Uncover Hidden Gems in France That Most Tourists Miss!
France is renowned for its iconic landmarks, picturesque villages, and stunning landscapes, but there’s so much more waiting to be discovered beyond the well-trodden tourist trails. What if you could uncover the hidden gems that captivate the intrepid traveler and unveil a side of France that few ever experience? In this article, we’re going to do just that – explore charming towns, artistic havens, and natural wonders that will leave you in awe.
From the fairy-tale village of Eguisheim in Alsace1 to the volcanic wonder of the Estérel Massif in the Var region1, we’ll take you on a journey to unveil France’s best-kept secrets. Get ready to discover the hidden treasures that make this country truly remarkable.
Key Takeaways
- Explore charming towns and villages that are often overlooked by tourists
- Discover artistic havens and natural wonders off the beaten path
- Uncover the hidden gems that make France a truly remarkable destination
- Experience the local culture and unique attractions beyond the typical tourist trails
- Plan your journey to these secret spots and create an unforgettable adventure
Discovering Eguisheim, a Fairy Tale Village in Alsace
Just a 15-minute drive from Colmar and an hour from Strasbourg, Eguisheim is a true hidden gem in the Alsace region. This charming village, with its colourful facades, typical Alsatian houses, and stork nests, looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale2. Eguisheim, the town that inspired the opening scene of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, is in Alsace, a region known for its picturesque and charming Renaissance houses2.
Eguisheim’s well-preserved medieval architecture has made it a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Alsatian culture3. Eguisheim is a medieval town that has been spared from the ravages of the two world wars3. To experience Eguisheim, visitors can book flights to nearby Basel or Strasbourg and stay at the Hotel Restaurant L’Auberge Alsacienne, which offers modern rooms and a traditional restaurant2. Traveling between villages in Alsace was done mainly via taxi, and the town tourism offices are crucial for information and taxi arrangements in the region243.
Monet’s Garden in Giverny, Normandy: An Artistic Paradise
In the tranquil town of Giverny, Normandy, lies a truly remarkable hidden gem – Claude Monet’s famous garden5. Once a simple rental property, Monet transformed the grounds into a lush, inspiring landscape that would go on to influence some of his most renowned paintings, including the iconic “Nymphéas” (Water Lilies) series6. Visitors can book flights to Paris and then make the one-hour drive to Giverny to explore Monet’s vibrant gardens and the charming Hotel Le Jardin des Plumes, located just 500 meters from the artist’s former home and studio.
7 Giverny is a small village covering an area of 3 mi2 in the Normandy Region, situated 50 miles west of Paris, making it an accessible location for visitors seeking artistic experiences7. The nearest train station to Giverny is Vernon, located around 4 miles away from Giverny and 46 miles from Paris7. Giverny ranks as the second favorite tourist destination in Normandy, attracting over 800,000 visitors annually and solidifying its popularity as a tourism hotspot.
5 Monet’s garden in Giverny is the second most popular touristic site in Normandy after Mont-Saint-Michel5. The garden opens yearly from the end of March until the 1st of November, and a team of 11 gardeners takes care of the garden all year round to ensure it remains in perfect condition5. Different flowers bloom at various times of the year, such as tulips, irises, roses, water lilies, dahlias, and more, with May and June being the busiest months for visiting, followed by the summer season.
5 There are different methods of transportation to access Monet’s garden, including by car, bus, train, and boat5. Online ticket prices for visiting Monet’s garden range from 10.50 € to 11.50 €, with a maximum of 5 tickets per purchase5. The garden usually welcomes 500,000 visitors annually, with around 4,000 to 5,000 visitors per day during the open season, though due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the daily visitor count is limited to approximately 900 people to ensure safety.
6 Claude Monet lived in Giverny, France for 43 years, starting in 1883, and his home and garden were opened to the public in 19807. Monet’s Gardens in Giverny exhibit seasonal changes, with May – June being optimal for tulips and July showcasing the blooming of water lilies7. The gardens at Giverny feature the Walled Garden (Jardin du Clos Normand) and the Water Garden (Jardin d’Eau) with the iconic Japanese bridge, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene6.
Some of Claude Monet’s paintings have fetched more than $80 million at auction, and the Impressionist artists, including Monet, completed some of their paintings outdoors instead of in studios6. To visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny, visitors can check the Claude Monet Foundation website for opening hours, and Giverny offers activity books for children visiting the gardens.
The Charming Seaside Town of Menton on the Côte d’Azur
Nestled along the breathtaking Côte d’Azur, the seaside town of Menton is a true hidden gem in France. Just a short 50-minute drive from Nice Airport, this colourful destination offers a laidback atmosphere and stunning natural beauty8. Menton is easily accessible by train from Nice, making it an ideal day trip or multi-day stay for visitors exploring the French Riviera8.
One of Menton’s most alluring features is its unique microclimate, which boasts sunshine throughout the vast majority of the year8. This temperate climate, along with the town’s blend of French and Italian influences, has long attracted discerning travelers seeking a restorative and picturesque escape8.
Menton’s charming old town and picturesque harbor are just a few of the town’s highlights. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, admiring the colourful buildings and turquoise waters, or explore the town’s historic landmarks, such as the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange, a baroque-style church that was elevated to basilica status in 19998. The town’s squares and promenades are adorned with over 250,000 pebbles, adding to the unique character of this seaside gem8.
For those seeking a day at the beach, Menton offers a variety of options, from the quieter Plage de Fossan to the lively Plage des Sablettes Ouest, with its calm waters and soft gravel-sand mix8. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the town and its surroundings from various viewpoints, including the Lighthouse, Port des Sablettes, Wavebreak Rocks, and the Cemetery8.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful seaside escape or a vibrant cultural experience, the charming town of Menton on the Côte d’Azur is sure to delight and captivate9. With its unique blend of French and Italian influences, Menton is a hidden treasure that offers a truly authentic and unforgettable glimpse into the beauty of the French Riviera9.
Hidden gems in France: Cancale, Brittany’s Wild Oyster Haven
Just an hour’s drive from the airports of Saint-Brieuc and Rennes lies the charming town of Cancale in Brittany. Despite its modest population of 5,000, this hidden gem has captivated travelers from around the world with its renowned *wild oysters*, *turquoise blue waters*, and magnificent *beaches*10.
Situated just 50 minutes from the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, Cancale offers visitors the opportunity to book flights to Rennes and accommodations at the charming *La Mere Champlain* hotel, located in the heart of the town11.
Cancale is known as the capital of oysters, producing around 25,000 tons of oysters per year10. At the local oyster market, visitors can savor these fresh delicacies, often ordered in quantities of 3, 6, or 12, with varied sizes10. A visit to the market provides an authentic culinary experience, where oysters can be enjoyed alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter10.
Beyond the *wild oysters*, *Brittany* is renowned for its stunning coastline, offering visitors a chance to explore the *Emerald Coast* that stretches from Cancale to Cap Fréhel, known for its emerald-green waters and medieval fortresses11. The region also boasts a rich artistic heritage, attracting artists like those of the Pont-Aven School in the late 19th century111210.
Riquewihr, One of Alsace’s Most Picturesque Medieval Villages
Nestled in the heart of the Alsace region, Riquewihr is a true hidden gem that transports visitors back in time to the enchanting world of medieval architecture13. This small town, with just 1300 inhabitants13, boasts an impressive 48 National Heritage buildings, making it the third city in Alsace with the highest number of such treasures13. Strategically positioned between the towns of Obernai and Eguisheim along the Alsace wine route13, Riquewihr is a must-visit destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience in France.
The former winery in Riquewihr, now converted into luxurious holiday apartments, was built in 158013, showcasing the town’s rich history and enduring architectural charm14. Riquewihr’s vineyards have been producing some of the best and most famous white wines globally since the end of the Middle Ages13, making it a hub for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike14. The region around Riquewihr receives low rainfall, approximately 400-500mm (16-20 inches) annually13, contributing to the ideal growing conditions for the town’s renowned viticulture.
Riquewihr’s enchanting medieval charm is further enhanced by its well-preserved architecture, with colorful half-timbered houses and a unique ambiance that has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages15. The main street of Riquewihr features a wealth of Renaissance-period buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries15, a testament to the prosperity generated by the town’s exceptional wine production14. Visitors can explore the hidden and secluded streets of Riquewihr to discover unique architectural details and enchanting hidden gems15, making it a true delight for slow travel enthusiasts.
Whether you’re interested in wine tasting, exploring medieval history, or simply immersing yourself in the picturesque charm of an Alsatian village, Riquewihr is a must-visit destination that will leave a lasting impression13. From its distinct seasonal offerings to its proximity to other famous Alsace villages15, Riquewihr is a true treasure that truly captures the essence of France’s hidden gems131514.
The Estérel Massif: A Volcanic Wonder in the Var Region
Nestled in the Var region of southern France lies the Estérel Massif, a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its dramatic volcanic landscape16. This imposing mountain range, spanning an area of 320 km², is known for its distinctive red rock formations, a result of the region’s volcanic history16. The highest point in the Estérel Massif is Mount Vinaigre, reaching an impressive 618 meters (2,027 feet) in height16.
One of the best ways to experience the Estérel Massif is through hiking, where visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty17. The Sentier des douaniers, a 2½ hour coastal walk, offers breathtaking views of steep cliffs and secret creeks, while the Tour du Pic de l’Ours, a 1½ hour itinerary starting at the Col de Notre-Dame, provides panoramic vistas of the Massif and the Bay of Cannes17. Hikers may also spot deer, wild boar, or turtles, and be surrounded by the captivating scents of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and mimosa17.
The Estérel Massif is not only a hiking destination but also a hub for outdoor enthusiasts17. The region hosts the renowned mountain biking event, Le Roc d’Azur, drawing cyclists from around the world17. Furthermore, the Corniche d’Or, a stunning coastal road between Fréjus and Mandelieu-la-Napoule, offers breathtaking views of the volcanic rocks rising above the Mediterranean Sea17.
Surrounding the Estérel Massif are charming towns that add to the region’s allure17. Fréjus, with its Roman antiquity and Mediterranean charm, is a popular destination, while Saint-Raphaël, known for its seaside resort and historic popularity as a holiday destination, continues to inspire artists and writers17. Additionally, the Pays de Fayence region features picturesque villages like Callian, Montauroux, Bagnols-en-Forêt, and Seillans, the latter of which is designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France17.
The Estérel Massif is a true hidden gem in the Var region, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a captivating volcanic landscape and explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area16. Whether you’re a hiker, a mountain biker, or simply someone in search of a breathtaking natural retreat, the Estérel Massif is a destination that should not be missed181716.
Conclusion: Uncovering the Hidden Treasures of France
France is a country that is renowned for its iconic landmarks and picturesque landscapes, but beyond the well-trodden tourist trails, there lies a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From the fairy-tale village of Eguisheim in Alsace19 to the volcanic wonder of the Estérel Massif in the Var region, this article has uncovered some of France’s best-kept secrets – charming towns, artistic havens, and natural wonders that offer a truly unique and immersive experience for the intrepid traveler.
By exploring these off-the-beaten-path destinations, visitors can uncover the true essence of France and gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich culture, history, and stunning natural beauty. Whether it’s the tranquil hidden beaches of the French Riviera20, the serene serenity of Monet’s garden in Giverny, or the medieval charm of Riquewihr in Alsace, these hidden gems provide a sense of discovery and authenticity that is often missing from the typical tourist itinerary.
By venturing beyond the well-known landmarks and embracing the local culture, travelers can unlock a world of unique experiences that showcase the true hidden treasures of France. From the bustling Christmas markets of Colmar19 to the picturesque coastal towns of Brittany, these off-the-beaten-path destinations offer a chance to immerse oneself in the country’s rich heritage and leave with a profound appreciation for the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant communities.
