Mont-Saint-Michel
https://www.france-justforyou.com/mont-saint-michel
The first hidden gem, claimed by the region of Normandy (although infamously claimed by Brittany as well), is none other than the beautiful fortified island of Mont Saint Michel. The tidal isle and its beauitful bay are listed amongst UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. It is visited by more than 3 million people each year, even though the island is populated by only 50 people!
The fortified city proved unconquerable during the Hundred Years War thanks to its defensibility. An incoming tide stranded, drove off, or drowned would-be assailants. It attracts many pilgrims for its unique abbey, which Louis XI, recognising the reverse benefits of its natural defence, turned into a prison. But don't worry, you will not drown or be imprisoned. The city is more than accesible during low tides and features amazing medieval buildings as you climb your way towards the abbey. You are rewarded at the top of the Mont with picturesque scenes of Normandy seen from the sea. Visiting architecture students will be spoiled by the beauty of the Romanesque church of the abbey.
For an exquisite visit, one can stay and eat an omelet at the famous 'Mère Poulard' hotel and restaurant. Dating back to 1873, many figures such as Ernest Hemingway and Yves Saint Laurent have enjoyed the authentic experience of 'la Mère Poulard' combined with the awesomeness of Mont Saint Michel.
Épernay
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/champagne/epernay
An easy day trip out of Paris to the bubbly town of Epernay is a culinary and historical delight. The favorite celebratory toasting beverage of France and likely the world, champagne, its leading vintners and manufacturers are found in Epernay.
The most famous street in Epernay is the Avenue de Champagne where the most celebrated “maison” have tasting rooms, tours, and gourmet restaurants. All producers feature their range of champagne, some not to be found elsewhere in the world. Learning about the production process is part of the experience as well as tasting. Tours are available in English and if at a quiet time of the year may be conducted with only a few other tourists. The house of Mercier provides guided tours by small, open, passenger trains that travel through the chalk cellars and galleries that bisect a good deal of the town. Moet and Chandon feature a walking tour through the chalk lined cellars, art galleries and elegant tasting rooms with tuxedo attired tasting guides. Pol Roger, a personal favorite, is the holder of the royal warrant to Queen Elizabeth II as purveyors of champagne. Pol Roger’s prestige champagne is the Cuvée Winston Churchill as the vintage was the favorite of the British statesman.
Travel to Epernay in the Marne department crosses through rolling hills of the north-eastern countryside. Travel time is about one hour and 30 minutes depending especially on Parisian traffic. Trains depart every two hours from Paris in the direction of Strasbourg and Alsace stopping in Epernay. At between 20-40 euros, train travel is inexpensive and safe for the champagne drinking consumer.
Carcassonne
https://www.splendia.com/en/carcassonne-hotels.html?order=recommended&orderDir=desc&rooms=1&adults=2&page=1
Head to the Southern department of Aude, in the region of Occitanie and walk the ramparts of the fortified city of Carcassonne, the second gem to be listed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites thanks to its beautiful citadel and fortifications. The city will take you back to medieval times where you'll have to resist the urge of buying plastic swords and shields on cobblestoned streets.
History students will find solace in this place of great historical importance, from the Roman Empire to the Hundred Years War. However, Carcassonne is also known for its excellent wine, so don't hesitate to visit if only for a sip! Just outside the city you can visit the Canal Du Midi (also a UNESCO World Heritage site), one of the greatest construction works of the 17th century. There are guided boat tours with Carcassonne Cruises, pointing out the historic locks and bridges.
You'll have no trouble getting to the fortified city as the Gare de Carcassonne railway station offers direct connections to Toulouse, Narbonne, Perpignan, Paris, Marseille and several regional destinations. The A61 motorway connects Carcassonne with Toulouse and Narbonne as well.
Lourdes
https://www.shrines-of-europe.com/lourdes/
Lying in the foothills of the Pyrenees, the medieval city of Lourdes is known for the beautiful 'Sanctuary of Our Lady', attracting millions of visitors yearly, pilgrims and tourists. Lourdes has become a major place of Roman Catholic pilgrimage and of miraculous healings, so if you're feeling under the weather, it's worth a trip! The spring water from the grotto is believed by some Catholics to possess healing properties.
If you're a student passionate about history or religion, this hidden gem will be miraculous for your exchange experience. According to believers, the Virgin Mary appeared to Maria Bernada Sobirós on a total of eighteen occasions at Lourdes. Perhaps you will be the nineteenth!
Lourdes is served by Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport situated 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the town centre (many visitors also fly to Pau Pyrénées Airport), therefore you can reach it fairly easily. Worried about hotels? Do not fret, the city has the second most hotel capacity in the country, second to only Paris. Moreover, there are numerous affordable Airbnb's in the city, so you won't struggle to find an affordable place to stay.
Le Mans
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/pays-de-la-loire/articles/le-mans-visit-drive-racetrack/
Admirers of Gallo-Roman, medieval and renaissance architecture will not want to miss a day trip to Le Mans in the Sarthe region, west of Paris. The population of Le Mans is about 150,000. The city is located on the TGV Atlantique (high speed train) line just one hour outside of Paris with departures leaving every hour and stopping in the Le Mans city center. The modern tramway will take you straight to le Vieux Mans now known as the Cité Plantagenet. The Cité Plantagenet is the historical soul of the city of Le Mans and the location of the largest mid evil village in France. Many historically set movies have been filmed on location on the cobblestoned streets and alleys. Although a quiet, but friendly tourist destination throughout the year, the summer month’s festivals, light shows and art fairs bring the village’s architecture to a heightened beauty.
A visit begins with a walk below the 3rd century Gallo-Roman walls that extend roughly a half kilometer in parallel to the left bank of the Sarthe river. From the bottom of the wall you must ascend the steps that bring you to the St Julien cathedral, a focal point that looks out upon the Place des Jacobins with the Jardin des Plantes off in the distance. After visiting the cathedral’s interior, and touching its famous ancient menhir, absorbing the sheer size of the homes and structures it strikes one at how well preserved it all is. The numerous wood and stone homes present and entice a slow ramble through the cobblestone town and mid-evil gardens.
Lunch with a view on the current town hall, located in the former palace of the dukes of Mans may be found in one of the many casual brasseries with comfortable outdoor seating.
An afternoon visit for automobile lovers and if visiting in June, attending the world famous 24 du Mans, twenty-four hour car race as well as a visit to the museum of the 24 du Mans is in order.
Strasbourg
https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffreymorrison/2018/10/16/exploring-strasbourgs-petite-france-the-prettiest-town-in-europe/
The capital of Alsace is a breath of fresh air to those who crave cultural caché. Despite the clichés, the city is sunny, and its weather is pleasant all year round. Its winters are cold and crisp, and its summers are warm and breezy.
Everything you will see and hear in Strasbourg will impact you differently, as the city feels like a giant warm hug. Don’t hesitate to get lost in its streets, starting by the magnificent Notre-Dames Cathedral and making your way down to Place Kleber until reaching the cutest cosiest part of the city: La Petite France. Strasbourg has a lot to offer in terms of cafés, restaurants, and bars and is one of France’s cheapest cities for students. With 14% of its population being students, Strasbourg is one of the top 10 best cities to study in France. The campus, 10 minutes away from the city centre and the Cathedral, offers a significant variety of specialties and holds some of France’s most prestigious faculties (Law, chemistry).
Beyond that, Strasbourg is an exquisite city where life is good. It is a dynamic and artistic city and has a rich cultural program all year round. Thanks to the “carte culture” (culture card) students will get the opportunity to visit museums and art galleries for free in addition to access to movies and concerts for a cheaper price. Everything is tailored so that students get the most out of the city.
Finally, the Christmas Capital is a fairy-tale land starting November every year. You won’t be disappointed by the mayor's dedication to making Christmas time at Strasbourg a beyond magnificent experience. You will be able to go around the mesmerizing Christmas market with a glass of traditional hot wine to warm your hands during exams, and that’s something you can only do in Alsace.
Saint-Malo
https://www.silversea.com/de/kreuzfahrten/saint-malo.html
Set forth to the city of pirates and corsairs in the Western region of Brittany. The French port of Saint Malo dates back to the Gauls but is known especially for its history of piracy and adventure (birthplace of Jacques Cartier, who discovered Canada). Although it was heavily bombared during the second world war, St Malo has been preserved with beautiful ramparts to walk upon, a fun and active city to walk through, and endless seas to set sail upon.
As the most visited place in Brittany, the city has a ferry terminal serving Portsmouth, Jersey, Guernsey and Pool. St Malo is equally connected to the rest of France with a railway station, Gare de Saint-Malo, offering direct TGV service to Rennes, Paris and several regional destinations. It is also well-known for the famous transatlantic single-handed yacht race, Route du Rhum, taking place every 4 years in November, between Saint Malo and Point à Pitre in Guadeloupe.