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Épernay, France
The champagne capital of the world, yet refreshingly crowd-free. Stroll the Avenue de Champagne and visit small family-run Champagne houses for affordable cellar tours and tastings. Stay at a charming chambre d'hĂ´te surrounded by vineyards.
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Troyes, France
A stunning medieval city shaped like a champagne cork, with half-timbered streets that rival Strasbourg but with far fewer tourists. Explore the old town around Rue Champeaux and try andouillette sausage, a local specialty. Affordable boutique hotels and B&Bs are plentiful in the historic centre.
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VĂ©zelay, France
A breathtaking hilltop village in Burgundy and a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the Romanesque Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. The village has only a few hundred residents but oozes charm and history. Small auberges and B&Bs offer cozy stays at very reasonable prices.
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Beaune, France
The wine capital of Burgundy, more relaxed than Dijon and far less touristy than Paris. Visit the spectacular HĂ´tel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune) and explore the underground wine cellars of the ramparts. The surrounding villages like Pommard and Meursault are perfect for scenic drives and wine tastings.
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Annecy, France
Often called the Venice of the Alps, Annecy boasts a crystal-clear lake and a gorgeous medieval old town with canals. Visit early morning to enjoy the famous flower-lined canals before day-trippers arrive, and grab a picnic from the Tuesday market. Many affordable B&Bs and small hotels line the lake shores nearby.
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Die, France
A tiny, off-the-beaten-path market town in the DrĂ´me valley, famous for its sparkling Clairette de Die wine. The dramatic surrounding landscape of the Vercors and Diois makes it a perfect stopover for hikers and nature lovers. Very affordable chambres d'hĂ´tes make it an excellent budget-friendly night stop.
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Uzès, France
A graceful Renaissance ducal town in the Gard region, often overshadowed by nearby Avignon and Nîmes but far more authentic. Wander the arcaded Place aux Herbes, explore the Duché d'Uzès castle, and browse the outstanding Saturday market. Boutique hotels and mas (farmhouses) in the area offer great value.
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Saint-Guilhem-le-DĂ©sert, France
One of France's most beautiful villages, tucked into a dramatic gorge near Montpellier and largely unknown to international visitors. The medieval abbey of Gellone is a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage site on the Camino de Santiago. Stay in the village or a nearby B&B and hike the stunning Gorges de l'HĂ©rault.
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Carcassonne, France
The legendary medieval walled citadel is best experienced by staying inside or just outside the walls — magical in the early morning and evening once day tourists have left. Explore the cobbled lanes of La Cité at dusk and dine on cassoulet, the region's legendary bean and meat stew. Affordable gîtes and B&Bs surround the lower town (Bastide Saint-Louis).