France is a good looking 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 easiest cities in France to go to.
Now, when considering of the cities in France, it’s simple to simply consider the big-hitting cities like Paris, proper?
However don’t be fooled, France has a very numerous and historic listing 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 best possible cities in France to go to. Have enjoyable in your journey!
1.) Nimes
Most likely certainly one of my favorite, and generally underrated, French cities to go to in Nimes. Perched within the superb countryside of the South of France, Nimes is a historic Roman metropolis that’s good for an extended weekend break.
As soon as right here, ensure to take a look at the Roman Amphitheatre and discover the attractive 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 It’s the Roman aqueduct that’s nearly two thousand years outdated!
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’ll be able to head onto the river with a kayak or stroll the paths round this stunning space. It’s completely beautiful.
Simply remember to guide these tickets earlier than arriving within the South of France. Locations can replenish quick at peak instances.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Nimes
2.) Carcassonne
One other historic gem, Carcassonne is among the best possible cities in France to go to for those who love historical past.
It’s the form of metropolis that’s simply oozing with appeal and a spot you’ll be able to’t miss if you wish to see a quintessential French metropolis.
After all, when you arrive, you need to take a look at Cité de Carcassonne – or generally known as Carcassonne Fortress. It’s a UNESCO-protected citadel that’s some of the iconic in all of Europe.
Better of all, guide these queue-jump citadel tickets to overlook these pesky traces for entry.
This manner, it can save you the faff or queuing and maximise your valuable time on exploring this unimaginable metropolis.
Afterwards, head over to the attractive Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse or take a day journey to Château de Quéribus. The latter is a ruined citadel that sits excessive overlooking this space of France.
It’s stunning.
3.) Bordeaux
Bordeaux… it’s a metropolis so scrumptious and a very beautiful spot to go to as you discover a number of the greatest locations within the west of France.
Earlier than arriving, remember to guide these La Cité du Vin tickets to go inside and discover all concerning the wine of the area.
Better of all, with this ticket, you’ll even get to have an excellent tipple of them!
After arriving, ensure to identify the historic metropolis gate of Porte Cailhau (which appears to be like like one thing out of a fairytale), and take a look at the native cafes and retailers round Calle Santa Catalina.
We spent round 5 days exploring Bordeaux, and the encircling countryside… and it was good.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Bordeaux
4.) Lille
Lille is definitely one of many best possible cities in France to go to for those who’re travelling within the north.
It’s sufficiently small to go to for 2-3 days, however not too huge to have an exhausting journey. If that make sense? Ha!
Greatest explored by foot, remember to 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 desserts, waffles and scorching 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 simple, guide this Lille guided strolling tour. It’s a good way to see the long-lasting locations in Lille – which saves in planning strolling routes and researching info 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 good mixture of historical past, cool little bars and lovely surroundings that simply make it good for a metropolis break.
After arriving, ensure to go to the gothic cathedral of Montpellier Cathedral. It’s so imposing and one spot you’ll be able to’t miss in Montpellier.
Oh, and on a pleasant sunny day (which, you get heaps in Montpellier), take a stroll round Promenade du Peyrou.
Alternatively, for those who’re on the lookout for a special vibe, pop over to Marché du Lez for his or her meals vehicles and fairly cool occasions. We like it.
Learn extra: Exploring Montpellier for the primary time
6.) Aix-en-Provence
Not too removed from town of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence is a metropolis that’s not solely traditionally fairly but in addition 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 position, influences and his studio itself.
If artwork isn’t usually your factor, take a look at Pavillon Vendôme with its unimaginable grounds and beautiful collections inside. We like it.
8.) Paris
It’s no query that Paris is among the best possible cities in France to go to. In reality, I’d go so far as saying you’ll be able to’t miss it – it’s world-renowned, and for good purpose.
After all, if you’re in Paris, you’ll not overlook to go to the Eiffel Tower, particularly at sundown, when the views are unimaginable.
To make issues simpler, guide 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 town.
Alternatively, take the quick, 20-minute practice over to Disneyland Paris. You may guide these one-day Disney tickets that make a lot sense for those who’re solely in Paris for just a few days.
Lastly, guide these tickets to take a river cruise by 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 identified 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, similar 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 right now.
After getting your toes 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’ll be able to’t miss within the metropolis.
Additionally, for a very enjoyable and exquisite journey, guide this guided Lyon cruise that’s so nice. It’s the proper solution to meander town, particularly on a scorching day!
10.) Marseille
Deemed as certainly one of southern France’s greatest locations, Marseille is booming with soul and character that’s completely nice to discover.
Now, it does have a bit of 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, guide 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 Outdated Port. It’s completely stunning.
11.) Nantes
In plenty of methods, Nantes is an underrated metropolis in France.
Sure, it’s the beating coronary heart of Frances’ largest shipyards nevertheless it’s completely nice to go to.
As soon as within the metropolis, take a look at the long-lasting Chateau of the Dukes of Brittany and the Jules Verne Museum, too. Each are unimaginable to go to and effectively value setting apart just a few hours out of your journey.
Additionally, for those who get caught out in a type of pesky showers, pop contained in the Pure Historical past Museum of Nantes which homes 1000’s of artefacts, relationship from the current to millennia in the past!
12.) Avignon
Often called the Catholic Church’s capital for a while throughout the Center Ages, Avignon is among the best possible cities in France to go to because of its lengthy wealthy historical past.
The retailers, buildings and the colossal palace the popes constructed throughout the 14th century are a must-see when in Avignon. Particularly for those who’re within the growth of town.
Now, for my part, Summer time is one of the best time to go to.
That being stated, you’ll expertise bustling crowds in July, particularly with the completely different occasions and artwork festivals that occur all through the season.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to discover in Avignon
14.) Good
For those who’re on the lookout for fairly and good seashores, head to one of the best spots in Good.
It’s one of many best possible cities in France to go to that has a mixture of coastal walks, cute cafes, historic fishing harbours and the outdated city, particularly round Vieille Ville.
Oh, and remember to see the long-lasting 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 for those who’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 simple 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’ll be able to simply companion a visit from Toulouse to Carcossne for a day journey and mix two of the easiest cities in France to go to.
E-book this present day journey to Carcasoone, proper from the guts of Toulouse itself. It’s completely value it, particularly due to how quaint and exquisite each cities are.
18.) Rouen
Being the capital of Normandy, it’s probably you gained’t miss Rouen when street tripping alongside the greatest spots within the north of France.
Now, it may appear quieter than a number of the different big-hitting cities like Paris, however don’t let that put you off – this could be an excellent factor. A lot fewer crowds and bustle making for a extra chilled and enjoyable exploration.
Properly, for my part a minimum of.
As you wander round Rouen, ensure to identify the long-lasting clock of Le Gros-Horloge. It’s proper within the coronary heart of town and may’t be missed.
Additionally, remember to go to the Botanical Backyard of Rouen. Not solely is it certainly one of Frances’ greatest, nevertheless it’s additionally completely free to enter.
Have one of the best time exploring Rouen! We like it and it’s simply one of many best possible cities in France to go to.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to within the South of France
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