France is a wonderful 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 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 various 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 easiest cities in France to go to. Have enjoyable in your journey!
1.) Nimes
Most likely 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, be sure 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 the 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 It’s the Roman aqueduct that’s nearly two thousand years outdated!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 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 may head onto the river with a kayak or stroll the paths round this lovely space. It’s completely beautiful.
Simply be sure you book these tickets earlier than arriving within the South of France. Locations can refill quick at peak occasions.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Nimes
2.) Carcassonne
One other historic gem, Carcassonne is among the easiest cities in France to go to for those who love historical past.
It’s the form of metropolis that’s simply oozing with allure and a spot you may’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 Fort. 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 traces 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 fortress 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 number of the greatest locations within the west of France.
Earlier than arriving, be 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 a great tipple of them!
After arriving, be sure 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 encircling countryside… and it was excellent.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Bordeaux
4.) Lille
Lille is well one of many easiest 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 large to have an exhausting journey. If that make sense? Ha!
Greatest explored by foot, be sure you 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 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 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 acquired that excellent mixture of historical past, cool little bars and beautiful surroundings that simply make it excellent for a metropolis break.
After arriving, be sure to go to the gothic cathedral of Montpellier Cathedral. It’s so imposing and one spot you may’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 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 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 dwelling to the likes of Paul Cézanne, the world-renowned Impressionist painter. You may 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 usually your factor, try Pavillon Vendôme with its unbelievable grounds and beautiful collections inside. We find it irresistible.
8.) Paris
It’s no query that Paris is among the easiest cities in France to go to. In actual fact, I’d go so far as saying you may’t miss it – it’s world-renowned, and for good purpose.
In fact, once you’re in Paris, you’ll not overlook 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 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 the town.
Alternatively, take the brief, 20-minute prepare over to Disneyland Paris. You may book these one-day Disney tickets that make a lot sense for those who’re solely in Paris for a couple of days.
Lastly, book these tickets to take a river cruise via 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 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 a number of the cities landmarks you see right this moment.
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 may’t miss within the metropolis.
Additionally, for a extremely enjoyable and delightful journey, book this guided Lyon cruise that’s so nice. It’s the proper approach to meander the town, particularly on a scorching day!
10.) Marseille
Deemed as one among 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.
While 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 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, try the enduring Chateau of the Dukes of Brittany and the Jules Verne Museum, too. Each are unbelievable to go to and nicely value setting apart a couple of 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, courting from the current to millennia in the past!
12.) Avignon
Referred to as the Catholic Church’s capital for a while through the Center Ages, Avignon is among the easiest 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 through the 14th century are a must-see when in Avignon. Particularly for those who’re within the growth of the town.
Now, for my part, Summer season is the perfect 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
When you’re on the lookout for fairly and good seashores, head to the perfect spots in Good.
It’s one of many easiest 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 be 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: Greatest 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 simple to search 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 may 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 value it, particularly due to how quaint and delightful each cities are.
18.) Rouen
Being the capital of Normandy, it’s doubtless you gained’t miss Rouen when street tripping alongside the perfect spots within the north of France.
Now, it might probably appear quieter than a number of the different big-hitting cities like Paris, however don’t let that put you off – this could be a great factor. A lot fewer crowds and bustle making for a extra chilled and enjoyable exploration.
Properly, for my part no less than.
As you wander round Rouen, be sure 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, be 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 perfect time exploring Rouen! We find it irresistible and it’s simply one of many easiest cities in France to go to.
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