France is a wonderful 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 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 a number 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 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 good for an extended weekend break.
As soon as right here, make sure 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 overlook to make a journey in 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 It’s the Roman aqueduct that’s virtually two thousand years outdated!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 reserving 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 gorgeous.
Simply be sure you ebook 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 without doubt one of the highest cities in France to go to in the event you love historical past.
It’s the type 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.
After all, 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, ebook 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 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 fort that sits excessive overlooking this space of France.
It’s stunning.
3.) Bordeaux
Bordeaux… it’s a metropolis so scrumptious and a completely pretty spot to go to as you discover a number of the finest locations within the west of France.
Earlier than arriving, be sure you ebook 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, make sure 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 outlets 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 the event you’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 truffles, 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, ebook 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 data 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 beautiful surroundings that simply make it good 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, in the event you’re on the lookout for a unique 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 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, try Pavillon Vendôme with its unbelievable grounds and gorgeous collections inside. We find it irresistible.
8.) Paris
It’s no query that Paris is without doubt one of the highest cities in France to go to. In reality, I’d go so far as saying you’ll be able to’t miss it – it’s world-renowned, and for good motive.
After all, while 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, ebook 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’ finest markets and discover a number of the free issues to do throughout the town.
Alternatively, take the quick, 20-minute practice over to Disneyland Paris. You possibly can ebook these one-day Disney tickets that make a lot sense in the event you’re solely in Paris for a number of days.
Lastly, ebook these tickets to take a river cruise via 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 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, similar 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 in the present day.
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 gorgeous and actually are iconic buildings you’ll be able to’t miss within the metropolis.
Additionally, for a extremely enjoyable and delightful journey, ebook this guided Lyon cruise that’s so nice. It’s the proper method 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 little bit extra of a bustling vibe than the likes of Carcassone or Nimes, so be ready for a busier metropolis really feel.
Whenever you arrive in Marseille, ebook 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 nevertheless it’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 effectively price setting apart a number of hours out of your journey.
Additionally, in the event you 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 through the Center Ages, Avignon is without doubt one of the highest cities in France to go to on account of its lengthy wealthy historical past.
The outlets, buildings and the colossal palace the popes constructed through the 14th century are a must-see when in Avignon. Particularly in the event you’re within the improvement of the 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: Greatest locations to discover in Avignon
14.) Good
If you happen to’re on the lookout for fairly and good seashores, head to the most effective 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 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 effectively 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 the event you’re travelling the southwest fringes of France.
Whenever 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 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 accomplice a visit from Toulouse to Carcossne for a day journey and mix two of the perfect cities in France to go to.
E-book this present day journey to Carcasoone, proper from the guts of Toulouse itself. It’s completely price 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 finest spots within the north of France.
Now, it may possibly appear quieter than a number of the different big-hitting cities like Paris, however don’t let that put you off – this is perhaps a superb factor. A lot fewer crowds and bustle making for a extra chilled and enjoyable exploration.
Nicely, in my view at the very least.
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 the town and may’t be missed.
Additionally, be sure you 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 most effective time exploring Rouen! We find it irresistible 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
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