Discovering the Hidden Gems of France: Best Destinations
France is a vast country that appeals to travelers. It is also the number one tourist destination in the world.
The country has 13 administrative regions and 96 departments in mainland France. It will inevitably be difficult to see everything during your stay in France, which is why we offer you a varied selection to help you.
Why visit France?
Historical and cultural heritage
Despite globalization and the need for urbanization, France has managed to protect its monuments and remains. These sites preserve most of the history and specificities of France. These are what historians call the historical and cultural heritage of France.
France records around 45,000 protected historical sites including religious monuments, archaeological sites, museums…
Most large cities have thus kept their old historic center, whether medieval like Carcassonne or modern like Dijon. The perfectly preserved old buildings are part of the charm of city trips in France.
Among the most present heritage elements in France, there are also castles. Certain regions are particularly famous for this such as the departments of the greater crown of the Île de France with Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte among others, the Loire Valley for the Renaissance buildings and the southwest for the medieval fortresses.
France's Most Popular Tourist Attractions
France's scenery is as diverse as it is beautiful, with the glittering coastlines of the French Riviera, the patchwork fields of the Loire Valley, the snow-capped Alps and centuries old harbor towns of Normandy. This, of course, is hugely appealing for lovers of the great outdoors
Explore France's famous tourist attractionsProtected natural areas of France
France is home to numerous protected areas for the preservation of natural heritage. The country has 11 national parks and 58 regional parks where town planning is strictly regulated.
These natural sites thus guarantee the preservation of local biodiversity. They also have a mission to promote craftsmanship. Among the best-known natural sites to discover during your stay in France, there is the Pyrenees national park , the Calanques national park and the Mercantour.
The art of living
France has Mediterranean influences, so the French like to enjoy and take the time to live like in the Dolce Vita . They also like to get together and party like the Spanish. In France, meals take time, we enjoy the aperitif and the coffee break on the terrace.
Overall, France is a warm and welcoming country where familiarity can be used quite quickly.
Passion for culture and art
To better familiarize yourself with the French art of living, maintain a certain passion for culture and art. You can then visit the history museums of France such as the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée de l’Orangerie but also the art museums of the metropolises.
Passion for gastronomy
The French are gourmets . In this context, it’s not really the quantity that matters. In reality, the French who appreciate good food are especially attentive to the ingenious mixture of ingredients, cooking techniques, presentation of dishes, variety of dishes and flavors .
What to do and visit in France?
Discover the City of Light
If you are visiting France for the first time, don’t miss the opportunity to stay in the capital that needs no introduction with its Haussmann buildings and French-style parks. Not to mention the famous museums and monuments around the world.
Among them, there is the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Tuileries Garden, the Arc de Triomphe, the Hôtel des Invalides …
It will be impossible for you to do everything, but walking along the banks of the Seine allows you to see a lot. Île Saint-Louis is also a charming place for a quiet stroll. For shopping, the Marais district is ideal.
It is also full of old mansions and streets that have partly retained their medieval layout. The Saint-Martin canal is also worth seeing, it is a very popular place for Parisians.
In terms of greenery, the Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most famous, it is the archetype of the Parisian park. That of the Buttes Chaumont is the most romantic, the green corridor is the most surprising while the Petite Ceinture walk is the most underground.
The Riviera
A tourist destination between sea and mountains, the Côte d’Azur, which includes the Var, Bouches-du-Rhône and the Alpes-Maritime, attracts tourists who aspire to an unforgettable vacation in France. Therefore, it is better to avoid the summer season. Prices double and attendance is huge.
Following the Mimosa route may be a good idea to start, especially if you are visiting the region in winter. This 130 kilometer road allows you to appreciate both the coastlines and the landscapes of the hinterland from Bormes-Les-Mimosas to Grasse.
The Esterel road is also a marvel for the eyes with its steep coastline with characteristic red rocks.
On the city side, old Nice , the seaside in Cannes, Antibes and Juan-les-Pins await you. We must not leave aside the hilltop villages of the hinterland and the charm of the perfume capital, Grasse.
Lyon
An economically thriving city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon is renowned for its gastronomy and its architectural heritage which appeals to all travelers whoever they may be. The second most populous city in the country, it is fortunate to have admirable ancient ruins including the Fourvière theater.
The Saint-Jean district has kept its imposing Renaissance buildings and its traboules, urban passages typical of the region. The Croix-Rousse hill housed the textile industries and is classified for its heritage, like a large part of the city. There is no shortage of monuments to see in the ancient capital of the Gauls.
The city has no shortage of restaurants. They are clearly part of its success. It is therefore more than recommended to keep an unforgettable memory to take a tour of the best Lyonnais corks.
Wine Routes
France is known internationally for the refinement and unrivaled flavors of its prestigious wines. Why not discover these delicious drinks?You are spoiled for choice!
Follow the Burgundy wine route
During your stay in mainland France, you can follow the wine tourism routes of Burgundy . The main characteristic of Burgundy wines is that they are single-varietal. They are renowned for their finesse.
Here are some itinerary ideas to discover them:
The Côte de Nuits route goes from Dijon to Corgoloin. It allows you to discover prestigious red wines including 24 grands crus that make Burgundy’s reputation around the world.
You can also follow the Côte de Beaune route which goes from Corgoloin to Santenay. This itinerary focuses on discovering the production of Chardonnay white wines with Montrachet and Corton-Charlemagne among others.
Finally, there is also the Yonne vineyard route . 260 km long, this circuit allows you to discover the wine regions of Chablis and the vineyards of Grand Auxerrois. During this getaway, appreciate the splendor of the landscapes and the appeal of the hiking trails between vineyards and forests of the Serein valley.
The Alsace wine route
Heading east! This tourist route allows you to discover up to 73 municipalities in the Grand-Est region. The region is the largest producer of white wine in the country.
The Alsace wine route is 170 kilometers long. This is the opportunity to discover the processes of cultivation, grape varieties, harvesting and bottling of these wines from a late harvest due to the cold climate. Alsace wines have a reputation for being fresh.
This road has the advantage of passing through some of the most beautiful villages in France with their colorful half-timbered houses. Spring is the opportunity to admire the storks and their nests perched on the chimneys.
The Bordeaux wine route
It is the second best known with that of Burgundy wines. It allows you to discover the wine estates of Gironde and the entire south-west area of France. The Bordeaux vineyard has up to 38 appellations of controlled origin. The vintages here come from complex blends between grape varieties which give them all their power.
Among the famous regions, the Médoc vineyard is worth the detour. This wine-growing region is bordered by Jalle de Blanquefort and Pointe de Grave. This is the opportunity to taste prestigious AOC wines such as Pauillac, Margaux and Saint-Julien.
It is also possible for you to discover the oenological itinerary of the Entre-deux-Mers vineyard, on the edge of the Garonne and the Dordogne. This part allows you to appreciate splendid landscapes and breathe pure air in a lush region.
Finally, it is impossible not to mention the wines of Saint-Emilion, famous throughout the world. The village is worth the detour in itself for its charm and heritage.
The mountain ranges
The Alps
It is the best known of the French massifs. Certainly because of its highest point which is also the roof of Europe: Mont Blanc. From its height of 4,808 meters, it is one of the most popular mountains for mountaineers but also for vacationers with the Mer de Glace and the Aiguille du Midi lookout.
Many ski resorts are located there to enjoy a winter stay. While in summer, it is the lakes that attract visitors.
The Massif Central
The Massif Central is a destination of choice for hiking enthusiasts and volcanologists. Indeed, the region is known for its chain of volcanoes, all extinct, which give the landscape its very particular shapes. Its highest point is the Puy de Sancy at 1,855 meters above sea level.
You also have access to the Parc des Cévennes but also to the Millevaches plateau in Limousin. In summary, to take a big shot of fresh air and large green spaces, the Massif Central is ideal.
The Pyrenees
The Pyrenees are approximately 430 km long from east to west. This mountain range culminates at 3,404 meters above sea level at Pic d’Aneto . It marks the border between France and Spain.
A natural park preserves its striking landscapes such as those of the sumptuous Gavarnie cirque. Numerous hiking trails for all levels allow you to discover them.
Your visit to the Pyrenees massif also leads to the discovery of other pleasant sites and places such as the Col de Tourmalet, the Ars waterfalls, Lourdes and its famous Massabielle cave.
Walks and escapes in the Jura massif
The Jura massif is a mountain range with an area of 14,000 km2 and a height of 1,720 meters.
In winter, it takes on the air of Lapland or the great Canadian north. Less frequented than the Alps, it is a privileged place for lovers of hiking, Nordic skiing or even sledding dogs.
In summer, certain places offer almost heavenly panoramas. This is the case of the famous belvedere of the 4 lakes , in the village of La Chaux-du-Dombief. The view is splendid over the surrounding landscapes and the sometimes turquoise waters of the lakes.
Many other sites are worth a visit such as the Haut-Jura regional natural park , the Baume-les-Messieurs cave, the Crêt de Chalam for climbing enthusiasts…
The Vosges massif
This mountain range has an area of up to 6,000 km2 and peaks at 1,423 meters at Grand Ballon. It is certainly the wildest and one of the least touristy, to a fault.
For your getaway in the Vosges, discover the famous blue line of the Vosges . It forms a natural border between Alsace and a good part of Lorraine. There you will find hiking trails which allow you to discover and appreciate the characteristic landscapes of the region.
If you are visiting the Vosges with your family, visit the Ballons des Vosges regional natural park. The pools of the Ribeauvillé balneotherapy center are also worth the detour if you are looking for a quarter of an hour of relaxation and getting back into shape.
In winter, the region also has ski resorts to satisfy snow sports enthusiasts.
Normandy
Normandy is one of the regions most cited by foreign magazines when it comes to visiting France. Easily accessible from Paris, it owes its success to the bucolic charm of its fields and its half-timbered cottages.
Its resort-friendly atmosphere has traveled the world thanks to Monet’s paintings and the famous writers who enjoyed vacationing there.
You should therefore not miss the Alabaster coast with its impressive cliffs, including those of Etretat. In fact, the entire Normandy coastline up to the magnificent Mont Saint Michel is worth a road trip.
For history buffs, the Caen Memorial, which is a museum dedicated to Peace, is a must-see. The city is also home to the castle of William the Conqueror, the Abbaye aux Dames and the Abbaye aux Hommes. Inland, near the bends of the Seine, Rouen, the city of 100 bell towers, awaits you.
Finally, if you are looking for something more atypical, Le Havre is worth a visit. Bombed, this city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its contemporary architecture resulting from the imagination of the architect Auguste Perret.
The Breton islands
Brittany seduces with the scale and attractiveness of the Celtic culture which marks its history and traditions. It is also of course popular for its wild coastline. Moreover, the Breton coastline is home to more than 70% of the islands of mainland France. Each has its own charm so it is not possible to name them all.
Located in the southern area of Brittany, Belle-île-en-Mer is the largest of them. Its wild beauty beaten by the winds and waves seduces every time. Numerous hiking trails allow you to discover its smallest nooks and crannies and monuments.
If you like spring, take advantage of it to discover the islands of the Gulf of Morbihan which offer an exceptional panorama. The island of Batz in Finistère is also famous for its flora.
But no matter which island you visit, there’s no chance you’ll be disappointed.
The castles of the Loire
The Loire Valley region is a popular destination for cultural tourism enthusiasts because it concentrates an impressive number of castles, most of them Renaissance style.
It is a unique opportunity to appreciate the architecture of these monuments which first had a military objective and then became exceptional residences with the construction of Chambord by François I.
This vast castle seduces with its typical Renaissance style architecture and its numerous fireplaces. That of Chaumont sur Loire offers a pretty panorama of the river but above all has very beautiful gardens.
Chenonceau, nicknamed the “ladies’ castle”, is built above a river. Going by canoe under its arches is a good idea for activities to do.
Other castles are worth the detour in the Pays de la Loire like the castle of Cheverny, the royal fortress of Chinon, that of Blois. There is plenty of choice.
Corsica
It is nicknamed “ the island of beauty ” because of its beautiful white sand beaches, its radiant sunshine, its picturesque and varied landscapes, its famous hiking trails including the GR20. It is a flagship destination for holidays between sea and mountains.
There is everything to see in Corsica but if there is one piece of advice to give it is to avoid summer. The population of the island is multiplied to the point that it becomes difficult to move around and fully appreciate its charms.
On the coastal side, we can only recommend that you stroll through the hilltop streets of Bonifacio and its nature reserve, among the most beautiful on the island, Porto Vecchio, Calvi… All water activities can be practiced there.
Near Ajaccio, you shouldn’t leave without seeing the bloodthirsty islands and the coves of Piana. Cap Corse is ideal if you want to enjoy wild landscapes populated only by a few villages.
There is not only the sea in Corsica, the interior is also very beautiful with perched villages which have kept their authenticity and impressive mountain landscapes.
Bordeaux
Capital of the wines of the same name, Bordeaux gains in reputation from year to year both among tourists and French people who decide to settle there.
Despite inevitable urbanization, Bordeaux has managed to maintain an attractive green setting. This city has, in fact, parks and gardens conducive to relaxation and rest: Bordeaux park, Grenouillère garden, banks of the Garonne …Fully landscaped, the quays offer numerous possibilities for walks with cultural places such as the Darwin ecosystem and pools of light.
Located in the former German submarine base from the 1945 war, this cultural center is a perfect marriage between art and digital know-how.
The city center is full of cultural sites such as the marine museum, the Aquitaine museum , the grand theater, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Cailhau gate, etc.
Ideas for activities not to be missed
River cruises
Cruising is an excellent way to visit France as many rivers are suitable for navigation. This allows you, in fact, to discover several landscapes, cities and countries during your stopovers. From river cruise boats to barges and even more intimate sizes, many choices are possible.
You can try a river cruise by barge on the Lot, on the Sarthe river, on the Seine, on the Burgundy canal…The Midi canal is also very popular.
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The Christmas markets of Alsace
If the Alsace region can be visited all year round, winter has a particular charm, especially as the end-of-year holidays approach. The Christmas holidays are the occasion for markets and festivities while houses are adorned with festive illuminations.
If you have the opportunity, it’s not to be missed but you should remember to book in advance. Strasbourg is the best known and said to be the largest in Europe.
That of Colmar is also unmissable with the villages of Riquewhir and Ribeauvillé. All residents participate and many activities are organized. In addition to being a feast for the eyes, the Christmas markets of Alsace are also an opportunity to feast.
The Great Braderie of Lille
Lille is one of the prettiest cities in France and it is recommended to stay there during the first weekend of September. It is, in fact, the period of the famous Lille flea market .
Every year, this event brings together thousands of people from all over France and even from several European countries , just for the atmosphere.
During the Grande Braderie , you can buy flea markets, second-hand items, antiques, clothes… It is entirely possible to negotiate prices in a friendly atmosphere. You can also find local restaurants and fast food joints to enjoy mussels and fries or fricadelles .
Night outings in Paris
The City of Lights is a paradise for night owls and bon vivants. Its streets at night not only have a special charm , but they also offer many possibilities for staying up late.
Among the most famous establishments, there are of course the cabarets. You can attend shows and shows at the Moulin Rouge , the Paradis Latin or the Lido . On the program, there is the unmissable French Cancan but also numerous feather and sequin paintings. Crazy Horse is renowned for its shows built on light effects that literally dress the dancers.
Furthermore, you can stroll at night on the terraces along the Parisian canals or why not, eat in the middle of the night at Au Pied de Cochon, la Poule au Pot or even at the Café des Capucines.
The Frairie des Petits Ventres in Limoges
In France, gastronomy is king, it is well known. If you pass through Limoges in mid-October, make a stop at the Frairie des Petits Ventres.
This festive event takes place on the 3rd Friday of October in Limoges. Originally created to protect the Boucherie district from destruction, this event has become a popular and gastronomic festival allowing citizens to consume meat, tripe products, bakery and pastry products and those in the Street. Atmosphere guaranteed!
Carnivals
Carnivals are part of the French culture and art of living. The most interesting carnivals are those which precede Shrove Tuesday. Cities and towns do this carnival in their own way, taking into account their cultural traits and specificities.
The Nice Carnival
The Nice Carnival is a must for tourists who visit this town in southeastern France in winter. It is the third most famous carnival in the world after those of Rio de Janeiro and Venice. The festivities take place in February and last 3 weeks.
The Nice carnival is a ritual aimed at bringing back spring. History also attributes a religious dimension to this event. It then translates as a period of feasting before the 40 days of Lent of Easter . The parade theme changes each year and the floats are decorated accordingly.
The Dunkirk Carnival
The Dunkirk Carnival is worth it if you visit France towards the end of February. Here, you have to leave your shyness in the locker room. The locals are very attached to it and think about their disguise many weeks in advance.
The carnival-goers, all in disguise, then parade through the streets. The opportunity to play drums, trumpets and trombones. It’s also the time to sing songs like the Cantata à Jean Bart…
Participants in the Dunkirk carnival still meet at night to party. It’s always an opportunity to sing, play music and make lots of jokes.
The Granville carnival
This carnival takes place over a period of 5 days preceding Mardi Gras.
The Granville Carnival was a celebration organized in honor of fishermen who went cod fishing in Newfoundland, Canada. This carnival continues over time and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
Costumes, songs, music, and float parades are in the spotlight during this carnival. The entertainment also includes confetti battles, a parody of the Carnival King’s judgment and lots of laughs.
Amusement park
For your family trip to France, don’t forget to spend pleasant moments in the amusement parks. It’s a great way to have fun and at the same time delight the children.
Disneyland Park is the best known, it is also the most visited place in the country. This theme park covers an area of 55 hectares. It’s an enchanted kingdom that transports you directly into the magical world of Walt Disney. It is the only one on the European continent, so it is very busy.
Parc Astérix is worth the detour for fans of the famous Gauls, but not only that. Located in the town of Plailly, in Oise, this theme park allows you to stroll through a Roman, Gallic, Greek, Egyptian setting, all linked to the intrigues of Uderzo and Goscinny.
Also take a trip to the Cité de l’Espace . There you can closely observe the discoveries made by Man during his numerous trips into space. Also admire the gems on display there, including a replica of the Mir space station, an Ariane 5 rocket to the Soyuz spacecraft, an observation dome, etc.
Among the other theme and attraction parks worth visiting in France, there is Futuroscope , Europark, Vulcania, Atlantik Park, Puy de Fou…
