City breaks: the best travel trend

Throughout Europe, and of course in France, the big cities are popular with tourists who want to visit for a long weekend or a few days. It's in vogue right now! You can visit museums, go shopping, try out good restaurants... indulge yourself with everything you need at your fingertips. The big advantage of a city break is that most major cities are now easily accessible, so you can get there quickly. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of your next city break in France.

Great city-centre getaways

Who said the beach and the mountains are the only holiday destinations? These days, capitals and major cities are often the setting for a great break with friends, family, or as a couple. City centres are full of energy, life, and great atmospheres... these are the places where people meet and share ideas; so, where better to go for a quick getaway!? A shopping spree followed by afternoon tea, a drink after a visit to a museum, lunch or dinner at a chic restaurant, and a delicious pastry in a trendy café should all be on your city break itinerary.

Dive into the lesser known spots, the scents, the flavours, and the atmosphere of the city you've chosen! Indulge in whatever your heart desires, and opt for a city that's easy to get to, with comfortable, well-located accommodation in the town centre! Here are a few suggestions to help you make the right choice.

City break: great holiday destinations for a perfect getaway

Which city should I choose for a weekend getaway? What criteria should I be looking at to choose the best place for me? If you're on the lookout for the latest trends and most fashionable addresses, keep up to date with tourist office websites. If, on the other hand, you're looking for unmissable local heritage sites, check out some travel guides. If you're looking for a city break that's both urban and close to nature, that's also possible in France! Here are a few options:

Strasbourg: for its half-timbered houses, charming city centre, the Tomi Ungerer museum, and the cathedral.
Lyon: for its gastronomy, the Presqu'île district, the Old Town, and the art galleries.
Marseille: for the MUCEM museum, street artists, galleries, the Panier district, and walks along the seafront.
Montpellier: for the Écusson district, the old private mansions, and the work of architects and photographers.
Bordeaux: for its 18th-century architecture, pretty squares, river shuttles, and the CAPC museum.
Nantes: for the old city centre, walks along the quays, the Musée d'Arts, and the famous Machines of the Isle of Nantes.
Lille: for its trendy and relaxed atmosphere, its architectural heritage, La Piscine museum in Roubaix, and the famous flea market.

Here's a small selection of urban destinations that tourists in search of authenticity and something new will love.

City break: accommodation in the centre

Once you've made your choice, take the time to find an accommodation rental that suits your needs. Ideally, you should opt for a hotel or complex located in the city centre, close to the trendy districts and the main train station. And if you're coming by car, take advantage of a private car park. Nemea Appart'Hôtels are the obvious choice, because they meet all these criteria; plus, they offer hotel services, a private kitchen, laundry facilities, and, in many cases, leisure and sports facilities such as a fitness room or indoor swimming pool!