France, a country of contrast with craggy coastline in the North, a surf scene in the West, alpine peaks in the East, Mediterranean serenity in the South and the vineyards in the centre.
France is a country of great uniqueness. Did you know, French Gastronomy was awarded UNESCO was awarded world heritage status in 2010? The food, among thousands of other things, is that good! Just one of the reasons you should visit.
Visit France as a family, a couple or as a solo adventurer. With weather comparable to the UK in the north and hotter in the south, spring time or early autumn is best time to see the real colours of France emerge.
If you are looking for a city break in the real France, the real culture and have real experiences, these top five underrated French cities are for you.
Lille
This unique city in the North East of France near to the Belgian Border is unfortunately overlooked. This laid back university town brings a flurry of art and bohemian lifestyle. A place you get hands on with art.
It is easy in Lille to hop between galleries. The most illustrious is Le Palais Des Beaux Arts, with its ever changing exhibits that form the formal epicentre of the city’s expanding and exciting art scene. You’ll find pieces here and around the city masterfully created by university students and artists. You can easily wander into artist’s café haunts that are alive with new ideas and leave feeling as if you are a part of it.
Avignon
Straddling the Rhône River in Provence, you will find the postcard-esque and chilled medieval city of Avignon. Like many cities dotted around France, the history is the attraction, but with Avignon you will find that though an old city, it has a modern outlook.
Perfect for those who like to walk their holidays and soak up where they are. You could visit for the architecture alone! The old town is practically all pedestrianised and a bus takes you around the perimeter of the city, making it easy to hop off in any part. The view from the hilltop park of the fairytale backdrop will make you feel like you are stepping back in time.
Ambling through the city you will experience old meeting new. Quirky shops, independent restaurants, chilled cafes and shady squares will become your favourite places where you can ease into the city and stare at amazement at the hundreds of years of architecture. Or, you could take a load off at Place de l’Horloge with its square of cafes to enjoy un café whilst you watch the world go by.
Saint-Nazaire
If you have looked into this city before you’ll probably be asking, why would I want go to visit? Admittedly, it is not France’s prettiest city, probably the reason it is overlooked, but there are others on the list that will cater for pretty.
Saint-Nazaire, Bretagne is home to some of histories most important industry. For aviation fans, Airbus has one of their huge factories here, the shipyard has been building ocean liners here since the 19th Century, including the Queen Mary II, and one of the biggest parts of history here is the U-Boat base that was ordered to be built by the occupying Nazi forces during the Second World War. The sheer size of the concrete pens is staggering itself. Inside you can even release your inner sailor and explore an old French submarine. A word from experience when onboard, watch your head!
For those interested in history and industry, this truly industrial city is a top choice.
Orléans
Situated in the Centre-Val de Loire region, the Loire River runs through the city and is where Joan of Arc defeated the English in 1429. Each year there is a reenactment of the English defeat, so if you are a history buff, a day filled with people dressed as medieval soldiers and peasants running around and sword fighting each other is good fun!
If that isn’t your thing, the best part of Orléans is its affinity with nature. Near to the university you will find the beautiful Parc Floral de la Source. A huge part natural, part pruned garden which will make you forget you are anywhere near a city. You could also try your hand at some cycling through the Loire region or just a small walk from the centre you will find Île Charlemagne where you can swim in the lake, hire a kayak or just relax on the beach.
A beautiful place for those who want to revel in medieval architecture and enjoy nature at the same time.
France is a country of limitless boundaries for adventure. I have only listed the top five underrated cities of France but this is just the start . From the countryside communes to the cities, there is a certain je ne sai quoi that will ignite a love for France for those who have not visited or pleasantly surprise die-hard Francophiles with new experiences.