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Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
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. Sign up to The Getaway newsletter Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. 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. Holiday like a local: 'hidden' French town where UK travellers can fly for just £15 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. The 'Paris of the East' is an underrated gem that costs £40 to fly to Love Paris but looking to city break on a budget? Metro recently heard rumours of a 'Paris of the East,' an underrated city with flights from the UK for just £40. Bucharest has the beautiful buildings, tree-lined boulevards and swish cafes we associate with Paris — at a dramatically cheaper price. Recently ranked 9th in The Times' roundup of '24 of the best affordable city breaks in Europe', Romania's capital and largest city is actively welcoming tourists. Read our guide here. 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. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ Arrow MORE: The 'Venice of Eastern Europe' is a 'youthful' city with £29 flights — and 800 gnomes Arrow MORE: New train to span 745 miles linking five European countries — and tickets are just £40 Arrow MORE: France's 'most prolific paedophile' who abused hundreds of patients jailed
Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Korea and France mark 140 years with new cultural cooperation agreement
South Korea and France are set to mark a milestone year in cultural exchanges. To celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, Korean Culture Minister Yu In-chon and French Culture Minister Rachida Dati on Tuesday signed a Letter of Intention on Cultural Cooperation in Paris. The agreement is expected to usher in another year rich with cultural engagement, building on a landmark moment in 2015–16 when the Year of Korea-France Bilateral Exchange was held to commemorate 130 years of relations. Endorsed by both heads of state, the initiative featured a record 492 official events -- 389 in the cultural field alone -- significantly strengthening the bilateral partnership, according to the cultural ministry. Building on the foundation of the 1965 Korea-France Cultural, Technological and Scientific Agreement, the new agreement outlines more specific areas and methods of cooperation, Korea's Culture Ministry said in a statement Tuesday. It aims to deepen institutional ties between cultural, artistic, and heritage organizations in both countries, facilitate the joint production, performance, exhibition, and promotion of artistic works, and support collaboration in the film, audiovisual content and gaming industries. The agreement also reflects both nations' shared commitment to protecting and enhancing access to cultural, intangible, and natural heritage. By articulating clearer goals and responsibilities than previous frameworks, the LOI seeks to increase the effectiveness and visibility of Korea-France cultural cooperation. Celebratory events are scheduled throughout the year, beginning with a special anniversary event on June 4. Korea will also participate as Guest of Honor at the Paris Book Fair and be featured in a Korea Focus program at the upcoming Avignon Festival. These events are designed to spotlight the growing presence and influence of Korean culture in France. In addition to high-profile events in Paris and Avignon, efforts are underway to expand cultural outreach beyond the capital. The ministry is working with local governments and cultural institutions in regional cities including Tours, Nantes, Montpellier, and Toulouse to host Korean cultural festivals. These events will introduce a wide range of Korean cultural content to communities that may have fewer opportunities to engage with Korean culture. By targeting cultural hubs outside Paris, the initiative aims to create a more balanced and inclusive exchange between the two countries. Korean Culture Minister Yu In-chon emphasized the historic and ongoing importance of Korea-France relations, referring to France as a friend that has stood by Korea for over 140 years since the signing of the 1886 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation. He also highlighted France's status as a cultural superpower and the most visited country in the world, noting its leadership in heritage preservation and the arts. At the same time, he pointed to the remarkable rise of Korean pop culture in France, citing the rapid sell-outs of K-pop concerts and the success of the Korean drama "A Shoulder to Cry On," which recently ranked No. 1 on Netflix in France. These trends, he said, underscore the growing enthusiasm in France for Korean creative content and the potential for deeper collaboration. 'The signing of this LOI marks not only a celebration of the past 140 years but a forward-looking commitment to ensuring that our citizens can continue to engage meaningfully with one another's cultures,' Yu said. 'We plan to create a rich program of cultural exchange that people in both countries can directly experience and enjoy.'
Ya Biladi
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
French Culture Minister visits Moroccan pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival
French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati visited the Moroccan pavilion during the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, held from May 13 to 24. She was accompanied by Abdelaziz El Bouzdaini, Secretary General of the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and Gaëtan Bruel, President of the French Center for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC). This visit is part of the film co-production agreement signed on May 18, 2024, between Morocco and France, aimed at supporting the emergence of young Moroccan filmmakers. The Morocco-France co-production workshop provided a platform for young Moroccan talents to present their fiction and animation feature film projects, facilitating professional meetings with French producers. Rachida Dati emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation between the two countries, particularly in cinema and animation. She also highlighted the commitment of young Moroccans in the growing sectors of gaming, video, and animated films. For his part, Abdelaziz El Bouzdaini noted that the bilateral agreement has already yielded concrete results, with five projects selected through a call for applications, mostly led by young directors. B2B meetings were organized to enable project leaders to engage with co-producers. Two projects were presented to Rachida Dati: a 3D animated feature film and a movie incorporating elements of artificial intelligence. Morocco is strongly represented at this edition of the Cannes Film Festival, with a pavilion at the International Village and a stand at the Film Market to promote Moroccan cinema.
Morocco World
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
French Culture Minister Visits Moroccan Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival
Rabat — French Culture Minister Rachida Dati made a visit on Sunday to Morocco's pavilion at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, which is currently running from May 13-24. The visit gave young Moroccan filmmakers selected for the Morocco-France co-production workshop a chance to meet Dati. The Moroccan emerging talents presented their fiction and animation feature film projects during the French minister visit. In a statement to Morocco's central news agency (MAP), Dati said it was 'a pleasure to visit the Moroccan pavilion, which always welcomes many people and is very open.' Morocco's Secretary-General of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication Abdelaziz El Bouzdaini, and the President of the French National Center for Cinema and Animation (CNC), Gaetan Bruel, joined the minister during the visit. Speaking of cinema cooperation between Morocco and France, Dati recalled that the agreement signed last year with Moroccan Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid is already showing results. She said that the professional young Moroccans benefited from the agreement and 'received joint support from Moroccan Cinema Center (CCM) and its French counterpart.' Moroccan youth engagement in gaming, video, and animation film sectors received commend from the minister, describing the sectors as 'high-growth' areas in Morocco. 'This expertise is very special, and we in France could also benefit from it.' 'This is a cooperation between equals where we have much to gain,' Dati added. She suggested it was time to consider the next steps, as 'we are already very advanced' one year after signing the agreement. Read also: The Promises and Perils of Morocco's Cinematic Renaissance El Bouzdaini, who also serves as interim director of CCM, explained that following the bilateral agreement signed in 2024, a joint call for applications was launched months ago. Out of about twenty projects received, five were selected, mostly from young directors working on their first or second films. 'Business-to-business meetings were organized today alongside the Festival,' allowing these project leaders to meet with about fifteen co-producers to discuss collaboration opportunities, he said. Two projects were presented to the minister, namely a 3D animated feature film and a more traditional cinema project that incorporates artificial intelligence elements with a nod to animation. Morocco has a strong presence at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, with a pavilion set up by the CCM at the international village and a stand at the film market dedicated to promoting Moroccan cinema. Tags: 78th Cannes Film FestivalCannes festivalMoroccan cinemaMorocco France
Japan Today
08-05-2025
- Science
- Japan Today
France names first Concorde jet a historical monument
The Concorde 001 takes off for its first flight on March 2, 1969 in southern France The first Concorde supersonic passenger aircraft has been named as a historical monument. Concorde 001, which was the first of the 20 aircraft built and the first to take to the skies in a test flight in 1969, is now housed in the Aeroscopia museum outside of the southern French city of Toulouse. "This plane embodies France's innovation and industrial strength in the aviation sector," French Culture Minister Rachida Dati said in a statement on X announcing the designation. The Concorde entered into commercial service in 1976, and to date is the world's only supersonic passenger plane, traveling faster than sound at speeds that whisked an elite class of travelers between London or Paris and the U.S. east coast in just over three hours. The service was definitively retired in October 2003, three years after a devastating crash outside Paris that killed 113 people. "This plane, a pioneer in supersonic flight, remains in our memories," said Dati. The plane, which was developed by French and British firms that became part of Airbus and BAE Systems, was operated by Air France and British Airways. "Its preservation will provide future generations an example of our aeronautical expertise and futuristic vision." The French culture ministry said 18 of the 20 Concordes have been preserved, including six located in France. © 2025 AFP
