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Last Updated: 31 October 2024

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France has long been a popular travel destination for visitors coming from outside of the country.

Whether it’s the allure of Paris, the glitz of Cannes or the ski resorts in the Alps, it’s a destination with a lot to offer holidaymakers at any time of year.

If you’ve enjoyed your trips to France so much that you’ve permanently moved there and become an expatriate, you might think that your holiday-ing days in the country are over, now that you’re a local.

But exploring France as an expat is a great way to deepen your connection with your new home country and discover destinations off-the-beaten-track and hidden gems that will make you feel like you’re experiencing the most authentic side of France.

Explore Dinan © French Moments

The historic town of Dinan, south of Saint-Malo © French Moments

Expats looking for expert recommendations and bespoke insight can book a place on organised tours of France and enjoy having their itinerary managed by an advisor who’ll be able to suggest how best to experience and enjoy the country.

But if you’re looking for a short break or a single destination trip, in this article we offer suggestions for how to explore France as an expat with four destinations and ideas that promise experiences of some of the country’s lesser-explored regions.

Explore France as an Expat!

Here are four charming destinations to explore France as an Expat:

Saint-Malo, Brittany

Brittany is often recommended as one of the best places to travel in France if you want to get off the conventional tourist trail but still visit somewhere that has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and activities.

The peninsula in northwest France is ideal if you’re looking for a seaside holiday, and Saint-Malo is one of the best places to stay for a great combination of coast and culture.

Brittany Unveiled: Saint-Malo © French Moments

Brittany Unveiled: the ramparts of Saint-Malo © French Moments

The port city can get overlooked as the arrival point for many people travelling by ferry and then continuing on to other parts of France.

But Saint-Malo, often also referred to as The Walled City because of the historic fortifications that surround it, is a destination that should be explored and appreciated, especially if you’re an expat looking for a seaside spot that you can return to every year.

The Old Town in Saint-Malo is one of the best places to visit, with plenty of charming shops, places to eat, a small cathedral and just over a mile of ramparts that you can walk to admire views of the surrounding area.

Brittany Unveiled: Saint-Malo © French Moments

The cathedral of Saint-Malo © French Moments

The city is also known and loved for the beaches that surround it, but if these feel busy then you can get a boat or even walk at low tide to the surrounding islands and islets, which offer further stunning scenery and sandy coves.

The Camargue

The southern coast of France is often thought of in terms of its glamorous marinas and exclusive beach clubs.

But there’s another, wilder side to the area in the Camargue region, which is an ideal place for a holiday that allows you to experience the warm weather of the south in some of the country’s most gorgeous scenery.

The wild horses of Camargue - Stock Photos from GUDKOV ANDREY - Shutterstock

The wild horses of Camargue - Stock Photos from GUDKOV ANDREY - Shutterstock

The Camargue is characterised by its wetland landscape of marshes, salt flats and sand dunes, but is also known for the semi-feral white horses which roam the region and are tended by the French equivalent of cowboys.

These horses share the spotlight with the wild flocks of flamingos that also live in the Camargue.

Flamingos in the Camargue © Sonia Marotta - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Flamingos in the Camargue © Sonia Marotta - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to things to do in the Camargue, birdwatching is an activity that brings plenty of visitors to the area to admire over 400 species of birds that live and nest here.

Come to the Camargue for a holiday that is all about embracing the raw beauty of the land and the different things that it offers, from the local cuisine and wine tasting to experiences like horseback riding or days on the beach.

Dijon, Burgundy

Burgundy is a region in France that is frequently visited because of its reputation for excellent wine.

But along with all of the rolling hills and vineyards, it’s also home to the historic city of Dijon which is a great place for expats to plan a holiday filled with cultural activities. 

Around Dijon. The view from the tower of Philip the Good, Dijon © French Moments

Dijon © French Moments

Of course, you will be ideally placed in Dijon to go and visit the nearby vineyards.

But there’s so much to discover in the city itself that it’s easy to fill an itinerary for a very different kind of holiday in Burgundy.

Fine half-timbered houses in Rue Amiral Roussin, Dijon © French Moments

Fine half-timbered houses in Rue Amiral Roussin, Dijon © French Moments

From the UNESCO-listed centre to the mediaeval and Renaissance-style architecture, you can immerse yourself in France’s history and leave your holiday feeling much more connected with the past of your new home.

Once you’ve drunk your fill of culture and history, it would be rude not to then also drink and eat your fill of the fantastic gastronomic offering available here.

The Halles market in Dijon © French Moments

Inside the Halles market in Dijon © French Moments

It’s the perfect combination for a long weekend away!

Antibes, Côte d’Azur

France’s Côte d’Azur is an incredibly popular part of the country, particularly with the rich and famous.

As an expat, you might be curious about this glamorous portion of the south coast but prefer not to stay somewhere as developed as Saint Tropez or as busy as Nice, Antibes is the ideal option.

Antibes @SteveAllenPhoto via Twenty20

Antibes @SteveAllenPhoto via Twenty20

Antibes is a small town sandwiched between Nice and Cannes that offers all of the charm of a Mediterranean seaside destination with the added luxurious touches that come from being on the Côte d’Azur.

You can visit the nearby tourist hotspots pretty easily but then return to the charming cobbled streets lined with independent restaurants and shops, offering a more laid-back experience.

Antibes in Winter © Thomas Leth-Olsen - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Antibes in Winter © Thomas Leth-Olsen - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Another benefit of Antibes is that it has a great expat community, so even if you’re feeling pretty confident in your French, you’re still likely to find people you can talk to in your native language.

It’s the ideal place for a relaxing holiday where morning swims, leisurely dinners and plenty of relaxation are top of the agenda.

Explore France: Summary

As a new or even a seasoned inhabitant of the country, you’re in the wonderful position of being able to enjoy and explore a place without feeling like a tourist.

Even when you’re travelling in a country that you’re now calling your home, one thing to remember is that purchasing expat travel insurance will cover you in all kinds of unpredictable scenarios, from transport mishaps to urgent medical care.

Once you’ve got this key travel consideration covered, you’re all set to go and discover the hidden gems of France and enjoy them like a local.

Explore Dinan - Rue du Jerzual © French Moments

Dinan, Brittany - Rue du Jerzual © French Moments

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