Building on my entry from last week on some great day trips from Paris [which can be viewed here: Great Day Trips From Paris], here are three nice cities to visit in France when you want to go somewhere new.
Disclaimer: I am not saying these are the best cities to visit in France. These are just a few of my favorite to get you started.
Marseille:
Many visit Marseille just to see its extraordinary calanques.
Notable Cathedral: Basilique de Notre Dame de la Garde
With its beautiful calanques and views of the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is a worthy travel destination. Take a boat trip to Chateau d’If, made famous by Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo [You can view a full guide to the Chateau d’If here: Guide to Chateau d'If] and experience the beauty of the Vieux Port. Though the trek to the cathedral is difficult if you are walking, the view on top of the Notre Dame de la Garde makes it worthwhile.
Lyon:
A view of Lyon while descending from Notre Dame de Fourvière.
Notable Cathedral: Notre Dame de Fourvière
It has been said many times that if Paris is the heart of France, then Lyon is its stomach. Visit Lyon to sample one of its many delicious dishes. Try one of the traditional meals of the region, such as coq au vin, rooster in wine sauce and kir, a delicious white wine mixed with crème de cassis [black currant liqueur]. While in Lyon, make sure to visit Notre Dame de Fourvière. If you are weary of the hike up to the church, you can take the funicular train up to the top.
Strasbourg:
Petit France is a nice place for a walk in Strasbourg
Notable Cathedral: Notre Dame de Strasbourg
With a unique blend of French and German culture, Strasbourg is a great choice to visit. Make sure to explore Le Petit France, an area with architecture similar to Colmar. You can visit A Blend of France and Germany in Strasbourg for a city guide for Strasbourg.
Look out for future city guides on the cities mentioned in this article.
Related articles:
Three great day trips from Paris
