France off the beaten path: where do the French go on vacation?

If it’s your first time in France and you’re dreaming of quintessential Paris, fairy-tale Loire chateaux or the lavender fields of Provence, then go ahead and tick them off. They’re wonderful places and everyone deserves to indulge in their own little French fantasy. But for the more experienced visitor or the curious wanderer, there’s another side of France waiting to be discovered – one known intimately by the French themselves. This is your guide to France off the beaten path, the France that many visitors miss; places that the French know and love.

How to vacation like the French

The French place high value on their vacations, and in July and August there’s a mass exodus for les grandes vacances. It’s common for several generations or groups of friends to head off together to a favorite beach resort, rent a house in the countryside or in one of the many small towns and tiny villages where life moves at a slower pace. It’s less about luxury and more about simplicity and connection. Think hiking, relaxation by the beach, and long leisurely lunches in one of the country’s charming towns.

France off the beaten path: our top rural gems

The Auvergne: a secret escape in the southern French countryside

One of France’s best-kept secrets, the Auvergne, is part of the larger Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southern France but stands out for its dramatic landscape of extinct volcanoes covered in greenery, beautiful valleys, and coniferous forests. At just three hours’ drive from the Côte d’Azur and the Riviera, the French come here to get away from the summer hordes and spend time in nature.

It offers some of the best walking and cycling in France: in the scenic Parc naturel régional Livradois-Forez you’ll find a network of hiking trails through forests, valleys and peaks, while in the heart of the region, the historic town of Le Puy is one of the starting points for the pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela.

The Jura Mountains: a hiker’s paradise

Tucked away near the Swiss border, it doesn’t get more peaceful than the Jura Mountains. Off the beaten path even for the French, it’s a rural idyll of limestone peaks, pine forests opening onto verdant valleys, and crystalline lakes. Over 300km of trails are popular with hikers and cyclists alike.

The highest peak is Crêt de la Neige, 1,720m above sea level, with views of the Vosges mountains and the Swiss Alps. Base yourself in one of the quintessential French villages like Château-Chalon, Lods or Baume-les-Messieurs, with their stone cottages, flower-filled balconies and cobbled streets, and try a glass of the renowned vin jaune.

Read more: Escape to the Pyrenees: interview with a local expert in France

The ethereal landscapes and wildlife of the Camargue

The Camargue is unlike any other area of France. In the heart of Provence, yet worlds away from the vineyards and lavender fields, the Camargue offers a raw kind of beauty. It’s a wild landscape of salt flats, wetlands and islands, home to bulls, the iconic flamingoes and striking white horses, a semi-wild breed that roams freely across the wetlands.

In spring and fall birdwatchers come to see the hundreds of thousands of migrating birds, but most visitors come simply to experience this extraordinary, wild corner of France. You can explore on horseback, on foot or on one of many guided tours. This region of France is one of the most beautiful, diverse and culturally rich and it’s perfect for a road trip.

Discover beautiful Brittany

Away from popular Saint-Malo, Brittany is still relatively under the radar for many international tourists, but somewhere many French people adore and return to. The northern Atlantic coast is rugged, rocky and breathtaking, with coastal paths giving way to tiny sandy coves. The southern coast is peppered with pretty villages and port towns like Pornichet and Tréguier, and the entire region has stunning beaches that rival the Riviera – without the crowds.

Locals will tell you to visit the mystical standing stones at Carnac, eat oysters in Concarneau, or head inland and explore the enchanting forest around Huelgoat in the Armorica Regional Natural Park, with its strange boulders that have inspired Celtic folk tales and legends.

The wild and wonderful island of Corsica

A wild and mountainous island sticking up out of the Mediterranean Sea, Corsica is a unique place to visit when touring France off the beaten path, and a perfect getaway for hikers and nature-lovers. Most tourists make for Ajaccio, but for a more authentic feel head for Bastia, or Corte in the island’s center which is a perfect base for fabulous walks.

The best beaches are in the south near Bonifacio, a gorgeous ancient town perched extraordinarily on high cliffs overlooking the sea. It’s an unmissable place in Corsica, and a unique place to visit in France. However, it’s beloved by the French and will be busy during the high summer.

The best small towns and villages in France

Captivating towns you’ve never heard of

If you prefer your vacations with less hiking, more culture and better dining options, France has dozens of stunning towns that the French take for granted, but most international visitors never stumble on. Some of the best small towns in southern France are not exactly under the radar but deliver guaranteed charm, especially if you’re visiting in shoulder season.

Set your sights on Gordes, all winding cobblestone streets with stone houses shops and cafés; Grasses, a tiny town close to the Côte d’Azur (which happens to be the world’s perfume capital); and the striking ochre village of Roussillon where the whole town is a sensory experience along with its artisan boutiques, cafés and galleries. And Lourmarin, tucked between vineyards, olive groves and limestone hills, is one of the most stylish villages in the region yet feels lived-in and relaxed. With too many to mention, here are some we’ve singled out.

Périgueux

A real hidden gem, Périgueux is a perfect pick for getting to know France off the beaten path. It’s a living, working French town, and all the more attractive for it. It has deep Roman roots, medieval streets and an authentic feel, and French visitors come here for its art de vivre and lively food scene.

Gourmets will love its vibrant, bustling food markets in the old town on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, selling local produce to the bouchon-style restaurants and contemporary bistros that make the town a foodie heaven.

Read more: What to eat in France: a travel guide for foodies

Annecy

The ‘Venice of the Alps’ in southeastern France, Annecy is old-town charm personified. And despite growing popularity, it remains a favorite getaway spot for the French, especially those from Lyon, Geneva and Paris looking for a mix of nature and culture.

Take in the canals, cobbled streets, and pastel-colored buildings housing local shops stocked with artisan products from the region. Explore the town by bike, and if you can tear yourself away, then the surrounding area is perfect for hiking, biking, and water activities in and around Lake Annecy. Or, simply cruise across the lake and admire the grand villas along the shore.

Vichy

Vichy is a historic spa town famous for its spring water, and a lively and attractive city known for its Art Nouveau and Belle Époque architecture. A thriving cultural scene means that, whenever you visit, you’ll find concerts, theater, opera and exhibitions, especially at the Opera House and the iconic Grand Casino.

Vichy is also a shopper’s paradise, with over 500 boutique shops in the heart of the town. When all that shopping has worked up a thirst, taste the famous Vichy waters for free at Hall des Sources. The city is easy to explore on foot or by bike, with riverside paths along the Allier River, pretty neighborhoods with pastel-colored villas, and plenty of outdoor cafés and brasseries to try.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle might just be the perfect place for a trip to France off the beaten path. It is, in fact, a small city and feels vibrant yet relaxing. Nestled behind a pretty harbor is a medieval old town full of arcaded stone streets, some fabulous food markets where you can stock up on fresh seafood, and lovely local beaches.

Swap the car for a bike and explore some of the 230km of cycle routes, including one that takes you to nearby Île de Ré, a tiny island with ridiculously pretty villages, golden beaches, and a nature reserve.

Les Plus Beaux Villages

France has an official list of its most beautiful villages – yes, really. And because they appear on a prestigious list, many of them struggle to count as hidden gems in France, but visit off season and you’re in for a treat. Bear in mind there are over 20,000 villages in France and less than 200 on the list, so we’ve chosen a handful of those who made the cut.

Six of the best:

• Cotignac, which has the character of an artists’ village and hosts a wonderful Saturday market to browse before a long, leisurely lunch in one of the local restaurants.
• Get lost in the steep, winding streets of Grignan, and tour its ancient castle. Visit at golden hour and you might find deserted streets and magical scenes and viewpoints around every corner.
• Barfleur, a quintessential fishing village and one of the most picturesque ports in France. Stroll around the harbor and eat the village’s renowned seafood in one of the local restaurants.
• Beuvron-en-Auge, with its typical Normandy timber-framed houses, artisan shops and pretty market square, is a perfect place to start a trip on the Cider Route with a tasting from a local producer.
• A hilltop bastide town with panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley, Domme is full of golden stone buildings, artisan shops and quiet charm. The surrounding region is known for prehistoric caves, foie gras, and river kayaking.
• Moustiers-Sainte-Marie or ‘the hanging village’ clings between two dramatic cliffs. Adorned with cascading waterfalls, the area around Moustiers (as locals refer to it) is a perfect place to include on a hiking trip around Provence.

Make it happen

If you’ve been inspired by these lesser-known destinations to step off the typical tourist trail and get to know France off the beaten path, our local partners are on hand to tailor-make your dream itinerary, suited entirely to your budget and needs – simply reach out to them today.