Discovering a forgotten France
A scourge of modern times, over-tourism has left deep scars in our country's flagship destinations. Étretat, Marseille's Calanques... And yet, beyond these overcrowded icons, there's another, discreet, almost secret France that longs to be discovered. Instead of following in the footsteps left by thousands before them, travelers can be explorers in their own country, rediscovering France in a new light. This is the mission that we at Lokki and GreenGo have set ourselves: to show the underestimated beauty and hidden wealth that surrounds us, and who knows, along the way, rediscover a part of ourselves.
Frédérique Josse, Content Manager - Lokki & Agathe Guicheteau, Community & Influence Manager - Greengo
La Creuse: Central France's hidden treasure
Outdoor: Explore Nature
Discover the wonders of La Creuse through a multitude of outdoor activities. For a relaxing day, enjoy a refreshing swim at Jouillat Anzême beach, or go hiking, horse-riding or mountain-biking at Maupuy. Challenge-seekers will appreciate the "Vagabonde Vélo", a 101-kilometer epic between Évaux-les-Bains and Royère de Vassivière, or the "Grande traversée VTT de la Creuse", with loops ranging from 262 to 410 km.
Local delights
The Creuse has a wealth of gastronomic specialities not to be missed. Fondue Creusoise, with its regional cheeses, and Gâteau Creusois with its delicious hazelnut taste will delight your taste buds. For a more substantial meal, the Pâté de Pommes de Terre is a must, a pie made with potatoes, crème fraîche and lardons.
Find out more about Creuse here
The mysterious Opal Coast
Perfect for hiking and horseback riding
The Côte d'Opale is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Sweat mode: the Côte d'Opale GR120 hiking trail. This hiking and horse-riding trail follows the coastline, offering spectacular panoramic views of the English Channel. Ideal for trekking enthusiasts. Chill mode: the vélomaritime, a cycling route that is part of the Eurovelo network. A peaceful ride along the coast, at your own pace. Don't forget to go seal-watching at the Pointe du Hourdel or around the Baie d'Authie!
Where to party in the Côte d'Opale?
The Côte d'Opale is the scene of many festive events. Light-hearted: Les Cerfs Volants de Berck-sur-Mer, in April, when the sky fills with kites of all shapes and colors! The place to be: Le Touquet Music Beach Festival in August: performances by renowned DJs and artists in a festive atmosphere on the beaches of Le Touquet. What else would George say?
Find out more about the Opal Coast here
The Morvan, a green setting
Traditional Morvan flavours
The Morvan is a true gourmet's paradise, with a cuisine rich in flavors and traditions. Les crapiaux, delicious thick pancakes topped with chunks of fatty bacon, are a must for lovers of rustic dishes. For a more classic culinary experience, eggs en meurette, poached eggs served with a thick, aromatic red wine sauce prepared with onions, bacon, mushrooms and garlic, will delight the most demanding palates. Finally, saupiquet ham, braised in a rich, spicy sauce made with red wine, vinegar, shallots, garlic and sometimes enriched with pig's blood, offers a veritable feast of flavors. These dishes, based on traditional recipes, perfectly embody the authenticity and generosity of Morvan cuisine.
The Natural Treasures of the Morvan
The Morvan is a region of exceptional natural beauty, offering breathtaking panoramas and a diversity of landscapes to explore. Mont Beuvray, culminating at 821 meters, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Morvan's bucolic landscapes, and on a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Mont-Blanc. Uchon, nicknamed "the pearl of Morvan", is famous for its granite rocks and breathtaking scenery, a popular spot for paragliders. Last but not least, Vézelay, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, is perched on a hill and offers breathtaking views over the Morvan valleys. Getting lost in its cobbled streets and discovering its emblematic basilica is an unforgettable experience. These emblematic sites demonstrate the richness and diversity of the Morvan landscape, making this region a veritable jewel case of greenery.
Find out more about the Morvan here
The Gorges de la Sioule, wild beauty
The tranquillity of the Sioule Gorges
The Sioule Gorges offer a haven of peace for those in search of calm and serenity. A peaceful stroll through the Gorges de la Sioule, whether by bike, on foot or in a canoe, allows you to discover the calm and natural beauty of the region in a way that's relaxing and accessible to all. The landscape, with its spectacular rock formations and verdant forests, invites you to relax and contemplate, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The Sioule Gorges, a land of adventure
The Sioule Gorges are an incredible spot for lovers of outdoor activities. For the more adventurous, the Via Ferrata offers a spectacular climbing course on granite rocks, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Hiking enthusiasts won't want to miss the ascent of Puy de Sancy, which offers an exhilarating experience with panoramic views over the Chaîne des Puys and beyond. These activities allow you to take full advantage of the wild and unspoilt nature of the Sioule Gorges.
Find out more about the Sioule Gorges here
The Plateau des 1000 étangs, Little Finland
The 1000 Outdoor Activities to do on the Plateau des 1000 Étangs
The Plateau des 1000 Étangs is an ideal playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts. For cyclists, the ascent of the Planche des Belles Filles is a demanding challenge, famous for its appearances in the Tour de France. Those in search of tranquillity can take the La petite Finlande cycling loop, a 33 km circuit through soothing landscapes. Horse riders will appreciate the Etang de la Mer circuit, a 10 km route winding through forests and meadows, offering a perfect blend of movement and serenity.
The Cultural Richness of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs
The Plateau des 1000 Étangs is also rich in cultural heritage. Le Corbusier's hilltop chapel in Ronchamp offers a commanding view of the surrounding area and is a modern architectural masterpiece. The view from the little church of St Martin in Faucogney et la Mer offers a charming perspective on the village of Faucogney, a town of character surrounded by picturesque landscapes. These emblematic sites demonstrate the harmonious fusion of nature and culture on the plateau.
