Destinations
5 Cities To Visit On Your First Trip To France
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For a first time visitor to France, land of romance and wine, there isn’t time to dive into the intricacies of the varied French landscape. You could spend months travelling from town to town, but if you can devote two weeks of time to this itinerary, you’ll get a good idea of the many wonders France has to offer. Brush up on your Bonjours and Mercis!
Paris
France’s capital attracts millions of visitors a year for a reason. Paris is at once the jewel of the French nation and the bane of their existence. Still, it’s a must visit!
After all, one can’t say they’ve been to France without seeing the Eiffel Tower in all its glory. My favourite time to visit the Eiffel Tower is at night when the lights are on. You could also enjoy its beauty from a distance. Pack a picnic and find a lovely park from which to take in the view.
Paris is known for its world class museums. Visit the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and the museum of Cité des Science et d'Industrie for a good mix of different artistic styles. My personal favourite is the Musée d'Orsay. I’ve spent hours wandering through the different rooms and levels. Be sure to wear walking shoes, since flip-flops, high heels or strappy sandals just won’t cut it!
If you’re into the macabre, be sure to visit the catacombs or any of the old cemeteries. Lay a flower at the grave of Oscar Wilde or Émile Zola.
Nice
If you like sun, beaches and food inspired by the Mediterranean, Nice is like a little slice of heaven. The best way to enjoy Nice is to really immerse yourself in the Mediterranean lifestyle. Spend your days walking down the streets of Old Nice, stop for an ice cream and then take a nap on the beach.
Although the public beach in Nice is a pebble beach and not a sand beach, it’s still perfectly comfortable. In fact, I’ve sunburned myself sleeping on the pebbles. Bring a towel and you’ll be fine. The best part about a pebble beach is that you won’t have sand in all the wrong places.
You’ll find tourists and Niceans alike walking, jogging and rollerblading down the Promenade des Anglais. This is one of the best ways to enjoy a sunset.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is in North-Eastern France, close to the German border. The region of Alsace, of which Strasbourg is the capital, has been in contest between Germany and France throughout history, so the city boasts an interesting mix of French and German influences.
Visit one of the many medieval streets or city squares to experience the architecture and design of the well preserved city. The Maison Kammerzell is a great example of this time period. It now houses a restaurant if you want to go inside and explore.
Strasbourg’s Musée Zoologique has an extensive collection of insects, birds, mammals and reptiles. Although it’s not a zoo for kids who want to pet the animals, the collection is enthralling for anyone with an interest in zoology, from insects to marine invertebrates.
Nantes
Nantes has a long and intriguing history. Conquered by Julius Cesar in its early days, then invaded by the Saxons, the Franks, the Britons and the Normans, the streets of Nantes have seen their share of violence and takeovers.
Visitors to Nantes can tour the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, a castle dating to the 13th century. This magnificent structure has been home to the Dukes of Brittany and the King of France. From the fortified walls of the castle, you can see the castle buildings, the courtyards and the town.
Visit one of the many museums in Nantes to learn more about Jules Verne, the history of the sewing machine or the history of printing.
Bordeaux
Welcome to the world’s wine capital! This port city has been honoured by the UNESCO World Heritage List as the location of "one of Europe's biggest 18th Century architectural urban areas." Get ready to have some fun and enjoy the scenery.
A visit to Bordeaux is not complete without a visit to one of the many local wineries. If you can, take a one-day tour of the industry to learn how wine is made. Sample a few varieties or buy a special bottle to enjoy at home with friends.
Rue Sainte-Catherine is the longest pedestrian-only shopping street in Europe. With shops, cafés and restaurants, a visit to Rue Sainte-Catherine could take all day! Visit some of the upscale shops or stop in at the McDonalds. Have fun mingling with other shoppers and experience the European version of the shopping mall.
Merci for the Memories
A visit to these five French cities will be an invigorating introduction to France. You’ll probably be planning your next trip before you get home!
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