The best cities in France to visit that don’t include Paris or Bordeaux!
France is a beautiful country and a top tourist destination. Its historical heritage is remarkable, its landscapes superb, its cities amazing and romantic. Not to mention the famous French cuisine and the world-class wines. This country allows tourists to experience unforgettable emotions. This guide will present some hidden treasures that are by far among the best cities to visit in France.
Orleans
Orleans is the soul of France. It is located 80 miles southwest of Paris on the banks of the Loire River. The city endured more sieges than any other in the history of the country. Besides the amazing buildings, churches, and museums, Orleans is a city of festivals and bohemian entertainment. It is also a perfect starting point to explore the castles and the countryside of the Loire Valley. A visit to the house of the tragic hero Joan of Arc is a must.
Arles
Arles is a Roman city located in the south of France close to Marseilles. The beauty of Arles is depicted in the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, who lived there and in the movie Ronin with Robert de Niro. The Arena, the aqueducts, the baths, and the mill are some of the marvels of Roman engineering that a tourist can admire in Arles. It is no accident that the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Reims
Reims is located 80 miles east of Paris. The city holds a special place in France’s history since its spectacular cathedral was the coronation place of the French Kings. The Palace of Tau and the St Remi Basilica, along with the numerous museums and forts worth a visit. Reims has many beautiful squares
decorated with Roman and medieval sculptures. And since it is the capital of the Champagne region, a tour of the wineries with their huge caves will be a bubbling experience.
Nevers
Nevers is located in the heart of Burgundy 2 hours south of Paris. It is a medieval town and the highlight is the Ducal Palace with its impressive turrets. But Nevers is most known for porcelains. The workshops there create fine pieces and a tourist must definitely see the famous faience china. And since Burgundy is the best wine-making region on the planet, Nevers offers the opportunity to taste amazing wines.
Biarritz
Biarritz is located in the southwest of France near the borders with Spain. Blessed with a magnificent Atlantic coastline, Biarritz is one of the most high-end French resorts since the times of Napoleon, who held a palace there (Hotel du Palais). A tourist can visit the casino, play golf on one of the oldest courses in Europe, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city. And of course, Biarritz is one of the most popular surf destinations in the world.
The above best cities to visit in France are just a glimpse of what the country can offer to a tourist. There are limitless options. The world-class resorts of the Riviera, the romantic towns of Brittany, and the mountain cities of the Alps are also great places to go for a holiday. And a visit to France is not complete without a snapshot of Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
