France is a phenomenal nation to discover! With attractive areas just like the picture-perfect Dordogne Valley, its gorgeous villages like Gordes and the spectacular national 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 pondering 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 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 among the absolute best cities in France to go to. Have enjoyable in your journey!
1.) Nimes
In all probability one among my favorite, and typically 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 a protracted weekend break.
As soon as right here, ensure that 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 neglect 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 booking 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 possibly can head onto the river with a kayak or stroll the paths round this lovely space. It’s completely gorgeous.
Simply make sure you book these tickets earlier than arriving within the South of France. Locations can refill quick at peak occasions.
Read more: Best things to do in Nimes
2.) Carcassonne
One other historic gem, Carcassonne is likely one of the absolute best cities in France to go to should you love historical past.
It’s the sort of metropolis that’s simply oozing with appeal and a spot you possibly can’t miss if you wish to see a quintessential French metropolis.
After all, when you arrive, you must take a look at Cité de Carcassonne – or generally known as Carcassonne Castle. It’s a UNESCO-protected citadel that’s some of the iconic in all of Europe.
Better of all, book these queue-jump castle 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 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 lovely.
3.) Bordeaux
Bordeaux… it’s a metropolis so scrumptious and a completely pretty spot to go to as you discover among the best places in the west of France.
Earlier than arriving, make sure you book 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 a superb tipple of them!
After arriving, ensure 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 retailers round Calle Santa Catalina.
We spent round 5 days exploring Bordeaux, and the encompassing countryside… and it was excellent.
Read more: Best things to do in Bordeaux
4.) Lille
Lille is definitely one of many absolute best cities in France to go to should 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!
Greatest explored by foot, make sure you 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 among 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 straightforward, book this Lille guided walking 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 lovely to go to.
Steeped in historical past, it’s obtained that excellent mixture of historical past, cool little bars and lovely surroundings that simply make it excellent for a metropolis break.
After arriving, ensure that to go to the gothic cathedral of Montpellier Cathedral. It’s so imposing and one spot you possibly can’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, should you’re in search of a distinct vibe, pop over to Marché du Lez for his or her meals vans and fairly cool occasions. We find it irresistible.
Read more: Exploring Montpellier for the first 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’ll be able to even discover Cézanne’s studio and it’s effectively price visiting if you wish to study extra about his position, influences and his studio itself.
If artwork isn’t sometimes your factor, take a look at Pavillon Vendôme with its unbelievable grounds and gorgeous collections inside. We find it irresistible.
8.) Paris
It’s no query that Paris is likely one of the absolute best cities in France to go to. Actually, I’d go so far as saying you possibly can’t miss it – it’s world-renowned, and for good motive.
After all, once you’re in Paris, you’ll not neglect to go to the Eiffel Tower, particularly at sundown, when the views are unbelievable.
To make issues simpler, 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 neglect to take a look at the unique spots in Paris – just like the Statue of Liberty (sure, you learn that accurately). It’s so enjoyable to see.
Afterwards, take a wander round a few of Paris’ best markets and discover among the free things to do throughout town.
Alternatively, take the quick, 20-minute prepare over to Disneyland Paris. You’ll be able to book these one-day Disney tickets that make a lot sense should you’re solely in Paris for a number of days.
Lastly, book these tickets to take a river cruise by means of Paris. It’s a shocking French metropolis to see by waterways and completely lovely at sundown.
Read more: Free things to do in Paris
9.) Lyon
As soon as identified by its Roman identify 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 among the cities landmarks you see right now.
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 possibly can’t miss within the metropolis.
Additionally, for a very stress-free and exquisite journey, book this guided Lyon cruise that’s so nice. It’s the proper technique to meander town, particularly on a sizzling day!
10.) Marseille
Deemed as one among southern France’s best places, Marseille is booming with soul and character that’s completely nice to discover.
Now, it does have a little 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, 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 neglect to go to Le Panier, the Palace of Pharo with its backyard and the Previous Port. It’s completely lovely.
11.) Nantes
In numerous methods, Nantes is an underrated metropolis in France.
Sure, it’s the beating coronary heart of Frances’ largest 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 price setting apart a number of hours out of your journey.
Additionally, should you get caught out in a type of pesky showers, pop contained in the Pure Historical past Museum of Nantes which homes hundreds of artefacts, courting from the current to millennia in the past!
12.) Avignon
Referred to as the Catholic Church’s capital for a while throughout the Center Ages, Avignon is likely one of the absolute best cities in France to go to on account 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 should you’re within the improvement of 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.
Read more: Best places to explore in Avignon
14.) Good
When you’re in search of fairly and good seashores, head to the best spots in Nice.
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 make sure you 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.
Read more: Best things to do in Nice
15.) Toulouse
A young-feeling metropolis, Toulouse is a superb place to discover in France. That is very true should 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 would possibly wish to see this a part of Toulouse earlier than heading to the Japanese Backyard.
Lastly, you possibly can simply associate a visit from Toulouse to Carcossne for a day journey and mix two of the perfect cities in France to go to.
Book this day trip to Carcasoone, proper from the center of Toulouse itself. It’s completely price it, particularly due to how quaint and exquisite each cities are.
18.) Rouen
Being the capital of Normandy, it’s possible you gained’t miss Rouen when street tripping alongside the best spots in the north of France.
Now, it will probably appear quieter than among the different big-hitting cities like Paris, however don’t let that put you off – this is likely to be a superb factor. A lot fewer crowds and bustle making for a extra chilled and stress-free exploration.
Nicely, for my part a minimum of.
As you wander round Rouen, ensure that to identify the enduring clock of Le Gros-Horloge. It’s proper within the coronary heart of town and might’t be missed.
Additionally, make sure you go to the Botanical Backyard of Rouen. Not solely is it one among Frances’ greatest, but it surely’s additionally completely free to enter.
Have the most effective time exploring Rouen! We find it irresistible and it’s simply one of many absolute best cities in France to go to.
Read more: Best places to visit in the South of France
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