Top Cities in France you should visit

France – A Tourist Attraction

The French Republic is located in Western Europe and has the perfect avenues for a vacation with Mediterranean beaches, medieval cities and alpine villages. France is well-reputed for its fine wine and gastronomic cuisines. It provides a geographic, linguistic and economic bridge between northern and southern Europe and is the continent’s leading Industrial power as well as agricultural producer. Tourism plays a major role in generating revenue for France due to the variety of its cultural practices, landscapes, climates and exquisite menus. It was visited by up to 70 million foreign tourists each year at the end of the 20th century. Moreover a rich architectural heritage can be found in France including styles such as Gothic, Beaux Arts, and Art Deco. Major attractions include the Pompidou Center, the pyramid entrance to the Louvre, and the Grand Arch.

Top Cities to Visit in France

Paris

Not only the capital city of France but also its primary culture and commercial center. It is a sprawling metropolis and is referred to as ville lumière, or “city of light.” The incredible art collection in world-class museums, The River Seine gushing through the city, the lit up cafes and narrow streets, centuries-old churches, and blocks of Rococo and Neoclassical-design architecture, coupled with cascading trees and glowing streetlamps.

You will also spot chic Parisians strolling through the bridges and heading towards classy restaurants in the evening for street crepes or coffee with croissants early in the morning. You can even devour the freshly baked loaves at the Farmer’s markets on the edge of every street. Ernest Hemingway very aptly called Paris as the city of “many splendors” in his memoir “A Moveable Feast.” Plan a visit to the boutiques in Le Marais, catch a view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, or even plan a day trip to Versailles Palace. Paris is one of the most crowded places with 30 million tourists visiting it every year. For lower travel rates and shorter lines at attractions, make sure to visit Paris in fall. Especially, if you want a cheaper travel package then travel in winter because summertime is the most busy and expensive all year round.

Best Attractions/Activities in Paris:

Louvre Museum

If you are an art lover but don’t have the patience to wait in long queues, it is recommended that you approach a trip advisory company in Paris. This will enable you to explore the museum’s 35,000 artworks across eight themed galleries from your art historian guide in a small group of around 25 other visitors. You can view architecture and culture dating from 450 BC to the 19th century. You can even upgrade for a private tour and watch “Venus de Milo” and “Mona Lisa.” You will hear commentary from an English speaking curator and will be provided with a headset for clear audio.

Bateaux Parisiens

Enjoy a gourmet dinner cuisine at your night out in Paris along the River Seine. Watch the iconic Paris attractions that line the Seine’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed riverbanks. The beautiful sites like the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay and Ile de la Cité while floating on a luxury Bateaux Parisiens river boat is a once in a lifetime experience. This is a can’t miss 3-course à la carte meal accompanied with champagne and live music at one of the grandest cities in the world. You can also step out on the open-air deck of the sightseeing boat for a breath of fresh air and witness the illumination by the city lights.

Disneyland Paris Park

With 2 tickets you can hop between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios. The Disneyland Park will allow your children and even you to immerse in fairy-tale adventures of your favorite Disney princesses while at the Walt Disney Studios Park you can marvel at the worlds of Disney and Pixar bringing back the magic of their movies alive. Have an amazing time at the shows, parades, roller coaster rides and click selfies at the ‘meet n greets’ with Disney characters. Don’t forget to visit the five magical themed lands: Main Street U.S.A., Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland.

Other Places to visit in Paris:

Notre-Dame Cathedral (churches and religious sites)View all Photos

Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (churches and religious sites)
Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (monuments and memorials)
Musée d’Orsay (museums)
Luxembourg Gardens (parks and gardens)
Versailles Palace (castles and palaces)

Best Hotels in Paris:

Le Bristol Paris
Four Seasons Hotel George V
Mandarin Oriental
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa
Ritz Paris
Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal
The Peninsula Paris

Marseille

This is France’s second largest city which was established 2600 years ago originally as a Port City. Now it is a growing Metropolis in the Mediterranean especially after it was named as the European Capital of Culture in 2013. It is famous for its innovative museums and Michelin-starred restaurants. There is a hilly landscape giving an ancient almost gothic feel, whitewashed buildings and rivers filled with yachts. The best time to visit Marseilles is from September to November after the peak tourist season from May to August.

This frees up the attractions, accommodations and beaches. April is perhaps the best time of the year when visitors receive cheaper packages for flights and rooms, the weather is pleasant and the city is not very crowded. For a more economical holiday, you can cut down on your meal expenses by grabbing baguettes and cheese from local bakeries or even stop by the Quai des Belges fish market and make an affordable feast for yourself. You can even gain a City Pass from the Marseille tourism office which gives visitors access to public transportation and a discount at various shops.

Best Attractions/Activities in Marseille:

Provence Full Day Tour

This is a private tour by a professional guide from Marseille. Explore the medieval villages and reputed architecture on this exclusive trip with accommodation and conveyance facilities provided to the visitors at all times for convenience. This is a personally tailored trip allowing you to stop in the Avignon and Luberon region, such as Gordes, and Menerbes or even explore Arles and the Alpilles area. Amenities like traveling in an air-conditioned minivan with Wi-Fi are also available. Hotel pick-up and drop-off facilities along with live commentary on board are some of the experiences which will give you ease while touring Provence.

Electric Bike Tour

You definitely don’t want to miss out on this full-day ride through France’s Mediterranean coast from Calanques to Marseille. On this outdoor excursion, satisfy the adventure-loving side of yours by witnessing the ports and fishing villages like Madrague Montredon and Vallon des Auffes or discover the beauty of Marseille and its famous fjord-like coves. You can also visit sites like Prado Beach, Les Goudes, Callelongue Cove and swim in the freshwater, have lunch or play a game of pétanque on the beach. The panoramic views at the end of your ride will welcome you to the complex network of streets in Marseille and the bustling Old Port.

Provence Lavender Fields

In a small group of maximum eight people you can visit the bohemian town of Aix-en-Provence and travel through Valensole Plateau. You can even learn more about this contemporary university town with ancient Roman roots. The lavender fields, especially in summers have this distinct fragrance which perfumes the air around the town. At the Valensole village stop by the bustling markets and you can even shop bouquets and essential oils with lavender and thyme scents to take as souvenirs back home. You will be supplied by a local guide and transport through an air-conditioned minivan.

Other Places to visit in Marseilles:

Abbaye Saint Victor (churches and religious sites)
Fort Saint-Jean (monuments and memorials)
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (churches and religious sites)
Parc National des Calanques (parks and gardens or hiking and recreation)
Mucem (museum)
Cathédrale de la Major (churches and religious sites)
Château d’If (monuments and memorials)

Best Hotels in Marseille:

InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu
Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port
C2 Hotel
Les Roches Blanches
NH Collection Marseille
Radisson Blu Hotel, Marseille Vieux Port
Novotel Marseille Vieux Port

Nice

For a vacation on the Mediterranean shore, this is a prime port on the French Riviera. Beach holiday lovers and people who want to explore diverse cultures visit Nice frequently. The maze-like streets of Old Town have Baroque churches, Place Masséna will give you a sight of the modern sculptures in these gardens, Cimiez provides ancient Roman ruin backgrounds with summer jazz concerts, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral tower overhead as you pass Avenue Nicolas II will have you marvel at the candy-colored onion domes.

You are going to love this city for its pebbly waterfronts, pastel-coloured buildings and swaying palm trees. One Of the best places to stay here is Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée for a luxurious and comfortable trip with top-quality services and staff. The best times to visit are from September to October or from Mid-March to April for lower room and travel rates. Despite the warm climate, it is suggested to pack some layered clothing for the chilly winds from the Mediterranean Sea even during summers may catch you off-guard. Inorder to save up money be very cognizant of the private beaches which are dominated by private restaurants and businesses that prohibit visitors from taking personal drinks or snacks and even charge extra just for lounging. A better alternative is public beaches which are absolutely free to relax at.

Best Attractions/Activities in Nice:

Tour Monaco, Eze, and La Turbie from Nice

If you have researched well and are trying to keep this vacation budget-friendly then you will know that Monaca is a very glamorous tourist destination in Europe, however staying at Monte-Carlo may be a little too expensive. Therefore, an effective solution is to visit as part of a full-day tour from Nice. On your way you can even explore Formula One Grand Prix track, Monte Carlo Casino and watch the changing of the guards at the Prince’s Palace; the Fragonard perfume factory in Eze; and the hilltop village to see views of the French Riviera in La Turbie. See the Trophy of the Alps and the Rock of Monaco. This is a personalized trip because the group only consists of eight people and hotel pick-up and round-trip transport is accessible too.

Mediterranean Cooking Class and Dinner

You can learn how to cook Mediterranean cuisine in the home of the local culinary enthusiast, Marie-Christine. You will not only make French dishes through the organically produced ingredients from the Green-grocery markets but also savor these foods in the company of Marie-Christine herself. She will also give you tips about traveling in Nice and its specialities. You will be taught a 3-course splendid fulfilling meal and be served complimentary beverages even non-alcoholic ones for children. You can enjoy authentic cooking classes and indulge in hearty conversations with the chef and her family at her home on the Nice hillside. This activity caters to a maximum 16 visitors and is operated by Eatwith, the world’s largest community for authentic culinary experiences.

Molinard Perfume Workshop

Experiment with the perfect scents to create your very own while visiting a workshop at the Molinard Perfume Boutique in Nice. Discover the secrets behind how expert perfume-makers and mixologists combine different bases, fragrances and oils for making French perfumes that are so precious and reputed world-wide. Blend the ingredients and make your own signature scent to take home in a 50-ml vial and reminisce your time at Nice later. Learn the tradition, history and process of unique-crafted perfumes in the presence of professionals in this field.

Other Places to visit in Nice:

Old Town – Vieille Ville (neighborhood area)
Cours Saleya Flower Market (shopping)
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (museum)
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral (churches and religious sites)
Garden of the Cimiez Monastery (parks and gardens or churches and religious sites)
Parc du Mont Boron (hiking and sightseeing)
Chagall Museum (museum)
Nice Cycle Tours (sports and recreation)