Experts have selected seven charming destinations in France that you can visit in 2026 to avoid crowds and save money.
France has already been repeatedly recognized as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And while popular destinations like Paris or Cannes are bursting at the seams, travelers are increasingly turning their attention to less crowded places in the country that still retain that special French charm.
How many tourists visit France
According to the latest data, 102 million tourists visited France in 2025. This is 2 million more than a year earlier, when the country hosted the Summer Olympics, according to EuroNews citing data from the French Ministry of Economy.
At the same time, tourists accounted for 743 million overnight stays in hotels and other types of commercial accommodation, which is 7.5% more than in 2024.
At the same time, a sharp increase in the number of tourists brought a record-breaking €77.5 billion in tourism revenue to the French budget, which is 9% more than in 2024 and 37% more than in 2019.
7 hidden gems of France away from the tourist crowds
The Sun Travel team has named seven charming destinations in France that you can visit in 2026 to avoid crowds and save money.
Saint-Maxime
For those looking for an affordable alternative to Saint-Tropez, Caroline McGuire, Digital Editor at the Sun, recommends the small coastal town of Saint-Maxim.
“I first visited Saint-Maxime 30 years ago, and although its popularity has increased since then, this seaside town has retained its elegant and traditional charm. Known as the “humble little sister” of the world-famous Saint-Tropez, Saint-Maxime offers the same relaxed Provencal atmosphere, but for significantly less money, ” she notes.
La Rochelle
In turn, travel reporter Alice Penwill shares her memories of a vacation in the coastal city of La Rochelle in southwestern France.
“For seafood lovers, there’s nothing better than the fresh catches from the Bay of Biscay, which are served in local restaurants,” she says.
Camping Du Domaine, Bormes-les-Mimosas
Meanwhile, Sun Travel’s CEO, Lisa Minot, has named her favorite vacation spot in France as the luxurious Camp du Domaine, a seaside campsite where she first visited with her parents when she was six years old. She has returned to the campsite almost every year for the past 50 years, this time with her own family.
“The village of Bormes itself, which runs down the slopes of the Mor massif, is a maze of beautiful medieval streets and stone alleys. It is known as the “flower village” because of the magnificent flowers that adorn its surroundings – especially the yellow mimosa, which blooms from January to March. And our campsite is located on the coast in La Faviera with its extensive sandy beach. We come with our caravan, but there are also plenty of rental bungalows scattered across the pine-covered hills,” she said.
Morzin
In turn, Sophie Svetokhovsky, an assistant editor for the travel department, prefers to vacation in the Alps.
“Morzin is famous for its picturesque ski slopes covered in fluffy snow, and in the center of the city there is a group of small mountains that offer views of cozy restaurants serving tartiflette in large quantities. However, this is not all. The peaks are also beautiful during the summer months, turning into grassy cycling trails, and its waterways are perfect for rafting,” she notes.
Chantilly
Sophie also loves the city of Chantilly, known for its whipped cream.
“It may only be a half-hour train ride from the chaotic capital, but Chantilly feels light-years away from Paris. Its cobblestone streets, which remain peacefully quiet during peak months, have an old-world charm. Perhaps this is partly due to its majestic castle, which prides itself on its historic equestrian school, where public demonstrations are held regularly throughout the year. And let’s not forget what Chantilly is truly famous for: its special whipped cream, which was first created in the 17th century and is still very popular,” she says.
Brittany
However, the publication’s correspondent, Siann Fielding, prefers to vacation in northern France.
“In the Brittany region of northwestern France, the fairy-tale city of Quimper is located. When you visit, you will be amazed by the number of historic and picturesque buildings. Take a walk through the medieval Old Town, and you will find the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Corentin and streets adorned with Breton Gothic architecture. Many of the houses have a half-timbered structure with protruding upper floors, creating a sense of being in a Disney princess movie,” she says.
Lille
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Editor of the Travel Department, recommends visiting the city of Lille, which is sometimes referred to as “Little Paris”.
“It’s certainly easier to get around than the capital. It even has its own ‘Arc de Triomphe,’ albeit in the form of a small 17th-century gate in the middle of a roundabout,” she notes.