I visited Paris for the first time in 2010 to celebrate a birthday with a friend.  I loved the architecture, the food, the wine, and the vibe of the city.  I would love to live in Europe (and will do that one day) so that I can spend long weekends visiting a wide range of cities.  So this week I bring you this guest post about alternatives for a chic French city break.

3 Alternatives to Paris for a Chic French City Break

If you’re thinking of heading to France for a city break in the coming months, then a trip to Paris may be the most obvious choice, especially for those who have not visited the country before. However, there is far more to France than just its capital city.

With so many destinations to choose from, picking one can be difficult, so here are three that may be ideal for people who want to see more of what France has to offer.

Toulouse

 

Located in the southwest of the country and home to France’s aerospace industry, Toulouse is ideal for visitors who want to enjoy a combination of history, culture and authentic cuisine.  It serves as an ideal base from which to explore the Mediterranean coast – something made easy with a car hired from Auto Europe – and stop off at the numerous idyllic towns that sit a stone’s throw from the sea.

Of course, Toulouse’s proximity to the coast – around 150 km away – is far from its only attraction. Contemporary art lovers can head to Les Abattoirs, a museum dedicated to modern sculptures, paintings and photographs, while those who have a passion for Asian artwork should find time to visit the Georges Labit Museum, which is home to over 3,000 years of artwork from Thailand, Indonesia, Tibet, Japan, Nepal and China, as well as pieces from Egypt and India.

Food is another big part of Toulouse’s culture and visitors who want to expand their culinary horizons should make sure they don’t leave without trying out a Toulouse cassoulet. The recipe varies from restaurant to restaurant, but the dish always contains local sausage, haricot beans and duck confit.

Lyon

Lyon is another great destination for holiday makers planning a chic city break in France, not least because of its wide range of museums. Among the highlights in the 2,000-year-old city are the Institute Lumiere, a museum housed inside a castle belonging to the Lumiere family – the inventors of cinema – which details the history of film and colour photography.

Visitors keen to explore Lyon’s lush green spaces can take a walk in the Parc de la Tete d’Or, the Heights, Gerland or The Cherry Orchard, as well as stretch their legs with a walk along the banks of the Rhone.

Alternatively, why not indulge in some retail therapy and pick up a new item for your wardrobe or a souvenir from your trip? The Auguste Comte antiques district is a great place for browsing unique and unusual objects, while Lyon’s reputation as the city of silk means it is a ideal place to purchase scarves or other accessories.

Nantes

Finally, Nantes, located close to the Atlantic coast, might pique the interest of those who want to spend some time on water as well as dry land. Visitors can embark on cruises and explore the city from the banks of the Loire River that runs through its centre, or get on board the Marines World Carousel, a giant merry-go-round build on the banks of the Loire.

For the more green-fingered, there is the Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden that dates back over three centuries and features more than 4 km of pathways to explore. The site also features the Orangey Cafe, a perfect place to enjoy some tea and ice cream in the afternoons.

Have you visited these French cities?  Do you recommend them as a good alternative to Paris?