France is home to some of the most iconic and popular holiday destinations in the world. But it's also a great place to venture off the beaten track, discover new and unexpected things, and create unique memories that will last a lifetime.
We’ve put together a list of hidden gems in and around some of the major tourist spots to help you do just that.
Paris is a great city to explore on foot, and one of the most intriguing ways to do this is by taking a tour of its beautiful 19th-century covered passages.
You’ll find everything from luxury goods to quirky antique stores and delicious pastry shops.
As Paris is the city of love, the perfect museum to visit has to be the Musée de la vie Romantique where you can immerse yourself in the lives of Romantic era icons such as George Sand.
Wondering where to eat during your stay in Paris? Get inspired by our selection of the best Michelin restaurants in Paris.
And, if you prefer to be outside, the Jardin du Luxembourg is the ideal place for a nice walk.
Our luxury apartments in Paris are the perfect base for exploring the hidden treasures of the most beautiful city in the world.
Normandy truly has something for everyone, from bustling beach resorts and swooping limestone cliffs to picturesque villages, along with a rich culinary heritage that includes Camembert cheese, cider, and Calvados.
Rouen, the region’s historic capital, boasts mediaeval cobblestoned streets, half-timbered houses, and imposing gothic churches including the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, made famous by the painter Claude Monet.
While there you can experience local cuisine at its finest at Michelin-starred Pottier Frères, or take a detour to Aux Delices Normands in nearby Franqueville-Saint-Pierre, recently voted the Best Bakery In France.
Just over an hour’s drive from Rouen, Deauville offers an ideal alternative, offering something for the whole family, from expansive beaches to gourmet dining.
You can find out more about Deauville in our exclusive guide.
After a day of exploring, return to one of our stunning Normandy villas and bask in luxury.
While most people associate the French Riviera with glitzy destinations like Nice or Cannes, the region is also world-renowned for its astonishing natural beauty.
Its coastline offers sweeping coastal cliffs, sublime sandy beaches, and secluded rocky inlets, along with sleepy fishing villages and winding coastal roads with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean.
A holiday in the region can take you from the famous beach clubs of Saint-Tropez to the old port and narrow streets of La Ciotat, and upwards to Saint Agnès - Europe’s highest coastal village.
A few kilometres outside Saint-Tropez, Gassin is a mediaeval village surrounded by vineyards, perched high on a hill 200m above the sea, which offers an ideal alternative to the larger resorts.
Journey from the region’s secluded spots to our exquisite homes on the French Riviera for the ultimate luxury experience.
Marseille is a vibrant, bustling port city overlooking the Mediterranean that radiates all the warmth of the south of France.
Soak up the charm of its oldest neighbourhood, Le Panier, with its colourful houses, narrow streets, and hidden squares, and head for the Jardin de Vestiges which combines a beautiful garden and the city's oldest remains.
Rich in history dating back to Roman times, Aix-en-Provence, known for being the birthplace of painter Paul Cézanne, is only about 30 minutes from Marseille.
Prepare for your trip by taking a peek at our article on the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence.
You will love returning to our beautiful villas in Marseille after a day exploring the city.
Alpilles is one of the most idyllic regions of France. If you're seeking a bit of tranquility near this highly sought-after massif, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the place for you.
Other must-dos? Visit a family of beekeepers in the heart of the Alpilles to uncover the secrets of honey-making. Head to Pizza Brun to savour pizzas topped with surprising ingredients like truffle or bull sausage.
You could also go hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding in the midst of nature, and explore the region and its characterful villages.
Let yourself be enchanted by the elegance and refinement of our luxury villas in the Alpilles.
And for even more inspiration, discover our guide to the Alpilles.
Situated on the majestic Garonne River, Bordeaux is world-renowned as a mecca for wine lovers.
Château le Carmes Haut-Brion, the only wine estate located within the city limits, has a unique winery designed by Philippe Starck and the architect Luc Arsène-Henry, situated within beautiful gardens.
If you have a sweet tooth then we suggest Maison Darricau for some awesome chocolates, or Pâtisserie San Nicolas for their delicious Canelés, the most famous pastry speciality of Bordeaux.
If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss Guignol Guérin, the oldest puppet theatre in France.
And just an hour's drive from Bordeaux, don't miss the chance to discover Cap Ferret. A true oasis of greenery and serenity, this former fishing village is dotted with oyster huts.
With its family-friendly atmosphere, endless sandy beaches, and a multitude of activities, it is a must-visit for families.
For those who wish to explore the region further, head south and discover Biarritz and the Basque Country, just a 2-hour drive away.
Savour the secret delights of the city and then return to one of our luxury villas in the South West.
France's hidden gems offer a unique glimpse into the country's rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local life, far from the bustling tourist trails.
Each discovery, from secret Parisian passages to serene Provençal villages, promises an unforgettable journey filled with enchantment and personal moments of wonder.
Embarking on this journey to explore France's lesser-known treasures is an invitation to create lasting memories and experience the true essence of French elegance and charm.
Provence is synonymous with the good life. But what does that really mean? Here's what luxury travel in Provence looks like.
Provence's picture-perfect reputation exists in so many different, but equally stunning forms. Rocky mountains flatten into sweeping farmlands, eventually giving way to the dramatic and wild.