7 Hidden Gems in France That Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List

Colorful half‑timbered houses lining a quiet canal in Colmar, Alsace

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

Towering red‑sandstone houses and turrets of Collonges‑la‑Rouge under a clear blue sky — Early morning light on Collonges’ red sandstone towers.

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

Aerial view of pine‑covered Sainte‑Marguerite Island surrounded by bright‑blue Mediterranean water — Sainte‑Marguerite: turquoise water, zero traffic.

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

Stone-and‑timber facades draped in vines on a sunlit lane in Pérouges — Pérouges is wrapped in 15th‑century ramparts.

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

Emerald Verdon River winding between towering limestone cliffs — The “Grand Canyon of Europe” without the crowds.

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

Granite cottage in Locronan framed by blooming flowers — Blue hydrangeas frame Locronan’s granite lanes.

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

Colorful half‑timbered houses reflecting in Colmar’s peaceful canal — Alsace’s Little Venice, best at sunrise or Christmas.

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

Fortified hilltop village of Aiguèze perched on cliffs above the Ardèche River — Golden cliffs, turquoise swim spots—pure magic.

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.