My French Travel Wishlist: 15 Hidden Gems for Rest and Rejuvenation in France

When I moved to France in 2018 and starting exploring my glorious new home, I was amazed by how many stunning places only the French seemed to know about!

France is full of hidden gems beyond Paris: secret islands, lush forests, and even pink flamingos. Most visitors never get to see these treasures, and I get it — navigating France as a foreigner can be confusing. Especially if you don’t speak the language. And this is why most of us stick to the well-known tourist spots.

But as someone who is obsessed with curation — finding the best of everything, and weeding out the mediocre — I’ve made it my mission these past seven years to uncover the most incredible travel destinations in France. Places with soul, that feel like a well-kept secret.

So, voila — here’s the personal travel wishlist that I’ve been building for years.

15 spots I’m most excited to check out—some with wellness offerings, others just have the perfect vibe for rest and rejuvenation. Cheers to falling in love with the real France!

15 Hidden Gem Travel Destinations in France for the Perfect Wellness Escape

Maison Gokan Annecy France — Source: Maison Gokan

1. Maison Gokan — Annecy

This Japanese ryokan-style retreat overlooks majestic lake Annecy. Maison Gokan was love at first sight (on Instagram, that is) a peaceful lakeside getaway, blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian wellness rituals. Pool, jacuzzi and Ayurvedic treatments, make this a dreamy zen getaway with a beautiful blend of cultures.

Why It’s on My List: A dreamy mix of Japanese tranquility with the beauty of Lake Annecy—perfect for resetting.
Train Station: Annecy Train Station (7 km)
Airport: Geneva Airport (45-minute drive)

2. La Pensée Sauvage – Detox and Fasting Retreats

If you’ve ever wanted to try fasting as a way to reboot your system, La Pensée Sauvage is the spot. They have 6 locations in France, Corsica, and Minorca and each retreat center is specialized in detoxing, nature immersion, and mindfulness — with luxury accommodations.

Why It’s on My List: I’ve always wanted to do an extended fast, and they’ve got everything you need to do it properly - with supervision, and beautiful distractions like daily hikes and massages.
Train Station: Gap Train Station (20 minutes by car)
Airport: Marseille Provence Airport (2-hour drive)

3. Hôtel du Couvent – Nice

A former 17th-century convent in the heart of Nice, Hôtel du Couvent is iconic. With Roman baths, a movement studio, three pools, and plenty of stylish touches, it’s an all-in-one getaway for relaxation and healthy indulgence.

Why It’s on My List: Picture perfect setting, historical charm, spa and movement classes on-site.
Train Station: Gare de Nice-Riquier (1.7 km)
Airport: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (7.9 km)

4. Hôtel des Cabanettes – Arles

A rare find indeed, Les Cabanettes is like a 70s design motel surrounded by nature. The building was designed by artist and architect Armand Pellier, with 29 rooms each with their own private terrace. They call it a “UFO” at the gateway of the Camargue.

Why It’s on My List: A design marvel not far from artsy Arles and nearby villages.
Train Station: Arles Train Station (16 km)
Airport: Garons Airport (20-minute drive)

5. Loire Valley Lodges — near Tours

A dreamy couples getaway in the Loire Valley— these artist-designed treehouses are tucked away in the Duporterie forest, for a luxurious nature-filled experience. Some even come with their own jacuzzi and sauna!

Why It’s on My List: Just two hours from Paris and surrounded by forest, this is made for a digital detox getaway.
Train Station: Saint-Pierre-des-Corps or Tours (20 minutes by car)
Airport: Tours Val de Loire Airport (22 km)

6. Le Barn – Near Paris

Le Barn is a country retreat just an hour outside Paris with a farm-to-table restaurant, vegetable garden, and spa — all designed for lovers of wide open spaces and horse riding.

Why It’s on My List: Rustic but stylish, it’s loved by hipster Parisian families for a quick country getaway.
Train Station: Gare de Bonnelles (5 km)
Airport: Paris Orly Airport (1-hour drive)

7. D’une Île – Le Perche

D’une Ile holds a special place in my heart. I hosted my 40th birthday celebration here, a cozy country weekend with friends. This boutique B&B is run by the owners of Septime restaurant (one of the hottest reservations to get in Paris). There’s 10 rooms, tastefully designed with flea market finds, a sauna, and of course their own restaurant serving breakfast and dinner.

Why It’s on My List: It’s all about simplicity and slowing down. Quality time with friends, and gorgeous food.
Train Station: Nogent-le-Rotrou Train Station (15 km)
Airport: Paris Orly Airport (2-hour drive)

8. Repère Sauvage – La Ville aux Clercs (Loir et Cher)

Just opened in 2025, Repère Sauvage is a nature retreat with 16 rooms and 20 wild houses” (think mini barns) and a bistronomic restaurant on side. So you get the best of glamping, without skimping on French cuisine.

Why It’s on My List: Clearly I have a thing for forest getaways and bistro food! This one is a short 45-min train ride from Paris.

Train Station: Vendome (20 min taxi)
Airport: Orleans or Tours (1-hour drive)

9. Landifornia Lodge — Basque Country, near Biarritz

The Basque Country (southwest France, near the Spanish border) is often called the ‘California of France’ because of it’s laid back surf vibes and lush coastal scenery. Hence the name of Landifornia Lodge. This nature getaway has two magical cottages for rent, one facing the lagoon, one in the forest — both come with their own kitchen, private terrace and nordic bath (jacuzzi). Breakfast is included too.

Why It’s on My List: I love a cozy cabin getaway, and these have everything you need for a low-tech weekend in nature, with luxurious perks. Each cabin has two rooms, if you want to bring the whole fam.
Train Station: Saint Vincent de Tyrosse train station (15 minutes by car)
Airport: Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (45 min drive)

10. La Grange du Fer — Drome Provencal

I’ve had this spot on my retreat wishlist for years, it’s perfect for a group of up to 10 people. They have an “atelier” that sleeps up to 8, and a “loft” that sleeps two people. Both share the pool area and outdoor kitchen, and you’re surrounded by stunning views of lavender fields and olive groves.

Why It’s on My List: Views, pool, and proximity to the charming villages of the Drome, like Nyons, make this a dreamy home base for exploring the region.
Train Station: Montellimar Station (1 hour drive)
Airport: Marseille Provence Airport or Montpellier (both a 2-hour drive)

11. Casa YOUM – Marseille

Casa YOUM is a boutique hotel in the hills above Marseille, with a Mediterranean aesthetic, inspired by the owners Tunisian and Italian heritages. With just two rooms and one suite, and a sparkling pool overlooking the city, this feels like your own private villa away from the bustle of the city.

Why It’s on My List: The vibes and views from Casa Youm seem perfect for a tranquil getaway, still close to the city center.
Train Station: Marseille Saint-Charles Train Station (5 km)
Airport: Marseille Provence Airport (25 minutes by car)

12. Villa St. Anne – Île de Porquerolles

Set on the beautiful Porquerolles island off the coast of Toulon, Villa St. Anne is a sweet family owned hotel that makes a great home base to explore the island's natural beauty — beaches, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and hiking await.

Why It’s on My List: A sea-view escape on a stunning island, perfect for a peaceful beach escape.
Train Station: Hyères Train Station (20 minutes by car)
Airport: Toulon-Hyères Airport (15 minutes by car)

13. Villa Pipa Polaris – Near Nice

Nice villa Pipa Polaris — Source: Pipa Polaris website

I love the Cote d’Azur and I love a solo getaway, so this charming villa in the hills above Nice has been on my wishlist. Pipa Polaris has two gorgeously decorated private apartments. that share a pool and outdoor lounge area with gorgeous sea views.

Why It’s on My List: Your own private villa nestled in the hills above the French Riviera, ideal for a meditative getaway, creative escape, or romantic weekend away.
Train Station: Nice Ville Train Station (30 minutes by car)
Airport: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (20 minutes by car)

14. Hôtel 48° Nord – Breitenbach, Alsace

In the hills of near Strasbourg, this eco-conscious hotel is where Hygge design meets Alsatian nature immersion. They have 14 minimalist "hyttes" (cabins) scattered across a protected organic agriculture site, and beautiful restaurant that sources from their own farm.

Why It’s on My List: A totally immersive nature getaway with stunning architecture and farm fresh food.

Train Station: Sélestat Station (20 km)
Airport: Strasbourg Entzheim Airport (30 mins by car)

15. Les Sources de Caudalie – Bordeaux Area

Located within the stunning Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards, Les Sources de Caudalie is a wellness lover’s dream. The Vinothérapie Spa is all about using the power of grape seeds and polyphenols for regenerative treatments, and soaking in the thermal baths surrounded by nature. On my list for a special occasion getaway.

Why It’s on My List: Wine lovers and wellness seekers, this one’s for you! The spa’s vinotherapy is a must-try.
Train Station: Bordeaux Saint-Jean TGV Station (20 minutes by car)
Airport: Bordeaux Mérignac Airport (20 minutes by car)

France isn’t just a place to check off your list—it’s a wonderland of natural beauty and slow living that invites you to indulge in simple pleasures. From hidden villages to rugged coastlines, France will surprise you with its majestic scenery and cast a spell on you with its sultry rhythm of life.

These spots are just a glimpse of what’s out there— let me know what you find and love!

About the author

Dom is a California-born, Paris-based wellness educator and experience curator who’s called France home since 2018. As the founder of Well in France, she’s built a vibrant community of wellness-loving women in Paris and hosts immersive retreats in Provence, Normandy, and the Côte d’Azur. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter for curated wellness events, insider resources, and behind-the-scenes stories, and follow along on Instagram.

dominique farrarJuly 8, 2025Comment