5 Must See Cities & Towns in France

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From city to countryside to beaches to mountains- France has everything you could dream of all in one country. Whether you are young, old, or somewhere in between, France has more than enough to keep you occupied for a lifetime. Everyone should make it to France at least once in the course of their life. What is there not to like? Paris offers lights, art and history, Cannes offers beaches and crystal waters, and in between offers beauty and lots and lots of cheese, wine and champagne!

Here are just some of the wonderful destinations to visit.

Paris

Of course this is not exactly the most original holiday destination, but that’s for good reason. ‘The city of lights’ has so much to offer its visitors- incredibly and beautiful monuments and architecture, romance, art and some of the finest restaurants in the world.

Paris airport is very big and easy to reach, and even if you are travelling with kids remember Disney Land Paris is only a short train ride from the city. Of course Paris is a very popular destination, but you can find yourself feeling like a true Parisian walking down the cobbled streets, surround by stylish people and pretty boutiques.

However, the more famous monuments unsurprisingly attract large crowds during peak periods. Thankfully, companies like Musement allow you to book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance and avoid the queues when possible- remember to do your research beforehand.

Marseille

This port town is the second largest city in France and offers a quirky alternative to the charms of Paris. While the public transportation in Marseille is top-notch, walking in the city is unbeatable. Wander along La Canebiere and duck into any shop or museum you want. No matter what you choose to do, you are guaranteed to have a good time. The city is full of history and a mix of influences. It is ideal for city lovers who enjoy finding places with a little edge,  a lot of live and plenty of intrigue.

Cannes

Everyone has the dream of one day visiting the South of France, and Cannes is its cultural hub. Offering plenty of beaches and sun, Cannes is one of the best holiday locations for people everywhere. The food alone is enough to get you to spend the rest of your life in the Mediterranean- home to one of the best film festivals in the world. It is not difficult to grasp why people flock to this town in the herds when you see pictures of the blue waters and glamorous visitors.

Lille

With a name like ‘Lille’, how could it be anything other than lovely and magical? Lille is on the border of Belgium and offers a laid back alternative to the more touristic spots in Paris and Cannes. The street markets are fun for the masses, as are the waffles, mussels, and, of course, French Fries. If you are interested in art, Lille is the place to go as its Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille is one of the largest art museums in France!

Loire Valley

A trip to France is not complete without a castle! The beautiful Loire Valley draws visitors from far away lands and transports them to fairy tale heights. Ride a bike through the countryside touring the most enchanting castles in the land, including Chateau Chambord, Villandry and Chinon. For a different perspective, hop on one of the Loire Valley’s many hot air balloons that are on offer and experience views you’ve only ever dreamed of.

From this short list you can see the wide variety of places to see. This is only a handful of the many destinations to visit. Whether you want adventure, romance, a countryside of gastronomic delights, or just pure fun, France has it all. The trip of a lifetime is waiting.


Photo of author

Dan Claydon