Secret Places in France You Might Not Know About

23.  The Exotic Garden of Èze, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

High atop the craggy cliff called Eze Rock is an imposing fortress from the 1100s. From here, travelers can take in exceptional views of the surrounding area. In fact, during the 1950s the mayor made the decision to further enhance the view by commissioning none other than Jean Gastaud, the renowned designer of the tractive Exotic Garden of Monaco.  

At the foot of the rugged ruins, the two of them designed one of the most original gardens on the entire European continent. It features aloes, cacti, and additional succulents. This garden is a magnificent mosaic of greens, yellows, and fluorescent pinks.

24.  The Scandola Nature Reserve, Corsica

Travelers in the know can confirm that this reserve features one of the Mediterranean basin’s most magnificent marine landscapes. Some say it is even worthy of a visit from ol’ King Neptune himself. Be sure to visit the volcanic rocks that seem to drop into the clear blue-green water here at this official UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the nation’s most well=preserved and rarest biodiversity sites and also includes many minerals, plants, and animals by the awesome amber-colored cliffs.

25.  The Gardens of the Château de Villandry, Centre-Val de Loire

These extraordinarily elegant terraces, man-made mazes, and waterways decorated with statuary offer quite a contrasting view from overhead. A bird’s eye view of this garden spot reveals a positively palatial pattern of geometry and colors. If you somehow notice a more current feel to this place it is probably due to the fact that this superb site was totally transformed in the 1800s and more recently reconstructed by none other than Joachim Carvallo in the early 1900s.