Travel expert reveals six must-visit French cities (that aren't Paris)
We're not going to lie; Paris is always an excellent idea, but it's not the be all and end all of French tourism (despite what Parisians would have you think).
Keen to see a little more of the country besides the City of Light? No need to worry about the country's ban on short domestic flights (essentially any journey that can be done by train in under 2.5 hours), France's wonderful high-speed TGV system makes it easy to tack on another destination or two.
While there's no shortage of vibrant cities, quaint towns (and everything in between) to discover, we've got a few suggestions to get you dreaming and planning.
Cannes
A favourite with those seeking the glamorous Riviera atmosphere, Cannes may be renowned for its festivals, but it offers so much more than red carpets and pap-hungry movie stars.
Don your oversized dark glasses and explore Croisette Boulevard, which stretches along a picturesque bay lined with big name designer stores, chic cafes and pretty beaches, and check out the historic Le Suquet district boasting both charming streets and panoramic views from its old castle.
Be sure to make a beeline for the Îles de Lérins, where tranquil nature and ancient monasteries await, and if you don't mind travelling another 40 minutes by train, try to pair your Cannes experience with a trip to Nice, which is considered a more 'down to earth' French Riviera experience.
The high-speed train from Paris to Cannes takes five scenic hours.
Bordeaux
If you're thinking wine, you're off to a good start: Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is home to some 100,000 wineries, providing plenty of picturesque wine-tasting (and purchasing) opportunities.
It's not ALL about wine of course, and some of the key attractions which delight visitors to this historic city include the Place de la Bourse, the Grand Théâtre, the Basilique Saint-Michel and the Jardin Public, a landscaped-to-perfect park.
Don't miss walking the antiques-heavy Chartrons district, a visit to La Cité du Vin (or any number of wine torus) which invite you to explore the local viticulture, and a chance to walk its winding, cobblestone streets to have a taste of what's on offer (surprise, Bordeaux is also a fantastic choice for the gourmands among us).
You can reach Bordeaux from Paris within two hours with the TGV.
Marseille
Forget everything you've heard; although Marseille had a less-than-stellar reputation in the past, it has enjoyed a substantial glow-up in recent years and this bustling port city is quickly becoming one of the country's key tourism players thanks to its exciting blend of cultures.
Most start their exploration of Marseille with a visit to the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame-de la Garde, which offers spectacular panoramic views across the city, and a walk around the historic Old Port (Vieux-Port) where you can check out the local markets, eat your body weight in fresh seafood and load up on lavender products (particularly soap).
Some of the more interesting neighbourhoods to enjoy include the vibrant Le Panier and Le Cours Julien, which teems with street art and second-hand stores, but the Parc national des Calangues to the south of the city is worth a day trip too, if you have some time up your sleeve.
The vibrant quarter of Notre-Dame du Mont in Marseille, famed for its street art and nightlife, was recently voted the world's 'coolest city' according to Time Out.
A high-speed train gets to Marseille from Paris in a little over three hours.
Toulouse
It's hard to say no to a city that dazzles with its distinctive rose-hued architecture, but the 'Pink City' isn't only about taking in its impressive landmarks.
By all mean visit the Capitole de Toulouse, which serves as both the city hall and opera house, and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, which among with Canal du Midi and Hotel Dieu Saint-Jacques make up the three UNESCO World Heritage sites which call the city's terracotta streets home.
Many time their visits to Toulouse to line up with the tango festival in July (a time when the bars come alive) but let's face it, time spent walking around the Jardin des Plantes and along the Canal du Midi is perfect at any time of year.
Toulouse sits near the Spanish border and can be reached in just over four hours by high-speed train.
Strasbourg
To holiday in France or in Germany? With a visit to Strasbourg, you can enjoy a little bit of both. Located on the Rhine, both cultures heavily influence the local landscape, from the Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral, to the atmospheric La Petite France district which, with its wealth of half-timbered houses and canals, adds a fairytale touch to any trip.
