Slovakia. I spend long summers swimming in the Lac du Bourdon, eating Belgian-style chips while the sun set. With such an exciting past and its perfect location in the heart of the Loire Valley, Tours is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway from Paris by train. Perhapsone of the most awe-inspiring attractions is the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne. Plenty of eating places along Canal de la Robine but our highlight was the bustling Les Halles where we managed to squeeze into an end table at Les Tapas de la Clape for great seafood, wine and coffee. Foodies will love Japanese-French fusion Restaurant Koi with an outdoor terrace and delicious food for a variety of dietary styles plus amazing cocktails. Wine aficionados will appreciate a day trip along the Alsace wine routeto some of the most delightful villages in France, such as Riquewihr and Ribeauvill. Thus, making the summer months the best time to visit Rouen. Having a car really helps to explore theWW2 beaches in Normandybecause the sites can be really far from each other and public transport can be unreliable. The Luberon is stunning in any season. The city is dynamic and engaging, having recently undergone a regeneration, yet it hasnt lost its multicultural appeal. Top tip! Book your train from Paris to Nantes here. You can take several boat cruises from the port including a short hour long one to the little town of Lhon, you can also take a boat to and from Saint Malo to Dinan, or a romantic dinner cruise. Strolling among its medieval old town streets and visiting iconic Palais de lle and Chteau dAnnecy is a must-do. After rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, head to the Princes Palace of Monaco for a truly unforgettable sunset view framed by 800 years of history. If youre looking forward to a relaxed yet vibrant city break, Lille is the perfect French weekend destination. Located at the confluence of the Adour and the Nive rivers, Bayonnes charming streets are the perfect place to learn more about Basque history, culture, and gastronomy. WebMarseille, France. WebI've been to Gdansk, Krakow and Wroclaw, all fantastic cities for a weekend away. Its all just 90 minutes on the train from Paris Gare de lEst.Sally, I discovered Bain-de-Bretagne by accident when running out of fuel while driving south from Rennes to Nantes. Between the turquoise clear waters, the thin golden sand and the amazing views, Corsican beaches are the perfect place to snorkel, tan or simply take a well-deserved nap! Can Bordeaux, apart from being the world capital of wine, also be an ideal destination for a weekend trip? You can walk through the old town and admire all the bright colors against the pastel-colored buildings. People go to Chartres to visit its impressive cathedral, but Chartres is also one of the most lovely cities in Central France, with little streets flanked by old buildings, its charming stairs linking the Old and New Town, and romantic walks along the Eure River. Colmar is a city in the historical region of Alsace near the German border. It is perhaps most famous for its extensive Christmas market, which is the oldest in France and the biggest of the bucket list Alsace Christmas Markets. This post contains affiliate links. On sunny days, be sure to include in your Tours wanderings a rest break at the famousTours-sur-Loire Guinguette,where the beach extends the city limits to the banks of the Loire River. Both tourists and locals meet here for a picnic, go on a pedal boat or just stroll up and down the promenade. Nice Coolest Place to Stay in France. Avignon is a must-see cityin the popular Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur region, known for its Palais des Papes, or the Palace of the Popes. Another iconic attraction that Avignon is famous for is the Avignon Bridge, also known as the Pont Saint-Bnzet. The much-feted master chocolatier Pascal Caffet sells his exquisite confections in the heart of the ancient city. Dont forget to make time for a day trip to the Palace of Versailles. You will find quaint restaurants, wine bars and plenty of tourist amenities in these towns. In addition to trying local specialties like Rosette lyonnaise and Saucisson de Lyon, you will walk through and learn about the secret traboules (passageways) used by the silk trade during Renaissance times. Other notable buildings include St Malos Church, a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture and St Saviours Basilica, a triumph ofRomanesque architecture. Paris, France . All around the city, you will notice magnificent castles, beautiful vineyards, and stunning architecture. Our tipsters go beyond the expected names to hail the charms, cultural and culinary delights of places from Pas-de-Calais to Provence, I really loved the peacefulness of Saint-Nectaire. The Marseille History Museum is an interesting museum as well. Soak in the festive vibe at night where you could have some good food and wine in a local joint, dance, and see performances on different stages set up in the citys streets. Tours is a historical city with a rich heritage and the capital of a kingdom, even if for a short time. Spring is the best time to visit. I'm planning a weekend break to France in April and I have no idea where to go, I have an idea of what I would like in my head but no idea if this even exists!. During your weekend break, youll get to walk into fairy tales and history during your visits to the stunningLoire Valley castles. Have you visited one of these destinations already or do you have another suggestion to add to this list? The seafood restaurants and the local sites are fantastic for a day out by train. France. My name is Emma and Im the author behind this travel blog! WebMontpellier Hauts-de-France Poitou-Charentes Essonne Burgundy Haute-Savoie You can have a budget weekend break in France thanks to the many sights, activities, and Not too cold, but also not as hot as the summer can be. Discover the most beautiful beaches in France, Italy, Portugal, Spain as well as Greece, Croatia a selection of the best beaches in Europe ! The centrepiece cathedral is a splendid sight and each summer evening they have a fascinating light show on its fascia. Markets are a way of life in France and like most larger towns in France, Angouleme has a covered market, Les Halles. Positioned strategically on top of a hill it surveys the landscape as it has done for hundreds of years. Its truly a sight to be seen! You can have a budget weekend break in France thanks to the many sights, activities, and charming French towns that you can visit and enjoy without breaking the bank. With beautiful architecture, one of the countrys best museums, and unique cuisine, youll find lots to see, do, and eat on a short weekend trip. It is sleepy, leafy and lusciously bucolic. If you want to have more flexibility, rent a car to explore the beautiful fields and forests in the outskirt area. The capital of the Hauts-de-France region is known for having friendly locals, beautiful art and ornate buildings. Known for its colorful half-timbered houses and charming old town, it has long been one of the best places to visit in France. While Nice is frequented by travelers year-round, its ideally best to visit in the shoulder season, when crowds are more minimal and room rates tend to drop. This popular space center provides interactive experiences and exhibits on the solar system, weather, space exploration and more. The city is also an excellent base to explore the lavender fields of Provence and Luberons hilltop villages. Paris is a wonderful city to visit all year round, but especially spring and autumn are wonderful as the temperature is mild and perfect for a city break. Therefore, choosing your destination for a weekend in France is not an easy job. It is especially beautiful there in the summer, because then you can rent small boats and enjoy the river ambience at its best! One of the prime neighborhoods to discover are the water canals in the Little Venice district. A lazy lunch in the leafy garden of La Conserverie is recommended for a bit of shade, followed by plenty more playing at archers in the watchtowers atop the citadelle walls.Anna Kennett, This is a very pretty little town, 30km or so east of Avignon. The historic center of Aix-en-Provence is the main attraction. Definitely take a visit to the Gothic Cathedral, a magnificent piece of architecture that is probably one of the most impressive buildings that you have ever seen! There are a lot of them, and many of them offer sightseeing combined with tasting. Contributed by Nadine from Le Long Weekend. From theory to practice during tasting you will get to know wine from a local and global perspective. If you are looking for a taste of Provence, there is no better place to visit. Five tried-and-tested France weekends with tips on what to do and where to stay. Hotel La Rsidence du Vieux Port(top suggestion),Alex Hotel & Spa (mid-range),Le Petit Nice-Passedat(luxury). The most prominent landmark is without a doubt Metz cathedral, one of the tallest in Europe, and a great example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Weve also included the best day trips and hotels in France so you know exactly what to do and where to stay. Dont miss (any) of it.Michael, The ramparts walk that circles the town of Montreuil-sur-Mer stands out for me, not least because the path is rather close to sheer drops in places, but also for the extensive views over the countryside and the town itself. This ancient Roman aqueduct is a true marvel of engineering. Saint Honorat is known for its 5th-century monastery, still active today thanks to its Cistercian community who produce their own liquor. Alex Ledsom 6 August 2018 View There are some French destinations which make obvious city breaks, but in the summer, tourists rush to the major hotspots and in Once youve seen a few of the castles, why not go kayaking or take a boat tour on the tranquil Dordogne River. Both of which are architectural masterpieces. Pin it! On the cathedrals floor, pilgrims still follow the 261.50 m of the labyrinth meanders, praying, meditating, or on their knees. One of the best restaurants for this type of food isChez Mamie Lisein the old town. It is centrally situated and some rooms have a view of the Eiffel Tower. Whether you have 3 days in France or are planning a 2 week France road trip, this is a great place to start planning your vacation in France. If all this was not enough, Bayonne produces the best chocolate in France :-). South West France is a paradise for foodies! Old Lille is the historic center of the city where you will find a combination of French and Flemish architecture dating back to the 17th century. WebLiving for the weekend? The electrifying City of Light is one of the world's best places to visit, so it's no surprise it Nestled in the Charente in the South West of France is the city ofAngouleme. Dune du Pilat is France's most scenic place to camp. You will find loads of bars and places where you can go dancing. It has an abundance of natural World Heritage sites, traditional markets, a vibrant nightlife, and a multitude of places to visit. Dinan was a centre of trade for Brittany because of its port, which is lined with boats, restaurants, bars and cafes. Are you looking for south of France weekend breaks? Take a romantic stroll at the Grande le, visit one of the many museums, stand on top of Barrage Vauban and dont forget to order crpes and Flammkuchen. Add the charming old town full of colorful buildings, crystal-clear Lake Annecy, many outdoor activities with the mighty Alps in the background and it adds up to an amazing travel destination for a France weekend break. Besides the Christmas market, the city is also a great place for a weekend break all year round. At the end, a tasting with a beautiful view of the city awaits you. In the center, it is also worth visiting the beautiful cathedral and taking a stroll along the boulevard over the Garona River. Take a Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon for a chance to see the French countryside and taste the best wine Burgundy has to offer. Some of the most enchanting villages in this region are Riquewihr and Ribeauvill. The palace was served as a residence for many French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III. This picturesque village of the Luberon Valley is the third-largest centre for antiques in Europe. If you are looking for a cheaper weekend trip, visiting Corsica outside of peak season is better. Tanks, guns and memorials can be seen everywhere and you can never forget whathappened here. Known as the capital of love, theres a good reason Paris is the ideal for a weekend break in France. The old battlements and eight-metre @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-emmasroadmap_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0-asloaded{max-width:580px!important;max-height:400px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'emmasroadmap_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_7',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-emmasroadmap_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); While strolling around Bordeaux, you will surely admire the city both during the day and at night. On a trip to Metz, you can look forward to countless beautiful sights: impressive is absolutely the historic old town with its rich floral splendor and the unmistakable atmosphere on the picturesque banks of the Moselle River! Indonesia. When it comes to beautiful cities in France, Strasbourg stands out. The Old Port of Marseille is located very close to the basilica. Normandy can suffer from a lot of rain which can make visiting the beaches unpleasant. Contributed by Elena Pappalardo from The Carry-On Chronicles. RCN Les Collines de Castellane is a great campground to stay at, they have cabins. Enjoy a long leisurely walk through the citys pastel alleyways on your way to Chez Pipo a Nioise restaurant serving socca, a type of flatbread made from chickpeas, since 1928. This is where William the Conqueror stopped to bolster his troops on the way to England in 1066 and where Joan of Arc was held captive before being taken to Rouen to be tried and executed (the archway she was led through on her way out of town remains today). By Sophie Cockett and Lucy Smith. The best time to visit Lyon is in December for theFte des Lumires. When you click the confirmation button you'll immediately receive another email with the first tips to get you started exploring Belgium! Below are some of the best ways to travel to Avignon, hotels, and more! There is an enchanting village square with geraniums and outside tables for eating and relaxing with friends and an ancient church.