11 Hidden Treasures to Discover in France

While vacations in France often involve a quick trip to Paris or a luxurious holiday in Cannes, the country has so much more to offer beyond the Eiffel Tower and the French Riviera.

With France having lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for international travelers, now is an ideal moment to explore some of its lesser-known and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

From picturesque wine regions and breathtaking natural landscapes to hidden (and not-so-hidden) French islands, here are 11 of France's most underrated destinations.

How to Get There

Traveling from the U.S. to France is straightforward, especially if you're flying into Paris and planning to rent a car for exploring other regions of the country.

Airlines such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, and Air France offer nonstop flights from major U.S. cities to Paris at various times throughout the day.

Air France provides nonstop services from most major U.S. cities to French cities like Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Lille, and Toulouse, in addition to Paris. Flying Blue redemption rates start at 22,000 miles for economy and 57,500 miles for business class for one-way trips from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG).

Religion, art, and the legacy of ancient Rome: Exploring Arles, Nimes, and Avignon

It was too difficult to pick just one of these delightful towns in southern France, so you may find yourself wanting to explore all three.

Arles boasts both a Roman amphitheater and a Roman theater, along with various other ancient ruins. The entire area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, the town’s tourism board provides a self-guided Van Gogh Walking tour, highlighting the many inspirations Arles offered to the artist, resulting in over 300 of his late 19th-century works.

Nimes is rich in Roman history, featuring an impressive amphitheater and the iconic Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard. The city is also home to the Jardins de la Fontaine, a majestic green area believed to be the first public garden in Europe.

Avignon, situated less than an hour's journey up the Rhone River from Arles, is renowned for the Palais des Papes, which served as the seat of the Roman Catholic Papacy in the 14th century. Families with young children can explore the city aboard the Petite Train, a charming little train that takes visitors to Avignon's main attractions.

Charming villages: Cévennes National Park

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, located in the southern region of Lozère, showcases that France offers much more than just the glamorous French Riviera.

The national park features breathtaking natural wonders such as the Aven Armand limestone cave, known for its enormous stalagmites, and the Gorges Du Tarn, a stunning canyon that looms over picturesque French villages and the Tarn River.

With an abundance of hiking trails and walking paths, it's easy to immerse yourself in the lush French landscape on foot, though you can also explore the park by car. Don't miss the enchanting village of La Malène, nestled in the shadows of the Gorge.

Other notable stops include Castelbouc, a breathtaking village carved into the rock of the Gorge, and Sainte-Enimie, where you can rent kayaks or canoes to glide down the river.

When art and nature converge: Giverny

Art lovers and fans of impressionist painter Claude Monet should plan a day trip from Paris to explore the renowned gardens of Giverny, which inspired his famous water lily paintings. The gardens are home to the famous Japanese bridge, a familiar sight in many of Monet's artworks.

In addition to the stunning gardens, art lovers can visit the Impressionism Museum and the Claude Monet Foundation, as well as various private galleries. For a leisurely stroll, Giverny and the nearby town of Vernon offer many charming walking paths with picturesque countryside views. Both locations are accessible by train from Paris in under an hour.

The wild card: Corsica

You may have heard of Corsica, but it might not be your first choice for a vacation. Many travelers opt for the French Riviera, Spain's southern coast, or Italy's popular destinations like Capri and the Amalfi Coast for their summer getaways.

Yet, Corsica is a stunning island, particularly during the shoulder seasons of September and May, when it offers a wonderfully wild experience free from crowds.

For breathtaking views, head to the Calanques de Piana. These striking red cliffs rise dramatically over the Mediterranean Sea and are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the Gulf of Porto.

Be sure to visit the charming Genovese-style harbor of Bonifacio in the southern part of the island, and don't miss the stunning white sands and lush pines of Plage de Saleccia in the north.

Wine and mustard: Jura and Dijon

Jura is among the smallest wine regions in France, renowned for its distinctive, almost nutty Vin Jaune. This 'yellow' wine is actually a white wine more akin to sherry, as it undergoes aging beneath a yeast film known as a voile.

The region's hilly landscape makes it ideal for a vacation. Drive through the lush, rolling hills and discover the vineyards nestled at the foot of the Jura mountains. It's one of the rare wine regions that hosts a winter wine festival, with the La Percée du Vin Jaune celebration taking place in February 2023 in the village of Cramans.

The nearby city of Dijon, renowned for its mustard, serves as a perfect launching point to explore the wines of Burgundy. From here, you can embark on the wine route known as La Route des Grands Crus, which meanders through nearly 40 wine villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the breathtaking rural landscapes of France.

If you're curious about mustard, don't miss the Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne, where you can delve into the town's history and its famous, delightful condiment.

A distant island getaway: Île d'Yeu

For a scenic island retreat, venture to the Nantes region of France, where you can catch a ferry to Yeu from ports like Fromentine or Saint Gilles Croix de Vie.

For aviation enthusiasts or those looking to make a grand entrance, consider taking a helicopter ride to the island from La-Barre-de-Monts. You can also opt for aerial tours and flight lessons above Île d'Yeu.

As the second most distant island from the French mainland, Île d'Yeu offers a sense of seclusion that many other French islands lack, making it ideal for adventurers seeking an escape.

Île d'Yeu presents a wealth of attractions for visitors, including sandy shores, over 40 cycling paths, tranquil fishing villages, and the ruins of historic forts and ancient castles. Hikers can join group tours across various parts of the island, exploring lighthouses, woodlands, and one of the island's most stunning beach coves, Belle Maison.

Discovering Alsace: Eguisheim

While Colmar steals the spotlight, Eguisheim is another charming German-inspired village in Alsace that deserves a visit. Favored by the French, who have named it one of the nation's most beautiful villages, Eguisheim features medieval courtyards, winding cobblestone streets, and vibrant Swiss-German architecture that enchants every traveler.

Don't miss the opportunity to ascend to the three castle towers atop Schlossberg Hill, which offers stunning views over the village. Eguisheim is dotted with cozy wine bars, tasting rooms, and wine caves, while the surrounding landscape boasts numerous beautiful vineyards ideal for tours and tastings.

Nature's Paradise: Lac Bourget and Parc Naturel Régional Du Massif Des Bauges

The sparkling shores of St. Tropez aren't the only beautiful beaches in France. Lake Bourget, an alternative to the well-known Lake Annecy, is one of the country's largest and deepest lakes, boasting a sandy shoreline set against the stunning Jura Mountain range.

When you're not taking a dip, you can bike or walk along the paths that circle the lake. For a more adventurous experience, hike or drive to various viewpoints, such as Mont Revard on the eastern shore, to enjoy panoramic views of the lake.

Just a short drive from the lake, outdoor lovers can explore the hiking trails and pathways in the Massif Des Bauges Natural Reserve.

In Summary

France boasts a wealth of enchanting destinations, ranging from bustling cities like Paris and St. Tropez to quaint villages, remote natural wonders, and untamed islands.

Travelers should aim to experience as many of these as they can. While a vacation in a more popular French locale is perfectly fine, those seeking to discover the best of France's hidden treasures (along with some lesser-known wines) should consider the regions highlighted in this list.