If you're looking for a weekend getaway in the winter, in the mountains or elsewhere, (Re)discover 5 great cities for a city break: there's something for everyone, and enough for several weekends!
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
5 destinations for a winter getaway:
Annecy, for the mountains
For pure, refreshing mountain air, head for Annecy, in the heart of the Alps. With its lake and canals, the town is nicknamed the Pearl of the Alps.
But Annecy also has the benefit of being very close to ski resorts. So you can visit the town and then head to the mountains to put on your skis or go snowshoeing!
Just 15km from Annecy, the Semnoz resort is the gateway to the Massif des Bauges. Just a bit further away, shuttles take you quickly to La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand or Manigod.
>> Book train tickets to Annecy
Nice, for the sun
Tired of the winter gloom? Fill up on light and vitamin D by heading south to Nice. Palm trees and a mild Mediterranean climate are guaranteed.
Everything about Nice reminds you of the 300 days of sunshine it enjoys every year! Stroll along the seafront, stroll along the Bay of Angels from the Promenade des Anglais... Among the luxury hotels here, don't miss the Hôtel Negresco, a listed palace with a white façade and pink dome.
In town, you'll find many traces of the close ties between Nice and Italy. The ochre, yellow and red of the Sardinian countryside are warm and inviting. For a great stroll along the sea, take the Cap de Nice trail. It starts at the Jardin Félix Rainaud and takes you all the way to Villefranche-sur-Mer. It takes less than 2 hours round-trip.
Lille, for the culture
Discover the "Capital of Flanders"! A city of many influences over the centuries, Lille's modern art-deco, industrial and Flemish architecture reveals the city's rich history. For its picturesque brick and stone architecture, a visit to Vieux Lille is a must.
Just a stone's throw from the Grand'Place, the heart of the city that separates Vieux Lille from the pedestrian area, the Vieille Bourse is a unique monument. Built in the 17th century, it actually consists of 24 identical houses surrounding a cloister. The decor, with its garlands, fruit and majestic caryatids, is a sight to behold.
Take advantage of winter to take a trip to Lille's museums. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, with over 60,000 works, is one of the finest in France. Rodin's La grande ombre, Monet's Le parlement de Londres and Bouts' La chute des damnés are all major paintings not to be missed. Lille is also vibrantly modern. The Maisons Folie Wazemmes, a former spinning mill reinvented as a performance, exhibition and workshop venue, is a must-visit for the quality of its renovation and its artistic discoveries.
A short metro ride from the center of Lille, visit La Piscine in Roubaix, a museum housed in a beautiful Art Deco swimming pool!
Strasbourg, for the Christmas magic
Although cold, Strasbourg winters are dry and... warm. The romantic canals, the impressive cathedral, the charm of the picturesque Petite France district (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Orangerie gardens... there's no shortage of treasures to discover.
The Grande Ile, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is in fact the other name for Strasbourg's old town. Lose yourself in the shopping streets behind the Maison Kammerzell for a bit of shopping. And there's nothing quite as comforting as a bredele in a tearoom.
For those looking for original experiences, the tourist office in Place de la Cathédrale offers more than 60 guided tours.
Lyon, for the food
To get through winter, a break in Lyon is a real treat. A gourmet city through and through, Lyon is sure to warm you up with its wide range of culinary specialties!
Don't miss the legendary Halles Bocuse, decidedly heartwarming. Here, brioche sausages with or without pistachios, rosette de Lyon... you'll want to try it all! After a stroll through the traboules of Vieux Lyon, sit down at a bouchon lyonnais, one of the city's traditional restaurants.
Before moving on to the desserts, head for the greenhouses of the Jardin Botanique, in the heart of the Parc de la Tête d'Or, and their exotic atmosphere. Tropical, at 25°C, these greenhouses will take you to exotic lands without really moving.
Last but not least, don't leave without trying Lyon's bugnes, sweet doughnuts to die for!