Looking for the best France summer destinations but don’t want to go on the French Riviera? Stop searching and keep reading! After 17 summers in France, I’ve gathered 4 of my favorites French destinations for your next summer trip!
It is well known that one of the most popular France summer destinations is the Côte d’Azur. The problem is, as a popular destination, it will be crowded during summer, and sometimes we want a more relaxing and peaceful vacation.
Well, you will be happy to know that there is much more to see than the French Riviera!
To discover some of the most popular summer destinations in France to visit this year, keep reading! You will quickly understand why the country is the #1 touristic destination in the world!
This post highlights 4 of the best France summer destinations to avoid the crowds of the French Riviera!
SUMMER DESTINATION FOR OUTDOORSY: ARDÈCHE
Located in the southeast part of France, Ardèche is a department known for its nature, trails, and rivers. If you are and outdoorsy and adventurous person, it is one of the best summer holiday destinations in France!
What to do in ardèche?
Canoe
The most popular activity there (and one you can’t possibly miss) is to canoe down the Gorges de l’Ardèche. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert in order to do it.
You can choose from different length of route (8, 12, 24 or 32 km) and also have the possibility to do it over 2 days and sleep in a tent. Prices go from €25 to €65 per person, approximately, depending on what you are looking for. It might seem a bit expensive if you are on a budget, but the sceneries you will see and fun you will have will be worth every penny!
Canyoning
If you like a bit of adrenaline, you can also add Canyoning to your list of things to do in Ardèche. The most popular canyons there are the canyons of Chassezac, Besorgue and Pas de Fer. Prices will depend on your guide and the place you are going to, but a normal price for a day of canyoning in France is around €50.
More outdoor adventures
Rock climbing, Speleology, horse riding, mountain biking… When I told you Ardèche is a destination for outdoorsy people I wasn’t lying.
You can do pretty much all outdoors activities there. The diversity of activities makes it one of the best holiday destinations in France for families or friends! Just check out their official website to find the activities that suit you best!
If you like the outdoors but are not really into the previous activities I mentioned, don’t worry, there is more! You can go for a quick walk in the forest and spend the day by the river to stay fresh, visit the different small villages of the area, go on a wine excursion, explore caves…
Here you will find all the information you need to visit the charming villages of Ardèche.
Direction Ocean: THE FRENCH BASQUE COUNTRY
Now on the opposite side of France, in the southwest, you must plan a trip to the French Basque country. On the Atlantic coast, the sceneries you will see there will blow your mind. Along with the hospitality of the locals and the cutest villages!
What to do in The French Basque Country?
WATER SPORTS
- Surfing: If you are a surf enthusiast, you are going to LOVE the French Basque Country. Not only the beaches are gorgeous, but there are some epic surf spots!
If you are just beginning your surf journey, a great spot to take your first lessons is Bidart. A lovely Basque town located 10 minutes away from Biarritz. Another great spot for beginners? Hendaye! The waves there are not really strong, nor big, so it will be perfect to start!
If you already have some experience and want to catch bigger waves, the most famous spot in the French Basque Country is Grand Plage in Biarritz.
- Paddleboarding: Let me be honest with you, paddleboarding is harder than it looks! But it is so much fun! It is the perfect activity for people who want to spend time in the water and do some sports but are not into surfing! If you want to rent a board there, nothing’s easier! You can rent them from almost all the surf shops you will find on the coast!
- Scuba diving: It doesn’t matter what your level is, you will find a dive for you in Biarritz at Le Port des Pêcheurs with the scuba diving club.
The club offers 3 different excursions, from the easiest for beginners, to the hardest for experimented divers. They will also provide you all the equipment for your adventure, so don’t worry about it!
Wandering around Basque Villages
If you are not into watersports, don’t worry! The French Basque Country is still one of the best France summer destinations for you! Visit the lovely coastal villages, learn about the local culture, try new food and immerse yourself in the Basque way of living!
Here are some charming cities and villages you can’t miss this summer:
- Biarritz: If you are looking for a bigger city to stay in and go on day trips to explore the region, Biarritz is one of the best summer holiday destinations in France. Not only the city is lovely, with a lot of architecture and streets to wander around, but the direct access to the beach is a real must for the days you won’t want to drive.
If you want to know everything about Biarritz, this blogger I love has written the best article!
- Saint Jean de Luz: Small but lovely fishing town, it might be the most charming village you will find on the coast. Colorful houses, narrow streets, beach, small artisanal shops… You are going to fall in love with this place and will probably go back!
- Bayonne: Less touristic than Biarritz and more authentic, if you can only visit one of them, I would advise you to visit Bayonne.
The only thing Bayonne doesn’t have is the beach, but it has so much to offer that it won’t bother you. And if you are a foodie, you must try their chocolate and Ham of Bayonne. They are truly the best! Also, if you are visiting middle of July, immerse yourself in the Bayonne Fair! It is truly a unique experience!
- Sare: Sare is a tiny village, but definitely worth a visit if you are traveling through the Basque Country. There you will be able to see and understand the soul of Basque culture. Architecture, gastronomy, traditional dancing, pelota, mountains… Sare is just one of these places where you immediately feel good.
- Espelette: If you are into cooking, you have probably heard of the Espelette pepper before. That’s the place it comes from. It is so popular there, and all around the world, that it is also called the “Red Gold of Basque Country”. When you visit the town of Espelette, discover how it is grown, harvest and then prepared to be sold all around the globe.
Getting to Higher grounds: THE FRENCH ALPS
I might be biased about the French Alps as I grew up there, but I firmly believe that it is one of the most beautiful and best summer holiday destinations in France!
WHAT TO DO IN THE FRENCH ALPS?
MOUNTAIN SPORTS
If you choose the French Alps as your summer destination, I believe you like mountain sports. And over there, there is a ton of different activities you can do!
Here are the most popular:
- Hiking: The great thing about the French Alps is that you have different paths for different kind of hikers. Whether you want a quick hike leading to an alpine lake, a challenging one or even a 3-days adventure, you will find what you are looking for!
- Mountain biking: As there are many skiing resorts in the French Alps, during summer, some of them open their slopes to mountain bikers. All you have to do is then enjoy the downhill trails and explore the different paths.
- Rock climbing: Whether you are an experienced climber or a beginner looking to try a new activity, the French Alps is a great place to go. Rock climbing enthusiasts comes from all over the world to take on the French Alps!
- Paragliding: If you have never done paragliding before, I can’t think of a better place to try it! The scenic views you will get over the Alps will stay in your mind forever!
Visiting alpine villages and cities
I’ve dedicated an entire blog post to all the lovely places you should visit while you are there. And soon you will realize that the French Alps have much more to offer than sports adventures!
Up north, you go: Normandy
Normandy is often forgotten by tourists and travelers. But soon you will understand why it should become one of the most popular summer destinations in France.
Firstly, did you know that in Normandy alone, there are 6 of the Most Beautiful Villages In France? Let’s take a look at them!
6 MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES IN NORMANDY
- Barfleur: If you wonder what a traditional Norman fishing port looks like, you will have your answer in Barfleur. And where there is a port, there is seafood…
Barfleur is known for harvesting mussels by boat, and one of the species (Barfleur Blonde) has been recognized for their quality for some years now. What better summer dish than a plate of moules-frites?
- Le Bec-Hellouin: A totally different vibe than the fishing village of Barfleur. What makes Le Bec-Hellouin special is its deep religious roots. People often say then can feel it while visiting the lovely town. There you will find, a church, a monastery, and an abbey. All packed with history, I believe it is interesting even if you are not religious.
- Beuvron-en-Auge: The cutest thing about Beuvron-en-Auge is certainly the typical dwellings you will find around the village. Vieux Manoir, half-timbred houses, Auberge de la Boule d’Or… Add to the mix craft workshops and local produce shops, and you are in for a treat!
- Lyons-la-Forêt: Located in Normandy’s largest forest, the Forêt domaniale de Lyons-La-Forêt, this little village has an air of fairytales. This unique vibe even insipred Maurice Ravel some of his most beautiful pieces of music.
- Veules-les-Roses: Between lovely houses, smallest french river and seaside walks, Veules-les-Roses will charm you in less than a second. And while you’re there, don’t forget to have some of their oysters!
- Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei: Did you know that numerous painters came to Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei to find peace and inspiration? They use to stay in the “Auberge des Soeurs Moisy” which now turned into an art museum open to the public. So if you like art and peaceful places, you know where to go for your next French summer trip!
Normandy’s most famous attractions
There is more to see in Normandy than these cute villages, some places are worldly renown and here are the ones you can’t miss and should be on your bucket list already!
- Mont Saint-Michel: Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you have probably heard of the Mont Saint-Michel before. Beside the abbey, which is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, you will find there everything you need to spend the perfect day. Narrow streets, restaurants, shops, museum… If you can, try to see the Mont Saint-Michel at hight-tide. This will give you the illusion that it is floating on the sea.
- Etretat’s famous cliffs: Normandy seems to be a place that has always attracted artists. Painters, musicians, writters… And the beauty of Etretat’s cliffs is no exception to the rule. Mainy painters tried to capture these cliffs on canvas. Don’t miss out on this unique natural gem.
- D-day Landing Beaches: If you like history, and particularly recient history, you can’t possibly visit Normandy without visiting D-day Landing Beaches. The world is the way it is today thanks to this historical evenment. And if you want to understand how it happens, you can book a guided tour and learn everything about this day.