From its mountain regions to Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, France offers more than just Paris for a mini break, as you’ve read in our previous blog. Here are another four cities worth exploring, with direct flights from the UK:
1. Toulouse
Image Credit: Sarah Cronk
Toulouse is famous for its connection with the aerospace industry: it counts the headquarters of Airbus, the Galileo positioning system, and Aerospace Valley in its technical line up. The Cité de l’espace celebrates this realm of technology, and visitors to this theme park can see full-scale models of the Mir space station and Soyuz modules, and find out more about life beyond the stratosphere in the planetarium.
The Pink City itself, so-called for its unique architecture of terracotta bricks, also offers a wealth of history to uncover. Its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Canal du Midi and the Basilica of St Sernin, which is the largest remaining Romanesque building in Europe, both make for a great starting point on a list of weekend-break sights.
The Capitole de Toulouse, or city hall, is a magnificent structure on the Place du Capitole, which is lined with restaurants, shops, and fresco-lined archway ceilings. Walking around the city, away from this main square, there are no end of churches and historical monuments to discover. The Church of the Jacobins is notable for its palm tree vaulted ceiling, as is the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Toulouse for its structure as two incomplete churches, the first dating from the early thirteenth century.
During summer months, escape from the hot streets with a stroll around the city’s extensive parks (the Jardin des Plantes, the Grand Rond, and the Jardin Royal) or along the banks of the tree-lined River Garonne.
2. Montpellier
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Montpellier is a city with much to offer throughout the year. The Place de la Comédie is at the heart of life in this metropolis; not only do its tram lines connect up the city here, but the beautiful architecture of this large pedestrian precinct is reminiscent of Parisian style. The Opéra Comédie looks imposingly onto life in this square, whose fountain and statue have stood proudly since 1773. During December, this area is adorned with festive decorations, as the Christmas Market stretches along the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle to the north of the square.
A few steps away from this large square you can begin to lose yourself among the narrow medieval streets, filled with designer boutiques, antique dealers, and tea rooms. Vegans need not miss out on French pâtisseries either - Les Demoiselles de Montpellier cater for every sweet tooth. Walk up to the Arc de Triomphe in the west of the town, take a stroll around La Promenade du Peyrou, and see the aqueduct dating from 1766 which supplies the city’s fountains to this day.
For a longer break, Montpellier is situated close to the seaside resorts of Palavas-les-Flots and La Grande Motte on the Med, both accessible by public transport. Heading inland, the towns of Nîmes and Avignon are just a short TGV ride away; the former is famous for its imposing Roman amphitheatre, the latter for its papal palace and, of course, the historic remains of its 12th-century bridge.
3. La Rochelle
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Touching the Atlantic Ocean in the west of France, La Rochelle is a great starting point for a mini break. The Vieux Port, with its domineering towers at the entrance to the harbour, is picturesque and lined with seafood restaurants. In July, the city plays host to the FrancoFolies music festival, celebrating the best of French-language music from around the world. When exploring the Old Town of La Rochelle, the Café de la Paix is not one to be missed - now classed as an historical monument, it dates from 1793 and was restored in the 1930s with beautiful Belle Époque decor.
Aside from La Rochelle’s history, cafes, and markets, one of the definite advantages of a holiday in the city is its proximity to the Île de Ré. Hourly buses leave from La Rochelle’s train station and cross the 3km long bridge to this island retreat, famously frequented by the rich and famous. It’s the Parisian version of the Hamptons, with long golden beaches, extensive cycle paths, and plenty of harbour-side villages. The pretty, fortified capital of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is an idyllic base. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled when travelling around the island for the iconic Poitou donkeys - they’ll be the ones wearing pyjamas!
4. Nice
Image Credit: Sarah Cronk
Nice, well known for its status as the ‘place to be’ on the French Riviera, is the perfect flight time for a long weekend away in the late Mediterranean sunshine. With the festive season on the horizon, veer away from the colder, northern European Christmas Markets and try the south of France this year instead. With over sixty chalets with local and craft products on display, a skating rink and a big wheel, you’ll be able to enjoy a warmer Christmas experience with decorated palm trees!
As well as its high-end retail shops on the Rue Paradis, its extensive selection of outlets in the Nice Étoile centre and on surrounding streets, Nice has much to offer weekend trippers. Sip a coffee on the Place Masséna, wander along the seafront on the Promenade des Anglais, and dine at the Michelin-starred le Chantecler restaurant at the iconic Hotel Negresco. You mustn’t miss the stunning Marché aux Fleurs on the Cours Saleya in the heart of Nice’s Old Town, open everyday except Monday; trading since 1897, it’s ranked by France’s National Council for the Culinary Arts as being one of the most exceptional markets in the country.
Whilst in the region, take a short excursion by train to Monaco for a day. As well as viewing the stunning Riviera from the window, you can visit the famous Casino of Monte-Carlo (be sure to check the dress code in advance!), lunch at the legendary Café de Paris, and explore Old Monaco near the palace of this tiny principality.
Where in France will you be jetting off to next?
Title Image Credit: Sarah Cronk (Image Cropped)