France is the single most visited country in the world. A tourism hotspot, the majority of the attraction comes from the capital city of Paris. Featured in almost every romantic novel and movie for the last 150 years, Paris draws tourists in by the millions. Surprisingly though, it is nowhere near the top of local French people’s lists of attractive destinations.
When French people travel they like to do things a little differently to everyone else – even when touring their own country. Recent insights from Raffour Interactif, a French tourism marketing research firm revealed that in 2021, more than two-thirds of them decided to travel, and a whopping 84% of those opted to stay within the borders of France.
Popular Places for Local Travelers
Nature and outdoor activities have boomed in popularity since the lockdowns of the pandemic. Maud Bailly, CEO of southern Europe for Accor, a multinational hospitality company with over 1,600 hotels in France, noted that several areas gained popularity among French travellers.
The coastal regions of Brittany, known as Bretagne in French, attracted people with its expansive landscapes and the beauty of the sea. This region is home to picturesque seaside towns like Cancale and the historic walled port city of Saint-Malo, famous for its gastronomy and rich history.
In the southern part of France, the renowned French Riviera, especially the chic coastal areas near Cannes and Nice, also lured local visitors with its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
While some islands in French Polynesia struggled with tourism during the pandemic, those closer to the mainland saw an influx of local tourists. Ile de Re, off the west coast of France, benefited from its proximity to Paris, just a five-hour drive away. Additionally, the “super famous and fantastic” Belle Ile in the north and Corsica in the south were popular choices for domestic travellers.
People who visited Corsica even compared its stunning waters to the Maldives, highlighting the diverse landscapes and experiences that France offers, given its considerable size, roughly twice that of Colorado.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Many places that are beloved by the French eventually become popular with foreign tourists as well. However, there are exceptions, like the Alsace wine route, which remains a well-kept secret for now. This route allows travelers to explore picturesque villages, taste local wines, visit castles, and enjoy breathtaking landscapes.
Before the pandemic, nearly 60% of France’s wine tourists were domestic travellers, according to Martin Lhuillier, head of wine tourism at Atout France, the country’s tourism development agency. One of his top recommendations is to visit Jura, one of the smallest wine regions in France, and explore the village of Chateau-Chalon, known for its unique vin jaune, or yellow wine.
Both Maud Bailly and Martin Lhuillier also suggest visiting the French department of Dordogne, situated between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees. Dordogne offers unspoiled natural beauty and charming towns like Bergerac and Duras, where travellers can immerse themselves in French art de vivre, gastronomy, and nature.
The French Way of Living
France has been a top destination for international travellers for decades, thanks to its emphasis on enjoying life. This “art de vivre,” or the art of living, is evident everywhere, from the boulevards of Paris to the Palace of Versailles and the country’s restaurants, which boast more Michelin stars than any other nation.
However, according to Bailly, it’s in the “more secret, discreet places” that travellers can truly experience and reconnect with the authentic French way of living.
“Most Beautiful” Villages
In Dordogne, you can find Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, one of the newest additions to the list of the “most beautiful villages in France.” This prestigious list, which began 40 years ago, features 168 villages renowned for their exceptional heritage and beauty. These villages are meticulously evaluated based on 30 criteria, encompassing everything from heritage sites and architecture to small details like hidden electrical wires.
Southern France boasts the highest concentration of these beautiful villages, with over 75% located in provinces like Nouvelle Aquitaine, Occitanie, and Provence-Alpes-Cote-d’Azur.
The TV show “Le Village Prefere des Francais” (“The Favorite Village of the French”) also shines a spotlight on lesser-known spots in the country. Fourteen villages are shortlisted each year—one from each region in France—and the winner is chosen through public vote.
Last year’s winner, the tiny hilltop town of Sancerre, which is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc wine, attracted more tourists. This trend is likely to continue for Bergheim, a village along the Alsace Wine Route, which was crowned this year’s winner. According to Bailly, travelers can plan entire trips around these charming villages, offering a more intimate and culturally rich way to experience France beyond the well-known tourist destinations.
In these villages, you can delve into the rich history and culture that makes France such a captivating destination, all while enjoying the “art de vivre” that defines the French way of life.
