5 Cities Loved by French Locals

① Small Town Trips Near Paris

Paris is one of the most iconic tourist cities in Europe. As the most popular travel destination in France, it attracts tourists from all over the world every year. However, France isn’t just Paris; there are many other excellent travel destinations to get to know. If you’re planning to visit Paris, we recommend also exploring some of the small towns nearby. With a flexible schedule, it would be worth it to enjoy the variety that France has to offer.

“Giverny” is a small village located near Paris. Claude Monet, a French impressionist painter, left many of his works here. Monet lived in Giverny for 43 years. It is also the birthplace of his most famous work, “Water Lilies”. Claude Monet’s house is the most famous tourist spot in Giverny.

Monet loved the water lilies and personally took care of them in his garden. Make sure to check before visiting as it is only open from spring to fall. By only being an hour or two journey from Paris, Giverny makes the perfect day trip destination.

“Angers” is a small town located about 186 miles southwest of Paris. It is home to one of the most notable castles in France.
The “Château d’Angers” is a mid-9th century medieval castle designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The majestic castle naturally catches the eye. Despite its long history, it is well preserved.

From the castle, you can see the cityscape and the Maine River at a glance.
Angers is a great place for a day trip as it is only about a 1.5-hour train ride from Paris.

② Traveling in Southern France

“Avignon” is considered a historic city in France. Avignon is a city located 423 miles south of Paris. It’s the central city of the Provence region in France. It is a beautiful city situated between the Rhône and Durance rivers.

Also known as the ‘City of Popes,’ Avignon was home to seven popes.
It is well-known for the event called “Avignon Papacy”, also known as the ‘Western Schism’. The entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting its well-preserved city walls and historic architecture.

You can sense the old French atmosphere in Avignon, the city of the medieval popes. Every summer the city holds the “Avignon Festival,” the largest festival in France. Visit during the summer when Avignon exudes a more vibrant atmosphere.

“Nice” is well-known as a resort city not only in France but the rest of Europe.
As a place that embraces the Mediterranean Sea, it offers a different landscape from Paris’s city center.
It is one of the world’s top resort destinations and a romantic dream vacation spot.

Thanks to the year-round mild climate and warm sunlight, the scenery of Nice is beautiful throughout all four seasons.
Nice is close to the Italian border, which makes it feel more exotic. The beach of Nice reminds you of a beautiful watercolor painting. We recommend walking along the promenade along the beach to capture the vibrant atmosphere.
Enjoy the view of the beach and the old town by climbing up to the Castle of Nice.

You can find the Matisse and Chagall Museums, as well as an opera house along the beach in Nice.
Nice is a well-known French travel destination where you can enjoy excellent natural scenery, culture, art, festivals, and gourmet food. It is recommended to visit the traditional market in Nice and enjoy various French foods to experience a true vacation. Visit Nice in the summer to enjoy its natural charm.

③ Venice of Provence

“L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue” is a small town located between Avignon and Gordes.
Although it’s not a well-known travel destination, it’s a city with enough charm.

The city’s exoticism and beauty make locals call L’Isle-sur-la-Sourgue the “Venice of Provence” in France. The Sorgue River flows through the town, creating small canals. Open-air cafes lined up along the river make it great to spend leisure time here. You’ll be able to feel the charm of a small town after the hustle and bustle of Paris.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is not only known for its tranquil scenery but also for its antique furniture.
You can visit the market and enjoy shopping for vintage-style furniture on the weekends.
Be sure to visit L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue if you desire to immerse yourself in the daily life of a quiet French town.

By. Mia Han