France is known for being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The country has many iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the beautiful beaches of Nice, the lavender fields of Provence, and the vineyards of Bordeaux.

However, many other towns in France are just as stunning and deserve more recognition. In this article, we will explore some of these hidden gems.

Ivry-sur-le-Lac is a small medieval stone town situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, also known as Lake Leman. The town is located on the border between France and Switzerland, with the town of Nyon just across the lake.

Ivry-sur-le-Lac's buildings are mostly made of stone and have been well-preserved from the Middle Ages to the present day. As you approach the town, you'll feel the breeze of antiquity and beauty. In the spring season, the stone walls, porches, and window frames are adorned with various flowers, creating a richly colored painting.

The cafes and dessert stores are nestled among the flowers and plants, offering slow and sweet coffee. The stone buildings, which have stood for hundreds of years, speak of the charm of France in a leisurely manner.

Colmar is a small town located in Alsace, in northeastern France, and is the capital of the Haut-Rhin department. The town is known for its canals and flower boats, which are connected to the Rhine River.

Colmar still retains its 16th-century architecture, with its timbered, multi-faceted roofs and unique design, each with its taste. Each wooden house gives the whole town a rich Alsatian flavor. This is where Hayao Miyazaki's animation "Howl's Moving Castle" was set.

Riquewihr is a small town on the French-German border, with a 360-degree view and a strong quaint atmosphere that exudes endless charm. Old buildings and courtyards, flowers, old alleys, and streets adorn the town.

Walking around the small town of Riquewihr, you'll be surrounded by flowers and permeated with elegant classics. The quiet environment is a small town decorated with colors.

Eguisheim is another small town located in Alsace, just six kilometers from Colmar. This small village with a long history of vineyards has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in France for its success in being selected as the most beautiful town in France in 2013.

Many of the buildings in the town of Eguisheim still retain their strong medieval color.

One of the most famous ones is the Dove House (Le Pigeonnier). We often find this narrow cottage in the middle of two paths on postcards, a typical example of the colorful houses of Alsace.

Île de Ré is an island off the western coast of France and is also ranked as one of the most beautiful islands in France. The emblematic building of Île de Ré is the black and white bicolored clock tower, which is 40 meters high and can be seen from a distance, becoming a navigational beacon for mariners.

The clock tower is open to the public during the summer months, and visitors can climb to the top to see the whole town and the sea from afar. The area has been famous for its salt fields for the past 800 years, and to this day, more than 60 salt makers continue to keep the traditions of their ancestors on these historic salt fields.