With winter just around the corner, it' s time for a weekend getaway in some of the country's prettiest cities. Whether you're a couple, a family or a group of friends, at bargain prices or with a bit more budget, here's a closer look at the must-see spots in France for an unmissable detour as winter's first frost sets in.
Where to go for a family weekend this winter?
Lyon is the ideal destination for a short family break, with plenty to do in just two days. What's more, the city regularly tops competitions such as "Best European Weekend Destination" or "Best European Urban Destination", not to mention being voted "Smart Tourism Capital". Lyon, a capital city in more ways than one: capital of the Gauls, capital of the Resistance, capital of gastronomy, capital of silk, capital of roses... Lyon surprises visitors not only with its heritage, but also with its quality of life. Last but not least, Lyon is a unique site that can be seen from the Fourvière esplanade to understand its evolution and organization from Antiquity to the present day, between the protected heritage of Vieux Lyon and the modernity of the Part-Dieu towers. This exceptional site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read the article: Top 15 free things to do in Lyon and Top 10 cities to go on a weekend break this autumn!
Close to the German border, Strasbourg is the seat of the European Parliament, but above all, it's the capital of Christmas and Alsace, and a great place for families to get away from it all during the Advent season. One of our top weekend destinations in France, Strasbourg's culture and architecture combine Latin and Germanic influences. The city's symbol, the majestic Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, finely decorated like lace, offers daily entertainment around its astronomical clock. From the top of its 140-metre bell tower, you can admire a panoramic view of the Rhine and one of Europe's most beautiful cities. With 2,000 years of history behind it, Strasbourg's entire city center was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Visitors come here to discover its rich past, unique heritage, art of living and gastronomy.
Read the article: What to do in Strasbourg? 15 must-sees and Visit Strasbourg in 2 days: what can you do in a weekend?
Where to go this winter as a couple?
Just east of the Seine-et-Marne department, Provins is one of the best destinations for a weekend getaway, less than 2 hours from Paris. It's also one of Europe's most beautiful medieval cities, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The former capital of the Counts of Champagne is a masterpiece of architecture, with its superbly preserved little streets, its fine ramparts, the Caesar tower and the collegiate church of Saint-Quiriace, the Romanesque house, the Hôtel du Vauluisant and the hostellerie de la Croix d'Or, the oldest hostellerie in France. Its culinary heritage is not to be outdone, with its niflettes, Provins brie and, of course, its rose, of which it is the national capital, and which is served in jam, honey and mustard. The countryside is an ode to old France, with its charming Briard farms, peaceful villages and churches, fields and gardens. An ideal destination for a romantic getaway this winter!
The article to read: What to see and do in Provins 13 must-sees
Annecy, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Alps", owes this title to its exceptional location, nestled at the foot of the Semnoz mountain range and bordered by its famous lake, offering a grandiose panorama of the Bauges and Aravis massifs , with many must-see sights. A real postcard view! Annecy's historic center stretches north from the lake, leading to the Esplanade du Pâquier, where the Fête du Lac is held every early August, and on to Annecy-le-Vieux (not to be confused with Vieil Annecy, its old town). The pedestrian promenades of Albigny and the Parc de l'Impérial run along this north-western shore. To the west, the Jardins de l'Europe, accessible via the romantic Pont des Amours opposite Ile aux Cygnes, are an invitation to a romantic stroll in the heart of a city that is one of our top destinations for a romantic weekend in France.
The article to read: What to do in Annecy 17 things to see and visit and Weekend in Annecy: what to visit in 2 or 3 days?
Where to spend a weekend with friends this winter?
Marseilles, the famous city of the Phocaean Sea, arouses both enthusiasm and controversy, but leaves no one indifferent. France's oldest city, it was once a great port of call for many peoples over the centuries, and there's plenty to do in just two days. The ancient Massalia is a city of unique charm, punctuated by the rise and fall of its districts, surrounded by pine forests, limestone cliffs and garrigues, and bordered by the majestic calanques that form a breathtaking landscape. Overlooking the city, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica, built on an ancient lookout post, watches over the Estaque gulf and ships entering the port. Although Marseille may seem to be turned towards the sea, it reveals much more to visitors who take the time to discover it. Transformed over the years, Marseille has seen certain neighborhoods metamorphose, new museums appear or be renovated, including the emblematic MUCEM, which embodied the city's cultural revival a few years ago. With a first-rate gastronomic offering and hundreds of places to go out, this is an ideal destination for a weekend with friends.
The article to read: Top 15 free things to do in Marseille and Top 13 unusual things to do in Marseille.
Where to go this winter? In Lille, you can do everything on foot, even on a two-day weekend. Just be sure to bring an umbrella, in case one of the North's famous "draches" comes down on you... It's by wandering around a city, with its many must-sees, that you can really take advantage of all it has to offer, especially on a trip with friends. I promise: the colorful architecture of Flanders will enchant your eyes, the vast park of the Citadelle Vauban will speak to you of history, the delicious smells of Northern gastronomy will tickle your nose, and the laughter of beer-drinkers on the terraces will make you want to put your feet under the table too. Good news, if you choose to push open the door of a trendy estaminet or café: the conviviality of Northerners is not just a myth, it's a reality!
You might also be interested in What to do when it rains in Lille Top 13 activities
Where to go for a cheap weekend this winter?
Reims is a cult city with a lively city center, especially around Place Drouet-d'Erlon, and one of our top cities to go to for less this autumn. Champagne, of course, is everywhere in this city 2 hours from Paris. The city's monuments are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites : Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saint-Rémi Basilica, Saint-Rémi Abbey and the Palais de Tau (now both museums). There's also a fine Beaux-Arts museum, the Villa Demoiselle, a jewel of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and numerous historic remains and monuments. Every year, in June, the city reconnects with its past during the Johannine celebrations. Let's not forget that it was Joan of Arc who brought the future Charles VII here in 1424 to be crowned king. When it's time to sit down to dinner, you can discover local culinary specialties such as Reims ham and taste pink Reims cookies accompanied by a good glass of champagne.
The article to read: Weekend in Reims: what to do, what to visit in 2 days?
Where to go for a weekend this winter? Dijon, the former ducal capital and starting point of the Burgundy wine route, is a must-see destination for a low-cost getaway. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast or simply curious to discover new horizons, you'll find a rich and immersive experience in Dijon that will enchant you. Stroll through a magnificent city center, where medieval architecture blends harmoniously with Renaissance buildings. Get lost in the cobbled streets, discover Gothic churches and townhouses and let yourself be transported. But also stroll through the lush parks, such as Parc de la Colombière or the Japanese Garden, to enjoy moments of relaxation and contemplation. But Dijon is also distinguished by its glorious past. Finally, how can we talk about Dijon without mentioning its gastronomy? From the famous pain d'épice (gingerbread) to the unmissable mustard, not forgetting the delights of our terroir, you'll be spoilt for choice to delight your taste buds.
The article to read: What to do in Dijon The 15 must-sees and must-visits and Weekend in Dijon: what to visit in 2 or 3 days?
Where to spend a weekend this winter? In the 17th century, Hyères was already renowned for its mild climate. Later, Pauline Borghese, Victor Hugo, Tolstoy and Queen Victoria all came to stay, contributing to its reputation. The arrival of the railroads helped open up the town, which after the First World War, and even more so after the Second, with the creation of the airport, became a leading tourist center, with the Giens peninsula and the Golden Isles, Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant. Finally, Hyères, ideal for a cheap weekend with friends, is also known as "Hyères-les-Palmiers", as it is the town with the largest number of palm trees in France, quickly accessible by train and moderately priced as soon as winter arrives.
The article to read: What to do in Hyères? The 15 must-sees and What to do and see in Porquerolles? 11 must-do activities.
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