10 Off the Beaten Path Cities in France You’ve Probably Never Heard Of (But Need to Visit!)
France is known for its iconic cities and bucket-list destinations, from Paris to Bordeaux to Nice. But beyond these famous spots, the country is filled with hidden gem cities that offer a chance to escape the crowds and discover a new perspective on France.
These lesser-known cities are scattered across the country, from Normandy’s historic heart in the north to Provence’s sun-soaked charm in the south and Alsace’s picturesque villages in the east.
Each destination is packed with character, offering UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fascinating history, and stunning architecture to explore.
Whether it’s walking through medieval streets, admiring unique half-timbered houses, or enjoying local festivals and traditions, these cities are full of unexpected delights.
They’re perfect for those looking to experience a different side of France—one that feels authentic and just as memorable as the most famous sights.
This list highlights some of France’s best hidden gems that might just become your new favorite destinations. So, step off the beaten path and discover what these incredible cities have to offer.
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10 Hidden Gem Cities in France You Need to Discover
1. Lille
Lille—known as the “Capital of Flanders”— sits in the northeast corner of France, right on the Belgium border, and offers a unique mix of French and Flemish culture.
The city’s Old Lille district is full of architecture you won’t find anywhere else in France, with its 17th-century red-brick townhouses, narrow cobblestone streets, and the lively Grand Place at its center.
This square is surrounded by Lille’s most striking buildings, including the Old Stock Exchange and the nearby Chamber of Commerce with its iconic belltower. These structures reflect the Flemish influence in Lille’s architecture—colorful, ornate, and rich with detail.
The Old Stock Exchange (the “Vieille Bourse“) is one of my favorite spots in the city. Built in 1653, this decorated red-and-gold building is arranged around a courtyard where vendors now sell vintage books, comic books, posters, and antique newspapers—a must-see for book lovers.
The belfry of the Hôtel de Ville is one of 23 belfries in the Flemish region designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s a highlight for its architecture and views over the city, as well as its historical significance in showcasing municipal power in Europe.
Lille felt very different than other cities in France – from food to arcitecture you’ll find a whole new French experience when you visit!
2. Colmar
Located in the Alsace region of eastern France just a stone’s throw from Germany, Colmar is a town that feels plucked from a storybook, with colorful, half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, and scenic canals.
Every corner is picturesque, but Petite Venise is especially charming, with its tiny, shallow canals once used by fishermen and now for leisurely boat rides. The area is lined with pastel houses and flower-filled windowsills, especially along Quai de la Poissonnerie, where the fishermen used to sell their catch from the nearby river.
Colmar’s history is reflected in landmarks like the Saint Martin Church with its Gothic architecture, and Schwendi Fountain, said to have inspired the fountain in Beauty and the Beast.
Don’t miss the Maison des Têtes, an intriguing 17th-century house adorned with unique masks, and the Unterlinden Museum, home to medieval art and the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.
Plus, the Colmar Christmas Market is one of the most adorable holiday markets in all of Europe.
I really felt like Colmar’s mix of beautiful architecture and fairytale charm makes it a fantastic city to visit in eastern France.
3. Amiens
Located in northern France’s Picardie region, Amiens is incredibly underrated – this city sees very few tourists but is a fascinating and beautiful place to visit.
To start, Notre Dame d’Amiens, the largest Gothic cathedral in France, is the centerpiece of the city.
It shares similarities with Notre Dame de Paris, but with unique touches—two slightly uneven towers, intricate sculptures, and a grand stained-glass rose window. The interior is soaring and dramatic, with towering ceilings, stained glass, and detailed chapels.
For an unforgettable experience, catch the Chroma light show, which projects colorful illuminations on the cathedral’s facade every summer evening.
Amiens is also known for its hortillonages, a unique, vast network of canals and gardens created in the Middle Ages for farming.
Today, you can explore this beautiful area by boat, gliding past weeping willows, flower-filled islands, and quaint garden plots. Tours often depart from the Hortillonages Museum or the nearby O Jardin restaurant.
Maison Jules Verne is another top attraction in Amiens. This museum, housed in the author’s former home, gives insight into the life of Jules Verne.
Maps, books, and artifacts that inspired hits like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in 80 Days are on display in the museum. The rooms capture his life in Amiens, where he was a beloved figure.
Amien really surprised me with how much I liked it. The cathedral and canals were so beautiful, and the city felt fresh, iniviting you to explore.
4. Annecy
Nestled in the Haute-Savoie region near the Swiss border, Annecy is a gem known for its scenic Lake Annecy, framed by the foothills of the Alps.
Sometimes called the “Venice of France,” Annecy’s Old Town is interwoven with narrow, picturesque canals lined with colorful medieval buildings. Flower boxes decorate the canals in summer, creating a postcard-perfect scene against the stunning mountain backdrop.
The town’s centerpiece is the Palais de l’Ile, a small castle in the center of the Thiou Canal that once served as a prison and courthouse.
For views of the lake, a stroll along Quai Napoleon III is a must. This scenic promenade, bordered by Jardins de l’Europe, offers beautiful vistas over Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains.
Annecy’s location on the lake makes it a top spot for watersports. You can rent paddleboats, kayaks, or try parasailing for a bird’s-eye view over the lake and mountains.
If you’re up for a challenge, consider biking the 42-kilometer path around the lake—it’s mostly flat, with a few steep sections, and passes a plethora of scenic villages.
And of course, you must try some Savoie specialties, like fondue Savoyarde, tartiflette, or raclette. All of these dishes serve up heavy doses of melted local cheese – yum! Annecy is a delight and you’re sure to love it!
5. Perpignan
Perpignan, the southernmost city in metropolitan France, is a true hidden gem, nestled just above the Spanish border and offering a unique blend of French and Catalan cultures.
Its vibrantly colorful buildings, palm tree-lined streets, and even sidewalks paved with red marble give it a distinctive and striking charm that feels worlds apart from more well-trodden destinations.
Historically, Perpignan was a wealthy city that shifted between French and Catalan rule before officially becoming part of France in 1659.
Its long, complicated history is reflected in landmarks like the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, a 13th-century Gothic palace/fortress with stunning views, and the Castillet, a former city gate turned museum and panoramic viewpoint.
Perpignan also has its share of beautiful and impressive buildings, like the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, with its soaring Gothic nave, and Hotel Pams, an elegant mansion with lush gardens and stunning Art Nouveau decor.
Overall, Perpignan was such an delightful surprise for me. Even as someone whose job is to know all about France’s and her off the beaten path destinations, I had only heard of Perpignan about a month before visiting. The beauty, vibrant colors, and fascinating cultural sites in this city completely blew me away!
6. Honfleur
Located where the Seine meets the English Channel in Normandy, Honfleur is a coastal town with a captivating port, half-timbered houses, and strong maritime roots.
The Vieux Bassin (Old Basin) is the heart of Honfleur, where fishing boats and sailboats line the quay, and the historic buildings surrounding the harbor create a stunning backdrop.
Cafes, terraces, and seafood restaurants dot the area, giving it a lively yet cozy feel that has long inspired Impressionist painters.
Eglise Sainte Catherine is a must-see landmark here. Built by local shipbuilders, this unique wooden church is the largest of its kind in France, with twin naves crafted to resemble an overturned ship.
Nearby, the Musée Eugène Boudin showcases works from Boudin and other Impressionist painters, many of whom captured Honfleur’s charm and coastal scenes.
A favorite spot for both locals and tourists in Honfleur is the Jardin des Personnalités, a beautiful garden with a unique concept.
As you walk through the garden, you’ll pass dozens of busts of artists, writers, and historical figures set amid lush gardens, making the garden a dedication to notable figures from the region.
Honfleur is truly a hidden gem in France. The gardens and parks were whimsical and immaculate, the arcitecture was vibrant, and the sea was the perfect backdrop for this charming city.
7. Albi
In the heart of southern France’s Occitanie region, about an hour north of Toulouse, Albi is a stunning brick-built town known as “The Episcopal City.” Much of the town’s architecture is made of local red brick, giving Albi a unique look among French towns.
During the Middle Ages, the Archbishops of Albi gained significant power and became formidable political rulers as well as religious leaders of the city.
Albi’s skyline is dominated by Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, the largest brick cathedral in France and one of the most impressive Gothic structures in the country.
Inside, every inch of the walls and ceilings is covered in intricate paintings and detailed sculptures, and the church’s vaulting and decorated choir area are breathtaking.
Nearby, Saint-Salvi Church is the oldest church in Albi, dating back to the 500s. The adjacent cloisters, built in 1270, are a peaceful spot to visit and showcase a lovely mix of Gothic and Romanesque design.
Albi is also home to the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, housed in the former Palace of the Archbishop just next to the cathedral.
This museum holds the world’s largest collection of works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, an artist born in Albi. It also gives a glimpse into the architectural splendor of the palace and the power wielded by the bishops.
Don’t skip the Jardins du Palais, which offers pathways along the palace walls with vistas over the Tarn River. Cross Pont Vieux (Old Bridge), built in the 11th century, for a spectacular view of the Old Town.
With its fascinating history and architectural beauty, I found Albi to be a remarkable place to visit in Occitanie.
8. Aix-en-Provence
Located in the heart of Provence region, the city of Aix-en-Provence is known for its limestone buildings painted in warm ochre tones, giving the town a distinctive charm that famously inspired painter Paul Cézanne.
Upscale yet inviting, Aix is filled with independent boutiques and open-air cafes, making it perfect for wandering and embracing a laidback “Provencal” way of living.
Aix is often called the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” a reference to the many fountains scattered throughout the town.
From grand fountains like Fontaine de la Rotonde on the Cours Mirabeau to smaller yet stately ones like the Fontaine d’Albertas, these fountains are an integral part of the town’s charm and history.
The Cours Mirabeau is the heart of Aix, a wide, tree-lined avenue filled with cafes, shops, and several of the city’s notable fountains. It’s also a prime spot for one of Aix’s several markets that are held in squares around the city almost daily.
Place Richelme is especially popular for its food market, offering fresh produce, cheese, honey, and classic Provençal goods. The markets on Place des Prêcheurs and Place de Verdun are also excellent for browsing regional specialties.
Paul Cezanne, the Post-Impressionist painter, lived and worked in Aix-en-Provence for much of his life. You can tour his home Jas de Bouffan, or visit the Atelier de Cézanne, which showcases his workshop, complete with personal items and unfinished works.
With its vibrant markets, historic fountains, and Cézanne’s enduring influence, Aix-en-Provence is a quintessential Provençal town that captures the essence of southern France.
9. Rouen
Situated in northern France’s Normandy region, the historic city of Rouen is often referred to as the “City of a Hundred Spires” for its abundance of stunning Gothic churches. It’s also a place full of medieval history and the legacy of Joan of Arc, who was tried and executed here during the 100 Years War.
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is a masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic architecture and a favorite subject of Monet, who painted it repeatedly to capture its appearance in different light.
Nearby, the Gros Horloge, a 14th-century astronomical clock, is a stunning symbol of the city and a great spot for photos as you wander the cobblestone streets.
Rouen has over 2,000 half-timbered houses, some with jutting upper levels that reflect historic architectural styles unique to the city. This is one of the largest “collections” of half-timbered houses in France, and it gives the city endless charm.
For those interested in Joan of Arc, the Jeanne d’Arc Historial offers an immersive experience in the Archbishop’s Palace, recounting her story and posthumous retrial. Then stop by the Place du Vieux Marché, where a cross marks the actual spot where she was burned at the stake.
With its storied history, architectural beauty, and cultural attractions, Rouen is a city that truly feels like stepping back in time. I really enjoyed our time there, and I’m sure you will too.
10. Menton
Despite being the final entry on this list, Menton was actually the first “hidden gem” I visited in France, and really showed me how varied the French experience can be.
Located on the Mediterranean coast at the eastern edge of the French Riviera, Menton is a picturesque town known as the “Pearl of France,” with colorful pastel buildings, stunning gardens, and a strong connection to citrus cultivation.
The Old Town (Vieille Ville) is a highlight, with winding cobblestone streets and shades of pink, yellow, and peach that climb the hillside. At its top, the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange stands tall with its golden tones and ornate interior.
Menton is also home to the famous Lemon Festival, held every February. This celebration showcases the town’s citrus heritage with incredible sculptures made entirely of lemons and oranges, parades, and cultural events.
For the beach lovers, the Plage des Sablettes is one of the best beaches on the Riviera. Its clear turquoise waters and protected waters make it perfect for swimming and sunbathing, all with a stunning view of the Old Town rising above the palm trees.
With its charming old town and incredible coastline, Menton is an absolute delight and a hidden gem you need to explore for yourself.
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