Explore Historic Villages & Traditional Towns
Winding through century-old hamlets, you’ll stroll along narrow cobbled streets that tell tales of years gone by. Majestic stone houses dating back generations are a picture of historical elegance and endurance.
As you explore further, you'll likely stumble upon serene squares, ancient fountains and of course, traditional café terraces that are ideal for people-watching and taking in the local chatter. We’ll recommend our favorite cafés and restaurants, so you’ll enjoy the best of French cuisine while soaking in the sights and sounds, and witnessing the authentic French way of life unfolding before your eyes.
When booking your self-drive tour with us, you might tell us you want to explore the rural villages of Provence, surrounded by lavender fields and local markets offering a wide range of artisanal products.
You might love the idea of wandering the charming streets of rural Normandy and tasting a fresh glass of Calvados brandy or apple cider along the Normandy Cider Route. You might be intrigued by the fusion of French and German heritage of the hamlets and vibrant markets of Alsace or the fascinating cultures, traditions and architecture of regions like Brittany and the Basque Country.
Whatever your preferences, we can craft a tour just for you, with suggested daily itineraries that include activities and visits to places of interest we think you’ll love!
(© Cicero - CC BY-SA 3.0)
Farmers’ Markets: A Feast for the Senses
One of the things our travelers say they enjoy most about visiting their tours of French villages is going to a traditional local farmers’ market. If you like the idea of exploring lively farmers' markets or antiques markets, we'll be able to craft the ideal France itinerary just for you. In fact, we can recommend a village and a farmers’ market for every day of the week!
Our carefully tailored itineraries ensure that you'll find yourself amidst vibrant market scenes just when they spring to life. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the colors and fragrances of fresh produce; hear the animated exchanges between vendors and locals, and maybe even barter a bit yourself.
While the luscious fruits and vegetables and handcrafted cheeses tempt your palate, we’ll also tell you where to look out for unique souvenirs. These may be artisanal crafts or vintage trinkets, or the best lavender products, wine, and olive oil. These make ideal and authentic gifts to take home for family and friends, or reminders for you to keep from your unforgettable trip to France.
Stroll around quaint century-old villages, explore some traditional farmers' markets or relax on the outside terrace of a typical café, frequented by locals.
Interact with the French Locals
At the heart of every village lies its people. Engaging with locals is not just about passing conversations. It's an opportunity to gain insights, share stories, and perhaps, even create new and lasting friendships. The close-knit nature of these communities offers a genuine window into the French way of life, where traditions are passionately preserved and tales of the past are often generously shared.
This is why we love to have our travelers stay at premium French Bed and Breakfast accommodation with French hosts who speak English. It’s an ideal way to get to know some of the locals and for them to share tips about the best local places to visit!
A tour that takes you to visit the off-the-beaten-track French towns and villages is like discovering the soul of France. It's an experience that takes you beyond sightseeing and the most popular tourist attractions. Because we want you to feel, breathe, and live French culture, giving you the most authentic experience of France.
We would love to craft an itinerary for you that not only satisfies your wanderlust but enriches your very understanding of what it means to truly know France.
Take a look at some of our sample itineraries below, or contact us and tell us about your wishes for your dream trip to France!
Wandering in typical villages on farmers' market day will give you a taste of the real France.
