France
4 hidden gems in France for an unforgettable local experience
Done Paris and the Riviera? Taken the kids to Disney? It’s time to go off piste and discover the hidden gems of France.
France is rightly world-famous for its spectacular cities, gorgeous sandy beaches and iconic landmarks, but some of its most memorable experiences lie off the well-trodden visitor trail. See the country at its most authentic when you seek out France’s hidden gems – from a stunning cathedral city to quiet Atlantic beaches, taking in a lesser-known theme park and oft-neglected Loire château along the way. You’ll find travel off the beaten track in France surprisingly easy too, thanks to fast driving routes and rail networks – and of course, plenty of charming French hotels for accommodation along the way.
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” - Gustave Flaubert, 19th-century French novelist
4 hidden gems to check out in France
Here are our four favourite suggestions for little-known treasures in France.
1. Amiens – a mini-Paris rich in architecture
North of Paris in Picardy, Amiens is a charming, tranquil alternative to the bustle of the City of Light – still rich in history and culture, just without the crowds! First stop must be handsome, UNESCO-listed Amiens Cathedral, renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture. Look out for the swathe of religious statuary adorning the west façade, the marble labyrinth imprinted on the floor and the jewel-like stained glass in the vast interior. Art lovers can visit the Musée de Picardie, one of France’s most beautiful regional museums, which houses collections spanning from antiquity to modern art, while sci-fi fans should stop by the Maison de Jules Verne, an ornate brick-built fantasia of Belle Époque glamour where the author lived between 1882-1900; its period interior contains his study and living quarters. Take a flat-bottomed boat cruise around the floating Hortillonnages gardens, and finally have a wander around the picturesque Saint-Leu district, where colourful fishermen's cottages line the canals.
Top tip: Staying in Amiens also puts you close to the World War I battle memorials along the Somme.
- Direct TER trains run from Paris Gare du Nord, taking approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Amiens is also accessible via the A1 motorway from Paris, connecting to the A16. The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Base yourselves at Mercure Amiens Cathedrale, just a few minutes' walk from the Saint Leu-district, the Hortillonnages gardens and the Maison de Jules Verne.
2. Parc Astérix – a very French theme park
Often overlooked by travellers in the rush to Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix has a distinctly French flavour. Typically open between 10am and 6pm (hours vary seasonally) and focussing on the madcap world of Astérix, Obélix and a cast of druids, Romans and pirates – all beloved of French kids for generations – the park provides unique theming and family-friendly attractions with fewer crowds.
As well as lots of family fun on gentle carousels and a chug around the grounds on a mini-train, there are Gaul-versus-Romans themed stunt shows in the amphitheatre and a dolphin show. The park also packs a punch with its rollercoaster rides like the inverted Oziris – one for the brave – and multi-launch Toutatis, currently the tallest and fastest in France. Every day ends with a spectacular light show, and there are seasonal events including a Christmas market and ice rink in winter.
- Parc Astérix is at Plailly, about 35 km north of Paris. From Paris Gare du Nord, take the RER B train to Aéroport Charles De Gaulle 1 (26 minutes), where there are regular shuttle buses to the park. Look for the “Parc Astérix” bus stop at platform 3. By car, take the A1 motorway towards Lille, then take the theme park's dedicated exit between junctions 7 and 8. Journey time is around 45 minutes.
- Book Mercure Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle, and dine in comfort in the family-friendly bistro after visiting the park.
3. Bayonne – riverfront charm in the Basque Country
A world away from the glitz and the sun-kissed crowds of the Côte d’Azur, ancient, fortified Bayonne sits just inland from the spectacular Atlantic coastline and provides a refreshingly peaceful seaside experience – with a mega-slice of heritage thrown in. Start your exploration of this “City of Art and History” at the splendidly Gothic-style Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, check out the medieval Château-Vieux and stroll the city ramparts before searching out the photogenic half-timbered houses lining the River Nive. Take a deep dive into Basque culture among the displays of crafts, furniture, art and rural memorabilia at the intriguing Musée Basque et de l’Histoire de Bayonne, and browse the quaint shops along Rue Port Neuf for Bayonne ham and artisan chocolate to take home as souvenirs. Time to hit the waves? Anglet's 11 sandy beaches and the fabled surfing spots on Biarritz’s Côte des Basques are a mere 10 minutes down the road.
- Catch direct trains from Paris (4 hours), Toulouse (3.5 hours) and Bordeaux (2 hours).
- A stay at stylish Mercure Bayonne Centre Le Grand Hotel puts you steps away from Bayonne’s ancient heart.
4. Château de l’Islette – the forgotten Loire Valley palace
Ornate, magnificent and unforgettable the châteaux of the Loire may be, but famous edifices like Chenonceau certainly attract the hordes. If you’re after a more tranquil experience at hidden gems in France, Touraine’s Château de l’Islette really comes into its own. Nestled on a tiny islet at a fork in the River Indre, and bookended by two circular towers, this handsome Renaissance-era castle is today privately owned. Visits run between April and November, with highlights incorporating the exquisitely preserved gilded and frescoed décor of the majestic Grande Salle and the family chapel.
L’Islette was once the secret retreat where sculptors Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin conducted their infamous and tempestuous love affair; two bronzes by Claudel are on permanent display here: La Petite Châtelaine and Loveseats. Outside you’ll find an English-style garden and park – perfect for picnics on summer days. You can also go boating on the river, and if you’ve got kids in tow, there are several activities especially for them, from dressing up as medieval knights and princesses to treasure trails and the petting zoo.
Top tip: If you’re visiting under pedal power, L’Islette is located on the “La Loire à Vélo” and “L’Indre à Vélo” cycling routes.
- From Paris Montparnasse, take the direct TGV train to Tours, then the 30-minute regional train to Azay-le-Rideau railway station, only 1 km from L’Islette. By road from Paris, the drive takes around 2.5 hours via the A10 motorway (exit 24). Follow the D751 through Azay-le-Rideau towards Langeais, then it’s the D57 to reach the château’s car park.
- With a serene setting next to Lake Bretonnières, Mercure Tours Sud gives easy access to all the Loire châteaux as well as the region’s vineyards.
FAQs
Are there other underrated cities in France?
Other French hidden gems to visit include historic cities like Metz (Grand-Est), Lyon (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) and Albi in Occitanie.
What are the best off-the-beaten-path regions in France?
Regions like Brittany and Normandy have coastal beauty aplenty, while inland options include the volcanic Auvergne and the beautiful Gorges du Tarn for nature lovers.
Planning to visit more of France’s hidden gems? Check out the untamed beaches of Brittany or the unique ruby-red landscapes of Colorado Provençal.
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