The Champs-Elysées, the lights of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are all well-known sights in France, making it one of the most beloved and romantic countries in Europe with millions of tourists visiting each year. Although these sites are worth a special visit, there are many more charming places throughout France that should not be missed during a trip to the magnificent country. The following 10 wonderful sites are not as known as the Champs Elysées or the Eiffel Tower, but they are just as beautiful and can make every trip to France so special, revealing a special side of the beloved country you did not know.
Roman ruins can be found throughout France, some more well-known and some less, such as those in the city of Nimes. Throughout this unique city, you can find so many relics from the time of the Roman occupation that it was actually nicknamed "Roman France". Among the sites to be seen here is the Roman amphitheater that was built in the first century CE and is the most preserved building of its kind in the country.
It is also recommended to visit the Maison Carrée, a Roman temple dedicated to the people of Agrippa which exemplifies the ancient architecture of the country in a wonderful way. In addition, there is a Gothic-Romanesque cathedral built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. Its modern building, designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, was built in a manner reminiscent of an ancient Roman amphitheater, as a tribute to the city's heritage.
Many of you have probably heard the name of the city of Toulouse, but few have actually visited it during their trip to France. Apart from the outstanding beauty of the city, it is recommended to visit it in order to explore its ancient sites, such as the university named after the city, which was founded in 1229 and has about 103,000 students, making it "only" the fourth largest university in the country!
Apart from the impressive university, you can enjoy other buildings throughout Toulouse, which will leave a mark on you because of their unique pink color given to them by the pink terracotta stone from which they are built. It is also recommended to visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the Midi Canal, which runs through Toulouse and connects the Garonne River with the Mediterranean Sea.
You must know the name of the city of Dijon from the beloved yellow mustard named after it when it was invented in 1858. Besides fresh mustard of various varieties, in Dijon, you can also enjoy a full French experience that includes a variety of churches from many periods of unique architectural design, including Notre Dame De Dijon, Saint-Filbert, Saint-Michel and Dijon Cathedral, where there are thousand-year-old crypts. The unique characteristic of this cathedral, which attracts many tourists, is the roof made up of glazed and colorful tiles that create beautiful geometric patterns that beg to be seen.
Annecy, known as the "Pearl of the French Alps," is located in one of the most beautiful places in France. Apart from the green mountains with snowy peaks surrounding Annecy, the city is also known for its three canals and a river, which pass through it. Annecy also serves as a winter ski resort and a hiking site during the summer. Apart from these activities, it is also recommended to visit the Palais de l'Isle - a castle that once served as the residence of the nobility of the city, and later as a court, a mint and even a prison. Today the building serves as a museum of history, and besides, Chateau d'Annecy, which also served as the residence of aristocrats, is quite a magnet in itself.
Barcelonette is a commune in the Alps of Upper Provence, and at first glance, it looks like a classic ski resort with snowy slopes that can be skied. During August, when the snow melts and Barcelonette becomes a green countryside, festivals are held which include Mariachi music - the beloved Spanish music that has brought new life to the region. Thanks to these wonderful music festivals, you can enjoy a unique European experience here, which also includes a wonderful taste of Mexico making the stay unforgettable.
In the French province of Drôme, the main city of Valence is famous for its many attractions, including restaurants, historical sites and wonderful shops where unique items can be purchased. In Valence, you can spend a few days without a second of boredom thanks to its abundant selection of activities- such as visiting cathedrals here, taking a tour of the marina or sailing alongside the Rhone Mountains, enjoying the theater, and taking in the pleasant atmosphere that creates a unique French experience.
The enchanting town of Colmar lies in the Alsace region of France, and many of those who plan to just pass through it find themselves staying there for hours on end. From the main square of Colmar, you can take a small train that goes on a tour around the city or wander through the old quarter riddled with classic French buildings and charming alleys where you can stroll.
The beautiful houses in Colmar, painted in different colors and decorated with wooden beams, have a particularly charming appearance, which also includes flowers and windowpanes that make the town look like a fairy tale. In Colmar, you can walk for hours and go through wonderful sites such as wooden bridges on the banks of the canal, pastel houses and dining in a variety of cafes and restaurants spread about it.
Only a few kilometers from Spain, in the heart of the Basque region of France, is Biarritz, which is situated next to the Biscayne Bay. Biarritz is famous for its spectacular beaches and a sea in which you can swim happily under the blue sky. In addition, surfers regularly visit the beaches of Biarritz, and other sites, such as rock formations along the bay, make this city a magnet for leisure travelers. To complete the experience, you may also wish to visit the Biarritz Aquarium, the city's colorful casino and the charming little museums scattered around its streets.
Next to the Rhone River is the ancient town of Avignon, which is perfect for fun exploring and absorbing French culture. The main attraction in this enchanting city are the papal buildings built between 1309-1324 - a time when the Popes lived in Avignon and not in Rome. In addition, there are fortifications in Avignon that surround the area of the old city, which were built under the influence of medieval architecture. Today it includes a covered market, plenty of charming small restaurants and the possibility of renting boats for sailing along the Rhone.
Lozère is a province in southern France, named after the Mont Lozère mountain range, the highest region in the country. Lozère is the perfect place for a peaceful and quiet stroll away from the bustle of tourists in more central parts of the country, with its rocky, mountainous and green landscapes uninterrupted for most of the year. Among the spectacular views of this pristine area is the Gorges du Tarn, an amazing canyon along a blue river that is perfect for camping trips, Avent Armand - a cave, a sentry and a shopping mall, and Mont Lozère - a ski and hiking site. All nature lovers will enjoy an amazing vacation in the Lozère region, and don’t be surprised if you decide to spend most of your trip here!
