When most people think of France, their imaginations immediately bring up images of Paris. The Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre, shops, cafés, museums, fine dining in some of the world’s best restaurants, and of course the Eiffel Tower, spring to mind. Paris is an incredible city filled with rich culture, activities, and unique experiences. The thing is, France has so much more to offer than just its capital city. It’s a rich country full of adventure, with some of the most beautiful towns and villages dotted throughout its lands. It’s a country where rich culture meets dynamic history, with a great deal to experience. If you’re looking to go on a French adventure away from the crowds to see more of the country than most even know about, then you need to check out these five towns on your next adventure to France…
Best Small Town #1 – Giverny, Normandy
With a population of only 500, the village of Giverny is famous for being the site of Claude Monet’s riverside house. Beautiful gardens provide a rich tapestry of colours year-round, with blooms of every conceivable colour littering the land around the house. The building itself is an example of just how beautiful French architecture can be, where people flock from across the world to witness a little slice of French garden paradise. The town of Giverny is also a fantastic location for experiencing the culture of Normandy, with restaurants, shops, and a small village atmosphere that transforms you to a different century. If you want to experience French culture in the countryside, then you must visit Giverny.
Best Small Town #2 – Chamonix, Alps
In the shadow of Mont Blanc in the Alps, the town of Chamonix is best known for its skiing and climbing centres. However, the town itself provides a great opportunity to explore more of what France has to offer. If you’re looking for a scenic escape in the Alps, then head to Chamonix. Experience some of the most dramatic scenery, while enjoying some of the creature comforts of French hospitality, with fine dining, shops, museums and fantastic days out for your adventure. Our personal favourite trip to take during your stay in Chamonix is a ride on the Aiguille Du Midi, a cable car that takes you some 3,800 metres above the ground below. Take in the soaring mountains and deep valleys while being transported up toward Mont Blanc, it’s an unforgettable experience. Find out more information here.
Best Small Town #3 – Gordes, Provence
If you’d like to see a town built into its environment, then look no further. Matching the scenery to look as natural as the hills around, Gordes is a small paradise in the Provence region of France which boasts incredible 12th-century architecture and cultural experiences that paint an idyllic picture of life in rural France. The nearby Sénanque Abbey, a 12th-century church, is an unmissable attraction, overlooking fields of lavender that surround the town. If you’re looking for a unique location that gives you a real taste of ancient French culture, then look no further.
Best Small Town #4 – Etretat, Normandy
Another great location to visit is Normandy. If you’re keen to experience some of northern France’s natural beauty, then you must head to Etretat on the English Channel. Spectacular white cliffs and arches litter the coastline, with some of the best sea views in this region. The natural beauty of this place inspired Guy de Maupassant to write stories and is the subject of many Impressionist painters. Gardens, an 18-hole golf course, stunning views, and a fantastic beach make Etretat a great location for your French adventure. If you’re looking to visit somewhere quieter away from the crowds in France, then you should absolutely visit Etretat.
Best Small Town #5 – Grasse, French Riviera
A little away from Cannes lies the town of Grasse. The world’s capital of perfume, some 30 manufacturers practice their craft of creating scents for markets all over the world. Tourists get to enjoy multiple factory tours and experiences, while also taking in some of the best scenery, weather, and culture that the Riviera has to offer. If you’re looking to explore somewhere and experience something a bit different on your French Riviera tour, you should definitely put Grasse on your list.
