6 Hidden Gems to Visit in France
When you think of France, you probably think of Paris. When you think of Paris, you probably think of the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. However, France can offer you so much more than that — it is also famous for its wine and cheese regions, exquisite cuisine, the Mediterranean coast, and French Alps.
If you want to pay France a visit and take one of the many tours organized in the country, click here: https://www.kandooadventures.com/destination-france. Otherwise, if you wish first to discover France from a fresh point of view, this article is for you!
Below, you will find a list of several of the most adventurous travel destinations in France. They range from the Rhone Valley and the Côte d’Azur (known as the French Riviera) to Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, the Alsace region, and the island of Corsica, among others. Continue reading to learn more about must-visit places in France.
The Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
The Côte d’Azur (or simply the French Riviera) is a famous stretch of coast in southeastern France. It is known for its glamorous reputation and has long been the playground of Europe’s rich and famous. However, it does not mean that you need tons of money to make it your tourist destination.
The region offers 115 kilometers (71 miles) of coastline and beaches, with the most prominent cities being Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco. While the Côte d’Azur remains one of the most touristic destinations in France, it offers more than its beautiful beaches, historic villages, and luxury yachts.
There are also many fun things to do there. For example, you can go on a boat trip on the Mediterranean Sea for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. You can also go on hiking trips through Provence to discover its beautiful countryside and visit vineyards to experience wine tasting. If you are visiting during the winter season, you can go skiing at some of the best ski resorts in Europe.
The Rhone Valley
The Rhone Valley is located in southeastern France along the River Rhone. Its capital city is Lyon, which is also France’s third-largest city. The Rhone Valley is home to some of the world’s most famous vineyards and wineries. Also, it is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including hiking and biking.
Other major tourist attractions include the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon, which is one of the largest Roman Catholic basilicas north of the Alps; the Roman ruins of Glanum; and the Colline de Fourvière (Fourvière Hill), which houses the basilica and archaeological museum.
Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is a rocky tidal island located off the coast of Normandy in France. It is located approximately one kilometer (0.6 miles) off the country’s northwestern coast — where the English Channel meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its unusual architecture and history. The tides often isolate the island from mainland France, making it largely self-sufficient. Mont Saint-Michel has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Alsace
Alsace is a region in eastern France located just west of the German border. It became part of France after the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 that ended the Thirty Years’ War. Since then, Alsace has officially been considered part of France. Alsace has a rich history that dates back to ancient times when it was inhabited by Celts and Romans.
In terms of natural attractions, it offers scenic landscapes that include forests, rivers, streams, caves, and waterfalls. It is also a natural habitat for animals such as deers, falcons, wolves, bears, and owls. In terms of cultural attractions, it offers a collection of castles and fortifications from medieval times as well as several historical sites related to World War II.
The French Alps
The French Alps constitute one of the five significant landscapes in France. They are located in southeastern France along the Franco-Italian border and extend into Switzerland and Italy’s Aosta Valley region. In fact, there are parts of the French Alps that belong to all three countries by virtue of their location on the border between them.
The French Alps offer spectacular scenery from all four seasons, from snow-capped peaks during winter to lush green valleys during summer to vibrant red-orange autumn foliage during fall. In terms of fun things to do in the French Alps, visitors can hike up mountains for views from above or enjoy other outdoor activities such as mountain biking and paragliding — all while enjoying stunning scenery!
Corsica
Corsica is an island located near Italy and has been a region of France since 1769 when it was ceded by Genoa to King Louis XV as part of a debt settlement. Today it is one of 18 regions that make up France. Corsica is famous for its rugged landscapes and coastline, as well as its cultural heritage.
There are many things to do in Corsica, including hiking and mountain biking. You can also go on boat trips to explore the island’s coasts and visit its beaches. In addition, you can explore Corsican history and culture through its many historical sites, such as the Bastia Citadel and the Erbalunga Cave. Whatever you decide to do — you are sure to have a good time there.
There are so many things to do in France! While it covers some of the best hidden gems in France, our list is by no means exhaustive. The above destinations are just a small selection that offers a more off-the-beaten-path view of the country.
If you want to discover France in its entirety, it’s best to take a guided tour in order to see both the famous destinations and the hidden gems. Alternatively, you can just go backpacking in search of exciting places on your own.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a fun and memorable time, the options above should definitely be on your list of places to visit in France. Try them out, and you will not regret your decision. Good luck!