When you say “France,” the first place that people readily choose to visit would be Paris. Next you would think about the beautiful south of France.
Of course, these are must visit destinations but what many travellers don’t know is that there are so many more amazing places to see in France which are lesser known providing a really authentic local experience.
Here are some of the best non-touristy towns and cities to visit in France that you’ve probably never heard of before.
1. Corsica
Corsica is a lesser known island in the Mediterranean, with beautiful ocean, beaches, jungle and scenic coastal towns. Corsica’s eastern coast is a more intimate and less populated area, which is perfect if you want some quiet time. Although it’s closer to Italy, it’s not nearly as crowded. Yet, there are lots of places to check out here, including Castagniccia, Col de Bavella and the valley of Fiumorbu, to name a few.
2. Etretat
Etretat is located in the Haute-Normandie region in the north-western part of France. It’s a farming and tourist town about 32 km northeast of Le Havre. Here, you will find really spectacular tourist attractions like the three arches off the cliffs of Upper Normandy.
3. Châlons-en-Champagne
Châlons-en-Champagne is an hour and a half trip from Paris and easy to get to, which means that there’s no reason you shouldn’t visit. This city is really pretty, with old. buildings and lots of green spaces. If you’re a wine connoisseur, then this is the city for you to visit as it has lots of great vineyards where you can sample the best local wines.
4. Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand is a commune situated in the Auvergne region. This city is famous of its chain of extinct volcanoes which are popular hiking and walking destinations. Other popular attractions in Clermont-Ferrand include large statue of Vercingetorix in the Place de Jaude, the most famous public square, Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, Puy-de-Dome, La Fontaine d’Amboise and Notre-Dame-du-Port, among many others.
5. Ushant/Ouessant
This island is France’s westernmost point, which is off the coast of Brittany. Here, you’ll find six lighthouses that spread across the island. Why so many? This is considered the entrance to the English Channel. Aside from that, this is also the best place to check out shipwrecks.
6. Conques
Conques is one of those must-visit sites for a side trip especially if you’re heading south. For one, Conques is pleasantly quiet since there are no cars allowed here. It’s also home to a Romanesque church and a medieval shrine.
