9 Offbeat Towns to Visit in France
As the most visited country in the world, France is the European country that captivates the hearts and minds of millions of tourists seeking to fulfill their lifelong dreams of seeing the Eiffel Tower, walking the vineyards where Champagne is made, and basking in the glamour of Cannes’ glorious beaches. But if you’ve ever been to any of these places, you know that these French landmarks draw huge flocks of tourists, and they now struggle with overtourism. Is it still possible to enjoy La vie en rose and ditch the thorny crowds?
Actually, there’s far more to explore throughout France. From pristine beaches with prime waves for surfing to charming villages with majestic castles, France has plenty of towns beyond the most famous cities that offer plenty for you to see and do. Whether you’re eager to dive into medieval history or you’re set to savor some wildly underrated fine wines, these nine offbeat towns to visit in France are sure to delight all your senses.
Ajaccio
Usually, when we talk of idyllic Mediterranean islands, we turn our attention to islands like Ibiza and Capri. Yet on France’s own island of Corsica, you’ll discover the lovely town of Ajaccio (about 300 kilometers, or 187 miles, south of Nice). Stroll the open sand at Plage de Porticcio and enjoy a leisurely swim in the sea. For a more exciting excursion, try hiking the epic coastal trails and spotting the many native birds (such as yellow-legged gulls and ashen shearwaters) at Les Îles Sanguinaires. And when you really want to head out for the ultimate adventure, head to the Bridal Veil waterfall at Monte d'Oro or hit the trails at Corsica Regional Nature Park and wander the forest of Vizzavona.
Though Corsica may be physically detached from France's mainland, it shares the strong French spirit of crafting its own fine foods and beverages: You’ll find plenty of native honey and homemade cheeses around town, and you can savor some wonderful local wines. Once you’re ready to settle down, check into a cozy stay at Hotel Le Dauphin by the marina, or try Le Dolce Vita for more luxe digs at a prime beachfront location.
Biarritz
The name of Biarritz might sound familiar, but there’s plenty more to this glorious beach town on the Bay of Biscay that’s about 200 kilometers (or 125 miles) southwest of Bordeaux. Since Napoleon III built Villa Eugénie for his spouse, the Spanish-born Empress Eugénie, in 1854, Biarritz has served as the Atlantic coastal playground of the elites. You can still spot much of Biarritz’s regal heritage at landmarks like the Chapelle Impériale that the Empress wanted built (in 1864) in a style that combines Byzantine and Moorish influences. In addition, you can learn more about life under the sea at the Biarritz Aquarium that lets you get close to seven species of sharks and a host of marine mammals, plus you can try a more hands-on experience at the unique Cité de l'Océan.
Speaking of the ocean, the Grande Plage and Miramar Beach near the heart of town offers a long stretch (as in, over a mile) of sand for you to stretch out, wet your feet, and soak up the sun. Meanwhile, north of Pointe St-Martin, the Plage de la Petite Chambre d'Amour offers exhilarating waves for surfing. Once you’re done exploring the coast and the town, you can actually stay at one of Biarritz’s most famous landmarks. The original Villa Eugénie is now the Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, a Hyatt-affiliated luxury hotel that still dazzles with phenomenal ocean views and over-the-top classic grandeur.
Clermont-Ferrand
About 165 kilometers (or 103 miles) west of Lyon, the city of Clermont-Ferrand has a certain explosive quality that you have to see to believe. This city is surrounded by the Chaîne des Puys range of over 80 volcanoes that have erupted for the last 95,000 years, and these dormant volcanoes were named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2018. The Clermont area has nearly 300 kilometers (or about 186 miles) of marked trails that connect the city to Chaîne des Puys and the larger region, and the nearby Allier River is one of Europe’s last wild rivers where you can hop on a kayak and canoe to ride on open water and spot a great variety of native animals (including 400 bird species and nearly 40 fish species).
Back in town, you can stroll your way through history and visit amazing landmarks like the 12th-century Romanesque Notre Dame du Port Basilica cathedral, the Montferrand district that’s also stood here since the 12th century, and the Hôtel Fontfreyde with its iconic spiral staircase that now functions as a photography art gallery. Once it’s time to turn in for the evening, you can experience some local literary history and cozy four-star elegance at the Hôtel Littéraire Alexandre Vialatte in town.
Île Molène
Accessible by ferry from the mainland town of Le Conquet (near Brest) in Brittany, Île Molène is less than a mile long and has no cars or bikes operating. So, why visit Île Molène? In short, this Iroise island is the perfect place to leave behind all the worries of the outside world. Located in the heart of the Parc Naturel Marin d’Iroise, you can spot plenty of marine wildlife in the open sea, including bottlenose dolphins, grey seals, great ringed plovers, and sunfish. Hop on a kayak or canoe to navigate the open waters, or suit up to go scuba diving underwater. You can even take the ferry back to the mainland and surf at Plages des Blancs Sablons.
Back on the island, you can also head to the Musée du Drummond Castle to check out the remains of a British shipwreck from 1896, and you can wander around the island some more to enjoy the local cuisine (including plenty of fresh seafood). And if you’re in the mood to stay and play longer, check into a unique experience at the eco-friendly huts at Les Refuges de Mer.
Semur-en-Auxois
About 252 kilometers (or 157 miles) southeast of Paris in Burgundy, Semur-en-Auxois is a beautifully preserved historic village that sits atop a pink granite bluff. Admire the Gothic grandeur of La Collégiale Notre-Dame Cathedral, originally built in the 13th century and adorned with flying buttresses, gargoyles, and plenty more fascinating design details. Visit La Tour de l'Orle d'Or to see a tower built all the way back in 1274, and head inside for the Society of Science and Natural History’s museum.
Walk around the town some more and keep your eyes out for stone bridges, pious convents, and some 15 private estates built in the 18th century. You can also go to the MuséoParc Alésia to learn more about the archaeological heritage of this town that dates all the way to the ancient Roman era. After a busy day traipsing around town, retreat to the Hotel Relais de la Côte d’Or. Or, for a more high-flying stay, book a treehouse at the Lodges du canal de Bourgogne.
Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey
Take a leisurely 60-90 minute drive (about 58 kilometers, or 36 miles) west of Nice to reach the Provençal mountain town of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey. Not only is the scenic drive itself worth the journey, but you’ll also get to discover La Grotte de la Baume Obscure, a massive limestone cave complex that’s open to visitors every summer. In addition, you might want to visit the Pont Naturel de Ponadieu to reach the wild and refreshing waters of the Siagne River, a collection of eye-catching limestone rock deposits, and the namesake Ponadieu natural arch. And since this town is surrounded by the wide expanses of the Parc Naturel Régional (PNR) des Préalpes d’Azur, you’ll find plenty more hills and backcountry full of hiking and biking trails.
In town, you can discover some more fascinating landmarks, including the Notre Dame de l’Assomption church that was built between the 13th and 17th centuries and additional examples of historic architecture that date back to the Medieval era. When it’s time to settle down, you can stay at the cozy Le Relais Impérial hotel in town, or you can opt for a lodge or villa at the nearby Monts d'Azur Biological Reserve if you want more room to roam.
Gruissan
Located around 108 kilometers (or 65 miles) southwest of Montpellier, Gruissan lets you experience a different side of France’s Mediterranean coast. Sitting atop the village is the Tour Barberousse, the remains of a 10th-century castle that once upon a time guarded the town against seaborne invaders. For even more captivating history, go to the archaeological site of Ile Saint-Martin to learn about Gruissan’s backstory as an ancient Roman port for the prominent and wealthy colony of Narbonne.
When you’re ready to hit the sand, it’s hard to think of a better beach than Plages des Chalets, a beach made famous by the 1986 arthouse film Betty Blue (or 37°2 le matin in French) and one that still racks up honors as one of France’s most beautiful Mediterranean beaches. Just a short drive inland, you’ll find the spectacular salt pans and their signature “pink lakes” that you simply have to see to believe. After making your way around town, feel free to settle down for a pleasant stay at the Sunrise Beach Hotel or the Hotel Le Grand Large by the beach.
Baccarat
Perhaps best known for the fine crystal and glass factory that shares the town’s name, Baccarat continues to celebrate the tradition of fine decorative arts. At the Collection Baccarat Museum in town, you can admire over 600 glass and crystal creations that date as far back as the 18th century, and you can shop the boutique for fancy souvenirs. For more striking design, head to L'Eglise Saint-Remy de Baccarat to admire the modern glass art and fascinating architecture of this church that was fully rebuilt after the original structure was bombed during World War II (in 1944).
As you wander around town, you might find some more chic boutiques selling pretty baubles you’ll want to take home with you. Once you are finally tired of admiring all the beautiful art and artisan goods around town, you can stay in town at Hotel La Renaissance. Or, for more adventurous accommodations, head to Les Cabanes du lac de Pierre-Percée for eco-conscious cabins on a lake in the countryside.
Carry-le-Rouet
Just 30 kilometers (or about 19 miles) west of Marseille, Carry-le-Rouet is a charming Provençal village where pine-filled hills meet the Mediterranean Sea. Though Carry-le-Rouet lacks the international acclaim of certain beach cities east of Marseille (such as Saint-Tropez and Cannes), this town does have gorgeous beaches like Plage du Rouet, a pleasant expanse of golden sand that opens up to a calm corner of the blue sea. For an even better swimming and snorkeling beach, try Plage du Cap Rousset for a sheltered cove that’s part of the Parc Marin de la Côte Bleue (marine preserve). When you crave a more pristine coastal escape, try Calanque des Eaux Salées for some incredible natural scenery where a creek meets the sea—it’s also a great spot for scuba diving and kayaking.
If you seek some adventures on dry land, hit local trails like Romaron, where you can enjoy a wondrous journey through the Marseilleveyre forest and catch views of curious caves and the grand Mount Carpiagne. Or, if you prefer an edible excursion into local gastronomy, hit the local markets (including the summer night market) to taste everything from farm-fresh produce to small-batch tapenades and Brousse goat's cheese. Then, turn in for the night at L’Hotel Bleu for comfortable elegance and a lovely marina and coastal views.
France may be the world’s most visited country, but it’s still possible to ditch the tourist crowds and discover some dazzling hidden gems. From the exceptional artistry of Baccarat to the captivating living history at Semur-en-Auxois, you can find amazing sights and sounds that easily rival those of France’s most famous destinations. Whenever you want to hit the beach, you can take your pick of cool coastal towns like Biarritz and Carry-le-Rouet for epic surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and more. These may be nine offbeat towns to visit in France, yet they’re also towns that hit the mark for their unique charm.
