This is The France Most People Never Get to See 🇫🇷

Some of my favorite places in France are nowhere near the capital. So in this video we're traveling through southern France and Burgundy to discover the medieval towns, some great hilltop villages, historic canals, vineyards and places that many of you simply pass by. So we are starting in the south around one of France's most historic waterways, the Canal du Midi. So this was built more than 300 years ago and it stretches through the countryside of southern France towards the Mediterranean. But it isn't a video about the canal itself, it's about the places you discover around it. So if you do enjoy seeing the lesser-known side of Europe make sure you're subscribed to the channel because I've got plenty more places like this coming up. So let's start in southern France with a place that's almost impossible to mistake for anywhere else. So the first destination throughout this region of Canal du Midi is Carleson. Now whether it's a medieval town, a hilltop city, it will be up to you to figure that one out. And it's in the southern section of France. Very popular destination thanks to its many medieval structures. It was an important trading section in the country, once settled by Romans. But eventually it became known for its wool textiles. Before this particular item, its popularity had dwindled. But what I like about this destination is that there are plenty of places to visit in this medieval gem. One to consider is the Cité de Carleson. This castle features over 52 towers. So there are guided tours that you can take of its interior and you'll be able to view more of the architecture inside. But if you prefer to spend time enjoying the great outdoors, which I did, then this destination contains parts of a long canal that flows through the city. And a great place to go boating or even cycling next to. One of the advantages of Minerve is its geographical location. And it's positioned on a rock at the junction of two rivers, the Rhine and the Seine. And it creates this impression of a peninsula. Houses are perched on the cliff edge and when seen from above, appear to be suspended in space. So it's no surprise that Minerve is listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France. Strolling around, you may notice remnants of its eventful history. There's a tall medieval tower made of stone, the Candela, which is still standing. And it once belonged to the castle. There's even a few ruined ramparts that you can admire. Now if you're looking for fishing villages, lagoons, maybe even a sandy beach, then you might like this particular destination and why the French have kept it to themselves, the cheeky buggers. Narbonne is a city just over 50,000 people. It was a very important Roman seaport. Now the focal point is its canal, which is an offshoot of the Canal du Midi, with wide promenades on both sides, which is perfect for those evening strolls. So it reminds me of a few different cities in Europe. A little bit of that neighborhood in Milan, as well as Lucerne. So overall, I think this is a great city break. You can go from, if you are coming from the UK, you can go from London, St Pancras to Paris, and then you can take the train. It's a bit long though, I think four hours, but well worth it. Now traveling through southern France, you will come across many quaint towns, but this one is pretty cool, Marseille. And this is where the Canal du Midi meets the Etang du Tour, a large coastal lagoon. So this charming destination offers a mix of coastal beauty, and that rustic French flavor. The waterfront is lined with colorful buildings, and you can often see fishing boats that are bobbing gently along the water. The town is also known for its maritime history, its role in producing some kind of famous vermouth. But overall, walking through the narrow streets, there are plenty of inviting cafes, local markets, you'll hear the hustle and bustle, and the smell of the sea in the air. So the port area is actually perfect for relaxing, and you have views of the lagoon and the distant mountains. A very laid-back environment of southern France. Welcome back folks to part two of this mini France series, and today we're going to go straight to the heart of France, Burgundy. And this is a region that's full of history, famous in regards to its wines, but also its beautiful countryside. Now the area is home to charming medieval towns, impressive chateaus, and peaceful monasteries, each with its own unique story. So we're going to start this video with the historic capital of Burgundy, Dijon. A city that's steeped in elegance and charm, but it's known for its rich history and its food. Now Dijon is a place where past meets the present, and as you wander through the streets you'll notice some really magnificent yet medieval architecture, including the iconic Dijon Cathedral and the So obviously whenever I think of Dijon, I think of mustard. And the shops are a must visit, giving you a taste of the famous Dijon heritage. But don't forget to take those relaxing strolls along the Owl's Trail, which is like a self-guided walking tour that reveals the city's hidden gems, and the only way to do it folks. So this is Vizle, a picturesque hilltop village, and one of Burgundy's most beautiful destinations. So it's perched atop a hill that overlooks Dijon Valley, and home to the stunning basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, which is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, if you're looking for those particular things. It's quite a Romanesque masterpiece, which has been a pilgrimage site for centuries, and it attracts so many people with its spiritual significance. But the village itself is more like a maze, of narrow winding streets lined with charming stone houses, plenty of artisan shops and cozy cafes. So as you walk around you might feel as if you stepped back in time, and I'm not surprised. There's also the peaceful countryside that provides that perfect backdrop for this timeless village. Now as you know, Burgundy is world famous for its wine region, but there are other attractions that I highly recommend that you should see. One of them is called Domaine des Auspices du Bon, and it's one of Burgundy's most iconic landmarks. Founded in 1443 as a hospital for the poor, it has colorful glazed tile roofs and it becomes a symbol of the region. So it's kind of like a museum today, showcasing the history of the building and its role in the region's winemaking heritage. So I suggest you just walk around through all the different well-preserved rooms, and you might discover a fascinating collection of arts, the furniture, the medical instruments from the middle ages, it's quite interesting. And there's even an annual wine auction which has become one of the most important events in the wine world, if that's your thing, but for me it's quite a historic place. Located right in the heart of a peaceful valley, you will find one of the best preserved monasteries in Europe. It's a wild heritage site that was founded in 1118, and it offers a glimpse into monastic life during the middle ages. So this abbey has a very serene atmosphere, stunning romanesque architecture, and it makes it a very perfect retreat for those of you that's seeking a lot of peace and some interesting history. You'll notice the simplicity, the harmony of the design, and it reflects the values of austerity and devotion. But the abbey is just a true gem, and if you want to find a peaceful escape in Burgundy, then this is a great choice. And as promised in this video, we come to a chateau, Chateau d'Ancy-le-Front. Now this is a renaissance masterpiece that's set in the heart of the Burgundy countryside. So it's a grand chateau, perfectly symmetrical in design, and beautifully landscaped gardens, which is a testament to the elegance of the 16th century French architecture. And when you do go inside, you could admire all the different paintings, the period furnishings, and you will feel like you're back in time, admiring the structure of this renaissance building. So whether you're into architecture or not, I guarantee you, you can really soak up the environment, the atmosphere, the Burgundy countryside, and I think you will really be impressed. Now another place that I'm pretty sure that you're not going to, that's set along the river in Burgundy, Auxerre. And one of those French towns that people often pass by on the way to somewhere else, but it's worth stopping for. The town is packed with a lot of history, from its gothic cathedral, and the abbey of Saint-Germain, to the dozens of timber framed houses that line the old streets. So here you can walk down towards the riverfront for views of the skyline reflected in the water, or even climb up through the cobbled lanes of those quiet squares and local cafes. Now Auxerre sits right on the edge of the Chablis vineyards, so it's easy to combine a stroll through the town and a glass of some of France's most famous wines. So it's not polished or even tourist heavy, just an authentic French town that gives you a real taste of Burgundy life. For more videos don't forget to subscribe and of course check out the playlist, I'm pretty sure there are plenty of destinations that you want to head to. Thanks for watching and I'll see you all on the next one!