Why France rewards city-hoppers
France packs world-class art, food and architecture into cities just a fast TGV ride apart. Here are six that belong on any first or fifth trip.
Paris
The capital needs little introduction. Beyond the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, Paris is a city for slow mornings in cafes and long afternoons in galleries.
- Highlight: The Louvre. Book a timed ticket and head straight to the less-crowded Richelieu wing first.
Lyon
France's gastronomic capital, built where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet. Its bouchons (traditional bistros) serve hearty Lyonnaise cooking.
- Highlight: Vieux Lyon, a Renaissance old town threaded with hidden covered passages called traboules.
Bordeaux
Elegant and golden-stoned, Bordeaux is the gateway to the world's most famous wine region.
- Highlight: La Cite du Vin, a striking wine museum, plus a day trip to a Medoc chateau for tastings.
Nice
The unofficial capital of the French Riviera, with pastel facades and a pebbly seafront.
- Highlight: A stroll along the Promenade des Anglais at sunset, then dinner of socca in the old town.
Strasbourg
A French-German crossroads in Alsace, famous for half-timbered houses and a vast Gothic cathedral.
- Highlight: The fairytale Petite France quarter, best seen on a canal boat tour.
Marseille
France's gritty, sun-soaked port city, raw and full of energy.
- Highlight: The Vieux-Port and a boat out to the Calanques, dramatic limestone coves between Marseille and Cassis.
Getting around
The high-speed TGV links most of these cities in two to three hours. Book early via SNCF Connect for the best fares, and validate or scan your ticket before boarding.
Stay connected in France
A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so you can pull up maps, translate menus and confirm bookings without hunting for Wi-Fi or paying roaming fees.
Get your France eSIM in 30 seconds
Instant delivery, 4G/5G speeds, no roaming bills.
View France plans →