Looking to explore France off the beaten path? You’re in the right place.
From hilltop towns to coastal retreats, these hidden gems in France will take you far from the crowds and into the country’s most magical corners.
France is so much more than Paris, Provence, and the Riviera. Beyond the iconic landmarks and postcard-perfect towns lies another side of the country — one filled with natural wonders, underrated villages, and quiet corners that feel like your very own secret discovery.
In this guide, I’m taking you on a journey through some of the most overlooked yet unforgettable places in France — charming towns, unique landscapes, and hidden destinations that rarely make it into the guidebooks but absolutely deserve a spot on your travel list.
So whether you’re planning a slow travel adventure or just want to discover the most beautiful hidden villages in France, this guide will take you there.
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Why Visit the Hidden Gems in France?
France is the most visited country in the world – but the magic doesn’t end at the Eiffel Tower or the lavender fields. Some of the country’s most meaningful travel experiences lie far from the crowds, tucked into quiet villages, rugged coastlines, and forgotten corners where life moves at a gentler pace.
These hidden gems in France offer something different: authenticity. Here, you can stroll through markets with no tour buses in sight, stay in family-run inns, and discover landscapes that haven’t changed in centuries. Whether you’re seeking slow travel, meaningful moments with your family, or places that still feel like a secret, this is where you’ll find it.
So if you’re ready to skip the clichés and explore the real France, these destinations are your perfect starting point.
The hidden Gems in the South of France You’ll Want to Discover
Aigues-Mortes – Medieval Walls & Pink Salt Flats in the Heart of the Camargue
ℹ️ Population : 8685 inhabitants. Source INSEE
Nestled deep in the Camargue, the wild wetland region of southern France known for its flamingos, white horses, and salt marshes, Aigues-Mortes is a fortified medieval town that feels like a time capsule. Surrounded by glowing pink salt flats and sweeping marshes, this hidden gem offers a magical blend of history and nature.
Walk the ancient 13th-century ramparts, explore the massive Constance Tower, and treat your family to a sweet fougasse d’Aigues-Mortes as you stroll the cobbled streets. It’s peaceful, unique, and the perfect base for discovering the raw beauty of the Camargue.
👉 Want to dive deeper? Explore one of the most charming hidden gems in France: Aigues-Mortes
📍 Location: Just 20 minutes from Montpellier and Nîmes and close to the Mediterranean coast
✴️ What we love: 13th-century walls, Constance Tower, pink salt marshes, local fougasse
📅 Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for fewer crowds and vivid colors
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Anduze : Gateway to the Cévennes with Steam Trains and Bamboo Forests
ℹ️ Population 3374 inhabitants. Source INSEE
If your family loves nature, adventure, and just a touch of whimsy, Anduze is a must. This small town at the foot of the Cévennes mountains is one of southern France’s most underrated gems, especially for families looking to explore off the beaten track.
Hop aboard the steam train of the Cévennes—a hit with kids of all ages—and ride through lush valleys all the way to Saint-Jean-du-Gard. Then wander the incredible Bambouseraie, a magical bamboo forest and exotic garden unlike anything else in France.
The town itself charms with stone houses, artisan shops, and weekly markets nestled between the river and the cliffs.
👉 Ready for a full adventure? Plan your trip to this off-the-beaten-path village in the Cévennes: Anduze
📍 Location: At the foothills of the Cévennes, 1 hour from Montpellier
✴️ What we love: Steam train rides, bamboo forest (Bambouseraie), artisan markets, family-friendly nature
📅 Best time to visit: Spring and early autumn — perfect for outdoor adventures without the summer heat
Belcastel : A Storybook Village in the Aveyron Valley
ℹ️ Population : 191 inhabitants. Source INSEE
Perched on the banks of the Aveyron River, Belcastel is the kind of village that feels like it’s been pulled from the pages of a medieval fairytale. Stone houses cascade down a green hillside, all leading to a stunning 15th-century castle overlooking an ancient stone bridge and peaceful riverbanks.
This hidden gem in southwestern France is ideal for a calm family stop: kids can skip stones in the river, explore the cobbled alleys, and climb up to the Château de Belcastel for incredible views. With no crowds and nothing but nature and charm, it’s a perfect place to slow down and savor rural France.
📍 Location: In the Aveyron department, about 2 hours northeast of Toulouse
✨ What we love: 15th-century castle, riverside walks, peaceful atmosphere, medieval bridge
📅 Best time to visit: May to October for warm days and quiet charm
Bormes-les-Mimosas : Blooms, Views & Provençal Elegance by the Sea
ℹ️ Population : 8173 inhabitants. Source INSEE
Perched above the Mediterranean with panoramic views and sun-drenched lanes, Bormes-les-Mimosas is one of the most colorful surprises on the French Riviera.
Draped in bougainvillea, mimosa trees, and fragrant gardens, this medieval hilltop village offers a refreshing alternative to the glitz of nearby coastal towns.
Families can wander through flowery stone alleys, visit the ruins of a feudal castle, and explore nearby sandy beaches without the usual crowds.
It’s the perfect hidden gem in southern France for those seeking sun, authenticity, and timeless Provençal charm.
📍 Location: Var department, French Riviera — just 10 minutes from Le Lavandou and 40 minutes from Saint-Tropez
✨ What we love: Mimosa and bougainvillea-covered lanes, castle ruins, beach proximity, peaceful Riviera vibes
📅 Best time to visit: February (mimosa season) or late spring for flowers in full bloom and fewer tourists
Gaillac : Vineyards, Villages & Family Charm in the Tarn Valley
ℹ️ Population : 15 663 inhabitants. Source INSEE
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Tarn Valley, Gaillac is one of France’s oldest and most authentic wine towns—and a true hidden gem for families looking to experience local culture without the crowds.
Surrounded by vineyards and medieval villages, Gaillac offers the perfect mix of wine heritage for the grown-ups and gentle countryside adventures for the kids.
Explore local markets, take a walk along the Tarn River, or visit nearby castles like Château de Mauriac. The laid-back pace and friendly atmosphere make it easy to unwind.
📍 Location: Tarn Valley, 45 minutes from Toulouse
✨ What we love: Vineyards, medieval squares, local markets, riverside walks, nearby castles
📅 Best time to visit: September during the wine harvest, or spring for blooming countryside
Gruissan : Salt, Sea Breezes & Southern Soul
ℹ️ Population 5215 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
Tucked between the Mediterranean Sea and the pink salt lagoons of Occitanie, Gruissan is a colorful fishing village with big character—and one of those hidden gems in France that still feels untouched by mass tourism.
With its pastel houses, circular medieval core, and panoramic views from the Tour Barberousse, it’s a place where you can slow down and soak in the spirit of the authentic south.
Kids will love running barefoot on the wild beaches, exploring the salt flats, or climbing the tower ruins. Meanwhile, parents can unwind with fresh oysters, rosé, and long seaside lunches under the southern sun. Fewer crowds, more charm—Gruissan offers a truly local coastal escape.
👉 Are you planning your trip? Discover an authentic coastal gem in southern France: Gruissan travel guide
📍 Location: On the coast of Occitanie, near Narbonne
✨ What we love: Tour Barberousse, salt flats, wild beaches, seafood, pastel houses
📅 Best time to visit: Late spring or early autumn for warm weather and fewer crowds
La Couvertoirade : A Templar Village Frozen in Time
ℹ️ Population 193 inhabitants. Source INSEE
If you’re seeking a destination that’s truly off the beaten path in France, La Couvertoirade is pure magic. Hidden away on the windswept limestone plateau of the Larzac in southern France, this fortified medieval village—once controlled by the Knights Templar—feels untouched by time.
Step inside its thick stone walls and you’ll wander cobbled lanes, explore well-preserved towers, and browse tiny artisan shops that make the town feel like a living museum.
The setting is dramatic, the atmosphere serene, and the sense of history is tangible—perfect for families craving a unique, educational stop far from the tourist trail.
👉Intrigued? Uncover a medieval hidden treasure in southern France: La Couvertoirade guide
📍 Location: On the Larzac plateau, 1h from Montpellier
✴️ What we love: Templar fortress walls, cobbled streets, local crafts, storybook silence
📅 Best time to visit: Late spring or September, when the light is golden and the crowds are few
Moissac : Cloisters, Canal Boats & Timeless Charm
ℹ️ Population : 14074 inhabitants. Source INSEE
Set along the peaceful banks of the Canal de Garonne, Moissac is a harmonious blend of living history and slow travel. Known for its Romanesque Abbey of Saint-Pierre and breathtaking cloister—one of the finest in France—this former pilgrimage stop on the Camino de Santiago offers a tranquil setting that’s perfect for families seeking culture and calm in equal measure.
Beyond its architectural treasures, Moissac invites you to bike along the canal, stroll its quiet riverside paths, and savor local cherries and wines under the southern sun. It’s one of those rare places that makes you want to slow down—and stay just a little longer.
👉 Feel like escaping the noise? Experience slow travel in France in our full guide to Moissac’s riverside charm
📍 Location: Tarn-et-Garonne, 1 hour north of Toulouse
✴️ What we love: Romanesque cloister, canal-side walks, cycling, cherries and local wine
📅 Best time to visit: Late spring during cherry season or September for vineyard harvests
Mourèze : Surreal Landscapes and Quiet Escapes
ℹ️ Population : 172 inhabitants. Source INSEE
Looking for one of the most unexpected natural wonders in France? You’ll find it tucked away in the heart of Hérault, near Lake Salagou, in the otherworldly village of Mourèze.
This tiny hamlet is wrapped in the dramatic Cirque de Mourèze—a limestone labyrinth of surreal rock formations that feels more like a fantasy film set than a sleepy corner of southern France.
Families can enjoy easy hiking trails through the natural amphitheatre, picnic with panoramic views, and explore the peaceful village below, with its stone houses, sleepy cafés, and authentic Occitan charm. It’s quiet, wild, and utterly captivating.
👉 Planning your trip? Explore one of the most unexpected natural wonders in France: Mourèze
📍 Location: Hérault, near Lake Salagou, 1 hour from Montpellier
✴️ What we love: Cirque de Mourèze rock formations, nature trails, village calm, picnic views
📅 Best time to visit: Spring or early autumn for mild weather and clear skies
Sauve : Artistic Vibes in a Secret Cévennes Village
ℹ️ Population 1915 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
Tucked between forested hills and limestone cliffs at the edge of the Cévennes, Sauve is one of those hidden gems in France that surprises at every turn.
With its arched medieval bridges, artisan workshops, and vine-draped alleyways, the village has a soulful, slightly bohemian feel that families absolutely love.
It’s the kind of place where you can sip local wine in a shaded square while the kids explore the old stone washhouse or follow winding trails into the garrigue. Authentic, peaceful, and just quirky enough to feel truly special.
👉 Want to find out all about it? Discover this artistic hidden gem in the Cévennes: Sauve travel guide
📍 Location: Gard department, 45 minutes from Nîmes and Montpellier
✴️ What we love: Artisan shops, medieval bridges, garrigue trails, La Mer des Rochers, laid-back artistic vibe
📅 Best time to visit: Spring or fall for milder weather and vibrant local life
💡 Looking for more hidden gems in France beyond the usual tourist trail? Keep reading for even more breathtaking spots—each one handpicked for its authenticity, charm, and quiet magic.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer : Wild Horses, Legends & Camargue Spirit
ℹ️ Population 2145 inhabitants. Source INSEE
If you’re dreaming of an adventure truly off the beaten path, head straight to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the soulful capital of the Camargue. Surrounded by shimmering wetlands, pink salt flats, and windswept beaches, this seaside village is the beating heart of southern French tradition—home to white horses, black bulls, and the gardians who ride among them.
Kids will love spotting flamingos in the wild, watching horseback herders in action, or joining a pony ride through the marshes. Parents can soak up the local folklore, climb the fortified church, or enjoy a seafood lunch with a sea breeze and Mediterranean views.
👉 Ready to explore this untamed corner of France? Step into the wild heart of the Camargue with our guide to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
📍 Location: Camargue, southern coast of France, 1h from Nîmes
✴️ What we love: Flamingos, wild horses, gardians on horseback, marsh trails, local legends
📅 Best time to visit: May or September — for festivals, nature, and fewer crowds
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie : A Cliffside Treasure Above the Lot River
ℹ️ Population 204 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
Dramatically perched on a cliff high above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie looks like something out of a medieval painting—and feels just as magical in real life. With its stone houses, flower-filled lanes, and panoramic views of the valley below, it’s no wonder it’s often ranked among the most beautiful villages in France.
While it’s a bit more well-known than others on this list, it still offers a sense of serenity—especially in the early morning or shoulder seasons. Families will love wandering its cobbled streets, walking scenic river trails, and enjoying slow lunches on sun-drenched terraces.
📍 Location: Lot department, 45 minutes from Cahors
✴️ What we love: Cliffside views, medieval architecture, flowered alleys, riverside trails
📅 Best time to visit: April–June or September–October for fewer crowds and mild weather
📍 Location: Lot department, 45 minutes from Cahors
✴️ What we love: Cliffside views, medieval architecture, flowered alleys, riverside trails
📅 Best time to visit: April–June or September–October for fewer crowds and mild weather
Sommières : Roman Stones and Riverside Strolls
ℹ Population 5109 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
Set along the Vidourle River, between Nîmes and Montpellier, Sommières is a lively little town full of surprises. Its ancient Roman bridge, cobbled medieval streets, and colorful Saturday market make it the kind of place where families can explore at a slow pace while soaking in southern charm and everyday life.
Kids love crossing the old bridge, playing by the riverside, or enjoying an ice cream in a shaded square, while parents will appreciate the lively cafés, local wine, and historical atmosphere. It’s an ideal stop on a southern France road trip—authentic, laid-back, and full of character.
👉 Organizing your trip? Visit a riverside hidden gem in southern France: Sommières family guide
📍 Location: Gard department, 30 minutes from both Nîmes and Montpellier
✴️ What we love: Roman bridge, Saturday market, riverside cafés, family-friendly charm
📅 Best time to visit: Spring and summer weekends, especially for the local market and festivals
Hidden Gems in France: Central Regions You Shouldn’t Miss
Beynac-et-Cazenac : A Hilltop Fortress and Timeless Dordogne Beauty
ℹ️ Population 447 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
Perched dramatically above the winding Dordogne River, Beynac-et-Cazenac is one of those hidden gems in France that stops you in your tracks. With its honey-colored stone houses cascading down the hillside and a towering medieval fortress looming above, the village feels like it was plucked from the pages of a fairytale.
Families can explore the Château de Beynac, one of the best-preserved castles in the region, and imagine knights and battles from centuries past.
The views from the ramparts are breathtaking, stretching across the river valley and neighboring villages. You can also take a traditional flat-bottomed boat ride (gabarre) for a peaceful perspective from the water.
Despite its cinematic beauty—it’s been the backdrop for films like Joan of Arc and Chocolat—Beynac maintains an air of tranquility and authenticity that makes it perfect for slow, meaningful travel.
📍 Location: Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine — near Sarlat-la-Canéda
✴️ Don’t miss: Hilltop château, panoramic views, gabarre boat rides, golden stone streets
📅 Best time to visit: May–June or September for mild weather and fewer crowds
Le Puy-en-Velay : Volcanic Peaks, Pilgrims, and Unforgettable Views
ℹ️ Population 18 629 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
Rising from the volcanic landscape of south-central France, Le Puy-en-Velay is a place that feels almost otherworldly. Surrounded by dramatic basalt peaks and crowned by statues and chapels perched high on rocky spires, this town is a visual masterpiece—and truly a hidden gem in France.
Famous as a starting point of the Camino de Santiago, Le Puy offers far more than a pilgrim’s stop. Families will love wandering the medieval old town, climbing the 268 steps to the Chapel of Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe (built atop a needle-shaped volcanic plug!), and taking in sweeping views from the Notre-Dame de France statue that watches over the town.
The town’s lace-making heritage, its rich Romanesque architecture, and its one-of-a-kind geography make it unlike anywhere else in the country. It’s a destination that surprises, inspires, and lingers in your memory long after you’ve left.
📍 Location: Haute-Loire, Auvergne region — south-central France
✴️ What we love: Volcanic spires, pilgrim routes, Saint-Michel chapel, panoramic views, lace heritage
📅 Best time to visit: May–September for clear skies and local festivals
Saint-Martin-de-Ré : Island Elegance Behind Stone Walls
ℹ️ Population 2263 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
Tucked away on the Île de Ré, off France’s Atlantic coast, Saint-Martin-de-Ré is the kind of place that quietly wins your heart. Encircled by 17th-century Vauban fortifications and filled with whitewashed houses and pastel shutters, it’s a serene blend of maritime charm and understated sophistication—a true hidden gem in France.
Families will find endless delight here: kids can bike the flat, flower-lined paths that stretch along the coast, while parents soak in the gentle rhythm of island life, browsing markets or enjoying oysters with a sea breeze.
The harbor is lively but never overwhelming, and the sunsets over the stone ramparts are pure magic.
With its car-free atmosphere, natural beauty, and chic but relaxed vibe, Saint-Martin-de-Ré is the kind of place you come for a day and end up staying for a week. It’s French island life, effortlessly elegant and refreshingly down to earth.
📍 Location: Île de Ré, Atlantic coast, near La Rochelle
✴️ What we love: Vauban fortifications, oyster markets, bike paths, pastel shutters, relaxed island vibe
📅 Best time to visit: Late spring or early fall for warm days and fewer tourists
Hidden Gems in Northern France for Your Next Trip
Eguisheim : Storybook Beauty in the Vineyards of Alsace
ℹ️ Population 1735 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
With its perfectly circular layout, brightly painted half-timbered houses, and cascading window boxes, Eguisheim looks like it was sketched straight from a fairytale. Nestled among the vineyards of Alsace, this village is one of the most photogenic—and peaceful—hidden gems in northern France.
Families can wander the flower-filled cobblestone lanes, meet local artisans, and stop for a slice of kougelhopf or a glass of Alsatian grape juice. The village’s circular path makes it especially fun and manageable for kids, and the surrounding vineyards and castles offer gentle hikes with panoramic views.
Despite its postcard-perfect charm, Eguisheim feels authentic and welcoming, especially outside of peak season. It’s a place where history, tradition, and slow living blend effortlessly—an ideal base for exploring Alsace while staying away from the busier towns.
📍 Location: Alsace region, 15 minutes from Colmar
✴️ Top highlights: Half-timbered houses, floral alleys, circular layout, kougelhopf, vineyard walks
📅 Best time to visit: Late spring or September–October for fall colors and wine season
Gerberoy : Roses, Ruins & Quiet Beauty in Picardy
ℹ️ Population 86 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
Tucked into the green countryside of Picardy, Gerberoy is the kind of village that feels like a secret. With fewer than 100 residents and no rush to speak of, it’s one of the most peaceful hidden gems in northern France, and a perfect detour for families seeking quiet charm and storybook scenery.
The cobbled lanes are lined with rose-covered cottages and pastel shutters, each corner more photogenic than the last.
In spring and summer, the village bursts into bloom, and kids will love roaming the flower-filled streets and climbing to the old castle ruins with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
There are no big museums or loud attractions here—just timeless beauty, local artisans, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and breathe. Gerberoy is simple, elegant, and utterly unforgettable.
📍 Location: Oise department, Picardy region — about 2 hours from Paris
✴️ Why it’s special: Rose-filled lanes, old castle ruins, artisan charm, no crowds
📅 Best time to visit: May to July for peak blooms and warm, quiet days
Plougrescant : Rugged Coastlines and Raw Beauty in Brittany
ℹ️ Population 1198 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
At the edge of Brittany’s northern coast, where the land crumbles into the sea, you’ll find Plougrescant—a dramatic corner of France that’s as wild as it is wonderful. Famous for its jagged cliffs, turquoise waters, and the iconic house wedged between two giant rocks (Castel Meur), this tiny village is one of the most striking natural wonders in France.
Families can walk the windswept Pointe du Château, watch waves crash against sculpted rock formations, and explore quiet beaches with tide pools perfect for curious little explorers. The landscapes here feel untouched, raw, and absolutely unforgettable.
There’s a sense of adventure in the salty air, and while the town itself is small, its surroundings deliver big on beauty. For travelers seeking nature, authenticity, and a break from the ordinary, Plougrescant is pure magic.
📍 Location: Côtes-d’Armor, Brittany — 30 minutes from Lannion
✴️ What we love: Castel Meur, Pointe du Château, wild beaches, tide pools, coastal hikes
📅 Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for clear skies and dramatic light
Riquewihr : Alsatian Charm Wrapped in Medieval Walls
ℹ️ Population 1004 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
Surrounded by vineyards and hugged by ancient ramparts, Riquewihr is a jewel of Alsace that feels like a fairy tale brought to life. With its colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and flower-filled balconies, this village is one of those hidden gems in France that makes you stop and say wow—every few steps.
Despite its undeniable beauty, Riquewihr remains wonderfully walkable and welcoming. Families can explore the old towers, taste traditional Alsatian treats like bretzels and flammekueche, or simply wander the main street, soaking in centuries of history and local pride.
Come autumn, the vineyards turn gold; in winter, the Christmas market glows. But no matter the season, Riquewihr delivers charm, culture, and a quiet kind of magic that lingers long after your visit ends.
📍 Location: Alsace region, 15 minutes from Colmar
✴️ What we love: Half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, seasonal charm, Alsatian food traditions
📅 Best time to visit: Autumn for golden vineyards or December for the Christmas market
Discover France’s Hidden Gems on This Interactive Map
Curious to see where all these hidden gems in France are located? From cliffside villages and medieval fortresses to coastal treasures and wild natural wonders, we’ve gathered them all on this interactive map.
Whether you’re planning a future road trip or just dreaming of quiet corners away from the tourist trail, this is your go-to visual guide to discover the most authentic, family-friendly destinations across the country.
Final Thoughts: France’s Hidden Side is Waiting for You
From wild coastal cliffs to flower-filled medieval lanes, France is full of beauty that lies just beyond the obvious. These hidden gems in France invite you to slow down, explore deeper, and connect with places where tradition and nature still guide the rhythm of daily life.
Whether you’re planning your next holiday with kids, dreaming of a road trip through the countryside, or simply craving destinations that feel off the beaten path France, these 20 villages are a perfect place to start.
📌 Save this guide, share it with a fellow traveler, and let your next adventure in France take you somewhere truly unforgettable.
🌿 What’s your favorite hidden gem in France? Have you visited a small French town that completely surprised you? Share it in the comments—we’re always looking for the next secret spot to feature!
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Dear reader,
This article has been written by me, Diego. Who has lived in France for many years and traveled this beautiful country for many more! And is inspired by his own and his family’s experiences and tastes.
I love to spread the word about France’s charming villages and all there is to do around here and I know that many times organizing a trip can be complicated. That’s why, through my guides, I try to inspire you and help you in your planning.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and, above all, that it has been useful.
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