Planning a group trip doesn't necessarily mean big cities or classic tourist spots. France is full of off-the-beaten-track destinations, perfect for an excursion with friends, family, associations, or business.
These underrated, often little-known places are nevertheless accessible by coach and offer a surprising experience, in the heart of nature, the land and local heritage.
Here is our Top 5 unusual destinations in France, discovery ideas for groups in love with France, and in search of authenticity, all accessible thanks to Francebus with a coach rental with driver!
1. The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park
Why go in a group?
Located in the heart of the Massif Central, the Auvergne Volcanoes Park is one of the largest regional natural parks in France. Relatively protected from mass tourism, it captivates visitors with its unique volcanic landscapes, picturesque villages, and authentic gastronomy. It's an ideal destination for a nature, sports, or educational trip, combining heritage and local produce.
Recommended duration & accessibility
Ideal duration : 3 to 5 days to enjoy hikes, cultural visits and gourmet experiences.
Access : via Clermont-Ferrand or Aurillac, then transfer by coach to the different sites.
Main cities and points of interest
Clermont-Ferrand : a city with a rich Gothic heritage, dominated by its black lava stone cathedral.
Puy de Dôme : iconic summit offering a spectacular panoramic view of the Puys range.
Puy Mary : one of the most beautiful volcanoes in France, with trails accessible to all levels.
Vulcania : a unique scientific theme park in Europe, perfect for school or family visits.
Salers : medieval village renowned for its AOP cheese and its preserved dark stone architecture.
Lake Pavin : volcanic lake with deep and legendary waters, ideal for a nature break.
Suggested tour
Day 1: Clermont-Ferrand – Visit to the cathedral, the historic center and the local market.
Day 2: Puy de Dôme – Ascent or panoramic train and hike on volcanic trails.
Day 3: Puy Mary & Vulcania – Discovery of the panoramas of Puy Mary and scientific exploration at Vulcania.
Day 4: Salers & Lac Pavin – Visit the medieval village, tasting of local products and stroll along the lake.
Why go there by coach or minibus with driver?
The sites are scattered and often far from stations. A coach with driver makes it easy to connect all points of interest, without time constraints or the need for carpooling.
2. The Millevaches plateau, the “roof of Limousin”
Why go in a group?
This wild, off-the-beaten-path territory is a true natural sanctuary, composed of dense forests, mysterious peat bogs, moors, and pristine rivers. Ideal for a community, ecological, or healing stay, it appeals to lovers of tranquility and authenticity.
Recommended duration & accessibility
Ideal duration : 2 to 4 days to explore its landscapes and participate in outdoor activities.
Access : via Limoges, Brive or Tulle, then journey by coach or minibus suitable for medium mountain roads.
Main cities and points of interest
Eymoutiers : small town of character, known for its architectural heritage and its local markets.
Vassivière Lake : large lake ideal for walks, water sports and outdoor artistic discoveries.
Millevaches Regional Natural Park : network of hiking trails offering breathtaking views of local flora and fauna.
Saint-Merd-les-Oussines : village surrounded by peat bogs and botanical trails unique in France.
Treignac : charming medieval town, renowned for its half-timbered houses and its 15th century bridge.
Suggested tour
Day 1: Eymoutiers – Visit of the city, its heritage and local market.
Day 2: Lake Vassivière – Walk, water activities and discovery of outdoor artistic installations.
Day 3: Millevaches Park & Saint-Merd-les-Oussines – Hiking and discovery of biodiversity, botanical trails.
Day 4: Treignac – Medieval walk and discovery of the historic bridge.
Why by coach or minibus with driver?
The plateau is insulated and poorly served by public transport. The coach offers direct and comfortable access to all sites, while allowing the group to travel together.
3. The wild Camargue and its traditions
Why go in a group?
Much more than just a seaside destination, the Camargue is a surprising territory where marshes, rice paddies, white horses, and bullfighting traditions create a setting off the beaten track. Between nature and culture, it's a sensory and exotic journey.
Recommended duration & accessibility
Ideal duration : 3 to 4 days to alternate cultural visits, gastronomic discoveries and nature walks.
Access : via Arles, Nîmes or Montpellier, then coach tours in the region.
Main cities and points of interest
Aigues-Mortes : fortified medieval city surrounded by salt marshes with pink hues at sunset.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer : spiritual heart of the Camargue, famous for its pilgrimages and gypsy traditions.
Salt marshes : photogenic landscapes and guided tours on the history of salt.
Camargue herds : immersion in traditional bull and horse breeding.
Camargue Regional Natural Park : bird sanctuary, especially for flamingos.
Arles : city of art and history, marked by Roman heritage and the colors of Van Gogh.
Suggested tour
Day 1: Aigues-Mortes – Walk along the ramparts, discovery of medieval history and introduction to the salt marshes.
Day 2: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – Participation in local traditions and visit of the village.
Day 3: Manades & Natural Park – Observation of white horses and bulls, birdwatching walk.
Day 4: Arles – Discovery of Roman remains and artistic heritage.
Why go there by coach or minibus with driver?
The distances between sites are significant and infrequent public transport. The coach allows for a smooth and optimized circuit.
4. The Meuse Valley and the Forgotten Citadels
Why go in a group?
Little known to the general public, the Meuse Valley is a historical and scenic treasure. With its fortresses, picturesque villages, and river landscapes, it appeals to history and nature lovers.
Recommended duration & accessibility
Ideal duration : 2 to 3 days to combine historical visits and riverside walks.
Access : via Charleville-Mézières or Verdun, then coach to the different sites.
Main cities and points of interest
Montmédy : perched citadel offering a breathtaking view of the valley.
Verdun : a major place of memory with the Fort de Vaux, the Douaumont ossuary and its museums.
Sedan : home to the largest fortified castle in Europe, witness to a turbulent history.
Monthermé : village nestled in a bend of the Meuse, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
Chooz and Givet : charming towns on the banks of the Meuse, perfect for a river stopover.
Suggested tour
Day 1: Montmédy & Sedan – Visit the citadel and the fortified castle, discovery of local history.
Day 2: Verdun – Exploration of First World War memorial sites and museums.
Day 3: Monthermé & Givet – Hiking and river trips, discovery of typical villages.
Why go there by coach or minibus with driver?
The sites are scattered and poorly connected by public transport. The coach allows for the creation of a tailor-made itinerary.
5. Queyras: the preserved Alps
Why go in a group?
Nestled in the Hautes-Alpes, Queyras is a haven of peace where authentic villages, magnificent alpine landscapes and local products combine to offer an unforgettable experience, far from the overcrowded resorts.
Recommended duration & accessibility
Ideal duration : 4 to 6 days to explore the trails, discover the heritage and enjoy moments of relaxation.
Access : via Guillestre or Briançon, then transfer by coach suitable for mountain roads.
Main cities and points of interest
Saint-Véran : highest municipality in Europe, famous for its wooden houses and sundials.
Château-Queyras : perched fortress overlooking the valley, offering exceptional panoramas.
Queyras Regional Natural Park : refuge for marmots, chamois and ibex, with numerous marked trails.
Molines-en-Queyras : village renowned for its local crafts and cheese specialties.
Ceillac : village resort offering gentle skiing in winter and family hikes in summer.
Abriès-Ristolas : gateway to wild and unspoiled landscapes.
Suggested tour
Day 1: Saint-Véran & Molines – Discovery of villages, local crafts and surrounding landscapes.
Day 2: Château-Queyras & Ceillac – Visit the castle and walks in the village and the alpine trails.
Day 3: Queyras Natural Park – Hiking and wildlife observation.
Day 4: Abriès-Ristolas – Immersion in wild landscapes and outdoor activities.
Why go there by coach or minibus with driver?
Alpine routes require experienced drivers and adapted vehicles. Francebus works with local coach operators experienced in these conditions.
Conclusion
Exploring France in a group also means discovering surprising, underrated, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Whether you're planning short stays, of the getaways or long weekends, from the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park to the wild Camargue, from the Millevaches plateau to Queyras, these places offer a unique blend of nature, heritage and terroir.
With Francebus, specialist in the rental of coaches and minibuses with driver, easily organize your trips from your city to enjoy reliable, flexible transportation perfectly suited to all your group adventures.
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