France is full of cities with great tourist attractions. Museums, cathedrals, charming neighborhoods, excellent restaurants, busy cafes, charming boutiques and beautiful gardens are only part of its attractions. These sights are such that tourists have to spend many days to see them. Maybe you only need a week to see Paris, Nice or Lyon, but there are other cities that are worth visiting.
French cities are very different in terms of attractions and even the prevailing culture, and each of them displays different cultural heritage. Nice is a city where Italian talent flourishes, Strasbourg in eastern France is known for its German-style cuisine, and Lille in northern France is inspired by the Finnish architecture of its neighboring Belgium.
Follow this article from Alibaba magazine to get to know some of the top cities in France
1. Paris
With more than 45 million visitors per year, Paris is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. This city, which is also known as the city of lovers, has gone through four revolutions, 18 kingdoms of Louis and two periods of occupation by foreigners.
Many Parisians are surprisingly proud of being Parisian. Perhaps, if we want to look at this matter statistically, about 2.2 million residents of Paris proudly say that they are Parisians. It may be a bit strange, but the Eiffel Tower is a movie star. This tower has played the main role in 65 films as a symbol of the French lifestyle.
About 20% of the residents of Paris are immigrants from all over the world, which is why this city has become one of the largest multicultural centers in Europe. Art, culture, music, fashion and even food in this city originate from different nationalities. Each neighborhood of Paris has a distinct character that is due to the different cultures of its inhabitants. The 5th, 6th and 7th arrondissements of Paris are full of creative enthusiasm, but the 18th, 19th and 20th arrondissements are vague and sleepy.
A week, a month or even a year is not enough to discover all the treasures of Paris. You may need years to see all the charms of Paris. In all areas of history, architecture and culture, there is something in Paris that will attract you. Paris is a city full of history and love stories.
This city has a special magic that will capture you by walking along the river bank, medieval cobbled streets and beautiful boulevards covered with the shade of trees. These attractions will inspire even the most soulless travelers in the world. The Louvre dazzles visitors with an amazing collection of artistic masterpieces, and the Eiffel Tower offers a breathtaking view of the sights and landscapes of Paris.
Paris’ top-rated museums, palaces and historic churches are like hidden wonders found throughout the city. Notre-Dame, Sacre-Coeur, Pantheon, Sainte-Chapelle, Invalide Museum, Versailles Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Versailles Palace, Opera Garni Palace, Palais Royal and Fort Conciergery are among the sights of Paris.
Beautiful restaurants and fashionable boutiques are located in the corners of the city in places such as Champs-Elysées, Montmartre and the Latin Quarter of Paris. Ballet, opera and classical music performance halls will also make a luxurious trip for you.
You can sit on the benches of the beautiful parks and squares such as Parc Jean de Mars, Tuileries Garden, Botanical Gardens, Luxembourg Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Place de la Bastille and Place de République and listen to street musicians perform on the Seine River Bridge.
2. Nice
Nice is the fifth largest city in France. Like Paris, this city has eye-catching art collections and the sun and stunning views of the Riviera. Nice is a stylish coastal city that has been attracting tourists since 1820. Being located at the foot of the Alps and adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea has made this city to be on the list of tourists traveling to France.
The old city of Nice, with its old texture and narrow streets, is a very attractive and spectacular city among French cities. You can still find delicatessens, old restaurants and boutiques in the alleys and streets of the old town of Nice. The oldest part of the old town of Nice, Cours Saleya, is crowded during the tourist seasons. The Nice Cathedral and the Chapelle de la Miséricorde (Mercy Chapel) and the Palais Lascaris Music Museum are located in this old part of Nice.
At the Musée Matisse, you can see hundreds of works by the famous French artist Henri Matisse, and the Nice Museum of Contemporary Art also exhibits various works such as American Pop Art, American Minimalism, and European New Realism.
The Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas with its Russian-style design has distinguished the appearance of the city. Notre Dame Church in Nice is also built in neo-gothic style, its exterior with white stone and gold decorations has a special effect.
The Phoenix Park is one of the largest greenhouses in Europe in the city of Nice, where there are a variety of plant species. The Albert I garden is also considered one of the oldest public gardens in Nice, which has a special charm with palm trees, different plant species from around the world, a traditional carousel and a place for a summer concert.
The English promenade of Nice city was built in the 18th century and is a place for tourists to have beach fun. Cimiez is also an old part of the city of Nice, which is two thousand years old. The ruins of this building are a good place to get to know how the Romans lived.
3. Lyon
Lyon is the food capital of France. Culinary enthusiasts flock to this historic city to taste authentic French cuisine and try a variety of local French dishes.
Although Lyon is one of the largest and busiest cities in France, it still retains its old charm. Narrow cobbled streets and hidden alleys and boutiques, cafes and restaurants… provide the possibility of adventure in Lyon.
Due to its rich cultural heritage and commercial importance, Lyon is called the second capital of France. This city is full of tourist attractions. The longest traboule (covered alley) is located in Vieux-Lyon. This street starts from St. John neighborhood and continues to Du Boeuf neighborhood. In World War II, people used these secret passages to escape from the Nazi attack.
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, one of the most unique churches in France, and the Primatiale Cathédrale Saint-Jean Baptiste are also located in Lyon.
The Roman Theater of Lyon (Theatres Romains de Fourviere), is the oldest theater in France. This theater was built near Forvir Hill during the reign of the Romans.
The Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière exhibits a unique collection of Gallo-Roman artifacts, including vases, tombstones, mosaics, statues, coins, and ceramics.
The Fine Arts Museum of Lyon (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon) was built in a monastery dating back to 1600 and is the largest fine arts museum in France after the Louvre. The works of famous French artists such as Edgar Degas, Van Gogh, Renoir, Cézanne, El Groco, Canaletto, Picasso, Max Ernst and Francis Bacon are displayed in this museum.
4. Bordeaux
Due to its rich cultural heritage and architectural treasures, the entire historic city of Bordeaux has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This beautiful city has more than 300 historical monuments, in the heart of which are the cathedral and two castles.
Bordeaux was a famous port city since ancient Roman times. In the 18th century, this city reached the peak of its glory and became more prosperous after that. So that today a lot of neoclassical buildings stand out in different parts of the city.
The Grand Theater of Bordeaux is the central part of the Palais de la Comédie; A part of the Roman civilization left. 12 huge columns and statues representing nine myths and gods such as Juno, Venus and Minerva have multiplied the beauty of this building. The Aquitaine Regional Museum in Bordeaux is where you can see unique artefacts such as Gallic gold coins, a 3rd century statue of Hercules, a statue of the Knight of Corton and the Montaigne tomb.
Place des Quinconces, the largest square in Europe, is located in Bordeaux. Meanwhile, watching the beautiful statues of Louis XVIII next to the fountains and water dance is a special pleasure.
La Grosse Cloche is one of the few medieval buildings left intact in Bordeaux. This building was built on the remains of another building that was a gate in the 13th century and its central bell is very famous.
The Jardin Park in Bordeaux is built in the English style and is full of old trees, statues, green spaces, fountains and various water features.
5. Marseille
Marseille is one of the oldest and best cities in France, which has a heritage dating back 2,600 years. In terms of population, Marseille is the second largest metropolis in France. Marseille is considered an important port due to the size of the port and its excellent location in the Mediterranean. This city is called a bridge between Europe and North Africa.
There are many restaurants in the Old Port or Vieux Port that serve a variety of excellent seafood. The Vieux Port has spectacular views of the sea and the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde hill, Marseille’s most iconic landmark.
The “Old Quarter” (Le Panier) is located on the hillside above the old port and its winding, narrow, steep streets and colorful houses show a different side of the city of Marseille.
Notre-Dame de la Garde is the most important building in Marseille. This building is located on top of Gard Hill and can be seen from far away. The Cathédrale de la Major is the largest Christian church built in the 19th century. This church and its two towers are 16 meters high.
Clank National Park, Ife Castle, Longshan Palace, Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, Old Charity and Saint Victor Monastery are other tourist areas in this French city.
6. Lille
This charming and historical city in the north of France and in the Flanders region is one of the most important metropolises in this region of France. This region of France shares a border with Belgium and a common cultural heritage. The architecture and delicious food of this city show Finnish influence.
At the University of Lille, France, about 20 fields of study are taught in English. For this reason, Lille is one of the cities of France that is chosen for study migration. On the other hand, Lille is also of interest due to its proximity to other important European cities. For example, Lille is three hours away from Cologne, two hours from London, one hour from Paris and 38 minutes from Brussels.
Its attractions also have their place. One of the main attractions of Lille is the Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle) where its Finnish Baroque architectural style impresses tourists. Also, the Palais Beaux-Arts Museum is an exceptional collection of fine arts housed in a beautiful building from the 19th century. Lille Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church that has an attractive cross-like structure. The Paris Gate (Porte de Paris) in the city of Lille is a monument of the capture of this city by Louis XVI, which was built under the name of Arc de Triomphe in the 17th century.
7. Aix-en-Provence
The city of Aix-en-Provence is a symbol of the southern culture of French cities. With its colorful open-air markets and cheerful pedestrian cafes, this charming town offers tourists a chance to enjoy the Provence sunshine.
This city was founded by the Romans in 125 BC, but later Visigoths, Lombards, French and other countries ruled it. Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins belongs to the 17th century and Cours Mirabeau is one of the sights of Aix-en-Provence.
The most lively street in this city is the Cours Mirabeau, which separates the old and new towns. This street invites tourists to eat and drink in its outdoor cafes. The cobbled streets of the old city are also a perfect place for a romantic stroll.
Its squares, springs and fountains are also among the attractions of the city. The city market is open on different days of the week, but the flower market at Place de l’Hotel de Ville and the food market at Place Richelme are held on Saturdays and attract tourists to this French city.
Art lovers can also visit the Grant Museum, which displays an excellent collection of fine art, including paintings from the 14th century to the modern period.
Paul Cézanne’s works are also exhibited in his art studio called Atelier de Cézanne, as well as the Terrain des Peintres, where his outdoor paintings were exhibited.
8. Rouen
Rouen is a medieval city in Normandy with exquisite Gothic churches and quaint half-timbered houses. In the heart of the old city is one of the largest Gothic style churches among French cities, which is called Notre Dame Cathedral. The central gate and its twin towers were the main subject of Monet’s famous paintings.
Saint-Ouen Abbey (Abbatiale Saint-Ouen) is a powerful monastery dating back to the 14th century, which is known as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture due to the Norman crown on its upper part.
The Fine Arts Museum of Rovan is one of the most important art museums among French cities. In this museum, you can see all kinds of paintings, sculptures, drawings and art items from the 15th century to the 21st century.
Joan of Arc is also the place where the tourists of Rouen can see the place where the mother of Orléans was imprisoned in the black hole and then martyred.
9. Amiens
Amiens is a city in the north of France that has all the characteristics of a French city. From magnificent churches to street cafes and fascinating museums. But the main treasure of this cathedral is Notre Dame, which is also registered in the UNESCO list; This church is the largest Gothic cathedral in France.
You can see one of the best art museums in French cities in Amiens. The Picardy Museum displays masterpieces of French painting and sculpture in a magnificent building dating back to the Second Empire. The medieval quarter in Quartier Saint-Leu is a great place to stroll, with restaurants, cafes, art galleries and boutiques.
10. Toulouse
Toulouse is one of the largest metropolitan cities in France with important business sectors. Despite this, you can experience the feeling of peace in this city. Toulouse is very important in terms of industry and science. The main branch of Airbus, the European branch of Intel and the largest space center in Europe are located in Toulouse. The University of Toulouse is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1229, and it is the fourth largest university in France.
Toulouse is also the center of attraction of southwestern France. It attracts tourists with its pleasant weather, outdoor cafes and exciting cuisine. The architecture of Toulouse distinguishes it from other cities in the south of France. Buildings with red bricks have given the city the nickname La Ville Rose. Because the gentle light of the morning and late afternoon turns them into the color of roses.
Two important churches, Basilique Saint-Sernin and Couvent des Jacobins, are among the most prominent churches among French cities. Both churches have a red brick facade.
The Augustine Museum, which is a fine arts museum in Toulouse, displays the works of many artists in this field and is welcomed by many art lovers. Pont Neuf is located on the main river of the city and is one of the oldest attractions of French cities in Toulouse. It dates back to the 16th century and its beautiful view is suitable for artistic photography.
11. Montpellier
Montpellier is a multicultural and student city, and the presence of these students gives the city a special mood and energy. This city is located in the Languedoc region and it can be said that it has not yet been discovered by tourists, but this city has many places for tourism.
Comédie Square and its beautiful surrounding areas are one of the most important tourist areas in Montpellier. The historic center of the city, known as L’Écusson, is full of cafes and restaurants located in a maze of cobbled medieval alleys.
Saint Pierre Cathedral is the most important Gothic building of Montpellier and is located right in the middle of the old quarter. Many masterpieces of European painting by old masters are also hung on the walls of the Fabre Museum in Montpellier.
One of the most original architectural buildings of the city, Flaugergues Palace, is located in the outskirts of the city, and the beautiful gardens around it double its beauty.
12. Dijon
Although Dijon is a small city, it has great cultural importance. This city is registered as one of the historical centers in the UNESCO list and contains many aristocratic architectural treasures.
In the heart of the city of Dijon are the Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne and the Palace of the Ducs, which was the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy in the Middle Ages. These buildings were renovated in the 18th century in the neoclassical style. Dijon is famous for its distinctive style of mustard, which has been produced in the city for centuries. Maison Maille and Edmund Fallot have been selling delicious mustard since 1747 and 1840 respectively.
The Notre Dame Church of Dijon was built between 1230 and 1250, and along with the clock on its tower, it has become one of the prominent views of Dijon.
The Anthropological Museum of Burgundy (Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne) is the best place to learn about the history and culture of the Burgundy region. You can see all kinds of clothes and old objects from the 19th century in this museum.
13. Nantes
Nantes is the medieval capital of the Brittany region of France. This city has many cultural attractions. While today Nantes has become a modern city among French cities, its historical neighborhoods are still full of ancient charms.
Nantes Cathedral was built in the 15th century and is a Roman Catholic church in the heart of the city. A large castle is located in the center of Nantes, which was built as a palace for the Dukes of Brittany in 1207. These palaces were used as residences for Brittany’s statesmen until 1941.
Graslin Theater was built in the late 18th century in Italian style. The head of the entrance door has eight columns, and a statue of the symbol of Greek mythology can be seen above those columns.
Les Machines de l’Ile is an unprecedented art project that showcases large and innovative fixed machine structures. Two artists named François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice built these structures inspired by the works of Jules Verne and Da Vinci.
14. Nancy
Nancy is one of the cities of France that has exhibited the elegance and beauty of old French urbanism with its 18th century architecture.
Nancy is full of parks, gardens and green spaces. Stanislav, the former king of Poland and duke of Laurent have built some of these parks. Parks like Pépinière, Jardin Dominique Alexandre Godron, Water garde, Blondlot Park, Citadelle park
Place Stanislaus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to magnificent neoclassical palaces built between 1752 and 1760.
Nancy also has excellent museums, including the Musee des Beaux-Arts, which houses many masterpieces of European painting, and the Musée de l’Ecole de Nancy, a collection of Art Nouveau ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and furniture.
French cities are inexhaustible in charm
France is a spectacular country. All its cities from small to big are full of attractions. It is not possible to introduce them in one article alone. In this article, we reviewed only a few of the top cities in France to be a basic guide for choosing the destination of your trip to France.
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