Now may be the very best time to visit Southwest France lesser known places.
Like many return visitors to France, perhaps you’ve already enjoyed Paris’ magic, Provence’s charm and the Riviera’s paradise. But now you’re wondering … Where to go now?
That was me a few months ago.
Beyond France’s wildly popular attractions, I knew that there existed a bounty of hidden treasures throughout France. After all, with almost 87 million visitors visiting France in 2018, France continues to reign as Europe’s top travel destination.
I Chose Southwest France Lesser Known Gems
Out of a boatload of travel options, I chose to explore some Southwest France lesser known spots. I picked France’s southwestern pocket so I could savor a smorgasbord of unique and alluring treasures.
I wanted to immerse in the diverse area saturated with grand history-laden cities like Bordeaux and Toulouse, hilltop perched villages like iconic Domme, hidden caves with prehistoric art in the Vezere Valley, and medieval castles populating the Dordogne Valley like Chateau de Beynac and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.
Also important was to be able to adventure where I could explore at a moderate pace. I wanted to enjoy the region’s out-of-this-world food and wine and discover a side of France full of surprises.
Just back from my unforgettable trip to France, I can attest that each place exceeded my expectations. Indeed, each historic spot weaves an intriguing story like a good picture-book that’s hard to put down.
Perhaps it’s a good time for you to explore another side of France? If so, you may want to consider 10 of my favorite hidden gems discoveries in Southwestern France.
Southwest France Lesser Known Cities
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a town that many may recognize by name but probably haven’t heard much about the elegant city. Bordeaux is often referred to as France’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ since, after significant government restoration work, the enchanting city today has fully blossomed into a beautiful, gracious Grande Dame.
Lovely Bordeaux is the center of the esteemed wine-growing region enveloping the fair city. Consequently, you’ll find a bevy of restaurants and bars offering delightful wine-tastings. Or, you can day trip to the surrounding vineyards and chateaux for tours and tastings.
Cutting through the elegant city is the Garonne River which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. In the past, it served as a port for transporting wine. Today, cruise ships dock there for a couple days and you can also take a boat ride.
The cityscape is exceptionally beautiful. You can’t miss the city’s dominant monumental buildings like the towering Gothic St. Andre Cathedral, the Palais de la Bourse and remaining medieval city gates. You’ll also find beautiful town squares rimmed with cafes and small parks where the locals gather to socialize with family and friends.
Although part of the historic center, the modernized pedestrianized downtown area is most pleasant for shopping and sampling pastries offered along the wide main boulevard. If you want to have a bite to eat at a local favorite restaurant or café, it’s just a quick right or left turn to be back on the cobbled streets of the old town.
A favorite activity while in Bordeaux was to head over to the Garonne River where there’s a broad riverside promenade for walking, cycling or skate boarding. Particularly enjoyable was to stand near the Mirroir d’Eau (reflecting pool) to watch both children and adults frolic in the very shallow pool and go giddy when misted jets of water shoot out of the pool.
Bordeaux has become one of France’s favorite cities. Personally, I would definitely like to stay for a month or more.
I had heard of Toulouse but I was definitely not prepared for the treat that the handsome city turned out to be. I found the city to be one of the friendliest spots, and one of the most beautiful, with signature pink-hued buildings. I was smitten.
Split by the meandering Garonne River, there are spectacular views from both river banks with graceful bridges connecting the two sides. Toulouse also boasts the 17th c. Canal du Midi which links the Garonne River to the Atlantic Ocean (through Bordeaux). You can take a boat ride and glide slowly on the narrow canal through the city. Other options include walking or bicycling the trail alongside the picturesque canal.
Although Toulouse is France’s 4th largest city, it has a small town atmosphere due to its success in combining the city’s very rich historic past with modern day Toulouse. Thankfully, there are plenty of pedestrianized streets that are easy to maneuver throughout both the old town and downtown sections.
Almost everywhere you look, you’ll find attractive buildings decorated by exquisite balconies bordering the historic center as it winds its way to the river. You’ll also discover medieval era churches and other iconic architecture as you wander the old town cobblestone streets.
The French consider Toulouse a top place to live due to its moderate weather, proximity to the Riviera and Provence, universities and affordability. I definitely see their point and look forward to returning sometime in the future when I can stay longer.
As one of France’s most beloved cities, friendly Montpellier should not be missed when touring Southwest France. Like many towns in Southwestern France, Montpellier oozes charm and embraces a laid back lifestyle, prioritizing the French good life (la bonne vie).
The downtown area’s wide shopping boulevards seamlessly line the well-preserved picturesque historic center with winding cobbled lanes, Gothic architecture, pleasant town squares and remnants of former defensive walls.
The most popular meeting place for visitors and residents alike is the Place de la Comedie, Montpellier’s central square. This is the spot to be seen, people watch, catch a tram, sip a local wine and enjoy a bite to eat.
Back in the middle ages, Montpellier was a fortified city at the crossroads of major trade routes. With the town’s central location, it was a short distance to Toulouse, Carcassonne, Albi, and Marseille. Today, the city is hailed as a gateway to the Riviera and Provence.
Although the city does not border the Mediterranean Sea, there are several Montpellier beaches only 6 miles away. If you travel about 20 miles further, you’ll find the picture postcard village Sete which is very popular with visitors and locals alike.
As you approach the picture perfect medieval town, you’ll pass remnants of the village’s historic walls and centuries old buildings like the Cordeliers Cloister. The pretty village, tucked in among rolling hills bursting with vineyards, literally oozes charm everywhere you turn.
UNESCO-listed St. Emilion is a beautiful spot to spend a delightful day meandering through old town’s cobbled lanes, engage in some wine-tasting at the town’s wine cellars and stumble upon some hidden surprises like quaint shops and restaurants waiting around the next corner. No surprise that you’ll also find many artist galleries and studios as you stroll through old town.
As one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world, there are many wine estates outside the village where you can engage in wine tasting and wine education.
If your travel home base is Bordeaux, St. Emilion is the perfect day trip or a good choice for a medieval overnight experience.
The hands-down darling of Dordogne, Sarlat-la-Caneda, is a great home base location for exploring the Dordogne area.
The picturesque village is a stunning authentic medieval town. It’s hard to find a restored medieval town as beautiful and dramatic as the small village that doesn’t even require a map to explore its hidden alleys, zig-zag lanes, large squares and incredible preserved medieval architecture throughout.
From Sarlat-la-Caneda you can explore the Dordogne Valley including the fortified castles and hidden caves containing prehistoric cave art in the Vezere Valley. From the medieval town, you can easily day trip and enjoy hopping from one small village to the next.
There were 5 of us on a short day trip to Rocamadour from Sarlat-la-Caneda. As we curved around the hills, there were 5 excited gasps as we caught a glimpse of the spectacular cascading rock-embedded complex. As we approached, all of us were speechless. There were no words to describe its sheer and singular magnificence and we were anxious to explore.
Approaching the picture postcard village, it can look like some buildings had been carved right out of the craggy rock but they weren’t. The vertical village is actually built on 3 levels of the rocky hillside overlooking the canyon below. At the lowest level, sits the picture-postcard tiny village with 2 tiers above looking like the buildings might come tumbling down.
Although a small secretive place, Rocamadour became well known as one of Europe’s pilgrimage destinations in the 12th c. By elevator, you can access the religious buildings including the Chapelle Notre-Dame, Romanesque-Gothic St. Sauveur Basilica and the castle ramparts.
Arriving in delightful Albi’s historic center, two prominent landmarks immediately caught my eye. Dominating Albi’s medieval cityscape was the spectacular towering St. Cecilia’s Cathedral and the imposing Pont Vieux (Old Bridge) beautifully arching over the winding Tarn River.
Not only was I surprised by Albi’s beauty but also by its storied past, especially during the religious wars. Also surprising was its appeal as a modern town energized by a significant student population. The attractive old town is widely pedestrianized with a large buzzing town square below the cathedral, rimmed by colorful restaurants and shops.
Just off the main plaza you’ll find the Toulouse Lautrec Museum (the famous artist was born in Albi).
While driving uphill to reach the tiny village, it occurred to me that the very steep climb probably thwarted most would-be-foes from attacking the tiny village’s defensive position.
Upon arrival at Cordes sur Ciel, you’re greeted by the 13th c. medieval village atop an even steeper hill reaching for the sky. Claimed to be one of the first perched fortified villages in the area, it really is quite amazing how it has been restored to its prior structure.
This lovely hilltop town was truly an unexpected treat. When you walk up the steep old town cobblestone lanes and streets, you’ll pass by shops brimming with local artwork, charming hotels and guest houses. And, of course, you’re treated with spectacular panoramic views of the valley below as you walk. (If you do not want to walk to the top, there’s a small visitor train available to take you up.)
At the top, you’re rewarded with a beautiful plaza surrounded by restaurants and incredible panoramic views across the rolling hills below.
From the highway, I was stunned to see what looked like a ring of witch’s hats on towers dotting the hilltop, framed by the Pyrenees in the background. Never did I expect such an awesome sight from afar. Nearing Carcassonne’s Citadel, a hush washed over us and the one-of-a-kind medieval experience began.
Magnificent Carcassonne stands unique not only within France but in all of Europe. The stunning made-for-movie village is heralded as Europe’s largest medieval walled city and one of the most well-preserved fortified cities across the globe.
Dating back to Roman times, the city’s history is long and bellicose. Carcassonne first became famous though for its role in the Albigensian Crusades when the city was a stronghold of the Cathars, a religious group.
With the city boasting two circling outer walls, wide defensive ramparts and imposing watchtowers everywhere you look, Carcassonne’s hilltop position still today presents a powerful cityscape to friends and foes alike.
You can easily do a self-tour of the castle and then meander through the charming village to visit other historic buildings and sample delicious local cuisine. Indeed, one of my favorite experiences while there was enjoying a traditional cassoulet lunch (casserole) at a lively outdoor café facing the castle.
Just outside of Sarlat-la-Caneda in the Vezere Valley, you can explore the infamous Lascaux Cave with incredible prehistoric artwork, possibly dating back 20,000 years. For preservation concerns, the original Lascaux Cave is closed but the Lascaux replica is identical. There are many other incredible caves to also explore like the famous cave sites Grotte de Rouffignac and Font de Gaume in Les Eyzies.
Other attractions include the Dordogne River Valley where you can visit many of the castles that are dramatically dotted across the valley’s hilltops. You can also opt to take a boat ride which travels below the fortified castles.
For idyllic picnics or lazy wandering along the Dordogne River, there are trails for both pedestrians and bikes along the scenic river.
