When people think of France, they think of Paris. But this European country has a multitude of places to enjoy other than its capital. Here are three of the less-obvious cities to enjoy in France:
Lyon
Lyon was founded by the Romans and used as a business and cultural center during the Renaissance. Nowadays, the city is still famous for its great attractions, which appeal especially to foodies and culture lovers. One of the coolest cultural events in the city is the festival of lights (or Fête des Lumières as the locals call it) — for three consecutive weekends, the entire city (we’re talking houses, bridges, parks, you name it) is lit up by incredible light shows and installations for people to enjoy.
Culinary experts would enjoy the city’s food culture. It has multiple restaurants with one or more Micheline stars as well as a well-established wine scene.
Bordeaux
You will find Bordeaux not far from the Spanish border. The old city of Bordeaux is one of the biggest urban spaces in the world recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO and walking through its streets feels like time traveling.
The wine culture in Bordeaux is a pretty big deal. The city even has an interactive wine museum (La Cité du Vin) meant to educate people on the history and manufacturing process of wine.
Nantes
Nantes is the sixth-largest city in France and in recent years it has become a popular and bustling tourist destination you should definitely check out. Located on the Loire river, the city is rich with history that dates back to the 6th and 7th centuries and has seen empires (and emperors) rise an fall. This is why the place is full of castles and palaces you can visit to feel like a royal.
The city also enjoys a busy art scene that is often interactive. One of the coolest places to visit is the city’s island, where you can see huge art installations and visit a large-scale amusement park!