Discover the 10 hidden gems of France that 87% of tourists ignore (number 6 is incredible)

France remains a top destination for travelers from around the world, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and gastronomy. In 2025, the country is preparing to welcome tourists with renewed energy, driven by the “Destination France 2025” program and its evocative theme “Keep the Rhythm.” This initiative echoes the momentum following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the tourism sector’s commitment to sustainable development. Let’s explore together the top 10 best tourist destinations in France for your next trip, from must-see gems to lesser-known treasures promising unforgettable experiences.

Paris: the City of Light at the height of its art

Paris, the undisputed capital of French tourism, continues to enchant visitors from around the world. The Eiffel Tower, the city’s eternal symbol, rises majestically above the Parisian rooftops, while Notre-Dame, undergoing a renaissance after the 2019 fire, testifies to the city’s resilience. The charm of the City of Light remains undiminished, with its world-renowned museums, picturesque neighborhoods, and unique art of living.

The Parisian gastronomic scene shines brightly, boasting no fewer than 132 Michelin-starred restaurants in 2025. This exceptional concentration of excellence establishments makes Paris a true paradise for gourmets. From traditional bistros to starred tables, and bustling markets, the capital offers a range of flavors that will delight the most demanding palates.

• Visit the Louvre and admire the Mona Lisa
• Stroll along the Champs-Élysées
• Discover the charm of Montmartre
• Enjoy a pastry in an iconic Parisian café

Aix-en-Provence: in the footsteps of Cézanne

Aix-en-Provence ranks 7th in the prestigious list of 52 recommended destinations by the New York Times for 2025. This international recognition highlights the city’s exceptional artistic heritage, notably its unwavering connection to the painter Paul Cézanne. In 2025, Aix-en-Provence celebrates its illustrious native son with a series of exhibitions and dedicated tours, offering visitors a full immersion into the world of the post-impressionist master.

The Granet Museum, a cultural jewel of the city, presents an unprecedented retrospective of Cézanne’s work, while the Jas de Bouffan, the artist’s family home, opens its doors after meticulous restoration. Art and history lovers will be delighted by visiting the Bibémus Quarries, where Cézanne drew his inspiration, and by climbing Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a recurring subject in his paintings.

Avignon: a dive into medieval history

Avignon, a medieval jewel of southern France, stands out as one of the country’s most sought-after cultural destinations. The city of the popes, with its imposing Palais des Papes listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, transports visitors to the heart of the 14th century. The Saint-Bénézet Bridge, famous for the song “Sur le pont d’Avignon,” majestically spans the Rhône River, bearing witness to the city’s past grandeur. The Avignon Festival, a must-see event for performing arts, attracts thousands of spectators and artists from around the world every July. This creative buzz transforms the city into an open-air stage, where theater, dance, and music intertwine in a unique historical setting. The medieval alleys, shaded squares, and ramparts provide a striking backdrop for this celebration of living culture.

• Study the Palais des Papes and its medieval frescoes
• Attend a performance at the Avignon Festival
• Savor Provençal specialties at the Place de l’Horloge
• Visit the Petit Palais museum and its collection of Italian primitives

Saint-Malo: treasures of the Breton coast

Saint-Malo, a legendary corsair city, stands proudly on the Breton coast, attracting history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The ramparts surrounding the old town offer a unique walk, with breathtaking views of the English Channel and the surrounding islands. Inside the walls, with its cobbled streets and granite houses, visitors are immersed in the atmosphere of a city that has braved centuries and storms.

The Sillon beach, one of the most beautiful in Brittany, stretches over several kilometers, inviting walks and invigorating sea baths. Thrill-seekers can try land sailing on the fine sand, while gourmets will delight in freshly caught seafood at the port’s restaurants. The Grand Bé, an islet accessible at low tide, houses the tomb of the writer Chateaubriand, offering a place of reflection filled with history and romance.

Lyon and Bordeaux: capitals of French gastronomy

Lyon and Bordeaux compete for the title of gastronomic capital of France, each offering a unique culinary experience. Lyon, the birthplace of modern French cuisine, charms with its traditional bouchons, those small typical restaurants where you can taste local specialties like quenelle or brioche sausage. The Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a temple of gastronomy, is full of exceptional products that make Lyonnaise cuisine famous.

Bordeaux, for its part, combines the art of dining with that of wine. The city is surrounded by prestigious vineyards, offering visitors the opportunity to taste some of the best wines in the world. The Capucins market, nicknamed “the belly of Bordeaux,” is a must-visit place to discover regional products and Bordeaux’s conviviality. The two cities compete in culinary creativity, blending tradition and innovation for the greatest pleasure of gourmets.

• Taste a mâchon lyonnais in a traditional bouchon
• Visit the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux
• Participate in a tasting at a Médoc château
• Explore Vieux Lyon and its secret traboules

Guadeloupe: an archipelago with a thousand facets

Guadeloupe, ranked 8th in the New York Times top 52 for 2025, establishes itself as a must-see destination in the French Caribbean. This “fabulous” archipelago offers remarkable diversity, combining fine sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, and unique cultural heritage. Grande-Terre, with its lively seaside resorts and long white sandy beaches, contrasts with Basse-Terre, dominated by the majestic Soufrière volcano and its dense vegetation.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the richness of Guadeloupe’s fauna and flora. Guadeloupe National Park offers unforgettable hikes, while the marine environment is full of exceptional diving sites. The Creole culture, lively and warm, is discovered through music, dance, and local gastronomy. The colorful markets and rum distilleries testify to the authenticity and island know-how.

The French Basque Country: between sea and mountain

The French Basque Country, listed among the 52 recommended destinations for 2025, charms with its unique blend of ancestral traditions and modernity. Biarritz, a chic seaside resort, attracts surfers from around the world with its legendary waves, while Saint-Jean-de-Luz enchants with its picturesque fishing port and typical houses with colorful shutters.

The Basque hinterland reveals authentic villages like Espelette, famous for its pepper, or Sare, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. Basque culture, proud and lively, is expressed through its traditional festivals, unique sports like pelota, and its renowned gastronomy. Hikers will appreciate the trails winding through the green mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees.

• Surf on the Grande Plage of Biarritz
• Visit the village of Espelette and its emblematic peppers
• Attend a game of Basque pelota
• Taste Bayonne ham and Pyrenean sheep cheese