France may be famed for the Eiffel Tower, croissants, and the Louvre, but when the French want to escape the crowds, they look elsewhere — to their favourite villages, coastal corners, and Alpine retreats.
While international tourists queue at Versailles and picnic beneath Parisian landmarks, locals are heading to flower-filled canals, medieval markets, and sun-drenched seaside towns. These are the places where France feels most like itself — quieter, more regional, and undeniably beautiful.
Annecy
Château on the Lac D’Annecy, Annecy/Joshua Kettle/Unsplash
Locals from Lyon and Geneva have long favoured Annecy as a picture-perfect escape, where colourful houses reflect in canal waters and the pristine lake beckons with paddleboards, pedal boats and panoramic mountain views. The old town feels like something out of a fairy tale — a dreamy tangle of flower-draped balconies, artisanal crêperies and cobbled lanes. A classic weekend itinerary includes cycling the scenic Tour du Lac d’Annecy, a 40km path that hugs the lake’s edge, or timing a visit for the annual Fête du Lac, when fireworks light up the water in August.
Colmar
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With its timber-framed buildings and winding waterways, Colmar looks like it was lifted straight from a storybook. It’s often skipped in favour of nearby Strasbourg. Surrounded by vineyards and home to some of France’s most charming wine routes, Colmar is a sensory feast — from the scent of tarte flambée to the vibrant colours of traditional half-timbered houses. In December, locals flood in for its famed Christmas Markets, which turn the town into a glowing winter wonderland without the overwhelming crowds of bigger cities.
Biarritz
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Once the playground of European royalty, Biarritz is now better known for its surf scene — and the locals wouldn’t have it any other way. Here, sun-bleached boards lean against Belle Époque villas and golden beaches meet lively bars serving up Basque tapas. Though it draws its fair share of summer holidaymakers, most are French, especially from Bordeaux and Paris. To make the most of it like a local, catch a few waves at Côte des Basques, then hop 15 minutes inland to Bayonne for pintxos and a glass of Irouléguy wine — a ritual for many who spend their summers here.
Metz
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Metz is a lively mix of history, student energy and artistic flair. Locals love its year-round theatre and music festivals, buzzing canal scene (think kayaking and paddleboarding), and standout Gothic cathedral with stained-glass by Chagall. Come nightfall, the city comes alive with live music, artisanal breweries and quirky eateries — including a restaurant entirely dedicated to potatoes. If you’re visiting in December, the Metz Christmas Market is one of France’s most atmospheric, drawing locals with its festive charm and regional treats.
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Dinan
Desert Morocco Adventures/Unsplash
In Brittany, locals looking for a taste of history often head to Dinan — a fortified hilltop town with medieval ramparts, timbered houses and views over the Rance River. Unlike Saint-Malo, which draws cruise passengers in droves, Dinan remains refreshingly off the radar. Wander down the steep Rue du Jerzual, lined with artisan studios, or take a boat cruise to Saint-Malo for a day trip. Many locals, though, prefer staying put — walking the quiet ramparts at sunset or sipping cider on a terrace tucked away from the main square.
Cassis
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Just east of Marseille lies Cassis, a sleepy harbour town that trades glitz for natural splendour. Locals from Provence and the south coast head here to swim in turquoise coves, sip white wine grown on the terraced hills, and hike through the limestone cliffs of the Calanques. Unlike neighbouring Nice or Cannes, Cassis feels refreshingly real — a place where fishermen still mend nets beside yachts. Many regulars begin their morning with a hike to Calanque de Port-Miou, followed by a well-earned bouillabaisse with harbour views.
Menton
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Wedged between the Italian border and Monaco, Menton blends Riviera glamour with a distinct Italian flair. While Nice gets the tour buses, Menton attracts locals drawn to its gardens, baroque buildings, and laid-back pace. The air is fragrant with citrus—a nod to the town’s famed lemon groves and annual Fête du Citron in February, when sculptures made entirely of fruit parade through the streets. Regulars wander the Serre de la Madone garden in the morning, then settle in for a seafood lunch with sweeping sea views and barely a tourist in sight.
Rocamadour
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Perched dramatically on a cliff above a gorge, Rocamadour has drawn pilgrims for centuries — and continues to attract those seeking peace, beauty, and spiritual resonance. Though it’s a UNESCO-listed site, its location in the Lot region means it remains delightfully uncrowded. French visitors tend to stay overnight rather than rush through — not just to beat the tour buses, but to see the town lit up at night, when its medieval chapels and sanctuaries seem to float above the canyon. The local experience includes dining in candlelit bistros and climbing the Grand Staircase by moonlight.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
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Just down the coast from Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers a gentler rhythm and authentic Basque spirit. This former fishing village is beloved by locals for its sheltered beaches, family-run bakeries, and vibrant festivals. Come June, the Fête de la Saint-Jean transforms the town into a riot of music, fireworks, and traditional dress — a celebration that’s largely attended by locals rather than outsiders. Many families come here generation after generation, drawn to the relaxed pace, fresh seafood, and afternoon strolls along the promenade.
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