10 Dazzling Places To Visit in France That Aren't Paris and How to Get There

Cue the “Le Festin,” bring out the baguettes, and put on that signature red lipstick! Why? Because we’re going on a grand trip to the gorgeous French countryside with the Eurail Pass. 

Apart from the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre in Paris, France is bursting with romantic sceneries, grand chateaus, and charming villages in its countryside—and they’re all waiting to be explored! 

For unique holidays far from the usual tourist attractions, jot down these 10 cool places in France, and hit them all up with a France Eurail Pass: 

Kickstart your Europe trip with a day trip to Lille, or the “Capital of Flanders.” Radiating both old-world charms and vibrant urban energy, Lille boasts some of the most eye-catching architecture in Europe. Check out the Place du Général de Gaulle (Grand Palace) with its Neoclassical facades, the Eglise Saint-Maurice for hulking gothic structure, the lavish Rang de Beauregard in Baroque-style architecture, plus many more!

Get ready to swoon over lavenders when you visit the Plateau de Valensole in Provence. The South of France plays host to some of the most magnificent landmarks in the country, including the famed Lavender and Sunflower fields. Left and right, these fragrant, purple flowers grace the soils and come in full bloom every July and August! 

Once you’re ready to head back to the city, the charming Nice awaits! Have a culturally-packed day of museum hopping, scenic strolls around the French Riveria, and pastry tasting of the local “socca” (French crepe made from chickpea flour and seasoned with sea salt) from small cafes in Baroque-style buildings!  

Did you know that you can visit Belle’s hometown while in France? Conques in Southern France is the inspiration behind the village of Villeneuve in the beloved Disney classic, “Beauty and the Beast.” This “little town” has cobblestone streets, cute little cottages, a town square made for busting out a catchy dance number, and even a gorgeous gothic castle to tell a tale as old as time! 

 The art lovers, foodies, and history buffs will definitely want to stop by  Lyons for its stunning fusion of ancient Roman ruins, Renaissance towns, colourful murals, and the most mouthwatering French cuisines in all of France! Make your Europe trip unforgettable by embarking on a gastronomic adventure in search of the best escargot among the city’s oldest bouchons (that’s French for restaurants, FYI). 

Bordeaux is France’s most well-loved destination for wine tasting, with over 6,000 vineyards and wineries splashed across and around the city. Treat your taste buds to a test with premium and vintage Bordeaux blends dating back to 1959!  

Venice in France? You read that right. The Colmar La Petite de Venise—aka Little Venice—in the Alsace region looks just like the Italian capital with its lazy stretch of calm waters, pastel-coloured cottages, and shrubberies bursting along the waterways. Here, you can snap the cutest shots and even ride the gondola. Of course, don’t forget to drop by the local markets and get yourself a pipin’ hot pretzel! 

Here’s a stop you can’t miss during your Europe trip: Cannes is famous for its film festival, A-list celebrity spottings, luxury shopping, and the most gorgeous beaches in France. For a change of scenery, head to Carlton Beach, La Salis, and over 30 more public and private beaches in this quaint coastal town. Frolic in the sea, take a dip, and build sandcastles—Cannes is the perfect place to switch off and unwind! 

If Cannes’ sunny beaches aren’t enough for your dream tan, the neighbouring town of Marseilles has got you covered! Besides sandy beaches and the Old Port, the city is abundant in challenging trails and craggy cliffs to jump off to. If you’re a thrill-seeker, hike the rugged cliffs of the Calanques National Park and afterward take a refreshing dip in the sea. The Calanques of Marseille and Cassis promises panoramic views of the Mediterranean Coast surrounded by white limestone cliffs. 

Another fantastic place to visit in France if you love art is Limoges in the south of Paris. This quirky city is the French capital of fire art! The finest porcelains and the most exquisite stained-glass handicrafts in Europe can be found in the Adrien-Dubouché National Porcelain Museum and along the streets. See how ceramics are fashioned by visiting the markets and stopping by the Limoges-Bénédictins, a beautiful Art Deco railway station at the heart of the city!