Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature where we are delving into the A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A – Alpine Lakes, Atlantic Shores & Alluring French Escapes
Beautiful places, personal discoveries and the France I love — from Agen to Azay-le-Rideau
France has no shortage of famous destinations. Paris, Provence, the Côte d’Azur, the Loire Valley, the Alps and the Atlantic coast have all earned their place on the travel map.
But some of my favourite French discoveries are the places that don’t always make the first page of a guidebook.
A medieval town tucked into the Tarn countryside. A fishing village on the Côte d’Opale. A turquoise Alpine lake framed by mountains. A Provençal city filled with fountains and plane trees. A walled medieval town on the edge of the Camargue.
And then there are the places that have become part of my own story in France — destinations I’ve returned to and remembered long after I’ve left.
Welcome to The A–Z of French Travel Gems, my personal guide to some of the places in France that I think are worth knowing — the first instalment in what will eventually become a collection of destinations gathered over more than three decades of living here.
This isn’t intended to be a definitive list of France’s best destinations. Instead, it is a collection of places I know and love, from well-known favourites to lesser-known gems, shaped by my own travels and experience of France.
Every entry comes with a hotel I’d actually choose myself — always somewhere with quiet, understated character rather than glitz, and never a budget afterthought.
So let’s begin with the A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A.
You can explore other slow travel itineraries in my French Travel Gems Series, where I share tips for experiencing destinations with intention, curiosity, and ease. If you’re interested in discovering more about French food culture you might also enjoy our guide to French food and way of life.
A at a Glance: My Picks of the A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A
Best for City Breaks: Aix-en-Provence · Ajaccio · Avignon
Best for Coastal & Beach: Ambleteuse · Antibes · Arcachon
Best for Historic & Medieval: Aigues-Mortes · Albi · Angers · Arles · Arras · Avignon
Best for Fairytale Castles: Amboise · Angers · Azay-le-Rideau
Best for Art & Culture: Ajaccio · Albi · Amiens · Angoulême · Antibes · Arles · Auvers-sur-Oise
Best for Active & Outdoors: Aix-les-Bains · Alpe d’Huez · Annecy
Best for Spa & Wellness: Aix-les-Bains
Best for Hidden Gems: Agen · Ambleteuse · Avallon
Best for Most Beautiful Villages: Ars-en-Ré
Best for Wine & Vineyard Towns: Ajaccio (home to the Appellation Ajaccio, one of Corsica’s oldest wine designations)
Best for French Islands: Ars-en-Ré
Best for Day Trips from Paris: Amiens · Arras · Auvers-sur-Oise
Best for Foodie Destinations: Agen, Angoulême
Best for Families: Alpe d’Huez · Arcachon
Best for Couples & Romance: Aix-en-Provence · Amboise · Annecy · Ars-en-Ré · Azay-le-Rideau
Some destinations appear more than once — that’s by design. A place like Arles is both a culture break and a piece of Roman history; Ars-en-Ré is a beach escape, a fairytale village and a romantic one, all at once. This is the fixed list of categories I’ll use across every letter, so if you’re building your own trip around a theme rather than the alphabet, you can jump straight to the list that matters to you.
A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A
1. A is for Agen – the first of our A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A
Often overlooked in favour of more famous destinations in southwest France, Agen is a pleasant and characterful town on the banks of the Garonne — and, in my mind, a genuine foodie destination in its own right. This is the home of the Pruneau d’Agen, a protected regional designation as proud and specific as any wine appellation, and the small Musée du Pruneau just outside town traces the whole story from orchard to delicacy. Follow it up with a wander through the covered market and you have the makings of a proper food-lover’s morning
I love the town precisely because it hasn’t dressed itself up for visitors. The historic centre is filled with narrow streets, traditional buildings and attractive squares, while the Canal latéral à la Garonne provides a lovely setting for a slow walk or cycle. Wander through to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in four Renaissance townhouses, and you’ll find a town that has simply carried on being itself.
Where to Stay : If you’re staying, I’d choose Château des Jacobins, a former private mansion dating from the 19th century, just outside the old town with the kind of quiet elegance that lets the town itself do the talking.
2. A is for Aigues-Mortes
When I first saw Aigues-Mortes, I was entranced by the extraordinary medieval walls rising dramatically from the flat landscape of the Camargue . The fortified town has an almost storybook quality — inside, narrow streets lead through the historic centre; outside, the landscape opens towards the salt marshes and the wider Camargue.
Developed as a royal port under Louis IX in the thirteenth century, Aigues-Mortes became an important departure point for the Crusades, but its greatest attraction today is simply the experience of walking through this remarkably preserved town.
Walk the ramparts for views across the rooftops and out to the marshes, then drop down into the streets below — the contrast between the imposing stone fortifications and the almost otherworldly Camargue landscape is one of the most memorable in the south.
Where to Stay : For a stay, Hôtel La Villa Mazarin, an elegant townhouse, dating from the 15th century, just inside the walls, is my pick — understated, well-placed, and quiet once the day-trippers have gone. Please be aware that children are not allowed at this hotel, so whilst perfect for a couples break, it isn’t suitable for families.
3. A is for Aix-en-Provence
There are some places that seem to embody everything we imagine when we think of Provence, and Aix-en-Provence is certainly one of them. Elegant rather than rustic, lively rather than sleepy, it is a city of fountains, shaded squares, historic façades, cafés, markets and winding streets — Provençal in character, but with an urbane elegance that sets it apart from the region’s smaller villages.
The heart of the city is the Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees, cafés and fountains, and from here it’s easy to wander into the old town, where narrow streets lead to small squares, boutiques and galleries.
I love Aix because it rewards wandering rather than ticking off a list — a morning at the market, a coffee, a pause beside a fountain, is enough. Paul Cézanne was born here, and the distinctive Provençal light that drew him is still very much part of the city’s atmosphere.
Where to Stay: For the ultimate Aix experience, I thoroughly recommend Villa Gallici — a Relais & Châteaux property that combines Provençal charm with an intimate, garden-wrapped calm that feels wonderfully removed from the bustle of the city. I’ve written a full guide to Villa Gallici if you’d like the complete story before you book.
4. A is for Aix-les-Bains, the spa town of our A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A
I almost left this one off the list, which would have been a mistake — Aix-les-Bains is one of my own quiet favourites, even though it is sometimes overshadowed by nearby Annecy (which I also love). The two are easy to visit together.
Set on the shores of Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, Aix-les-Bains has been a spa town since Roman times, and it still carries that unhurried, restorative atmosphere today. Belle Époque villas line streets that slope gently down to the water, the Thermes Nationaux recall its nineteenth-century heyday as a fashionable cure destination, and a short excursion across the lake brings you to the beautifully austere Abbaye de Hautecombe.
This is a place for slow mornings by the water and even slower afternoons — take a boat out onto the lake, walk or cycle along the shore, and let the pace of the town set the pace of your day, ending with a relaxed sunset aperitif on the banks of the lake.
Where to Stay: For a stay, L’Hôtel des Eaux is a charming 3-star hotel located in the heart of Aix-les-Bains, France, offering a blend of historic architecture and contemporary comfort. Originally built as a boarding school in 1892, this historic villa features Belle Époque and Art Deco design elements and has been family-run by the Albert family since 1984.
5. A is for Ajaccio, the Corsican A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A
Napoleon’s birthplace and Corsica’s capital, Ajaccio is a lively, sun-bleached port town that makes an excellent introduction to an island I think deserves far more attention from mainland French-inspired travellers than it usually gets.
The old town, gathered around Place de Gaulle, is full of heritage buildings, quiet churches and the ever-present reminders of the city’s most famous son — the Maison Bonaparte is worth an hour of anyone’s time.
But what stays with me most is the bay itself: the seafront promenade, the mountains rising behind the rooftops, and the light, which has a clarity that feels distinct even from the rest of the Mediterranean coast.
The surrounding hills also produce something worth seeking out: Ajaccio also has its own AOC, centred on the local Sciaccarello grape — a lovely excuse for an afternoon at a vineyard table above the bay.
Where to Stay: I’d recommend a stay at Hôtel-Demeure Les Mouettes, a nineteenth-century mansion right on the bay with direct beach access — historic rather than flashy, and all the better for it. Some of the hotel’s large rooms have terraces providing superb views of the gulf, and you can choose to take a refreshing dip in the hotel’s private pool or in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean sea before resting in the shade of palm trees.
6. A is for Albi
With its distinctive red-brick architecture and dramatic cathedral, Albi is one of the most visually striking cities in southwest France. Set beside the River Tarn, the historic centre is a maze of narrow streets, pretty squares and medieval buildings, all built in the warm brick that gives the city its unmistakable appearance.
The great landmark is the Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, an extraordinary fortified Gothic building that dominates the skyline, and Albi is also the birthplace of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec — the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, housed in the former Palais de la Berbie, holds the world’s largest public collection of his work.
Walk along the banks of the Tarn as the light softens in the evening, and don’t forget to look up; so much of Albi’s charm is in its façades.
Where to Stay: For a stay with real history behind it, Hostellerie Du Grand Saint Antoine — run by the same family since 1734 — sits quietly in the historic centre and has exactly the kind of understated, lived-in elegance I look for.
7. A is for Alpe d’Huez
Most people associate Alpe d’Huez with cycling and winter sports, but this famous Alpine resort has plenty to offer outside the ski season too. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, it’s an excellent base for hiking, cycling and simply being outdoors.
For me, it’s also a reminder that a destination can change completely with the seasons — the snowy winter landscape creates one experience, summer an entirely different one, with wildflowers, hiking trails and long days spent outside.
Cycling enthusiasts will, of course, know it for its legendary climb of twenty-one hairpin bends, but you don’t need to be a cyclist to appreciate the drama of the mountain landscape from one of its many viewpoints.
Where to Stay: Hôtel Au Chamois d’Or by Les Etincelles, a traditional chalet-style hotel with genuinely warm service, is where I’d choose to stay — comfortable rather than showy, and well placed for exploring on foot. It offers an indoor pool, hammam and sauna, as well as a Nuxe Spa. Some rooms at the Chamois D’Or are equipped with a private balcony offering panoramic views of the Grandes Rousses peaks.
8. A is for Ambleteuse
On the Côte d’Opale in northern France, Ambleteuse is the kind of coastal destination I particularly love — smaller and quieter than France’s better-known seaside resorts, with a beautiful stretch of coastline and a wonderfully “sauvage” feeling. I also recommend a visit to the nearby Audresselles just along the shore.
The most recognisable sight in Ambleteuse (and a place where I have taken many photos over the years) is the small Fort Vauban, standing on the beach and surrounded by water at high tide — a genuinely striking image, and one of the reasons this stretch of coast remains a favourite.
Follow the coastline towards Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez and you’re into the wider Deux-Caps area, which is particularly beautiful for walkers and anyone who loves the sea at its most dramatic.
Where to Stay: Ambleteuse itself is small, so for a stay I’d look to neighbouring Wimereux and Hôtel Atlantic, an Art Deco building right on the seafront with an understated, old-fashioned elegance that suits this coastline perfectly.
9. A is for Amboise
Perched above the Loire, Amboise is one of the most attractive towns in the Loire Valley. It’s dominated by the Château Royal d’Amboise, while nearby Clos Lucé is closely associated with Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the final years of his life here.
The view of the château from the river is spectacular. I also learned so much about French history here, particularly how French kings and queens lived during the Renaissance, on the guided tour.
Beyond the two great sights, Amboise is a lovely place simply to wander, with old streets, cafés and restaurants overlooking the river. This is one I’ll be returning to in far more detail when I build out a fuller Loire Valley collection, so consider this your introduction rather than the last word.
Where to Stay: For a stay, Le Clos d’Amboise, an eighteenth-century mansion with a walled garden and pool just a short walk from the château, is exactly the kind of quietly luxurious base I look for in the Loire.
10. A is for Amiens
Amiens is probably best known for its extraordinary cathedral, but one of the reasons I think it deserves a place on this list is something rather different: the Hortillonnages.
This remarkable network of waterways sits just outside the historic centre, traditionally cultivated as market gardens and now one of the city’s most unusual attractions.
Exploring by traditional boat is a wonderfully peaceful experience and offers a completely different perspective on Amiens from the one most visitors get. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens is, of course, essential — but pair it with the gardens and you have a day that feels genuinely distinctive.
For dinner, head towards the Saint-Leu district beside the Hortillonnages, where canals, medieval architecture and waterside terraces make a particularly atmospheric setting as evening falls.
Where to Stay: I’d stay at Hotel Le Prieuré et La Résidence, a charming 3-star hotel located in the heart of Amiens, situated directly at the foot of the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens. Housed in a historic 18th-century building on one of the city’s few surviving pre-war streets, the property blends old-world character, antique furnishings, and modern comforts.
11. A is for Angers
Angers is one of those French cities that can easily be overlooked in favour of the more famous destinations of the Loire Valley. That would be a mistake.
The city has a rich history, an attractive historic centre and one of the great medieval fortresses of the region — the Château d’Angers, with its distinctive black-and-white towers and massive defensive walls.
Inside is the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry, one of the most remarkable surviving medieval tapestries in the world, and reason enough on its own for a detour. The city’s gardens and its proximity to the Loire and surrounding wine country make it worth a slower visit than most itineraries allow.
Where to Stay: Hôtel du Mail, a traditional seventeenth-century townhouse run by the same family for generations, is my choice here — comfortable, characterful, and completely unshowy.
12. A is for Angoulême
Perched on a hill above the Charente, Angoulême is a city of winding medieval streets, historic buildings and — I think underrated — excellent restaurants. It’s also famous for its connection with comics and illustration, hosting the internationally renowned Festival International de la Bande Dessinée each year.
But even outside festival season, I think Angoulême is worth discovering for its own sake: wander through the old streets around the historic plateau, visit the cathedral, look out across the Charente, and then make time for a proper lunch or dinner. One of the things I particularly enjoy here is how unpretentious the food scene is for a city with this much charm.
I’ll admit a personal bias here: I’m a notoriously fussy eater, and Angoulême was the first place in France where I found I could eat happily in almost any restaurant on the street, not just the one I’d carefully researched in advance. That’s a small thing to build a recommendation on, perhaps, but it’s told me everything I need to know about the quality of the food scene here.
Where to Stay: For a stay, I always choose Mercure Angoulême Hôtel de France, initially for its location, in the heart of the old town, and ease of parking, but the private gardens and terrace and the comfortable rooms are what keep me coming back.
13. A is for Annecy
There are some places that make an immediate impression, and Annecy is one of them. I still remember the first time I saw the lake, with the mountains rising behind it — clear turquoise water, dramatic Alpine peaks, flower-filled streets, canals running through the old town and colourful old buildings reflected in the water.
Annecy is often described as one of the prettiest towns in France, and while that phrase gets used rather too often, here it really is justified. Begin in the old town and wander along the canals before heading towards the lake — the Palais de l’Île is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, the Château d’Annecy offers wonderful views — but leave plenty of time simply to walk the waterfront or take a boat out onto the water.
Where to Stay: For a stay, I recommend Le Splendid Hotel Lac D’Annecy – Handwritten Collection, an elegant, boutique 4-star hotel in a 1930s Art Deco building, perfectly placed between the lake and the historic old town.
14. A is for Antibes
On the Côte d’Azur, Antibes offers something slightly different from the glamour of nearby Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Its old town is full of narrow streets, colourful shutters, little shops and cafés, while the ancient ramparts overlook the Mediterranean.
The town also has an important artistic connection — Pablo Picasso lived and worked here, and the Musée Picasso occupies the Château Grimaldi. Explore the old town, walk the ramparts, then head towards Port Vauban, one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean, before losing an afternoon on the coastal paths around the Cap d’Antibes if you have the time.
Where to Stay: For a stay I would recommend the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel if you’re looking for something more luxurious, with its beautiful position on the Cap and direct connection to the Mediterranean. I’ve written a full guide to Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel if you’d like to find out more before you book.
15. A is for Arcachon, the featured destination of ourA to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A
On France’s Atlantic coast, Arcachon is a completely different experience from the Mediterranean destinations further south — and it’s one I keep coming back to.
Known for its beaches, elegant villas, pine forests and enormous nearby sand dune, Arcachon has a relaxed seaside atmosphere with plenty of old-fashioned charm. The town divides into distinct areas, including the elegant Ville d’Hiver, where nineteenth-century villas offer a glimpse into Arcachon’s history as a fashionable seaside resort. And then, of course, there is the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, just outside town — genuinely one of France’s most extraordinary natural landmarks.
Spend a morning in the Ville d’Hiver, an afternoon on the beach or the dune, and take a boat trip around the Bassin d’Arcachon if you can — it’s one of the loveliest ways to see the area from the water.
Where to Stay: For a stay with real character, Villa Colette is my choice — an elegant, understated property that captures exactly the old-fashioned Arcachon charm I keep returning for. I’ve written about it in full detail in my dedicated guide, so if you’re planning a stay, that’s the place to go for the complete story.
16: A is for Arles
Arles has a character all of its own — part Provençal town, part Roman city, part artistic destination, with layers of history that seem to overlap at every turn.
The Roman heritage is particularly impressive, with the ancient Amphitheatre still standing at the heart of the city, but Arles isn’t simply an open-air museum. Its narrow streets, squares, cafés and ochre-coloured buildings give it a distinctly Provençal atmosphere, and it was here that Vincent van Gogh lived in 1888 and produced many of his best-known paintings. Visit the Amphitheatre and the ancient theatre, wander the historic centre, seek out the places associated with Van Gogh, and — as always in Provence — leave time for a long lunch and a leisurely aperitif.
Where to Stay: I’d stay at Jules César Hotel & Spa, formerly a Carmelite convent located in the centre of Arles. It features a Cinq Mondes Spa with a hot tub, sauna and massage cabins and is a lovely place to retreat to after a day of sightseeing.
17. A is for Arras
Just an hour from Calais, Arras is one of the most photogenic town centres in northern France, and I think it’s genuinely underrated by travellers heading straight through to Paris or the south.
Its two great squares — the Grand’Place and Place des Héros — are lined with Flemish-Baroque façades that were painstakingly rebuilt after the devastation of the First World War, and the fifteenth-century belfry above them offers spectacular views across the rooftops.
Beneath the city, the Wellington Quarry tells a sobering and important story of the tunnels where Allied soldiers sheltered during the war. Pair it with a visit to nearby Ambleteuse and you have the makings of a lovely, less-travelled northern France cluster.
Arras is particularly magical at Christmas, when the two great squares fill with one of northern France’s most atmospheric Christmas markets. And yes, the waffles are delicious — although I’ll happily leave the andouillette to someone else.
Where to Stay: For a stay I loved L’Univers Arras by Elema Hotels (ex Hôtel de l’Univers Arras), which is just a short walk from the main square, whilst set in a calm courtyard with parking — a genuinely charming boutique base.
18. A is for Ars-en-Ré
On the Île de Ré, Ars-en-Ré is everything the island’s reputation promises: whitewashed houses with green shutters, hollyhocks climbing against stone walls, a working oyster harbour and a distinctive black-and-white church spire visible for miles across the marshes.
This is one of the officially recognised “Plus Beaux Villages de France”, and it earns the title. Wander the lanes towards the harbour, follow the coastal paths out towards the salt marshes, or simply find a café on the village square and watch island life go by — Ars-en-Ré doesn’t ask to be rushed.
Where to Stay: Hôtel Le Sénéchal, in the heart of the village, is a former private house turned design-conscious boutique hotel, with a walled garden, a small pool and individually decorated rooms that feel collected rather than styled. Understated island chic, exactly as it should be.
19: A is for Auvers-sur-Oise
Just north-west of Paris, Auvers-sur-Oise is where Vincent van Gogh spent the final months of his life, and it remains one of the most evocative, least commercialised places to connect with his story anywhere in France.
The village is small enough to explore entirely on foot: the Auberge Ravoux, where he lived and died; the modest church he painted; the wheat fields above the village; and the simple graves where he and his brother Theo lie side by side. Pair this with Arles, where he arrived only a couple of years earlier, and you have two very different chapters of the same story.
Where to Stay: For a stay, Hôtel des Iris, housed in a beautifully restored former post office opposite the Auberge Ravoux, is a small, warmly run boutique hotel that puts you right at the centre of the village’s history.
20. A is for Avallon
In Burgundy, Avallon sits dramatically above the Cousin valley, surrounded by rolling countryside and close to the edge of the Morvan.
Its medieval centre, historic ramparts and old houses make it a lovely place to explore on foot. The old quarter is full of small discoveries, from the Tour de l’Horloge and the Romanesque Collégiale Saint-Lazare to the Saturday market and the little streets leading down towards the river.
Where to Stay: For a stay full of old-world character, Hôtel de la Poste, a former 18th century coaching inn in the heart of Avallon, is my pick — traditional, comfortable and entirely unpretentious. Over the centuries, it is said to have hosted numerous notable figures, including a post-exile Napoleon Bonaparte, Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton.
21. A is for Avignon
Few cities in Provence have quite the historical presence of Avignon. The city was the seat of the papacy during the fourteenth century, and the imposing Palais des Papes still dominates the historic centre.
Extending over the Rhône River is its most iconic landmark, the Pont Saint-Bénézet, immortalized worldwide by the popular 15th-century children’s song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon” (“On the Bridge of Avignon”). Today, only four of the bridge’s original 22 stone arches remain, creating a striking, unfinished silhouette that remains a poignant symbol of the city’s enduring history.
But Avignon is more than its two famous landmarks. Behind the ancient walls you’ll find atmospheric streets, pretty squares, cafés and elegant Provençal buildings. Start at the Palais des Papes, walk out to the bridge, then lose yourself in the old town around the Place de l’Horloge — this is a city that rewards slow exploration as much as any famous sight.
Where to Stay: I’d stay at La Divine Comédie, a small boutique hotel with a leafy garden and pool, tucked just within the old walls — a genuinely peaceful retreat in a city that can otherwise feel busy in high season.
22. A is for Azay-le-Rideau, the last of our A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A
Set on an island in the Indre River, Azay-le-Rideau is home to one of the most romantic châteaux in the Loire Valley. Its elegant Renaissance architecture, turrets and graceful reflection in the surrounding water make it one of those places that seems almost too beautiful to be real — smaller and more intimate than some of the Loire’s grandest châteaux, which is very much part of its appeal.
Take time to walk around the château and gardens, admiring it from different angles as the light changes, then explore the village itself, with its traditional streets, cafés and restaurants. This will also feature in a future Loire Valley collection, where I’ll explore the region in much more detail.
Where to Stay: For a stay, Teritoria Le Grand Monarque, an ivy-covered former coaching inn in the village centre and just 150 meters from the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, is exactly the kind of traditional, understated base this destination calls for.
A Few Questions Before You Go about A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A
Q: Why are these called French Travel Gems?
A: Because they are places I have come to know and love over more than three decades of living in France. Some are well-known favourites, while others are quieter destinations that can easily be overlooked. There is no ranking or definitive list here — simply my personal recommendations for places that are worth discovering, whether for their history, scenery, food, atmosphere or that indefinable French sense of place.
Q: Which of these destinations makes the easiest day trip from Paris?
A: Auvers-sur-Oise is the obvious choice — under an hour by train, and small enough to see fully in a few hours. Amiens is a little further but still very doable for a longer day out, particularly if the Hortillonnages appeal.
Q: Can I combine several of these into one trip?
A: Very easily. Aix-en-Provence, Arles and Avignon sit close enough together to form a natural Provençal cluster. Amboise, Angers and Azay-le-Rideau all belong to the same Loire Valley itinerary. And Ambleteuse and Arras make a lovely pairing in the north, within easy reach of Calais.
Q: Which is best for a first visit to Provence?
A: Aix-en-Provence, for its balance of Provençal atmosphere and everyday sophistication — excellent restaurants, shops and cafés alongside the fountains and old streets.
Q: Which would you call the most underrated?
A: Agen and Avallon, without question. Neither has the profile of its neighbours, and both reward exactly the kind of slower, curious traveller this series is written for.
Q: Do I need a car to visit these places?
A: Several — Ambleteuse, Ars-en-Ré, Alpe d’Huez, Aix-les-Bains and Azay-le-Rideau among them — are far more enjoyable with one. The cities (Aix-en-Provence, Angers, Avignon, Arras, Amiens) are all comfortably reached and explored by train and on foot.
Q: Which of these destinations are busiest in summer?
A: Ars-en-Ré, Antibes, Aix-en-Provence and Arcachon can all become considerably busier in July and August, as can Avignon during the festival season. Late spring or early autumn is my preference for all of them.
Final words about A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A : A French Travel Gem for every traveller
And that, I think, is what makes France so endlessly fascinating.
The destinations beginning with A alone take us from the Alps to the Atlantic, Provence to Burgundy, Corsica to the Côte d’Opale. There are grand historic cities and tiny coastal villages. Medieval fortifications and Roman ruins. Mountain lakes, sandy beaches, vineyards, markets and old streets.
Some are destinations you may already know and love. Others may be completely new to you. And that is exactly what I hope this series will do — encourage you to look beyond the obvious and discover a little more of the France that I have come to know after more than three decades of living here.
Because for me, travel in France isn’t about ticking off a list of famous places. It’s about finding the places that make you want to stop for a while. The town where you find the perfect little restaurant. The view you remember years later. The market where you buy something you didn’t know you needed. The lake that takes your breath away the first time you see it. The little coastal village where you spend an afternoon simply walking beside the sea.
These are The Velvet Runway’s French Travel Gems. And this is only the beginning.
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Also on The Velvet Runway: Arcachon · Villa Colette · Aix-en-Provence · Villa Gallici · Alpe d’Huez · French Riviera Guide · Nice ·
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