Top 7 Offbeat Places to Visit in France

France is famous as the most popular place to visit with such well-known sights as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but there is no shortage of other interesting locations. Besides the most famous sights, this country also has a row of offbeat destinations which promise unseen adventures and will help get a deeper insight into the French culture.

These offbeat places offer a good alternative to the familiar attractions of the nation. These are the little gems of France that will take you on a discovery and wonder of medieval towns and cities, medieval along with those along the coastline, and some relaxing in serene villages. 

Check out these 7 offbeat places you must visit in France – 

1. Annecy 

Annecy is a beautiful city nestled in the French Alps, and is a sort of diamond of its own. Annecy is a lovely town situated on the edge of a gorgeous lake with mountains, which can be called the living version of Venice because it has charming canals and pastel-coloured houses. The medieval sight of this town, which contains the Chateau d’Annecy, gives a glimpse of the rich history of this town. 

2. Roussillon

Roussillon is a calm village located in the Luberon region of Provence, which shines with colors. The village is painted in different shades of ochre, which is because of the pigments of the nearby ochre mines. During your visit to this place, you can walk through its small streets and visit the Sentier des Ocres, which is a trail leading to the beautiful cliffs of ochres and offers panoramic views of the valley. 

3. Colmar

Colmar is a fairy-tale town in the Alsace. Here you’ll feel as if you are entering a storybook. Its timber-framed buildings and narrow cobbled streets, and beautiful canals make it too good to be true. In this case, you can visit the Musée Unterlinden due to the amazing medieval art, or you can take a walk in the district of Little Venice. 

4. La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a historic port city on the Atlantic coast focused on sea heritage and modernity. It is a beautiful place to visit with its old sea towers, and the lively old town is a dream site for tourists and those people with an interest in the sea. In this city, you can visit the Musée Maritime to learn about the history of the maritime life of this city. You can also go on a boat ride to the neighboring Island of  Île de Ré, where you can explore a beautiful island that has beaches and bicycle tracks. 

5. Dinan

Dinan is a medieval town in Brittany, where time seems to have stopped. Its well-preserved architecture, with picturesque ancient city calls and timber-framed houses, shows visitors the Middle Ages. Its lovely streets pave the way to the town, having artisan shops and cafes and ancient sites like Château de Dinan itself, giving a feeling of tranquility to its visitors. 

6. Lourmarin

Lourmarin is a charming Provençal family village located in a corner of the Luberon area. Its easy-going nature and the beautiful topography make it very famous. It is a town known for its beautiful Renaissance château, bustling market, and cafes. This small village boasts narrow streets which make browsing and visiting tour of the local arts and craft shops and art galleries. Adjacent vineyards and olive trees provide a great chance of wine tasting and visiting the typical Provençal countryside.

7. Giverny

Although Giverny is more famous for its association with Claude Monet, it still remains an offbeat destination due to its peaceful beauty and artistic heritage. The former home and gardens of Monet are a must-visit for art lovers, offering a glimpse into the life and work of the impressionist master. Some of Monet’s most famous paintings were based on the gardens with their vibrant water lilies and beautiful Japanese bridge.