Paris may be basking in its Olympic glory but some of France’s most inviting cities are crashing the party. From the sailing venue of Marseille to football host cities such as Nantes, Lyon, Bordeaux and Nice, these destinations are ready to shine.It seems like a no-brainer. Surely, the best way to start the day in Nice is to stroll along the palm-studded Promenade des Anglais, where Belle Époque buildings overlook the wide curve of the serene bay.
Local museums celebrate some of the artists who lived and work here – don’t miss the Musée Matisse and the Musée National Marc Chagall. If you love fine fragrance, book yourself in for a perfume-making session at the Molinard atelier, and then relax with a glass of pastis at one of the city’s many elegant bars.
Alternatively, settle in at one of the city’s inviting wine bars. Soif has a 35-strong wine list and a menu of seasonal bites based on whatever’s freshest in the local markets. The local restaurant scene is equally lively: try Symbiose, where you can graze from small plates then pass through the hidden entrance to its speakeasy-style cocktail bar.
These traditional diners are the place to sample classic Lyonnais dishes such as coq au vin, tablier de sapeur or the delicious fish dumplings known as quenelles – all washed down with a local drop of Beaujolais. One more thing: Lyon has some magnificent trompe-l’oeil murals, including Le Mur des Canuts and La Fresque des Lyonnais, an 800-square-metre painting featuring portraits of 30 famous Lyonnais.There is one word that always crops up when people write about Nantes: “former”. As in, the former capital of Brittany. Or, the former slaving port. But a visit to Nantes is not just about looking back at the past.
One more thing: the old shipyards are now home to delights such as Les Machines d’Île, giant mechanised animals and insects beloved by both children and adults.Forget what you think you know about Marseille. Considered a no-go zone for many decades, the city has had a makeover and is now an inviting destination. In fact, if you are looking for the proverbial something-for-everyone, Marseille hits the spot.
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