F
rance has many beautiful cities and villages to visit, but these three are the ones that everyone needs to see.
Paris
France's capital city is a must-see. With its pretty bridges over the River Seine, the hilly district of artistic Montmartre, its lively Left Bank and the stunning stained glass in Notre Dame cathedral, it lives up to its reputation as a romantic destination. Travel is easy by the Metro subway system, which greets passengers with glorious Art Nouveau wrought-ironwork, reminding them of the creative importance of Paris during that period, developing into Art Deco.
Take some time to explore open spaces like the Luxembourg Gardens, or to browse the numerous flea markets, the biggest being at Saint-Ouen. Paris is quiet in August when the French take their vacations, so some bistros and bars will be closed then.
Nice
For travelers who prefer to get away from city life, stylish Nice offers sand, sea and a perfect Mediterranean climate. The city was part of Italy until 1860, and still reflects the two cultures. Its unique light made it a magnet for artists such as Chigall, Picasso, Renoir and Matisse (who stayed for thirty-seven years), gifting today's art lovers with some wonderful galleries.
February or March is carnival-time in Nice, but all year is perfect for people-watching along the Promenade des Anglais, so-called due to the English patrons who financed its construction in 1822.
Bordeaux
France's sixth-largest city dates from Roman times, and offers so much more than its famous wine. As the world's largest Urban World Heritage Site, it boasts a variety of museums and cathedrals, with elegant buildings looking out over graceful boulevards, while eighteenth-century wine merchants' mansions remind us of why Bordeaux prospered from medieval times.
Take a boat-ride along the River Garonne which flows through the city, or linger at a waterside café, but don't forget to pay a visit to the area's prestigious vineyards to sample some of those excellent Bordeaux wines!
