Top 7 Offbeat Places to Visit in France

France is known to have some of the greatest attractions in its history; the Eiffel tower, the Louvre, the romantic Parisian boulevards among others are all these attractions that have been overly explored already but there are other sides to France, which are authentic and waiting to be uncovered. It is a place of medieval towns telling tales of olden times, of pastel-colored villages cloned to cliffsides and life having slowed to the extent that you might as well enjoy a glass of wine on a golden sunset.

Exploring the offbeat destinations in France is like unlocking a backdoor into the history of the country, or more precisely, a history of art, history and stunning natural sceneries. These are also minor gems that provide the travelers with more insight into French culture, once they are out of the crowds. Through secret alpine lakes, and ochre-colored hills, to peaceful harbors, and artisan hamlets, all these places will make you fall in love with France once more – but on your own terms.

There are seven quirky destinations that you cannot afford to miss in France, you can never forget.

1. Annecy 

Located at the base of the French Alps, Annecy is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the Alps due to its beautiful canals and pastel-colored houses that are reflected on the blue waters of lake Annecy. The fairytale nature of the town is hard to deny as flower-covered bridges run over calm canals and paved streets lead to warm cafes with hot chocolate and fresh baked goods.

Tour the Chateau d’Annecy, an ancient castle that was used as the home of the Counts of Geneva, and it has currently been transformed into a museum of local art and the history of the Alps. Next, walk through the Old Town (Vieille Ville), where the market stalls are colorful, carrying local cheese and handmade crafts and lavender-scented soaps.

To those who want adventures, Annecy can also serve as a port of entry to outdoor adventures, be it paddleboarding the lake or even paragliding across the mountains around it. Go out at nightfall and walk the lakefront promontory, and watch the mountains in the distance turn to violet and the lights reflected in the water make an experience to remember, an experience that is quite romantic.

2. Roussillon

Squeezed in the very core of Provence, Roussillon beguiles you with its bright red, orange and gold shades. The village is constructed on one of the largest sources of ochre in the world and the buildings and cliffs of the village have their distinctive burning colors. Strolling in Roussillon is like entering the palette of an artist where each turn is colored.

Traverse the Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail) a picturesque walk through the old ochre mines that have long ago been transformed into a glowing earth desert with green pine forests. The village proper consists of a tangle of small streets, all of which lead to delightful cafes, art galleries, boutiques full of exquisite pottery and fine Provencal fabrics.

Roussillon is also the dream of photographers, particularly during the golden hour when the sun sets ablaze with the great tones on the cliffs. Combine your trip with a local wine tasting in the local vineyards and you will have a classic experience of the Provencal that is at once both relaxing and in the world.

3. Colmar

When you ever fancied you could walk into a story book, Colmar in the Alsace country is the place where your dream will come true. The most charming towns in France are half-timbered Colmar with its flower-covered balconies and canals winding about it. Its fusion of French and German cultures makes it unique, which is experienced in all aspects including its food and buildings.

Start off in Little Venice (La Petite Venise) where pastel houses circle around canals, decorated with gondola-style boats ferrying people up and down under bridges made of stone. Go to the Musee Unterlinden where there is the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, a great masterpiece of the Renaissance period.

Colmar is also a place of rich cuisine: taste the local dish tarte flambee or have a glass of cold Alsatian Riesling at a river terrace. During Christmas the town becomes one of the most enchanted holiday sites in Europe with twinkling lights, mulled wine, festive markets, filling every street in the town with warmth and wonder.

4. La Rochelle

La Rochelle is an ancient port city of the western coast of France which combines the old world and the coastal flair. La Rochelle, once a great seaport, still retains traces of its maritime glories in its towered towers, the Tour de la Lanterne, Tour Saint-Nicolas, and Tour de la Chaine, which command the former seaport.

Take a walk in the Vieux Port (Old Port), where the sailboats are idly floating in the marina and restaurants are offering fresh oysters and mussels. The Musee Maritime provides an interesting insight into the maritime history of the city, and the nearby Aquarium La Rochelle is considered to be one of the best in Europe.

It is only a short ride by ferry to the beautiful island of Ile de Re, which boasts of whitewashed cottages, salt marshes and picturesque cycling paths. La Rochelle is the ideal mixture of the historical, the sea air, and the modern touch of a seaside vacation where one feels at home.

5. Dinan

Dinan, a medieval town with one of the best preserves, is located on a hill overlooking the River Rance in Brittany. Its paving streets, timber-framed houses and old ramparts give the impression that time has never changed centuries ago. One can walk through Dinan and feel as though they have entered a museum.

Begin with the Chateau de Dinan, a medieval castle that gives an account of kings and knights. Then go along the Rue du Jerzual, a narrow street, ascending and descending, hung with artisan work-shops and galleries. It is also a place where you can access the riverbank where there are stone bridges and silent cafes, all good places to have a rest and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

Medieval fairs and festivals are also held in Dinan all year round, with costumed performers, traditional music, and historical recreations that make the middle ages come alive.

6. Lourmarin

Lourmarin is a picture-perfect village in the Luberon Valley, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, having a reputation as an artistic village, nothing fast-paced. Proclaimed as one of the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), Lourmarin impresses the visitors with its narrow cobbled streets, bustling markets, and sun terraces.

The center of it is the Chateau de Lourmarin which is a Renaissance masterpiece that even inspired a writer who is buried here, Albert Camus. Take a walk along the village market in the morning of Fridays when local sellers offer lavender, olive oil, cheese, and carved jewelry.

To have a romantic meal, eat outdoors in one of the numerous cafes that are covered with plane trees, and the scent of rosemary and thyme lingers in the air. The countryside surrounding the area is also scenic with walking trails and wine tasting – a genuine demonstration of Provencal life at its best.

7. Giverny

Giverny is a peaceful village only an hour away from Paris, the birthplace of the renowned Impressionist artist Claude Monet. Totally it might not be a secret, but Givernym is one of the most serene and most magical retreats in northern France.

But the greatest thing of it all is Monet House and Gardens which was the home of the artist in his later life of more than 40 years. Walk through the colorful gardens that formed the basis of several of his most renowned paintings – the Water Lilies to the Japanese Bridge. All the flowers, reflections, and waves of light appear to bear the hint of Monet brushstroke.

Other than the gardens, Giverny is a wonderful place because of its easy rhythm, the art galleries, tea rooms and winding lanes which overlook the river Seine. Go in spring or early summer when the gardens are in blossom and the village itself seems like a living canvas being painted in every conceivable color.

Rediscover the Soul of France

These lesser-known attractions are in addition to the Parisian lamps and Riviera glitz, which show the more heartfelt aspects of France. Every town has its own story – a story of tradition, art and eternal beauty, it provides the experiences that are just so personal and so French.

You can enjoy wine in Lourmarin or you can enjoy ochre cliffs in Roussillon, or you can glide through the canals of Annecy: these are your secrets, these are your secrets; you can go on holiday in France, not as a tourist, but as a dreamer – a moment at a time.