A WELSH town that looks like Italy, a Scottish beach like the Caribbean and an English market town like Provence… TikTok would have us believe there are scores of foreign dupes across the UK.
But how realistic are they? Having lived the town of Hitchin in Hertfordshire for my whole life, I was stunned to learn it was a ‘French’ gem that’s supposed to give off Provencal vibes.
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I’ve never considered it French-looking, but after catching a bunch of reviews on the social media site, I decided to have another walk around town to see if I’d missed anything.
Found in the north of the county, Hitchin is undeniably a beautiful market town. It’s tucked away surrounded by rolling countryside and villages and is known for having a community feel.
In previous years, Hitchin has been dubbed “Little Provence” by visitors, thanks to it having an Instagram-worthy lavender field, busy food scene and quaint buildings.
One visitor posted a video on TikTok with the caption: “Provence or Not? Fake a French trip in Hertfordshire.”
Called Hitchin Lavender, the attraction is found on the outside of the town and it is open between June and August, where you can pick the purple flowers and take pictures – it later reopens later in the year for pumpkin season.
However, I don’t see why just one field justifies the town being dubbed as French, so I ventured further in to see whether there were any other vibes around the town.
So on a cloudy autumn day, I headed for the main market square, keeping my eye out for any French qualities.
As I made my way through the town, I walked on cobbled streets, and saw strings of small, colourful flags sprinkled across buildings in the high street.
When it comes to looking like France, I’d say the market square is one of the only parts that does, however it reminds me more of a town in somewhere northern like Normandy, rather than the south.
There were food and drink vans pitched up on the sides with a few seats dotted around, a large clock and a corn exchange building with a cupola and weather vane – which I have seen in France.
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Another hint of France was the tall houses and bars with the classic-looking wooden timber beams and window frames (although this trait is arguably both French and English).
There are at least five bakeries though, which I’ll grant the TikTokers is a key factor in all French towns.
And just off the back of the square between a bar and cafe is Hitchin Arcade, a sheltered area that has some independent shops including a florist and recently opened cat cafe.
Arcades are quite often considered French, with shelters protecting visitors from the rain.
Whether that’s aesthetically enough to make the town French-looking, I’ll leave that up to you.
However, there’s no denying however that Hitchin is very beautiful, in fact, HELLO! recently called Hitchin one of the prettiest market towns in the country praising it for being “picturesque and charming”.
Muddy Stilettos also named Hitchin as being one of the best places to live in 2025.
The publication said : “Hip Hitchin is a beautiful market town in North Herts, built on the banks of the River Hiz. It’s historic – with narrow winding streets, gorgeous architecture and a traditional market square – but also oh-so-trendy.
“There’s plenty of green space in which to sit with your high-end coffee and watch the world go by.”
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French or not, Hitchin IS known for its bustling food and drink scene.
A few of my favourite spots include Hermitage, which is a restaurant, cocktail bar, bagel shop, and oyster bar all under one roof.
My favourite is the cocktail bar which has very moody lighting in the evening and sits inside a historic ballroom with huge curved windows and exposed brick.
When the air is crisp and cool in autumn, there are plenty of pubs so sit either inside, or out, thanks to the amount of courtyards and gardens.
Kite at The Red Hart is a popular stop, as is The George Pub and of course, no town is complete with a local Wetherspoons, here it’s called The Angel Vaults Inn – and out the back is an enormous garden.
For a bite to eat, try The Groundworks, a personal favourite of mine – the hash brown bites sprinkled with rosemary are to die for.
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Another find I recently discovered is Los Reyes, a small Spanish tapas bar with a cosy interior, and during the summer evenings, there’s a Mediterranean looking courtyard to enjoy.
There’s something for everyone and for any city goers, Hitchin recently opened up its first Gail’s.
Hitchin has appeared on TV too, Suranne Jones and Jodie Comer appeared in the town back in 2017 for the filming of Doctor Foster.
Recognisable scenes were filmed in the Market Square, and the Café Air Coffee Shop as well as the Windmill Hill – the park that overlooks the town.
For anyone planning a city break, Hitchin is just 30 minutes away from both London and Cambridge on the train.
For a relaxing Hertfordshire stay, check out the English hotel resort with private beach, outdoor swimming pool and cinema – and new Spanish-themed experience.
Plus, discover the ancient English forest that starred in two Disney films has roaming deer and unique attraction reopening next year.
Here’s Another Hertfordshire City To Visit…
Sun Travel’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski has revealed why she loves St Alban’s for a pub crawl…
The second the sunshine hits, I’m grabbing some pals and heading straight for a pub garden to soak up those rays with an icy beer in hand. Luckily for me, I have some of the best pubs in the UK right on my door step.
The historic city of St Albans claims to have more pubs per square mile than any other city or town in the UK, so you’ll never have to worry about not finding a seat. Here’s my pick of the best for when the sun is shining.
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
Top of my list, purely for its enviable location, is Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, sat right at the edge of leafy and historic Verulamium park
Keep your ears peeled and you’ll be able to hear the sound of the flowing River Ver winding its way through the parkland.
Aside from its beautiful location, the pub itself is great for large groups of sun worshippers thanks to ample outdoor space and large picnic benches
Mad Squirrel Tap
Get there early to grab a seat in the courtyard garden and soak up prime views of the extravagant cathedral while you swig.
This place really is a beer lover’s paradise, thanks to the plethora of well-known brews (as well as quirkier ones) on tap.
Depending on what day of the week you visit, once the sun goes down you’ll be able to enjoy live music on top of pub quizzes and live sports games on the TV.
The Peahen
This may not have the old fashioned, higgledy-piggledy charm of some other St Albans gems, but what The Peahen does have is space. Plus, when it comes to drinks, you can pick up all the classic sunshine favourites: aperol spritzes, crisp rosés and ales on tap.
The crowd tends to be livelier and come evening the place transforms into a bit of a party spot with music blaring. Outdoors there are sun-trap corners for those wanting to catch a tan, while those who prefer a bit of shade can shelter underneath gazebos.
The Boot
Okay, this doesn’t really have a garden as such but it does have a great outdoor space. The Boot is slap bang in the centre of town, on the cobblestone high street, and scattered outside, fully immersed in the action, are several picnic tables.
It’s a great spot for people watching and you may even be lucky enough to catch a few local musicians busking underneath the famous clock tower, opposite the pub.
The space inside is pokey, and there are no reservations so you’ll want to get there close to opening time if you want to secure a spot.
The Great Northern
If you’re struggling to find a spot with outdoor space, try The Great Northern. It’s a short walk from the city centre and a place that only locals know about, so crowds are less likely.
The outdoor space is a random mishmash of furniture and old beer kegs turned into tables. That’s a small patch of grass too with areas shaded by umbrellas for when you want to escape the heat – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
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