Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier more purely parliamentary administrations. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.

Paris -- the "City of Light", the capital of France

One of the best value and most convenient ways to see the sights of Paris is with the Paris Museum Pass (previously known as Carte Musées et Monuments), a pre-paid entry card that allows entry into over 70 museums and monuments around Paris and comes in 2-day (€30), 4-day (€45) and 6-day (€60) denominations (prices as of August 2008). Note these are consecutive days. The card allows you to jump otherwise sometimes lengthy queues and is available from participating museums, tourist offices, Fnac branches and all the main Métro and RER train stations. You will still need to pay to enter most special exhibitions. For best results and to avoid having to wait in the first long queue to purchase the Museum Pass, stop to purchase your pass at one of the smaller museums or sites covered, or at one of the non-museum purchase points. The day you puchase the pass does not have to count as one of the days; you specify on the pass the first date of use, and the days covered are consecutive after that. Do not write your start date until you are certain you will use the pass that day. Be careful to use the European date style as indicated on the card (day/month/year).

Note that most museums and galleries are closed on either Monday or Tuesday - check ahead to avoid disappointment! - and most ticket counters close 30 - 45 minutes before final closing. Louvre museum is closed on Tuesdays while Orsay museum is closed on Mondays, good to know when setting visit plans.

Also consider the ParisPass also a pre paid entry card + queue jumping to 60 attractions including The Louvre, The Arc de Triomphe, as well as a river cruise and allows free metro & public transport travel. Also note a cheaper alternative with this new combined pass available since September 2008 is the Paris ComboPass®, which comes in Lite/Premium versions.

All national museums are open free of charge on the first Sunday of the month; note, however, that this may mean long lines and crowded exhibits. Keep away from Paris during Easter week. It's really crowded. People have to queue up at the Eiffel tower for several hours. Entry to the permanent exhibitions at city-run museums is free at all times (admission is charged for temporary exhibitions).

These listings are just some highlights of things that you really should see if you can during your visit to Paris. The complete listings are found on each individual district page (follow the link in parenthesis).

Good listings of almost everything to do in Paris can be found in 'Pariscope' or 'Officiel des spectacles', weekly magazines listing all concerts, art exhibitions, films, stage plays and museums. Available from all kiosks.

Arc de Triomphe (8th)

The Arc de Triomphe still exudes a certain grandeur despite the crowds of tourists and the tacky souvenir shops.

Arènes de Lutece (5th)

Built during the 1st and 2nd centuries, this amphitheater could seat up to 17,000 people, hosting gladiator fights as well as less bloody entertainment.

Assemblée Nationale (7th)

Seats the French Parliament, and was designed by Giardini and Gabriel in 1728.

Catacombs (14th)

Used to store the exhumed bones from the overflowing Paris cemetery.

Chateau de Versailles (Versailles)

France's most exquisite chateau, on the outskirts of the city. Was once the home to Louis XIV.

The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) (7th)

No other monument that better symbolizes Paris.

Grand Arche de la Défense (La Défense)

A modern office-building variant of the Arc de Triomphe. Has a viewing platform.

Notre Dame Cathedral (4th)

Impressive Gothic cathedral that was the inspiration for Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Opera Garnier (9th)

Masterpiece of theatre architecture of the 19th century built by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875 housing the Paris Opera since it was founded by Louis XIV.

Pantheon (5th)

Underneath, the final resting place for the great heroes of the French Republic including Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Marie Currie; above, a marvellous view of the city.

Père-Lachaise Cemetery (20th)

See the grave of Jim Morrison amongst many others.

Sacré Coeur (18th)

A church perched on top of the highest point in Paris. Behind the church is the artists' area, in front are spectacular views of the whole city.

Sainte Chapelle (1st)

Far more beautiful than the famous, but gloomy, Notre Dame.

Le Musée de l'AP-HP, (5th)

Paris's medical history.

Le Musee des Arts Decoratifs, (1st)

Showcasing eight centuries of French savoir faire.

Carnavalet (3rd)

Museum of Paris history; exhibitions are permanent and free.

Centre Georges Pompidou , (4th)

The great museum of modern art, the building an attraction in itself.

Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie - La Villette, (19th)

Science museum for adults and children.

Cluny, (5th)

Paris's medieval museum, housed in a part Roman, part medieval building.

Delacroix

National museum housed in the home of painter Eugene Delacroix.

Jacquemart-Andre Museum , (8th)

Private collection of French, Italian, Dutch masterpieces in a typical XIXth century mansion.

Picasso Museum, (3rd)

Contains the master's own collections.

Les Invalides, (7th)

Museum of arms and armor from the Middle Ages to today. Also contains the tombs of Napoleon Bonaparte and other French military figures.

The Louvre, (1st)

One of the finest museums in the world of art, art-history, and culture. Home of the Mona Lisa.

Musée de l'Orangerie, (1st)

 [Jardin des Tuileries] Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings by Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Rousseau, Chaim Soutine, Alfred Sisley.

Musée d'Orsay, (7th)

Home to the great artists of the 19th century (1848-1914). Incredible collection of Impressionist art housed in an old railway station. Every room you go into seems to have another incredibly popular painting. Degas'ballerinas, Monet's waterlillies, etc.

Musée Marmottan-Monet (16th)[rue Louis Boilly]

Collection of works by Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. "Impression Soleil Levant" by Monet is on display in this museum.

Musée National de la Marine, (16th)

From times of exploration to modern day vessels. Interesting but primarily in French.

Rodin Museum, (7th)

His personal collection and archives, in a charming hotel and sprawling garden.

Musée en Herbe (1st and 16th)

An art museum just for kids with hands-on exhibitions and workshops.

Aix-en-Provence - city of water, city of art

Aix is famous for its fountains. The largest and most famous is on the Cours Mirabeau, the main avenue through town, as well as a moss-covered fountain which draws its water from a hot spring.

Along with searching out the dozens of fountains sprawled around the city, Aix is known for its architecture. The varied and often intricate doors are a key feature, as well as the bell towers. The bell towers throughout Aix-en-Provence, and Provence more generally, are made of wraught iron. This allows the strong winds of the Mistral to flow straight through them, since solid stone would be destroyed by the force of the winds.

The city market runs multiple days a week, but the largest and most colorful is the Saturday market which includes a flower market at the Place de l'Hotel de Ville and the main food market is at Place Richelme.

Bordeaux - city of wine, capital of South-West

North of Les Quais over the river, the Aquitaine Bridge is an architectural achievement unique in France.

Do not miss the Victory Arch (Roman architecture), at the center of La Victoire and a great example of the town's Roman roots.

Relax and take a picnic in the lush Public Gardens, north of Gambetta square.

The Girondins memorial on the Quinconces square is a fitting tribute to the Girondin députés that were guillotined by the Robespierre.

Musee D'Art Contemporain

Musee D'Art Contemporain at 7, rue Ferrère. Definitely worth a visit if you are interested in Modern Art. The Richard Long slate line-up on the roof is a permanent feature. Exhibits are always changing and the museum is an inspiring place for installations. The CAPC is open Tuesday to Sunday 11AM-6PM (to 8PM Wednesday), closed Monday; admission is €5.50 (£4), but free on the first Sunday of the month.

Musee D'Aquitaine

Musee D'Aquitaine, 20, cours Pasteur. Stunning musuem that exhibits Gallo-Roman statues and relics dating back 25,000 years. Hours- 11AM - 6PM Tue-Sun. Free entry for permanent collections; temporary exhibits cost around €5 for adults.

Bourges -- a middle aged city, capital of central France.

The cathedral of St Etienne, a UNESCO heritage site, dates from about 1200-1255. It's an exceptionally fine and most original work of French Gothic, with double aisles and an immensely high nave. It has preserved almost all the original stained glass of its ambulatory, and some of the high windows of the choir. There are also some lovely later windows in the side chapels. The crypt and towers can be visited for an extra charge.

The Palais de Jacques Coeur was built from 1443-1450 by Jacques Coeur, the richest man in France and banker to Charles VII. It's a flamboyant work, highly decorated and punctuated by stair turrets and towers just like the castles in the Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry - another Bourges inhabitant. The interior can only be visited on a guided tour, for which a charge is made.

The Marais, to the north of the historic centre, is an area of allotment gardens divided by canals. A walk all the way round will take you 2-3 hours and give you excellent views of the cathedral. Go at a weekend and you'll probably see some of the gardeners punting through the canals to their plots.

The whole city is full of lovely houses, some in half timber, others in the light stone that is characteristic of Bourges. Rue Bourbonnoux and Rue Coursalon are particularly worth visiting.

Palais des Echevins / Musee Esteve is another medieval mansion which borrows its vocabulary from the Palais Jacques Coeur, built 40 years earlier.

Musee de Berry - a free museum of local traditions, in another medieval mansion.

Musee des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France - this museum, opposite the cathedral, displays works of craftsmanship which have been made for the MOF diploma. Currently (Jan 2007) it has a display of fine hand-made knives in the exhibition room. Free entry, and worth a look.

Cannes -- host of the annual Cannes Film Festival

Old town

The usual narrow winding streets filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. The view from the castle ruins at the top is excellent.

Covered Market

For a spectacular eating and viewing food experience, no other market in Cannes beats this for scale and variety. The market itself is at the west end of rue Meynardiers, one of the Cote's best gourmand streets.

Palais des Festivals

Down La Croisette is the famous Palais des Festivals, where stars of the screen gather and watch films screened during the festival. Irresistible not to pose for a photograph on the 22 steps leading up to the entrance.

Port

Admire the yachts of the rich and possibly famous - though true mega-yachts will be found at the International Yacht Club down the coast in Antibes.

La Croisette

Cannes catwalk beside the sea, it is the center of the city's tourist activity and known for its luxury hotels and boutique shops.

Beaches

The beaches are mostly private and cost up to €30 for a day's use (including sunbed and shade). The public beaches are crowded, and are found at the far east and west of town. If you want a quieter beach, a better option is to go to the Îles de Lérins, see below. At night the beaches can be tranquil, but watch out for spectacular fireworks displays (see posters/ask at tourist info) in the bay, get to the beach early to get a good spot!

Îles de Lérins

Two islands in the bay that are definitely worth visiting. The smaller is Ste Honorat, which has a monastery and ruined castle. The monks sell monastery-made food/drink products like wine which make unique souvenirs. The larger island is Ste Marguerite which also has a castle, shops, bars, and restaurants. Find a quiet cove, some shade from palm trees, and a cheap snorkel before you swim around the rocky coves. A return ticket to either island is €11 with ferries departing every hour roughly from 7 in the morning until about 5:30 at night - ask for a timetable. The timetable and information is also available in a brochure kept in most hotel lobbies.

Lille - France's fourth city, capital of the north of France. Dynamic flemish city with nice architecture.

La Vieille Bourse (1653)

Right between two picturesque squares, Place du Général-de-Gaulle and Place du Théâtre, this former commercial exchange still plays a central part in the life of the city. You may find booksellers and flower markets in the inner court.

Place du Général-de-Gaulle

The main square, Place du Général-de-Gaulle, better known as the "Grand'place", has many lovely historic houses, like the neo-Flemish headquarters of local newspaper La Voix du Nord, and a fountain with the statue of a goddess, "la Grande Déesse" (1843).

Place Rihour

Place Rihour, surrounded by restaurants, houses the tourist information centre inside its main attraction, the Palais Rihour (1453).

The town hall is worth a look and can be combined nicely with a visit to the Porte de Paris (1692).

The Opera (1923) and the Chamber of Commerce (1921)

Located close together and offer magnificent sights, especially when lit-up at night.

Vieux Lille

Take a stroll through the old quarter of the city, known as Vieux Lille, and enjoy the quiet, cobble-stone streets, the variety of stylish designer shops, gourmet restaurants, and the modern Cathédrale Notre Dame de la Treille. More notable streets like Rue de la Monnaie and Rue Esquermoise are definitely worth the trip.

la Citadelle

A bit farther from the city centre is la Citadelle, an interesting example of defensive military architecture, built by Vauban, a famous French military architect, under the reign of Louis the Fourteenth.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

A famed museum covering European art from 16th - 20th century.

Museum of Natural History

A large collection of stuffed mammals, insects, fossils, etc.

Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse

A former hospital now presenting art from a rather alternative angle.

Musée d'Art et d' Industrie de Roubaix

La Piscine, a 20th century art museum hosted in a beautiful "Art déco" (start of 20th century) former swimming pool.

Lyon - France's second city, with a history from Roman times to the Resistance, restaurants (Beaujolais and delicatessen)

The view from Fourvière basilica.

Streets and traboules in Vieux Lyon, St Jean cathedral.

Traboules in Croix-Rousse.

Musées Gadagne.

Parc de la Tête d'Or.

Musée urbain Tony Garnier and Etats-Unis neighbourhood.

St Irénée church, Montée du Gourguillon, St Georges neighbourhood.

A drink on Place Sathonay.

Parc de Gerland.

St Paul

North of Place du Change, was the commercial area during the Renaissance

St Jean

between Place du Change and St Jean cathedral, was home to most wealthy families: aristocrats, public officers, etc;

St Georges

South of St Jean, was a craftsmen's district.

St Jean Cathedral

Place St Jean, 69005 Lyon (M: Vieux Lyon). Mon-Fri 8:15AM-12PM/1:45PM-7:30PM, Sat-Sun 8:15AM-12PM/1:45PM-7PM; services (no visits) Mon-Fri 9AM and 7PM, Sat 9AM, Sun 8:30AM and 10:30AM (high mass). Officially, the cathedral is dedicated to both St John the Baptist (St Jean-Baptiste) and St Stephen (St Etienne) and has the title of primatiale because the Bishop of Lyon has the honorary title of Primat des Gaules. Built between 1180 and 1480, it is mostly of Gothic style with Romanesque elements; the oldest parts are the chancel and the lateral chapels, and as one goes towards the façade, the style becomes more and more Gothic. The cathedral hosts a spectacular astronomical clock originally built in the 14th century but modified later. It is especially worth seeing when the bells ring, every day at 12PM, 2PM, 3PM and 4PM. Over the main door, the rose window, known as the "Lamb rose window", is an admirable work of art depicting the life of St Stephen and St John the Baptist. Free admission, appropriate dress required.

St Jean archaeological garden

Rue de la Bombarde/Rue Mandelot/Rue des Estrées, 69005 Lyon (M: Vieux Lyon). Next to St Jean cathedral (on the northern side), this small garden shows the remains of the religious buildings which occupied the site before the cathedral was erected. The oldest remains date back to the 4th century (baptistery of the former St Etienne church). Free.

Traboules

69005 Lyon (M: Vieux Lyon). Closed at night. The traboules are a typical architectural feature of Lyon's historical buildings. They are corridors which link two streets through a building, and usually a courtyard. Their origin is not very clear. In the early 4th century, the Roman aqueducts were ruined and the inhabitants had to move closer to the Saône; the first traboules may have been built to carry water from wells or from the river. Later, they were used to move pieces of fabric (silk) from workshop to workshop. They were very useful to the Resistance members under the German occupation: the Germans did not know them well and one person could enter a traboule from either side in order to exchange information, weapons, etc. Many traboules are unique architectural masterpieces, largely influenced by Italy and especially Florence.

Renaissance courtyards

69005 Lyon (M: Vieux Lyon). Closed at night. Besides the buildings cited above, some have very beautiful courtyards but no real traboules (that is to say, no crossing from one street to another). The most outstanding are: Maison du Chamarier (37 rue St Jean) and Maison du Crible (16 rue du Boeuf), in which stands the famous "Pink Tower". Free.

Rue St Jean

69005 Lyon (M: Vieux Lyon). This cobblestoned pedestrian street is the main axis of the area. It is full of souvenir shops and restaurants mainly intended for tourists. Local people are aware that real good bouchons are extremely rare here! On a sunny Sunday afternoon, it may be hard to walk because of the crowd of both locals and tourists. You can also check out the more quiet Rue des Trois Maries which runs parallel to Rue St Jean, between Place de la Baleine and Rue du Palais de Justice.

Rue du Boeuf

69005 (M: Vieux Lyon). Parallel to Rue St Jean, this street is much more quiet and just as beautiful. It also has a number of restaurants, more expensive than in Rue St Jean but, on average, much more worth the money.

Place du Change

69005 Lyon (B: C3-Gare St Paul). The largest square in the area has two remarkable buildings. The Loge du Change, on the west side, was partially built by the great architect Soufflot. It was originally home to bankers and merchants. It was given to the Reformed church in the 19th century and is now a Protestant church known as Temple du Change. It can be visited on Saturdays. Religious services on Sundays, 10:30AM. Opposite is the Maison Thomassin, with its Gothic-style 14th-century façade. The Thomassins were a powerful merchant family in the Renaissance. Above the 2nd floor windows are the arms of the King of France, of the Dauphin (heir of the Kingdom) and of Duchess Anne of Brittany. Unfortunately, the courtyard is closed to the public.

Rue Juiverie

69005 Lyon (B: C3-Gare St Paul). Another typical street of Vieux Lyon. It is named after the Jews who originally settled there but were expelled in the 14th century. Check out the back courtyard at Hôtel Builloud (number 8); it has a magnificent gallery on the first floor, designed by Philibert Delorme who was one of the most prominent local architects during the Renaissance.

St Paul church

Rue St Paul, 69005 Lyon (B: C3-Gare St Paul). A very nice church, with mixed Romanesque and Gothic styles. The oldest parts are from the 10th century.

St Georges neighbourhood

Rue St Georges, rue du Doyenné and other smaller streets, 69005 Lyon (M: Vieux Lyon). St Georges is the name given to the south part of the Vieux Lyon. It is very picturesque, with nice Renaissance buildings which, however, do not really compare to the palaces of St Jean; on the other hand, it is much more quiet than the St Jean area.

Montée du Gourguillon

69005 Lyon (M: Vieux Lyon/F: Minimes). This picturesque montée (sloping street on hillside) starts behind Vieux Lyon metro station and ends quite close to the Roman theatres of Fourvière. It was the main link between the river Saône and the top of Fourvière throughout the Roman era, Middle Ages and Renaissance. Nowadays it keeps a medieval spirit. Around numbers 5-7 is Impasse Turquet, a small cul-de-sac named after Etienne Turquet, an Italian who is said to have founded the silk industry in Lyon in 1536. In this small passageway are the oldest houses of the city, dating back to the 13th or 14th century, with wooden balconies.

Palais de Justice

Quai Romain Rolland, 69005 Lyon (M: Vieux Lyon). The historical court house, also named "the 24 columns", was built between 1835 and 1842 by architect Louis-Pierre Baltard. It is a fine example of French "neo-classical" architecture. It now hosts only the criminal court (Cour d'Assises) and the court of appeal. The other jurisdictions moved to a new building in Part-Dieu in 1995. The most famous trial held there was that of the former head of the Lyon Gestapo, Klaus Barbie, in 1987. The building is currently undergoing major refurbishment works.

Fourvière basilica

Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon (F: Fourvière). 10AM-5PM. Built in 1872 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, saint patron of Lyon, this massive church made of white marble has been compared to an elephant with its feet up. It is a typical example of the 19th-century "eclectic" style, with architectural elements recalling antique, classical and Gothic eras. The Byzantine-style interior decoration is extremely exuberant, too much so for some people. Free admission.

Panoramic viewpoint

Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon (F: Fourvière). Next to the basilica is the panoramic viewpoint, with the best view over the city. If the weather is clear, the Mont Blanc can be seen in the distance. This is a very good point to start your visit of the city because you can really see its general layout.

Metal tower, (M: Fourvière)

Next to the basilica stands a smaller (86 m) replica of the Eiffel tower, completed in 1894. Its construction was supported by anticlerical people in order to have a non-religious building as the highest point in Lyon, which it actually is with an altitude of 372 m at the top. It now serves as a radio and TV antenna and is closed to the public.

Roman theatres

These two well-preserved theatres are the most important remnant of the Roman city of Lugdunum. The Gallo-Roman museum was built next to them. The summer festival "Nuits de Fourvière" takes place here every year. Free.

St Irénée church

51 rue des Macchabées, 69005 Lyon (F: St Just). Church Mon-Sun 8:30AM-6PM, crypt Sat 2:30PM-5PM, closed in August. The oldest church in Lyon, and one of the oldest in France. The site is built on a Gallo-Roman necropolis which was in use for centuries, until the Middle Ages. Some sarcophaguses from the 5th or 6th century are visible in the courtyard. The crypt dates back to the 9th century and was renovated in the 19th century. Early Christian remains (from the 4th to 6th centuries) are kept inside. The church was rebuilt in the 19th century in a neo-classical style with a Byzantine influence. An arch from the 5th century remains. Behind the church, the calvary built in 1687 is also a great viewpoint. Free.

Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules

Rue Lucien Sportisse, 69001 Lyon (M: Hôtel de Ville). This Roman theatre is the place where the first Christian martyrs of Gaul were killed. Documents say that it was the largest theatre in Gaul at that time, but nobody knows exactly how far it extends under the neighbouring buildings, nor what remains from the Roman era after centuries of construction. After the recent closing of the old Fine Arts school (the grey building overlooking the theatre), a debate was initiated about what should be done with this exceptional archaeological site. The theatre can be seen from the street but is not open to the public for safety reasons.

Montée de la Grande Côte

69001 Lyon (M: Hôtel de Ville/Croix-Rousse). This steep street has Renaissance buildings and offers a very beautiful view over the city from its top.

Croix-Rousse traboules

Look for the lanterns over the doors and the specific signs

Mur des Canuts

Boulevard des Canuts (M: Hénon). This painted wall is dedicated to the history and typical architecture of the Croix-Rousse hill.

St Bruno church

9 impasse des Chartreux, 69001 Lyon (B: 2/13/18/45-Clos Jouve). Mon-Sat 3PM-5PM. The only Baroque church in Lyon. The interior is magnificent, especially the altar (by Servandoni, modified by Soufflot, 18th century) and the canopy (by Servandoni). Free.

Jardin Rosa Mir

87 grande rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon (M: Hénon). Apr 1-Nov 30, Sat 3PM-6PM. This amazing garden was built by a Spanish refugee, Jules Senis, and dedicated to his mother. Senis had cancer and had made the vow of building this garden if he ever came out of the hospital; fortunately, he did. The garden is a fine mixture of mineral and vegetal elements, in a style influenced by Gaudi's works in Barcelona. Free.

Place des Terreaux

69001 Lyon (M: Hôtel de Ville). This large square was completely redesigned in the 1990s by the artist Daniel Buren. On the East side stands the City Hall. On the North side, you will find the fountain sculpted by Bartholdi, the 'father' of the Statue of Liberty; this fountain was moved from the West side when the square was renovated. It now faces Palais St Pierre, which hosts the Museum of Fine Arts.

Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)

Place des Terreaux and Place de la Comédie, 69001 Lyon (M: Hôtel de Ville). The city hall, built in the 17th century, has a very beautiful façade on Place des Terreaux. The most notable feature of this façade is the sculpture representing King Henri IV on horseback (in the middle of the upper part). Unfortunately, it is impossible to visit the building except during the "Heritage days" (Journées du patrimoine) in mid-September.

Opera house

Place de la Comédie (M: Hôtel de Ville). Opposite the City Hall stands the opera house. The 1826 theatre built by Chenavard and Pollet was completely redesigned by Jean Nouvel who kept only the façades and the foyer on the first floor. The building was reopened in 1993. The history of these works was epic: a lot of technical problems occurred and the final cost of the project was 6 times the initial estimate. Today, the glass top has become a classical landmark of the city but the interior design is criticised, for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

Mur des Lyonnais

Rue de la Martinière, 69001 Lyon (M: Hôtel de Ville). This impressive painted wall portraits some of the most famous people who were born in Lyon, from Renaissance poet Louise Labé to the Lumière brothers, the inventors of cinema, to chef Paul Bocuse.

Place Sathonay

69001 Lyon (M: Hôtel de Ville). A charming neighbourhood square planted with old plane trees. Just sit at a terrace, watch the locals playing pétanque and enjoy the mood.

St Nizier church

Place St Nizier, 69001 Lyon (M: Hôtel de Ville). Very nice church of flaming Gothic style.

Rue Mercière

69002 Lyon (M: Cordeliers). This cobblestoned pedestrian street is the only significant remain from the Renaissance in Presqu'île. The name of the street refers to the clothing industry. There are traboules connecting the street to the buldings on the Saône bank. The street hosts very numerous restaurants which are far from being all good!

Place des Jacobins

69002 Lyon (M: Cordeliers/Bellecour). The state of this square is typical of the "automobile-friendly" urban planning of the 1960s: it is covered with tarmac, too much so given the reasonable traffic around it. A renovation project is under way, which should give the square a greener aspect. The main interest is the central fountain (1885) by architect Gaspard André and sculptor Degeorges. The four statues portrait Lyon-born artists: painter Hippolyte Flandrin (1809-1864), engraver Gérard Audran (1640-1703), sculptor Guillaume Coustou (1677-1746) and architect Philibert Delorme (1510-1570).

Hôtel-Dieu

Place de l'Hôpital, 69002 Lyon (M: Bellecour). The oldest hospital in Lyon and one of the largest buildings in Presqu'île. The façade along the river Rhône is over 300 metres long. The first hospital was built in 1184-1185; it was modified several times before Soufflot designed the current building, built from 1741 to 1761. The large dome was completed in 1765. The reputation of the hospital was very good throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and in the beginning of the 20th. The newly built Grange Blanche hospital (today Edouard Herriot) then became the main medical centre in the city. Hôtel-Dieu doctors were pioneers in numerous specialities, including radiology (Etienne Destot), oncology (Léon Bérard), surgery (Joseph Gensoul, Matthieu Jaboulay) and orthopedics (Louis Léopold Ollier); they contributed in making Lyon the second medical centre in the country after Paris. The building no longer fits the needs of modern medicine, therefore the hospital will close down in 2010. The future use of the building in still unclear.

Théâtre des Célestins

Place des Célestins, 69002 Lyon (M: Bellecour). Designed by Gaspard André and opened in 1877, the building has a beautiful Italian-style façade. In the middle of the quiet plaza outside the theatre stands a strange periscope in which you can see rotating geometric shapes, like a kaleidoscope. Those were actually painted in the car park beneath the plaza by the famous artist Daniel Buren and they are reflected by a rotating mirror. To enter the car park and see the other side, take the stairway on your right when looking at the theatre.

Place Bellecour

69002 Lyon (M: Bellecour). The largest clear square in Europe. In the center stands the equestrian statue of Louis XIV ("under the horse's tail" is a usual meeting point for locals). Apart from this, it is rather empty, windy and not so pleasant. A renovation project is under way. Between the southeast corner of Place Bellecour and the river Rhône is Place Antonin Poncet. There was a hospital there (Hôpital de la Charité), built in 1622 and demolished in 1934. The only remain is the bell tower (Clocher de la Charité) built in 1667.

Basilique St Martin d'Ainay

Rue de l'Abbaye d'Ainay, 69002 Lyon (M: Ampère Victor Hugo). Mon-Sat 8:30AM-12PM/2:30PM-6PM, Sun 8:30AM-12PM. The only entirely Romanesque church in Lyon, dating back to the 11th-12th centuries. The abbey of Ainay was one of the most powerful in France between the 13th and the 16th centuries. A must-see for its very nice atmosphere. Free.

Boat trips on the Saône (Navig'Inter company)

Quai des Célestins, near Passerelle du Palais de Justice, 69002 Lyon (M: Cordeliers/Bellecour). Mar 28-Nov 8, Tue-Fri 2PM-6PM, Sat-Sun 11AM-6PM. A boat trip can be a good way to see Lyon from a different point of view. Boats will take you either upstream to Ile Barbe or downstream to the Confluence. Night trips available on Fridays and Saturdays. Adult €9, child €6.

Cité Internationale

Quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon (B: C1). This business and residential area is the most important urban project Lyon has seen in recent years. Designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano (also known for Beaubourg modern art centre in Paris and part of the Potsdamer Platz area in Berlin), it comprises a convention centre, hotels and luxury apartments just between the Rhône and Parc de la Tête d'Or.

Etats-Unis neighbourhood

Boulevard des Etats-Unis, 69008 Lyon (T: Etats-Unis-Musée Tony Garnier). This neighbourhood was built by the famous local architect Tony Garnier in the 1920s to house industry workers. Along with Edouard Herriot hospital, it is one of the masterpieces of this visionary architect. The main axis of the neighbourhood, Boulevard des Etats-Unis, was named to honour the United States, who had just entered World War I when the street was opened in 1917. 25 wall paintings made in the 1980s and 1990s show examples of Garnier's work and his "ideal city projects"; see also "Musée urbain Tony Garnier" in the museums section.

Ile Barbe

69009 Lyon (B: 31/40/43-Ile Barbe). This charming island on the river Saône is the only inhabited island in Lyon. In the 5th century, one of the first monasteries in Gaul was founded there. It became a powerful Benedictine abbey (from the 9th century) but was finally ruined in 1526 by Protestants, during the religious wars. Of the three churches that existed on the island, only the Romanesque Notre-Dame remains. The island also has other old buildings in a quiet and green environment. The suspension bridge was built in 1827.

Palais Saint-Pierre / Musée des Beaux Arts (Museum of Fine Arts)

20 place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon (M: Hôtel de Ville). Open daily 10AM-6PM, except Tue and public holidays, Fri open 10:30AM-6PM, partial closures 12PM-2:15PM (see website for details), ticket office closes 5:30PM. Adult €6, reduced €4, under 18 and some others free, audioguide €3.

Musée d'Art contemporain (Museum of Contemporary Art)

81 quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon (B: C1-Musée d'Art contemporain). Wed-Sun 12PM-7PM. Holds only temporary exhibitions which are often very interesting and popular. Fees vary depending on the exhibition.

Institut Lumière

Musée vivant du Cinéma, 25 rue du Premier Film, 69008 Lyon (M: Monplaisir-Lumière). Tue-Sun 11AM-6:30PM. Closed Jan 1, May 1, and Dec 25. Open on bank holiday Mondays. Located in the Lumière brothers' house, this museum presents an interesting history of cinema through various items and film excerpts. Also worth seeing for the lovely architecture. Adult €6, under 18 and students €5.

Musées Gadagne: Historical museum of Lyon and International puppet museum

14 rue de Gadagne/1 place du Petit Collège, 69005 Lyon (M: Vieux Lyon / B: C3-Gare St Paul). Wed-Sun 11AM-6:30PM except public holidays. After 10 years of major refurbishment works, these museums dedicated to the history of the city and to puppets (like the famous Guignol from Lyon) was reopened in June 2009, with great public and critical success. The building itself, a magnificent Renaissance palace, is worth a visit. A nice garden and café have also been created at the top of the building (free access). 1 museum: €6 including audioguide, 2 museums: €8. Under 26 and disabled: free.

Musée urbain Tony Garnier

4 rue des Serpollières, 69008 Lyon (T: Etats-Unis-Musée Tony Garnier). Visitor centre: Tue-Sat 2PM-6PM, guided tours Sat at 2:30PM or by appointment for groups of 10 or more. This museum was created during the renovation of the Etats-Unis neighbourhood in the 1980s and 1990s, and the inhabitants were strongly involved in the project. The museum comprises a recreated apartment of the 1930s, which shows how life was like in these very modern housing units, and the 25 wall paintings depicting Garnier's work and ideals. You can also see the walls on your own but you will miss the interesting comments on the history of the area and the social project behind it. Guided tours: adult €6, under 18 €4, children under 5 free; audioguide: adult €5, under 18 €3, children under 5 free.

Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation (Museum of the Resistance during World War II)

14 avenue Berthelot, 69007 Lyon (T: Centre Berthelot). Wed-Sun 9AM-5:30PM. Closed on holidays. Located in the former Gestapo regional headquarters, this museum depicts the daily life in Lyon under the German occupation and keeps memories of this tragic period. Often holds exhibitions (mostly photography). Adult €3. Free for children under 18.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs / Musée des Tissus (Decorative Arts museum / Fabrics museum)

34 rue de la Charité, 69002 Lyon (M: Ampère Victor Hugo). Tue-Sun 10AM-12PM and 2PM-5:30PM. Closed on holidays. Adults: €4.58, groups (10 adults minimum) €3.81, students €2.29, free for children under 18.

Musée gallo-romain de Fourvière

17 rue Cléberg, 69005 Lyon (F: Minimes-Théâtres Romains). Tue-Sun 10AM-6PM, closed Jan 1, May 1, Nov 1 and Dec 25. The second largest museum in France, it has all kinds of things relating to Rhone-Alps history. A free visit to the Roman theatres may be just as interesting for those not into the details. Adult €4, reduced fee €2.50, under 18 and disabled free; free for all on Thursdays.

Musée de la Miniature et des Décors de cinéma (Miniature and Movie scenery Museum)

60 rue St Jean, 69005 Lyon (M: Vieux Lyon). Mon 2PM-6:30PM, Tue-Fri 10AM-6:30PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-7PM. Created by artist Dan Ohlmann, this private gallery shows about 120 miniature models of all kinds of scenes: houses, restaurants, workshops, schools, etc., from Lyon or elsewhere, historical or contemporary. The accuracy of the models is astonishing and some sections will be real fun for children. Movie sceneries are also presented. The gallery is in a large 16th-century building called Maison des Avocats (Lawyers' house). Adult €7, under 15/student €5.50.

Musée des Hospices civils de Lyon (Lyon hospitals museum)

1 place de l'Hôpital, 69002 Lyon (M: Bellecour). Mon-Fri 1PM-6PM except public holidays. This museum recreates the rich history of medicine in Lyon; it also exhibits art works donated to the hospitals by their benefactors (paintings, sculptures, pieces of furniture). A number of items come from the former Hôpital de la Charité, demolished in 1934. Full fee €4, student €2.

Musée de l'Imprimerie (Printing museum)

13 rue de la Poulaillerie, 69002 Lyon (M: Cordeliers). Wed-Sun 9:30AM-12PM and 2PM-6PM. Closed on holidays. Visit it only if you're a printing specialist, the collection is important, but it is presented in a totally outdated way. To avoid. Adult €3.80, students in groups: €2.

Parc de la Tête d'Or

Between Boulevard des Belges, Quai Charles de Gaulle and Boulevard de Stalingrad, 69006 Lyon (M: Masséna / B: C1-several stops around the park). Oct 15-Apr 14: 6:30AM-8:30PM, Apr 15-Oct 14: 6:30AM-10:30PM. Completed in 1862, this 105-hectare English-style garden is one of the largest and arguably one of the most beautiful urban parks in France. It is a popular place for families as well as joggers. The highlights of the park include the large greenhouses, the botanical garden, the rose garden and the recently added "African plain" in which animals wander in a natural-style environment — perfect for children.

Rhône banks

Quai Charles de Gaulle, av de Grande-Bretagne, quai de Serbie, quai Sarrail, quai Augagneur, quai Claude Bernard, avenue Leclerc, 69006/69003/69007 Lyon (M: Foch, Guillotière, Stade de Gerland). The right bank of the river Rhône has recently been turned from an ugly car park into a 5-km promenade with various landscapes and great views over the Croix-Rousse and Presqu'Ile areas. The place had immediate success among locals. A bicycle is perfect to enjoy it, except on sunny weekends, when it is too crowded to ride safely.

Parc de Gerland

Avenue Jean Jaurès, 69007 Lyon (M: Stade de Gerland). The Rhône banks promenade ends here. This recent park does not have the majesty of Parc de la Tête d'Or but it is far less crowded and boasts some nice examples of modern landscaping. Still under development, it should cover 80 hectares when completed.

Parc des Hauteurs

Place de Fourvière/Montée Nicolas de Lange, 69005 Lyon (F: Fourvière). Located between the metal tower of Fourvière and the Loyasse cemetery, this is rather a promenade with a nice footbridge offering great views towards the Monts d'Or and Beaujolais. There is an aerial adventure course and a skiing and moutain bike slope.

Jardin des Curiosités (Garden of Curiosities)

Passage des Hauts de St Just, 69005 Lyon (F: Minimes/St Just). Small garden hidden in the bottom of a street/car park, behind a metallic door. It was designed by Canadian artists in a surrealistic spirit (recalls Magritte or Dali). Also a very nice viewpoint over the southern part of Lyon.

Marseille - big harbor, heart of Provence

Vieux Port

le Vieux Port (old harbour): watching fishermen selling their stock by auction is a must. Arriving to Marseille in the Vieux-Port on a summer evening is something you will never forget... You can watch this show by going to Frioul islands or Chateau d'If and going back late in the afternoon. there is also a nice view on the harbor from the Palais du Pharo (Pharo Palace). The famous Canebière avenue goes straight down the harbor. However the Canebière is not that interesting despite its reputation.

Notre Dame de la Garde

The big church which overlooks the city. Old fishermen used to have their boats blessed in this church. You can still see many boat models hanging around in the church. From there it is one of the nicest view of the city.

Musée des Docks romains

(Archéologie-Graffiti-Lapidaire) (the old harbour from Phoenician and Roman times), Place Vivaux, 13002 Marseille.

Musée d'Archéologie méditerranéenne

 (Archéologie-Graffiti-Lapidaire), Centre de la Vieille Charité, 2 Rue de la Charité, 13002 Marseille.

le Cours Julien and la plaine

A hangout area with bookstores, cafés, fountains, and a playground for the small ones (metro stop Cours Julien/Notre Dame du Mont). It is THE trendy area of Marseille. La Plaine is the local name for Place Jean Jaurès close to Cours Julien. Every Thursday and Saturday morning the Plaine market is the place to shop. If you are there early enough you can make very good deals, even if what you'll find there is sometimes "tombé du camion" (fallen off the truck) as one says in Marseille.

la Corniche

A walkway and a road by the sea that provides lovely views of the sea, the Chateau d'If to the south, and les Calanques to the east.

la Place Castellane

A roundabout with a grand fountain/column/sculpture in the center, with excellent cinemas and cafés surrounding. There is another place called La Castellane : it is a poor suburb of Marseille where Zinedine Zidane the famous football player was born. Be careful not to confuse the two places.

Boulevard Longchamp and Palais Longchamp

 (Longchamp casttle and avenue). From the Réformé church (up the Canebière) you can follow the Boulevard Longchamp where you can see nice example of old upper-class buildings to arrive to Palais Longchamp. The palais is worth visiting though it won't take you long. You can visit the "musee des beaux arts" as well as the natural history museum.

Parc Borély (Borely park)

A large and great park, 300 meters from the sea. After a siesta in the park go have a drink at Escale Borely (a place with numerous restaurants and bars on the beach) to see the sunset.

Le Panier

Panier means basket in French, but in Marseille it is the name of the oldest area of the town. In the middle of this area there is the Vielle Charité, a wonderful old monument, now hosting museums and exhibitions.

Let's be honest, beaches from Marseille are not always great. Depending on the weather, they can be polluted. However the small beaches between La Pointe Rouge harbor and La Madrague harbor are cleaner, nicer and usually slightly less crowded.

Unité d'Habitation

Designed by Le Corbusier. The building is called "la maison du fada" (the house of the foolish) by indegenous people. The building contains a shopping street, a church, a children's school and housings. You can get to the roof and enjoy the breathtaking view of Marseille between hills and sea.

Stade Velodrome

The stadium where the local football team "Olympique de Marseille" plays. Football matches are one of the highlights of Marseilles life. Whilst L'OM have fallen on rather lean times the former champions of Europe are the biggest football team in France. The atmosphere at the stadium is fantastic and whilst visitors are unlikely to get tickets for the popular Virage Nord or Sud seats in the Tribune Ganay offer an excellent view and a chance to soak up the atmosphere. Best games involve teams with some travelling support such as St Etienne, Lens or the grand-daddy match of them all against the evil Paris St Germain. Tickets can be bought (ideally several days before the game) either on-line or from the L'OM shop at the Vieux Port.

Noailles

The area around the Noailles sub-way station is one of the citys most interesting. Lined with Arabic and Indo-Chinese shops some of the streets could be part of a bazzaar in Algeria. A fascinating area.

The Château d'If (If Castle)

This small island off the city was a penal colony. It is famous from the novel of Alexandre Dumas, the Comte de Monte-Cristo. Tourist boats leave from the Old harbour.

The Calanques

Wonderful fjords in the south of Marseille near Cassis. From Marseille these are best accessed from the University campus at Luminy which can be reached by bus #21 departing from Rond Point du Prado opposite the Stade Velodrome. The 'fjords' are amazing with wonderful blue sea and spectacular lime stone cliffs. The walk along the coast from Cassis to Marseille is spectacular, it can be done in one day at a fast pace. The trail (GR) is clearly marked (red and white strips). From Luminy, you can turn left to Cassis or right to Callelongue (a bus connects you to bus #19, which takes you back to Place Castellane in the center).

A tour of Aix-en-Provence

A chance to travel in time. Its architectural and cultural heritage is accessible to everyone, treasures that you will discover simply by walking around the town.

Nantes -- the "Greenest City", the "Best Place to Live" in Europe

Château des ducs de Bretagne, (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany)

Nantes History Museum - Expositions.

Cathédrale Saint Pierre

Cathédrale Saint Pierre and its two crypts where the treasures and the history of the cathedral are displayed. Next to the Château des ducs de Bretagne.

Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum)

Rue Clémenceau. Very beautiful building with an excellent art collection and temporary exhibitions.

La Chapelle de l'Oratoire

Rue Henri IV. Near to both the Castle and the Cathedral.

Place Maréchal-Foch

Contains one of the few exisitng statures of Louis XVI, the beheaded king, left in France

Le Passage Pommeraye

A shopping mall between la rue Crébillon and la rue de la Fosse built in the 19th century.

l'Ile de Versailles

A peaceful island in the Erdre with a Japanese garden.

Cours Cambronne

Le Cours Cambronne. A few steps from la place Graslin containing imperial buildings.

Place Mellinet

La Place Mellinet. Contains some of the restored architecture in Nantes and consists of eight perfectly symmetric houses built around an octagon. 200 meters from Port and from Maillé-Brézé.

Place du Bouffay

A pedestrian area between the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, Saint Pierre Cathedral et la Place du Commerce; ancient medieval quarter of Nantesvieux known for its Breton culture and for the pubs and restaurants.

Ile Feydeau

Magnificent architecture of the 18th century. Shipowners' houses in the sculptured mascarons and the balconies of wrought iron illustrate the wealth accumulated at the time of the triangular trade.

Le Maillé-Brézé

A warship (which never saw a battle) which has been moored in Nantes for many years which is open to visitors

The Jules Verne Museum

On the Butte Sainte Anne, which has just been completely restored. Has a very good collection of memorabilia and objects associated with Jules Verne. There is also a very nice view of the port of Nantes.

Palais de Justice

The new Palais de Justice on the Île de Nantes, designed by Jean Nouvel and built in 2000.

La Tour LU (The LU Tower)

A picturesque tower guarding the entrance of a former Lefevre-Utile biscuit factory.

The lieu unique

Centre of atypical art shelters a restaurant, a bar, a shop, theaters, etc.

Musée Thomas Dobrée.

Jardin des Plantes

Le Jardin des Plantes (Garden of Plants), situated just outside the main train station (North exit).

Marché Talensac

Le Marché Talensac, the main town market, full of high quality local produce.

Machines de l'Ile

The Machines de l'Ile (Machines of the Isle of Nantes), an exhibition of fantastic mechanical animals including the Great Elephant on which you can take a ride. Take tramway line 1 to Chantiers Naval, then walk across the bridge. Price is around €6.

Nice - a major resort on the French Riviera and the gateway to Monaco.

Musee Chagall

Includes stain glass windows by the artist. Fee is €8.50.

Musee Matisse

Musee et Site Archeologiques de Cimiez

The ruins of the Gallo-Roman settlement in Cimiez, plus a museum with nice documentation on Gallo-Roman life (but mostly not in English).

Cliff Walk

If you go past the old port (probably 15 minute walk) heading east toward Monaco, there is a little pathway that leads from Coco Beach along the side of the cliff, the "Sentier Littoral" which you can follow around Cap de Nice half way to Villefranche, but be prepared for several thousand steps up to rejoin the road. It’s a very beautiful walk and you will find mostly local people using it.

Strasbourg -- a historic city on the Ill Rhine and home to, among other institutions, the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the European Ombudsman, the European Parliament

Cathédrale Notre Dame

Built between 1176 and 1439 and with a 142 metre tower (the highest cathedral tower in France), the cathedral is undoubtedly Strasbourg's finest architectural highlight. Just near-by on place du Château is the Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre Dame - a splendid museum of medieval religious art related to the cathedral.

Astrometric Clock

Astrometric Clock in the cathedral

Maison Kammerzell

Maison Kammerzell (XVth century) (to the left of the front of the cathedral)

Palais des Rohan

French style palace, built after the acquisition of the town by the French (1681). Home to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts.

Musée Alsacien

23-25, quai Saint-Nicolas (just across the river from the Ancienne Douane). 9h00 to 18h00. This museum features articles from the daily lives of Alsatian peoples from the 13th to 19th centuries: clothing, furniture, toys, tools of artisans and farmers, and religious objects used in Christian, Jewish, and even pagan rites. The exhibits are in rooms connected by wooden staircases and balconies in adjacent multistory Renaissance-era houses around a central courtyard. The museum was renovated in 2007. €4.

Orangerie

A beautiful classical park. It has a small free zoo featuring birds and a few other animals. Also has an excellent playground for young children.

Stockfeld, garden city built in the early XXth century in the south-east of the Neuhof (southern part of the town) (bus line 24)

Council of Europe's seat (Le Palais de l'Europe) (1977), built by Henry Bernard

European Court of Human Rights (1995), built by Richard Rogers

European Parliament (1999), built by Architecture Studio

ARTE Television headquarters. 4, quai du Chanoine Winterer, near the European district.

B-line tramway terminus at Hoenheim (northern conurbation) (2001), built by the contemporary architect Zaha Hadid.

Place de la République

A central crossroad encircled by neoclassical public buildings

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Recommended also because of the interesting building

Historical Museum

Museum of Strasbourg's history

Zoological Museum

Tours -- Tours (pronounced "Tuurh") is located on the river Loire in the Centre-Val de Loire region.

Tours Cathedral

Place Plumereau and the Old City Le Vieux Tours

Loire river banks

Flower Market

Tours Castle

Places to visit