3 days ago
Your favourite French holiday spots that aren't Paris, Cannes or Nice
Head off the beaten path this summer to one of our lesser-known French favourites (Picture: Getty Images)
From glamorous beaches, to beautiful cities and the world's best restaurants, France has it all.
It's no surprise then, that the European favourite is the most visited country in the world, and the second most popular for British travellers.
Coming in second after Spain, latest figures show an estimated 9.2 million Brits flock to France every year.
However, the country is feeling the effects of overtourism. In October 2024, Rachida Dati, France's culture minister, suggested placing a surcharge on tickets to popular attractions for non-EU nationals, including the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, and the Musée d'Orsay.
And in 2022, the Calanques National Park near Marseilles, which is known for its picturesque beauty, introduced a policy limiting visitor numbers to 400 per day at Sugiton Cove to allow the flora and fauna in the area to recover.
So, there's never been a better time to venture off the beaten track. There's no gate keeping at Metro, and we're all about sharing 'hidden gem' locations that deserve their time to shine.
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With that in mind, we asked Metro readers to share their favourite French holiday spots that the typical hotspots like Paris, Cannes or Nice.
Pyrénées-Orientales is a unique blend of French and Catalan culture (Picture: Getty Images)
Metro readers have their say
First up, Kimberley Beaumont couldn't give enough praise to Pyrénées-Orientales. Sitting on the Mediterranean coast, the French Department straddles the south of France and the northeast of Spain.
Kimberley loves this part of the country because it gives her the best of both worlds. From beautiful beaches, forest-covered mountains, amazing wine, and French Catalan culture, it has the added bonus of Spain being 'right on your doorstep.'
Plus, if you're an adventure-seeker, she says the region is a short drive into the Pyrénées for winter skiing.
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In the height of summer, when the southern French city of Toulouse is mobbed by more than five million tourists, locals quietly slip away to a nearby village called Rabastens.
Drenched in sunshine from June to September, with temperatures often reaching 30°C, this charming town is everything you imagine rural France to be: cobblestone streets, dusty pink houses and secluded sandbanks along a flowing river.
Read Metro's full report on Rabastens here.
For Lynne Sullivan and Jackie Jones, Antibes – an overlooked resort town between Cannes and Nice on the French Riviera – is the place to go. During peak seasons, the town is generally less crowded than its more famous neighbours.
However, you still get that luxury feeling synonymous with the region in Antibes. You can marvel at yachts moored at the Port Vauban marina, gaze at grand villas mushrooming along the forested Cap d'Antibes peninsula, and soak up 16th-century history at Fort Carré, a star-shaped fort built in the Renaissance under the orders of Henri II, the King of France.
Lynne and Jackie also recommend Juan Les Pins in the commune of Antibes.
For those wanting a French Riviera beach experience, they say this is the place to go. Long sandy beaches are lined with seafront promenades that host chic al fresco eateries and boutiques.
Your favourite European beaches without the tourists
Metro recently asked you, our readers, to share your favourite European beaches that aren't swamped with tourists. One location that made an impression was Soorts-Hossegor.
Often referred to as the surf capital of Europe, thanks to its reliable swells and powerful breaks, the French commune is also ideal for nature lovers. From endless golden sand beaches, crystal clear lakes, and verdant forests, spend your time swimming, biking and hiking.
Find out our other best beach picks here.
Cristiana Anca and Valerie Kerr love Bordeaux, a city in southwestern France, while Paula Allen says: 'Anywhere in Picardy. It's such a beautiful area with so much history.'
For Joe James Geoghegan, the hilltop southern town of Carcassonne is a non-negotiable, as Jean Michel Poulain roots for the north, particularly Brittany. He describes the area as 'magic.'
Even further north, Lynne spotlights Deauville, a seaside resort town in France's Normandy region.
Since the 1800s, it's been an upscale vacay destination, complete with golf courses, grand casinos, a 1920s boardwalk, and a wide, sandy beach.
In the town, charming timber buildings juxtapose against sophisticated villas built in the Belle Époque era – a romantic and affluent period of French and European history that preceded the First World War.
Deauville is also one of the closest seaside resorts to Paris.
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Bucharest has the beautiful buildings, tree-lined boulevards and swish cafes we associate with Paris — at a dramatically cheaper price.
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Those who like their holiday towns a little older, specifically dating back to medieval times, Jackie loves Biot. It's a 20-minute drive from Antibes, meaning you could head there for a day trip if you're staying on the coast.
Elsewhere, it's all about the city of Aix in the south for Gregory Phua.
For Ani Ta, Rouen, Entretat, and Arras are standouts. Along with Christine McFall, she also recommends Honfleur, a medieval and impressionist town in the Normandy region.
Turquoise oceans? Rugged coastlines? Stunning sunsets? Head to Entretat (Picture: Getty Images)
What to do in Pyrénées-Orientales
If you're after a smorgasbord of French and Spanish culture, Pyrénées-Orientales is the place to holiday.
Also known as French Catalonia, its capital, Perpignan, is considered the largest Catalan city after Barcelona. While French is the official language, Catalan is also spoken and has a strong presence.
It's in Perpignan where you'll find the 13th-century Palace of the Kings of Majorca. Complete with gothic-style architecture, it was once the centre of the Kingdom of Majorca.
If you're interested in checking out the King's dining room, majestic banquet halls, royal chambers and galleries, visitors can take guided tours inside the palace. Entry costs €9 (£7.58). On the first Sunday of each month, October to June, under-25s go free.
In the south of Pyréneés-Orientales, you'll find Collioure, a medieval fishing town. Landmarks include the Château Royal de Collioure, a royal castle on the beach, which offers dramatic coastal views.
Beach lovers, Argelès-sur-Mer is a must-visit spot. Thanks to its position on the Mediterranean coast, send your stresses away with the sea and relax on the stunning stretch of sand.
More of an adrenaline junkie? The hike up to the Tour de la Massane will be right up your street. The 13th-century stone watchtower is perched at 800m, meaning you'll get the most spectacular views once you get to the top.
Culinary-wise, the region is incredibly unique. Expect a combination of French and Catalan influences, with dishes that blend both traditions.
Those with a sweet tooth will especially love it, thanks to desserts like crème catalane and Pa d'ou, a type of Catalan flan being popular here.
What to do in Bordeaux
When you think of Bordeaux, the first thing that probably comes to mind is wine, right? The region is famed for wine-growing, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to try the prestigious products made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Of course, there are wine-tasting tours available. According to TripAdvisor, the Saint Emilion Wine Tour Tasting Half Day from Bordeaux is one of the best. It boasts five stars, and prices start from £82.29 per person.
This tour takes you through the vineyards of UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion, which are believed to produce some of France's finest wines. You'll explore the stunning French countryside from Bordeaux to medieval Saint-Émilion, sampling locally made wines in the cellars and vineyards along the way.
Immerse yourself in the wine culture of Bordeaux (Picture: Getty Images)
For the sober-curious among us, there's more to Bordeaux than just booze. Explore historical sites like the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, Place de la Bourse, and the Porte Cailhau, or relax on a cruise along the Garonne River.
The Canelés cruise and UNESCO route starts from £14.57 per person, and lasts one hour and 15 minutes.
This year, the Bordeaux River Festival will take place from June 19 to 22. The four-day celebration combines wine, French culture, cuisine, and the vibrancy of Bordeaux.
The festival grounds are free to enter. However, you'll need a Tasting Pass to access wine tastings and other activities. The pass costs €23 (£19.36).
What to do in Honfleur
Experience a different side to France in Honfleur. It's also much closer to home, located on the estuary where the Seine River meets the English Channel.
Visually, the historic Vieux Bassin harbour is a standout feature: colourful half-timbered houses and boats provide an Instagrammable backdrop to your morning coffee (or afternoon Aperol) at one of the many bustling cafes and restaurants. The old harbour was also one of the subjects for the renowned artist Claude Monet.
From the harbour, head into the town to find narrow cobbled streets and Saint Catherine's Church, the largest surviving wooden church in France. Dating back 500 years, the building was made with trees brought from the surrounding areas.
For the art types, the Eugène Boudin Museum houses pre-impressionist and contemporary paintings by Norman painters who stayed in the town. Entry costs €9 (£7.58).
And for the foodies, it's seafood central in Honfleur. TripAdvisor rates L'Escale as the best seafood restaurant in town, and customer testimonials back this up.
One user described it as 'one of the best restaurants in Honfleur,' while another dubbed it a 'real restaurant that is not a tourist catch.'
For just €30 (£25.25), enjoy the Captain's menu, which features dishes like homemade chef's terrine, Normandy oysters, homemade fish soup, and a seafood platter, to name a few.
The establishment is very pretty too: luscious greenery and lilac plants line the entrance, while floor-to-ceiling glass windows give diners a view of the charming old streets.
Of course, as you're in the Normandy region, expect a huge focus on Norman dairy products. This includes butter, crème frâiche, and creamy camembert. Finally, make sure to try the famous apple cider or the cider distillate calvados, a French apple brandy.
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