8 ideas for last-minute getaways in France for an unforgettable weekend
A sudden urge to get away from it all? There’s no need to plan weeks in advance to enjoy a rejuvenating weekend away. France is full of last-minute destinations, perfect for taking a break from the daily grind. Whether you’re looking for the mildness of the Mediterranean, the charm of the Alps or the hustle and bustle of the city, here are 8 ideas for weekends in France that you can organise straight away.
See also the Lyon guide :
- 110 most beautiful places to visit in France
- The 10 best culinary specialities in Lyon
- 20 must-see experiences in Hauts-de-France
- France’s 15 largest cities
- 7 unusual romantic weekends around Lyon
- 20 must-see weekend ideas around Lyon
- 12 unusual romantic weekends in Annecy
- 10 ideas for a romantic weekend near Paris
- 12 unusual romantic weekends in Brittany
1. Lyon, the gastronomic capital
Just 2 hours from Paris by TGV, Lyon is the ideal destination for a last-minute weekend break. The capital of the Gauls has an exceptional heritage, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an unrivalled reputation for gastronomy.
Start your visit in Vieux-Lyon, a Renaissance district of cobbled streets and secret traboules. Don’t miss Saint-Jean Cathedral and its magnificent stained-glass windows. Then climb up to the Basilique de Fourvière to admire a breathtaking panorama of the whole city.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Lyon on foot and on your own
To make the most of your weekend in Lyon, take the Navaway audio tour. In 7.9 kilometres and 3h30 of walking, discover 26 places of interest across the city of two hills. From Place Bellecour to the Roman Theatre, via the Fresque des Lyonnais, each stage reveals a fascinating part of Lyon’s history.
When it comes to gastronomy, it’s impossible to visit Lyon without stopping off at an authentic “bouchon lyonnais”. These typical restaurants offer local specialities: quenelles, brioche sausage, cervelle de canut, etc. For gourmets, a visit to the Halles Bocuse is a must, a veritable temple to Lyon’s gastronomy. The Navaway itinerary will also enable you to discover the best places to savour the delights of the gastronomic capital.
2. Annecy, the Venice of the Alps
Nestling on the shores of its crystal-clear lake, Visiter Annecy offers an enchanting setting for a last-minute getaway. This pearl of Haute-Savoie combines medieval charm with Alpine scenery, creating a unique and romantic atmosphere.
The old town of Annecy, with its canals lined with colourful houses, is well worth a visit. Stroll along the Thiou and admire the famous Palais de l’Isle (3 passage de l’Île, 74000 Annecy, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 22,000 reviews), a former prison turned museum. The cobbled streets are full of Savoyard restaurants where you can enjoy fondue and tartiflette.
Download the audio tour to discover Annecy on foot and on your own
The Navaway audio tour takes you on a 2.6-kilometre journey through the must-see sights of the Venice of the Alps. In just 1 hour, you’ll discover 20 points of interest that tell the story of Annecy’s history and secrets. This walk will help you make the most of your time and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the city’s treasures.
Lake Annecy, considered to be one of the purest in Europe, invites you to relax. In summer, swimming and water sports are the order of the day. Whatever the season, a stroll along the quays or a cruise on the lake offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. To extend the experience, the Château d’Annecy (Place du Château, 74000 Annecy, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 8,500 reviews) dominates the old town and houses a museum retracing the history of the region.
3. Bordeaux, the pearl of Aquitaine
The wine capital of the world, Bordeaux has an elegant 18th-century architecture and a relaxed way of life. With excellent rail links, the city is ideal for an impromptu weekend away.
The UNESCO-listed historic centre reveals its golden ochre facades along lively alleyways. The Place de la Bourse and its water mirror are one of the most photographed spots in France. The Grand Théâtre, a neo-classical masterpiece, bears witness to Bordeaux’s splendour. The redeveloped quays of the Garonne are an invitation to stroll or cycle.
Download the audio tour to discover Bordeaux on foot and on your own
The Navaway route takes you on a 6.2-kilometre walk through the city’s sleeping beauty. In a 2? hour walk, explore 29 emblematic sites that tell the fascinating story of Bordeaux, from its merchant port to its contemporary renaissance. Let the audio guides guide you through the city’s secrets and anecdotes.
Are you a wine lover? The Cité du Vin (134-150 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 15,000 reviews) offers an immersive experience of the world of wine. For a half-day excursion, the Bordeaux vineyards are just a few kilometres away. Saint-Émilion, a listed medieval village, combines cultural discovery and wine tasting in an enchanting setting. Don’t forget to take the Navaway audioguide for a guided tour.
4. Marseille, the city of the sea
Vibrant and Mediterranean, visiting Marseille offers a complete change of scenery for a last-minute weekend. Between sea and hills, France’s oldest city reveals its many facets, from its lively Old Port to its wild creeks.
The Vieux-Port is the beating heart of Marseille. Enjoy the atmosphere of the morning fish market, then climb up to the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica (Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13006 Marseille, rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 72,000 reviews), which offers spectacular panoramic views over the whole city and the Mediterranean. The Panier district, Marseille’s oldest, is charming with its colourful alleyways, artists’ studios and shady squares.
Download the audio tour to discover Marseille on foot and on your own
To discover all the secrets of the city of Marseille, the Navaway audioguide itinerary takes you on a 7.3-kilometre, 3-hour stroll. Through 24 points of interest, explore the fascinating history of this multicultural city, from the Old Port to the Mucem. This self-guided tour lets you plan your weekend at your own pace.
Don’t leave Marseille without sampling the local speciality, bouillabaisse. For a nature excursion, the calanques of Cassis, accessible by boat or on foot, offer breathtaking scenery with their limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. The Navaway app will also guide you to the best addresses for savouring Marseille’s specialities.
5. Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace
At the crossroads of Europe, Strasbourg combines Franco-German charm with an exceptional heritage. This destination, accessible by TGV, is perfect for an impromptu cultural weekend.
The Grande Île, the UNESCO-listed historic heart of the city, reveals treasures around every corner. Notre-Dame Cathedral, a pink Gothic masterpiece, dominates the urban landscape. Its astronomical clock fascinates visitors with its complexity. The Petite France district enchants with its half-timbered houses reflected in the canals. Covered bridges and medieval towers bear witness to the town’s defensive past.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Strasbourg on foot and on your own
The Navaway audio tour takes you on a 4.9-kilometre, 2-hour walk to discover the essence of Strasbourg. Through 24 places of interest, immerse yourself in the Alsatian and European history of this unique city. Let yourself be guided so you don’t miss out on any of Strasbourg’s must-sees.
When it comes to gastronomy, the winstubs, traditional Alsatian taverns, offer sauerkraut, flammekueche and Alsatian wine in a convivial atmosphere. The world-famous Christmas market transforms the city into a winter wonderland from late November to late December. But Strasbourg is well worth a visit in any season, its charm working all year round. To make the most of your visit, follow theNavaway itinerary, which will take you to the best spots in the Alsatian capital.
6. Nantes, the city of the Dukes
Dynamic and creative, Nantes surprises visitors with its energy and reinvented heritage. This city in western France offers an original destination for a last-minute weekend break.
The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a restored medieval fortress, houses a museum retracing the history of Nantes. Les Machines de l’Île, an art park unique in the world, fascinates visitors with its monumental mechanical creations, including the famous Grand Éléphant (Parc des Chantiers, Boulevard Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 28,000 reviews). The Voyage à Nantes art trail features a series of surprising contemporary works.
Download the audio tour to discover Nantes on foot and on your own
The Navaway itinerary takes you on a 6.4-kilometre tour of the city of the Dukes. In 2? hours, discover 30 points of interest that tell the fascinating story of Nantes, from its ducal past to its contemporary renaissance. This audio-guided tour will enable you to fully appreciate the cultural wealth of Nantes.
The Bouffay district, with its medieval alleyways, is home to a multitude of restaurants and bars. The Île de Nantes, a converted former industrial zone, symbolises a successful urban metamorphosis. For a nature break, the Jardin des Plantes offers a haven of greenery right in the city centre. The Navaway app will also guide you to the best spots to enjoy Nantes’ unique atmosphere.
7. Lille, capital of Flanders
Warm and festive, Visiter Lille is a city of Flemish architecture and a friendly atmosphere. Just an hour from Paris and close to the Belgian and English borders, the capital of the Hauts-de-France region lends itself perfectly to a spontaneous weekend away.
The Grand’Place, lined with Flemish Baroque facades, is the lively heart of the town. The Vieille Bourse, a 17th-century jewel, is home to a book market and its four inner courtyards. The cobbled streets, colourful mansions and refined boutiques of Vieux-Lille will charm you. Don’t miss Vauban’s Citadelle (Avenue du 43e Régiment d’Infanterie, 59800 Lille, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 18,000 reviews), a military masterpiece surrounded by magnificent parkland.
Download the audio tour to discover Lille on foot and on your own
The Navaway audio-guided route takes you on a 6-kilometre, 2.5-hour tour of Lille. Discover the history of the Flemish capital through 22 emblematic sites, from the belfry to the Palais des Beaux-Arts. Let us guide you for the best possible experience of the city.
In terms of culture, the Palais des Beaux-Arts (Place de la République, 59000 Lille, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 12,000 reviews) is one of France’s richest museums, with collections ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The estaminets, typical Northern bistros, offer welsh, Flemish carbonade and local beers in a warm atmosphere. To extend your discovery, follow the Navaway itinerary, which reveals all the secrets of the capital of Flanders.
8. Montpellier, the gifted city
Sunny and young, Montpellier offers the ideal Mediterranean setting for a last-minute weekend break. A blend of medieval heritage and contemporary dynamism, the prefecture of the Hérault combines culture with a relaxed lifestyle.
The Écusson, the pedestrianised historic centre, boasts private mansions and shady squares. The Place de la Comédie, nicknamed the Egg, is the city’s nerve centre, with its opera house and lively terraces. The monumental porch of Saint-Pierre cathedral is a sight to behold. The Antigone district, a neoclassical creation by Ricardo Bofill, surprises with its contemporary architecture inspired by Antiquity.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Montpellier on foot and on your own
The Navaway itinerary takes you on a 3.5-kilometre tour of the Languedoc region’s most gifted city. In 1? hours, discover 19 points of interest that tell the story of Montpellier, from its medieval beginnings to its contemporary influence. This self-guided tour will allow you to organise your weekend as you wish.
The Peyrou garden offers panoramic views over the Cévennes and, on a clear day, as far as the sea. The beaches of Palavas-les-Flots and Carnon are just a 15-minute tram ride away, so you can combine exploring the city with relaxing at the seaside. For a taste of the local specialities, explore the Halles Castellane or stroll through the restaurants in the historic centre. The Navaway app will guide you to the best places to enjoy Montpellier’s art de vivre.
In conclusion, France is full of magnificent destinations accessible for a last-minute weekend. Whether you prefer the urban hustle and bustle of Lyon or Marseille, the Alpine charm of Annecy, the elegance of Bordeaux or Strasbourg, or the dynamism of Nantes, Lille and Montpellier, each city has something to offer. Thanks to Navaway’s audioguided tours, like the one in Lyon, you can optimise your time while enjoying an enriching experience. Don’t wait any longer to pack your suitcase and set off on an adventure!
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best season for a last-minute weekend in France?
The shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, offer the best conditions: pleasant climate, fewer tourists and low prices. Summer is ideal for enjoying the beaches and terraces, while winter is the time to discover the Christmas markets and the festive atmosphere of French cities.
How can you organise a last-minute weekend without breaking the bank?
Take the train with SNCF discount cards, book your accommodation via comparison platforms, and take advantage of free activities such as Navaway audio tours. Walking tours of towns, local markets and public parks are all great ways to discover a destination without spending a lot of money.
Do Navaway circuits work offline?
Yes, the Navaway application allows you to download audio guides for use offline. This means you can explore cities on your own, without using up any mobile data, while enjoying interactive guidance and enriching commentary on each place of interest.
How long does it take to visit a city with Navaway?
Navaway tours generally last between 1 and 3? hours, depending on the city and the itinerary chosen. They are designed to adapt to your pace: you can take breaks, explore certain places further or shorten the tour according to your schedule and your desires.
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