Beyond the well-trodden tourist trails of Paris lie an array of gorgeous villages, secret natural wonders and historic sites that feel untouched by mass tourism. Whether you're a traveler looking for an authentic experience or a local wanting to explore during your August break, this guide uncovers France’s best-kept secrets — without the crowds (even better in the offseason!)
This article will cover areas beyond Paris, but if you’re interested in the capital, you can check out our article on Hidden Gems in Paris.
Hidden Gems in Northern France
Northern France is often overlooked for the sun-soaked south, but it’s packed with medieval towns, coastlines and history. From fairytale villages to floating farms, here’s where to go for a truly unique experience.
Tips for Northern France
- Rent a car: Many gems are in villages with poor train links.
- Eat local: Each region has unique dishes (galettes in Brittany, tarte flambée in Alsace).
- Avoid July–August: If you can, visit in shoulder seasons (May, June, September).
Must-See Places in Northern France
Amiens
If you’ve been looking for France hidden gems, Amiens is home to the largest Gothic cathedral in France and the surreal Hortillonnages (floating farms). Here, you’ll find almost no international tourists, just French visitors, so it’s great if you’re looking for some quiet holidays in France, especially in the summer. For this reason, we’d recommend visiting from May through to September, when boats run and gardens are in bloom.
What to Do in Amiens:
- Amiens Cathedral: Bigger than Notre-Dame, with a light show in summer.
- Les Hortillonnages: A maze of floating farms! Rent an electric boat (no license needed) from Rue Baudoin.
- St-Leu District: Quirky canalside bars and street art.
The Somme & Verdun
Northern France was the epicenter of WWI battles, but many sites are overlooked when people travel to France. This makes this region a hotspot for France off-the-beaten-track hidden gems. Most tourists only visit Normandy’s D-Day sites, but these are just as moving, but quieter. Visit in Spring or Fall when fewer school groups are visiting.
Best Sites in the Somme and Verdun:
- Thiepval Memorial: Honors 72,000 missing soldiers from the Somme.
- Chemin des Dames: Explore The Dragon’s Lair, a hidden German bunker.
- Vauquois: A village blown apart by underground mines, where the tunnels are still visible.
- Arras: Wellington Quarry (tunnels dug by soldiers) and Vimy Ridge (Canadian memorial with stunning views).
Local Tip: Hire a private guide (many are historians) for deeper insights.
Alsace’s Hidden Villages
Colmar is undeniably stunning, with its candy-colored houses, flower-lined canals and storybook charm, it’s no wonder it’s packed with visitors. While we’d recommend you check it out, Alsace is also full of equally gorgeous villages that most tourists miss. These hidden gems offer the same half-timbered magic, world-class wines and cozy winstubs (traditional Alsatian taverns), just without the crowds. Visit in June (before the summer crowds) or December (for Christmas markets).
Best Villages in Alsace
- Riquewihr: As one of the most beautiful places in France, Riquewihr looks like it’s straight out of Beauty and the Beast, with pastel houses, cobbled lanes and flower-covered balconies. It’s a working wine village, with most shops selling local Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris.
- Eguisheim: Built in circles around a medieval castle, Eguisheim is a maze of flower-bedecked lanes and tiny squares. It’s one of Alsace’s oldest wine-growing villages (vineyards date back to Roman times). Walk along Rue du Rempart Sud, visit the Pigeonnier Square and hike to the Three Castles.
Where to Hike: Grand Site des Deux Caps
Grand Site des Deux Caps is a dramatic coastal hike between Cap Blanc-Nez (white cliffs) and Cap Gris-Nez (great for birdwatching). Most tourists go to Étretat, but this is just as stunning, but quieter. Park at Escalles for a clifftop walk with Channel views.
Brittany’s Lesser-Known Towns
Brittany feels like its own world, with rugged cliffs, Celtic legends and harbor towns. It’s less touristy than Normandy but just as beautiful. While Mont Saint-Michel gets packed, Brittany’s smaller towns remain quiet, even in summer. Due to fewer crowds and milder weather, May, June or September are the best times to visit. Avoid July-August if you dislike tourist crowds.
Best Spots in Brittany
- Rennes: A student city with half-timbered houses and one of France’s best food markets, Marché des Lices (Saturday mornings). Try galettes (buckwheat crêpes) at Crêperie Sainte-Anne.
- Dinan: A perfectly preserved medieval town with cobbled streets and a stunning rampart walk. For the best view, hike down to the Port de Dinan along the Rance River.
- Saint-Malo: A walled pirate city with tidal islands, where you can walk to Fort National at low tide.
- Nantes: Home to the mechanical elephant (Les Machines de l’Île) and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. The Passage Pommeraye here is a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade.
Loire Valley
The Loire’s smaller châteaux has the same Renaissance grandeur as Chambord, just without the tour groups. Plus, the region is France’s garden, with edible flower beds, hidden wine caves and cycling trails. This makes is a fantastic region to visit in late April, when the gardens bloom, or September, when there are fewer crowds when the grapes are harvested. Buy the Châteaux Pass for discounted entry to 3+ sites.
Hidden Spots in Loire Valley
- Château de Villandry: Famous for its geometric gardens, but the real gem is the kitchen garden, where artichokes and roses grow side by side. Visit at 8am when the gardens open to have them to yourself.
- Saumur: Bike the Loire à Vélo trail to troglodyte wine caves like Pierre et Lumière (a cave carved with miniature châteaux). Also check out Les Caves de Bouvet-Ladubay, a sparkling wine cellar in a medieval abbey.
- Fontevraud Abbey: Where Eleanor of Aquitaine is buried. The abbey now has a hipster coffee shop and artist residencies.
Not-So-Hidden (But Still Special) Hidden Gems in Northern France
- Strasbourg: The Alsatian capital blends French and German charm. Skip the crowded Christmas markets for moonlight canal cruises and intimate winery visits in villages like Barr. Spring (April-May) offers flower-lined waterways, while fall (Sept-Oct) brings wine harvest festivities. Don't miss the free-roaming monkeys at La Montagne des Singes.
- Rouen: This Gothic gem flies under the radar despite its dramatic history. Follow Joan of Arc's trail to the spot she was burned, then explore hidden half-timbered courtyards on Rue Saint-Romain. The eerie Aître Saint-Maclou cemetery (with its bone carvings) feels frozen in medieval times. Visit in spring to avoid cruise crowds and try duck in blood sauce at La Couronne, France's oldest inn.
Want to learn about tourism in France? Learn about tourism in France Statistics 2025!
Hidden Gems in Southern France
While Provence and the French Riviera steal the spotlight, South France hides enchanting villages, wild landscapes and coastlines. From lavender-cloaked abbeys to turquoise fjords, here’s where to find the real magic — without the crowds.
Tips for Southern France
- Basque Country: Rent a car to explore Ainhoa, Espelette and Sare in a day.
- Dordogne: Canoe from Beynac to La Roque-Gageac for the best views.
- La Réunion: Fly into St-Denis, but base yourself in St-Leu for beaches and hikes.
- Avoid: August (everything is crowded and expensive).
Must-See Places in Southern France
Basque Region
While Biarritz’s glamorous beaches draw crowds, the French Basque Country (Pays Basque) is a mix of Pyrenean foothills, red-tiled villages and delicious food. Think of it as where France meets Spain! Explore this region in June, before the summer crowds hit, or in September when the pepper is harvested.
Hidden Gems in the Basque Region:
- Ainhoa: A flower-filled village with a fronton (pelota court) and zero souvenir shops. Visit Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption and try mamia (a Basque sheep’s milk yogurt).
- Espelette: The annual Pepper Festival (last weekend of October) turns the village into a spicy party.
- Plage de la Barre: A lovely secret south of France, near Anglet, this surf spot is quieter than Biarritz’s Grande Plage. Rent a board from Hastea Surf School and stay for sunset.
Dordogne Valley
The Dordogne is Provence without the crowds, full of cliffside villages, truffle markets and prehistoric caves. It’s a favorite among French second-home owners but still flies under the radar for international tourists. April and May, when there are wildflowers, or the truffle season in October, are the best times to visit.
- La Roque-Gageac
This golden-stone village hugs a limestone cliff above the Dordogne River.
Rent a gabarre boat (traditional flat-bottomed boat) at dusk to see the village glow in the sunset. Companies like Gabares Norbert offer silent electric boats. - Rocamadour
A pilgrimage site clinging to a cliff, with seven sacred chapels to climb.
Take the Chemin de Croix (a steep, shaded stairway) instead of the main path to avoid crowds and pass ancient stone crosses. - Prehistoric Wonders
Lascaux IV: A perfect replica of the famous cave paintings (the original is closed to protect it).
Grotte de Font-de-Gaume: One of the last caves with original polychrome art still open to the public — book months ahead!
La Réunion
This volcanic island mixes French pastry shops, Creole spice markets and jungle-covered calderas. It’s kind of like Hawaii, but with baguettes and Bordeaux wine. Visit during the dry season between May and November, as this is the best time for hiking, and try to avoid January to March, which is the cyclone season.
Where to go in La Réunion:
- Piton de la Fournaise: One of the world’s most active volcanoes. Hike at 4am with a guide to reach the rim at sunrise.
- Hell-Bourg: A pastel-colored Creole village with thermal springs and vanilla plantations.
- Anse des Cascades: A black-sand cove with palm trees and a freshwater waterfall for post-swim rinses. Pack a picnic of samoussas (Creole fried dumplings).
What to Eat in Southern France
- Vanilla bourbon from La Vanilleraie — tour the plantation to see how it’s hand-pollinated.
- Rillettes (slow-cooked pork spread) from Les Halles de Tours market.
- Gâteau Basque — choose the cherry filling (traditional) or almond cream (modern twist)
- Tielles sétoises (spicy octopus pies) at Halles Laissac market.
Not-So-Hidden (But Still Worth It) in Southern France
- Montpellier
- Hidden parts: Courtyard of the Devil, Jardin des Plantes’ greenhouses, and Palavas-les-Flots beach (avoid July-August).
- Bordeaux & St-Émilion
- Hidden parts: Île aux Oiseaux (stilt huts in Arcachon Bay), underground cellars in St-Émilion.
Only in France for a few days and are mainly based in Paris? Here are 6 day trips from Paris!
French Riviera Hidden Gems
Èze
Perched 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean, Èze is a pedestrian-only medieval village of cobbled lanes and artisan shops, with views stretching to Corsica on clear days. While most tourists come for the exotic garden, the real magic lies in its hidden corners. Visit April, May, September, or October to avoid the July and August cruise ship crowds.
Hidden Gems in Èze:
- Nietzsche's Path: The philosopher wrote Thus Spoke Zarathustra while hiking this steep coastal trail from Èze-sur-Mer to the village. Start early to avoid the heat.
- Fragonard Perfumerie: Skip the factory tours! Their village workshop offers custom scent creations.
- Le Nid d'Aigle: A secret artist's atelier tucked behind the church.
Parc du Vinaigrier in Nice
For off-the-beaten-path French Riviera, this 37-acre hillside park feels like Tuscany with its olive groves, wild rosemary and panoramic views of Nice's rooftops and the Baie des Anges. You'll often have it to yourself! To get here, take Tram 2 to Virgile Barel, then follow ‘Parc du Vinaigrier’ signs uphill. It’s also a great place to have a picnic as the stone pergola at the top is perfect for lunch. The adjacent Fort du Mont-Alban (free) has even better views than Castle Hill, too! Visit in the spring for wildflowers or fall for the olive harvest.
Nonza
Perched on Cap Corse's cliffs, Nonza is Corsica's moody beauty, with black pebble beaches, a 16th-century Genoese tower and zero mass tourism. Visit in May or June for wildflowers, or September when the sea is still warm for swimming.
What to Do in Nonza:
- Plage de Nonza: The island's only black-sand beach, with dramatic waves. Swim at your own risk—currents are strong.
- Tour de Nonza: Climb the tower for views of Elba Island.
- U Capu Biancu: A hidden white-rock peninsula (ask locals for directions).
French Riviera Hike: Esterel Massif
These volcanic crimson cliffs plunging into the sea look more like Arizona than France. Most tourists drive the Corniche d'Or, but hiking reveals secret beaches. Visit between October and April as the summer makes hiking brutal.
Best Trails:
- Cap Roux: A 2-hour loop with 360° views. Sunset turns the rocks fiery orange.
- Pointe de l'Observatoire: A hidden WWII bunker overlooks Île d'Or (the Bond-villain island).
- Plage du Débarquement: A red-sand cove only accessible via trail from Agay.
Tip: The Riviera's best beaches are actually west of Toulon (like Plage de l'Estagnol)!
Provence
The Verdon Gorge
For one of the best views in France, the Verdon Gorge is one of Europe’s most breathtaking natural wonders, with turquoise waters slicing through 700m limestone cliffs. Most tourists stick to the viewpoints, but the real adventure lies on (or in) the water. Consider staying at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a fairytale pottery village with a star hanging over its canyon (legend says a knight placed it there). Visit in May, June or September.
Hidden Gems at the Verdon Gorge:
- Kayaking at Lac de Sainte-Croix: Rent a transparent kayak (Kayak Vert) to paddle into the gorge’s narrowest sections.
- Corniche Sublime Drive: A cliffside road with dizzying views (stop at Point Sublime).
- Sentier Martel: A 7-hour hike through tunnels and along ledges (not for the faint-hearted).
Semi-Hidden Gems in Provence
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is Provence’s enchanting ‘Venice,’ where 17th-century waterwheels churn along flower-lined canals and France’s largest Sunday antique market (arrive by 8am!) overflows with treasures. Walk along the hidden dyers’ canal path, sip coffee by historic wheels and visit in spring for wisteria or autumn for truffles.
- Annecy: Pastel canals and alpine lake, where you can dine at a 2-Michelin-starred lakeside villa in Talloires or hike the dramatic Gorges du Fier. Rent a bike to circle the 42km turquoise shoreline, stopping at hidden beaches — June for swimming, September for golden foliage.
Ardèche
A wild, undiscovered region of river gorges, chestnut forests and troglodyte caves. It’s like Provence without the tourists. May and June are perfect for kayaking the Ardèche Gorge, or October (chestnut festivals).
Hidden Gems in Ardèche:
- Pont du Diable (Devil’s Bridge): A legendary medieval bridge over the Chassezac Gorge. Hike down to swim in emerald pools.
- Balazuc: A cliffside village with stone arches and a secret river beach.
- Aven d’Orgnac: A cathedral-like cave with stalactite ‘chandeliers.’ Book the ‘Abyss Walk!’
What to Eat in Provence
- Blue Cheese Fondue
- Chestnut cake
- Lavender ice cream
- Truffle pasta and truffle omelets.
- Calissons d’Aix (almond-paste sweets)
- Pistou soup (a Provençal pesto minestrone)
- Berlingots (striped fruit candies)
- Papalines d’Avignon (chocolate-lavender candies)
Vals-les-Bains
A thermal spa town where a natural cold-water geyser erupts every 6 hours. It’s quirky, relaxing and totally French! Spring is when wildflowers are in bloom but autumn is when the thermal baths are coziest.
Hidden Gems in Vals-les-Bains:
- Geyser Walk: Follow the ‘Circuit des Eaux’ to mineral springs and steam vents.
- Mont Gerbier de Jonc: The source of the Loire River (a 30-min drive). Hike up for panoramic views.
Hidden Gems in Popular Regions
- Avignon: hides culinary treasures in Les Halles Market and sunset views at Rocher des Doms, while nearby Château La Nerthe offers organic wines.
- Aix-en-Provence: blends art and elegance with Cézanne's preserved studio and hidden fountains, while Château La Coste's vineyard art installations shine brightest during May's rosé season or September's grape-picking festivities.
- Gordes: may draw crowds, but nearby Senanques Abbey's lavender-cloaked tranquility (visit at sunrise!) and the mysterious Village des Bories offer authentic Provençal magic.
Need more ideas for what to do in France? Here are 5 popular destinations in France!
Conclusion
Hopefully, this list of hidden gems in France has given you a range of new ideas for your trip through France, outside of Paris. There’s so much beauty in this country that people tend to miss, visitors and locals alike, so take the time to explore more of what France has to offer. Of course, if you are in Paris and looking for hidden gems there, we have a guide: Hidden Gems in Paris: Secret Spots for a Deeper, More Authentic Experience
Here at GoWithGuide, we want to help travelers make the most of their trips. We work with fun and informative local guides to connect travelers with the help they may need in planning their itinerary, catering exactly to their interests and time needs. Check out our range of private tour guides in France to see if you vibe with any and send them a message to get your trip started!
