The most beautiful destinations in France unknown to tourists

France is a highly visited country due to its varied natural and cultural heritage, but it is still possible to escape the hustle and bustle of major tourist sites! Dreaming of a peaceful vacation? We have selected for you the most beautiful destinations in France without tourists. To discover them, hop into your Europcar rental car and hit the road without delay towards these hidden treasures of great beauty.

The Cévennes National Park, vast and magnificent nature

Known for its incredible starry sky, the Cévennes National Park offers a vast playground between granite mountains, deep valleys, and majestic forests. This wild region, far from the constant flow of tourists, is located in the south of the Massif Central, straddling the Gard, Lozère, and Ardèche. This preserved natural gem offers numerous opportunities to marvel. Follow in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson, who described his journey in the Cévennes mountains in the book Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes. With 5,000 km of marked trails, you won’t get bored! Caving, horseback riding, canoeing, climbing, or mountain biking, you will have a myriad of outdoor activities to choose from, accessible to the whole family.

The Var hinterland with authentic Provençal charm

Want to get away from the crowded beaches of the Côte d’Azur? Discover, in complete tranquility, the charming villages of the Var hinterland. Less than an hour’s drive from Cannes, you will find the typically Provençal charm of the Fayence area. Head to the Tuves bridge for an impromptu swim with friends in the translucent waters of the Siagne. The Nartuby gorges, bordered by old mills, form beautiful waterfalls and natural pools. Lovers of old stones will be delighted by the visit to mountain-character villages like Claviers, perched on a rocky ridge, Callian, built in a snail shape, or Bargemon, nicknamed the “pearl of the Haut-Var.” The Var hinterland is a destination of great richness, off the beaten path!

The Morvan Regional Park, a hidden treasure in the heart of Burgundy

The granite massif of the Morvan is a magical place, with rolling landscapes, located two hours from Paris. Narrow and winding roads traverse this rural territory through small isolated hamlets. Here, time stops for a few moments. Forests, mountains, peaceful lakes, and bubbling streams are there for an outdoor vacation full of emotions. Hop on your mountain bike to explore the varied terrain, go hiking on the many trails, or try your hand at white-water sports. This destination, ideal for families, offers plenty of activities for children during the summer. Breathe deeply. You are in a corner of paradise!

The Côte Bleue, a secret seaside at the gates of Marseille

Discover a little-known gem west of the city of Marseille! Far from the madness of the Calanques and the hustle and bustle of the city, stands an idyllic and secret setting. The Côte Bleue draws a narrow strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Étang de Berre. Take your children to discover the marine life in this snorkeling paradise! Stops are a must in the fishing port of L’Estaque, the calanque of Niolon, and the beaches of Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins. In Martigues, nicknamed the “Venice of Provence,” stroll along the canals and admire the typical fishing sailboats of the region. Walk the 5 km path that takes you to Miramas-le-Vieux, a typically Provençal village, inaccessible by car, perched on top of a hill. Fishing ports and azure blue sea, from which the coast gets its name, are there to offer you unforgettable vacations, far from the tourist crowds.

The Bénou plateau, a bucolic green setting in the Béarn

Located between the Ossau and Aspe valleys, the Bénou plateau is a privileged place to spend a family vacation, away from the tourist hustle. The open and clear panorama offers grandiose views of the surrounding mountains. You will quickly be filled with a sense of space. Here, there are no barriers between the pastures, children can run and play freely. The few farms and barns around add a bucolic touch to the region’s green landscapes. Easy walks, ideal for families, offer splendid views. Horseback riding and mountain biking are accessible to beginners and experienced alike. The Bénou plateau guarantees calm for a peaceful and relaxing vacation!

The Quercy, one of the most beautiful places in France without tourists

The Quercy is a haven of tranquility. Visit the medieval town of Rocamadour, built into a cliff, or the charming village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, overlooking the Lot. Enjoy the tranquility of the Causse plateaus by walking along the dry stone walls that line the paths. Discover an impressive underground world in the Padirac chasm and take a boat ride beneath the earth’s surface. Your children will be impressed by this unusual activity!

The wild landscapes of the central Corsican mountains

Away from the summer hustle of the coast and the crowded beaches of the Corsican coast, the interior of the country displays discreet tourism. Steep mountains, green valleys, crystal-clear rivers, and bucolic villages offer magnificent landscapes where it is good to recharge. The wild heart of Corsica is ideal for living at the rhythm of nature. Walk with your friends on the unique main road, from which narrow secondary roads wind. The region is conducive to hiking with the little ones, horseback riding, white-water sports, and idyllic swims for lovers. The central Corsican mountains reveal the deep identity of the Isle of Beauty!

In France, you can still find splendid spots ignored by tourists. Whether you prefer the sea, mountains, or forests, you can take your vacation, with children or friends, in complete tranquility. Safe travels!