Avignon

8 Best Cities to Visit in France

Avignon

France is best known for two things: Paris and the French countryside. But the country is home to some great urban centers that are worth a visit to get a feel for France’s various regional cultures. From north to south, east to west, here is my list of the 8 best cities to visit in France:

Avignon
The former seat of the Popes, Avignon is best known today for its famous medieval bridge, which is only partly intact. It also has a stunning medieval walled city with a pretty maze of streets to explore. There are also great markets, cafes, and restaurants, as well as the historic Avignon Cathedral and Palais des Papes.

Lille
Located in the north of France and known for being a stop on the Eurostar train between London and Paris, Lille is worth a visit in its own right. The beautiful city center exudes historic charm, and there is no shortage of patisseries and cafes to tempt the tastebuds.

Nice
The capital of the French Riviera needs no introduction. One of the largest cities in France, Nice still manages to maintain a laid-back beach vibe. But there’s also plenty to see and do away from the water, including the great markets in Old Nice, the famous Matisse and Chagall museums, and the hilltop castle. Nice also makes a great jumping-off point for day trips to other destinations along the Cote d’Azur.

Chartres
Home to the most famous cathedral in France, Chartres attracts visitors from all over the world. An easy day trip from Paris, the city can be reached by train, and its compact center is easily explored on foot. While Chartres Cathedral is the main attraction, the area around it is worth a wander as well.

Reims
Another famous cathedral city, Reims also makes a great day trip from Paris. But it is best known for another of France’s famous goods: champagne. The capital of the Champagne region, Reims is home to many tasting rooms and wineries where visitors can take tours and learn all about how champagne is made.

Bordeaux
Speaking of wine, Bordeaux is another of the best cities to visit in France. Wine lovers can enjoy tastings and tours, as well as day trips into the vineyards in places like Medoc. But even those that aren’t wine enthusiasts can enjoy Bordeaux’s historic streets, great shopping, and excellent cafes.

Lyon
The gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is the perfect city for foodies. Known for its abundance of great restaurants and food markets, the city is a virtual heaven for those of the culinary persuasion. Beyond food, Lyon has a rich historic city center with beautiful architecture, a number of hills with great views over the city, pristine parks, and more shopping than one could possibly imagine.

Paris
No list of the best cities to visit in France would be complete without the French capital. The heart of the country and seat of its government, Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, cafes, and monuments. No trip to France would be complete without a stop in Paris.

Best Places to Visit in France

Paris, France

The best places in France are located all over the country. From Normandy in the north to Provence in the south, there is no shortage of great places to go when you are visiting France. Here are a few of my favorite travel destinations:

Paris – The capital of France needs no introduction. Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world, and offers a wealth of artistic, architectural, culinary, and cultural attractions for visitors. Take a look at the top 10 things to do in Paris page if you need some inspiration.

Aix-en-Provence – One of the prettiest cities in southern France is Aix-en-Provence. The myriad of plazas with farmers’ markets and moss-covered fountains make Aix the perfect place for a romantic holiday in France.

Giverny – Famous for being the home of Monet’s gardens, Giverny draws visitors from all over the world. Most people come to see the artist’s home and the ponds full of water lilies, but the town is also known for its art galleries, cafes, and museums. Giverny is one of the best places in France for those that love Impressionist art.

Avignon – The city of Avignon is famous for its crumbling bridge, great shopping, and beautiful city walls. The former seat of the Popes, Avignon’s cathedral and history draw visitors from all over the world to southern France every year.

Nice – The capital of the French Riviera is often overlooked by people visiting other places along the Cote d’Azur. But Nice makes a great base from which to take day trips along the coast, and the city itself has no shortage of great shopping, beaches, and nightlife. It is one of the best places in France for those that like summer sun holidays.

Trains from Paris to Avignon

Avignon TGV Train Station

Traveling by train from Paris to Avignon is an easy way to get from the capital to Provence when you are visiting France.

Trains between these cities depart from the Paris Gare de Lyon station, which is located in the city center. They arrive at the Avignon Centre and TGV stations, the latter of which is 6 kilometers (4 miles) from the heart of the city. As such, you will need to take a bus, taxi, or rental car to get to your final destination if you arrive there.

Trains from Paris to Avignon depart Gare de Lyon up to three times an hour at peak times, and less frequently at other hours.

Direct services on this route are run on high-speed TGV trains. They offer comfortable seats in modern carriages.

The journey time on trains to Avignon ranges from 2 hours and 40 minutes on direct services to 3 hours and 50 minutes on services that have connections.

Tickets for trains from Paris to Avignon start at 40.00 euros for a one-way ticket in first class and 30.00 euros for a one-way ticket in second class. These low fares can be found if you buy train tickets online ahead of time.