5 surprising French cities for a city trip
Travel Inspiration city ​​trips Lists France Bordeaux

Anne de Buck

founder & editor in chief
July 10, 2019
6 February 2025

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

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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Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢

Straight from the airport to this little place to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉 <3

In Taipei, you go to a Soy Milk Shop for breakfast. Warm soy milk to eat in a bowl, and steam baskets with the tastiest dumplings and baozi. You can really wake me up for this kind of breakfast. These local breakfast spots come in all shapes and sizes, from Michelin-recommended spots to hole-in-the-wall stalls.

Most soy milk shops open early (and sometimes even 24 hours a day), and these are the dishes you want to try:
🥄 Warm soy milk
🥢 Soup dumplings (you can often choose between pork and veggies)
🥢 Pork baozi
🥢 Youtiao (油條 - a kind of fried donut stick)
🥢 Youtiao (油條) w/ pork floss & rice
🥢 Turnip cake
🥢 Chives pancake
🥢 Scallion pancake

TIP: Sharing is a good idea to taste as much as possible, because the portions are (often) large.

You'll want to remember these soy milk shops for your future trip to Taipei:
📍Fuhang Soy Milk
📍Soy Milk Shop
📍Yong He Soya Milk King (Da'an)
📍Sihai Soy Milk

I am currently touring Taiwan, and you can also find all the tips in my Stories Highlight.

Have you ever been to Taiwan? I'm curious if you thought it was *that* amazing!

✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

#taipeifood #taipeitravel #TaiwanWavesOfWonder #ExperienceTaiwan @taiwantoerisme #presstrip

{ In this Taiwan Travel Guide video, I share my favorite breakfast spots in Taipei for an authentic Taiwanese breakfast }

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Open post by yourlbb with ID 18114837760796928
Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉

Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away.

During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies, where there is plenty to do.

• A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea.

· Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round.

· Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting.

Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold right now, but there is plenty to do.

• The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!).

Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure.

✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

{ In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }

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Open post by yourlbb with ID 18097073803922476
Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away. During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies alike, where there is plenty to do. · A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea. · Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round. · Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting. · Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold now, but there is plenty to do. · The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!). Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }

PUUR YONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer.

Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese.
I spent the whole evening reading and flipping through the pages.

WHAT A BOOK.
What stories.
WHAT AN ODE.

Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being.

Everything passes by, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert.

With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043.

Thanks for the lovely afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚

PURE JONNIE,
From 14 April
at your local bookstore
(and online)

🖊️ @anne_de_buck

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Open post by yourlbb with ID 18015575372841444
PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck

This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢

@tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality.
It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3.

In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds.

Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤

✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

{ one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }

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Open post by yourlbb with ID 18085552346348965
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }

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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A post shared by France.fr (@francefr) on 15 Feb 2018 at 4:38 (PST)

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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A post shared by Office de Tourisme Aix-en-Pce (@aixenprovencetourism) on 6 Jul 2017 at 3:12 (PDT)

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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A post shared by La Rochelle Tourisme (@larochelletourisme) on Apr 11, 2019 at 9:42am PDT

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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A post shared by Tourisme Rennes (@tourisme_rennes) on Mar 1, 2019 at 2:27am PST

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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A post shared by Nice Tourisme (@nicetourisme) on Oct 25, 2018 at 2:24am PDT

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ANNE

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