Check-ins

Monday, February 28, 2011

France 10 biggest cities(ranked):

Rank

City

Star rating

Strengths and/or
weaknesses

1

Paris

*****

Paris is in a category of its own. There is just so much to see and do; world class museums, monuments and other attractions. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre or Disneyland, Paris has it all, and it is by far the most accessible of French cities

2

Nice

****

Located between rugged hills and the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Nice has a great deal to offer the visitor, from its beaches to its old town, its several art galleries and its old port. The area round Nice is breathtaking, and Its airport is well served by international carriers.

3

Strasbourg

***

Today seat of the European parliament, Strasbourg is one of the great historic cities of Europe. The old city, with its magnificent gothic cathedral, narrow streets and canals, is one of the finest old city centres in France. Strasbourg is accessible by TGV from Paris, and easily accessible from Germany and Benelux. Click here for our hand-picked selection of hotels in the centre of Strasbourg.

4

Bordeaux

***

This great old port city, on the banks of Gironde estuary in southwest France, has a large old centre, much of it dating from the 17th to 19th centuries with some fine monuments. and a good art gallery. The 18th century theatre is the finest theatre of its period in France. The area round Bordeaux is famous for its vineyards

5

Lyon

***

Lyon has an historic centre, between the rivers Saône and Rhône. The Place Bellecour is a fine urban piazza. To the west of the Rhone the old quarter of Fourvière rises steeply up from the quais of the Saône. The urban ensemble, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, is attractive and historic but not breathtaking.

6

Marseille

***

This ancient Mediterranean port has a vibrant city centre, with its main thoroughfare La Canebière. Worth seeing are the city's cathedrals and the mediaeval St. Laurent church. The old port area is very attractive, and boat trips can be taken to the historic fortress on the Ile d'If, lying in the middle of the bay.

7

Toulouse

**

The "pink city" has an attractive and quite distinctive old centre with a distinct Mediterranean flavour. Worth visiting are the St Sernin church, the Jacobins church and cloisters, and the Place du Capitole, a fine city square. Beside the city centre is the Canal du Midi, the oldest canal in Europe.

8

Lille

**

The old city centre of Lille is famous for its Flemish squares and belfries. See also the 17th century Citadel, and the Lille art gallery, reputed to be the second best in France after the Louvre. There is also a good modern art gallery. The Lille zoo is a popular attraction.

9

Nantes

*

The old city centre has narrow pedestrian streets, with an almost Parisian feel. The city's two main monuments are the St. Pierre cathedral and the Chateau of the Dukes of Brittany. Boat trips can be taken up the Erdre river, flanked by a succession of old mansion houses.

10

Toulon

*

A naval port city with an industrial heritage, Toulon has an attractive old quarter near the old port; but it is the city's beautiful Provençal hinterland and the fine coast to the east and the west that are generally more visited than the city itself.



READ MORE!