A Thousand-Year-Old Town In France With Romanesque Churches And Secret Floral Gardens

France is the world's most visited country, and almost every corner plays host to millions of tourists. You might assume there's little left to uncover and nowhere to get away from the crowds. But some places in France can still surprise you, and the picturesque town of Château-Gontier is one of them. Never heard of it? That's no surprise — Château-Gontier still flies under the radar of most international visitors. It's not home to world-class museums like the Louvre nor the ritzy beaches of the French Riviera. It doesn't even really have a château (castle).

However, what Château-Gontier lacks in mainstream attractions, it makes up in quaint streets, ancient churches, and lush, fragrant gardens. It also has the distinction of being rated as one of "the most beautiful detours" in France, a title awarded to small towns off the main tourist trail. If you're looking for an underrated tourist destination to visit on your next trip to France, consider making a detour to this enchanting spot.

Wandering the cobblestone streets of Château-Gontier allows you to absorb the town's charm, with the half-timbered buildings creating the town's historical atmosphere. A highlight is the almost 1,000-year-old Church of St. John the Baptist. Head inside, and you'll discover its stunning crypt, where solid pillars hold up the roof and stained-glass windows cast a soft, ethereal light onto the scene.

Another interesting historical structure is the Ursuline Convent. The building has been beautifully restored and is now a part of the town's thriving art scene, hosting artists in residence as well as concerts and plays. Visitors love exploring the stunning interior with the knowledgeable and passionate guides. Château-Gontier's namesake castle is little more than a few ruins, but if you're craving more historical buildings, check out our list of must-see castles on your next trip to France — the nearby Loire Valley is home to many of our top picks.

After exploring Château-Gontier's architecture, it's time to head outdoors and discover its magnificent gardens. The Medieval Garden of the Source sits below the ramparts and is a Middle-Ages-inspired landscape of raised beds and tidy hedgerows. For a sensory experience, head to the Garden of the Scents, where the pathways are lined with aromatic herbs and blooming flowers. Meanwhile, the Experimental Garden is where you'll see all of the beautiful flowers and plants that grow in the town's baskets and beds.

Finally, the Garden at the End of the World sits just behind the Church of St. John and makes a peaceful stop. You'll get scenic views over the River Mayenne as you stroll among the plants that flower year-round. The highlight of this park, though, is the goats that add to its rustic charm! Discovering off-the-well-worn-path places like Château-Gontier is one of the things that makes France the most exciting country in Europe to explore.