Discover France Beyond Paris
Travel guides to the France most visitors never see
I’m Anthony. For years I’ve been exploring the France that sits past the capital, chasing its hidden gems — the salt lagoons of the Camargue, the turquoise water running through the Gorges du Verdon, the châteaux of the Loire Valley, the Alpine lake at Annecy, the granite cliffs of Corsica and the tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel. This is where I write it all down: where to stay in each place, how to get there, which tours are worth booking and which aren’t, and the occasional morning that justified a 5am alarm. Practical guides, written from the ground, for the regions that rarely make the standard France itinerary.
Where I write about
Eight regions, each with its own complete guide — where to stay, how to get there, and what is worth booking once you arrive.
- The Camargue — flamingos, white horses and the Rhône delta
- Mont Saint-Michel — the abbey, the tides and when to go
- The Loire Valley — châteaux, vineyards and river cycling
- The Gorges du Verdon — France’s Grand Canyon, by water or on foot
- Corsica — beaches, mountains and hilltop villages
- Annecy — the turquoise lake and the Alps above it
- Cap d’Agde — beaches, boat trips and the Mediterranean coast
- Sète — canals, seafood and France’s little Venice
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Frequently Asked Question
France has diverse natural landscapes and picturesque villages, offering a remarkable range of experiences in Western Europe. With its snow-capped mountain peaks, vast dunes, enchanting fairytale-like villages, and countless lakes, France stands out as a country with an unparalleled variety of offerings. To fully appreciate the richness and variety of this remarkable nation, it’s essential to understand that France is divided into 18 administrative areas, each possessing its own distinct culture, captivating history, and sometimes even a unique language.
It is possible to discover Paris, France, without knowing French. Speaking no French won’t cause you any severe issues. There will always be someone there to assist you in an emergency. Also, in the Paris , France landscape, many people speak at least a bit of English. Going off the usual route makes things more unpredictable.
The sparkling French Riviera coasts, the patchwork meadows of the Loire Valley, the snow-capped Alps, and the historic Normandy harbor towns are just a few examples of France’s breathtakingly varied landscape. These top features make it a popular tourist destination in France, and outdoor enthusiasts find it appealing.
The Euro (EUR) is the primary currency used in France. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are also accepted; however, Discover France Beyond Paris recommended that you call ahead and advise the credit card company of travel plans to avoid hassle while on vacation.
France is well-known worldwide for its language, culture, fashion, and food. A nation at the political center of Europe and an essential player on the world scene, France suffered greatly from the two world wars, both economically and physically.
English is widely spoken in large cities and popular tourist destinations, particularly in the hospitality sector. However, English proficiency could be limited in rural places. It’s helpful to learn some fundamental French phrases.
Pack layers for spring and fall, light clothing for summer, and warm clothing for winter. Remember to bring along any necessary medications, a power adaptor for Type C and Type E outlets, and comfortable walking shoes.
The French Riviera, the castles of the Loire Valley, the Normandy beaches on D-Day, the wine districts of Bordeaux and Burgundy, the picturesque Provence and Alps, and Paris, with its iconic Eiffel Tower and Louvre, are all must-see France Paris destinations.
The best time to visit France is between spring and summer, from April and June, or autumn, from September to November, when the climate is perfect and visitor traffic is still relatively low. Those who do not mind crowds and like a lively atmosphere prefer to spend the summer months of July and August visiting the most beautiful areas of France
Although restaurant bills include a service charge, it is traditional to round up or leave tiny changes for good service. Although tipping is not as common in other nations, it is still appreciated for outstanding service.