France is a stupendous nation to discover! With attractive areas just like the picture-perfect Dordogne Valley, its gorgeous 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 simple to simply consider the big-hitting cities like Paris, proper?
However don’t be fooled, France has a completely numerous 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 wished to share a number of the perfect cities in France to go to. Have enjoyable in your journey!
1.) Nimes
In all probability certainly one 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 good for an extended weekend break.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 neglect 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 It’s the Roman aqueduct that’s nearly two thousand years outdated!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 consists of 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 gorgeous.
Simply you should definitely guide these tickets earlier than arriving within the South of France. Locations can replenish quick at peak occasions.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Nimes
2.) Carcassonne
One other historic gem, Carcassonne is likely one of the perfect cities in France to go to in the event you love historical past.
It’s the sort of metropolis that’s simply oozing with attraction 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 probably the most iconic in all of Europe.
Better of all, guide these queue-jump citadel tickets to overlook these pesky traces for entry.
This fashion, it can save you the faff or queuing and maximise your treasured time on exploring this unimaginable 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 citadel that sits excessive overlooking this space of France.
It’s stunning.
3.) Bordeaux
Bordeaux… it’s a metropolis so scrumptious and a completely pretty spot to go to as you discover a number of the finest locations within the west of France.
Earlier than arriving, you should definitely 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, be certain that 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 encompassing countryside… and it was good.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Bordeaux
4.) Lille
Lille is well one of many perfect cities in France to go to in the event you’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!
Finest 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 neglect to have a number of the scrumptious desserts, waffles and sizzling chocolate at Pâtisserie Méert. It’s one thing on an establishment in Lille and might’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 enduring 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, be certain that 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 tons in Montpellier), take a stroll round Promenade du Peyrou.
Alternatively, in the event you’re in search of a distinct vibe, pop over to Marché du Lez for his or her meals vehicles and fairly cool occasions. We adore it.
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 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 possibly can even discover Cézanne’s studio and it’s nicely value visiting if you wish to be taught extra about his function, influences and his studio itself.
If artwork isn’t sometimes your factor, take a look at Pavillon Vendôme with its unimaginable grounds and gorgeous collections inside. We adore it.
8.) Paris
It’s no query that Paris is likely one of the perfect 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 cause.
After all, while you’re in Paris, you’ll not neglect 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 neglect 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’ finest markets and discover a number of the free issues to do throughout the town.
Alternatively, take the brief, 20-minute prepare over to Disneyland Paris. You possibly can guide these one-day Disney tickets that make a lot sense in the event you’re solely in Paris for a couple of days.
Lastly, guide these tickets to take a river cruise by Paris. It’s a shocking 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 immediately.
After getting your toes on the bottom, don’t neglect to go to the well-known Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, the Traboules passageways, Vieux Lyon and Lyon’s Cathedral. They’re completely gorgeous and actually are iconic buildings you’ll be able to’t miss within the metropolis.
Additionally, for a very enjoyable and delightful journey, guide this guided Lyon cruise that’s so nice. It’s the proper option to meander the town, particularly on a sizzling day!
10.) Marseille
Deemed as certainly one of southern France’s finest locations, Marseille is booming with soul and character that’s completely nice to discover.
Now, it does have a bit extra of a bustling vibe than the likes of Carcassone or Nimes, so be ready for a busier metropolis really feel.
Once 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 neglect to go to Le Panier, the Palace of Pharo with its backyard and the Previous Port. It’s completely stunning.
11.) Nantes
In a lot 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 enduring Chateau of the Dukes of Brittany and the Jules Verne Museum, too. Each are unimaginable to go to and nicely value setting apart a couple of hours out of your journey.
Additionally, in the event you 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
Referred to as the Catholic Church’s capital for a while in the course of the Center Ages, Avignon is likely one of the perfect cities in France to go to attributable to its lengthy wealthy historical past.
The retailers, buildings and the colossal palace the popes constructed in the course of the 14th century are a must-see when in Avignon. Particularly in the event you’re within the improvement of the town.
Now, for my part, Summer season is the most effective time to go to.
That being mentioned, you’ll expertise bustling crowds in July, particularly with the completely different occasions and artwork festivals that occur all through the season.
Learn extra: Finest locations to discover in Avignon
14.) Good
In case you’re in search of fairly and good seashores, head to the most effective spots in Good.
It’s one of many perfect 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 you should definitely see the enduring Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Good. It’s completely distinctive within the metropolis and is a monument that’s nicely protected in Good itself.
Learn extra: Finest 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 the event you’re travelling the southwest fringes of France.
Once 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 may wish 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 perfect cities in France to go to.
Guide today 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 received’t miss Rouen when highway tripping alongside the finest 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 is likely to be an excellent factor. A lot fewer crowds and bustle making for a extra chilled and enjoyable exploration.
Effectively, for my part a minimum of.
As you wander round Rouen, be certain that to identify the enduring clock of Le Gros-Horloge. It’s proper within the coronary heart of the town and might’t be missed.
Additionally, you should definitely go to the Botanical Backyard of Rouen. Not solely is it certainly one of Frances’ finest, nevertheless it’s additionally completely free to enter.
Have the most effective time exploring Rouen! We adore it and it’s simply one of many perfect cities in France to go to.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to within the South of France
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