Tourism France

What are the best French cities for tourism?

French is full of cities with great tourist attractions. Preah Vihear Museum, its attractive neighborhood, great restaurants, bustling cafes, charming shops, and beautiful gardens are just some of the attractions. These sights that tourists spend many days seeing them. Maybe you only need a week to visit Paris or Lyon, but other cities are worth visiting.
French cities are very different regarding attractions and even the prevailing culture, and each presents a diverse 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 Nabtrip 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, also known as the city of lovers, has experienced 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 strange, but the Eiffel Tower is a movie star. This tower has played the leading role in 65 films, symbolizing the French lifestyle.

Paris

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. This city’s art, culture, music, fashion, and even food originate from different nationalities. Each neighborhood of Paris has a distinct character that is due to the diverse cultures of its inhabitants. Paris’s 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements 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, something in Paris attracts you. Paris is a city full of history and love stories.

This city has a special magic that captures 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 a fantastic 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 Cathedral, Sacre Coeur Church, Pantheon Temple, Sainte Chapelle Church, Invalides Museum, Versailles Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Versailles Palace, Opera Garni Palace, Palais Royal Paris, and Conciergerie Castle are among the sights of Paris.

Paris

Beautiful restaurants and fashionable boutiques are located in the corners of the city in places such as Champs Elysees, Montmartre, and the Latin Quarter of Paris. Ballet, opera, and classical music performance halls make you a luxurious trip.

You can sit on a bench in beautiful parks and squares such as the Champ de Mars Park, the Tuileries Gardens, the Jardin des Jardins de Luxembourg, the Place de la Concorde, the Place de la Bastille and the Place de la 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, the sun, and stunning views of the Riviera. Nice is a stylish coastal city that has been attracting tourists since 1820. Located at the foot of the Alps and adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, this city is on the list of tourists traveling to France.

The old city of Nice, with its old texture and narrow streets, is beautiful and spectacular among French towns. 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, the Cours Celia, is crowded during the tourist season. The Nice Cathedral, Chapelle de Miscorde, the Chapel of Mercy, and Palais Lascaris Music Museum are located in this old part of Nice.

Nice

At the Matisse Museum, you can see hundreds of works by the famous French artist Henri Matisse. The Nice Museum of Contemporary Art also exhibits various works such as American Pop Art, American Minimalism, and European New Realism.

With its Russian-style design, the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas has distinguished the city’s appearance. Notre Dame Church in Nice is also built in a neo-Gothic style; its exterior with white stone and gold decorations has a unique effect.

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 unique attraction with palm trees, different plant species from around the world, a traditional carousel, and a place for summer concerts.

The English promenade of the city of Nice was built in the 18th century and is a place for beach recreation for tourists. Simiz is also an old part of the city of Nice, which is two thousand years old. The ruins of this building are an excellent place to get to know how the Romans lived.

3. Lion

Lyon is the food capital of France. Culinary enthusiasts flock to this historic city to taste authentic French cuisine and try various local French dishes.

Although Lyon is one of France’s most significant and busiest cities, it 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 the St. John neighborhood and continues to the Du Boeuf neighborhood. People used these secret passages in World War II to escape the Nazi attack.

Notre Dame de Fourviere, one of the unique churches in France, and Saint John the Baptist Cathedral are also located in Lyon.

Lyon

The Roman Theater of Fourviere Lyon is the oldest in France. This theater was built near Forvir Hill during the reign of the Romans.

The Archaeological Museum of Lyon exhibits a unique collection of Gallo-Roman artifacts, including vases, tombstones, mosaics, statues, coins, and ceramics.

The Fine Arts Museum of 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, the heart of which is the cathedral and two castles.

Bordeaux has been a famous port city since ancient Roman times. In the 18th century, this city peaked at its glory and became more prosperous. So today, many neoclassical buildings stand out everywhere in the city.

Bordeaux

The Grand Theater of Bordeaux is the central part of the palace, A part of the Roman civilization left. Twelve massive columns and statues representing nine myths and gods like Juno, Venus, and Minerva have multiplied the beauty of this building. The Aquitaine Regional Museum in Bordeaux is where you can see unique artifacts such as Gallic gold coins, a 3rd-century statue of Hercules, the Knight of Corton, and the Montaigne tomb.

Place des Quinconces, the largest square in Europe, is in Bordeaux. Meanwhile, watching the beautiful statues of Louis XVIII next to the fountains and water dance is a particular 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, a gate in the 13th century, and its central bell is very famous.

The Jardin Park in Bordeaux is built in English and is full of old trees, statues, green spaces, fountains, and various water features.

5. Marseille

Marseille is one of France’s oldest and best cities, with 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 its size of the port and excellent location in the Mediterranean. This city is called a bridge between Europe and North Africa.

Many restaurants in the Old Port or Vieux Port 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.

Marseille

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 an essential building in Marseille. This building is located on top of Gard Hill and can be seen far away. Dula Major Cathedral 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 attractive and historical city in the north of France and 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 are taught in English. For this reason, Lille is one of France’s cities chosen for study migration. On the other hand, Lille is also attractive due to its proximity to other significant European cities. For example, Lille is three hours away from Cologne, two hours from London, one hour from Paris, and 38 minutes from Brussels.

Lille

Its attractions also have their Place. One of the main attractions of Lille is the Grand Place, 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 with an attractive cross-shaped structure. The Paris Gate in the city of Lille is a monument to the capture of this city by Louis XVI, which was built under the name of the Arc de Triomphe in the 17th century.

7. X-en-Provence

The city of Aix-en-Provence symbolizes 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.

The Romans founded this city 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.

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 ancient city’s cobbled streets are also suitable for romantic walks.

Its squares, springs, and fountains are also among the city’s attractions. 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 fine art collection, including paintings from the 14th century to the modern period.

Paul Cézanne’s works are also exhibited in his art studio, Atelier de Cézanne, and 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 town is one of the largest Gothic-style churches in French cities, Notre Dame Cathedral. The central gate and its twin towers were the main subjects of Monet’s famous paintings.

Saint Owen Monastery is an influential monastery from the 14th century, known as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture because of the Norman crown on its upper part.

Rouen

The Fine Arts Museum of Rovan is one of the French cities’ most important art museums. In this museum, you can see all kinds of paintings, sculptures, paintings, and art items from the 15th century to the 21st century.

Joan of Arc is also where the tourists of Rouen can see 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 with all the characteristics of a French town, 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.

Amiens

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 the 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 critical in terms of industry and science. The main branch of Airbus, the European unit of Intel, and the largest space center in Europe are in Toulouse. The University of Toulouse is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1229, and is considered the fourth largest university in France.

Toulouse is also the center of attraction in southwestern France. Its pleasant weather, outdoor cafes, and exciting cuisine attract tourists. The architecture of Toulouse distinguishes it from other cities in the south of France. Buildings with red bricks have been called the city Pink City because the gentle light of the morning and late afternoon turns them into the color of roses.

Toulouse

Two critical churches, Basilique Saint-Sernin, and Couvent des Jacobins, are among the most prominent churches in French cities. Both churches have a red brick facade.

The Augustin Museum, 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 city’s main river and is one of the oldest attractions of French towns in Toulouse. It dates back to the 16th century, and its beautiful view suits artistic photography.

11. Montpellier

Montpellier is a multicultural and student city, and the presence of these students gives the city a particular mood and energy. This city is located in the Languedoc region, and it can be said that tourists have not yet discovered it, but this city has many places for tourism.

Comédie Square and its beautiful surrounding areas are one of Montpellier’s most important tourist areas. The historic center of the city, known as L’Écusson, is full of cafes and restaurants in a maze of cobbled medieval alleys.

Montpellier

Saint-Pierre Cathedral is Montpellier’s most important Gothic building 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 Faber Museum in Montpellier.

One of the most original architectural buildings of the city, called Flujarg Palace, is located on the city’s outskirts, 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 on 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 sold delicious mustard since 1747 and 1840, respectively.

Dijon

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 is the best place to learn about the history and culture of the Burgundy region. In this museum, you can see all kinds of clothes and old objects from the 19th century.

13. Nantes

Nantes is the medieval capital of the Brittany region of France. This city has many cultural attractions. While 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 city’s heart. A large castle in the center of Nantes was constructed as a palace of the Dukes of Brittany in 1207. These palaces were used as residences for Brittany’s politicians until 1941.

Nantes

Garland Theater was built in Italian at the end of the 18th century. The head of the entrance door has eight columns, and a statue of the symbol of Greek mythology can be seen above those columns.

La Machine de Lille is an unprecedented art project showcasing large, innovative stationary machine structures. Two artists named Francois Dolarosier and Pierre Orefice built these structures inspired by the works of Jules Verne and Da Vinci.

14. Nancy

Nancy is one of France’s cities with the architecture of the 18th century, showing the elegance and beauty of old French town planning.

Nancy is full of parks, gardens, and green spaces. Stanislav, the former king of Poland and Duke of Laurent has built some parks. Parks like Pépinière, Jardin Dominique Alexandre Godron, Water garde, Blondlot Park, Citadelle park

Nancy

Place Stanislaus, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has 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.

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