Updated on May 13, 2025
No more long, drawn-out holidays! Treat yourself to a city break that lasts a weekend or a few days, tops! City breaks are the ideal chance to disconnect and recharge both body and mind! Head for Paris, Lyon, Nice or Bordeaux. Or maybe you’d prefer to head to the picturesque Mediterranean destination of Monaco, which promises a change of scenery, cultural visits and some wonderful moments of relaxation in the Riviera sunshine? Choose your city and its corresponding city break!
A successful city break in France
A city break or the art of travelling differently
Trips that are shorter but more frequent: this is the art of the city break. Spend between two and five days exploring a city, strolling its streets, discovering its heritage, culture and leisure activities, visiting its museums and sampling its specialities... For a number of years now, city breaks have been an essential part of a fun, practical and accessible tourism trend. Cities that are ever-closer to home offer city-breakers the chance to extract themselves from their daily lives for an ‘instant of relief’. And remember, there’s always a good reason – whether planned or improvised – to take advantage of a city break.
France: the paradise of city breaks
Enriching, affordable and easy to organise: city breaks in France are all the rage! Whether you’re looking for a large metropolis or a smaller town, in the heart of the country, at the foot of the mountains or by the sea, French towns and cities have plenty to offer. Paris, Nice, Lyon, Bordeaux or even Monaco – a small Mediterranean enclave very close to France: all of the country’s biggest cities can be reached within a two-hour flight, and are just as easily accessible by train.
During your city break in France, you can look forward to exploring exceptional heritage, pages of history around almost every corner, legendary gastronomy, a range of architecture that is rare in its diversity, unique local traditions and unmissable shopping opportunities. France has clearly earned its title as the world’s number one tourist destination.
Must-visit city break destinations in France
The lights of Paris
Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the City of Light for a few days. As well as its must-see architectural and cultural masterpieces, Paris is full of little-known treasures.
The French capital has a wealth of facets to discover: chic, bohemian, modern, picturesque, historic, trendy... Each district has its own identity and atmosphere. Choose ‘your’ Paris.
Nice, the beautiful Côte d’Azur destination
From Old Nice to Cimiez Hill, not forgetting the Baie des Anges, the Promenade des Anglais and the Parc de la Colline du Château, discover the gems that Nissa la Bella reserves for all its visitors. Along the tree-lined lanes of the Côte d’Azur’s capital or under the sun of its idyllic seafront, history, culture and the Mediterranean art of living combine, creating a blend of Belle Époque, Art Deco and Renaissance styles. Chagall and Matisse also left evidence of their eternal love for this beautiful city.
Dazzling, authentic and contemporary, with the seaside touch: you’ll be bowled over by a city break in Nice.
Monaco: a fairytale on the French Riviera
For a weekend or a few days away, come and experience a waking dream in the sunshine of the Principality! Voted ‘Best European Destination 2025’ by European Best Destinations, Monaco promises an unforgettable city break infused with glamour, culture and relaxation. In the finer days of spring and summer, or bathed in the soft colours of autumn or the cool embrace of winter, Monaco will elevate a Riviera getaway whatever the season. Far from the gilded cage cliché, the Principality is one of the most authentic destinations for visitors who take the time to explore it. Possible activities include strolls in some of Monaco’s most beautiful gardens, such as the Japanese and Exotic gardens, shopping trips, drinks on a terrace and live entertainment. From the heights of Le Rocher to its legendary Place du Casino and its famous hotels, the city-state shares its very best assets, both vibrant and natural, with visitors all year round. A perfect Mediterranean interlude !
Two days exploring culture and gastronomy in Lyon
If you have two days to visit the ancient capital of Gaul, start by discovering the traboules (secret covered passageways) in the old town before enjoying a stroll along the Saône River with a view of the Presqu’île and Croix-Rousse. Next, you can wander around the vast Place Bellecour or the Parc de la Tête d’Or (the green lung of Lyon), before finishing off your visit with the magnificent and unmissable Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica!
No trip to Lyon would be complete without a meal in one of the city’s 300 ‘bouchons’ restaurants: warm sanctuaries, where simple, high-quality regional cuisine is served. The menu will include specialities such as rosette, pâté en croûte, quenelles, tablier de sapeur and cervelle de canut, all enjoyed with an excellent Côtes-du-Rhône wine.
A wine weekend in Bordeaux
Enjoy a city break between vineyards and the ocean in the heart of Bordeaux. Inevitably linked to its globally renowned vineyards, Bordeaux is an oenologists’ paradise. A weekend in the city of stone and wine will delight wine connoisseurs and novices alike.
Here, you can explore the diversity of its terroirs and visit a number of estates and châteaux, or simply sample one of these nectars over dinner at one of the city’s gourmet restaurants. A wonderful experience that appeals to all the senses.
What to do on a city break in France
Events and festivals offer wonderful live entertainment
While visiting a city is an adventure in itself, cultural or sporting events, shows and other festivals can be an extra added bonus. Perhaps you’re even planning your next city break to coincide with a major event: a highly anticipated exhibition at the Louvre Museum in Paris, for example, or an open-air concert at Lyon’s Théâtre Antique during the Nuits de Fourvière Festival, which showcases a range of arts.
Or perhaps you’re excited to see one of the most prestigious Mardi Gras celebrations in France, at the Nice Carnival.
In Monaco, the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival and the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, which takes place in autumn, are the two mainstays of the Principality’s live entertainment schedule, but there are also live concerts and stand-up evenings at New Moods, and evenings steeped in history at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. January sees the world’s greatest circus artists gather for the International Monte-Carlo Circus Festival as well as the extraordinary Rallye automobile Monte-Carlo car rally.
Hidden treasures for an original city break
Give your city break a brand new flavour by opting for an original experience. It’s the perfect way to make your city break in France truly memorable. You can explore Paris’ mysterious and authentic side on a cruise along the secret waters of Canal Saint-Martin, where locks, bridges and footbridges set the pace. Alternatively, why not ride around Lyon on a Segway benefitting from an electric and ecological transport option, or enjoy a unique panorama from the roofs of the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica?
In Monaco, discover the magic of the gaming tables at the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, or explore the Principality’s rich heritage through the collections at Villa Sauber and Villa Paloma. And those who love beautiful cars should plan a visit to the car collection belonging to H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco.
The practical side of a city break: accommodation and transport
Hotel, bed and breakfast... Where’s the best place to sleep?
The question ‘where should we go’ is often quickly followed by the question ‘where should we stay?’ To make the most of your city break, we strongly advise you to limit your travel by choosing a central location. This is undoubtedly one of the conditions for a truly immersive break. Choose your accommodation according to your needs – breakfast included, parking facilities, WiFi, etc. – and expectations: a boutique hotel steeped in character will provide an authentic experience, for example, while a furnished flat offering a home from home guarantees your independence! Alternatively, bed and breakfasts offer that personalised, welcoming touch and because nothing is impossible, a stay at a top-of-the-range starred establishment is best in low season, when you can take advantage of lower prices. From November to March, hotels in Monaco regularly offer special rates for overnight stays.
Transportation options
With a view to making the most of every moment, choose destinations that are easily accessible from home. A few hours away at most by train or plane. Choose cities where it’s easy to get from point A to point B. Monaco is an excellent example of this, as it is easily accessible by TGV train or plane via Nice-Côte d’Azur international airport. And once you’re in the Principality, you can get around using a range of eco-friendly options. First, your own two feet! It’s easy to explore the city on foot! Hybrid buses, electric boat-buses and electric bikes are also great options for optimising your urban visits.
Plan your city break in line with what you want to achieve
A romantic city break
If you’re dreaming of a city break for two to discover, share and make lots of memories, here are a few suggestions:
Tender strolls:
- arm-in-arm along the quays of the Seine in Paris, ambling over to the Ile de la Cité until you reach the forecourt of the gorgeous Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- along the agreeable Baie des Anges in Nice, before contemplating the city from the Parc de la Colline du Château.
- in Hercule harbour in Monaco, at the foot of Le Rocher, or on the deck of a boat, as you enjoy a poetic trip out to sea.
- from square to square in the heart of Lyon, from the Place des Jacobins to the Place des Célestins, which is awash with magnolia blossom in spring.
Romantic dinners:
- from the heights of Montmartre, at the foot of the Sacré Coeur, where the bohemian spirit seems to flow along every cobbled alleyway in this picturesque Parisian ‘village’.
- in the intimacy of a restaurant in the old part of Lyon, for example at one of the small round tables at Cour des Loges, a timeless address with a majestic Florentine courtyard.
- or on the terrace, as the sun sets, at the elegant Elsa restaurant or at Le Grill, two wonderfully romantic addresses in Monaco where you can embrace the Mediterranean with the blue of the ocean as your backdrop.
A family city break
Because cities are teeming with adventures to be shared by children and adults together, city breaks can act as wonderful family holidays at the crossroads of culture and leisure activities. Take advantage of family hotel offers at particularly attractive preferential rates for a wonderful urban getaway:
- to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, dive beneath the pyramid of the Louvre Museum or explore the city’s mysterious catacombs. Marvel at the Musée des Arts Forains or the Grande Galerie de l’Evolution in the Jardin des Plantes.
- to get lost in the maze of narrow streets in the historic centre of Nice before enjoying an ice cream at Fenocchio. Or to enjoy some quiet time at an origami workshop at the Musée des Arts Asiatiques, after letting off steam at Phoenix Park and Nissa’venture.
- to embark on an incredible underwater voyage equipped with virtual reality goggles at Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum. To reveal or awaken the adventurer-archaeologist within during an escape game at the Musée d’Anthropologie préhistorique. Or to try your hand at chocolate-making and baking at a fun, gourmet workshop led by a pastry chef and a Meilleur Ouvrier de France chef.
There’s something for everyone to ensure children and parents have the best time!
A city break dedicated to wellness
Enjoy a wellness experience on your city break, with body treatments, trips to the spa, fitness sessions and relaxation activities. Combine your wellbeing experience with all the benefits that seaside destinations are known to provide. Come and enjoy the pure sea air and draw life, energy and fulfilment from the sun!
And for your beauty and wellness break by the sea, why not treat yourself to the expertise and innovation of the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo in Monaco, where their experience serves your peace of mind! With bespoke massages, a lunch with Mediterranean flavours at L’Hirondelle restaurant, access to the wellness area, swimming pool, solarium, spa with sauna and hammam and other whirlpool baths, this is a true odyssey for the senses! For those seeking eco-friendly fun in the sea with paddle-boarding, kayaking and pedalos, head for the water sports kiosk at Monte-Carlo Beach.
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