France - the home of food, fashion, and fine wines - has so much more to offer than the famous Parisian landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. With many UK airports now flying to France’s regional hubs, other cities in l’Hexagone are worth exploring on your next short break away.
1. Nantes
Image Credit: Sarah Cronk
Situated on the River Loire in the west of the country, this fascinating metropolis is an important historical, cultural, and industrial capital for the region, and is well known for being both lively and innovative.
One of the top attractions is Les Machines de l’île based at the former naval dockyard. It exhibits an inventive Jules Verne-style artistic project, touching upon the mechanical world of Leonardo da Vinci and the industrial history of the town. Have a ride on the larger-than-life, 18 metre high, hydraulic elephant, visit the gallery to fly on a robotic heron, or take a spin on the carousel. This attraction is certainly not to be missed.
Visit the Château des ducs de Bretagne, the Breton residence of the French monarchy, for a taste of history; ascend the Tour Bretagne to le Nid, a bird’s nest-themed rooftop bar with stunning views of the city; and dine in the 120-year-old La Cigale brasserie, possibly one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city.
The Jardin des Plantes is also well worth a visit on a sunny day. This thoughtful botanical garden, first established in 1688, will bring the inner child out in everyone. From the supersized park furniture to the charmingly shaped topiary and giggling fountain, there’s something new to discover around every corner.
2. Lyon
Image Credit: Sarah Cronk
The second largest city, known as ‘the stomach of France’, is perfect for a weekend away.
The Old Town is wonderful for a leisurely stroll around inviting shops, cafés, and the traditional eateries, or “bouchons”, of Lyon. From this area, take a trip up the funicular railway to visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a church with a richly decorated interior. From the outside, enjoy the spectacular outlook over the city, then walk on a little to see the stunning Roman amphitheatre and some of the oldest ruins in France.
Back on lower ground, the Presqu’île area between the Rhône and Saône rivers is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the city, reminiscent of Parisian style. The Place des Terreaux in front of the Town Hall is worth a visit for its magnificent fountain, as is the Place des Jacobins, and the larger Place Bellecour. Opposite the Old Town, you can see the intricate murals painted directly onto the walls of the buildings in a couple of riverside locations. In the south of this peninsular, you can find the modern shopping and dining area of La Confluence, together with the dramatically modern architecture of La Musée des Confluences.
Towards the north of the city, hike up to the top of La Croix-Rousse for more outstanding views, then wander down to the large Tête d’Or park to see the impressive glasshouses, the deer sanctuary, and a selection of exotic animals in the (free) zoo.
3. Carcassonne
Image Credit: Sarah Cronk
For an instant dose of the history and culture of the French Occitan region, fly to Carcassonne. This city on the hill looks magnificent from the banks of the Aude. The Château Comtal is a fine example of medieval architecture and it finds itself on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
After exploring the narrow roads and absorbing the atmosphere of this historical masterpiece, refuel with the traditional local dish of cassoulet alongside live music at l'Ostal des Troubadours - one of the oldest restaurants in the cité dating from the 13th century.
Whilst in the region, take a trip out to the Black Mountains to the north of the city to visit the spectacular Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine - a cave with astounding rock formations, and large enough to hold the Eiffel Tower.
4. Dinard
Image Credit: Sarah Cronk
Although small, this town on the northern Brittany coastline makes for a wonderfully relaxing weekend escape. Dinard is famous for its annual British Film Festival in early October, where a wealth of screenings and exhibitions are put on for visitors; the 2018 festival played host to Harry Potter star Rupert Grint and Bond girl Monica Bellucci, with Colin Firth having attended in previous years.
Away from the festival, Dinard has a beautiful sandy beach with excellent coastline walks, a variety of restaurants, and a large and diverse market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Dinard is just a stone’s throw from the walled town of St Malo, which is accessible from Dinard via a regular shuttle boat. This year, as every four years, St Malo will be the departure point for the single-handed Route du Rhum yacht race to Guadeloupe. The town hosts many charming shops and plenty of restaurants within its walls; from the Parisian-esque Café de l’Ouest to the particularly quirky La Java with swings at the bar and weird and wonderful memorabilia throughout.
Take a trip to Mont-St-Michel, less than an hour from Dinard, and cross the causeway to see this gravity-defying edifice. The abbey and its surrounding streets has served as inspiration for numerous films, and upon entering its protective walls, it’s clear to see why.
Read our next blog to find out about Toulouse, Montpellier, La Rochelle, and Nice.
Title Image Credit: Sarah Cronk (Image Cropped)