Unlike Italy and Germany, France has no other bustling metropolis except Paris. However, it also has many lovely postcard towns, each with its own unique flavor, not just wine and cheese. Thanks to SNCF, I have traveled many times in France. This is the list I ordered, and all the photos are mine:
Unlike Italy and Germany, France has no other bustling metropolis except Paris. However, it also has many lovely postcard towns, each with its own unique flavor, not just wine and cheese. Thanks to SNCF, I have traveled many times in France. This is the list I ordered, and all the photos are mine:
1. Strasbourg: located between France and Germany, Alsace, which is controversial in history, mixes the rigidity of Germany with the mobility of France; German diligence and French talent. The integration of France and Germany for centuries has left a unique urban landscape, with ancient houses lined up on both sides of the criss-crossing alleys of the canal. The best time to go there is when the Christmas market is open. You can also simply cross the Rhine into Germany. Be sure to try their local dishes, which are very delicious and accompanied by local Alsace beer. If you want a day trip, you can go to a picturesque village on the French side, or to the charming German town of Wald (Svartz) in Gretel style in hansel.
2. Bordeaux: Probably, you have heard of this place and read it on your favorite wine bottle! Besides wine, Bordeaux has many wines to choose from. Its compact center is reminiscent of the Ottoman quarter of Paris, but smaller (and cleaner). Ordinary tourists, of course-visit the wine museum, stroll on the romantic bridge on the majestic Garonne River, and take photos in front of the reflective pool in the Exchange Square. But you can also venture into the fashionable Darwin hangar, take a walk in the old city and eat something in an attractive restaurant. The buildings in this city are unconditionally beautiful, and you will like them whether it rains or sunny.
Marseille: In most cases, this second largest city in France is completely different from Marseille in atmosphere, landscape and environment. Located on the rocky Mediterranean coast, this vibrant port city is the biological daughter of fate. This is not Barcelona or the Five Immortals, but Marseille will fool you if you want. It is very close to the jagged limestone niche or calanques, where you can swim peacefully and not far from the historical center of Provence, where there are Roman relics.
In the city itself, relax in the old neighborhoods of Porter and Panyr, have a cup of spaghetti like the locals, and find the best French Gus Gus. There are countless beaches and famous cathedrals and buildings in this city, although endless stairs may bother you. The best thing about Marseille is that you have been spoiled by the number of trips every day, plus the Gard Bridge I have mentioned above.
4. Lyon: It can be said that it is the gourmet capital of France, and Lyon is another big city in France. Lyon is a good place to go if you want to enjoy the leisurely pace of life. Besides a beautiful community and a truly world-class restaurant, Lyon is also a good starting point. Before that, you can venture into the French Alps, drive to Switzerland, or cross Piedmont into the Italian peninsula.
What you have to do is climb the cathedral, where you can see the panoramic view of the city and, if you are lucky, the Alps. If you don't like sweating, it doesn't matter. There is a cableway that allows you to climb to the top of the mountain for a few pounds. You will ask, what is the best way to kill time here? Take a glass of local wine on the Rhone River, sit on the Rhone River and drink it forever.
5. Annecy: Annecy is two hours' drive from Lyon. It is your standard scenic postcard town, except that it will fascinate you with other towns you will go to next. It is adjacent to a clear lake and is perfectly surrounded by the Great Alps. You can stroll in the fairytale canal, have a beer in the cobblestone bar, then wait … and enjoy a hearty cheese dinner at the local Savoyad restaurant.
Of course, don't be surprised if you see that everyone in the restaurant is eating that kind of food, especially on the colder days of the year. If you are here in summer, you'd better swim in the lake. Rent a pedal boat, walk to the middle of the lake and jump into the attractive water (of course, if you can swim). Here's a secret-you must try to drive from Annecy to Geneva. Although it only takes less than an hour, the scenery here is an indispensable part of high-quality mountain screensaver. It is no exaggeration.
6. Rouen (or any city in Normandy): As a medium-sized country, the diversity of France is incredible. As far as scenery is concerned, Normandy is very different from other parts of Britain-it is actually close to the south of England. Driving from Paris to most Norman cities is very comfortable. Besides the snow cliffs overlooking the English Channel and the beaches on D-Day, you can also try the real farm life experience. Rouen is a quiet city with a standard downtown, but if you are there, you must go to Monte.