Audrey Hepburn once said: “Paris is always a good idea”. Well, we think the whole of France is a great idea. The country is full of incredible cities to visit, so, if your plan is to come to France soon, avoid spending all your time in Paris and discover the 10 best places to visit in the article below.
Bordeaux
Located in the “Aquitaine region” in southern France, Bordeaux is the capital of wine and is full of bars where you can taste different varieties of delicious beverage, especially in the district of “Rue Parlement Saint-Pierre”; but before getting drunk here’s a list of things you’ll enjoy doing. First of all, remember that food in Bordeaux isn’t bad either as you can find some of the best typical dishes in entire France. Other than eating and drinking the city offers many wonderful places to visit starting with the “Miroir d’Eau” and the “Pey-Berland Tower” from where you can see all the city’s little houses and a lot more than we’ll let you discover along the way.
Strasbourg
It is located near the German border, and that’s probably why its Christmas market is one of the most beautiful ones in entire France, however, there’s something to do even while you are waiting for December. We suggest enjoying a picnic at the “Parc de l’Orangerie”, eating some “choucroute” (it is technically fermented cabbage but it actually tastes better than it sounds) and rushing to the cathedral at the sunset to enjoy the most breathtaking view of the city. Other than those great things, to enjoy the city at it’s best just start roaming along the river and get yourself lost among the coloured ancient houses.
Chamonix
If you waited until the hot chocolate season to visit Strasbourg’s Christmas markets, you can then come to Chamonix to experience skiing among the wonderful France mountains of the “Rhônes Alpes” region. This city is a pure haven for those who love winter sports. The town is also bustling with life and it offers some typical dishes that we’ll not reveal you just yet as we love to let you discover them during your travel, but be sure that those delicacies will leave you with a happy face.
Nice
This city is home to the “Promenade des Anglais” which is one of the best pebble beaches in France. Other things you can do are visiting the old town, “Castle Hill” and the “Musee National Marc Chagall”. It will be also super-important for you do not miss to see “St Jean Cap Ferrat”, where you can say to be visiting historical monuments while you’re actually just hanging at the beach.
Annecy
The city may not be one of France’s most famous, but this hidden gem will leave you completely amazed. First of all, you have to know that Annecy is also known as “Venice of French Alps” as it offers a mountainous landscape blended with the light-blue colour of the canals that cross the town, but other than that the city has plenty of attractions to keep you busy. As a final tip, be sure to not miss the “Château d’Annecy” from which you will get a splendid view of the town.
Toulouse
Also known as the Pink City, Toulouse is popular among students (that is a gentle way to say those who are looking for nightlife). In fact, you’ll find them in one of the squares of the city, as the “Place du Capitole” that is the most famous and impressive. From there, you can take one of the many streets that jut out from the square and continue exploring. But if you are more of a calm person, you could visit the relaxing Japanese garden close to the Congress centre.
Lille
Very close to Belgium in northern France, Lille is the perfect fit for you if you love to party as it is famous for the “Grande Braderie de Lille” which takes place in September when street markets are opened for 48 hours straight. It is also famous for cookery as Lille chefs are fond of soft waffles, fresh mussels and delicious fries. After that healthy and weird meal, you still have lots of things to do: for example, start by visiting the “Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille” or take part in one of the several sightseeing tours organised every day.
Saint-Malo
Situated in Brittany, this fortress city was first built upon a rocky island. There, you’ll have a chance to taste Breton delicacies such as savoury crêpes or kouign-amanns (which are round crusty cakes made with several layers of butter) throwing away several months of efforts in the gym, but it will be worth it. Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to take a ferry to Dinard, that will enable you to get the best view of Saint-Malo possible.
Nantes
“Nantes’ Château des ducs de Bretagne” is definitely one of the most surprising and fascinating things to visit in Nantes, but the city isn’t done yet as it offers many more things to do. The “Voyage à Nantes” tour is the best way to discover this city, you just need to make sure you follow the green line painted on the ground. At the end of the day, have a beer at “Le Nid”, a rooftop bar where you can enjoy the most amazing views over Nantes and take those perfect pics for Instagram that will force your friend to leave you alike.
Marseille
Last but not least, Marseille is located on the Mediterranean coast and is the most casual city of this list, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the worst. It is full of monuments and museums to see, but that one thing that will persuade you to come there is the “Vieux-Port” in which you can go lunch while relaxing and enjoying the view of the boats. There, you can also find street musicians and dance performers. If you ever get tired, you can always escape to the Calanques, steep valleys that have been partially submerged by a rise in sea level.
If you aren’t tired of eating those baguettes yet other beautiful places to visit are: Montpellier, Aix-en-Provence, Colmar and Riquewihr.
We hope you’ll have a great vacation but we also wish you to learn new things, because as way love to say here on Pound Travels: ”One’s destination is never a place. But always a new way of seeing things”.
Hotel Deals in Toulouse
.