The post 5 Magnificent Cities In France You’ve Never Heard Of appeared first on Footloose.

Yes, there are other cities in France apart from Paris, big shocker. Due to Europe’s size, a lot of travellers find it convenient to strike off the capital cities of most European countries and think happily to themselves that the country is “done”. While the jury is still out on the best way to travel Europe–the continent as a whole, or with more focus on each country?–one thing is for sure, France has soooo much more to offer than just the Eiffel Tower.

Here are the top five cities in France that pay homage to its rich history, its excellent gastronomical reputation, and its sheer natural beauty.

Marseilles

It is one of France’s oldest cities, located on the Mediterranean Sea. It played a prominent role in the French Revolution and has many relics from its past standing in remarkably good condition, from Roman ruins to medieval castles. It is primarily a port town, but also has many universities and industries as well. Among its natural attractions are the Calanques, a series of small water inlets that have astonishing blue water and limestone cliffs.

Nice

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera, which is turn is the playground of the rich and famous from Hollywood as well as the world over. For a long time its sunshine and liberal attitudes had attracted artists and writers from around the world, so it makes for a fun walking Tour trying to figure out which famous personality stayed and ate where. Museums and galleries are the bulk of culutural attractions here, like the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Monte Carlo and Cannes are fabulous day trips to make from Nice.

Dijon

If you’ve ever tasted and enjoyed Dijon mustard, now you know where it originates from. Dijon is the largest city and capital of Burgundy, the principal wine-producing and gastronomical destination of France. It is mainly known for its vineyard tours and gastronomical fairs. The city is also home to some beautiful Renaissance buildings and chateaux. Food and wine being a big part of the experience in Burgundy, make sure to have at least one meal in its vast selection of exquisite restaurants, many of which are located in aesthetically pleasing historic settings.

Bordeaux

Located on the River Garonne, a little inland from the Atlantic Ocean in southwestern France, Bordeaux is a world class town with great shopping but also a large cultural and aesthetic scene to offer. Its city centre itself boasts more than 350 historic centers and a charming old bridge called Ponte de Pierre. Place de la Bourse is its most stunning plaza. It’s an elegant city, from which you can make many tours to the surrounding wine country of Bordeaux region and admire the French rural setting which is no less picturesque with its chateaux and vineyards.

Strasbourg

The Alsace region lies between the Rhine Valley and Vosges Mountains in northeastern France and has a very strong German influence. The people here speak French but with a very strong German accent. Even the food specialties are German sausages called sauerkraut. The capital of this region is Strasbourg, home of the European Parliament and a decidedly cosmopolitan city. The main attraction is the Gothic Cathedral Notre Dame, which features daily shows from its astronomical clock.

The best tour of cities in France

GAdventures has a great boat tour of the famous Burgundy region of France called Quintessential Burgundy, with opportunities for wine tasting at vineyards and other gastronomical adventures. For an overview trip, Intrepid Travel also has a good tour called Highlights of France.

Plan your own trip to France with us

We offer custom made tours and itineraries designed exactly to your specifications to France or any other place in the world you could wish to travel to! This way you can have all the fun planning your vacation but leave the boring task of making it a reality to us. Find out more here.

Be sure to leave us a comment below about your favourite cities in France!

The post 5 Magnificent Cities In France You’ve Never Heard Of appeared first on Footloose.