Smaller crowds, slower pace, and scenery straight out of a storybook.
Paris is dazzling—there’s no denying it. But if you’ve already seen the Eiffel Tower sparkle or simply crave a quieter, more authentic French experience, it’s time to venture beyond the capital.
France is full of charming villages, medieval towns, and coastal gems that offer all the magic—with fewer crowds, better prices, and a deeper connection to local culture.
You don’t have to skip Paris forever—but France’s lesser-known towns offer something the capital can’t: intimacy, authenticity, and the feeling of discovering something truly special.
Here are 9 underrated French towns that deserve a spot on your next itinerary.
Read here Common Mistakes to avoid in France, France Sim Card for Tourists and 28 Things to Know Before Visiting France
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1. Annecy – The “Venice of the Alps”
Why go: Canals, pastel houses, and a stunning lake surrounded by mountains
Region: Haute-Savoie (eastern France)
What to do: Rent a paddleboat on Lake Annecy, wander old town streets, and try raclette or tartiflette.
Instagram-worthy canals minus the tourist mobs.
2. Colmar – A Fairytale Come to Life
Why go: Timber-framed houses, flower-lined canals, and Alsatian charm
Region: Alsace (northeast)
What to do: Sample local wines, cruise the “Little Venice” canal, and visit the Unterlinden Museum.
Colmar looks like it was plucked from a Disney movie set.
3. Cassis – France’s Coastal Secret
Why go: Colorful harbor town near the Calanques cliffs
Region: Provence (southern coast)
What to do: Hike or boat through the Calanques National Park, sip rosé by the sea, and enjoy fresh seafood.
It’s like the French Riviera, but without the Monaco price tag.
4. Beaune – Burgundy’s Wine Capital
Why go: Historic town at the heart of one of France’s top wine regions
Region: Bourgogne (Burgundy)
What to do: Tour vineyards, explore the medieval Hospices de Beaune, and indulge in Burgundy cuisine.
Perfect for wine lovers who want to go beyond Bordeaux.
5. Rocamadour – A Village Clinging to a Cliff
Why go: Dramatically built into a cliffside above a gorge
Region: Occitanie (southwest)
What to do: Visit the sacred sanctuary, admire the views, and hike in the Dordogne Valley.
Equal parts spiritual site and architectural marvel.
6. Uzès – The Best of Southern France Without the Crowds
Why go: Medieval streets, Roman history, and charming markets
Region: Occitanie (near Nîmes)
What to do: Shop at the Saturday market, visit the ancient Duché castle, and stroll the Place aux Herbes.
A hidden gem for fans of Provence—minus the high-season chaos.
7. Dinan – A Medieval Town That Time Forgot
Why go: Stone ramparts, cobblestone lanes, and half-timbered houses
Region: Brittany (northwest)
What to do: Walk the city walls, eat galettes (savory crepes), and enjoy river views from the port.
Like Mont Saint-Michel, but with room to breathe.
8. Menton – The Pearl of the French Riviera
Why go: Italian flair meets French elegance on the Mediterranean coast
Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (near the Italian border)
What to do: Visit lemon gardens, relax on pebbled beaches, and enjoy a quieter alternative to Nice.
The Lemon Festival each February is worth the trip alone.
9. Sarlat-la-Canéda – The Heart of the Dordogne
Why go: Golden-stone buildings, foie gras, and bustling markets
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine (southwest)
What to do: Try duck confit, explore prehistoric caves nearby, and get lost in the old town.
Come for the food, stay for the time-travel vibes.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.