Hidden France: 5 off-the-beaten-path gems worth a day trip (or more)

Alissa Bratz
Jul 11
3 min read

Narrow cobblestone street in a quiet village with white stone houses, green shutters, and flowering vines, under a clear blue sky.

France off the beaten path - Day trips that delight

If you’ve already seen the Eiffel Tower sparkle and strolled the lavender fields of Provence, you might be ready for something quieter, more personal, and wildly authentic. These 5 hidden gem destinations in France offer a rich sense of place without the crowds—and they’re perfect for a rewarding day trip or a slow travel stop on your next itinerary. Each includes a suggested one-day itinerary with highlights and a lunch stop to help you picture the possibilities for your own off the beaten path day trip adventure in France.

Scenic view of colorful coastal town with beachgoers, a stone tower, and boats docked in the blue sea under a clear sky. Relaxed vibe. — Doronenko, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Collioure (Occitanie)

A colorful Catalan fishing village nestled between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, once beloved by Fauvist painters like Matisse and Derain.

Stone fortress by the sea with yachts and boats in the calm water. Hilltop homes in background. Sunny day, people strolling near the water. — Marek Ślusarczyk

Morning: Stroll the old town’s cobbled lanes, visit the Château Royal (medieval fortress with sea views), and browse local art galleries.
Midday: Walk along the sea promenade to the Notre-Dame-des-Anges, the postcard-perfect church perched by the bay.
Lunch: Enjoy Catalan seafood at Le 5ème Péché, known for its fresh, creative dishes and intimate setting.
Afternoon: Relax at Plage Boramar, then wander through the terraced vineyards producing the region’s sweet Banyuls wines.

Three people walk down a cobblestone street toward a historic stone building with a clock tower. Sky is partly cloudy; plants line the walls. — I, B.navez, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons

Salers (Auvergne)

A stunning medieval village set in the volcanic highlands of Cantal, known for its signature cheese, dramatic landscapes, and old stone houses.

Morning: Explore the historic village center, with lava-stone buildings, turreted homes, and artisan shops. Visit the small Maison du Fromage to learn about Salers cheese.
Midday: Walk up to the Esplanade de Barrouze for panoramic views over the volcanic valleys.
Lunch: Dine at Le P'tit Comptoir, a wine bar and tasting room which celebrates the best of local mountain cuisine. Or treat yourself to a selection from their carefully-curated pairings of local wines and cheeses.
Afternoon: Drive or hike to nearby Puy Mary, a dramatic volcanic peak with scenic lookout points and trails.

Winding road leads to snow-capped mountains under clear blue sky, surrounded by lush green fields and trees, evoking tranquility. — By Pline - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33283048

Charming medieval village with red-roofed buildings and a large church, set in a lush green landscape under a sky with scattered clouds.

Hillside vineyard with lush green rows below a quaint village of stone houses with red-tiled roofs, set against a clear blue sky.

Bronze scallop shell embedded in textured pavement, symbolizing the Camino de Santiago. Sunlight highlights its glowing metal surface.

Vézelay (Burgundy)

A hilltop pilgrimage village on the Chemin de Compostelle, Vézelay abounds with spiritual energy, breathtaking views, and Romanesque architecture—not to mention wine and charm to spare.

Morning: Walk the steep Grand Rue up to the Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a UNESCO-listed site with magnificent sculpture and sacred relics.
Midday: Explore artisan shops and small galleries within the village. Modern art aficionados will enjoy spending time in the Musée Zervos.
Lunch: Grab a table at A La Fortune du Pot, a cozy bistro serving seasonal Burgundian dishes and local wines. Vézelay has its own AOC designation, so you will be spoiled for choice.
Afternoon: Visit a nearby Chablis vineyard for a tasting, or stroll along the countryside trails that connect with ancient pilgrimage routes. Keep an eye out for the bronze scallop shells - markers on the path for pilgrims on the Chemin de Compostelle (Camino de Santiago).

Île de Ré (Charente-Maritime)

This chic yet unpretentious Atlantic island is all about salt flats, bikes, oysters, and French coastal charm—with zero rush.

Tall stone lighthouse with a red top against a cloudy sky. French flag waves in front. Surrounded by green shrubs and a paved path. — Jean-Christophe BENOIST

Morning: Rent a bike in Saint-Martin-de-Ré and cycle through vineyards and salt marshes toward Ars-en-Ré.
Midday: Stop at the Phare des Baleines lighthouse on the western tip for coastal views.
Lunch: Try the oysters and seafood platters at La Cabane du Fier, a rustic-chic shack with a sea breeze and harbor views.
Afternoon: Dip your toes in the Atlantic, wander the markets in La Flotte, or sample local salt caramels.

Charming cobblestone street with colorful half-timbered houses adorned with flowers. Bright, sunny day. People walking in the background.

Stone fountain with statue surrounded by vibrant flowers in a quaint village square with historic pink buildings and cobblestone path. — User:Mschlindwein, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons

Eguisheim (Alsace)

This storybook village winds in concentric circles, wrapped in flower-draped half-timbered houses and surrounded by vineyards.

Morning: Walk the circular ramparts, stopping at the town’s quaint squares, artisan shops, and the pastel-colored Château Saint-Léon.
Midday: Step into a family-run wine cave to taste local Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
Lunch: For a minor splurge, enjoy Alsatian classics alongside more contemporary fare at Le Pavillon Gourmand, an airy restaurant tastefully designed in a historical village house from 1683.
Afternoon: Take a short drive or bike ride through the Alsace Wine Route, with rolling hills and tiny vineyard villages all around.

Close-up of three wine glasses filled with amber liquid, set against a soft-focus, warmly-lit background, creating an elegant mood.

📌 Travel Tip:

These destinations pair perfectly with a slow travel mindset. Instead of checking boxes, linger longer—savor the small details, sip the wine slowly, and follow your curiosity.