3 Underrated City Trips in France: Reims, Biarritz, and Nîmes

Over the past few years, we have found ourselves drawn back to France again and again. Some of these discoveries have not yet made it onto the blog and are still waiting to finally be told. With spring approaching, I thought it was time to introduce three city break destinations that, in my opinion, are completely underrated, in a compact format.

 

 

Because France has far more to offer than Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux. And it also has more to offer than Provence and the Côte d’Azur. Anyone in the mood for a city trip where the savoir-vivre can be experienced in all its many facets will find plenty to love beyond the big classics. My current favorite trio: Reims, Biarritz, and Nîmes. One sparkling and regal, the other elegant and maritime, the third full of Roman traces under the southern sun. Perfect for a long weekend and surprisingly diverse.

1. Reims – Champagne Culture and Gothic Grandeur

Reims lies in the heart of the Champagne region, around 45 minutes by train from Paris, and is also easy to reach from Switzerland via Strasbourg. The former coronation city of the French kings combines monumental Gothic architecture, defining Art Deco buildings from the 1920s, and historic Champagne houses. Sights, prestigious wine cellars, and gourmet restaurants are all close together – ideal for an indulgent weekend with short distances. I especially recommend a city trip to Reims for culture lovers, architecture fans, and anyone who likes to combine an urban getaway with culinary discoveries.

The Most Important Sights in Reims

1. Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, Palais du Tau, and Basilique Saint-Remi
The three buildings have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1991 and are among the city’s most important sights. In the cathedral, it is not only the Gothic architecture that impresses, but also the Chagall windows. The Palais du Tau tells the story of the coronations of the French kings, while the Basilique Saint-Remi impresses with its Romanesque-Gothic simplicity.

2. Art Deco architecture
Because the city was heavily destroyed during World War I, numerous new buildings were constructed in the 1920s in the Art Deco style. Reims is now considered a stronghold of this architecture. One striking example is Villa Demoiselle, which belongs to Vranken-Pommery. The 100th anniversary of Art Deco is currently being celebrated with various themed walking tours.

3. Champagne as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Not only the sacred buildings, but also the Champagne growing region with its cellars, press houses, and magnificent «Maisons de Champagne» is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are plenty of cellar tours and tastings on offer. We deliberately skipped them and instead tried different small producers by the glass in wine bars. We especially liked Bar à Vin La Vertu as well as the wine bar by Le Vintage.

Food & Drink

You will find fine dining at the highest level at L’Assiette Champenoise with three Michelin stars as well as at Racine with two stars. Both offer Champagne pairings. My clear favorite was L’Assiette Champenoise – an à la carte lunch is also possible here.

You’ll find great coffee at Moklair Coffee Roasters.

Day Trip Idea & Practical Tips for Your City Break to Reims

From Reims, a half-day trip to Épernay is also well worth it. This charming small town is considered the heart of the Champagne region and, with its elegant Avenue de Champagne, is a true visitor magnet. Renowned Champagne houses line up here one after another, and beneath their splendid town villas lie miles of chalk cellars – tunnels dug deep into the limestone ground with constantly cool temperatures, where millions of fine bottles mature. Thanks to the direct regional train connection, Épernay can be reached in around 25 to 30 minutes.

Getting there from Switzerland: good train connections via Basel/Strasbourg (duration approx. 5–6 hours)
Best time to visit / trip length: We visited Reims over Easter. Four days or three nights, including arrival and departure as well as a trip to Épernay, felt ideal to us
Where to stay: At the Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix (affiliate link) in a central location within walking distance of the train station and the main sights.
Getting around: Reims is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and ideal for strolling.

2. Biarritz – The Atlantic, Belle Époque, and the Basque Country

Biarritz lies in the French Basque Country directly on the Atlantic, close to the Spanish border. The former seaside resort of European aristocratic families combines Belle Époque architecture with a relaxed surf culture and a rugged coastal landscape. Culturally, Biarritz has a little less to offer than some other cities, but it makes up for it with dreamy sunsets, a miles-long waterfront promenade, and perfect conditions for surfing and swimming. Add to that a charming pedestrian zone, lots of small shops, good restaurants, and laid-back coffee shops. I especially recommend a city trip to Biarritz for lovers of the sea and anyone wanting to combine city and nature.

The Most Important Sights in Biarritz

1. Grande Plage and the Coastal Promenade
The city’s central beach lies directly in front of elegant facades and is a meeting point for both locals and visitors. A walk along the promenade toward the lighthouse at sunset is especially beautiful.

2. Rocher de la Vierge
The city’s landmark sits on a rock in the sea. From here, you get a sweeping view along the Basque coastline.

3. Phare de Biarritz
After around 250 steps, you are rewarded with a panoramic view over the Atlantic and the city.

4. Plage du Port Vieux
A small, sheltered beach with an almost Mediterranean feel – ideal for a morning swim.

5. Côte des Basques
This is where surfing became popular in Europe in the late 1950s. Today, the Côte des Basques is the meeting point for anyone wanting to experience the sunset over the Atlantic while watching surfers out on the waves. And it is the place where I lost a piece of my heart to Biarritz.

Food & Drink

When it comes to food, Biarritz delivers across the board. The range stretches from uncomplicated bistros to ambitious fine dining addresses. A real surprise discovery for us was Anema at Hôtel Saint-Julien. At Restaurant Table d’Aurélien Largeau (1 Michelin star), local seafood is interpreted in a creative and delicious way. Also highly recommended are Cheri Bibi with its daily changing menu and exciting natural wine selection, as well as Freya with its thoughtful vegetarian menu.

Day Trip Ideas & Practical Tips for Your City Break to Biarritz

From Biarritz, day trips to Bayonne, the unofficial capital of the French Basque Country, and to the charming fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz are well worth it. San Sebastián in the Spanish Basque Country can be reached in just over an hour by train, with a change in Hendaye. The city is considered a stronghold of Basque cuisine – wandering through the old town and hopping from bar to bar for pintxos is an absolute must.

Getting there from Switzerland: By TGV via Paris, the journey takes a good nine hours.
Best time to visit / trip length: We spent five days in Biarritz between Christmas and New Year and loved the combination of clear winter light, fresh Atlantic air, and relaxed atmosphere. From late November to early January, the light festival «Biarritz en lumière» also bathes the city in a special evening mood.
Where to stay: We stayed at Hôtel de la Plage (affiliate link) directly on Plage du Port Vieux. A clear recommendation – the location is excellent, and anyone who likes can even start the day in winter with a refreshing cold plunge.
Getting around: In the city, we got around exclusively on foot and by public transportation, which worked perfectly. Not far from Biarritz also runs the Sentier du Littoral, a spectacular coastal hiking trail stretching around 25 kilometers from Bidart to Hendaye.

3. Nîmes – Roman Heritage Under the Southern Sun

Nîmes lies in Occitanie between the Camargue, the Cévennes, and the Mediterranean. The city is one of the most important Roman cities outside Italy and combines ancient monuments with the laid-back spirit of southern France. Golden stone, shady squares, and street art shape the cityscape. Anyone interested in antiquity will absolutely get their money’s worth here. But Nîmes also has much more to offer than that: the city feels noticeably less crowded than many other destinations in southern France. If you enjoy strolling through quiet streets in the morning, relaxing in the park in the afternoon, and eating outside in the evening, you’ll find the perfect mix of culture and ease here.

The Most Important Sights in Nîmes

1. Arènes de Nîmes
The Roman amphitheater is one of the best-preserved of its kind in the world and is still used for events today.

2. Maison Carrée
The almost perfectly preserved Roman temple has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023. Its clear proportions and prominent location make it an architectural highlight.

3. Musée de la Romanité
The modern museum opposite the arena perfectly complements the ancient monuments. Interactive exhibitions, mosaics, and archaeological finds offer deeper insight into the city’s Roman history. It is especially recommended when the weather does not cooperate.

4. Jardins de la Fontaine
One of the first public parks in Europe. Between fountains, ancient remains, and Mediterranean vegetation, it is wonderful to stroll around.

5. Street Art in Nîmes
Alongside Roman history, Nîmes also reveals a surprisingly urban side. The Gambetta and Richelieu neighborhoods are jointly referred to as «Petit Berlin» and are among the most exciting hotspots for street art in France. Large-scale murals and political statements form a deliberate contrast to the ancient monuments. Anyone wanting to dive deeper can join various themed tours.

6. Tour Magne
From the city’s highest point, the view stretches far over the rooftops and out toward the garrigue landscape.

Food & Drink

At Les Halles de Nîmes, you can discover regional specialties such as olives, tapenade, fresh fish, and cheese from the Cévennes. What impressed us most from a culinary perspective was Rouge Nîmes by Georgiana Viou (1 Michelin star), with its creative cuisine inspired by the south.

Day Trip Ideas & Practical Tips for Your City Break to Nîmes

From Nîmes, the Camargue is quickly accessible. If you have a bit more time, you should definitely combine your stay with a detour to Aigues-Mortes and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer lies directly on the Mediterranean and is known for its wide beaches and white pilgrimage church. We stayed there at Hôtel Casa Marina (affiliate link) – located directly by the sea and offering very good value for money, especially in the off-season.

Aigues-Mortes impresses with its fully preserved city walls and medieval atmosphere. For a particularly stylish stay, check into Hôtel des Remparts (affiliate link), a 5-star boutique hotel right in the historic heart of town.

Getting there from Switzerland: Easy to do by TGV via Lyon (duration 6 hours) or with a stopover in Avignon.
Best time to visit / trip length: Two to three nights are ideal. Since it can get very hot in summer, spring and fall are recommended, or even the winter half of the year, when the Camargue in particular is significantly quieter.
Where to stay: A true hideaway is Jardins Secrets (affiliate link) on the edge of the old town – a historic house with a secluded garden. Also very charming is Margaret – Hôtel Chouleur (affiliate link), a stylish 4-star property in a centrally located listed building.
Getting around: Nîmes is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and best explored on foot.