Alternative destinations to visit in France, besides Paris!

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The City of love does not hold a monopoly on romance. In fact, love is the air all around France, and going to second cities will always open the doors for more authentic experiences at a lower cost.

Here are some of our favorite alternative destinations in France that are worth exploring:

Read more: Charming suburban cities a drive away from Paris

Marseille

Marseille Old Port (Vieux-Port de Marseille) with yachts and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde at night. Marseille, France

Marseille is the second largest city in France and is often overlooked by tourists. This city has a unique blend of history, culture, and diversity, making it an interesting place to visit. Marseille is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in France, as well as a vibrant arts scene and excellent cuisine. The city also has a rich history, with numerous museums and monuments to visit, including the MuCEM, a museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilizations.

How to get there:

8 hours by car from Paris, or you can take a high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Marseille St. Charles, which takes around 3 hours.

Bordeaux

Colorful landscape view of Saint Emilion village in Bordeaux region, France

Bordeaux is a charming city in southwestern France, known for its wine and history. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its 18th-century architecture is well-preserved. Bordeaux is also a food lover’s paradise, with many gourmet restaurants, local markets, and vineyards to visit. If you’re a wine connoisseur, be sure to visit the vineyards in the nearby region of Saint-Emilion, where you can sample some of the best wines in the world.

How to get there

Bordeaux is approximately 4 hours by car from Paris, or you can take a high-speed train from Paris Montparnasse to Bordeaux St. Jean, which takes around 2 hours.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful coastal city located on the French Riviera. This city has a long history as a popular holiday destination, and it’s easy to see why. Nice has a mild climate, stunning beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the old town, which is filled with narrow streets and colorful buildings, or visit the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, which has an impressive collection of modern art.

How to get there

Nice is approximately 7 hours by car from Paris, or you can take a flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Nice Côte d’Azur, which takes around 1 hour.

Strasbourg

Summer view at La Petite France, a historic quarter of the city of Strasbourg in eastern France

Strasbourg is a beautiful city located in northeastern France, near the border with Germany. The city is a mix of French and German cultures, and it has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Strasbourg is known for its picturesque old town, with its narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and the impressive Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame. Visitors can also explore the European institutions, including the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.

How to get there

Strasbourg is approximately 2 hours by car from Paris, or you can take a high-speed train from Paris Est to Strasbourg, which takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Read more: Charming suburban cities a drive away from Paris

Lille

Clock tower in Lille

Lille is a charming city located in northern France, near the Belgian border. The city has a rich history and culture, with numerous museums, art galleries, and historical monuments to visit. Lille is also known for its cuisine, and visitors can sample traditional dishes such as carbonnade, a hearty beef stew, or try the famous Maroilles cheese.

How to get there

Lille is approximately 2 hours by car from Paris, or you can take a high-speed train from Paris Nord to Lille Europe, which takes around 1 hour.

Start planning your French dream trip now at our Trip Planner! 

We’ll always advocate for going beyond on your trips, beyond the usual attractions, the usual food, and the usual comfort zone. Consider setting apart more days in your trips to go beyond the usual destinations, and you’ll see a portal of amazing discoveries open right before your eyes!

– Your friends at Citycatt 😽

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