Visit France for great experiences! Explore Paris, Carcassonne, Biarritz and more on your next vacation.
France is a popular travel destination for tourists from around the world, especially for its iconic capital, Paris. However, there are many beautiful and interesting cities to visit in France besides Paris. These include Marseille, Nice, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes, Montpellier, Lille, Toulouse and Avignon. Each city offers its own unique culture, history, cuisine and tourist attractions, making them all great destinations for an unforgettable holiday.
Best cities to visit in France besides Paris
France is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. While Paris is indubitably the most iconic city in France, there are other charming cities to explore in this diverse and beautiful country. Some of the top cities to visit besides Paris are Bordeaux, Nice, Marseille, Strasbourg, Montpellier, Lyon, Lille and Toulouse. From beaches and historical sites to cultural experiences and vibrant nightlife, each of these cities offer something unique. Visit Bordeaux for its vineyards, explore Nice and take a dip in the Mediterranean, discover the art galleries and canals of Marseille, appreciate the stunning Gothic architecture in Strasbourg, visit Montpellier for its buzzing atmosphere, admire the sophisticated cultural scene in Lyon, enjoy the buzzing nightlife in Lille and explore the elegant white-stoned streets of Toulouse. Every French city will provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
Exploring the French Riviera: An Unforgettable Experience
Situated on the Mediterranean coast, the French Riviera is a breathtakingly beautiful region in the south of France. With its stunning beaches, secluded coves, and quaint villages, the French Riviera is the perfect place to visit for those looking for a unique and wonderful holiday experience. From soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters to exploring the charming local villages and taking in the breathtaking views, the French Riviera has something for everyone.
Enjoy the Beaches
The beaches of the French Riviera are some of the most beautiful in the world. From wide, sandy beaches to secluded coves and hidden bays, the French Riviera has it all. So, if you’re looking to relax in the sun and take a dip in the sea, then the French Riviera is the perfect destination for you. Don’t miss the iconic beach of Nice, or the picturesque shores of Cannes.
Explore the Local Villages
The local villages of the French Riviera are equally as impressive as its beaches. From the picturesque villages of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Villefranche-sur-Mer to the stunning old town of Antibes, these villages are the perfect destinations to explore on foot. Spend a day strolling the cobbled streets, and exploring the unique culture of the region.
Sample the Local Delicacies
The French Riviera is known for its delicious local delicacies. From tender, juicy olives to creamy goat’s cheese and succulent seafood, the French Riviera has all the ingredients to tantalize your taste buds. Be sure to try the traditional Socca, a savoury pancake made from chickpea flour and olive oil. And, of course, don’t miss out on the pastries and cakes of Cannes.
Take in the View
One of the best ways to enjoy the French Riviera is to take in the views. Whether it’s the massive cliffs of the Esterel mountain range or the stunning blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, there is no shortage of breathtaking sights to see. For some of the best views, head to the Promenade des Anglais in Nice or the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.
In conclusion, the French Riviera is a truly spectacular region to visit. With its beautiful beaches, idyllic villages and delicious local delicacies, the French Riviera is the perfect place for anyone looking for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Exploring the Land of Wine in Bordeaux
The beautiful city of Bordeaux in southwestern France is world-renowned for its wine-producing industry and its beautiful urban landscapes. Located in the Gironde department of the Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is home to some of the most renowned wine regions in the world. Many people come to Bordeaux each year to explore its culture, fine wines, and historic sites.
The Wine-Producing History of Bordeaux
Bordeaux has been producing some of the world’s finest wines since the early 18th century. In fact, the region has been producing wine since the Romans first introduced plantation to the area in the 2nd century BC. The region is known for producing some of the most diverse and exquisite wines, with over 7,000 wine growers and 130,000 hectares of vines spread across the area.
The Different Varieties of Bordeaux Wines
Bordeaux is known for producing some of the best wines in the world. From the famous reds of Médoc and Margaux to the full-bodied whites of Graves and Pessac-Léognan, there are many different types of Bordeaux wine to choose from. Some of the most popular wines of the region include:
- Médoc: This iconic red wine is produced in the Médoc region of Bordeaux and is a blend of two of the five grape varieties used in Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
- Pessac-Léognan: This well-known white wine is produced in the Graves region of Bordeaux and is made from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
- Saint-Emilion: This famous red wine is produced in the Libourne subregion of Bordeaux and is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
- Sauternes: This sweet, golden-coloured dessert wine is produced in the Barsac subregion of Bordeaux and is made from the Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes.
Visit Famous Bordeaux Vineyards
Vineyards are a must-visit when in Bordeaux. There are many different vineyards located throughout the region producing some of the finest wines in the world. Some of the most well-known vineyards in Bordeaux include Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Mouton-Rothschild, Château Pichon-Longueville, and Château Haut-Brion.
Experience the Rich Culture of Bordeaux
Aside from discovering the wonderful wines and vineyards of Bordeaux, visitors can also explore the city’s rich culture. From its picturesque architecture, to its vibrant nightlife, and its many museums, Bordeaux is a great destination for travelers looking to explore the culture of France.
Discover Historic Sites in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is home to many historic sites, including the renowned Miroir d’Eau, a reflective pool located in front of the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. Other historic sites worth visiting include the Notre Dame de Bordeaux church, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, and Place de la Bourse.
Endless Possibilities in Bordeaux
From its world-renowned vineyards to its picturesque architecture and lively nightlife, Bordeaux is a great destination for those looking to explore the land of wine. Whether you want to sample some of the region’s renowned wines or explore its vibrant culture, Bordeaux is a destination that has something for everyone.
A Journey Through Normandy and Its WWII History
From the sweeping coastal cliffs of Normandy to the many Allied memorials scattered throughout the region, it is easy to see why this region of Northern France is so revered. During WWII, Normandy was the site of some of the most significant engagements of the war, as Allied forces fought to liberate France from Nazi Germany. To this day, a journey through Normandy reveals a powerful and poignant history, with many sites and landmarks dedicated to preserving, studying and commemorating the events that took place here during the war.
The D-Day Landings
No exploration of Normandy’s WWII history would be complete without a visit to the beaches and sites of the D-Day landings of June 1944. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the invasion at Normandy was the largest seaborne invasion in history, with 156,000 troops from the US, UK and Canada landing along a 50-mile stretch of coastline. Visitors can explore some of the most important sites, including Omaha Beach as well as the Pointe du Hoc, a crucial cliff-side strongpoint overlooking Omaha Beach which was successfully defended by a small group of US Rangers.
The Sites of the Battle of the Falaise Pocket
The Battle of the Falaise Pocket was a decisive battle in the close of the Battle of Normandy. During the retreat of Nazi forces, more than 10,000 German troops were killed and tens of thousands were captured. Of course, Allied losses were also severe. Today, visitors to the region can explore some of the sites of this important battle, including Chambois, La Fiere and Ecouché. Chambois is home to a museum and memorial to the battle, whilst La Fiere boasts a memorial bridge with a life-size sculpture of American soldiers.
The Museum of the Battle of Normandy
The Museum of the Battle of Normandy in Bayeux is the perfect place to learn more about the broader history and legacy of the battle. The museum houses an impressive collection of WWII artifacts, as well as interactive displays and maps tracking the campaigns, with audio-visual presentations bringing the stories to life for visitors.
The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery
The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Bayeux is the largest of its kind in France, with 4,650 graves belonging to British, Canadian and Australian soldiers who were killed in the Battle of Normandy. The large stone cross which stands at the entrance of the cemetery pays tribute to all of the soldiers who were killed in the conflict, and is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.
Exploring Normandy
Normandy is a place of great natural beauty and its rich history adds another layer of fascination to the region. Visitors can take the time to explore its many World War II memorials and sites, from the beaches of the D-Day landings to the sites of the Battle of the Falaise Pocket, the Museum of the Battle of Normandy and the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. All of these places are a testament to the brave men and women who fought to liberate France from Nazi occupation and should not be forgotten.
