When Paris is no longer exciting: top 5 French cities to visit

When traveling to the most romantic country in the world, most tourists choose the capital, sometimes Marseille, Nice or Cannes. But in fact, the land of fashion, perfume and love is quite large and diverse.

So let us tell you where to go.

Lille

The city of students is located near Belgium. Here tourists will find no less high cuisine, as well as luxurious architecture that is not inferior to Paris.

We recommend visiting the Palais des Beaux-Arts for those who appreciate the arts. It is fabulous even from the outside. And inside are the masterpieces of Monet, Renoir, Rubens, Rembrandt and others.

By the way, there are many museums in the city: l'Hospice Comtesse, Natural History, and the house of the national hero Charles de Gaulle. We also recommend visiting the stock exchange, the citadel, Lille Cathedral, and the botanical garden.

Nantes

If there is a time machine, it's probably here. Walking around the neighborhood, tourists can travel between eras in one day. And all thanks to the buildings from different centuries that the residents have carefully preserved.

Just imagine: from the medieval neighborhoods of Bouffay and Decré, travelers find themselves in the 1950s. It's a strange thing to see.

Toulouse

Spring is the perfect time to visit Toulouse. The weather is conducive to walking around the amazing city, where the past and the future are harmoniously intertwined.

History and architecture lovers are advised to visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, Saint-Etienne Cathedral, Notre Dame de la Dorade, and the Palace of Assizes. Toulouse is also the center of the country's astronautics and aviation.

To get to know the universe a little better, visit the space town and the themed exhibition hall. The latter, by the way, is considered the best in Europe. By the way, here you can book a tour of the largest Airbus A380.

Montpellier

Most of the sights are located in the historic center, which is separated from the rest of the district by a pedestrian zone. This is where the beautiful classics are located: The Musée de la Paix, the Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Chateau de Flaugergues.

The other half of the city is dynamic and youthful. Fashion boutiques, nightclubs, stylish restaurants, and modern entertainment have already been opened here. One of the most interesting is the oceanarium, which has 3D simulators. The place offers to watch sharks and other animals as if diving to the bottom. Or imagine yourself on a cargo ship breaking through high waves.

Lyon

The capital of Interpol is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sights are everywhere. Feel free to plan 2-3 days for your trip, otherwise you will not have time to see the main attractions.

The historic center has hardly changed since the Renaissance. And there is much to admire in other neighborhoods. We recommend visiting the bohemian Croix-Rousse neighborhood. Once upon a time, there were weaving workshops that made products from the famous Lyon silk.

The Weaver´s Wall mural and a thematic museum remain in memory of them. Now there is a market where you can buy fresh olives and cheese. Fashionable wine bars, glamorous confectioneries, and art galleries have also opened.

France is not just Paris, Nice, or Cannes. There are many amazing places that every tourist should visit. So plan your trip and go explore the unexplored cities of the country.

Only verified information is available in our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!