Discover france's hidden wonders in 2026

Fire-breathing dragons, steampunk marvels, and a postman's palace built over 33 years – France has plenty of under-the-radar attractions to explore in 2026.

Ride a mechanical dragon in calais

Just minutes after crossing the Channel, you can ride a 25-meter-long dragon along Calais' revamped seafront, carrying 48 passengers on its back and spewing jets of fire, steam and water from its nostrils.

Created by the team behind Les Machines de L’île in Nantes, the dragon is joined this year by Le Varan, a 12-meter-long iguana that crawls through the old fishing district with room for 25 passengers.

Appreciate monet in rouen

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Claude Monet's death, with many galleries and venues in Normandy and Paris hosting events to honor the great artist.

Instead of facing the crowds at Giverny or the Musée d'Orsay, visit Rouen, where Monet found the ever-changing, silver-grey light on the intricate facade of Rouen Cathedral so inspiring he painted it more than 30 times.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen has the largest collection of French Impressionist works outside Paris, including one of the cathedral paintings and works by Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley.

Explore a postman's whimsical palace in drôme

In the Dauphiné region, near Grenoble, you'll find the Palais Idéal, a fantastical monument built by postman Ferdinand Cheval over 33 years.

On the facade of the 10-meter-high palace, you'll see mythical creatures, mysterious grottoes, Egyptian temples and Swiss chalets, all blending together in a surreal landscape.

Just west of the Palais Idéal lies the breathtaking Aubrac plateau, a volcanic landscape of stone-walled meadows abounding with wildflowers and rugged scenery perfect for those seeking solitude.