7 Lesser-Touristed Towns To Visit In The South Of France To Swerve The Crowds

The South of France is famous for its glamour, but there’s another side to it—quieter, more relaxed, and every bit as beautiful. Tucked between rolling vineyards, seaside cliffs, and mountain trails are towns that locals love and most tourists overlook.

Here, you’ll find the same golden light, incredible cuisine, and rich history—minus the crowds and sky-high prices. If you’re after authentic charm and room to breathe, these under-the-radar spots are where you want to be.

1. Collioure

Nestled where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean, this colorful fishing village once inspired the Fauvist art movement. Collioure offers the perfect blend of French and Catalan cultures with its pastel-painted waterfront.

Wander the narrow streets to discover local anchovy shops, or sip rosé at a seaside café while watching boats bob in the bay.

2. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Dramatically perched between two rocky cliffs, this alpine village seems to defy gravity. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is famous for its distinctive blue and white ceramics that have been handcrafted here since the 17th century.

Hike up to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel for breathtaking views, then cool off with a short drive to the turquoise waters of Verdon Gorge.

3. Pézenas

Wandering through the winding lanes feels like stepping back four centuries. This former capital of Languedoc captivated playwright Molière, who found inspiration in its theatrical atmosphere.

Pézenas boasts over 30 artisan workshops where craftspeople create everything from leather goods to handblown glass. The Saturday market brings the medieval center alive with local delicacies and Languedoc wines.

4. Salernes

Terracotta tiles adorn nearly every surface in this artisanal paradise. The rustic village of Salernes has been producing distinctive hexagonal floor tiles since the 19th century.

Visit the Terra Rossa museum to learn about the clay-working tradition, then explore the surrounding countryside dotted with olive groves. The gentle pace here offers a welcome respite from France’s bustling tourist centers.

5. Saint-Guilhem-Le-Désert

Hidden in a deep valley, this medieval jewel seems frozen in time. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert centers around its magnificent 11th-century abbey, where sunlight streams through ancient windows onto worn stone floors.

Cool off in the crystal-clear Hérault River that runs nearby, or hike the surrounding trails for panoramic views. The village’s remoteness has preserved its authentic character while keeping tourist buses at bay.

6. Uzès

Tucked away in a sea of vineyards sits one of France’s best-kept secrets. Uzès charms visitors with its honey-colored stone buildings and magnificent medieval garden.

The town’s vibrant Saturday market transforms the Place aux Herbes into a feast for the senses, with local farmers selling everything from olives to lavender honey.

7. Tende

Perched high in the Maritime Alps, this frontier town bridges French elegance with Italian flair. Tende’s winding streets climb upward past pastel-painted houses toward a ruined castle with spectacular mountain views.

The remarkable Museum of Marvels showcases mysterious prehistoric rock carvings found nearby. Just a short train ride from Nice, yet worlds away in atmosphere, this alpine gem offers cool mountain air when coastal towns swelter.