What are France's lesser-known tourist destinations?

Nice

Although the Côte d'Azur is no longer a secret, Nice doesn't always get the attention it deserves, especially when compared with prestigious cities such as Cannes or Monaco. Yet this coastal town has a unique charm. Its rich cultural heritage blends perfectly with the bewitching beauty of the Mediterranean. The perfect accommodation in our hotels in Nice offers a great base from which to explore this beautiful French city.

With its picturesque old quarter, Vieux Nice, and the iconic Promenade des Anglais, Nice appeals to all types of travellers. Known for its lively markets, baroque architecture and narrow streets, it's a true paradise for strollers. 

What's more, there's a culinary surprise around every corner. Nice's cuisine, a blend of French and Italian influences, offers some tasty specialities. These include socca, a chickpea-based galette, and pissaladière, an onion tart. 

Colmar

Tucked away in the heart of Alsace, not far from the German border, Colmar is a town that looks straight out of a postcard. Its half-timbered houses, flower-filled canals and cobbled streets make it an idyllic setting for a peaceful getaway. Although Alsace is famous for its Wine Route, Colmar remains relatively unknown compared with more prominent regions such as Burgundy.

Among Colmar's treasures, the Musée Unterlinden is home to the famous Issenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece by Renaissance painter Matthias Grünewald. Grünewald collaborated with sculptor Nikolaus Hagenauer to create this exceptional work. 

The museum also exhibits Melancholyan oil painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder. During the Renaissance melancholy was often seen as a source of artistic inspiration, and this work is a fascinating example.

The Pink Granite Coast in Brittany

In the Côtes-d'Armor, in northern Brittany, lies one of the most beautiful landscapes in France: the Pink Granite Coast. This coastline, with its pink-hued rocks and spectacular sea views, is often overlooked by the general public. tourists international.

However, villages such as Ploumanac'h, voted " favourite village of the French" are well worth a visit. Although Brittany is less popular with foreign visitors, it is popular with the French, who appreciate the region's exceptional natural beauty.

Annecy

Annecy, a true hidden gem, lies on the shores of a crystal-clear lake in the Haute-Savoie region. With its spectacular Alpine setting and pastel-fronted houses, it is nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps". It's an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts: boating on the lake, hiking in the mountains and cycling along picturesque paths are all on the agenda. 

Nearby, the Semnoz mountain offers breathtaking views of the Alps, perfect for a nature break.

Choosing the right destination

Although iconic destinations such as Paris or the Côte d'Azur have their charms, there are many less-frequented towns and villages worth discovering. Gems such as Nice, Annecy, the Côte de Granit Rose or Colmar could well be the perfect choice for your next trip. 

Before taking the plunge, it's a good idea to consult online reviews, read the testimonials of other travellers or watch immersive videos. This helps tourists to form a clear idea of the destination that best suits them. France is full of wonders, and these underestimated destinations are just waiting to be explored.

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Claudia Bernard

Claudia turned her passion for travel into a sustainable lifestyle by becoming a digital nomad. She explores the globe while working remotely, offering practical advice for those who want to combine work and a passion for travel. Discover her tips for finding the best work spots, managing jet lag and living a balanced nomadic life.

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