Guardian Travel Launches Competition for French Hidden Gems
The Guardian Travel section has announced an exciting new competition, calling on UK residents to share their favorite under-the-radar destinations in France. With France remaining one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, this initiative aims to uncover those lesser-known spots where travelers can escape the crowds and discover authentic experiences.
What Makes a Winning Tip?
Participants are encouraged to submit tips about their favorite hidden corners of France, whether it's an underrated city break destination, a little-known museum or gallery, a beautiful village, a national park, or a stunning stretch of coastline. The competition specifically seeks recommendations that go beyond the typical tourist trails, highlighting places that offer unique cultural attractions or natural beauty without the usual crowds.
The winning tip will be selected by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet and will receive a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property. Coolstays offers more than 3,000 unique accommodations worldwide, providing the perfect opportunity for the winner to plan their next getaway. The best tips will also be featured in the Guardian Travel section and on their website, giving participants a chance to share their discoveries with a wider audience.
Competition Details and Requirements
To enter, participants must keep their tips to approximately 100 words. While relevant photos are welcome, the judging will focus primarily on the written content. For legal reasons, only UK residents aged 18 or over are eligible to enter this competition. Participants can choose to submit their tips anonymously if they prefer.
The competition closes on Monday, March 23rd at 10am GMT. All responses submitted through the encrypted form are secure, with only the Guardian having access to contributions. The data provided will be used solely for the purpose of this feature and will be deleted when no longer required.
This competition follows in the tradition of the Guardian's successful travel tip features, with past winners having shared remarkable discoveries across France. For those seeking inspiration or wanting to see what makes a winning entry, the Guardian encourages looking at previous winners and tips.
Whether you've discovered a charming village in Provence, a quiet coastal retreat in Brittany, or a cultural gem in a lesser-known French city, this competition offers the perfect platform to share your experience while potentially winning a valuable travel voucher for your next adventure.



