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 right nation to go to, and that’s even earlier than we begin discussing the easiest cities in France to go to.
Now, when pondering 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 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 a few of the perfect cities in France to go to. Have enjoyable in your journey!
1.) Nimes
Most likely considered one of my favorite, and typically 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 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 It’s the Roman aqueduct that’s nearly two thousand years outdated!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 lovely 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: Finest issues to do in Nimes
2.) Carcassonne
One other historic gem, Carcassonne is among the perfect cities in France to go to for those who 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, it’s important to take a look at Cité de Carcassonne – or generally known as Carcassonne Citadel. 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 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 fort that sits excessive overlooking this space of France.
It’s lovely.
3.) Bordeaux
Bordeaux… it’s a metropolis so scrumptious and a completely beautiful spot to go to as you discover a few 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 an excellent tipple of them!
After arriving, ensure to identify the historic metropolis gate of Porte Cailhau (which seems to be 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 definitely one of many perfect 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!
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 dwelling.
Oh, and don’t neglect to have a few 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, 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 info 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 acquired that good mixture of historical past, cool little bars and beautiful 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 tons in Montpellier), take a stroll round Promenade du Peyrou.
Alternatively, for those who’re in search of a unique 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 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 dwelling to the likes of Paul Cézanne, the world-renowned Impressionist painter. You possibly can even discover Cézanne’s studio and it’s effectively price 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 adore it.
8.) Paris
It’s no query that Paris is among the perfect cities in France to go to. In actual fact, 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, 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 neglect to take a look at the distinctive 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’ greatest markets and discover a few of the free issues to do throughout town.
Alternatively, take the brief, 20-minute prepare over to Disneyland Paris. You possibly can e-book these one-day Disney tickets that make a lot sense for those who’re solely in Paris for just a few days.
Lastly, e-book these tickets to take a river cruise by Paris. It’s a shocking French metropolis to see by waterways and completely lovely at sundown.
Learn extra: Free issues to do in Paris
9.) Lyon
As soon as recognized 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 a few of the cities landmarks you see at the moment.
After getting your ft 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 beautiful and actually are iconic buildings you’ll be able to’t miss within the metropolis.
Additionally, for a extremely enjoyable and exquisite journey, e-book this guided Lyon cruise that’s so nice. It’s the right approach to meander town, particularly on a scorching day!
10.) Marseille
Deemed as considered one of southern France’s greatest locations, Marseille is booming with soul and character that’s completely nice to discover.
Now, it does have slightly extra of a bustling vibe than the likes of Carcassone or Nimes, so be ready for a busier metropolis really feel.
While 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 neglect to go to Le Panier, the Palace of Pharo with its backyard and the Outdated Port. It’s completely lovely.
11.) Nantes
In a number of 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 unimaginable to go to and effectively price setting apart just a few hours out of your journey.
Additionally, for those who 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
Generally known as the Catholic Church’s capital for a while throughout the Center Ages, Avignon is among the perfect cities in France to go to as a result 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 the most effective 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: Finest locations to discover in Avignon
14.) Good
Should 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 effectively protected in Good itself.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Good
15.) Toulouse
A young-feeling metropolis, Toulouse is a good place to discover in France. That is very true for those who’re travelling the southwest fringes of France.
While you’re in Toulouse, don’t forget to go to the Basilique Saint-Sernin and the Couvent des Jacobins that are straightforward to search out and smack bang within the metropolis itself.
The spectacular Place du Capitole can also be a favorite of ours, so that you may need to see this a part of Toulouse earlier than heading to the Japanese Backyard.
Lastly, you’ll be able to simply associate 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 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 received’t miss Rouen when highway tripping alongside the greatest spots within the north of France.
Now, it may well appear quieter than a few of the different big-hitting cities like Paris, however don’t let that put you off – this is perhaps an excellent factor. A lot fewer crowds and bustle making for a extra chilled and enjoyable exploration.
Properly, for my part at the very least.
As you wander round Rouen, ensure to identify the enduring clock of Le Gros-Horloge. It’s proper within the coronary heart of town and may’t be missed.
Additionally, you should definitely go to the Botanical Backyard of Rouen. Not solely is it considered one of Frances’ greatest, but it surely’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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