Do you want to spend your next vacation in France? France is full of surprises and secrets. Away from Paris, Alsace or the Côte d’Azur, you can discover remote mountain villages, visit historic sites, stroll through medieval towns or relax on beautiful beaches. And of course, don’t forget the culinary highlights. When you plan your itinerary, you can expect some enchanting France cities that you may not even know yet and that you should definitely not miss. Let us introduce you the 31 best cities to visit in France!
31. Rennes
Rennes is full of history – and creative energy. Here, students celebrate in front of half-timbered buildings, while music scouts search for the festival stars of tomorrow.
Rennes is at its most beautiful and lively at the Marché des Lices. Imposing half-timbered and stone palaces surround the square, where everything seems to be in motion. Market stall after market stall is lined up, with fresh produce piled up on the displays, an abundance of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. There is trading, but also laughter and chatter, everyone is enjoying the moment. It is no coincidence that the market is considered one of the largest and most beautiful in France.
There are 280 half-timbered houses in the historic town center – more than in any other town in Brittany. The winding squares and crooked alleys are often just a step away from the regular streets with imposing stone facades and spacious squares that were created after the town fire of 1720. Highlights include the massive cathedral, a building with a Neoclassical-style facade.
In the middle of the old town: Rue Saint-Michel is known as the “Street of Thirst” for its density of pubs throughout France. Customers are plentiful: Rennes is young. Of the good 220,000 inhabitants, almost 70,000 are students.
30. Paris
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Today’s cosmopolitan city was first mentioned in 53 BC under the name of Lutetia, a Celtic settlement of the Parisii tribe. The Seine and the Eiffel Tower, the city’s landmark, have a special influence on the cityscape. The island of Île de la Cité with Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral is considered the oldest area of Paris, as it was settled in ancient times. The numerous sights of the cosmopolitan city include not only ecclesiastical and secular buildings, but also 100 museums and theaters, galleries, squares, parks and streets, such as the most famous paradise street in France: the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. It begins west of the Place de la Concorde and ends after 1910m at the Arc de Triomphe. It is the central part of the unique historical visual axis from the Louvre to La Defense, now the largest business district in Europe. In the Palace of Versailles impress the unique Hall of Mirrors, the Hercules Salon and the two-story Palace Chapel. The palace also includes an orangery, the Small and Great Trianon and beautifully landscaped gardens.
29. Toulouse
Located in the middle of the south, on the Garonne River, the French city of Toulouse has held an important place in southwestern France for over 2000 years. As the capital of the Haute-Garonne department of the Midi-Pyrenees region of southwestern France, Toulouse (Occitan. Tolosa) dominates the south of France as a cultural and economic center.
Toulouse’s history is evident in the architecture of brick buildings and roof tiles that are so characteristic of the towns, villages and country houses in the Midi-Pyrénées region. If the words of a poet are to be believed, the city shines in pink in the morning, red-purple at noon and red in the evening. Golden light reflections on the bricks in Toulouse gave the metropolis the name of the pink city. The visitor is captivated by the lovely and friendly atmosphere, he feels the great historical moments and at the same time the modern dynamics of Toulouse.
Toulouse, the former capital of Occitania, is today a lively university city as well as a highly developed center of aircraft construction with the corresponding electronic supply industry. The Garonne metropolis offers a wide range of cultural activities in the field of music, theater and museums, underlining its status as the center of the Midi-Pyrénées region in the best Toulouse tradition.
Tourist attractions and sights in Toulouse make the city an ideal destination for a vacation in the south of France, for a short vacation or for a city trip to Toulouse.
28. Lille
Lille – the city in the north of France enchants its guests with extraordinary offers. Not for nothing it was awarded the title “City of Art and History”. Centrally located between Paris, Brussels and London, it embodies a multicultural landscape of the special. Interesting buildings, royal quarters and magnificent boulevards have given Lille a worldwide reputation. Special festivals and an extensive nightlife enrich the vacation days in addition to the striking sights and leisure activities.
The city of Lille is located on the border with Belgium in the region of French Flanders on the river Deûle. Here moves the historical county of Flanders. Lille is characterized by a varied landscape. Between marshland plains and hilly elevations, tourists will find a wide range of extensive natural landscapes.
Traditional 17th century houses line the Rue du Palais Rihour. In the Place du Théátre, travelers can admire the Old Stock Exchange dating back to 1653. One of the most elegant streets with style and etiquette is the Rue de la Grande Chaussée with 18th century houses. Admirable is the triumphal arch Porte de Paris from 1685, built in honor of Louis XIV. With the emergence of the city of Lille in 1620, the castle wall Porte de Grand was founded. Valuable historical background is taken by the guests of Lille from the Noble Tower, the Citadel of 1667 and the Fort du Réduit, to name a few.
27. Nice
With its mix of urban atmosphere, old-fashioned charm, year-round sunshine, beautiful Nice sights, vibrant street life and breathtaking seaside location, this city is unlike any other place in France.
The city has numerous museums, churches and ruins that will keep history lovers entertained for days.
There is no bad time to visit Nice. Because of the mild winter temperatures and the famous carnival, Nice is one of the best places to visit in France in the winter, but you will enjoy the city all year round.
Nice is one of the best places in France to experience the good life.
26. Nantes
Nantes, probably France’s most famous city on the Loire River, is the perfect destination for a city break. Whether for a long weekend or as the starting/ending point of a road trip through Brittany, Nantes is worth a visit in many ways. Not far from the Atlantic Ocean, the city is bubbling with sights, cultural highlights and a mix of historical, artistic and architectural heritage. The interplay of yesterday, today and tomorrow, coupled with an incomparable charm, makes Nantes a fascinating, exciting and extremely diverse destination for a city break in France.
25. Marseille
The picturesque nature of the Calanques, the historic port directly on the Mediterranean Sea and a wonderful old town: Marseille fulfills the dream of a French and Mediterranean dream with its sights.
Where once seafarers engaged in lively trade, it is now a wonderful place to live and vacation. Marseille, fantastically situated on the Golfe du Lion, convinces with pretty alleys, a pulsating harbor and pleasant temperatures. The city’s cuisine and “savoir vivre” are characterized by the French sun and the influences of the Mediterranean.
Marseille is the oldest city in France, at least since Greco-Roman antiquity, and has a history dating back more than 2,500 years.
It is a stronghold for communities from France’s former North African possessions, a city where the style of Paris blends with the down-to-earth realism of Algiers and Tunis or even Mali, and where you can buy both high-quality soap and inexpensive freshly ground harissa paste on a shopping spree.
While Marseille lost some of its grandeur in the postwar era, its designation as European Capital of Culture in 2013 and the realization of how glorious this city really is has led to a renaissance.
24. Strasbourg
Lovers of old architecture will get their money’s worth in Strasbourg. The historic city center is probably one of the most beautiful that France has to offer. In the center are numerous churches, squares and buildings worth seeing, which were built in the typical half-timbered style. Since Strasbourg can look back on a culture that goes back a long way, visits to the local museums are particularly worthwhile. The city is not far from the German border, so you don’t have to travel too far to have a wonderful vacation destination in front of your eyes. Interesting art exhibitions are held in the summer, but a stay is also used for extended shopping tours.
Strasbourg is located in the northeast of France, directly on the German border. Part of the center is crossed by the Ill River, while the other is directly on the Rhine. When visiting, it sometimes seems as if you are in Amsterdam, as many houses are located directly on the banks.
A trip to Strasbourg becomes a real experience when you consider the fantastic sights you can encounter here. It is not surprising that Strasbourg is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The landmark is the Strasbourg Cathedral – a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Behind it lies the Minster Quarter with numerous stores, restaurants and cafes.
23. Grenoble
Grenoble belongs to the French department of Isére. A mountainous landscape with 60 kilometers long mountain massif Belledonne enchants the city. Grenoble is the highest high mountain city in the Alps. Around Grenoble begin the mountain massifs of Vercors, Chaíne de Belledone and Chartreuse. Bizarre mountain peaks stretch over an altitude of 3,000 meters. It is a successful landscape of the special, which not only nature lovers appreciate, but which attracts tourists like a magnet.
Grenoble is very well equipped in terms of cultural history. The famous “Musée de Grenoble” contains the third largest art collection in France. Contemporary art from the 13th to the 21st century has established itself. The fortress “La Bastille” on the massif Chartreuse presents the unity of military architecture from the 19th century. Beautiful to look at is the “Horloge Solaire”, the sundial, from 1673, and the small oriental palace “La Casamaures” from 1855, right next to the northern fortresses of the city, creates excitement. Opera houses and theaters, churches and sacred institutions are admired. Grenoble is a city to be explored.
Grenoble seduces in summer as well as in winter by its landscape to extensive hiking, biking, mountain climbing and skiing. Wonderful ski slopes and cross-country ski trails as well as cable cars are at the guests’ disposal. In the rustic mountain huts the innkeepers provide exquisite wines and delicious food. In the city center, in addition to the many historic buildings, there are a variety of shopping opportunities that tempt you to store.
22. Montpellier
The entire old town is marked by history and gives a feeling of the Middle Ages. The buildings are well preserved, for example the Cathedral St. Pierre, built by Pope Urban V in the 14th century, the Palace of Justice built in the 19th century, the Arc de Triomphe at the end of the 17th century or the aqueduct St. Clement in the 18th century, just to name a few. A walk through the narrow streets quickly transports the viewer to the Middle Ages, only the beautiful stores everywhere remind of the present. Again and again, one comes across smaller or larger squares where cafés and restaurants invite one to linger. Montpellier is an important university city with a lot of students – almost a quarter of the population – this shapes the atmosphere of the city. Besides the students, immigrants from Algeria and Morocco also characterize the cityscape, they came after the Algerian war of independence.
Montpellier has, besides the beautiful old town, quite modern districts. The various socialist mayors of the city have put a lot of emphasis on architecture in their city. In the 1980s, for example, the Antigone district was built in the neo-classical style by Ricardo Bofill, a famous Spanish architect.
In the 90s, work began on the Port Marianne district, which is like a jigsaw puzzle made up of several pieces: Jacques Coeur, Judges Consuls de Mer, etc. Each building complex here contributes its part to the whole and was built by contemporary architects. Worth seeing here is also the new city hall built by Jean Nouvel, it is all black and has the shape of a gate.
21. Reims
In 1991, four monuments of the city received the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. First and foremost is the Notre Dame Cathedral. The most famous building in the city was built in the 13th century in the Gothic architectural style. For a long time, the cathedral served as the coronation site of French kings.
Also included in the World Heritage List is the Royal Abbey of Saint Remi. Today, the building houses the Reims Museum of History and Regional Archaeology. The “Phial of the Holy Oil” is kept here. The Palais du Tau represents the third World Heritage Site of the city. In the former episcopal palace, the French kings spent the night before their coronation. The Saint-Remi Basilica completes the series. The monastic church houses the tomb of Saint Remi and was considered a pilgrimage stronghold.
Reims is the home of champagne. Well-known wineries have their headquarters here. Since the Romans moved into the region in the 16th century, viticulture has been practiced here. The world fame of champagne goes back to a centuries-long tradition. Visitors will be initiated into the secrets of the time-honored rules of production during a tour of the cellars.
In the cellars, some of which still date back to Roman times, the cult drink is stored in heavy wooden barrels. In Reims alone, 250 km of cellar vaults run beneath the city. But the surrounding countryside is also worth a visit. A drive along the “Route du Champagne” takes you past idyllic villages, castles, churches and famous vineyards. A visit to a winegrower or a champagne house is a good place to take a break and leave some interesting impressions.
20. Saint-Étienne
Saint Etienne is the capital of the Loire department in the Rhônes-Alpes region and is located in the middle of the Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat nature reserve. This beautiful area around Saint Etienne is dotted with castles and Romanesque churches. The town itself has a historic core with many beautiful old buildings.
The “Musée d’art moderne” has the best collection of contemporary art outside Paris. Also worth seeing is the museum of the old St-Etienne (Musée du Vieux St-Etienne). Also worth seeing are the Chapelle de la Charité (18th century) or the Gothic Eglise Saint-Etienne from the 15th century.
The old town with its narrow streets and historic buildings invites you for a walk through the quarters from the 16th and 17th century.
19. Lyon
The city of Lyon, which is over 2,000 years old, is home to almost 500,000 inhabitants. This makes it the third largest city in France. Lyon is also the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region and the Rhône department. The old town of Lyon has been designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Lyon has a very high traffic volume due to its role as a metropolitan area, which is why the city is also the second largest national junction of railroad lines.
There are numerous sights in Lyon that are worth visiting. One is the Saint-Jean Cathedral, which is also the bishop’s seat, but even more so is the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which was built on the Fourvière hill. The church is particularly impressive for its Romanesque-Neo-Byzantine architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every year on December 8, Lyon celebrates the Festival of Light (Fête des Lumières), which is why Lyon is also known as the “City of Light.” Due to its silk weaving past, there are many opportunities in the city to relive the history, for example in a historic silk factory.
18. Le Havre
Le Havre is particularly famous for its modern city center, which was built from 1945 onwards according to the plans of architect Auguste Perret. As one of only two 20th century city ensembles in the world – and so far the only one in Europe – the colorful concrete architecture made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. A striking landmark is the tower of St. Joseph’s Church, which towers 107 meters above the city. The church itself is not only a place of worship, but also serves as a memorial and a place of remembrance for the destruction of the city and its fatalities during the liberation of France in 1944. Clearly older is the Notre Dame Cathedral. The 16th century church is – along with the Palace of Justice – one of only two surviving buildings from the pre-war period. Also worth seeing is the city’s port. It is one of the largest ports in France and is not only an important container transhipment point, but is also popular with yachts and large cruise ships. Near the entrance to the port you will find the Catène de Container – approx: Container chain – an unusual and colorful landmark of the city. The sculpture, which is up to 28.5 meters high, consists of colored shipping containers and was erected in 2017 to mark the 100th anniversary of the port.
17. Dijon
Dijon is a city of superlatives: it is one of the most artistic and historic cities in Europe, is one of the 25 largest cities in France and is the only large city (150,000 inhabitants) and also the capital of Burgundy. Dijon has a history of almost 2,000 years – that this is so extensive and special, the city owes above all to the heyday of the Burgundian duchy under Phillip the Good in the 15th century. Burgundy emerged at that time as a new state between France and the German Empire. Within a hundred years it became the most powerful state in Europe. The Burgundian Empire at that time stretched from the Netherlands to the borders of Provence. Artists, architects and craftsmen moved to Dijon from all over the empire.
They provided an atmosphere of creativity and inventiveness. Numerous new architectural styles emerged. We love to stroll through Dijon’s alleys and look for them: for example, the low-pitched roofs that were covered with colored tiles in a diamond shape (one of the trademarks of Burgundy). The many artistic testimonies of this period are still visible in Dijon today.
16. Angers
Angers is a city for those who love medieval architecture. The old town with its alleys, the castle and the cathedral are among the main attractions of the city. Angers (as well as the entire Loire Valley) is also a place for fine gastronomy.
The old town of Angers offers mostly cobbled streets and imposing half-timbered buildings, most of which date back to the 15th century. The absolute feast for the eyes here is the historic, five-story half-timbered Maison d’Adam on Place Sainte-Croix, whose appearance is truly unique.
The Saint-Maurice Cathedral is located in the historic city center. Since 1862, the building has been recognized as a Monument historique. The style of the cathedral is a mixture between romanticism and gothic.
The Chateau d’Angers ouvert is located in the heart of Angers. The chateau towers over the Maine River, which flows through the city. With a full 17 towers, the Chateau is one of the best preserved historic buildings in France. A highlight is hidden inside the fortress: the Tapestry of the Apocalypse, the world’s largest tapestry from the Middle Ages.
15. Bordeaux
Not only is Bordeaux the world capital of wine and has the highest density of restaurants per inhabitant in France, but the city on the Garonne has several superlatives:
On the one hand, the historic ensemble of the old town is considered the largest, most enclosed and most beautiful in all of France (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007), and on the other hand, it has its own long-distance hiking trail since 2019, the first in a French metropolis. With the Cité du Vin, it has a cultural institution unique in the world and the largest dune in Europe is barely 40 minutes away by car. The “Miroir d’eau” water feature on the Stock Exchange Square is the largest installation of its kind in the world, and Rue Sainte Catherine is the longest pedestrian and shopping street in Europe! And the city is also home to the largest organic restaurant in France. Since June 2020, the Bassins de Lumières, the largest digital art center in the world, is also one of Bordeaux’s attractions.
14. Nimes
To this day, a large arena recalls the Italian heritage of the city, which distinguishes this place from all other regions of the Côte d’Azur. This architectural richness gives Nîmes the nickname of “Antiquity in the present”. But Nîmes is even more. The city is a historical jewel where great festivals are celebrated throughout the year.
After its foundation in the 6th century BC, the city of Nîmes was settled by Romans around 120 BC. During their reign, the Romans left the city a rich heritage from which Nîmes still draws today. Nîmes is known far beyond the city limits for its stunning architecture.
The Arena of Nîmes is the most important landmark of the city. This amphitheater was built in the 1st century AD. No visitor’s eye will miss the fact that the Roman Colosseum served as an amphitheater. Today, the arena is one of the best preserved amphitheaters in the world, regularly hosting events such as bullfights and concerts. Of equal grace is the Maison Carrée. This temple of the Emperor Augustus from the 1st century BC goes down in history today as the best preserved and stylistically purest temple from Roman times. The Carré d’Art is reflected in the face of modernity. Behind the modern glass facades is now a museum of contemporary art.
The Tour Magne towers over Nîmes as the most magnificent and highest tower of the old Roman city wall. The Jardins de la Fontaine is only a few meters away from the 32 meter high magnificent building. As the Garden of the Fountain, the “Cradle of the Roman City” makes history. This garden is decorated with white stones from Lens and Roman ruins of the Temple de Diane.
13. Tours
Surrounded by the enchanting castles of the Loire, Tours, like Orléans, lies in the heart of the Loire Valley and has preserved its cultural, historical and culinary heritage to this day. The former capital of the Kingdom of France is still considered a historical landmark of the Loire Valley and wonderfully reflects the French way of life, la Savoir-Vivre. Even today, the charming capital of Touraine enchants with its medieval flair. The enchanting half-timbered houses in the old town alone would be worth a visit. But there is also much more to discover in and around Tours
The main attraction of the city is the Saint-Gatien Cathedral, whose construction began in the 13th century and lasted more than 300 years. As a result, the building represents a unique fusion of various architectural directions. The historical center of the city is Colbert Street, here you can see many ancient wooden houses where the townspeople used to live.
Not far from the main sight of the city is the Archbishop’s Palace, which is surrounded by a large park. Besides the beautiful halls of the palace, the Lebanon Cedar, which is 33 meters high, is worth seeing. The tree was planted 200 years ago, immediately after the palace was built.
Plumerau square, around which there are several restaurants, is the busiest part of the city. Many tourists come here, attracted not only by refined French cuisine, but also by a beautiful imposing building – the Basilica of Saint-Martin. The basilica has become the witness of the important historical events, many of which were depicted in the frescoes that decorate the halls.
12. Annecy
Located in the foothills of the Savoy Alps on the lake of the same name, Annecy, a town of 50,000 inhabitants and a pearl of eastern France, is only about 500 meters above sea level, but it offers everything a lover of the mountains could wish for. The climatic health resort, gladly flattered alternatively as “Rome of the Alps” (because of its history) or “Venice of the Alps” (picturesque bridges span the river Thiou, which runs through the old town), is characterized by a colorful palette of nature and culture.
Annecy and its romantically spread lake, the second largest in France, are lined to the left and right by the imposingly rugged mountains of the Massif des Bauges and the Massif des Bornes. Lac d’Annecy is considered the cleanest lake in Europe and even has drinking water quality.
The Romans already appreciated the fabulous location of the locality. The foundation of the place is estimated at 50 before Christ. “Aniciacus”, Annecy’s original name, was mentioned in the 8th century and documented as a town in 1107.
Only slightly younger is Annecy Castle, which towers over the town and is emblazoned near the lake. The most striking of the many sights is represented by the 12th-century Palais d’Isle (Island Palace), located in the middle of the forking river and accessible via two footbridges, which houses the local museum. Annecy offers a variety of religious monuments, such as the 16th-century cathedral of the diocese, Saint-Pierre, or the Convent of the Visitation of Mary, where the relics of the church teacher Francis de Sales are kept.
11. Toulon
The city of Toulon is the capital of the Var department and is located on the Mediterranean coast, about 70 km southwest of Marseille. Here is the home port of the French Navy in the Mediterranean. This port was and is the most important part of the city. Perhaps this is the reason why Toulon is not visited by tourists as much as other cities. Yet the port city of Toulon has a lot to offer. Because even here you can find the charm of Provence again. The old town of Toulon is Provençal through and through and enchants with southern flair, colors and scents. Numerous squares invite you to comfortably drink a delicious café au lait and visit the surrounding boutiques and buildings. A stroll through the city, which is worthwhile…
Especially worth seeing is the opera of Toulon, which was built in 1862. It is the second largest opera house in France after the Paris Opera. In the middle of the old town is the cathedral “Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds de Toulon”, built in the 11th century. It was and is the seat of the bishop of Toulon.
Before the gates of Toulon rises the Mont Faron (584m), which can be reached among other things by cable car. From here you have a great panoramic view over the roofs of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Toulon offers truly wonderful sandy beaches. For this reason alone, a stopover is worthwhile, because here the beaches are not overcrowded, but are mainly visited only by locals. Toulon has a lot to offer. But you have to take the time to explore the treasures of the port city.
10. Avignon
When you see Avignon for the first time, you might think you are in the Middle Ages. An imposing 4.5 km long city wall, studded with towers, surrounds the city. Behind it, however, is a charming small town with beautiful medieval houses, picturesque squares and winding streets.
Avignon is rich in history and buildings. However, Avignon is best known for the 14th century Papal Palace that overlooks the city and the St. Bénézet Bridge. Both have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Every year in July, the city turns into a big stage. Theater people, musicians and dancers from all over the world come to Avignon for the great theater festival. At every corner they present their skills.
9. Metz
Metz is located on the Moselle River and has about 120,000 inhabitants. It is the capital of the Moselle department. Again and again the region was affected by border disputes between Germany and France. Nevertheless, today it presents its turbulent and tense past in a varied architecture and a rich cultural heritage. In particular, from the period between 1871 and 1918, when Alsace-Lorraine still belonged to the German Empire, this architecture is still clearly visible in public buildings. The train station of Metz with the architecture of the founding years is a good example.
One should visit the “Porte des Allemands”, the German Gate in Metz. It represents a true fortress at the eastern entrance of Metz. A walk along the city walls will take you to the building where exhibitions are held today.
With the construction of the modern Cente Pompidou in 2010, with its spectacular shape of a Chinese straw hat, Metz became one of the largest international capitals of contemporary art. In the museum there, you can see works by Picasso and models by Le Corbusier, among others.
When strolling through the city, it also becomes clear that Metz is the home of world-famous specialties such as Quiche Lorraine, but also mirabelles in all variations whether in the cake, jam or liqueur. For example, at the Place Saint Louis in the old town, many of the specialties can be enjoyed in the restaurants.
8. Colmar
Colmar is a charming city in the Haut-Rhin department. It has about 70,000 inhabitants and is known for its medieval half-timbered houses. Especially the romantic, flowery old town with its canals, as well as the quarter “Petite Venise” (Little Venice) and the adjacent tanners’ quarter form the architectural highlight of Comar.
Also the gastronomy is not neglected here. Colmar is considered the capital of Alsatian wine and many restaurants invite you to linger. The menus feature typical Alsatian dishes, such as tarte flambée, sauerkraut or queen pâté.
The Petite Venise district, located on the Lauch River, is the most popular attraction in Colmar. The beautiful half-timbered houses give it its special charm. In the immediate vicinity you will find the market hall built in 1865 in the Rue de l’Ecole.
7. Besançon
The commune of Besançon, located in a loop of the Doubs, was already important in Roman times. In the Middle Ages, it gained the status of a free city in the Holy Roman Empire. Today it is considered the ‘greenest city in France’ and impresses with sights such as the Citadel, a 17th century masterpiece by Vaubanb and also one of the most beautiful citadels in France. It covers an area of about 11 hectares and towers more than 100 meters above the charming old town. It is surrounded by high defensive walls, which are 5-6 meters thick in places and up to 20 meters high. Along the walls are so-called circular passages with watchtowers. The citadel offers breathtaking views over the old town of Besançon and the surrounding countryside.
6. Aix-en-Provence
For the French, Aix is one of the cities with the highest quality of life. And you can feel this with every fiber as soon as you get involved in getting to know Aix-en-Provence and its unique flair. The Catholic bishop’s see is a city full of elegance with a focus on art and culture, but also with a diverse nightlife and many enchanting cafés where, after a fun stroll through the city, you can observe the lively activity and get in touch with the people who live there. Famous are also the calissons, a well-known confectionery specialty of the city.
The Cours, named after Count Gabriel-Honoré de Mirabeau, is the central axis of the city and stretches from the royal fountain Fontaine du Roi René in the east to La Rotonde with its three statues in the west. Here you can stroll, buy books and other souvenirs in numerous stores, dine or simply let your eyes wander over the plane tree avenue with its elegant aristocratic houses and old hotels from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Nestled between the Sainte-Victore mountains, the Touloubre and Arc rivers, the Durance valley and the vineyards of Trévaresse, the historic capital of Provence is surrounded by many smaller towns, such as Les Milles or La Duranne.
The climate in Aix is Mediterranean. Especially in summer, it is hot and dry due to the sheltered location and temperatures beyond the 40-degree mark are also possible. Spring is considered the best season to visit Aix.
5. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is located in the south of France and is a city with many attractive possibilities. Its location makes the city extremely interesting for a vacation. Carcassonne has a lot of sights and events to offer, which make a stay in the city very pleasant. Moreover, the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Pyrenees are not far away for relaxing and varied days.
The city of Carcassonne is full of sights and is worth a longer stay. Already in pre-Christian times a Gallic settlement stood on the site of Carcassonne, later the Romans built a city, which was probably already surrounded by a city wall at the end of the 3rd century AD. The medieval city, which has been preserved until today, is surrounded by a three-kilometer-long city wall with 52 towers. Numerous buildings worth seeing can be visited. These include the Basilica Saint-Nazaire, the mighty castle, the city gate Porte de Narbonnaise, the Zwinger and the theater, where events are still held today. The entire old town of Carcassonne is protected and has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Carcassonne also has a lot to offer in terms of events that take place throughout the year. Highlights are. In April the Jazz Week takes place, in July and August the Festival de Carcassonne follows and at the end of August the summer is celebrated with the Feria de Carcassonne. For this, music groups of the most diverse directions perform.
4. Cannes
Cannes is one of the few cities that so exemplify the characteristics of the Côte d’Azur. Surrounding dream beaches of the French Riviera are like a flagship for the city. World-famous festivals attract the who’s who of top stars to the Côte d’Azur. Cannes is a city that completely redefines sophisticated charm. The city enchants with a cultural richness that is almost unsurpassable in the south of France. This explosive mixture attracts in particular the sun worshippers who can afford this luxury with the necessary small change from the petty cash.
3. Arles
Arles is one of the most worth seeing cities in Provence and has numerous ancient and Romanesque monuments. The city is one of the most famous art sites in France and the beauty and abundance of buildings make Arles a true museum city.
The amphitheater, which is still the scene of bullfights, the ancient Roman theater and the Saint-Trophime Cathedral, one of the most important buildings in the city, are all worthy of mention.
Those who travel to Arles should bring enough time to enjoy this cultural offer in peace.
Arles is considered the gateway to the Camargue. The mystical marsh and lake landscape directly adjoins the city.
2. Antibes
Antibes, located in southeastern France on the Côte d’Azur, exudes Mediterranean charm. On site, vacationers enjoy their trip in a sun-drenched paradise that, together with the seaside resort of Juan-les-Pins, promises all the ingredients for a perfect beach vacation. Antibes manages the balancing act between tradition and modernity. The picturesque old town of Antibes enchants with its narrow winding streets and typical French flair. Bathing vacationers can recharge their batteries at the beaches “Golfe Juan” or “Juan-les-Pins”. The lovely bay of Antibes beckons with its romantic atmosphere. Culture enthusiasts can go on a tour of Antibes’ impressive museums. Music is also in the air in the city.
1. Perpignan
With just under 120,000 inhabitants, Perpignan is the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales department and the southernmost large city in France. The attraction of the city are the winding streets of the old town with many restaurants. In Perpignan, life takes place outdoors, especially in summer, of course. The Mediterranean climate is also very pleasant in spring and autumn, which is why Perpignon and Roussillon are generally year-round destinations.
Perpignan, like the entire Roussillon region, belonged to Spain for four centuries. Perpignan was even the capital of Catalonia. It is particularly exciting that every second inhabitant speaks Catalan in everyday life to this day and that Catalan is taught in almost all schools in Roussillon. The symbiosis of French idiosyncrasy and Spanish charm makes Perpignan and runs through architecture, art and culture.
