Summary of Hidden Gems in France
The Auvergne in Central France
If you’re after underrated destinations, the whole of the Auvergne will qualify. It’s a glorious mountainous area—remote, wild, and rural—boasting remarkable geology. The Allier River runs through it, starting at its source near Mende and gathering strength until it joins the Loire near Nevers.
From the market town of Langogne to sleepy Brioude, you can follow the Allier’s serpentine flow via a scenic train ride. For the adventurous, there is excellent whitewater rafting and kayaking—your only companions being the birds of prey soaring overhead. Those with a keen interest in history can explore the rustic châteaux linked to the family of the American Revolution hero, Marquis of Lafayette. It’s a delightful chateau in the middle of nowhere.
Le Puy-en-Velay in the Auvergne
As you approach Le Puy, across a high plateau where clouds race above, three extraordinary landmarks come into view: a towering red statue of the Madonna, a dark basalt cathedral, and a chapel perched on a 270ft high lava pinnacle. Once one of the starting points for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, this medieval city still draws serious walkers. Every September, the city comes alive with the intriguing sounds and sights of the 16th-century Renaissance Festival of the Bird King.
The North French Coast
Upon your arrival in Calais, the mad rush to get onto the motorway south resembles a Formula 1 race. However, if you take the small roads along the coastline, you will discover a patchwork of delightful towns. Montreuil-sur-Mer, perched high on the cliffs, is among them, alongside genteel Le Touquet-Paris Plage and a sequence of long sandy beaches where children catch crabs and adults relax in painted beach huts.
This region has much to offer for exploration, rich in history particularly for the British, as it’s the site where Henry V fought the famous battle of Agincourt. Here, you can find the battle displayed in a small museum. This area makes a great 3-day trip for families.
Dijon in Burgundy
Yes, Dijon is known for its mustard, but the city, once the capital of Burgundy, has a rich history that reflects its aristocratic past under the powerful Dukes. The Ducal Palace showcases a collection of grand buildings adorned with ornate designs. Visitors will find good museums, parks, and an abundance of historical significance.
Dijon is compact, with restaurants, bars, and cafés offering local classics like boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin clustered in the center. Shops that have been in operation since the late 18th century invite you to sample famous mustard, pain d’épice, and beautifully packaged sweet treats.
While it may not be as famous as nearby Beaune, with its renowned Hospices de Beaune, Dijon feels more local and is definitely worthy of an extended visit.
Albi in the Tarn Region
While many recognize the enchanting, fortified medieval city of Carcassonne, nearby Albi often goes unnoticed. The standout feature of Albi is its remarkable red cathedral, resembling a fortress, which was constructed after the persecution of local heretical Cathars. Also notable is the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, filled with vibrant paintings depicting 19th-century Parisian life. Consider taking a boat trip on the Tarn River for stunning views of the city.
Troyes in Champagne
Troyes, the ancient capital of the Champagne region, offers a delightful maze of winding streets lined with half-timbered houses. It features a stunning Gothic cathedral that glows from its stained glass and several quaint museums, including one with a notable collection of Fauvist paintings. Moreover, it holds the title as the largest shopping hub for discount fashion outlets in Europe, with two Marques and one Mc Arthur Glen outlet mall just outside the historical core.
Lyon in Rhone-Alpes
Lyon stands as France’s second-largest city but frequently loses its allure among visitors who only use its airport as a transit point. Instead, it is a gracious historic city that was once an important Roman settlement, nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers with a culinary reputation trailing closely behind Paris (notably, Paul Bocuse has four brasseries here).
The city’s rich museums range from the Musée Lumière, where the first film ever made can be viewed, to the solemn Museum of the Deportation, documenting World War II; and the new Musee des Confluences, situated in a former industrial area, which engages visitors with significant themes of life in an enjoyable manner. Lion’s historical district features antique bookshops and a labyrinth of secret passageways known as traboules from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Additionally, Lyon is famous for its Festival of Light in December, one of the most recognized in France, showcasing amazing light displays on its buildings.
Lastly, Lyon remains the epicenter of French gastronomy, offering hearty dishes in traditional bistros alongside elaborate menus from top-notch restaurants.
Nantes on the West Coast of France
Despite being located in the western Pays de la Loire region, many visitors overlook Nantes. This once-thriving port, which flourished due to the slave trade, has transformed into a vibrant university town bursting with attractions and renowned for its seafood restaurants.
Key highlights include the Château of the Dukes of Brittany, which narrates the city’s history, along with its cathedral featuring the exquisite 1502 tomb of François II, a botanical garden, and the birthplace of Jules Verne on Île Feydeau, established in 1828.
A particularly unusual site is the Island where the famous, colossal Machines de L’Ile are created. Experience the giant elephant strolling about, while passengers ride on its back, a whimsical carousel with diverse levels featuring imaginative sea creatures, and a workshop where artisans craft peculiar new creations for international audiences.
All these adventures surely build an appetite for freshly caught scallops and crabs from the Atlantic or delightful, crispy crêpes.
Colmar in Alsace
Colmar, the capital of Upper Alsace, is not just a charming town with old cobbled streets and colorful half-timbered buildings. It also houses a museum featuring the Isenheim Altarpiece, known for its stunning beauty and complex symbolism that continues to baffle scholars to this day.
Stretching out from the city is the 105-mile Route des Vins, which meanders through rich vineyards, romantic ruined castles perched atop sandstone cliffs, and, of course, the famous stork’s nests. This region possesses a fairy-tale quality that captivates all who visit.
The Jura Region in East France
The Jura Region in France remains one of the country’s hidden treasures, paralleling the Auvergne. As one of the seven main mountain regions, it is renowned for overland skiing in the winter and splendid hiking, historic towns, and local Jura wines in the warmer months, which are distinctive and highly regarded.
The Jura also boasts some magnificent industrial architecture, including the unique Salins-les-Bains saltworks situated in the charming spa town.
Don’t miss visiting the lovely capital of Dole, where you can explore its classic architectural buildings, ancient canals linked to the tanning industry, and the house where the famous Louis Pasteur was born.
