Things to do in France, France: The Best Neighborhoods

May 7, 2022 Alice Mieles

– in Europe  (green & dark grey) – in the European Union  (green)
Restaurants in France

1. Montmartre

75018 Paris France
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19,757 reviews

Montmartre

Located in the 18th Arrondissement, this elevated rural neighborhood on the outskirts of the city has a collection of upscale shops and cafés and still exudes hints of old village charm.

Reviewed By RaeBar - Durban, South Africa

It's hard to believe that Montmatre is part of the frenetically-busy city of Paris! It has an old bohemian village feel about it and has much less traffic. There's loads to see, from the amazing Sacre-Coeur Cathedral towering above the city, to the famous Moulin Rouge, little streets meandering up and down the hillside, the buzzing artists' square of Place du Tertre, the fascinating old Cemetary, loads of cafes, restaurants & galleries and so much more!

2. La Petite France

Grand Île, Strasbourg France +33 3 88 52 28 28 http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/fr/decouvrir/monuments-musees-et-autres-sites-a-visiter/les-incontournables/F223007616_la-petite-france-strasbourg.html
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10,198 reviews

La Petite France

Strasbourg's historic neighborhood is a serene collection of cobblestone roads, fine restaurants and 16th-century buildings.

Reviewed By fiamma11 - Vienna, United States

Strasbourg's historic district La Petite France is gorgeous, complete with canals, bridges and half-timbered architecture.Just what you would expect to see in a "Once Upon A Time" fairy tale. Don't miss this area when in Strasbourg.

3. The Panier

13002 Marseille France http://www.lepanierdemarseille.com
Excellent
44%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,447 reviews

The Panier

Reviewed By Ilmar1 - Perth, Australia

The one unique thing about this area which makes it worth visiting is the quality of the street art (or graffiti) which adds a very colourful dimension to the narrow streets. Virtually nothing was open when we visited except a few shops selling mass produced souvenirs, so there was nothing to do but take photos. I was told this was because it was no longer tourist season (which explained the almost deserted streets) and the december rush had yet to begin. Take an hour to walk slowly around and admire the views. It is worth it.

4. Old Town

06000 Nice France +33 4 93 62 38 39 http://nicetourisme.com
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12,313 reviews

Old Town

This historic part of Nice feels like a medieval village with narrow streets curving between old buildings with red-tile roofs, small restaurants and open-markets.

Reviewed By NfN270644 - Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom

Large Old Town area incorporating a wonderful flower market, small shops in narrow, historic winding alleys and streets selling anything and everything, thoroughly enjoyable time with great cafes/restaurants full of locals enjoying coffee, snacks and meals.

5. Le Marais

Le Marais 3e Arrondissement, 75003 Paris France +33 9 52 89 24 05
Excellent
66%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12,749 reviews

Le Marais

Located on a land-filled swamp, this revitalized neighborhood, once a center of high culture, fell into disrepair following the French Revolution, but has regained prominence.

Reviewed By SteveFromHenderson

Alive with restaurants, bars, shops of every variety. Home to the Picasso Museum (fantastic), the very interesting Carnavalet Museum (museum of the City of Paris), and lovely cafes, bakeries, creperies, and the best falafel shops in Europe!

6. Rue du Gros-Horloge

Centre-Ville, Rouen France +33 2 62 86 46 21 http://www.rouenvalleedeseine.mobi/
Excellent
52%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,987 reviews

Rue du Gros-Horloge

Reviewed By simply-peregrinating - Waddington, United Kingdom

This bustling street from the cathedral down to the market is a lovely one to walk on because of all the things to see along the way. Of course the clock tower is the main attraction especially when the sun light catches it and it glistens. There are plenty of half timbered buidings painted in various colours to see. The street does get busy especially near the clock.

7. Little Venice

Quai de la Poissonnerie, 68000, Colmar France +33 3 89 20 68 92 [email protected] http://www.tourisme-colmar.com/en/visit/presentation/architectural-heritage/F235008803_little-venice-colmar
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,798 reviews

Little Venice

The « little Venice » is the name given to the course of the Lauch in Colmar. This name probably came from the original line of the houses on both sides of the river, which serves the southeast of the city. This district starts behind the Koïfhus, goes through the fishmonger's district and to the bridges Turenne and Saint-Pierre. It is therefore at the beginning of the Krutenau, whose etymology refers to places of market gardening on the outskirts of the towns. Originally inhabited by a rural community of wine-producers, market gardeners and boatmen, the Krutenau stretches out around the Turenne Street that the marshal took in 1674 for his triumphant entry in the city. Boat rides are possible there.

Reviewed By andim122 - York, United Kingdom

This is a key area of Colmar and contains a small river (canal) that runs through it - this was because the market gardeners in the past used to grow their produce outside the city and then brought it in in small boats You can take a small boat and cruise the area and get a different view of the old town houses

8. Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne

A61 West Sur la Rive droite de l'Aude, 11000 Carcassonne Center, Carcassonne France +33 4 68 10 24 30 [email protected] https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/345
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9,819 reviews

Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne

Reviewed By shonas804 - Auckland, New Zealand

We absolutely loved visiting here. Imagine a real life medieval town, Harry Potter fans would love this place. I loved everything thing about it .... from the cobbled streets, the amazing turrets, to the fantastic shops, the incredible history and being able who walk around in a living city with so much history. The church had gorgeous stained glass windows. Go here, it is amazing!

9. Port de la Lune

Port de la Lune, 33000, Bordeaux France
Excellent
58%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 160 reviews

Port de la Lune

Reviewed By Malarchy - Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Le Port de la Lune is the old harbour at Bordeaux on the Garonne. Nowadays it loosely refers to the promenade between the Pont de Pierre and the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas. The backdrop on the Left Bank is beautiful and it is a pleasant place to walk, cycle, or run on a sunny day. The old port is no longer in operation but there are still occasional visits from cruise ships. It is far from the best way to experience Bordeaux but fortunately these monstrosities do not stay for long. It is also possible to get a small boat along the Bordeaux stretch of the Garonne from here. The promenade as a whole is lovely. Several spectacular buildings face it such as the Palais de la Bourse which in the right period of the year is reflected in the Miroir de l'Eau. The buildings generally that can be seen from the promenade are lovely. The Garonne is a flowing river and dredges up quite a lot of mud. Despite that it is a thoroughly pleasant waterway to pass alongside. The view to the Right Bank is much less interesting and is clearly the poorer relation. The bridges at either end are impressive in their own ways but form a backdrop rather than a core part of the area. The aspect that makes this area work is how lively it is. There are always people enjoying the area passively or actively. A particular highlight is coming across street dance collectives by the Miroir de l'Eau. On Sundays a nice little market springs up mainly swelling fresh products. At the new bridge end there is a shopping avenue with a series of restaurants. The whole area is well maintained despite its popularity. It is a genuine pleasure to experience and a wonderful promenade.

10. Cours Mirabeau

Aix-en-Provence France http://www.experience-privee.com/city/aix-en-provence
Excellent
46%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,925 reviews

Cours Mirabeau

Reviewed By Mmeurzec - Singapore, Singapore

This is a beautiful street lined with old Charming buildings in typical south of France style. Along its edges are restaurants and bistrots with terraces which are quintessential to the Provence.

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