Category: France

Introduction

Bonjour, fellow travelers! France is a country full of enchanting destinations, and while many tourists flock to the well-known cities and landmarks, there are countless hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, I’ll take you on a 10-day journey through some of the most captivating and lesser-known spots in France – places that are cherished by locals and offer a truly authentic experience. Let’s dive into the world of secret French treasures!

Day 1: La Couvertoirade, Aveyron

Getting there: From Paris, take a train to Millau (5h30min), followed by a 30-minute taxi ride to the village.

Our adventure begins in the fortified medieval village of La Couvertoirade, a true testament to the Knights Templar. Wander along the cobblestone streets and explore the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the 12th-century Eglise Saint-Christophe (Place du Barry, 12230 La Couvertoirade) and the impressive castle ruins.

For a memorable dining experience, try the delicious aligot (cheesy mashed potatoes) and farçous (savory pancakes) at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Ars-en-Ré, Île de Ré

Getting there: From La Couvertoirade, take a train to La Rochelle (7h), followed by a 1-hour bus ride to Ars-en-Ré.

Located on the charming Île de Ré, Ars-en-Ré is a picturesque village with white-washed houses and vibrant hollyhocks. Rent a bike and explore the nearby salt marshes, or take a sailing lesson at the local sailing school.

Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at a local bistro, where you can sample dishes like mouclade (mussel curry) and oysters on the half shell.

Day 3: Sainte-Agnès, Alpes-Maritimes

Getting there: From Ars-en-Ré, take a train to Nice (9h), followed by a 1-hour bus ride to Sainte-Agnès.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, Sainte-Agnès is a breathtaking village with narrow streets and panoramic views. Visit the 12th-century Eglise Notre-Dame-des-Neiges (Place Saint-Jean, 06500 Sainte-Agnès) and the fascinating military fortifications.

For dinner, savor the flavors of Provence at a local restaurant, with dishes like pissaladière (onion tart) and ratatouille.

Day 4: Blesle, Auvergne

Getting there: From Sainte-Agnès, take a train to Brioude (8h30min), followed by a 20-minute taxi ride to Blesle.

Blesle, a quaint village with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, is a true Auvergne gem. Explore the 9th-century Eglise Saint-Pierre (Rue de l’Église, 43450 Blesle) and the historic tanneries along the riverbanks.

Sample local specialties like truffade (cheese and potato dish) and pounti (pork and prune pie) at a cozy village eatery.

Day 5: Limeuil, Dordogne

Getting there: From Blesle, take a train to Le Bugue (6h30min), followed by a 15-minute taxi ride to Limeuil.

Situated at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, Limeuil is a captivating village with picturesque streets and gardens.

Visit the Eglise Saint-Martin (Place des Ormeaux, 24510 Limeuil) and the scenic riverside park, perfect for a leisurely picnic.

For a unique experience, take a traditional gabare boat tour along the Dordogne River or try your hand at pottery-making in a local workshop. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal featuring local dishes like magret de canard (duck breast) and walnut cake.

Day 6: Rochefort-en-Terre, Brittany

Getting there: From Limeuil, take a train to Questembert (7h), followed by a 20-minute taxi ride to Rochefort-en-Terre.

Rochefort-en-Terre, a picturesque village adorned with geraniums and lanterns, is a magical destination in Brittany. Wander along the charming streets, visit the Eglise Notre-Dame-de-la-Tronchaye (Rue de la Tronchaye, 56220 Rochefort-en-Terre), and explore the ruins of the medieval castle.

Indulge in Breton cuisine at a local crêperie, where you can try savory galettes and sweet crêpes accompanied by a refreshing bowl of cider.

Day 7: Espelette, Basque Country

Getting there: From Rochefort-en-Terre, take a train to Bayonne (7h), followed by a 1-hour bus ride to Espelette.

Famous for its vibrant red peppers, Espelette is a lively village in the heart of the Basque Country. Visit the Eglise Saint-Étienne (Place du Jeu de Paume, 64250 Espelette) and the Pepper Museum to learn about the region’s culinary heritage.

Sample Basque delicacies like axoa (veal stew) and gâteau basque (cherry or custard-filled cake) at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Pérouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Getting there: From Espelette, take a train to Meximieux (9h), followed by a 10-minute taxi ride to Pérouges.

Step back in time in the medieval village of Pérouges, with its cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved buildings. Visit the Eglise Sainte-Marie-Madeleine (Place du Tilleul, 01800 Pérouges) and the charming central square.

Treat yourself to a traditional galette de Pérouges, a delicious lemon and sugar-topped brioche, at a local bakery.

Day 9: Barfleur, Normandy

Getting there: From Pérouges, take a train to Valognes (9h), followed by a 30-minute taxi ride to Barfleur.

With its granite houses and picturesque harbor, Barfleur is a delightful fishing village in Normandy. Stroll along the waterfront, visit the Eglise Saint-Nicolas (Place Saint-Nicolas, 50760 Barfleur), and explore the nearby Gatteville lighthouse.

Savor the local seafood at a harbor-side restaurant, indulging in dishes like moules marinières (mussels in white wine) and fresh fish caught daily.

Day 10: Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Burgundy

Getting there: From Barfleur, take a train to Les Laumes-Alésia (7h), followed by a 15-minute taxi ride to Flavigny-sur-Ozerain.

Our final stop is Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, a charming village known for its production of anise-flavored candies. Wander the medieval streets, visit the Eglise Saint-Genest (Place de l’Église, 21150 Flavigny-sur-Ozerain), and tour the Anis de Flavigny factory to learn about this sweet treat’s history.

Enjoy a delicious Burgundy-inspired meal at a local restaurant, featuring dishes like coq au vin and jambon persillé (ham in parsley jelly).

Conclusion

As we look back on this incredible 10-day journey through hidden gems in France, it’s clear that the country’s beauty and charm extend far beyond its famous cities and landmarks. Each of these lesser-known destinations offers a unique insight into French culture, history, and cuisine. I hope that this blog post has inspired you to explore some of these secret treasures on your next visit to France. Bon voyage, and happy travels!

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Introduction

Bonjour, mes amis! In this blog post, I will take you on an enchanting journey through some of the most picturesque and hidden gems of France – villages that will transport you back in time, with their charming cobblestone streets, warm and welcoming locals, and delectable cuisine. So, let’s embark on a magical five-day adventure through these secret French villages that you’ve never heard of but absolutely need to visit!

Day 1: Arrival in Vézelay, Burgundy

Getting there: To reach Vézelay, take a train from Paris to Avallon (2h30min), and then a short 20-minute taxi ride to the village.

Our journey begins in the captivating village of Vézelay, nestled in the heart of Burgundy. One of the highlights here is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine (2 Rue Saint-Étienne, 89450 Vézelay). This Romanesque church is not only an architectural marvel, but it also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

For a unique experience, indulge in a wine tasting tour at the local vineyards, and don’t forget to try the region’s famed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. End your day with a delicious dinner at a local bistro, savoring traditional dishes like boeuf bourguignon and escargots.

Day 2: Gerberoy, Picardy

Getting there: From Vézelay, drive for about 3 hours to reach Gerberoy, or take a train to Beauvais (3h30min) and then a 45-minute taxi ride to the village.

Our next stop is Gerberoy, a tiny medieval village known for its picturesque half-timbered houses adorned with vibrant roses. Start your day by exploring the charming streets and capturing picture-perfect moments. Don’t miss the Collégiale Saint-Pierre (Rue du Logis du Roy, 60380 Gerberoy), a beautiful Gothic church with stunning stained-glass windows.

For a unique experience, join a local artist for a painting class and immortalize the beauty of Gerberoy on canvas. In the evening, treat yourself to a sumptuous meal at a local restaurant, where you can try regional specialties like ficelle picarde (savory crepe) and tarte au maroilles (cheese tart).

Day 3: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie

Getting there: From Gerberoy, drive for approximately 6 hours or take a train to Cahors (7h), followed by a 30-minute taxi ride to the village.

Perched atop a cliff overlooking the River Lot, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is an enchanting village that will captivate your heart. Begin your day by visiting the 14th-century Eglise Saint-Cirq (Place du Sombral, 46330 Saint-Cirq-Lapopie) and admire its beautiful frescoes.

For an unforgettable experience, take a guided canoe tour down the River Lot, exploring hidden caves and enjoying the stunning landscape. In the evening, feast on mouthwatering local dishes like duck confit and truffle-infused foie gras at a cozy restaurant.

Day 4: Eus, Languedoc-Roussillon

Getting there: From Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, drive for 4 hours or take a train to Perpignan (4h30min), followed by a 45-minute taxi ride to the village.

Our next destination is Eus, a sun-kissed village nestled at the foot of Mount Canigou, offering panoramic views of the Pyrenees. Start your day with a visit to the 18th-century Eglise Saint-Vincent (Place de l’Église, 66500 Eus), where you can admire its beautiful Baroque altarpiece.

For a truly unique experience, join a guided hike to the nearby Mount Canigou, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas and soak in natural hot springs. Alternatively, explore the local artisan workshops and learn about traditional crafts such as pottery and weaving.

In the evening, sample delightful Catalan-inspired dishes like boles de picolat (meatballs in tomato sauce) and rousquilles (lemon-flavored cookies) at a charming village eatery.

Day 5: Riquewihr, Alsace

Getting there: From Eus, drive for about 7 hours or take a train to Colmar (8h), followed by a 20-minute taxi ride to the village.

Our final stop is the fairytale-like village of Riquewihr, a colorful Alsatian gem surrounded by vineyards. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets, admiring the beautifully preserved half-timbered houses.

For a memorable experience, rent a bike and explore the Alsace Wine Route, stopping at local wineries for tastings of the region’s celebrated Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines. Don’t forget to visit the Dolder Tower (5 Rue du Dolder, 68340 Riquewihr), a 13th-century gate offering stunning views of the village and surrounding vineyards.

In the evening, savor the flavors of Alsace at a local restaurant, with dishes like tarte flambée (thin-crust pizza) and choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and pork).

Conclusion

As we reflect on this extraordinary journey through the secret French villages, it’s impossible not to feel a deep sense of gratitude for the unforgettable memories, heartwarming encounters, and mouthwatering cuisine. Each village, with its unique charm and character, offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of French culture and history. I hope that this blog post has inspired you to venture off the beaten path and discover these hidden gems for yourself. Bon voyage, mes amis!

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