Summary of Lesser-Known Towns in France
Skip the line at the Louvre and visit these small towns in France, where the crowds are fewer and the pace is slower.
It must be hard being a small town in a country that’s home to one of the most iconic cities in the world. However, while Paris gets all the attention (and most of the tourists), clever travelers—both French and foreign—plan excursions to some of the country’s lesser-known destinations, many of them small towns.
In these quaint French spots, travelers exchange the bustle of the city for wide-open beaches, mountain trails, medieval castles, and sprawling vineyards. From the French-German border to the Mediterranean coast and the mountainous intersection of France, Italy, and Switzerland, these small towns and villages (home to less than 15,000 people) are where you’ll want to go when you’re craving a slower pace and warm French hospitality.
Cassis
Sandwiched between Marseille and Toulon in southern France lies the tiny town of Cassis, often overlooked for glitzier coastal destinations. What many miss is a beautiful fishing port that’s lined with steep, limestone cliffs and carpeted with pebbly beaches. The town showcases a palette of pastel-colored buildings with a great selection of sidewalk cafes ideal for people-watching.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Sitting on the French side of the French-Spanish border, Saint-Jean-de-Luz possesses a distinct Basque feel. Fishing boats line the harbor while the beach scene attracts surfers who come to play in the breaks at Plage de Lafitenia and Belharra.
Eguisheim
Sitting just south of Colmar near the French-German border, Eguisheim is a medieval village characterized by half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and historical castles. If Eguisheim’s historic architecture isn’t enough to entice you, the Alsace Wine Route, which the destination is part of, might be.
Vogüé
With a name that’s quintessentially French, Vogüé is situated right on the Ardèche river near the beautiful Parque Natural Regional de los Montes de Ardeche. The village is picturesque with cobblestone streets, a medieval castle, and limestone cliffs that seem to rise straight from the water. If you visit during the fall, you might catch the harvesting of chestnuts, a popular regional product.
Île de Porquerolles
From the city of Toulon, you can hop on a ferry that drops you off in Porquerolles, the largest of the three Hyères Islands. The beaches in Porquerolles are unbelievably smooth, the snorkeling superb, and the views stunning—the island is located just off the French Riviera.
Les Baux-de-Provence
Built into a rocky outcropping as part of the Alpilles mountain chain, the setting of Les Baux-de-Provence is rugged and impressively beautiful. It only takes a few days to discover fields brimming with lavender during mid-June to mid-July and the Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry now converted into a unique arts venue.
Arcachon
Arcachon is located within the protected Arcachon Bay, not far from the wine-rich city of Bordeaux. The sea is one of the town’s primary attractions, especially known for its oysters. Additionally, you’ll find a natural sand dune, beautiful 19th-century villas, and a vibrant beachfront promenade full of walkers and bikers.
Villard-de-Lans
Outside Grenoble and near the Italian and Swiss borders, Villard-de-Lans is a beautiful mountain town. In winter, it attracts skiers to its snowy slopes, while summer provides ample hiking opportunities and a chance to explore the area’s best produce at the twice-weekly farmers market.
Hunspach
This tiny town, located right on the French-German border, gained fame when a French TV show named it the “most beloved” village in France. Visitors can explore historic timber houses, nearby vineyards, and experience the best of both French and German cultures in a charming setting.
Chamonix
Unlike many of the small towns on this list, you may already be familiar with Chamonix (or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc), renowned for having some of the best skiing in Europe. Located at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, it’s also conveniently positioned near the junction of France, Switzerland, and Italy, making day trips to other European countries effortless.
