France is a wonderful nation to discover! With attractive areas just like the picture-perfect Dordogne Valley, its gorgeous villages like Gordes and the spectacular national 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 simple to only consider the big-hitting cities like Paris, proper?
However don’t be fooled, France has a very 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 wished to share a few of the easiest cities in France to go to. Have enjoyable in your journey!
1.) Nimes
Most likely considered one 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 excellent for an extended weekend break.
As soon as right here, be 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 It’s the Roman aqueduct that’s virtually two thousand years outdated!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 possibly can head onto the river with a kayak or stroll the paths round this stunning space. It’s completely gorgeous.
Simply make sure you book these tickets earlier than arriving within the South of France. Locations can refill quick at peak instances.
Read more: Best things to do in Nimes
2.) Carcassonne
One other historic gem, Carcassonne is among the easiest cities in France to go to in case you love historical past.
It’s the sort of metropolis that’s simply oozing with attraction and a spot you possibly can’t miss if you wish to see a quintessential French metropolis.
After all, when you arrive, you need to try Cité de Carcassonne – or generally known as Carcassonne Castle. It’s a UNESCO-protected citadel that’s one of the vital iconic in all of Europe.
Better of all, book these queue-jump castle 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 gorgeous 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 stunning.
3.) Bordeaux
Bordeaux… it’s a metropolis so scrumptious and a very beautiful spot to go to as you discover a few of the best places in the west of France.
Earlier than arriving, make sure you book 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 very good tipple of them!
After arriving, be sure that 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 excellent.
Read more: Best things to do in Bordeaux
4.) Lille
Lille is definitely one of many easiest 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 large 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 dwelling.
Oh, and don’t overlook 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 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 long-lasting 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 received 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 that to go to the gothic cathedral of Montpellier Cathedral. It’s so imposing and one spot you possibly can’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 case you’re on the lookout for a special vibe, pop over to Marché du Lez for his or her meals vehicles and fairly cool occasions. We adore it.
Read more: Exploring Montpellier for the first 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 dwelling 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 sometimes your factor, try Pavillon Vendôme with its unbelievable grounds and gorgeous collections inside. We adore it.
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 possibly can’t miss it – it’s world-renowned, and for good purpose.
After all, if 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 unique 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’ best markets and discover a few of the free things to do throughout the 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 in case you’re solely in Paris for just a few days.
Lastly, book these tickets to take a river cruise via Paris. It’s a shocking French metropolis to see by waterways and completely stunning at sundown.
Read more: Free things 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 right now.
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 possibly can’t miss within the metropolis.
Additionally, for a extremely enjoyable and exquisite journey, book this guided Lyon cruise that’s so nice. It’s the right method to meander the town, particularly on a scorching day!
10.) Marseille
Deemed as considered one of southern France’s best places, 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, 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 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 however it’s completely nice to go to.
As soon as within the metropolis, try the long-lasting Chateau of the Dukes of Brittany and the Jules Verne Museum, too. Each are unbelievable to go to and nicely price 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, relationship from the current to millennia in the past!
12.) Avignon
Generally known as the Catholic Church’s capital for a while in the course of the Center Ages, Avignon is among the easiest cities in France to go to attributable to its lengthy wealthy historical past.
The retailers, constructions and the colossal palace the popes constructed in the course of 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 season is one of the best 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.
Read more: Best places to explore in Avignon
14.) Good
In case you’re on the lookout for fairly and good seashores, head to the best spots in Nice.
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 make sure you see the long-lasting Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Good. It’s completely distinctive within the metropolis and is a monument that’s nicely protected in Good itself.
Read more: Best things to do in Nice
15.) Toulouse
A young-feeling metropolis, Toulouse is a good 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 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 need to see this a part of Toulouse earlier than heading to the Japanese Backyard.
Lastly, you possibly can simply associate 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 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 seemingly you gained’t miss Rouen when street tripping alongside the best spots in 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 may be a very good factor. A lot fewer crowds and bustle making for a extra chilled and enjoyable exploration.
Effectively, in my view no less than.
As you wander round Rouen, be sure that to identify the long-lasting clock of Le Gros-Horloge. It’s proper within the coronary heart of the town and might’t be missed.
Additionally, make sure you go to the Botanical Backyard of Rouen. Not solely is it considered one of Frances’ greatest, however it’s additionally completely free to enter.
Have one of the best time exploring Rouen! We adore it and it’s simply one of many easiest cities in France to go to.
Read more: Best places to visit in the South of France
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