The town also has a distinctive Corsican identity. I think it’s one of the most enchanting off-the-beaten-path places in France.
I first arrived here on a sailing boat, from the Italian island of Sardinia, which is only about 10 kilometres away. Entering the narrow, gorge-like natural harbour, flanked on either side by towering limestone cliffs, felt like something straight out of a fantasy movie.
Caen, Normandy
Caen is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, but this historic city has a lot to offer. Known for its impressive castle and the Abbey of Saint-Étienne, which was founded by William the Conqueror and houses his tomb.
Caen played a significant role in both the Norman Conquest and World War II. The Caen Memorial Museum provides a powerful insight into the events of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
Caen’s city centre is walkable and definitely worth exploring, with its attractive cafes, markets, and shops.
Tourtour, Provence
Tourtour, also known as “the village in the sky,” is a charming hilltop village in Provence. With its narrow streets, ancient olive trees, colourful flower boxes, tranquil atmosphere, and panoramic views, Tourtour is a perfect slice of Provençal charm.
It’s another great place to unwind and enjoy the slower pace of life. I love wandering through the village, lingering in the hidden squares and quaint little shops.
The local restaurants and cafes serve delicious Provençal cuisine, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch. Restaurant La Farigoulette is my personal favourite.
Troyes, Grand Est
Troyes, in the Grand Est region, is a city steeped in history and character. Its half-timbered houses, narrow streets, well-preserved medieval architecture, and ornate churches make it extremely picturesque.
I spent the night in Troyes when driving down to the Alps a couple of years ago. It was supposed to be a brief visit – but, I liked it so much, I spent most of the next day there.
How Many Days Should You Spend in France?
How long do you have? Seriously, France is a pretty big country that’s packed full of incredible places to visit. However long you spend there, you won’t be able to see more than a fraction of what’s on offer.
That said, you can see a decent amount of the country in two weeks, assuming you move quickly. I’m more of a fan of slow travel, so I’d recommend picking one or two regions and taking your time.
I’ve been to France more times than I can remember, and there’s still plenty left that I haven’t yet explored.
FAQs About Visiting France
What is the best time to visit these hidden gems in France?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal times to visit France. The weather is pleasant (especially in the south), and you’ll avoid the summer crowds.
Do I need a car to visit the best off-the-beaten-path places in France?
France has an excellent public transport system linking its main cities. But, I recommend having a car to explore at your own pace and get to some of the more remote or rural destinations.
Are these hidden French destinations suitable for families?
Absolutely. On the whole, France does an excellent job of making places family-friendly. All of these destinations offer activities and attractions that are perfect for children of all ages.
Final Thoughts
This post only scratches the surface of the countless hidden gems in France. While Paris is certainly a must-visit destination, there are so many other incredible places just waiting to be discovered.
So next time you plan a trip to France, step off the typical tourist trail and explore one or two of these wonderful destinations. I promise you’ll be glad you did.
Other Posts About Visiting France
- 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit France
- 33 Best Things to Do in Dordogne
- Tourtour: Provence’s Beautiful Village In The Sky
Essential Travel Resources
🛏️ Book cheap hotels
I always use Booking.com to find the best hotel deals. Vrbo is great for short-term apartments.
🚗 Find cheap rental cars
Check both Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com to find cheap rental cars.
🌍 Book the best tours
Viator and GetYourGuide have a huge selection of tours in virtually every destination worldwide.
✈️ Find cheap flights
I use a combination of Skyscanner and Google Flights to find cheap flights.
📱 eSIMs
Airalo is my favourite travel eSIM provider – I’ve used it in over 10 countries and really rate it. So much easier than buying physical SIM cards when you travel!
🚑 Do I need travel insurance?
YES! Never travel without adequate travel insurance. It’s just not worth the risk.
• SafetyWing – if you’re a digital nomad like me, SafetyWing is super flexible and affordable. You can sign up for as little or as long as you want, and activate and deactivate it whenever you need to. I’ve made several claims in the last few years and thoroughly recommend this company.
• World Nomads – for adventurous travellers, covers 200+ activities that many other insurers won’t, such as skydiving, heli-skiing, rock climbing, rafting, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and kiteboarding (not available for residents of every country – check here).
💻 Do I need a VPN?
YES! Always use a VPN when using public WiFi (in airports, cafes, hotels, stations, etc.). This helps protect your personal information and also bypasses internet censorship and restrictions in certain countries. I use NordVPN and highly recommend it.
