This riverfront area is characterized by its cobblestone streets, cozy cafes and half-timbered town homes bedecked with window boxes of colorful flowers. One of Strasbourg’s most picturesque neighborhoods, La Petite France, is another of the city’s tourist magnets. Here among a blend of both French and German architecture with signs in both languages, the center offers many museums and striking attractions such as the stunning Gothic cathedral, which features pink sandstone, intricate carvings and a 300-year old working, astrological clock. The city’s historic center, Grande Ile, is a must visit. Strasbourg serves as the seat of the European Parliament and numerous other important European institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe. Situated right on the border of the two countries, Strasbourg is the capital city of the Alsace region. Strasbourg is the point where France and Germany mesh together in perfect harmony.
See also: Top Lyon Attractions 8. Strasbourg
While Lyon frequently illuminates its major monuments year-round, the Festival of Lights is an important annual event, attracting more than 4 million people to the various celebrations of candle lightings and professional sound-and-light shows.
Many souvenir shops and restaurants are found within this area. Jean Cathedral with its astronomical clock. Vieux Lyon is the historic center featuring narrow, cobblestone streets, Renaissance architecture and landmarks like St. Fourvière is the place to go to see Roman ruins and Gothic churches, and Brotteaux is the wealthy district containing the beautiful Tete d’Or park. For example, Presqu’île is the heart of the city with its restaurants, bars and clubs while Croix-Rousse is known for its hundreds of hidden passageways known as traboules. Each district offers its own share of interesting treasures. Lyon is comprised of nine arrondissements and various neighborhoods. Boasting a long history, Lyon today is the third largest city in France, known for its historic architecture, gastronomy and vibrant cultural scene. Located in east-central France, Lyon is the capital of the Rhone department in the Rhone-Alpes region. See also: Top Marseille Attractions 9. Lyon The city also hosts a large concentration of opera houses and theatres such as Theatre Toursky.Īccommodation: Where to Stay in Marseille Marseille is a thriving regional center of arts and culture with numerous museums, art galleries and historic buildings like La Vielle Charite and the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde.
One of Marseille’s best natural attractions, the Calanques are a series of small inlets with astonishing blue water and majestic limestone cliffs. At the end of the harbor is the Quai des Belges where visitors can view luxury yachts, ferry boats and fishermen auctioning off their catch at the daily fish market. Dominated by two historic forts, this bustling harbor is lined with waterfront cafes, shops and bars. Boasting an idyllic climate, Roman ruins, medieval architecture and distinguished cultural venues, Marseille is also a working city with several universities and industries.Īt the core of Marseille is its old port, Vieux Port. One of Europe’s oldest cities and France’s second largest city, Marseille is a major Mediterranean seaport located off the southeast coast of France. There’s a lot to fit in, but here are the best places to visit in France. In the south, there’s the endless charm of the French Riviera, including Saint-Tropez. There are the French Alps, with Europe’s highest peak Mont Blanc to visit. For more wine, there’s the globally renowned Bordeaux region – famous for you know what. Visit the Loire Valley for castles and vineyards, or Brittany for its earthy Celtic culture. Try the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy on for size or the Germanic culture in the Alsace region. Whilst the country’s capital is a beautiful city filled with neoclassical architecture and some of the country’s most recognizable monuments (think the Eiffel Tower), there’s a lot more to see around the country than just one city. Many people immediately picture Paris when they think of France. Travelers from all over the world are drawn to France’s sophisticated culture, exquisite cuisine, fine wines, romantic chateaux and picturesque countryside. For more than two decades, France has reigned as the world’s most popular tourist destination, receiving 82 million foreign tourists annual.