France is a good looking nation to discover! With beautiful areas just like the picture-perfect Dordogne Valley, its gorgeous 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 considering of the cities in France, it’s straightforward to simply consider the big-hitting cities like Paris, proper?
However don’t be fooled, France has a completely various and historic checklist 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 few of the highest cities in France to go to. Have enjoyable in your journey!
1.) Nimes
In all probability one in every 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 a protracted weekend break.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 virtually two thousand years previous!
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 may head onto the river with a kayak or stroll the paths round this stunning space. It’s completely gorgeous.
Simply you’ll want to e-book these tickets earlier than arriving within the South of France. Locations can refill quick at peak instances.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Nimes
2.) Carcassonne
One other historic gem, Carcassonne is likely one of the highest cities in France to go to in case you love historical past.
It’s the form of metropolis that’s simply oozing with appeal and a spot you may’t miss if you wish to see a quintessential French metropolis.
In fact, when you arrive, you need to take a look at Cité de Carcassonne – or generally known as Carcassonne Citadel. It’s a UNESCO-protected citadel that’s probably the most iconic in all of Europe.
Better of all, e-book these queue-jump fort tickets to overlook these pesky traces for entry.
This fashion, 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 stunning.
3.) Bordeaux
Bordeaux… it’s a metropolis so scrumptious and a completely beautiful spot to go to as you discover a few of the finest locations within the west of France.
Earlier than arriving, you’ll want to 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 a superb tipple of them!
After arriving, be certain 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: Greatest issues to do in Bordeaux
4.) Lille
Lille is well one of many highest cities in France to go to in case you’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!
Greatest explored by foot, you’ll want to head over to the classic market stands in Place du Général de Gaulle. We discovered so many little gems to take again house.
Oh, and don’t neglect to have a few of the scrumptious muffins, 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 straightforward, 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 stunning to go to.
Steeped in historical past, it’s acquired 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 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, in case you’re on the lookout for a distinct vibe, pop over to Marché du Lez for his or her meals vans and fairly cool occasions. We like 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 additionally has a younger and vibrant really feel to it.
As soon as house 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 value visiting if you wish to be taught extra about his position, 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 like it.
8.) Paris
It’s no query that Paris is likely one of the highest cities in France to go to. Actually, I’d go so far as saying you may’t miss it – it’s world-renowned, and for good motive.
In fact, whenever 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 appropriately). It’s so enjoyable to see.
Afterwards, take a wander round a few of Paris’ finest markets and discover a few of the free issues to do throughout the town.
Alternatively, take the quick, 20-minute prepare over to Disneyland Paris. You’ll be able to e-book these one-day Disney tickets that make a lot sense in case you’re solely in Paris for just a few days.
Lastly, e-book these tickets to take a river cruise by Paris. It’s a surprising 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, 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 in the present day.
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 may’t miss within the metropolis.
Additionally, for a extremely stress-free and exquisite journey, e-book this guided Lyon cruise that’s so nice. It’s the right technique to meander the town, particularly on a scorching day!
10.) Marseille
Deemed as one in every 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.
While you arrive in Marseille, e-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 neglect to go to Le Panier, the Palace of Pharo with its backyard and the Previous 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 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 just a few hours out of your journey.
Additionally, in case you get caught out in a kind 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
Generally known as the Catholic Church’s capital for a while through the Center Ages, Avignon is likely one of the highest cities in France to go to because 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 in case you’re within the growth of the town.
Now, in my view, Summer time is the perfect time to go to.
That being stated, you’ll expertise bustling crowds in July, particularly with the totally different occasions and artwork festivals that occur all through the season.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to discover in Avignon
14.) Good
In case you’re on the lookout for fairly and good seashores, head to the perfect spots in Good.
It’s one of many highest 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 you’ll want to 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 superb place to discover in France. That is very true in case you’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 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 may simply companion a visit from Toulouse to Carcossne for a day journey and mix two of the easiest cities in France to go to.
Guide today journey to Carcasoone, proper from the center of Toulouse itself. It’s completely value 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 street tripping alongside the finest spots within the north of France.
Now, it could appear quieter than a few of the different big-hitting cities like Paris, however don’t let that put you off – this may be a superb factor. A lot fewer crowds and bustle making for a extra chilled and stress-free exploration.
Nicely, in my view not less than.
As you wander round Rouen, be certain to identify the enduring clock of Le Gros-Horloge. It’s proper within the coronary heart of the town and may’t be missed.
Additionally, you’ll want to go to the Botanical Backyard of Rouen. Not solely is it one in every of Frances’ finest, nevertheless it’s additionally completely free to enter.
Have the perfect time exploring Rouen! We like it and it’s simply one of many highest cities in France to go to.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to within the South of France
Examine Out The Very Greatest Of Nice Britain!
Pop Over To Our YouTube Channel For Journey Movies!
