Three French cities for a Fabulous Fall Break

When the temperatures cool and the sun-loving crowds thin out, Fall is a great time to take a French city break. In France, they call the time after the summer holidays ‘La rentrée’ – the return to normality after the long summer holidays, and it’s also a time of new exhibitions and vibrant events all over France. These three French cities are just perfect for a fabulous fall break

Alsace – Strasbourg

Strasbourg is renowned for its pretty as a picture old town. Fairy-tale-like half-timbered buildings line the cobbled streets, its watery arteries are straddled by quaint bridges and the Cathedral whose spire soars over the city is world famous. It’s a great city for cycling and walking, perfect with those cooler fall temperatures. Discover the canals, islands, picturesque bridges, and bucolic quays of the city. Head out along the banks of the Ill, a tributary of the river Rhine which winds its way around the historic old town and the breath-taking historic quarter Petite France. Indulge in the regional cuisine from sauerkraut to Flammekueche, and local wines – we recommend a wine tasting experience at one of the oldest wine shops in the world – hidden underneath the hospital car park!

Hauts-de-France – Lille

Lille has cultural venues by the bucket load, is fabulous for foodies and its cobbled streets and dazzling architecture make it feel a bit like a miniature Paris, but with a flamboyant Flemish vibe. The Palais des Beaux Arts lives up to its name, it really is a grand palace and one of the largest museums in France. It has the second biggest collection of fine arts outside of Paris with exhibits from antiquity to contemporary, including all the greats from Rubens, Goya and Monet to Van Gogh, Picasso and Chagall. Hop on the tram to Roubaix in the suburbs to discover the world famous La Piscine, an art-deco swimming pool transformed into a museum.

Enjoy the local dishes carbonnade (beef stew made with beer), Maroilles (a very stinky but totally delicious cheese) and leave room for a waffle from Meert patisserie where they’ve been making sweet things since 1761. Watch the world go by in the grand central square, Place du Général-de-Gaulle, the beating heart of Lille. It’s lined with magnificent ancient buildings embellished with Flemish facades, now transformed into lively bars and shops.

Provence – Marseille

Marseille old fishing port — *The old quayside, Marseille, photo Peter Jones*

In the port city of Marseille, the temperatures remain mild, and the days are often sunny throughout the fall season. Wander the Vieux Port area and watch the fishermen sell their just caught catch of the day. Strike a pose under the giant mirrored sunshade designed by Norman Foster which gives you upside down views over the port. Ride the Little Train up to the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica which watches over the city. Stroll the picturesque Panier neighbourhood and enjoy its winding lanes, dotted with cafés, art galleries and designer boutiques, and visit the Vieille Charité, a former alms-house now a museum and cultural centre. Head to MuCEM (Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean). Clothed in concrete lace, it’s an incredible architectural masterpiece. Don’t miss a visit to the rooftop terrace via an outdoor walkway (you don’t have to enter the museum to go there). From here you have the most fabulous views over the Mediterranean.

Janine Marsh is the author of several internationally best-selling books about France. Her latest book How to be French – a celebration of the French lifestyle and art de vivre, is out now – a look at the French way of life. Find all books on her website janinemarsh.com