7 Hidden Gems in the South of France Off the Tourist Track

Last updated on September 18th, 2024 at 12:36 pm

When we think of the south of France, we think of glitz, glamor, beautiful beaches, and the sparkling sea. The places that usually spring to mind are the French Riviera, Provence, and Toulouse. But what about the pretty little places that are off the beaten track?

There are plenty of hidden gems in the south of France that never get a look in due to their famous neighbors. But if you’re anything like me, you want to escape the hustle and bustle of never-ending tourists snapping away. Instead, you’d rather experience the more authentic part of this region.

These seven towns and villages will take you off the main streets and into the passageways without the crowds.

Grasse           

Grasse is just north of Cannes and is the world’s perfume capital. Its streets are full of centuries-old buildings, artisan shops, and museums that reveal the secrets behind the art of fragrance. You can tour the major perfume factories like Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard and create your own signature scent. 

Beyond perfume, Grasse’s hillside location offers stunning views of the French Riviera, and its surrounding countryside has fields of roses, lavender, and jasmine cultivated for perfume. 

Grasse owes its fame to its leather industry. In the 16th century, local tanneries began scenting gloves to mask the unpleasant odor of leather. This led to the rise of the perfume industry, which has defined the town’s identity ever since. 

🏨 Where to stay in Grasse >>>

Roussillon

Roussillon is in the Luberon Valley and is one of the most striking villages in Provence. The town sits atop one of the largest ochre deposits in the world. While tourists often head to nearby Gordes, Roussillon offers a quieter, more colorful experience, with its dramatic ochre cliffs and winding streets lined with houses painted in every shade of earth.

The Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail) is a stunning walk that weaves through the ochre quarries. The landscape feels otherworldly, with towering red cliffs and sandy paths that glow in the sunlight. The town is fun to explore, with its artisan shops, art galleries, cafés, and amazing panoramic views.

The ochre in Roussillon has been used for centuries for its pigments in art and as a natural dye for textiles. Ancient Romans mined ochre here to paint frescoes, and the pigment industry thrived until the early 20th century.

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Cassis

Cassis is a small fishing village just east of Marseille. It’s a quieter alternative and offers a more authentic coastal experience compared to the cities along the French Riviera. Set between towering limestone cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea, this hidden gem has crystal-clear waters. It is close to the Calanques, a series of dramatic rocky inlets perfect for hiking, boating, and swimming.

The town has one of the oldest vineyards in France, the Cassis AOC, where they produce lovely crisp white wines. You can wander the colorful streets, dine at seafood restaurants, and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean from the picturesque harbor.

Fun fact: the town’s famous white limestone, known as “Pierre de Cassis,” was used to build the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York. This same stone has been used in several notable structures around the world.

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Gassin

If the glitz of Saint Tropez appeals to you, but you want to avoid the crowds and look from afar, Gassin is the perfect place to do it. This medieval village sits high on a hilltop overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, with narrow cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses, and amazing views of the Mediterranean and the Maures mountains.

It’s officially recognized as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France). Despite its small size, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can see the Alps and the Mediterranean from the same viewpoint on clear days. 

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Port Grimaud

Built in the 1960s by architect François Spoerry, just west of Saint-Tropez, Port Grimaud is called the “Venice of Provence” due to being designed around a network of canals. You can take a boat tour of the canals or rent a small boat yourself to navigate the waterways. 

With its quaint shops, waterfront restaurants, and stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxed day away from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera.

Every house has its own boat mooring. Spoerry, the architect, was an avid sailor and wanted each home to have direct water access, making it a dream destination for boat lovers. Many tourists overlook it, but this hidden gem is stunning with its colorful Provençal-style houses.

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Villefranche-de-Conflent

This fortified medieval town, located at the meeting point of the Têt and Cady rivers in the Pyrénées-Orientales, flies under the radar of many tourists. Built in the 11th century, it was surrounded by mountains and was a strategic military post. Its massive walls, fortified by the famous military engineer Vauban in the 17th century, are still standing.

The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can explore its history by visiting the Fort Libéria, which sits on the hill above the village, and the underground passages designed by Vauban.

Villefranche-de-Conflent also has a railway called the “Train Jaune” (Yellow Train), which travels through the Pyrénées. It takes passengers through dizzying mountain passes with breathtaking views and is one of the highest railways in France.

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Èze

Èze earned itself the nickname “Eagle’s Nest” because it is on a very steep hill. Due to its elevated position, it was strategically important for centuries, and the ancient Château d’Èze, now in ruins, was once a critical defense point.

It sits nicely between Nice and Monaco, and below the village is a small, quiet pebble beach called Èze-sur-Mer. You can get there via a scenic hiking trail called the Nietzsche Path directly from the village. It’s a peaceful spot and much less crowded than the Riviera hotspots. 

🏨 Where to stay in Èze >>>

BONUS TOWN: If you’ve not been to Saint-Paul de Vence, you’re missing out. It’s not exactly a hidden gem, but it’s an absolutely stunning medieval village in the French Riviera. It is known its art galleries, historic ramparts, and breathtaking views that have inspired artists like Marc Chagall. Go out of season to avoid the crowds.