France is a ravishing nation to discover! With attractive areas just like the picture-perfect Dordogne Valley, its beautiful villages like Gordes and the spectacular nationwide parks in France. It’s the proper nation to go to, and that’s even earlier than we begin discussing the perfect cities in France to go to.
Now, when considering of the cities in France, it’s straightforward to only consider the big-hitting cities like Paris, proper?
However don’t be fooled, France has a very various and historic record of cities all throughout the nation. From historic Roman settlements to coastal hideaways.
France has all of it!
So, to assist make your journey simpler, we needed to share a number of the absolute best cities in France to go to. Have enjoyable in your journey!
1.) Nimes
Most likely one in every of my favorite, and generally underrated, French cities to go to in Nimes. Perched within the wonderful countryside of the South of France, Nimes is a historic Roman metropolis that’s excellent for an extended weekend break.
As soon as right here, make sure that to take a look at the Roman Amphitheatre and discover the gorgeous metropolis streets that home one of many few standing Roman Temple that’s proper within the centre of Nimes.
Oh, and don’t overlook to make a journey in direction of Pont du Gard. It’s the Roman aqueduct that’s nearly two thousand years previous!
It’s very easy to go to by reserving this tour from Nimes on a half-day tour. It features a go to to Uzes, and Nimes and contains entrance charges, too!
Plus, while you’re right here, you may head onto the river with a kayak or stroll the paths round this stunning space. It’s completely beautiful.
Simply you should definitely e book these tickets earlier than arriving within the South of France. Locations can refill quick at peak instances.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Nimes
2.) Carcassonne
One other historic gem, Carcassonne is without doubt one of the absolute best cities in France to go to in case you love historical past.
It’s the type of metropolis that’s simply oozing with allure and a spot you may’t miss if you wish to see a quintessential French metropolis.
In fact, when you arrive, you need to take a look at Cité de Carcassonne – or generally known as Carcassonne Fort. It’s a UNESCO-protected citadel that’s one of the vital iconic in all of Europe.
Better of all, e book these queue-jump fort tickets to overlook these pesky strains for entry.
This fashion, it can save you the faff or queuing and maximise your treasured time on exploring this unbelievable metropolis.
Afterwards, head over to the gorgeous Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse or take a day journey to Château de Quéribus. The latter is a ruined fort that sits excessive overlooking this space of France.
It’s stunning.
3.) Bordeaux
Bordeaux… it’s a metropolis so scrumptious and a very pretty spot to go to as you discover a number of the greatest locations within the west of France.
Earlier than arriving, you should definitely e book these La Cité du Vin tickets to go inside and discover all in regards to the wine of the area.
Better of all, with this ticket, you’ll even get to have a superb tipple of them!
After arriving, make sure that to identify the historic metropolis gate of Porte Cailhau (which seems like one thing out of a fairytale), and take a look at the native cafes and outlets round Calle Santa Catalina.
We spent round 5 days exploring Bordeaux, and the encompassing countryside… and it was excellent.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Bordeaux
4.) Lille
Lille is well one of many absolute best cities in France to go to in case you’re travelling within the north.
It’s sufficiently small to go to for 2-3 days, however not too massive to have an exhausting journey. If that make sense? Ha!
Greatest explored by foot, you should definitely head over to the classic market stands in Place du Général de Gaulle. We discovered so many little gems to take again residence.
Oh, and don’t overlook to have a number of the scrumptious muffins, waffles and sizzling chocolate at Pâtisserie Méert. It’s one thing on an establishment in Lille and may’t be missed.
Lastly, to make your journey good and straightforward, e book this Lille guided strolling tour. It’s an effective way to see the enduring locations in Lille – which saves in planning strolling routes and researching data on the fly.
5.) Montpellier
Perched on the southern tip of France, Montpellier is a metropolis that’s completely stunning to go to.
Steeped in historical past, it’s bought that excellent mixture of historical past, cool little bars and lovely surroundings that simply make it excellent for a metropolis break.
After arriving, make sure that to go to the gothic cathedral of Montpellier Cathedral. It’s so imposing and one spot you may’t miss in Montpellier.
Oh, and on a pleasant sunny day (which, you get tons in Montpellier), take a stroll round Promenade du Peyrou.
Alternatively, in case you’re on the lookout for a distinct vibe, pop over to Marché du Lez for his or her meals vehicles and fairly cool occasions. We find it irresistible.
Learn extra: Exploring Montpellier for the primary time
6.) Aix-en-Provence
Not too removed from the town of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence is a metropolis that’s not solely traditionally fairly but additionally has a younger and vibrant really feel to it.
As soon as residence to the likes of Paul Cézanne, the world-renowned Impressionist painter. You may even discover Cézanne’s studio and it’s effectively value visiting if you wish to be taught extra about his function, influences and his studio itself.
If artwork isn’t usually your factor, take a look at Pavillon Vendôme with its unbelievable grounds and beautiful collections inside. We find it irresistible.
8.) Paris
It’s no query that Paris is without doubt one of the absolute best cities in France to go to. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying you may’t miss it – it’s world-renowned, and for good motive.
In fact, while you’re in Paris, you’ll not overlook to go to the Eiffel Tower, particularly at sundown, when the views are unbelievable.
To make issues simpler, e book this skip-the-line Eiffel Tower ticket that’ll get you proper to the highest very quickly in any respect.
Oh, and don’t overlook to take a look at the distinctive spots in Paris – just like the Statue of Liberty (sure, you learn that appropriately). It’s so enjoyable to see.
Afterwards, take a wander round a few of Paris’ greatest markets and discover a number of the free issues to do throughout the town.
Alternatively, take the quick, 20-minute prepare over to Disneyland Paris. You may e book these one-day Disney tickets that make a lot sense in case you’re solely in Paris for a couple of days.
Lastly, e book these tickets to take a river cruise by means of Paris. It’s a surprising French metropolis to see by waterways and completely stunning at sundown.
Learn extra: Free issues to do in Paris
9.) Lyon
As soon as recognized by its Roman title of Lugdunum, Lyon holds a really wealthy historical past and previous inside its partitions. This all makes it an ideal Roman metropolis to discover, identical to Nimes (which we talked about, earlier than).
You see, Romans arrived in Lyon over two thousand years in the past and, over time, helped set the foundations for a number of the cities landmarks you see immediately.
After getting your ft on the bottom, don’t overlook to go to the well-known Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, the Traboules passageways, Vieux Lyon and Lyon’s Cathedral. They’re completely beautiful and actually are iconic buildings you may’t miss within the metropolis.
Additionally, for a extremely stress-free and delightful journey, e book this guided Lyon cruise that’s so nice. It’s the proper strategy to meander the town, particularly on a sizzling day!
10.) Marseille
Deemed as one in every of southern France’s greatest locations, Marseille is booming with soul and character that’s completely nice to discover.
Now, it does have somewhat extra of a bustling vibe than the likes of Carcassone or Nimes, so be ready for a busier metropolis really feel.
Whenever you arrive in Marseille, e book this 5-hour cruise throughout the attractive Mediterranean shoreline round Calanques Nationwide Park. Plus, you’ll be handled to a tasty lunch, too.
Afterwards, don’t overlook to go to Le Panier, the Palace of Pharo with its backyard and the Previous Port. It’s completely stunning.
11.) Nantes
In numerous methods, Nantes is an underrated metropolis in France.
Sure, it’s the beating coronary heart of Frances’ greatest shipyards but it surely’s completely nice to go to.
As soon as within the metropolis, take a look at the enduring Chateau of the Dukes of Brittany and the Jules Verne Museum, too. Each are unbelievable to go to and effectively value setting apart a couple of hours out of your journey.
Additionally, in case you get caught out in a kind of pesky showers, pop contained in the Pure Historical past Museum of Nantes which homes hundreds of artefacts, relationship from the current to millennia in the past!
12.) Avignon
Referred to as the Catholic Church’s capital for a while through the Center Ages, Avignon is without doubt one of the absolute best cities in France to go to on account of its lengthy wealthy historical past.
The outlets, constructions and the colossal palace the popes constructed through the 14th century are a must-see when in Avignon. Particularly in case you’re within the improvement of the town.
Now, in my view, Summer season is the perfect time to go to.
That being mentioned, you’ll expertise bustling crowds in July, particularly with the totally different occasions and artwork festivals that occur all through the season.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to discover in Avignon
14.) Good
If you happen to’re on the lookout for fairly and good seashores, head to the perfect spots in Good.
It’s one of many absolute best cities in France to go to that has a mixture of coastal walks, cute cafes, historic fishing harbours and the previous city, particularly round Vieille Ville.
Oh, and you should definitely see the enduring Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Good. It’s completely distinctive within the metropolis and is a monument that’s effectively protected in Good itself.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Good
15.) Toulouse
A young-feeling metropolis, Toulouse is a superb place to discover in France. That is very true in case you’re travelling the southwest fringes of France.
Whenever you’re in Toulouse, don’t forget to go to the Basilique Saint-Sernin and the Couvent des Jacobins that are straightforward to seek out and smack bang within the metropolis itself.
The spectacular Place du Capitole can be a favorite of ours, so that you would possibly need to see this a part of Toulouse earlier than heading to the Japanese Backyard.
Lastly, you may simply associate a visit from Toulouse to Carcossne for a day journey and mix two of the perfect cities in France to go to.
Guide this present day journey to Carcasoone, proper from the guts of Toulouse itself. It’s completely value it, particularly due to how quaint and delightful each cities are.
18.) Rouen
Being the capital of Normandy, it’s seemingly you gained’t miss Rouen when highway tripping alongside the greatest spots within the north of France.
Now, it may possibly appear quieter than a number of the different big-hitting cities like Paris, however don’t let that put you off – this could be a superb factor. A lot fewer crowds and bustle making for a extra chilled and stress-free exploration.
Nicely, in my view at the very least.
As you wander round Rouen, make sure that to identify the enduring clock of Le Gros-Horloge. It’s proper within the coronary heart of the town and may’t be missed.
Additionally, you should definitely go to the Botanical Backyard of Rouen. Not solely is it one in every of Frances’ greatest, but it surely’s additionally completely free to enter.
Have the perfect time exploring Rouen! We find it irresistible and it’s simply one of many absolute best cities in France to go to.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to within the South of France
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