Apart from Toulouse and Nice in Southern France, you can visit all of the other cities listed below as a day trip from Paris. You can also spend a few days and explore the stunning Lorraine region or nearby Luxembourg. In fact, one of the best times to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower is at sunset so that you can see the transition from day and night. 2 Adults. Art lovers will likely enjoy exploring the Muse des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, Frances largest fine art museum after the Louvre in Paris. Search. If you have more time, you can start to get a feel for the everyday life of the local Paris population, by exploring their many pristine parks, cafes, and restaurants. Sculptures of huge faces have been added to the perfectly polished gardens. At any time of year, the capital of France is worth a visit! Bisected by the rivers Rhne and Sane from north to south, Lyon is well known for its quality of life and its beautiful heritage from Roman times to contemporary architecture. Disclaimer: This article may contain compensated links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. Its easy to name the best cities to visit in France, but when it comes to classifying them, it gets a bit trickier. Or, walk up to the Fourviere viewpoint to get a spectacular panorama view of the city below. These days, however, it is more centered on students than shipbuilding. Strasbourg is the capital of the historical and cultural region of Alsace, the capital of the new French region of Grand Est, and the seat of many European institutions like the European Parliament. However, Honfleur is also one of the most famous cities in France thanks to its chapels, churches, and museums. Bank of England ; Money Matters . Lille 11. Lyon 3. Related articles to help you plan your trip to France: Like it? Download it here on the App Store or here on Google Play. Some French vocabulary to know when visiting Frances top cities, Stunning landscape from France you must see. However, dont miss the Palace of Versailles, theSacr-Cur Basilica, or the Louvre. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the region where you can explore the Alpine environment. Meanwhile, the rugged coastline of the Parc national des Calanques, to the south of the city, is well worth a day trip. On the sweet side, try the Nougat de Tours (a cake), the Fouace de Rabelais (brioche) and the Poire Tape (which translate to beaten pear). It is such an honor to be selected among some of the greatest capitals, is it not? Discover the unique character and personality of each of these cities - then start saving up for a plane ticket. Dont forget to visit the glise Saint-Maurice, a 15th-Century church that reminds you of bygone French history. We recommend spending 2 days in Marseille, one more day if you plan on visiting the Parc National des Calanques de Cassis Marseille. There are few places in Europe where you can take a stroll around the city on the back of a mechanical elephant! This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Bisected by the Loire River, Nantes boasts a beautiful city center with elegant squares and private mansions. The best museums in Paris are the Louvre, the Musee dOrsay and the Centre Pompidou. Strasbourg, Lille, Paris youve had your share. Even before Strasbourg! It is also a student city, with a lively city center populated by many restaurants and bars that pop up their terraces outside as soon as the beautiful days arrive. Britanny. Other regions, like the North, feature German-like architectures. Strasbourg is a great destination for sightseeing or a gastronomic weekend. Since traveling is much more fun when you get out of the country, here are the most beautiful villages in England for you to check out. Paris. Troyes is also my hometown. Although Troyes is not one of the largest cities in France, theres still plenty to do for a few days. Colmar is not one of the most famous cities in France. Its proximity to the French-German border has seen it change hands many times over the centuries. The capital of the region Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur is far from the clichs of Provence. Few cities in France fizz with quite as much history as Rouen. If youre visiting from mid-December until May, you can partake in one of the most beautiful traditions of skiing in the alps. 10+ mouth-watering French dishes you should eat at least once in your life. And to give you some inspiration, here are our 10 favorite cities to visit in France that offer something for everyone. Located in the Basque Country, Biarritz came to prominence as the coastal getaway of choice for Napoleon and his Spanish-born wife, Eugnie. This is dedicated to the life and work of Henri Matisse who called the city home for 37 years. Youll also find some of the best oysters there as well as delicious beef, with the famous rib steak served with its Bordelaise sauce. For instance, cities in Normandy France attract people from all over the world. From monuments and museums to nightlife and gastronomy, the city has it all. Rouen enjoys a very religious history. As a result, some say that that culture in Marseille has more of an Italian flair than the rest of the cities in France. You can start with a tour of the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy to explore how royals lived, or you can visit the Muse Archologique to catch of peek of Dijon's more distant past. Yet, theres so much more to visit in my country! Travel tip: before any international trip, make sure you get good travel insurance. Chteau Lafite-Rothschild and Chteau Latour are just two of the many options on offer if you love a good vintage. We travel to the Alsace region a lot because Mike is often sent there for work. As you can see, there are cities in France that offer something for everyone. However, these days, youll find a postcard-perfect city that is more likely overrun with tourists than marauding forces from across the border. At the heart of the city, you will find the Chteau des Ducs de Bretagne, a palace-cum-fortress that was the home of the last Duke of Britanny, Francis II. I must say I did keep this one for last because I am crazy about Italy. The Tour du Mont Blanc, anyone? Make sure to stop at the tourism office where theyll give you a walking tour map. Kids (and also adults) will love the Toy Museum and the Choco-Story Colmar. Its the perfect way to warm up after a day on the slopes. You will even discover hints of the citys life as an Ancient Greek port if you look hard enough. An epitome of luxury, royalty and French heritage, Versailles makes for an ideal day trip from Paris. The former capital of Nantes Britney is no longer in Brittany, now the capital of the Pays de la Loire region. Famous for its delicious wine, the city has a lot to offer as a tourist destination. If you tell me youve never heard of Rouen as one of the major cities in France, I would answer: go visit it. Just a stones throw away, the old neighborhood of Le Panier is a great place to while away a few hours. Reims is a city recognized for its gastronomy, you will find 5 Michelin-starred restaurants and plenty of cheaper alternative. Nice 4. Deciding which are the best cities to visit in France is not an easy task. One of the things we like most about France is the countrys diversity. This is not only because of the proximity to the border but also because the region has changed hands between the two countries over the centuries. Old Town. Nice. So, to help make your trip easier, we wanted to share some of the very best cities in France to visit. Marseille is also the main getaway for the ferries to Corsica Island. The museums are also very interesting. Much of this history can still be seen in the city today; making it a living, breathing museum on the banks of the Seine. If food is your passion, though, then the gastronomic city boasts114 Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from. Chteau de Tanlay The chteau at Tanlay, one of the finest in Burgundy, was built in the 15th and 16th centuries and has a beautifully-decorated interior. Along with long-term history and cultural . Ultimate Guide To Planning A Trip To Komodo National Park For First-Timer, Best Time to Visit Egypt: A Season-by-Season Guide, 16 National Parks in Alaska: A Complete Guide. Contributed by Sophie - Solo Sophie 3. If you like museums, you can visit the Jean Cocteau Museum or the Prehistory Museum. Dijons historical centeris like a trip back in time with the impressive Ducal Palace, medieval architecture, and religious buildings. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Of all the UNESCO world heritage sites in France (and there are a lot! Known as a gateway to the beautiful Loire Valley, the city was once one of the countrys most important ports and an influential industrial hub. Villas, gardens, beaches when youre there, you know youre in France. Dijon. Traces of all the civilizations that passed through the city can still be found, making Reims a great place if you like history and architecture. A certified Town of Art and History by the French government since 2011, Bayonne is one of the best places to visit in France even if it is still overlooked by foreign travelers. Muse d'Orsay. Paris The Eiffel Tower and The Seine at sunrise Brimming with history and romance, Paris has a special magic that is discovered by wandering its riverside pathways, medieval cobblestone streets, and graceful tree-lined boulevards. Dijon 19. Related Article The top trendy restaurants in Paris. Along the way, youll pass by former residential streets, shops, and restaurants. Cannes. With 2 days in Lyon, you can visit most of the main sights in the city. Lille Visit the capital of Hauts-de-France and its brilliant architecture, cobbled streets, and squares and travel back in time with its incredible buildings. Affordable public transportation and a sprawling network of . We recommend spending 2 days in Nantes to get a good taste of what the city has to offer. Top Attractions in France. In fact, its colorful past has helped to make it what it is today. If you live to shop, then youll be in heaven when you browse the seemingly endless array of designer stores along theChamps-Elyses or find a treasure or two at one of the citys manysprawling markets. Typical main dishes would be the Oeufs en Meurette (eggs served with a wine sauce), the famous beef Bourguignon, Bourguignon-style snails (snails cooked in butter, parsley, and garlic). After all, this is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in France. Disneyland Paris France is a wonderful country with tons of places to visit, whether you like nature, culture, history, cities and so on, youll always find something to your taste. If you want to get a taste for the countryside lifestyle in France, pay a visit to Aix-en-Provence. The astronomical clock on the Gothic Cathedral and the Petite France district are both stunning. 7. Popular Cities in France Paris Ile-de-France, France Nice Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France Bordeaux Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France Marseille Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France Top Attractions in France See all 2022 1. For example, there is a Roman amphitheater as well as Roman ruins scattered throughout Lyon. Paris is Frances main destination, but where to go once youve visited it or if you simply dont like being surrounded by hordes of tourists? The list of main things to do in this beautiful city in France includes its excellent Cit du Vin, the Place de la Bourse, the water mirror, and a stroll around the Old Town. You might even see its famous elephant roaming the Nantes streets; whether youve been at the local vineyards or not! In case youre wondering what your next trip should be, this should help out immensely. The city is super charming and the perfect place to . In the afternoon, you can find in the Vieille Bourse a secondhand book market. The cliffs are listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO youll understand when youre there. As one of the biggest cities of France, it has seen many an event take place. There are many water activities too, and the possibility to have a bath at the Plages des Marquisats or dAlbigny. Built to carry water over 50km to the city of Nmes, the Pont du Gard is surely one of the most impressive Roman monuments still standing. Whats not to love? Lyons origin date back to the Gallo-Roman period, walking in the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), youll be able to see traces of all the civilization that passed through the city. Wander around its historic neighborhoods with its pretty architecture of half-timbered houses and visitSaint-Gatien Cathedral. It was awarded the title of World Design Capital in 2020, along with Seoul, Cape Town, Taipei, and Helsinki. tretat is one of the main cities in Normandy France. As the street lamps start to turn on, you can see why Paris earned the nickname The City of Lights. 1. 1. There are only 70.000 inhabitants there, so Colmar is a true city with a country town feel. Most of Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Who doesnt love looking for amazing gems, antiques, and books with an old-school smell? There are numerousthings to do in Colmar, but the historic center is the star. Each of these museums showcases different types of art, so they are all worth a visit. The Grand Marche of Aix-en-Provence is one of the best examples of a French farmers market. Enter the village through the imposing Porte Neuve with its two towers, built . The Cit Medievale the official name for the majestic walled fortress that dominates the hilltop is an enchanting maze of battlements and narrow lanes. Paris. Avignon is another of the nice cities in France. 9) Vzelay. Ticking off the citys iconic landmarks alone is a mission in itself. This city deserves at least 3 days to truly explore its many landmarks and world-famous museums. Occitanie. Spend a few days checking out bucket list sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Choose from a wide range of affordable hotel / accommodation stays and unique activities! Avignon is an old city with some stunning medieval Gothic architecture, like the Palais des Papes. This picture-perfect city, crisscrossed by canals, is located by Lake Annecy, and more precisely where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River. It's now the center of restaurants, cafes and hotels that sit alongside historical buildings like the Sainte Marie lighthouse and Maison Diamante. Dating back to 600BC, this is officially the oldest city in France. The rocky Mont Saint-Michel Island is one of the best places in France to visit during a vacation. 5. Nantes is a good destination to visit with kids. Check out the Jeanne dArc Museum, the Museum of Antiquities, and the Fine Arts Museum when youre in need of some strong inspiration. The oldest city in France: Marseille. 3. Still, to make matters more interesting, I decided to give in to the charm of the smaller famous cities in France. For instance, Les Jardins dtretat makes it one of the most famous cities in France. Montpellier - Student City with Stunning Center Square. If history is your thing, the city's Owl Trail will lead you through over 20 . Lille is known for: the historic Vieux Lille, the Town Hall, Lille Citadel, and the weekend market. ), Mont-Saint-Michel is probably the best known and easily the most impressive. On the sweet side try the Praline Pie, its unique and delicious. Nantes is also the city of Jules Verne, born and raised in Nantes. We recommend spending 2 days in Strasbourg, more if you plan on taking day trips. The clock tower (pictured above) is one of the main attractions of the city. Riquewihr is one of the many small villages along the famous Alsace Wine Route. So many local products can be shopped there, like food, textiles, accessories, and wines. Book now. Thats a tremendously beautiful place where old towns and untouched nature come together. The list of top things to do in Lyon includes the Fourvire Hillfor beautiful panoramic views of the city, the Vieux Lyon the citys historical center and its beating heart , the Lumire Museum, and the PresquIle(Lyons river-bound peninsula) for more beautiful architecture and some good shopping. For a more low-key affair, though, you can nibble on Alsace specialties at a local tavern (Winstubs). Combien a cote? His project transformed Paris from an over-crowded slum to the stunning French city that i is today with wide boulevards, new parks, and modern infrastructure. A prosperous and bustling city - today, Prague attracts more tourists than ever as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. I remember ordering countless French breakfasts at Les Marronniers in Le Marais. You could spend months here and still not see everything. 3. If you plan on visiting Strasbourg during Christmas time book well in advance! 01 of 11 Paris The Jules Verne Museum is dedicated to the famous French writer and some of his novels inspiredLes Machines de lIle, a quirky attraction set in the former shipyards on the Isle of Nantes. Montpellier - Mediterraean style at Christmas Discover Montpellier in its winter clothes! Look no further: Paris is the most beautiful city in France and also the most romantic. The city was bombed and destroyed during the Second World War, however, most churches and beautiful houses are still standing. Walking along the famous Promenade des Anglais and gazing out over the turquoise waters is simply heavenly. 10. That said, it can feel more like Italy in certain places, given that it lies just 15 miles from the border. The former city of Popes and cardinals, once the center of intrigues and passions, is one of the most fascinating destinations in France, with an interesting past and a rich heritage. Annecy is a small alpine city in Eastern France, quite different from the other beautiful French cities to visit on the list. If you like cheese, try the poisse, made with cow milk and refined with grape eau-de-vie. Nantes is one of the best cities in France to visit. Today, they are pained with vibrant colors like cobalt blue, deep reds, and all shades of pastel colors. Check out the countless churches and cathedrals disseminated throughout the city center. Bordeaux is a place in France that is known for many things, it is just 5 hour drive away from Paris. Photo by Lara Schipperen on Unsplash. We trust all products and brands promoted here and would never recommend anything that isnt of value. All of the citys main buildings are illuminated with intricate designs. Je ne parle pas franais I dont speak French. In the country that invented haute cuisine, its Lyon that enjoys the moniker ofgastronomic capitalof the world. The French Alps offer the perfect opportunity to see impressive natural sights. 4. Dijon was the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy and its a city with an interesting history, beautiful medieval architecture, tasty local produce, and good wine. The capital of the French Riviera is a great destination all year round: a buzzing sea city in the summer and a relaxing sunny place for a winter break in France. A highlight of Lyon is Vieux Lyon (Old Town). Full of colorful buildings, this seaside city is a delight to visit, especially in the summer. Known as a gateway to the beautiful Loire Valley, the city was once one of the country's most important ports and an influential industrial hub. The Belle poque villas, like that built for famous French writer Guy de Maupassant, are very much worth a visit as well. This has afforded it a beguiling blend of French and German culture, making it the symbolic heart of western Europe. If you love spending long hours in pastry shops and coffee shops, thats also what you want.
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