| Hostels in France provide the perfect base from | | | | Travelers on a visit to the city can climb the nearby |
| which to explore the dramatic mountains and tranquil | | | | Mont Sainte-Victoire, which was frequented by Paul |
| countryside. Travelers looking for a real French | | | | Cezanne, and see the famous chateau in which Pablo |
| experience, however, can gain much from exploring | | | | Picasso lived and the grounds where he is now buried. |
| its cities, which are steeped in art and history yet | | | | Marseille |
| buzzing with contemporary cool. | | | | The port of Marseille on the Mediterranean is France's |
| Paris | | | | third largest city and a center of high and popular |
| Although France's most expensive city, a great deal | | | | culture. The 18th century opera house, vibrant hip |
| of savings can be made in Paris which is bursting with | | | | hop scene and film and media community make it a |
| attractions and activities for backpackers. Visiting the | | | | thriving art destination for travelers. |
| Eiffel Tower will always be a truly memorable | | | | Nice |
| experience and the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame | | | | For a change of pace, Nice on the French Riviera is |
| and Champs-Elysees will not disappoint. | | | | worth traveling to just to catch a glimpse of glamour. |
| The French capital is a cultural hub with many art | | | | For a true experience of France hostels, backpackers |
| galleries, museums such as the Louvre, book readings | | | | should aim to stay in one of Nice's popular, but |
| and lectures. | | | | budget-friendly areas. |
| Since the 17th century, coffee houses have been | | | | Walking along the promenade and spotting the rich |
| central to the Paris cultural scene and there are | | | | and famous celebrities who come to party here is |
| plenty of chic cafes and bars where intellectual and | | | | always a fun activity for fans of the affluent and |
| philosophical debate is still all the rage. Shopping | | | | glamorous types. |
| centers and designer boutiques are also a great way | | | | Lyon |
| for backpackers to while away the hours | | | | France's second-largest urban area is Lyon. The Place |
| window-shopping. | | | | Bellecour is the largest square in Europe and is a very |
| Avignon | | | | pleasant place to spend the afternoon strolling |
| Religious history enthusiasts should head to Avignon | | | | around, or sitting in a café and |
| in south-eastern France where the formidable 12th | | | | people-watching. |
| century Notre Dames des Doms Cathedral and the | | | | Lyon is well-known for its traditional dishes such as |
| 14th century Pope's Palace can be observed. | | | | Coq au Vin and grad double, or tripe with onions. |
| Arles | | | | Travelers should visit traditional restaurants known as |
| The idyllic city of Arles in Provence lies on the Rhone | | | | bouchons for an authentic culinary experience and try |
| and is worth going to see for its Roman theater, | | | | to sample the famed and delicious local wines. |
| arena, Baths of Constantine and the necropolis of | | | | Toulouse |
| Alyscamps. | | | | Toulouse lies on the banks of the River Garonne in |
| Arles is always buzzing in the summer with festivals | | | | the Midi-Pyrenees and is the site of one of the oldest |
| and cultural events that the backpacker on a budget | | | | universities in Europe. |
| can enjoy. | | | | The pseudo Roman red-brick buildings led to |
| Aix-en-Provence | | | | Toulouse being nicknamed the 'pink city' and it is small |
| Nearby the picturesque, third century | | | | enough to wander around on foot, allowing |
| Aix-en-Provence will delight art-lovers. Known as the | | | | backpackers to take in the medieval buildings and |
| city of art, it is home to art colleges, universities and | | | | inspired palaces that hint at the wealth and grandeur |
| galleries. | | | | of the city's past. |