France: A guide to the best cities
City breaks are perfect for winter, as all that walking, shopping and sightseeing keeps you warm, but there's more to France than just Paris
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One of the most striking features of the Dauphiné region's most important and lovely city - Grenoble - is its dramatic setting. Look down any street and you'll get a glimpse of the Alps rising majestically up in the background. For the best view of all, take the cable car up from Quai Stéphane Jay, which is on the south bank of the River Drac, to the Bastille, a 16th century fortress perched on a rocky outcrop above the city. From there, you enjoy a panorama of the whole of the surrounding region, including the red roofs and straight Roman roads of the city and the mountain peaks beyond.
The centre of Grenoble is compact and most of it is pedestrianised, so it's a lovely place to explore, with small streets and attractive squares. The whole area is packed with shops, bars and restaurants, which serve the delicious local specialities, including fondue, raclette and chartreuse liqueur. There are lots of museums in Grenoble, but one of the most interesting is the Museum of the Resistance, which charts the history of the struggle that took place in the city during World War II.
STRASBOURG
Strasbourg is a charming city, whose Alsatian heritage (part-French, part-German), combined with the modern institutions of the European Union - the parliament and Council of Europe are located there - give it a good claim to the title Capital of Europe.
Looping round the city centre is the River Ill and the canal, the Fossé du Faux-Rempart, which branches off it. Inside this is the heart of the old city, known as the Grande Ile, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. This area of attractive old streets and houses, their window boxes colourful with flowers, is dominated by Notre-Dame Cathedral, an impressive sandstone building in Romanesque style. Opposite is the Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame, with its religious paintings, sculptures and stained glass.
Petite France is a separate island, smaller than the Grande Ile. This district, with its half-timbered houses and covered bridges, was once occupied by local artisans, including tanners, fishers and millers, and it remains one of the most delightful parts of the city.
ROUEN
Taking a walk through the ancient streets of Rouen, with their half-timbered medieval houses and elegant Renaissance buildings, is like stepping back in time. Dominating the city centre is its most famous attraction, the stunning Gothic cathedral. It'll seem familiar, even if you're new to the city, because it's the subject of some of Monet's most famous canvases, in which he painted the west façade in different lights. If you want to compare the two, the Fine Arts Museum has one of these paintings on display. If Monet immortalised the cathedral, it was Joan of Arc who gave Rouen its place in history. Look out for the cross in the Place du Vieux Marché that marks the spot where she was burned at the stake.
MONTPELLIER
Attractive squares and elegant façades combine with a café lifestyle here.
MULHOUSE
The city's museums cover all things scientific, from trains to electricity.
NANCY
Stroll through Place Stanislas, a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of Europe's finest squares.
NANTES
The Jardin des Plantes is one of the finest botanical gardens in France.
NIMES
This beautifully-preserved Roman city manages to exude a contemporary feel.
PARIS
Buy a City Passport for discounts and special deals at 47 of the capital's sights.
REIMS
The cathedral and the St Remi Basilica are two of the city's most important buildings.
RENNES
The 17th century parliament building is a highlight of the Breton capital.
SAINT-ÉTIENNE
The City of Design and History combines 18th century charm with lots of modern attractions.
TOULOUSE
Experience the world of outer space and other interactive exhibits at the Cité de l'espace.
VERSAILLES
Tear yourself away from the palace to explore some of the city centre's wonderfully picturesque districts.
CITIES WITH SO MUCH TO OFFER
AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Follow in the footsteps of Cézanne around this elegant city, visiting the places he painted and ending up at his studio on the outskirts of town. AMIENS
Visit the home of 19th century writer Jules Verne and don't miss the illuminations at the Gothic cathedral, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
ANGERS
The city's greatest treasure is the Tenture de l'Apocalypse, 76 scenes that comprise the most important medieval tapestry still in existence.
AVIGNON
The famous Pont d'Avignon used to be the only stone bridge across the Rhône, but floods damaged it so now it stops mid-stream.
BORDEAUX
Tear yourself away from the wine to explore the city's impressive 18th century squares and the town houses of the Chartrons district.
DIJON
Hire a Segway (an electric scooter) to help you glide effortlessly between the city's Ducal Palace, elegant 17th century mansions and, of course, its mustard shops.
LE HAVRE
Follow the walking trail through the city centre, which was skillfully reconstructed after the war by Auguste Perret, and admire the arts centre designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
LILLE
A great shopping destination, Lille is also a good place for culture. Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the most important museums in France.
LYONS
Renowned for its food and colourful markets, Lyons is also the centre of the French silk industry, so don't miss the Museum of Textiles.
MARSEILLES
The oldest city in France has plenty to offer visitors, from the fish market to the Château d'If fortress outside the harbour.
METZ
The city has an interesting mix of architecture, but its main attraction is the cathedral, which has distinctive stained-glass windows designed by artist Marc Chagall.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Aix-en-Provence
2 place du Général de Gaulle www.aixenprovencetourism.com
Amiens
6 bis rue Dusevel www.amiens.com/tourisme
Angers
7 place Kennedy www.angersloiretourisme.com
Avignon
41 cours Jean Jaures www.ot-avignon.fr
Bordeaux
12 cours du XXX Juillet www.bordeaux-tourisme.com
Dijon
34 rue des Forges www.dijon-tourism.com
Grenoble
14 rue de la Republique www.grenoble-isere.info
Le Havre
186 boulevard Clemenceau www.lehavretourisme.com
Lille
Palais Rihour, Place Rihour www.lilletourism.com
Lyons
Place Bellecour, www.lyon-france.com
Marseilles
4 la Canebiere www.marseille-tourisme.com
Metz
2 place d'Armes http://tourisme.mairie-metz.fr
Montpellier
Place de la Comedie www.ot-montpellier.fr
Mulhouse
9 avenue Foch www.tourisme-mulhouse.com
Nancy
Place Stanislas, www.ot-nancy.fr
Nantes
Cours Olivier de Clisson www.nantes-tourisme.com
Nîmes
6 rue Auguste, www.ot-nimes.fr
Paris
25 rue des Pyramides www.pari sinfo.com
Reims
12 boulevard Général Leclerc www.reims-tourisme.com
Rennes
11 rue Saint-Yves www.tourisme-rennes.com
Rouen
25 place de la Cathédrale www.rouentourisme.com
Saint-Étienne
16 avenue de la Libération www.tourisme-st-etienne.com
Strasbourg
17 Place de la Cathédrale www.ot-strasbourg.fr
Toulouse
Donjon du Capitole www.toulouse-tourisme.com
Versailles
2 bis avenue de Paris www.versailles-tourisme.com
WIN A WEEKEND BREAK IN YOUR FAVOURITE FRENCH CITY
For your chance to win a weekend break in Amiens, Le Havre, Marseilles, Montpellier, Mulhouse, Nantes, Rouen or Toulouse, plus first class travel with Rail Europe or club class tickets on an LD Lines’ ferry, click here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments