Unusual and Secret France
Surprising and lesser-known places across France, from the Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace to the Catacombs of Paris.
An unusual, secret France, far from the expected postcards. The route gathers places that intrigue: the Palais Idéal built stone by stone by a single postman, the Padirac chasm and its underground river, the Paris Catacombs, the cave-dwelling village of Les Baux-de-Provence, the Guérande salt marshes and Mont-Saint-Michel abbey at dawn. These are stops that break from the classic programme and stay with you, to slot into a wider trip. Several sites are underground or cramped: check opening times, book guided tours and pack a layer, as temperatures drop below ground. Ideal for the curious who love to be surprised.
Practical info
- Stops
- 6
- Duration
- Varies
- Transport
- 🚗 Car
- Best time
- Spring and summer
Itinerary
- 1
Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval
Chef-d'oeuvre d'art brut construit par un facteur pendant 33 ans, classe monument historique.
- 2
Gouffre de Padirac
Gouffre de 75 metres de profondeur et riviere souterraine navigable, un monde sous la terre.
- 3
Catacombes de Paris
Ossuaire souterrain de six millions de Parisiens dans les anciennes carrieres de la capitale.
- 4
Village troglodyte des Baux-de-Provence
Cite fortifiee et Carrieres de Lumieres, spectacles immersifs dans d'anciennes carrieres de calcaire.
- 5
Marais salants de Guerande
Paysage unique de bassins d'eau salee, paludiers recoltant le sel a la main depuis des siecles.
- 6
Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel
Merveille d'architecture medievale, abbaye perchee sur un rocher battu par les plus grandes marees d'Europe.
