Today, technology can answer any question, from “how to track someones phone”, to “what to see in France if you've never been there”, but what if you don't follow the beaten GPS coordinates and the most popular routes on the first page of google?
Traditionally, the first trip to France for many people is associated with the obligatory places that have become a business card: Paris, the Louvre, the Côte d'Azur. But the real magic of this country is hidden in lesser-known corners, where you can see the real French life - unhurried markets of provincial towns, cozy streets filled with the aroma of fresh pastries, and landscapes that inspired artists and poets.
Today we will talk about those unusual places in France, which are not included in the traditional tourist guides, but give an opportunity to really feel the atmosphere of this amazing region.
Aigues-Mortes, Provence: Medieval Fortress with the Spirit of Time
The best time to visit: In spring or fall to avoid the crowds of tourists and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Aigues-Mortes is a place that seems to have stepped off the pages of historical novels. This small town in Provence, surrounded by strong medieval walls, creates an atmosphere where time seems to stand still. Founded in the 13th century, Aigues-Mortes was an important port that was used to send the Crusades. There are not many tourists here, which makes it possible to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient city.
By the way, did you know that Aigues-Mortes was once an important seaport despite being located far from the coast? The town was connected to the sea by artificial canals, allowing ships to easily reach its walls.
What's worth seeing:
Fortress walls and towers: The walls of Aigues-Mortes have been preserved almost in their original form, and walking along them will make you feel like a medieval knight. Moreover, this is where you can see a panorama of the salt fields.
St. Louis Church: Built in the Gothic style, it is a real architectural gem. Its interior is particularly beautiful (decorated with stained glass and wood carvings).
Local History Museum: This museum displays artifacts and collections dating back to the Knights and Medieval Crusades.
Travel tip: Be sure to visit the salt fields, especially during sunset hours when the water takes on a pink hue due to the presence of algae. The golden hour and this place are the ingredients of success for a perfect tourist postcard. Also, when sightseeing, don't neglect audio guides - it's a more budget-friendly option than being accompanied by a real person, and besides, for the convenience of travelers, Aigues-Mortes offers audio guides in several languages, giving you a deeper understanding of the city's history.
Fontaine de Vaucluse: A Natural Mystery of Provence
What to see and do: the spring itself; the Petrarch Museum (here you can find out why this valley became his muse); speleological excursions (for the more adventurous, exploring the underground rivers that feed the spring).
If the previous location tells you the history of the Middle Ages, Fontaine de Vaucluse is a window into the original nature of France. This unique natural phenomenon is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, and its name comes from the Latin Vallis Clausa - “closed valley”.
By the way, this place is inextricably linked with legends and inspiration. Here lived the great poet Petrarch, who praised the spring in his sonnets. According to legends, in its depths are hidden treasures of the Templars. Standing on the shore and watching the play of light on the water surface, it is hard not to believe that there really is something magical in this place.
Fontaine de Vaucluse is considered to be one of the most powerful in Europe: annually more than 600 million cubic meters of water are released from its depths. In spring, when the mountain snows melt, it is particularly impressive - the waters rush with such force that it seems as if the earth is breathing. And in the summer months, the water calms down, revealing an azure abyss more than 300 meters deep, where no explorer has yet managed to penetrate.
Travel tip: In spring, the water flow is powerful and in summer the level drops, allowing a glimpse into its blue depths. Choose your travel time depending on which Fontaine de Vaucluse you want to see.
Lyon: The Gastronomic Heart of France
The best time to visit: Autumn is the perfect time when the vineyards look delicious and the local markets are filled with fresh truffles and wild mushrooms. Spring is also good for gastronomic discoveries, with young wine tastings and regional food festivals.
After the medieval atmosphere of Aigues-Mortes and the natural wonders of Vaucluse, we head to the heart of France - Lyon. This city is a true paradise for lovers of French cuisine, and a place with a rich history associated with silk, Roman roots and the art of living the French way.
Lyon is called the gastronomic capital of the country, and for good reasons: it is the birthplace of the famous bouchons - traditional restaurants with home cooking. It was in Lyon that the legendary chef Paul Bocuse worked, turning French cooking into an art form.
What to see and do:
Vieux Lyon. Narrow cobbled streets, Renaissance mansions and the famous traboules (secret passageways connecting houses) are a city secret worth uncovering.
Bouchons de Lyon. Taste classic dishes: andouillette (sausages), gratin dauphinois, salad lyonnaise, pike dumplings and, of course, the famous local cheeses.
Stroll along the Sona waterfront. Enjoy the view of the city from the water - especially beautiful in the evening when the bridges and quays are illuminated with lights.
Paul Bocuse Market. This iconic gastronomic market is the perfect place to sample fresh truffles, snails, local wines and pranaline cakes.
Travel tip: If you want to top off your gastronomic adventure with wine, head to Lyon's surrounding regions of Côtes du Rhône (known for powerful red wines like Syrah and Grenache) and Beaujolais (famous for its light and fruity Gamay). Choose wines by appellation: Cru Beaujolais for a refined bouquet and Côtes du Rhône Villages for intense flavor.
Terre-de-Bas, Guadeloupe
The best time to go: winter and spring, when the rainy season is over and the air is fresh and comfortable. During this time, the island hosts colorful carnivals and festivals where you can see traditional Creole dances, enjoy live music and taste the dishes of street chefs.
France is also the Caribbean, and it is on the island of Terre-de-Bas that you can feel French elegance intertwined with the rhythms of Creole culture. Here the streets have French names, the stores sell baguettes and croissants, but the air is scented with spices, the zouk and biggin - the traditional music of the Antilles - and the restaurants offer dishes that blend French and Caribbean culinary traditions.
What to see and do on the island? First of all, check out Fort Delagre, an old 18th-century fortification that commemorates how France defended its Caribbean possessions against the British. Today, the fort houses a museum where you can learn about the island's colonial past. A very interesting option for tourists is also the Guadeloupe National Park - a reserve that includes tropical forests, picturesque waterfalls Carbet and the majestic volcano Soufriere, which locals call “Old Lady”. And of course, we cannot fail to mention the Terre-de-Bas market - a place where you can plunge into the daily life of the island, taste fresh exotic fruits, vanilla, spices and real Guadeloupean rum.
Travel tip: Terre-de-Bas is an island for leisurely exploration. Here you can get lost in the rainforest, accidentally walk into a hidden beach or linger over a conversation with locals in the colorful bazaar. To stay connected and not get lost, especially in remote corners of the island, install Number Tracker. Due to the app, you will be able to track your route and share your location with friends and family to stay connected and safe.
Beyond the Familiar
France knows how to surprise - beyond the classic routes, there are stories, flavors and landscapes that you will not find in tourist brochures. And sometimes it is worth going off the beaten track to get a taste of the real adventures and experience moments that will stay in your heart forever.