3 vacation spots in France that are loved by locals

29.05.2024 - 20:27 / lonelyplanet.com

We asked three of our correspondents in France for their favorite summer-vacation destinations that are off the typical international tourist trail. Their picks offer a varied cross-section of the country from tucked away calanques on the Côte d’Azur to a forested mountain trail to a cliff-top medieval castle.

Read on for under-the-radar spots in France you probably haven't heard of before, and get planning a side trip on your next European vacation.

Daphné Leprince-Ringuet is a travel and tech writer from Paris.

Why Bandol?

Tucked between Marseille and Toulon, away from the crowds of Cassis and La Ciotat, the charming port town of Bandol is nestled among the Côte d’Azur’s rocky inlets, or calanques.

A stunning train ride along the coast from Marseille takes you to this region of hidden gems, accessible from a cliffside coastal footpath packed with outstanding photo opportunities.

Must-do activities

The dreamy Calanque de Port d’Alon will draw you in for a refreshing swim. A 15-minute drive will take you on to Le Castellet, a picturesque medieval town perched in the heights of the Var department. Sit down at Le Pied de Nez restaurant for a taste of local specialties with an exceptional view of the village’s surroundings. 

You cannot leave Bandol without learning more about its most famous product: wine – and local wine bar Le 8.27 offers a wide selection of local cuvées. Be advised you are unlikely to leave without having purchased one (or several) bottles from one of the many neighboring wine merchants.

Bandol tips

The typically Provençal town of Bandol makes for a great stay. If you have access to a car, however, it is worth considering more remote accommodation options nearer to the calanques.

Jean-Bernard Carrilet is a writer, photographer and videographer from Metz, Lorraine.

Why northern Alsace? 

Alsace is far more than Strasbourg and the well-known Route des Vins (Wine Road). If you’re keen to discover under-the-radar spots in the eastern French region, I recommend northern Alsace, especially the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord, an hour northwest of Strasbourg. 

This gentle, unhurried region boasts rolling hills, picturesque lakes, dense forests, meandering rivers, charming villages and hilltop castles.

Must-do activities

The stunning landscape of Northern Alsace sets the stage for such outdoor activities as hiking and cycling; Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord is crisscrossed by a seemingly endless network of trails winding through wild forests. For the most stunning views, head to Château de Fleckenstein, a red-sandstone medieval pile that teeters at the top of a rocky spur near the German border. 

Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the impressive Musée Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder.