5 Best Places to Enjoy a Short Break in France

Having made the choice to go on a break, actually deciding what to do when you get there can be overwhelming, so to help you choose here are 5 of the best places to enjoy a short break in France.

1 Paris

Paris is a city full of life and culture and there are an abundance of things to see and do in Paris, including visiting the Eiffel Tower, exploring the Louvre Museum, and taking a boat ride on the Seine River.

Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world, an iconic tower that offers stunning views of Paris.

Louvre Museum: The Louvre Museum is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, showcasing an impressive collection of French and European art including the world famous Mona Lisa.

Seine River: The Seine River runs through Paris and it is a great place to take a boat ride and see the city from a different perspective.

2 Lyon

Lyon is a city with a rich history and culture. There are many museums, art galleries, and historical sites to explore in Lyon, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.

Musée des Confluences: The Musée des Confluences is a science centre and anthropology museum. The architectural design is said to resemble a floating crystal cloud of stainless steel and glass.

Opéra National de Lyon: The Opéra National de Lyon is an imposing building that hosts performances of opera, ballet, and other forms of classical music.

Saint-Jean Cathedral

The Saint-Jean Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in central Lyon, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and is the seat of the Archbishop of Lyon. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built between 1180-1476 and is one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in France.

The Cathedral is a popular tourist destination, it is open to the public for tours and it is also a place of worship for the Catholic community in Lyon.

3 Marseille

Marseille is a city with a multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. It is a great place to experience the French Riviera.

Old Port: The Old Port is a bustling, vibrant harbour, with a rich history and culture. Wander around and explore, and learn about Marseille’s history. There are many waterfront cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views.

Notre-Dame de la Garde: Notre-Dame de la Garde is a beautiful basilica that is located on a hill , offering fantastic views over Marseille.

Palais Longchamp: The Palais Longchamp is an impressive monument, originally built to bring water to the city following a cholera outbreak in 1835. The surrounding park is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.

4 Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city in southwestern France that is known for its world-famous wines, its magnificent architecture, and its lively nightlife. If you are looking to relax and enjoy the French countryside, then Bordeaux is very good choice.

Chateau Margaux: Chateau Margaux is one of the most famous wineries in Bordeaux. Learn about the history of Bordeaux wine and sample some of the region’s best wines.

Palais des Aquitaines: The Palais des Aquitaines is a exquisite palace located in the centre of Bordeaux. It is an ideal place to learn about the history of Bordeaux and to admire the city’s architecture.

Place de la Bourse: The Place de la Bourse is a beautiful square that is located in the centre of Bordeaux. The square is decorated with fountains, sculptures, and trees and is a popular tourist destination, often used for concerts, festivals, and other events. The square is also a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

5 Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a city in northeastern France that is known for its architecture, its Christmas markets, and its delicious food.

Christmas markets: Strasbourg is home to some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France. These markets are a wonderful place to find unique gifts and to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg: The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is a stunning cathedral that is located in the heart of Strasbourg. You can admire the city’s architecture and learn all about its history.

Old Town: The old town of Strasbourg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. It is located on the Ill River, surrounded by a moat and is full of medieval buildings, narrow streets, alleyways and squares.

There are also many museums, churches, and other historical sites in the old town to wander around and admire the city’s architecture.

We are sure you’ll agree that France has much to offer the visiting traveller.