French cities – les villes françaises

"La Ville Lumière" (The City of Light), the capital of France, famous for its uncountable monuments, haute cuisine and fashion.

Paris, la Ville Lumière

The second largest city in France, after Paris. France's largest city on the Mediterranean coast and largest commercial port. Known for the "bouillabaisse", a fish stew which originated in this city.

Marseille, la bouillabaisse

The city was known for the production and weaving of silk. Nowadays is called the French capital of gastronomy.

Lyon

"La Ville Rose" (Pink City), an enchanting university town with beautiful historic centre and distinctive pink brick architecture. This city is known for its mouth-watering cuisine offering a variety of traditional dishes.

Toulouse, la Ville Rose

The city is known for its spectacular Carnival, which features parades and events beginning at least the weekend before Ash Wednesday.

Nice

The home of the European Parliament. This city sitsright on the border of France and Germany and hosts France's oldest Christmas market.

Strasbourg

The capital of the most famous wine region in the world.

Bordeaux

“La Porte Océane” (Gateway to the Ocean), a busy harbour located near Seine Estuary that offers a gateway for those coming in through the English Channel.

Le Havre, la Porte Océane

Best known for its stunning cathedral where the kings of France were crowned.

Reims

This city is known world wide for its various varieties of Mustards as well as for its gingerbread.

Dijon

This city is known for its famous porcelain, enamel and also oak barrels.

Limoges

The city has a rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire and is known for its numerous Roman remains.

Nîmes

The city where the international annual film festival takes place, well known for its stunning beaches, chic culture and luxurious yachts.

Cannes

This city is associated with Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc) who released the town from the British during the 100 years war which opposed England to France in the 14th century.

Orléans, Jeanne d'Arc

"City of a Hundred Spires" since many of its important buildings are churches. The "Tour de Beurre" (Butter Tower) of the Notre Dame cathedral was the subject of paintings by Claude Monet. The city is not only known to be the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, but also renowned for its medieval cobbled streets.

Rouen, Tour de Beurre

The "City of the Popes", a UNESCO world heritage site and home to the largest gothic palace in Europe.

Avignon

A lovely medieval town of timber-frame houses, narrow streets and a beautifully preserved historical centre.

Troyes

The centre of "Bande Desinée" (Comic Strips), French cartoon capital where annual international Comic Festival takes place (it's like Comic Con in the U.S).

Angoulême, la bande desinée