Archive for 'Must See Attractions in France'

Those who have found a vacation rental in Alsace should definitely set aside some time to go and explore the stunning city of Strasbourg. Over 2,000 years old, it is located in the east of France, on the border between France and Germany. As a border city, it is a mish-mash of different cultural influences and is also UNESCO-awarded and famously lovely. The Old Town is a maze of pretty little streets lined in buildings that represent a variety of different periods and architectural styles from the Middle Ages to the period of the Art Nouveau era and half-timbered houses and explosions of colourful blooms line the waterways located throughout the city. All in all, it is simply utterly picturesque and steeped in history and culture. It is gasp-inducingly pretty and it is well-worth spending a day or two wandering around and taking in all that it has to offer.

One of the most beautiful highlights of this gorgeous place is the Palais Rohan de Strasbourg. A former residence of the prince-bishops and the cardinals of the House of Rohan, which was an ancient French noble family originally from Brittany, it is now one of the city’s most important (if not the most important) landmarks and attractions. Located next to the Cathedral of Strasbourg, it is a masterclass in the French Baroque and an exceptional beauty.

Colmar is a border city in France that is nestled physically and culturally against both France and Germany and Switzerland. It is the capital of the Alsacian wine region and is surrounded by vineyards and lovely pastoral landscapes. The charming city itself is pulled right from the pages of a colourful storybook, with little traditional houses in an astonishing array of pretty rainbow shades, floral displays and beds of bright blooms dotted all over, and a canal that runs through the historic centre of the city. It is said canal that has given this part of the city the nickname of “Little Venice” and, if you are exploring Colmar, it is an absolute must to ensure that you spend some time there in order to fully enjoy the picturesque prettiness and charming atmosphere for which the city is famous. Just browse our vacation rentals near Colmar and come explore this fairytale destination for yourself!

Beautiful Avignon is a stunning medieval city in the south-east of France, on the left bank of the Rhône river, that has a UNESCO-awarded ancient walled city centre. It is a magical and utterly picturesque place and the ideal spot to escape to for a relaxing getaway. Just browse our vacation rentals in Avignon and go get lost in its timeless grandeur and pretty charm and enjoy a taste of the relaxed and slow-paced Provençal lifestyle. While you’re in the city, be sure to visit her crowning glory, the Rocher des Doms, or Jardin des Doms, a lovely public garden that is perched high above and affords incredible views over Avignon and the surrounding area.

If you have found a vacation rental in Île-de-France, aka the “Paris Region” of France, you will find yourself with no shortage of things to see or do. However, for the cat-lovers among you, there is one thing that you should definitely make time for above all others in the area: a visit to Parc des Félins.

This very special zoological park is dedicated to the breeding and conservation of wild members of the cat family and is home to 30 of the 41 recognised species of felines that exist in the world. A total of around 140 cats roaming this 60 hectare park in Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux, Seine-et-Marne, about 53km southeast of Paris, and are just waiting to be admired.

The Old Port of Marseille is one of those romantic and perfectly scenic spots that makes for lifelong memories and magic moments. If you have found a vacation rental in Marseille, you should definitely set aside some time to visit this must-see star of the city and to go wander, experience all that it has to offer the discerning tourist, maybe grab a bite or a drink, and, ideally, time it to take in the sunset over this historic part of this city in France, the boats clustered around, and the glittering waters.

Located at the end of the Canebière, the main street of Marseille, the pedestrianised area that is the Old Port has been the natural harbour of the city since antiquity and remains a spiritual hub of Marseille as one of its most iconic areas. When the city was first founded by Greek settlers in 600BC, they originally built up their settlement around what is now the Old Port. It was the centre of maritime activity until the 19th century when new harbour moles, quays and docks were built to the north-west of the city, eventually resulting in the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille. While the Old Port was left in ruins after bombing by the Nazis in World War II, it has since been restored and is now a marina and a terminal for local boat trips, as well as a local fish market. In 2013, it was largely pedestrianised and renovated extensively under Michel Desvigne Paysagistes, with Foster and Partners following an international competition.