It’s no secret that France is an incredible place to travel to. From the works of art in the Louvre and historic architectural marvels to the luxury shopping and quaint cafes of the Champs-Elysees, there are so many places that even the most choosey traveler dreams of seeing in person. While all of those attractions are incredible in their own way, France has so much more to offer than the main tourist attractions within Paris. Check out this list of hidden gems in France you need to add to the itinerary for your next French getaway.
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1. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a hidden gem in the Alsace region of France, is a place where time seems to stand still. With its charming atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking natural beauty, Eguisheim is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the fast pace of modern life and experience the timeless charm of rural France.
The village itself is a delight to explore, with its winding streets, half-timbered houses, and well-manicured gardens. As you wander through the village, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, with the architectural style and atmosphere reminiscent of a medieval fairy tale. Be sure to visit the quaint market square, where local farmers sell fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and hand-crafted goods.
Eguisheim is also a food lover’s paradise, with a wealth of restaurants and cafes serving up the local specialties of Alsace. Indulge in the region’s renowned cuisine, including hearty stews, creamy cheeses, and the delicious wine produced in the region’s vineyards.
In addition to its charming village and delicious cuisine, Eguisheim is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those who love the outdoors.
2. Grasse, French Riviera
Grasse, a charming town located in the heart of the French Riviera, is a must-visit French hidden gem. Known as the world’s capital of perfume, Grasse is home to several prestigious fragrance houses and offers visitors the chance to tour their facilities and learn about the art of perfumery.
The town is also surrounded by stunning hills, dotted with lush green forests and dotted with bright red poppies, creating a truly breathtaking landscape. Visitors can also stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the old town, admire the stunning views from the hilltop church, and sample the local cuisine, which features fresh produce from the surrounding fields.
3. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr, a small town located in the heart of the Alsace region of France, is a hidden gem that is sure to take your breath away. This charming medieval town is a well-preserved example of traditional Alsatian architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful towns in France.
The town is surrounded by lush vineyards, which produce some of the finest wines in France. Take a guided tour of the local vineyards and learn about the wine-making process, or simply enjoy a glass of the local vintage while taking in the breathtaking views.
For history buffs, Riquewihr offers plenty of opportunities to explore the town’s rich history. Visit the town’s ancient fortifications, including the well-preserved towers and walls, which date back to the 12th century. Be sure to take a tour of the town’s museums, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past, including the Wine Museum and the Museum of the Town’s History.
4. Pau, Midi-Pyrenees
Pau, a lovely city in France’s Midi-Pyrenees region, is truly a hidden gem. This charming city is renowned for its stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to escape the crowds and experience the true beauty of France.
One of the highlights of Pau is its breathtaking natural scenery. The Pyrenees Mountains surround the city, providing breathtaking views and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. Hike in the mountains, ride horses, or simply relax in the city’s lovely parks and gardens.
Pau has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the 14th century, and many of the city’s buildings and monuments bear witness to its intriguing past. Wander through the historic streets of the old town, marveling at the half-timbered buildings and ancient fortifications, or pay a visit to the Pau Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
5. Rochefort-en-Terre, Brittany
Rochefort-en-Terre is a small town in Brittany, France, known for its peaceful atmosphere. The town, which is built on a hillside surrounded by lush greenery, is known for its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and charming gardens.
Rochefort-en-Terre has a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries, and many of the town’s buildings and monuments bear witness to this fascinating past. The Château de Rochefort-en-Terre, a stunning castle that is a must-see for visitors, dominates the town. The old town’s historic streets are lined with ancient fortifications and charming architecture, making it a charming place to explore.
6. Lacoste, Provence
Whether you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate in a peaceful and tranquil setting, or experience the rich culture and history of Provence, Lacoste is a hidden gem that is sure to captivate and enchant visitors. This picturesque village is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, making it an idyllic and peaceful escape.
Lacoste is known for its rich cultural heritage, with many of its buildings and monuments dating back to the medieval period. The town is dominated by the magnificent Château de Lacoste, a stunning castle that was once the home of the infamous Marquis de Sade. Visitors can explore the castle, which has been beautifully restored, and take in its stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
7. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a small hilltop village located in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, is truly a hidden gem and a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty and charm of rural France.
The village is surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves, and is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. One of the highlights of the village is its stunning church, the Sainte-Marie Chapel, which sits at the highest point and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also famous for its ceramics, and is home to many artisan pottery workshops and studios. Be sure to spend some time admiring the ceramic works of art, or take a class or workshop to learn more about this traditional craft and try it for yourself!
In addition to its rich cultural heritage and stunning scenery, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also known for its excellent cuisine, with many restaurants serving delicious local dishes, such as the famous Ratatouille, and a range of local wines and olive oils.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Lot
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a charming and picturesque hidden gem that offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The village is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its narrow, winding streets lined with historic homes, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the ancient fortifications and the 12th century church, and stroll along the banks of the Lot River.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, with its relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, is the ideal destination for those looking for a tranquil escape from the hectic pace of city life. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie promises to deliver a truly unforgettable experience, whether you’re a fan of history, a nature lover, or simply looking for a charming and laid-back holiday.
9. Collonges-la-Rouge, Dordogne
Collonges-la-Rouge is a charming medieval town in the heart of France’s countryside. This hidden gem is well-known for its red sandstone buildings, which have been beautifully preserved over the centuries, lending the town a distinct and timeless charm.
Visitors can explore the town’s rich history, which dates back to the 11th century, by wandering the narrow, winding streets and admiring the stunning views from the hilltop church.
Collonges-la-Rouge, with its charming restaurants, artisan shops, and peaceful atmosphere, is the ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.
10. Auvers-sur-Oise, Oise
Auvers-sur-Oise is a beautiful and historic town located in the heart of the French countryside. This hidden gem is famous for its rich artistic heritage, and has been home to many of France’s most famous painters, including Vincent van Gogh. Visitors can wander the charming streets and admire the stunning views of the countryside, as well as explore the town’s numerous museums and galleries.
Auvers-sur-Oise is also home to a beautiful church, which is said to have inspired some of van Gogh’s most famous works. With its charming cafes and restaurants, peaceful atmosphere, and rich artistic heritage, Auvers-sur-Oise is the perfect destination for those seeking a unique and cultural experience in France.
Video Guide: 10 Hidden Gems in France
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Travel Resources for Planning a Trip to The Hidden Gems in France
To make planning a trip to these hidden gems in France easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do at each destination during your trip to France.
Flights:
Agoda: Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.
CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!
Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “Nomad” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.
JetRadar: You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.
Hotels:
Agoda: Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.
Hotellook: They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
Transportations:
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi, Viator
Train: EuRail, Trainline or RailEurope
Bus: Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.
Car Rentals: AutoEurope, EconomyBookings, or GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)
Bike Rental: BikesBooking (Bikes & scooter rentals)
Transportation Comparison: Omio (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities:
TakeWalks (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.
Tiqets: Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.
Musement: They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.
GetYourGuide: A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities
Viator: The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.
Need help planning a trip to the hidden gems in France?
Want to plan a trip to the hidden gems in France but don’t know where to begin? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a multi-city trip to these hidden gems in France are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city vacations at the best price.
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