Paris, Nice, Mont‑Saint‑Michel—amazing, yes, but also packed.
If you crave cobblestone lanes with room to breathe, France is full of
hidden gems the tour buses skip. Grab a café crème and map out your next detour.
1. Collonges‑la‑Rouge, Corrèze
Red sandstone cottages, ivy‑draped shutters, and local walnut wine—Collonges‑la‑Rouge looks like a storybook village.
Arrive before 10 a.m. for empty lanes and golden light. More info (FR):
tourismecorreze.com.
2. Îles de Lérins, French Riviera
A 15‑minute ferry from Cannes leads to two pine‑scented islands: Sainte‑Marguerite (fort of the Man in the Iron Mask)
and monastic Saint‑Honorat, where monks still make wine. Bring snorkel gear—the coves are glass‑clear.
3. Pérouges, Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes
One of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, Pérouges smells of buttery
galette de Pérouges. Official guide:
perouges‑bugey‑tourisme.com.
4. Gorges du Verdon, Provence
Rent an electric boat at Lac de Sainte‑Croix or hike the airy Sentier Blanc‑Martel
for mind‑blowing limestone cliffs plunging into emerald water. Weekdays in May or late September mean near‑solo paddling.
5. Locronan, Brittany
Celtic legends, hydrangea lanes, and a torchlit procession every six years (next: 2027).
Pair Locronan with Quimper’s cathedral for a perfect Breton day.
6. Colmar, Alsace
Half‑timbered houses mirrored in quiet canals earn Colmar its nickname “Little Venice.”
Skip summer weekends; December’s Christmas markets are fairy‑tale.
Plan with Visit Alsace.
7. Aiguèze, Occitanie
Perched on limestone cliffs above the Ardèche River, Aiguèze mixes medieval ramparts with turquoise swim spots.
Hike down at sunset—golden cliffs, no crowd.
Quick Planning Tips
- Car vs. train: Each gem is reachable by rental car; Colmar, Pérouges, and Locronan also have nearby rail links.
- Timing: Visit mid‑week and shoulder seasons (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct) for half the crowd.
- Language: Basic French greetings open doors—Bonjour ! goes a long way.
Final Thought
France rewards wanderers who step off the postcard trail.
Pick one hidden gem, linger longer, and let la vie slow down.