5 ideas of French cities where to spend your holidays this summer!
You haven't made any plans this summer yet? Here are 5 ideas of cities you may not have thought of to relax and see the country.
You haven't made any plans this summer yet? Here are 5 ideas of cities you may not have thought of to relax and see the country.
Chalon-sur-Saône
Nicéphore Niepce's hometown is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, but it is far from being his only attraction. Chalon-sur-Saône is characterised by its rich architectural heritage, starting with the Saint-Vincent square surrounded by remarkable half-timbered houses and dominated by the Gothic cathedral. From the quays, many ships await you for an unexpected escapade along the Saône. As for the deanery tower on Saint-Laurent Island, it offers an incomparable panorama of the city. The good news is that everything is accessible within walking distance from the Q-Park Hôtel de Ville car park (reservations on the Internet and daily or weekly packages).
Millau
Millau attracts crowds for its impressive 2.5 km long viaduct, but this is only one of its countless beauties. Famous for its art of living as well as for its architectural heritage, the town is full of beautiful discoveries to be made with the whole family: its historic centre with its narrow streets and its Pont-Vieux, its emblematic belfry offering a breathtaking panorama, or its improvised beach on the banks of the Tarn. Put down your luggage for a longer stay (taking advantage of the weekly parking package) and take the opportunity to visit the region or enjoy one of the many outdoor activities available (bungee jumping, canyoning, paragliding, hiking and others).
Poitiers
Poitiers isn't only about the Futuroscope! The heart of the city, to be visited along one of the itineraries marked on the ground by coloured lines, is a delight for lovers of history, architecture... and gourmet walks. For it takes a Chabichou or a delicious Farci Poitevin to give you strength before tackling the cobbled streets that go up and down, and then discover the wonders of Saint-Pierre Cathedral or Notre-Dame-la-Grande Church. Book in the Les Cordeliers car park in the town centre to do everything on foot, and end the day by taking advantage of the 9-hectare Blossac park.
Toulouse
The capital of Occitania reserves beautiful surprises. A walk through the heart of the city allows you to discover its main places of interest: the immense Capitole square with its 12,000 m2, the Saint-Sernin basilica (a stopover on the road to Santiago de Compostela), the Saint-Cyprien district... Other possibilities: take a barge cruise on the unmissable Canal du Midi, visit the Cité de l'Espace, or put your towel on the beach installed every summer on the Ramier island (with many activities on offer). A piece of advice: it is preferable to leave your car in a car park (Compans Caffarelli or Jeanne d'Arc, with a weekly package offer for maximum peace of mind) and use public transport to explore the Pink City.
Uzès
Uzès looks like a postcard from the South. You cross the Old Town and its timeless alleys, where you come across a charming little square with a view of the garrigue. There you can taste the famous black truffle of the Gard in the restaurants. We let ourselves be carried away by the colours and scents of the Saturday morning market on the Place aux Herbes, before returning during the week to enjoy the architecture. And one visits there the imposing monuments which are the Duchy and the Fenestrelle Tower. Uzès offers itself to the curious on foot, so book your parking space in the Gide car park and take a stroll through the cobbled streets!
