5 surprising French cities for a city trip

France bucket list: these 5 cities you want to know for your next city trip

July 10, 2019
Last updated: February 6, 2025

This summer, I'm going on vacation to la douce France with my entire family. You can find me in Paris a few times a year, but France has so much more to offer in terms of cities! Since I've made traveling my profession, I was given—quite surprisingly—the wonderful task of planning the family vacation! Based on everyone's wishes, I literally grabbed a map of France and started researching a few French cities that would be fun to visit during the road trip. I wasn't very familiar with a few cities myself, but I immediately added them to my bucket list. I always love visiting medium-sized cities that are less well-known than the capital. Cities that are perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, and where authentic restaurants alternate with trendy spots where a new generation of foodies offers the best of French cuisine.

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**Rotterdam is a vibrant city: Rotterdam is a vibrant city** As a child I came there with my parents to shop, as a teenager and in my twenties to club. Now I love coming there for a weekend escape characterized by good food, nice wine bars and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude. Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots that you'll really want to know. 📌𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 for your next trip to Rotterdam. 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 ⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe ⦁ @dunerotterdam ⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant ⦁ @nice.neighbourhood 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 ⦁ @morganandmees ⦁ @hotelame ⦁ @roommate_bruno ⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam 𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 ⦁ Noord ⦁ Katendrecht ⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park) ⦁ Scheepvaartkwartier 𝗗𝗢 ⦁ Take the Watertaxi ⦁ @boijmans ⦁ Walk & unwind at de Kralingse Plas ⦁ @nlfotomuseum ⦁ Visit @stationbergweg 𝗘𝗔𝗧 ⦁ @tresrotterdam ⦁ @barbertarotterdam ⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam ⦁ @barbistroloevetdie ⦁ @oxrotterdam ⦁ @restaurant_rotonde ⦁ On my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 ⦁ @walsjerot_nl ⦁ @cafeverward ⦁ @spikizibar ⦁ @lenselinq 💌What's your favourite spot in Rotterdam? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Maybe the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️ Are you cocooning indoors or preferring to go outside? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city. Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰 Do you have a nice winter tip for Amsterdam? I'm reading along 👀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. NEW DATE AND EVENTS IN AMSTERDAM 🗝️👀 Mark your calendars! Because on January 17 & 18 Hotelnacht is back in Amsterdam with an edition full of health & wellness events and of course legendary parties that you will be talking about all year long. I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower. AND YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: • overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026 • access to the spa & wellness (based on availability via the wellness desk) • pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor • fully catered chef's dinner • passe-partouts for the Hotelnacht parties • extensive breakfast in the Wintergarden • participation in the unique Ice Experience in the Summergarden of Krasnapolsky 𝗭𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗔𝗞 𝗝𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗦: • let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotelnacht • download the Mastercard Hotelnacht app where you can find the See the full program • and check out @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started! The winner will be notified on January 5th via a comment from @hotelnacht that I'll share in my stories. Fingers crossed for you! Love, Anne #hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway
Merry Christmas 🎄❤️ I wish you very happy holidays. Curious what you are going to do today ✨. ✖️✖️✖️ @anne_de_buck PS: who recognizes this Christmas tree? 👀
I hope you enjoy it and have fun! 🎄 Send a message to that one friend you want to grab one with this weekend. 𝗭𝘂𝗶𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 – Royal Christmas Fair – The Hague (until 23 Dec) @royalchristmasfairthehague – Winter Wonder Weeks – Leiden (12–14 & 18–21 Dec) – Green Christmas Market – Rotterdam (12–14 Dec) – Dordrecht December Days Christmas Market – Dordrecht (13–14 Dec) – Rotterdam Harvest Christmas Edition – Rotterdam (13 & 20 Dec) 𝗚𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 – Winter Festival Zutphen – Zutphen (14 Dec) 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 – Christmas City Valkenburg – Valkenburg (until 4 Jan) Christmas Market – Delden Christmas Market – Delden (13 Dec) – Dickens Festival – Deventer (13–14 Dec) – (H)onest Christmas Market – Deventer (13–14 Dec) Christmas Market – Museumplein Christmas Market – Amsterdam (until 28 Dec) – Haarlem Christmas Market – Haarlem (12–14 Dec) – Funky Xmas Sunday Market – Amsterdam (21 Dec) – Pure Markt Winter Market – Amsterdam (21 Dec) 𝗨𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘁 – Winter Market Molen de Ster – Utrecht (13–14 Dec) – The Utrecht Winter Spectacle – Utrecht (18 Dec–4 Jan) Have fun! Nothing is as much fun as spontaneous plans in December. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊 @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #christmasmarketnetherlands #christmasmarkets2025 christmasmarketamsterdam christmasmarketthehague christmasoutings thingstodointhenetherlands
𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬 👀 This is the coolest new hotel for a night away! Meet @viaantwerp , the newest boutique hotel in Antwerp on the border of Zurenborg and Borgerhout (yep, voted 2nd coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out). I recently stayed at this gem and this hotel really has it all: a lively bar with a cozy atmosphere, walls full of creative art, beautiful bright rooms and it's within walking distance of great hotspots. And I haven't even mentioned @mea.antwerp! The delicious restaurant with a chef behind the pans who previously cooked at The Palomar in London. If you know, you know! And now the best news: I can surprise one of you with a dream night away at VIA Antwerp. 💛 𝗪𝗔𝗧 𝗝𝗘 𝗞𝗨𝗡𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗡 • Overnight stay for 2 people • Breakfast included • Chef's dinner at MEA 𝗭𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗔𝗞 𝗝𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗦 • Let us know in the comments which friend you would like to stay here with • Of course, also take a look at @viaantwerp & @mea.antwerp to dream away and follow their updates The winner will be notified personally via DM on December 10th. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and will soon share a mini guide with more great tips for Antwerp! 🖤 ​​✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #antwerp #antwerp #zurenborg #antwerpencity #borgerhout

5 French cities to visit this summer

In this blog post, I'll list five French cities, each worth a visit. Whether for a city break or as part of a road trip through France, this blog post offers a sneak peek at the tips I've jotted down in my little black book.

Bordeaux City Guide

When I first visited Bordeaux, I found this city such a discovery. A foodie's paradise, as it's the perfect base for endless to go wine tasting At the various country houses and castles in and around the city. In the city center, zigzag from side street to side street off the main shopping streets and discover one great hotspot after another. In the late afternoon, have a drink on the rooftop terrace of the Mama Shelter hotel, which is also my favorite place to stay. What I love about Bordeaux is that the historic center is full of beautiful classical buildings and gates, but that along the riverbanks it also has a raw industrial edge that almost reminds me of Berlin, where you'll find a lot of modern architecture. Like La Cité du Vin, a museum entirely dedicated to wine that features both permanent and changing exhibitions. On the top floor of the museum, you'll find one of the city's best modern restaurants: Le 7. Here you'll not only enjoy delicious food but also have a fantastic view of the bridge and the water. For the aforementioned Berlin vibes, head to Darwin. A former barracks now serving as a creative hub with plenty of street art, a skate park, offices, and charming restaurants for a coffee or a leisurely brunch. For example, Magasin Général, where you can eat on-site or buy something for a picnic. Other great hotspots I discovered during my last trip to Bordeaux include Plume (for coffee and treats or lunch) and La Cagette (a trendy, modern French bistro and wine bar). You can easily spend four days in Bordeaux if you also want to do some wine tastings. For example, you could take a combination tour that includes a wine tasting at a château in Margaux and oyster tasting in Arcachon. If there's one city a foodie should visit for a city break, it's Bordeaux!

 | MORE BORDEAUX: Discover the tips from a local here >>

Mama Shelter: 19 Rue Poquelin Molière – mamashelter.com
La Cité du Vin: Esplanade de Pontac, 134 Quai de Bacalan – laciteduvin.com
Le7: 134 Quai de Bacalan – le7restaurant.com
Darwin & Magasin Général: 87 Quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux, France – hangardarwin.org
Plume Coffee: 32 Rue Cheverus – plume.coffee
La Cagette: 8 Place du Palais – lacagette.com

 

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Aix-en-Provence City Guide

Inland from Marseille, you'll find the charming student city of Aix-en-Provence. Did you know this is the birthplace of the famous modern painter Paul Cézanne? You can still visit his studio, "Atelier de Cézanne," where various still lifes are on display and you can learn more about his life. Painting not your thing? Don't worry! There's more to see and do in Aix-en-Provence. The city is also nicknamed the "city of a thousand fountains." Just outside the city, for example, you'll find the impressive (and very Instagrammable) Roquefavour Aqueduct. Definitely worth a visit during a road trip. And have you ever heard of Callisons? This is the city's local delicacy, available at the best bakeries and made with almonds, melon, and orange. Foodies can also indulge themselves in Aix-en-Provence. On weekends, you'll find numerous markets where you can buy all sorts of things. From beautiful regional products to antiques. I've added restaurants to my list: Le Petit Baron (a cozy wine bar with a lovely interior and a terrace where you can also enjoy a meal), Mana Espresso (for the best coffee in town, according to locals), and Restaurant l'Ancienne Epicerie (delicious food in an intimate courtyard). Because this city is in the South of France, the weather is pleasant early in the season, and the squares are filled with terraces perfect for food and drinks. I also discovered the concept store Aix & Co, which sells items from local artisans, among other things. Perfect for shopping for unique souvenirs to take home! Looking for something tasty before continuing your road trip through France, or for a cozy picnic in one of the city parks? Then L'épicerie engagée is the place to be!

| MORE AIX-EN-PROVENCE: Discover the tips from a local here >>

Atelier Cézanne: 9 Avenue Paul Cézanne- cezanne-en-provence.com
Le Petit Baron: 2 Place Fontêtes, Aix-en-Provence – Facebook
Mana Espresso: 12 Rue des Bernardines – mana-aix.com
Restaurant l'Ancienne Epicerie: 12 Rue du Cancel – Facebook 
Aix and Co: 18 Rue Courteissade – Facebook 
L'épicerie engagée: 19 Rue Mignet – Facebook 

 

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La Rochelle City Guide

I love cities by the water. Especially because I always hope to be able to order a seafood platter on a terrace during lunch. La Rochelle La Rochelle is such a town! If you're planning a road trip through France, it's useful to know that this city is located right between Rennes and Bordeaux. La Rochelle is a perfect base for exploring the Île de Ré peninsula. It used to be an important and wealthy port city, which is still reflected in the beautiful historic buildings and the fortress, as well as the Port des Minimes (the largest marina in France). The old harbor is a highlight you definitely shouldn't miss during your visit. You'll find many cozy restaurants there where you can enjoy delicious fish! From La Rochelle, you can also take beautiful bike rides along the coast. There are several marked routes, and many bike rental companies also offer e-bikes, allowing you to see even more without having to get in the car. When I was younger, I visited La Rochelle several times with my parents, but since I saw a food program about the city a while ago, I've been wanting to go back. Wander through the narrow streets where you'll find authentic ice cream parlors selling flavors like poppy, melon, and basil. Restaurants on my food list are: Le Panier de Crabe (a must-see fish restaurant for seafood just behind the harbour and thus away from most tourists), Restaurant Le Comptoir Saoufé (a cosily furnished bistro with a promising menu) and Restaurant Le Rouge aux Lèvres (a wine shop with vintage furniture where you can also eat).

| MORE LA ROCHELLE: Discover the tips from a local here >>

Le Panier de Crabe: 9 Rue de la Fourche – website 
Restaurant Le Comptoir Saoufé: 12 Rue du Port – lecomptoirsaoufe.com
Restaurant Le Rouge aux Lèvres: 4 Rue des Cloutiers – lerouge-auxlevres.fr

 

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Rennes City Guide

This city has been on my bucket list for a long time, but I haven't yet gotten around to taking a road trip and finally visiting Rennes. Did you know, by the way, that you can easily extend a weekend in Paris by train with a few nights in Rennes? I always call it a trip-within-a-trip, where I try to get more out of my travels. One of the reasons Rennes is so high on my bucket list is because this Breton capital is the perfect base for a visit to the fairytale-like Mont Saint-Michel. Plan plenty of time to wander through Rennes's picturesque streets. The half-timbered houses with their characteristic wooden beams, painted in the most beautiful color palette, create a typical Breton streetscape that reminds me of the Disney film Beauty and the Beast. Although Rennes isn't a large city, it's vibrant! It's a true student city with a vibrant nightlife, certainly plays a major role in this. Foodies can't leave Rennes without trying a galette saucisse. This is a buckwheat pancake with sausage, among other things. Locals love their galettes at L'Instant Crêperie. Other restaurants on my list to eat at during a city break in Rennes are: La Cantine des Ateliers du Vent (a restaurant in a former mustard factory), Restaurant IMA (a Michelin-starred fine dining hotspot), Chez Paul (a classic bistro with market-fresh dishes), and Restaurant La Petite Ourse (a modern bistro in the city center).

| MORE RENNES: Discover the tips from a local here >>

L'instant Crêperie: 31 Rue Saint-Georges – Facebook 
La Cantine des Ateliers du Vent: 59 Rue Alexandre Duval – lesateliersduvent.org
Restaurant IMA: 20 Boulevard de la Tour d'Auvergne – ima.restaurant
Chez Paul: 30 Rue Poullain Duparc – Facebook 
Restaurant La Petite Ourse: 48 Boulevard de la Liberté – restaurantlapetiteourse.com

 

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Nice City Guide

One of the cities I'm visiting at the beginning of this summer is Nice. It's been quite a while since I last visited, and I'm really looking forward to it. As a child, I often went to the Côte d'Azur with my parents, and in my memory, every bay is so picture-perfect with its striped parasols that I'll have to force myself not to constantly grab my phone to take pictures. Of course, I'll be taking Manuel to Nice too, and since Grandpa and Grandma will be there too, I hope to spend an afternoon and evening alone with Leonard for a culinary evening with plenty of wine and authentic French food. As a child, I loved the evening markets along the Nice boulevard. The Promenade des Anglais stretches for miles and is highly recommended for an after-dinner or late-afternoon stroll. Perhaps that's where my love of markets originated! In Nice, the Cours Saleya Market is a well-known landmark. Here, they sell flowers and food, and there are also several stalls where you can sample the local street food, socca. A kind of chickpea-flour pancake pizza cooked over an open fire, which the locals love to eat at Chez Pipo. Good to know: there's a flea market there on Mondays. Nice's old town is a great place to get lost. Narrow streets are packed with restaurants, hidden squares, and small boutiques. For one of the most beautiful views of Nice, head to the viewpoint at Mont Boron Park or Castle Hill. Of course, I also have a few restaurants in Nice where I'll definitely be booking a table this summer: Peixes (a neo-bistro listed in the Michelin Guide but without its own website), La Lupita (a Mexican hotspot for that one night when you don't feel like eating French), and Esstra (an organic bistro that uses only local ingredients). Fun fact: restaurants that use the finest ingredients and traditional recipes have the "Cuisine Nissarde" quality mark. You can recognize them by the sticker on the restaurant door! Tip: Thanks to its mild climate, Nice is also a great place for a city ​​trip in winter if, like me, you get happy from palm trees in the colder months!

| MORE NICE: Discover the tips from a local here >>

Chez Pipo: 13 Rue Bavastro – chezpipo.fr
Peixes: 4 Rue de l'Opéra – Michelin Guide listing
La Lupita: 9 Rue de la Préfecture – Instagram
Esstra: 22 Avenue du Marechal Foch – Facebook 

Have fun planning your next city break or road trip to one of these French cities! Happy travels.

 

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