18 Very Finest Cities In France To Go to – Hand Baggage Solely
France is a stupendous nation to discover! With beautiful 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 wished to share among the perfect cities in France to go to. Have enjoyable in your journey!
1.) Nimes
In all probability certainly one of 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, 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 the direction of Pont du Gard. It’s the Roman aqueduct that’s virtually two thousand years outdated!
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 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 make sure you 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 without doubt one of the perfect cities in France to go to if you happen to love historical past.
It’s the form of metropolis that’s simply oozing with allure and a spot you’ll be able to’t miss if you wish to see a quintessential French metropolis.
In fact, when you arrive, it’s a must to try Cité de Carcassonne – or generally known as Carcassonne Fortress. It’s a UNESCO-protected citadel that’s one of the crucial iconic in all of Europe.
Better of all, book these queue-jump castle 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 fort 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 among the greatest locations within the west of France.
Earlier than arriving, make sure you 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 tipple of them!
After arriving, make sure that to identify the historic metropolis gate of Porte Cailhau (which appears 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 excellent.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Bordeaux
4.) Lille
Lille is definitely one of many perfect cities in France to go to if you happen to’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!
Finest 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 overlook to have among the scrumptious muffins, waffles and scorching 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, book this Lille guided walking 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 excellent mixture of historical past, cool little bars and beautiful 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’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, if you happen to’re in search of a special vibe, pop over to Marché du Lez for his or her meals vans and fairly cool occasions. We find it irresistible.
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’ll be able to even discover Cézanne’s studio and it’s nicely price visiting if you wish to be taught extra about his position, influences and his studio itself.
If artwork isn’t usually your factor, try Pavillon Vendôme with its unimaginable grounds and beautiful collections inside. We find it irresistible.
8.) Paris
It’s no query that Paris is without doubt one of the perfect cities in France to go to. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying you’ll be able to’t miss it – it’s world-renowned, and for good cause.
In fact, once 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, 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 accurately). It’s so enjoyable to see.
Afterwards, take a wander round a few of Paris’ greatest markets and discover among the free issues to do throughout town.
Alternatively, take the quick, 20-minute practice over to Disneyland Paris. You’ll be able to book these one-day Disney tickets that make a lot sense if you happen to’re solely in Paris for a couple of days.
Lastly, book these tickets to take a river cruise by way of 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 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 among the cities landmarks you see at this time.
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’ll be able to’t miss within the metropolis.
Additionally, for a very enjoyable and exquisite journey, book this guided Lyon cruise that’s so nice. It’s the proper option 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 just a little 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 beautiful 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 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, try the enduring Chateau of the Dukes of Brittany and the Jules Verne Museum, too. Each are unimaginable to go to and nicely price setting apart a couple of hours out of your journey.
Additionally, if you happen to 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, courting from the current to millennia in the past!
12.) Avignon
Often known as the Catholic Church’s capital for a while throughout the Center Ages, Avignon is without doubt one of the perfect cities in France to go to as a consequence of its lengthy wealthy historical past.
The retailers, constructions and the colossal palace the popes constructed throughout the 14th century are a must-see when in Avignon. Particularly if you happen to’re within the growth of town.
Now, in my view, Summer season is the most effective 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: Finest locations to discover in Avignon
14.) Good
If you happen to’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 make sure you 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 if you happen to’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’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.
Book this day trip to Carcasoone, proper from the guts 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 seemingly you gained’t miss Rouen when highway tripping alongside the most effective spots within the north of France.
Now, it will possibly appear quieter than among the different big-hitting cities like Paris, however don’t let that put you off – this may be factor. A lot fewer crowds and bustle making for a extra chilled and enjoyable exploration.
Effectively, in my view a minimum of.
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 town and might’t be missed.
Additionally, make sure you go to the Botanical Backyard of Rouen. Not solely is it certainly one of 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 perfect cities in France to go to.
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