11 most underrated destinations in France
Vacations in France often mean a weekend jaunt to Paris or a glamorous sunshine holiday in Cannes. However, there’s so much more to the country than the Eiffel Tower and the French Riviera.
Since France lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for international travelers, now could be the perfect time to plan a trip to some of the country's more overlooked and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
From rural wine regions and stunning natural wonders to secret (and not so secret) French islands, these are 11 of the most underrated destinations in France.
Getting there
Getting from the U.S. to France is simple, especially if you’re planning to fly to Paris and rent a car to visit other spots in the country.
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, British Airways and Air France, among others, all fly nonstop between major U.S. cities and Paris at various times per day.
Air France operates nonstop between most major U.S. cities and French hubs such as Lyon, Marseilles, Nice, Lille and Toulouse, in addition to Paris. The airline's Flying Blue redemption rates from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG) start at 22,000 miles for economy and 57,500 miles for business class for one-way flights.
Related: Paris is reopening June 9 – here’s how to fly there for just 45,000 miles round trip
Religion, art and ancient Rome: Arles, Nimes and Avignon
We couldn’t choose just one of these charming towns in southern France, so you might just have to visit all three.
Arles is home to both a Roman amphitheater and Roman theater, among other ruins. In fact, the entire area is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s tourism board also offers a self-guided Van Gogh Walking tour since Arles inspired more than 300 of the artist’s works in the late 19th century.
Nimes also has its fair share of Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. The city also features the Jardins de la Fontaine, a regal green space rumored to be Europe’s first public garden.
Avignon, less than an hour up the Rhone River from Arles, is home to the famous Palais des Papes, the site of the Roman Catholic Papacy in the 14th Century. Families with small children should see the area via the Petite Train, a small train that takes tourists to see Avigon’s sites.
Charming villages: Cévennes National Park
This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located in the south of the country in Lozère is proof that France has so much to offer beyond just the south’s French Riviera.
The national park boasts natural wonders like the Aven Armand limestone cave with massively large stalagmites, and the Gorges Du Tarn, a deep canyon that towers over quaint French villages and the Tarn River.
With numerous hiking trails and walking routes, it’s easy to get a dose of French greenery on foot, but you can also explore the park by car. Make sure to visit the fairy tale village of La Malène, which sits in the shadow of the Gorge.
Other worthwhile stops are Castelbouc, another stunning village built into the Gorge’s rock, and Sainte-Enimie, where you can rent kayaks or canoes and paddle down the river.
Related: 6 off-the-beaten-path places to see in Europe
When art and nature meet: Giverny
Fans of impressionist painter Claude Monet should consider a daytrip from Paris to see the famous gardens of Giverny, which inspired the artist to paint his iconic water lily series. The gardens feature the iconic Japanese bridge, which art lovers may recognize from Monet’s works.
While the village is famous for its gardens, art enthusiasts can also enjoy the Impressionism Museum and the Claude Monet Foundation, as well as private galleries. For a stroll, enjoy many quaint walking paths with country views in Giverny and the nearby town Vernon. They are reachable by train from Paris in less than an hour.
The wild card: Corsica
While you’ve likely heard of Corsica, you may have never considered it for a holiday. Those planning summer jaunts often select the French Riviera, Spain’s southern coast or Italy‘s famed tourist spots like Capri or the Amalfi coast.
However, Corsica is an idyllic island, especially in the shoulder seasons like September and May when it feels delightfully wild and void of tourists.
For scenic views, visit the Calanques de Piana. These iconic red cliffs loom over the Mediterranean Sea and are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Gulf of Porto.
Don’t miss the quaint Genovese-inspired harbor of Bonifacio in the south of the island, or the white sands and green pines of Plage de Saleccia in the north.
Related: Beyond Paris: Choose from these 10 beautiful French islands for your next holiday
Wine and mustard: Jura and Dijon
Jura is one of France’s smallest wine regions, producing the one-of-a-kind, almost nutty-flavored Vin Jaune. The "yellow" wine is actually a white wine that’s closer to sherry than anything else, as it’s aged under a filter of yeast called a voile.
The region’s hilly terrain makes for a perfect vacation. Drive through the verdant, rolling hills and explore the vineyards, which sit at the base of the Jura mountains. It's one of the few wine regions to host a winter wine festival. The La Percée du Vin Jaune is set for celebration in February 2023 in the village of Cramans.
The nearby town of Dijon (yes, home of the mustard) is an ideal base to discover Burgundy’s wines. From there, you can set off on the wine trail called La Route des Grands Crus, which runs through almost 40 different wine villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites and gorgeous, rural French landscape.
If you find the mustard intriguing, visit the Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne, where you can learn more about the history of the town and its famous, delicious condiment.
A far-flung island escape: Île d’Yeu
For a picturesque island escape, head to the Nantes region of France, where you can catch a ferry to Teu from ports such as Fromentine or Saint Gilles Croix de Vie.
If you’re an #AvGeek or you just want to arrive in style, take a helicopter to the island from La-Barre-de-Monts. You can also take air tours and flight lessons over the Ile d’Yeu.
Because it’s the second-farthest island from the French mainland, Ile d’Yeu feels more remote than many of the other French islands, perfect for explorers who want to get away from it all.
Ile d’Yeu has much to offer visitors including sandy beaches, more than 40 cycling routes, quiet fishing villages and ruins of historic forts and old castles. Walkers can take advantage of group walking tours in different areas of the island; they can also explore spots lighthouses, woodlands and one of the most beautiful beach coves on the island, Belle Maison.
Secrets of Alsace: Eguisheim
Colmar gets all the fame, but Eguisheim is another one of Alsace’s German-inspired villages, so try to visit them both. Popular among the French, who’ve voted the village one of the country's most beautiful, Eguisheim is home to medieval courtyards, cobblestone streets and colorful Swiss-German architecture will charm any traveler.
Make sure to head up to the three castle towers on Schlossberg Hill, which overlooks the village. Eguisheim has many small wine bars, tasting rooms and wine caves. The surrounding area offers a number of beautiful domains and vineyards perfect for tours and tastings.
Nature paradise: Lac Bourget and Parc Naturel Régional Du Massif Des Bauges
The glittering coast of St. Tropez isn’t the only spot in France with a beautiful beach. An alternative to the popular Lake Annecy, Lake Bourget is one of France’s deepest and largest lakes. It features an inviting, sandy shoreline with the backdrop of the Jura Mountain range.
When you're not swimming, you can bike or stroll around the lake’s paths. You can also hike up (or drive, if you don't want to break a sweat) to various viewpoints to admire the lake from up above, such as Mont Revard on the east side of the lake.
Just a short drive away from the lake, nature enthusiasts can hike and stroll in the Massif Des Bauges Natural Reserve.
Related: Skip the seaside and visit these European lakes instead
Bottom line
France is full of alluring destinations, from popular hubs like Paris and St. Tropez to tiny villages, far-flung natural wonders and wild islands.
Visitors can (and should) try to see as many as possible. There’s nothing wrong with a holiday in a more popular French destination. However, if you want to sample the best of France’s hidden gems (and some of their lesser-known wines, too), check out some of the areas on this list.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.