France may be the most visited country on earth, but that doesn’t mean escaping the crowds is impossible. Away from tourist meccas like Paris and Provence, there are plenty of lesser-visited spots that are just as absorbing. Plunge into the great outdoors, discover historic cities, feast on delicious regional cuisine and succumb to an appeasingly slower pace of life – this is France at its most authentic.
DK France
View BookCahors, Lot Valley
The unspoilt ancient town of Cahors is the capital of the Lot département. As well as its glorious sunflower fields, the town is renowned for its dark, heady red wine, which was produced as far back as Roman times. A highlight here is the Pont Valentre, an elegant medieval bridge which arcs across the languid river Lot. Legend has it the architect, exasperated by the slow pace of construction, sold his soul to the devil to complete the project.
Franche-Comté
Stretching along the Swiss border, Franche-Comté is a pristine paradise that's bursting with rustic French specialities – think excellent charcuterie, cheeses and some delicious wines. Here, tiny villages dot rural valleys, ideal for slow, meandering exploration. The biggest draw is Besançon, a city famed for clock-making that is crowned by a UNESCO-listed citadel. The St-Jean quarter at the foot of the citadel features grand townhouses and inviting cafés.
Rouen, Normandy
Rouen is the capital of Normandy and well worth a visit for history buffs. Despite severe damage in World War II, the city is home to a wealth of historic sights including the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame, which took nearly 400 years to build. A 14th century astronomical clock installed in a Renaissance arch crossing the Rue du Gros-Horloge is one of the oldest mechanisms in France.
Lille, Hauts-de-France
A flourishing arts scene, excellent restaurants and food markets and a vibrant nightlife make Lille a cultural hub. The city’s charm lies in its historic centre, Vieux Lille – a mass of cobbled squares and narrow streets packed with shops, cafés and restaurants. At its heart is the Place du Général de Gaulle, graced by the fine 17th-century Bourse, where the courtyard buzzes with street musicians and locals browsing bookstalls.
Dijon, Burgundy
Dijon, the elegant capital of Burgundy, is notable for its splendid architecture – though you might know it better for its mustard. The best way to explore here is by following the city’s symbol – the Dijon owl. A trail of little owls set in the sidewalks of the Old Town leads visitors past the main sights. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, a prestigious art collection housed in the former Palace of the Dukes, is a must-see.
Nantes, Pays de la Loire
Chic bars and trendy restaurants make Nantes perfect for a city break. Set on the Loire river in Brittany, this vibrant city is one of visual variety, with high-tech towers overlooking the port, canals and Art Nouveau squares. The fantastical Machines de l’île features mechanical creatures inspired by the works of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci, while the impressive Château des Ducs de Bretagne houses the lively, interactive Musée d’Histoire, which charts the history of the city.
The Pyrénées-Orientales
Fancy the climate of the south of France without the crowds? Away from the glitz and the glamour of the French Riviera, the Pyrénées Orientales (the Eastern Pyrenees) offers a beautiful landscape of mountains, valleys and waterfalls perfect for hiking. The sacred cloud-draped Catalan mountain of Canigou is well off the tourist track; or further south, head to artsy little Collioure, which is little changed from the anchovy port beloved of Matisse and André Derain.
Auvergne
Right in the middle of France, yet largely unknown to visitors, the mountainous Auvergne is mainly rural. It’s an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, and there are even a couple of small ski resorts. If that sounds too much like hard work, set up camp in the genteel spa town of Vichy. Long know for its hot and cold springs, the French have been coming to Vichy in the hopes of curing rheumatism, arthritis and digestive complaints for centuries.
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