Looking for the best weekend breaks in France? A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. Exclusive boutiques and small artisanal stores with local specialties and handmade things can be found along the small intriguing cobblestone lined roads. Youll be enchanted by the magical Christmas decorations, mulled wine and local delicacies at every square in the city center. Autumn is ideal, but the lavender is fading. Theres a walkway starting at the town leading to the chapel. The 2nd most visited city in the world is a global center for Italia. If the dress code isnt an issue, consider strolling through some of Monte Carlos famous casinos. Its well worth a visit for its striking stained glass windows and the chapel dedicated to Joan of Arc. Get your sunscreen and sunglasses ready and discover the best destinations in Europe for a sunny holiday on the beach or a great swim. In the evening, make sure to head to Esquirol. I consent to be added to Emma's mailing list. If you have time for a day trip, you can easily reach Luxembourg or even Paris by train! Book your car hire here. By Sophie Cockett and Lucy Smith. Okko Hotels Bayonne Centre(top suggestion),Hotel Mercure Bayonne Centre Le Grand Hotel(mid-range), Hotel Villa Koegui Bayonne (mid-range),Hotel Le Bayonne(budget). This lively city in the south is well connected to other major cities and is easy enough to get to. Where to Stay in Paris The autumn edition is taking place the weekend of 22-24 October, and also sees musicians playing in the streets, with locals filling the bars and restaurants to soak up the atmosphere. Recommended by Melanie of Postcards & Places. You can have a budget weekend break in France thanks to the many sights, activities, and charming French towns that you can visit and enjoy without breaking the bank. 24 Fabulous Weekend Breaks in France (for 2023!) Don't worry, I won't spam your inbox and you can unsubscribe anytime. While Toulouse is a great city to visit all year round, its particularly nice in May, June and September. They are near to all the main sights with easy access to the River Seine. If you have a car, a wonderful place to stay is theChristine Chalet, a charming cottage with a panoramic view over Lake Annecy. The sleek AEON Hotel Adults Only B&B (9.7) is a hidden gem in Soprabolzano, Italy with an earthy sophisticated look and an amazing outdoor infinity pool near superb hiking trails. There are also so many museums and sites that youd never see everything in a weekend. If city breaks arent your thing, nature is never far away either. 1. Where to Stay in France It has a large, sunny terrace on the square and delicious food. This museum features art exhibitions, beautiful rooms appointed in the 18th century-style, and artfully landscaped gardens. In addition, you can also visit some Roman remainings such as the ancient theatre of Lugdunum with its corresponding museum. The Old Town of Bordeaux is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a testament to its prestige and architectural value. There you will learn all about its history, production, strains and the senses with which you taste it. Soak in the festive vibe at night where you could have some good food and wine in a local joint, dance, and see performances on different stages set up in the citys streets. The villages in this part of France can be visited all year round, but they are particularly charming around Christmas. Corsica is still amazing in the colder weather and you definitely wont run out of things to do then! On the Lac de Sainte-Croix, a reservoir, thats the gateway to the Gorges du Verdon, you can rent water bikes and go out on the water. weekend A lovely budget hotel for a stay near the centre of Rouen is Comfort Hotel Alba. Perhapsone of the most awe-inspiring attractions is the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne. Another point of interest is the Colorado Provencal. Or spend one day on the water and one hiking one of the 137 popular trails here including the stunning Calanque dEn Vau. Visiting Lyon is always a great decision, especially during one of the warmer seasons. A weekend in the heart of central Provence is a weekend to remember and is just long enough to visit the besthilltop villages of the Luberonand the glorious lavender fields youll cross as you drive from one village to the next because yes, distances are not huge but you will need a car, as this is not a region that can boast any reliable public transport. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in Annecy. In fact, a stand-up paddleboarding touracross the pristine turquoise water or an E-bike tour with stops at the best viewpoints make the perfect day trips. On the French Riviera, Cannes is best known for its Film Festival in May, where stars and celebrities swarm the city, lounge in luxury hotels, or sip cocktails while relaxing on magnificent yachts along Cannes Old Port Marina. Any one of these would be an ideal jumping-off point for the region, with Gordes (and its lovely Tuesday morning market) a perennial favorite and home to hotels in all ranges, from four-star to Airbnbs. Rennes highlights: Parc du Thabor, Les Champs Libres, Cathedral Portland, Oregon. Located near the south coast on the Mediterranean Sea, it experiences hot and dry summers and mild damp winters, with the best time to visit being between these seasons from December to May. Best Places to Stay in Provence, France You can take it slow and really soak in what Paris is. Septemberis one of the best times for a weekend in Bordeaux with multiple festivals and great weather to enjoy all the activities in the region. 1. It is a perfectly compact area to visit on a weekend break in France. Find the most rewarding places to visit in the "Olde Country" with our list of the best weekend breaks in England. Make sure to visit Htel de Caumont, a private museum in an elegant villa located in the Mazarin quarter of Aix-en-Provence. They also have many other churches and museums to visit, some of which focus on the local hero, the legendary Joan of Arc. Below are some of the best ways to travel to Chartres, hotels, and more! WebFind inspiration for the best nature holiday in Europe, in the mountains or at the beach or even green city breaks in the most beautiful destinations in Europe. Happy to look at any areas of the country. From the walls to the tiles of the roof, everything about Toulouse is pink and its such a unique thing to see in France. WebAnswer 21 of 22: Hi! Sleepy, leafy and lusciously bucolic The Old Port of Marseille is located very close to the basilica. Art lovers will also appreciate an opportunity to visit the latest exhibits at the Centre Pompidou-Metz. Please check Foreign Office advice One of the best places to eat at is La Creperie Grand Place. Places to spend a night or two include the fortified city of Carcassonne, a short detour from the canal, and historic Bziers. One of the most iconic buildings in the city is the Strasbourg Cathedral, which stands 142 meters tall and is a beautiful example of medieval Gothic architecture. Temperatures might drop to 3C/37F at nighttime, but with a warm winter coat, a beanie, and mittens, youre set for the perfect Paris itinerary. Recommended by Jen Ciesielski from Dabbling in Jet Lag. Malaysia. Take a Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon for a chance to see the French countryside and taste the best wine Burgundy has to offer. Antibes irresistible blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities make it an essential destination for anyone visiting the French Riviera. The Dordogne is often called the Valley of the 5 Chateaux because of the large imposing castles visible along the valley. 5 Fabulous French Weekend Breaks in Central France If you are visiting Corsica outside of peak season, temperatures might not be sufficiently warm to spend the day at the beach. Be the first to hear about exciting locations & experiences! Disclaimer: This article may contain compensated links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. Paris: Protests flare after 17-year-old shot dead during police 262 Villas. Its rich history has enough to offer to spend at least a weekend in the city, if not more. Bisected by the Garonne River, Bordeaux is the capital of theNouvelle-Aquitaineregion and Bordeaux wine. As you wind your way down the coastal highway into town, youll immediately spot the dramatic profile of 9thcenturyCarolingian Chteau de Cassis. Head to Le Suquet, the old quarter of Cannes, where several houses date back 400 years. While many visitors think that crme de Cassisbest known as the liqueur in Frances famous Kir Royalehails from Cassis, its actually made in Burgundy. Soaring more than 100m (328ft) above sea level, the otherworldly Dune du Pilat is Europes tallest sand dune. This article will cover the best weekend trips from Paris and why they are worth exploring. Paris, France. Frances second city is an excellent place for a weekend break in France, as it combines a little of everything in a compact package. With a prize-winning market, underwater explorations and seafood specialities, Sanary is a cool coastal spot on the French Riviera between Toulon and Marseille 27 Save The Most Beautiful Cities in France to read later? One of the most popular hikes in Corsica is the GR 20 which goes across the island from the North to the South. A colourful market town with diverse artists, galleries, funky bars, theatre, film evenings, music events, courtyard exhibitions, writers festival, even a British tea room. Another option is visiting Albi, a quaint town and home of Berbie Palace, an archbishops palace dating back to the 13th century with perfectly manicured gardens. France is all about food, so be sure to visit the Halles de Tours, an indoor market, to pick up a baguette and some local cheese and wine. TheDjango Reinhardt Festival also happens annually in July, it is a highly respected jazz music festival with a long history in the city, now expanded to music in a wide range of genres and performances. When in this part of Savoy, France, the traditional foods are fondue, raclette (melted cheese on potatoes), or tartiflette (potato, bacon, and cheese casserole). There are so many terrific things to do in Metz, as this beautiful city in France has many monuments and attractions to offer. You can also find out about the best restaurants while on the tour, like Le Ptit Bec. For nature lovers, the eastern side of the town features the Cap dAntibes, offering awe-inspiring views of the Mediterranean Sea and coastline. Definitely pay a visit to nearby Ambois, a beautiful city with three incredible castles, including the Chteau du Clos Luc, the home of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived here for the last three years of his life. One of the proposals will be Arcachon one of the most famous resorts in France. From Tours, reaching nearby towns and chateaux by train or bicycle is incredibly easy. Toulouse is a much smaller city than Paris or Marseille and therefore, offers a much more authentic experience to its visitors. This is beautiful and interesting. Hotel Clotre Saint-Louis Avignon(top suggestion),Avignon Grand Hotel (mid-range),Hotel Central(mid-range). Contributed by Elena Pappalardo from The Carry-On Chronicles. Enjoy a long leisurely walk through the citys pastel alleyways on your way to Chez Pipo a Nioise restaurant serving socca, a type of flatbread made from chickpeas, since 1928. Theres no real best time to visit, as Marseille is a bustling city at any time of the year. Five tried-and-tested France weekends with tips on what to do and where to stay. On day two of yourweekend in the French Riviera, take the #82 bus to explore the historic cliffside town of ze. Singapore. Definitely take a visit to the Gothic Cathedral, a magnificent piece of architecture that is probably one of the most impressive buildings that you have ever seen! WebLooking to spend a weekend in the beautiful country that France is? Family weekend getaways in Yorkshire. In Portland, you can really make the most of your weekend outdoors. Public transport is excellent in Toulouse but since everything can be reached on foot in the city centre, it will be more convenient. The building was originally a prison but was also home to the Resistance during the war. The castle on an Next up, be sure to try the delicacies from Dijon including its famed mustard, beef bourguignon, coq au vin, and be sure to stop by Mulot et Petitjean for delicious pain depices, or gingerbread (but actual bread, not the cookie!). Its one of theprettiest places in Provence with its colorful, sun-splashed sidewalkcafs, romantic harbor, and bucket list pebbly beaches. Rouens cobblestone old town has streets lined with incredible half-timbered houses, many of which are historical monuments. Bayonne is a beautiful historical city in the French Basque Country. LAKE ANNECY. Known for its colorful half-timbered houses and charming old town, it has long been one of the best places to visit in France. The old battlements and eight-metre The Luberon is stunning in any season. Strasbourg is without doubt one of the coziest and most romantic destinations of France. On the cathedrals floor, pilgrims still follow the 261.50 m of the labyrinth meanders, praying, meditating, or on their knees. On sunny days, be sure to include in your Tours wanderings a rest break at the famousTours-sur-Loire Guinguette,where the beach extends the city limits to the banks of the Loire River. Antibes,situated on the French Riviera between Cannes and Nice, is a picturesque coastal city known for its breathtaking beaches, particularly the Plage de la Gravette. Argeles-sur-Mer, Languedoc. It is an extraordinary place that is an interactive museum or educational center that covers all aspects related to wine. Summers can get very hot in this part of the country so its much more pleasant to come a bit before or after. The Beis Travel Tote, from Shay Mitchell's baggage line, can conveniently slot into place atop a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, but can also be carried on its own Sunday Worship June 25, 2023 | Stream CCLI #21810036 Rouen is a beautiful city with lots of interesting things to see. 10 Best Budget Weekend Breaks in France 20 Romantic Anniversary Trip Ideas. Any time of year is good for a trip but the Paris cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall make it even more spectacular. Thus, making the summer months the best time to visit Rouen. History lovers must see Gudelon, a 13th-century chateau construction. During winter, the slopes surrounding Chamonix offer world-class skiing. Les Corderies is one of the best hotels in town. Cassis is best-known as the gateway to the Calanques National Park with its rocky inlets framed by limestone cliffs and brilliant aquamarine waters. Montpellier, found in the Occitanie rgion of southern France, is renowned for its near-perfect weather, good wine, and its fine blend of history and culture. On a trip to Metz, you can look forward to countless beautiful sights: impressive is absolutely the historic old town with its rich floral splendor and the unmistakable atmosphere on the picturesque banks of the Moselle River! Alex Ledsom 6 August 2018 View There are some French destinations which make obvious city breaks, but in the summer, tourists rush to the major hotspots and in Normandy can suffer from a lot of rain which can make visiting the beaches unpleasant. Time from Paris by Train: It takes approximately 2 hours (including transfers) to reach tretat by train. June is when the lavender is at its brightest, the heat isnt yet too stifling, and the crowds, while already visible, still leave you a little elbow room. Breathtaking are the huge windows decorated with stained glass, which conjure up an impressive play of light. This ancient Roman aqueduct is a true marvel of engineering. You can spend the night in one of the historic towns like Amboise, Blois or Tours. I hope that all these wonderful destinations sparked your enthusiasm to plan a weekend in France! After visiting there, you will surely know why. The city comes alive with its thriving nightlife scene. In fact after Paris, Nice is the most visited city in France. 21 amazing city breaks in Europe for 2023 - Times Travel View Today's edition Covid-related restrictions may be in place. The historic center of Aix-en-Provence is the main attraction. Best Destinations for Nature Lovers This is the most beautiful time of the year to see the vineyards. Champs-lyses and Boulevard Haussman USA Best Weekend Getaways. Dinan is an incredibly picturesque medieval village that sits high on the Rance River in Brittany. There is a tiny night market if you want to cook at home. Each year in January it places host to the Comic Festival. 7th arrondissement for a view of the Eiffel Tower. Contributed by Nadine from Le Long Weekend. The most daring visitors can tackle climbing the famous Mont Blanc, but theres plenty to do for other adventurous souls. A lazy lunch in the leafy garden of La Conserverie is recommended for a bit of shade, followed by plenty more playing at archers in the watchtowers atop the citadelle walls.Anna Kennett, This is a very pretty little town, 30km or so east of Avignon. The Florence hop on, hop off tour around the city. 25 Best Places to Visit in France | U.S. News Travel 15+ Amazing weekend trips from Paris that The former city of Popes and cardinals, once the center of intrigues and passions, is one of the most fascinating south of France destinations, with many fun things to do in and around. Located in the Alsace region, close to the border with Germany, Strasbourg clearly portrays the influences of both cultures. Whilst the rest of the world is dipping its toe into Croatia via the Game of Thrones film set, Dubrovnik, those in the know fly to Pula and drive the 10 minutes north to Fazana for one of the most peaceful weekend breaks in Europe. However, its a popular destination in summer (July and August), so you may prefer to avoid the crowd that comes with the peak season. There are tons of options so youre bound to find something you like and the coffee is exquisite! I dreamed of it often in the bleak 2020/21 winter. Then head to the river or botanical gardens for an idyllic French picnic. Contributed by Kirsty from Lost In Landmarks. In the same area, the Chteaux of Milandes, Malartrie, and Fayrac sit within a few kilometres of each other. You can read our full disclosure policyhere. WebMarseille, France. Reader, we've been frantically Googling the best weekend breaks UK-wide of late. On top of that, the streets and houses will be decorated with beautiful ornaments. When to Visit: April and October. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe, Paris is a city full of charm and breathtaking sights. This former royal residence less than 20 km from Paris should be in your list of top places to visit in France. (C) Copyright 2019 - 2023 France Bucket List. While Nice is frequented by travelers year-round, its ideally best to visit in the shoulder season, when crowds are more minimal and room rates tend to drop. No matter when you visit, make sure you take the cable car up toAiguille du Midi for the most stunning views you can get of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps, andstep into the void on a glass over a 1000-meter abyss. We suggest planning your trip from mid-June to mid-July for chance to see the nearby flowering lavender fields. Book your train from Paris to Nantes here. Thanks to its proximity to Paris, Chartres is one of the most popular weekend trips in France. You will learn everything about wine! Combine Mont Saint-Michel, Caen and Bayeux. Photograph: M@rcel/Alamy. Then youre in the right place! You can get flights to Poland pretty cheaply, and hotels, food and drink are all cheap for Europe too. Luckily, Ive collected some great suggestions from different travel bloggers who think that their destinations are definitely worth a weekend break. In addition to living the provencal way and enjoying farmer markets, old town vibes and lavender products, you can visit the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque, Village des Bories and Saint Firmin Palace Caves. From its terrace, youll have some of the most remarkable views over Dijon. It is considered a hidden gem in France as it houses nothing less but an abundance of magnificent works of art and a beautifully crafted Italian Renaissance garden of Chteau de Versailles. VisitSaint-Gatien Cathedral,the bustlingPlace Plumereau,and theOlivier Debr Contemporary Art Centre. The best time to visit is in late spring or early summer so you have the best chance of good weather. We worked with a group of our favorite travel bloggers to create this list of Frances most beautiful cities up to give you ideas for places to add to a France itinerary or the best weekend getaways in France. You can walk through the old town and admire all the bright colors against the pastel-colored buildings. Visit the battlefields in Waterloo and Ieper. Marseille is one of the most appealing (and most exotic) cities in Southern France. In any case, it is also fun to take a break at the gorgeous Place Saint-Jacques, where you can indulge in the many restaurants and cafes with a wonderful backdrop. Theres a 184-meters high rock next to the town of Castellane. On a visit to Dinan, make sure to see the Tower of lHorloge, a 15th century clock tower with stunning views over the city. La Cabane Cent Un restaurant has great wine and seafood! Breaks There are numerousthings to do in the Gorges du Verdon. The best activity to do at night is to enjoy some French wine while watching the nightly light show at the cathedral. Stroll the Path of Poets, shop on the Grand Rue, and take a hike on nearby trails. Best Winter City Breaks in Europe Add the charming old town full of colorful buildings, crystal-clear Lake Annecy, many outdoor activities with the mighty Alps in the background and it adds up to an amazing travel destination for a France weekend break.