6 Hidden Gems in France for Your Next Long Weekend

Want to swap the everyday for something a little more enchanting? There are so many hidden gems in France where you can do just that!

We’re going beyond the usual tourist trail so you can have a long weekend with a difference. A taste of authentic French life, stunning scenery and a relaxed pace is just a flight away. The only hard part is picking where you want to visit next!

1. Cordes-sur-Ciel: Medieval masterpiece in the sky

On misty mornings, the medieval village of Cordes-sur-Ciel seems to float on the clouds. Just north of Toulouse, this dreamy destination is consistently voted as one of France’s most beautiful villages.

It’s a treasure trove of Gothic architecture with winding cobblestone streets and artisan workshops. There are plenty of things to keep you busy on your trip, especially during the summer months with the Jardin des Paradis and the Petit Train.

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ve got to check out the delectable Musée des Arts du Sucre et du Chocolat. And for something savoury, head to La Planche de Bacchus, a much-loved bar with a great wine selection and tasty dishes.

Getting to Cordes-sur-Ciel from Dublin

Fly direct from Dublin to Toulouse in just over two hours. Then either rent a car and drive direct to Cordes-sur-Ciel in about an hour, or grab a train from Toulouse to nearby Vindrac and taxi the final few kilometres.

2. Martillac: Luxury in Bordeaux vineyards

Why do people love France? On the long list of reasons, wine, food and glamour usually enter the top five. So for a truly unique experience, why not have all three with an escape to one of the most luxurious hidden gems in France…

Martillac is just a short drive from Bordeaux and its home to world-famous beauty brand Caudalie. Stay in the five-star Les Sources de Caudalie for a weekend of pure luxury.

Skincare lovers will relish the opportunity to unwind with a crushed Cabernet scrub or a Merlot wrap. Then enjoy fine dining at its best with the two-Michelin-starred La Grand’Vigne.

If you can drag yourself away from the hotel, head next door to Château Smith Haut Lafitte for an afternoon of wine tasting and a leisurely walk through its vineyards and forest.

Image courtesy of Les Sources de Caudalie

Getting to Martillac from Ireland

Choose direct flights from either Dublin or Cork. Then Les Sources de Caudalie in Martillac is just a 20-minute drive in a rental car or taxi from Bordeaux airport.

3. Pérouges: Taste the good life

Prepare to be utterly charmed by Pérouges, a perfectly preserved medieval walled village north east of Lyon. With half-timbered houses and a unique atmosphere, wandering around these cobbled streets is like being in a living museum. Step back in time when you take 40 winks with historic hotels like Hostellerie de Pérouges.

This region in France is famous for its foodie credentials and this village is no different. The star of the culinary show here is the galette de Pérouges, a thin lemon-scented pastry topped with generous helpings of butter and sugar.

Want to stretch your legs? There’s ample opportunity for hiking in the gorgeous surrounding countryside. Or if you want to take a walk on the wild side, drive 20 minutes to Parc des Oiseaux, one of Europe’s largest bird parks.

Getting to Pérouges from Ireland

You can fly to Lyon from Dublin or Cork. Take a train from the city centre to Meximieux-Pérouges and enjoy a pleasant 20-minute walk up to the village. Or if you’d rather drive, rent a car and you’ll get there in about 30 minutes.

4. Villefranche-sur-Mer: Sun, sand and azure waters

Nice is the vibrant capital of the French Riviera and is so much fun to visit. But if your idea of the perfect long weekend involves sinking your toes into warm sand and gazing at crystal-clear waters, there are stunning coastal towns nearby that can give you that perfect beach bliss.

Villefranche-sur-Mer ticks all these boxes and more. This breathtaking coastal town feels like a hidden paradise.

Go to Plage des Marinières for soft sand, swimming, sunbathing and that signature Mediterranean sunshine. Enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants like Mayssa Beach, visit the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild or simply relax by the sea.

As it’s so close to Nice, you can get your fix of big city energy in just a few minutes. And that’s what makes Villefranche-sur-Mer one of the best hidden gems in France for beach getaways.

Getting to Villefranche-sur-Mer from Ireland

Fly direct to Nice from either Dublin or Cork. Public transport to Villefranche-sur-Mer is a cinch with a train from Nice taking less than 10 minutes. But if you want to drive, rent a car and it’ll take just 30 minutes from the airport.

5. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert: A UNESCO-listed sanctuary

Nestled in a narrow valley of the Hérault gorges, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a UNESCO World Heritage site a stone’s throw away from Montpellier. This spiritual oasis is famous for its stunning Gellone Abbey and ancient streets that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries.

It’s a place of profound beauty and tranquility, perfect for reflection and exploring the rich history of the Languedoc region.

In a dramatic natural setting, this is also the perfect base for outdoorsy adventures. Hike to Cirque de l’Infernet for breathtaking panoramic views, make a splash with a day of canoeing through the valley’s gorges or go underground to discover the beautiful crystals of Grotte de Clamouse.

Getting to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert from Dublin

Take a direct flight to Montpellier from Dublin, then rent a car for the 45-minute drive to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

6. Montrésor: Step into a fairytale

With views dominated by its stunning Renaissance castle, Montrésor is famous for being one of France’s most beautiful villages. Come here if you’re looking for picturesque riverside walks, charming houses and a little peace on your break.

Le Moulin de Montrésor is a wonderfully relaxing spot to stay. This former grain mill is surrounded by gorgeous parkland and has its own private pool so you can have a dip after breakfast.

It’s also the ideal spot for exploring the famous Loire Valley châteaux if you want to get a taste of that famous French grandeur. Chenonceau and Loches are both only a short drive away. Or hop on your bike and take in the sights on the Loire à Vélo trail.

Getting to Montrésor from Dublin

Fly direct to Tours from Dublin. Rent a car at the airport and in a little less than an hour, you’ll be on your fairytale escape in Montrésor.