To experience the authentic France, forget all about Paris for a minute – these are the top six regions you need to add to your itinerary.
From rubbing shoulders with friendly locals to discovering stunning areas rich in history, architectural wonders and gourmet heaven, the regions of France offer so much more than city life ever could.
Here’s our 6 tips on where to head to and why. Let the exploring begin…
1. Burgundy: Franche-Comte
Explore endless cafés in Chalon sur Saone
If it’s your first time in France, the Franche-Comte is a great region to add to your itinerary as it offers a little bit of everything.
You’ll find history and charm in the towns of Dole and Besancon and grand cathedrals and bustling markets in Tournus and Chalon-sur-Saone. Treat yourself to vibrant music and culture in Scey-sur-Saone and Ray-sue-Saone with their splendid chateaux and summer festivals.
Chalon sur saone, St Vincent Cathederal
Discover a mini Paris in Dijon with its palatial buildings, opulent facades and rich heritage or Macon for history, fine arts and theatre. The scenery here is mountainous with pine forests and waterfalls en route.
For foodies and wine-os, there’s plenty for you too – Burgundy is famous for its cheeses, mustard, gingerbread and other local delicacies like beef bourguignon.
Wine-tasting at Cote de Beaune’s ‘grand cru’ wineries is unmatched with famous names such as Pommard, Chasagne-Montachet, Rully and Mercury. Head to Changy for its Michelin-starred restaurants, like the three-star Maison Lameloise.
2. Camargue
Flamingoes in Camargue
With bustling crusader ports, sandy beaches and colourful traditions, the Camargue is a unique destination that sounds more like somewhere you’d find in America’s wild-west than France’s south-east.
With both Spanish and French cultural influences, you’ll encounter bull fighting, roman gypsy festivals and modern-day ‘Guardian’ cowboys.
Camargue Guardians
If you explore this region by boat you’re sure to come across some wild white Camargue horses (not too dissimilar to our wild brumbies) and over 350 species of bird life including the greater Flamingo and King Fisher.
Aigues-Mortes Camargue
The terrain here is varied; from wetlands to sandy Mediterranean beaches – You’ll cruise past oyster beds and salt flats and be able to swim in the many lakes here.
3. Aquitaine
Montauban, Aquitaine
Foodies rejoice! You’ll find every delight imaginable in France’s south-west region of plenty, from truffles and Agen prunes to foie gras and Bordeaux wines. Sample the eau de vie (brandy), Armagnac, in its birthplace Condom and peruse the farmers markets and museums in Castelsarrasin and Bordeaux.
Nerac, Aquitaine
Agen and Montauban are the ideal cities for chic French shopping. The scenery in the Aquitaine is just magnificent, with flower filled fields along the canals, 7th century abbeys, cloisters and impressive aqueducts.
Travel further east to the River lot for dramatic hilly scenery with limestone cliffs, waterfalls, the old town of Cahors and the ancient stone city of Saint-Cirq Lapopie.
4. Burgundy: Nivernais and Loire Valley
The Ducal Palace, Nevers, Loire Valley
You won’t run out of things to see and do in this region, located only a few hours south-west of Paris. The medieval villages boast castles, chateaux, monasteries and cathedrals and the leafy countryside is home to the world-famous Sancerre and Chablis wineries.
Find impressive gothic architecture and holy structures in Migennes, Auxerre and Sens or marvel at the stunning aqueducts of Briare and Baye, which also make for a great stop for hiking, water sports and fishing.
Canal Du Nivernais
If festivals and markets are your thing, be sure to visit Joigny, Villeneuve-sur-Yonne or the roman city of Nevers, with its stunning Palace Ducal.
For something completely different, the summer river jousting competitions in the beautiful towns of Clamecy or Sete are a spectacle to behold.
5. Canal du Midi
Le Somail, Canal Du Midi
A region on many cruisers bucket-lists, the Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers plenty of vineyards and pretty villages in the Languedoc – France’s most prolific wine producing region.
Carcassonne La Cite, Canal Du Midi
You will find an impressive ancient walled fortress in Carcassonne, antiquarian bookshops and quality restaurants in the pretty village of Le Somail and pedestrianised precincts and the famous Merchant’s bridge in Narbonne.
Canal Du Midi
Festivals are also abundant along the Canal Du Midi throughout the summer – Festival de Carcassonne, the summer festival of Toulouse and La Feria de Beziers, are just a few.
While you’re in the region, definitely try the Cassoulet – Castelnaudary’s signature dish.
6. Alsace
Stanislas Square, Nancy, Alsace
Bordering Germany, discover the unique north-west of France in the Alsace. With Germanic influences particularly apparent in the Alsatian architecture, this cosmopolitan region is still quintessentially French. Strasbourg, a UNESCO world heritage site is a not-to-miss stop with excellent shopping, dining and culture.
Strasbourg, Alsace
Art-Noveau lovers will delight in the town of Nancy, also home to the stunning Place Stanislas – the most beautiful square in Europe!
There are also so many delicious delicacies to try here –the local wines of course, but also Choucroute (sauerkraut with sausage, pork or ham) and Tarte Flambée (a thin pizza with cheese, bacon and onions).
Go your own way
Colombiers Robine, Canal Du Midi
Le Boat offers self-drive boating holidays for groups of two, up to twelve, in nine regions across France.
Discover the region of your choice at your own pace, stopping when and where you want. Best of all, no licence or prior experience is required. So take the helm, captain your very own boat and discover what France really has to offer.
Prices start from $2,015 for a group of four for seven nights on a Caprice model boat.
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Le Boat holidays allow you to drive your own boat through the waterways of Europe and do not require you to have any experience or licences.
