Wondering where to travel in 2026? Explore France and Switzerland beyond the usual hotspots. Discover hidden gems, charming villages, and authentic experiences off the beaten path.
For travelers who crave authenticity over the usual highlights, here are our top picks for 2026.
Dordogne: Medieval Charm and Timeless Nature
The Dordogne is a place where time seems to stand still. Here, the golden stone of medieval villages reflects in the peaceful waters of the river, forests exude the scent of the undergrowth, and breathtaking panoramas unfold at every turn. Between history, nature, and gastronomy, every step is a discovery.
Sarlat: A Journey into the Middle Ages
As soon as you step into the cobbled streets of Sarlat-la-Canéda, you are transported to the heart of the Middle Ages. The golden stone houses, warm-toned roofs, and shaded squares seem frozen in time. At the market, stalls overflow with local products: foie gras, walnuts, porcini mushrooms, and cheeses awaken the senses, while the aroma of fresh pastries drifts through the air.
Dordogne Valley: Beauty and Serenity
Heading down into the valley, you discover a winding river bordered by steep cliffs, crowned with medieval castles that proudly dominate the landscape. Beynac-et-Cazenac, perched atop its cliff, offers a dizzying panorama over the Dordogne. In Domme, nicknamed the “Acropolis of Périgord,” the ramparts and cobbled streets tell the story of merchants and knights of old. La Roque-Gageac, with its troglodyte houses nestled at the foot of cliffs, seems straight out of a fairy tale.
Marqueyssac Hanging Gardens: A Bucolic Pause
The gardens of Marqueyssac are a handcrafted green oasis. Strolling among the trimmed hedges, admiring the viewpoints overlooking the valley, allows you to breathe in the calm and beauty of the Dordogne. In the evening, when candlelight illuminates the paths, an almost magical atmosphere settles, transporting visitors to another time.
Lascaux: Prehistory at Your Fingertips
Not far away, in the Vézère Valley, the Lascaux caves reveal prehistoric art. Faithful reproductions allow visitors to admire these millennia-old rock paintings, where horses, bison, and deer seem to come alive before your eyes, reminding us that human history is deeply intertwined with these lands.
Terroir and Flavors: The Soul of Perigord
The Dordogne also captivates with its gastronomy. Walking through the markets of Sarlat or Domme is a chance to taste the authenticity of Périgord: truffles, foie gras, local wines, walnuts, and porcini mushrooms, all cultivated with passion by producers proud of their terroir. Every bite tells a story, that of a generous and preserved region.
Between untouched nature, medieval villages, and refined gastronomy, the Dordogne invites you to take your time, wander, breathe, and marvel. Here, every moment becomes a memorable experience, and every panorama a living painting that will remain etched in memory.
Alsace by Bike: Between Vineyards and Villages
Nestled between the Vosges and the Rhine, Alsace is a region where nature and culture intertwine harmoniously. Exploring its landscapes by bike is a way to savor the pace, smell the vineyards, and pass through villages straight out of a fairy tale. Every pedal stroke reveals an authentic, vibrant, and welcoming Alsace.
The Wine Route: A Gourmet Ride
The famous Alsace Wine Route stretches over 170 kilometers, winding through green hills and picturesque villages. By bike, you can admire perfectly aligned rows of vines, stop at a winery to taste a crisp Riesling or aromatic Pinot Gris, and chat with passionate winemakers preserving centuries-old traditions. Every village is a charming stage, where storks watch from rooftops and geraniums overflow from half-timbered windows.
Flowered Villages and Medieval Charm
From Riquewihr to Eguisheim, passing through Kaysersberg, Bergheim, and Turckheim, each village seems lifted from a postcard. Colorful facades, wrought-iron signs, and cobbled streets invite leisurely strolls. In Colmar, the “Little Venice” of Alsace, canals, pastel houses, and a peaceful atmosphere captivate visitors. By bike, you traverse these places at a gentle pace, listening to church bells and the wind in the leaves.
Nature and Heritage
Alsace also offers generous nature. Bike paths run along shaded forests, golden fields, and vineyard-covered hillsides. The Vosges in the background provide spectacular panoramas, and apple-lined paths lead to hidden abbeys or medieval ruins. At every turn, a viewpoint, isolated chapel, or perched castle — notably the imposing Haut-Kœnigsbourg — dominates the Alsace plain.
Flavors and Traditions
Cycling in Alsace is also a chance to taste. Traditional winstubs welcome cyclists for a gourmet break: crispy tarte flambée, golden pretzels, hearty choucroute, and local wines punctuate the journey. Markets overflow with local products — honey, farmhouse cheeses, fragrant kougelhopf — reminding that gastronomy lies at the heart of Alsace’s identity.
Alsace by bike is much more than a route: it’s an experience. Between fragrant vineyards, colorful villages, and generous cuisine, each stage reveals a new facet of this unique region, where beauty is appreciated at the cyclist’s pace — slowly, intensely, and with wonder.
Ticino: The Sunny Soul of Switzerland
In the southern Alps, where Switzerland opens to the Italian sun, lies Ticino, a luminous region where Swiss elegance meets Mediterranean warmth. With over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, palm-lined lakes, and mountains capped with silver peaks, Ticino embodies a lifestyle that is refined, authentic, and vibrant.
Bellinzona: Living History in Stone
At the heart of the canton stands Bellinzona, guardian of a beautifully preserved medieval past. Its three castles — Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro, UNESCO World Heritage sites — dominate the valley, silent witnesses to millennia of history. Strolling through its cobbled streets on a Saturday morning, amid the aromas of cheeses, herbs, and fresh bread, immerses you in a timeless atmosphere.
Lakes and Villages: Mediterranean Switzerland
On the shores of Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore, the landscape feels almost Italian. In Lugano, terraces stretch along the promenade, mountains reflect in the water, and from Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore, the view embraces a world of light.
Further along, Ascona charms with its bohemian soul, art galleries, and peaceful lakefront evenings. Morcote, often cited among Switzerland’s most beautiful villages, captivates with flower-lined streets, elegant arcades, and hanging gardens above the water.
Wild Valleys and Crystal-Clear Nature
Ticino also reveals a wilder side. In the Verzasca Valley, emerald waters flow between polished rocks beneath the iconic Ponte dei Salti stone bridge. The Maggia Valley and Centovalli showcase pristine nature: waterfalls, forests, alpine hamlets, and scented trails, perfect for hiking lovers and those seeking serenity.
Flavors of the South
In traditional grotti, shaded by chestnut trees, you can savor creamy risotto, soft polenta, local cured meats, and regional red wines, notably Ticino Merlot.
Light and Dolce Vita
At dusk, Ticino glows in golden light. Bells ring in the distance, reflections dance on the lakes, and the air carries floral scents. In this sunny corner of Switzerland, each day feels like a promise of beauty, emotion, and gentle leisure. Ticino is Switzerland at heart — radiant, romantic, and unforgettable.
These destinations each reveal a unique side of France and Switzerland, between heritage, nature, and authenticity. They invite travelers to slow down, wander, and savor every moment, far from crowds and classic tourist routes. Picturesque villages, verdant valleys, sparkling lakes, and wine routes offer countless memorable experiences for curious travelers. Exploring these regions leaves you with lasting memories and a taste of authenticity.
France and Switzerland are full of routes and landscapes waiting to be discovered, from seas and hills to vineyards and alpine valleys. Let yourself be inspired and set out to explore these fascinating regions.
Every journey becomes a sensory and human experience, where you can savor the scenery, cuisine, history, and the unique light of each place.
