Alternative Ideas for a Holiday in France
France offers so much more than the classic tourist triangle of Paris, the Riviera, and the Loire châteaux. However, most visitors never venture beyond these well-travelled paths.
The country’s diverse landscapes and rich regional cultures create opportunities for experiences that feel completely different from typical European holidays. From rugged mountain trails to intimate culinary adventures in cities that locals consider France’s true gastronomic capital, these alternative experiences reveal sides of French culture that guidebooks often overlook.
Whether you’re seeking physical challenges, cultural immersion, or simply a different perspective on French life, these unique holiday ideas promise memories that go far beyond typical vacation snapshots.
Hike in Corsica
When it comes to alternative travel destinations in France, Corsica is always top of our list to mention. The island region delivers some of Europe’s most challenging and spectacular hiking, with the famous GR20 trail earning a reputation as one of the continent’s best long-distance walking routes.
This demanding 180-kilometre trek crosses the island’s mountainous spine from northwest to southeast, requiring 15 days to complete and offering experienced hikers dramatic granite peaks, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and panoramic views that stretch across the Mediterranean to mainland France and Italy. The best time for GR20 hiking runs from late June through September, when the snow has melted and mountain refuges are fully operational.
Corsica’s unique position between French and Italian cultures creates fascinating opportunities for cultural exploration alongside outdoor adventures. You don’t have to tackle the entire thing though; if you’re less keen on a challenge, you can simply enjoy sections of the trail for a day or two.
Cruise the Country’s Canals
France has a famous network of canals and rivers that were historically used to transport all kinds of goods up and down the country. Whilst other modes of transport have now taken over these services, the waterways are still in operation as routes for delightful holidays spent slowly sailing through the countryside.
Luxury canal cruises provide a completely different waterway experience from self-drive boat rentals, where passengers can focus entirely on enjoying the scenery, food, and cultural experiences while the crews handle navigation and meal preparation. These floating hotels typically accommodate 20-50 passengers, creating intimate atmospheres where fellow travellers often become friends.
The cruise season runs from April through October, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at popular destinations, while summer provides the warmest weather for deck relaxation and swimming opportunities at selected stops. A great thing about barge trips in France is that many cruise companies partner with local experts to provide wine tastings, cooking classes, and historical tours that would be difficult to arrange independently, which are perfect if you’re looking for an alternative travel experience in France.
A Culinary Tour of Lyon
Lyon rightfully claims the title of France’s gastronomic capital, which might surprise you when you consider how little tourist attention it gets in comparison to places like Paris. But if you’re looking for a culinary holiday somewhere a bit different in France, Lyon is an ideal destination.
The city’s unique culinary culture centres around traditional bistros, where dishes like coq au vin, quenelles de brochet, and andouillette are prepared according to recipes passed down through families of master chefs who consider cooking both art and cultural preservation. Lyon’s location at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers also places it at the heart of several wine regions, making it an ideal base for combining urban culinary exploration with day trips to nearby vineyards.
Food enthusiasts should plan visits between September and May to avoid summer crowds and enjoy the hearty traditional dishes that define Lyonnaise cuisine. Travelling in spring and fall also offers the added bonus of seasonal specialities and comfortable weather for walking between different neighbourhoods and their distinctive restaurants.
Historic Sightseeing in Carcassonne
Located in Languedoc, Carcassonne’s fortified medieval city represents one of Europe’s most complete and impressive examples of medieval military architecture. Double walls and 52 towers create a fairy-tale fortress that has inspired countless stories and films, creating the perfect setting for an alternative historic sightseeing holiday.
The Cité de Carcassonne, restored in the 19th century by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, allows visitors to walk through narrow cobblestone streets and explore ramparts that offer panoramic views across the Languedoc countryside and Pyrenees mountains. Beyond the famous fortress, you can explore the surrounding Cathar country, where ruined castles perched on mountain peaks and provide dramatic hiking destinations for those interested in both history and outdoor adventure.
The best time to visit Carcassonne runs from April through June and September through October, when pleasant weather makes exploring the extensive fortifications comfortable while avoiding the intense summer heat and crowds that can make the medieval streets feel claustrophobic.
Cycling in Provence
Our final alternative idea for a holiday in France involves travelling on two wheels around the south of the country. Provence’s diverse landscapes create ideal cycling conditions for riders of all abilities, from gentle routes through lavender fields and vineyards to challenging climbs in the Luberon mountains that test even experienced cyclists.
The region’s extensive network of quiet country roads connects hilltop villages, Roman ruins, and local markets, allowing cyclists to create custom itineraries that combine physical activity with cultural exploration and culinary discoveries. Late spring through early summer provides the best weather for cycling in Provence, with comfortable temperatures and the added bonus of lavender blooms that fill the countryside with color and fragrance.
Many tour companies offer supported cycling holidays with luggage transfers and route planning, if you’re new to this type of active adventure. But independent cyclists will find excellent infrastructure including bike-friendly places to stay, repair services, and detailed cycling maps that highlight scenic routes and points of interest throughout the region.
See France Differently
These alternative French experiences prove that the country’s greatest appeal lies not in checking famous sites off a bucket list. Instead, by heading off the beaten path, you can discover authentic cultures and landscapes that reveal different aspects of French life and history.
Whether you’re drawn to physical challenges in Corsican mountains, peaceful waterway cruises, culinary adventures, historical exploration, or active countryside discovery, France rewards travelers who venture beyond the obvious with experiences that feel both authentic and transformative.
Header Photo Credit: Clément Proust https://www.pexels.com/photo/comtal-castle-in-carcassonne-in-france-21937147/
About the Author
Stephane Benoist is a versatile freelance writer, editor, and columnist, specializing in active outdoor sports, travel and travel tips. With a keen focus on content creation, he has contributed engaging short stories to numerous blogs and diverse media outlets.
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