The Eiffel Tower. The Louvre. Provence’s lavender fields. We all know and love France for its iconic landmarks. But did you know that the country’s most unforgettable spots are actually well off the beaten tourist path? From postcard-like alpine villages to secluded islands, read on to discover five hidden gems that are simply perfect for your French summer adventure.
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval: A hidden alpine paradise
Tucked away in the enchanting Haute-Savoie region, experience Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval’s towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. This alpine village is not like other nearby tourist hubs. You get a peaceful base from which to explore stunning natural wonders such as the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval valley. Visitors can enjoy hiking through the Cirque’s scenic horseshoe-shaped terrain, a popular starting point for Mont Blanc hiking tours and other mountain routes.
Porquerolles Island: A Jewel on the Riviera
You’ll find yourself utterly charmed by Porquerolles’ turquoise waters and lush pine forests. Just off France’s southern coast, the island is largely a protected zone, so it’s free of traffic—offering a much quieter, more natural take on the French Riviera. Take a scenic bike ride through its national park, go snorkeling in marine reserves, or tuck into fresh seafood at one of the island’s many seaside restaurants.
Pérouges: Medieval charm in the Rhône-Alpes
Pérouges feels like a movie set because it actually was one. The Three Musketeers and many other films were shot in this perfectly preserved medieval village located northeast of Lyon in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. You can wander through cobblestone lanes past 15th-century stone houses—which, luckily, were saved from being destroyed in 1911—and quaint artisan bakeries. It’s a place where you can slow down, savor galettes, and wander through living history.
Languedoc-Roussillon: The wine lover’s secret
Languedoc-Roussillon is often overshadowed by Bordeaux or Burgundy, but it offers a more personal wine country experience, not to mention excellent vintages of wine. If you’re looking for less commercialized vineyards, then Languedoc is the place to be. You’ll have a chance to meet winemakers one-on-one, enjoy tastings of renowned reds, whites, and rosés in a scenic setting, and explore nearby cultural treasures like the medieval city of Carcassonne with its ramparts and storybook turrets.
The Gorges du Verdon: France’s Grand Canyon
With its dramatic limestone cliffs and clear blue waters, the Gorges du Verdon in southeastern France is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. You can kayak, hike, go rock climbing, or simply take in the breathtaking panorama from the clifftop roads. Stay in nearby villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, which has a chapel that you can reach by a steep path offering stunning views and a mysterious, legendary gold star suspended between two cliffs.
France’s hidden side
Beyond its iconic landmarks, France holds extraordinary secret destinations just waiting to be discovered. Whether you are a wine connoisseur, an adventurer, or simply want to relax on a quiet Mediterranean beach, get ready to explore many different sides to this incredible country.
