'It's Magic': Discover Your Favorite French Getaways Beyond Paris, Cannes, and Nice

Whether you're drawn to stunning coastlines, charming urban landscapes, or top-tier dining establishments around the globe, France has it all.

It comes as no shock that this favored destination among Europeans is also the most-visited country globally and ranks second for British travelers.

Coming in second after Spain The most recent data indicates that approximately 9.2 million British people visit France annually.

Nevertheless, the nation is experiencing the impacts. of overtourism In October 2024, France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati proposed adding an extra fee to entries for high-demand sites For individuals who are not from the EU, this includes visits to attractions like the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, and the Musée d'Orsay.

In 2022, the Calanques National Park close to Marseille, renowned for its stunning scenery, implemented a regulation restricting daily visitors to Sugiton Cove to just 400 individuals. This measure was aimed at enabling the local plant life and wildlife to recuperate.

Therefore, now is the perfect moment to explore beyond the well-trodden path. There's no exclusivity here. , and we're all about sharing ‘hidden gem’ locations that warrant their moment to glow.

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Considering this, we inquired Readers can share their favorite French vacation destinations beyond the usual popular places such as Paris, Cannes, or Nice.

readers have their say

Firstly, Kimberley Beaumont had nothing but high praises for Pyrénées-Orientales. Perched in this region, she was particularly impressed. Mediterranean Coastally positioned, the French Department spans both sides of the south of France and the northeast of Spain.

Kimberley adores this region because it offers the perfect blend of two worlds. With its stunning shores, mountain ranges cloaked in forests, exquisite wines, and rich French Catalan heritage, it also boasts the advantage of having Spain just within reach.

Moreover, if you're someone who loves adventures, she mentions that the area offers easy access to the Pyrénées for winter skiing with just a brief drive.

Spend a holiday like a local: Discover an off-the-beaten-path French village where UK travelers can get flights starting at just £15.

During the peak of summer, when the southern French city of Toulouse is overrun by over five million visitors, the residents discreetly make their way to a neighboring village named Rabastens.

Bathed in sunlight from June through September, when temperatures frequently climb to 30°C, this delightful town embodies your ideal of French countryside living: narrow cobblestone lanes, pastel-pink dwellings, and hidden sandy areas alongside a meandering river.

Read ’s full report on Rabastens here.

For Lynne Sullivan and Jackie Jones, Antibes—a lesser-known coastal retreat situated between Cannes and Nice along the French Riviera—is their top choice. Throughout busy periods, this town usually sees fewer tourists compared to its better-known adjacent cities.

Still, you continue to experience that luxury feeling closely associated with the area around Antibes. Here, you can admire yachts anchored at the Port Vauban harbor, observe stately mansions sprouting along the wooded Cap d'Antibes headland, and experience 16th-century history at Fort Carré, a pentagonal fortress constructed during the Renaissance period upon the command of Henry II, who was the King of France.

Lynne and Jackie also suggest visiting Juan les Pins, which is part of the commune of Antibes.

If you're looking for a taste of the French Riviera, people suggest this is where you should head. The extensive sand shores here come complete with coastal walkways featuring stylish open-air restaurants and shops.

Your top picks for European beaches minus the crowds

Recently, we reached out to you, our readers, to share your favorite European beaches that aren't overrun with tourists. One spot that stood out was Soorts-Hossegor.

Frequently called the surfing hub of Europe due to its consistent waves and strong break points, this French town is equally perfect for those who love nature. With miles of sandy shores, pristine freshwater lakes, and lush green woodlands, you can enjoy activities like swimming, cycling, and trekking during your visit.

Discover our top choices for other fantastic beaches here.

Cristiana Anca and Valerie Kerr have a fondness for Bordeaux, a city located in southwestern France, whereas Paula Allen expresses her preference for anywhere in Picardy, noting that it is a stunning region rich in history.

For Joe James Geoghegan, the hilltop southern town of Carcassonne remains a must-have, whereas Jean Michel Poulain favors the northern region, especially Brittany, which he refers to as 'magical.'

Further up north, Lynne highlights Deauville, a coastal town in the Normandy area of France.

Ever since the 1800s, this place has served as a luxurious getaway spot, featuring golf courses, lavish casinos, a historic 1920s promenade, and a vast expanse of sand along its shoreline.

In the town, quaint wooden structures stand alongside elegant villas from the Belle Époque era—a romantic and prosperous time in French and European history before the outbreak of World War I.

Deauville is also one of the nearest coastal destinations. Paris .

The 'Eastern Paris' is an underappreciated treasure with flights starting at £40.

Adore Paris yet seeking an affordable short getaway? Recently came across rumors about a 'Paris of the East,' an underappreciated city where you can get flights from the UK for as low as £40.

Bucharest features stunning architecture, tree-lined avenues, and upscale cafés reminiscent of Paris but comes with significantly lower costs.

Recently listed at number nine in The Times' compilation of '24 Affordable City Breaks in Europe,' Bucharest, the capital and biggest city of Romania, is enthusiastically attracting visitors. Check out our guide for more details. here.

For those inclined towards more historic holiday destinations, particularly ones with roots tracing back to medieval periods, Jackie adores Biot. Located just a 20-minute drive from Antibes, it offers the possibility of being explored as a day trip if your base is along the coastline.

In another location, Gregory Phua is focused on the southern city of Aix.

For Ani Ta, Rouen, Etretat, and Arras are highlights. In addition to her recommendations from Christine McFall, she also suggests Honfleur, an enchanting medieval and Impressionist town located in the Normandy area.

What activities can you enjoy in Pyrénées-Orientales?

If you're looking for a mix of French and Spanish cultural experiences, Pyrénées-Orientales is the ideal destination for your vacation.

Also referred to as French Catalonia, its main city, Perpignan, is regarded as the largest Catalan urban center following Barcelona. Barcelona Although French is the official language, Catalan is widely used and holds significant influence.

In Perpignan, you can discover the 13th-century Palace of the Kings of Majorca, featuring Gothic architectural style and serving as the former hub of the Kingdom of Mallorca. Majorca.

If you're keen on exploring the King's dining room, grand banqueting halls, regal chambers, and art collections within the palace, guests have the opportunity to join guided tours. The entry fee is €9 (£7.58). Additionally, every first Sunday from October through June, individuals under 25 years old can enter without charge.

South of Pyrénées-Orientales lies Collioure, an ancient fishing village. Notable landmarks here encompass the Château Royal de Collioure, a regal fortress situated right at the water’s edge, providing stunning vistas of the coastline.

For beach enthusiasts, Argelès-sur-Mer is an essential destination. Its location makes it particularly appealing. Mediterranean Head to the coast, let your stress melt away with the sound of the sea, and unwind on the beautiful expanse of sand.

If you're an adrenaline seeker, then the trek up to the Tour de la Massane will surely appeal to you. This 13th-century stone tower stands tall at 800 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking vistas from the summit.

In terms of cuisine, the area stands out as remarkably distinctive. You'll encounter a mix of French and Catalan flavors, featuring recipes that merge these cultural traditions.

People with a penchant for sweets will particularly enjoy this place, owing to beloved desserts such as crème catalana and pa de nàut, a kind of Catalan custard that’s quite popular around here.

What activities can you enjoy in Bordeaux?

When you think of Bordeaux , the initial thought that likely crosses your mind is wine Exactly. The area is well-known for its wine production, so you'll have numerous chances to sample high-quality wines made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Certainly, you can find wine-tasting tours. TripAdvisor recommends the Saint Emilion Wine Tour Tasting Half Day from Bordeaux as one of the top choices. This tour has earned a perfect five-star rating, with costs beginning at £82.29 for each participant.

This excursion will lead you through the vineyards. UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion, These regions are thought to yield some of France’s most exceptional wines. As you journey through the picturesque French landscape from Bordeaux to the historic town of Saint-Émilion, you will have the opportunity to taste local vintages in the cellars and vineyards encountered during your travels.

For the sober-curious Within our group, Bordeaux offers more than just wine. Discover historic landmarks such as the Gothic-style Cathédrale Saint-André, Place de la Bourse, and Porte Cailhau, or unwind with a boat ride along the Garonne River.

The Canelés cruise along the UNESCO route begins at £14.57 per person and takes one hour and fifteen minutes.

The Bordeaux River Festival this year is scheduled to run from June 19 through June 22. This four-day event merges the enjoyment of wine, elements of French culture, gastronomy, and the lively atmosphere of Bordeaux.

Entry to the festival grounds is complimentary. Nevertheless, a Tasting Pass will be required for participating in wine tastings and additional events, which comes at a cost of €23 (£19.36).

What activities can you enjoy in Honfleur?

Discover a distinct aspect of France in Honfleur. This destination is considerably nearer to your doorstep, situated at the point where the Seine River converges with the English Channel.

The historic Vieux Bassin harbor stands out visually with its charming colorful half-timbered buildings and boats, making it perfect for an Instagram-worthy photo as you enjoy your morning coffee—or perhaps an afternoon Aperol—at one of the numerous lively cafés and eateries. This picturesque old harbor was also among the favorite motifs captured by the famous painter Claude Monet.

Starting from the harbor, make your way into the town to discover winding cobblestone alleys and Saint Catherine’s Church, which stands as the biggest remaining timber-built church in France. This structure has stood for five centuries and was constructed using logs sourced from nearby regions.

For those with an artistic bent, the Eugène Boudin Museum showcases pre-impressionist and modern artworks by Norman artists who frequented the area. Admission fees amount to €9 (£7.58).

For those who love good food, Honfleur is all about seafood. According to TripAdvisor, L’Escale stands out as the top choice for seafood dining in the area, and visitor reviews support this claim.

One customer called it "one of the top eateries in Honfleur," whereas another praised it as "a genuine restaurant that isn’t just for tourists."

For only €30 (£25.25), you can savor the Captain’s menu, including delights such as house-made chef’s terrine, Norman oysters, home-cooked fish stew, and a selection of seafood platters, among others.

The place itself is also quite delightful: lush green foliage and purple lilac bushes border the entryway, and full-height glass windows provide patrons with a sight of the quaint historic lanes outside.

Certainly, since you’re in the Normandy region Expect a significant emphasis on Norman dairy products, which include items such as butter, crème fraîche, and rich camembert cheese. Additionally, be sure to sample the renowned apple cider or its distilled version, calvados—a French apple brandy.

Would you like to share a tale?

Reach out via email LifestyleTeam@.co.uk .

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