Paris, France 9. Steeped in history, Marseilles (also spelled Marseille) is the oldest city in France, with a heritage that dates back 2,600 years. Nguyen, Tuan C. "The Top 10 Major Cities in France." Outside le-de-France, the 12 other regions of Metropolitan France show remarkably little disparity in their GDPs per capita. This is an edited extract from The Most Beautiful Villages of France (Flammarion, 16.95), which is also available at The Guardian Bookshop, Looking for a holiday with a difference? Exhibitions by artists who have lived here are held in the 16th-century castle. Travelers can rely on efficient public transportation, as well as an extensive choice of hotels and other accommodations. Another highly regarded gourmet destination is the Mulot & Petitjean boutique, which has specialized in gingerbread cakes since 1796. 9. Many restaurants at the Vieux Port (Old Port) serve excellent seafood dishes, including the local specialty of bouillabaisse, made with ingredients from the local fish market. Stay Hotel LHorloge next to the bell tower, is a restaurant that holds a weekly organic market and a hotel with 10 comfortable rooms from 62 room-only. 4. 5. Image Source: Unsplash. Enter Lyon which is the third-largest city in the country. This impressive 13th-century structure features soaring twin towers and an elaborately sculpted facade, which Claude Monet depicted in a celebrated series of paintings. Its population is only 5.8 million people. Lille is known for: the historic Vieux Lille, the Town Hall, Lille Citadel, and the weekend market. History buffs appreciate visiting Muse d'Histoire de Nantes (housed in the chteau) and learning about the Edict of Nantes that was signed by King Henry IV at the cathedral in 1598. Paris has a troubled past but has grown steadily to become one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Recovery was slow, but by the 18 th century, Toulouse began to modernize. There are great views across the Garonne from a grassy plateau where a castle once stood. Fine houses line the streets, like the 13th-century Maison du Batteur de Monnaie and the former courthouse. Most of Johannesburg's wealth is concentrated in Sandton, home to the JSE (the largest stock market in Africa) and the head offices of most of Africa's largest banks and corporates. Lyon: the gastronomic capital of the world 6. Besides top-rated museums and historic churches, hidden surprises are found throughout Paris, allowing travelers to discover the French "joie de vivre." In the weeks leading up to Christmas, holiday decor adds a touch of magic. From celebrity hotspots on the French Riviera to glamorous cities with high-end shopping and 5-star hotels, here are France's 10 most popular destinations for luxury travel. The most picturesque quarter of the Grande-le is La Petite France, a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, pedestrian alleyways, and canals traversed by foot bridges. Visitors enjoy ambling along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Vieil Aix) and stopping to admire fountains in peaceful squares. The atmospheric historic center, known as L'cusson, is full of trendy cafs and restaurants hidden within its labyrinth of medieval cobblestone streets. Both of these medieval pilgrimage churches were constructed from the red bricks of Toulouse. On a cliff high above the Dordogne, Domme has exceptional views over the surrounding countryside. Overseas, only Saint Barthlemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and New Caledonia have GDP per capita at the level of Metropolitan French regions. 3,230. 10. Amiens has all the essentials of a cultured French city: a glorious Gothic cathedral, bustling cafs, and interesting museums, plus a few surprise attractions. Here are the top 10 most expensive cities to live in for 2017, according to The Economist: 1. New York is home to many Fortune 500 companies and is the financial heart of the United States, with the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ located in the Big Apple. Why that is, I will explain . There are views of the foothills of the Alps and the Esterel massif. For the past few years, Denmark has been among the top 3 happiest countries on the planet. And to give you some inspiration, here are our 10 favorite cities to visit in France that offer something for everyone. 2 . Lyon is located near the Swiss border, 300 miles south of Paris. Pinpoint the top places to visit with our list of the best cities in France. The 14th-century Eglise Collgiale Saint-Rmy, the Benedictine convent which became the town hall after the French Revolution, and 17th-century La Salette windmill are must-sees, while a botanical trail takes in panoramic views. When in the area, many rich . The Belvedere de la Barre is a great viewpoint, and Chteau de Monfort, La Roque-Gageac village and the Jardins de Marqueyssac are among attractions nearby. Here are the top 10 richest places in the U.S., according to Bloomberg: 1. Other top attractions in Nice include an abundance of art museums and gardens. China retains its title as the country with the most cities in the top 10, with Shenzhen moving up one spot to No. So, what's the richest big city in America according to the data? 10. Frankfurt in Germany is the second richest city after Dublin with an income of $102,941 per capita. Yeah they are. Another claim to fame is the town's association with Joan of Arc. The main Place de la Libert, with its 150-year-old plane tree, 18th-century covered market and fountains, is magical for lazy evenings on cafe terraces. From the village, follow the Grands Crus wine trail on foot or by bike.Eat The Saint Nicolas hotels restaurant Manala serves local fare such as pork on choucroute (17).Stay The 16th-century Hotel de la Couronne has beamed doubles from 67.50 (breakfast from 6). The city of Dijon, located in eastern France, is one the countrys wine capitals, but it is perhaps even more famous for its mustard: la Moutarde de Dijon. The top 10 list of cities includes also Krakow ($1,455), Poznan ($1,451), (Katowice $1,405), Olsztyn ($1,314), Rzeszow ($1,292), and Bialystok $1,238). For centuries, adventurers have embarked on ocean exploration from the port of Saint-Malo. History abounds throughout the land, and cathedrals, castles, culture and refined cuisine combine to entice you on a journey of discovery of all things French. 2. Published: 28 May 2021 16:40 CEST. Montpellier is a happening multicultural city with a large university student population, which gives the city an energetic and youthful vibe. A highlight for art lovers is the Muse des Beaux-Arts de Tours, which displays paintings by the Old Masters (including Rubens and Rembrandt), as well as more modern works by renowned artists such as Delacroix, Monet, and Degas. However, the UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon (Old Town) has retained the old-world charm of centuries past. Travelers will also enjoy sightseeing in the nearby villages and medieval towns of the Alsace region, such as Riquewihr and Ribeauvill (about a 50-minute drive from Strasbourg) within the Parc Naturel Rgional des Ballons des Vosges, a 5,000-hectare nature reserve. The appeal of Saint-Malo is its attractive harbor, sweeping sandy beaches, and stunning coastal views. Visit the Chapelle du Pnity, which houses Saint Ronans tomb. The wealth of the top 1% was 30% then, still a lot, but at least 10% below what it is now. The Top 10 Major Cities in France. Alain has made his fortune in the health care industry through the BioMerieux biotech company. Tucked in the southeast corner of France, this picturesque city sits at the foot of the Alps and stretches along part of the Mediterranean coast. Although much of the Vieille Ville (Old Town) was destroyed during World War Two, the city has retained its ancient fortifications and maze of cobblestone streets, as well as the historic chteau and cathedral. le-de-France (the Paris Region) has a much higher GDP per capita than the rest of France, due to its position as one of the "command centres" for the global economy, as well as its relatively low share of retirees. Nearby nature sites draw many outdoor enthusiasts and sporty types to Grenoble. Total Net Worth: $484.3 Billion. It was later burned by the Normans, but the 11th-century church on the site remains, its saddleback roof and tower emerging from the trees. Its an impressive building, with remarkably preserved murals, Aubusson tapestries, wood panelling and a 17th-century organ. For centuries, it has been the cultural and financial hub of the country and for a long time in Europe and the world. Lyon is considered France's capital of gastronomy. It is the most visited destination in the world and consequently has a thriving tourism industry. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Marseilles. The ranking of the top 10 richest cities in the world includes two settlements from Japan. One of the world's iconic cities, the French capital, firmly belongs at the top of our list. His net worth has increased in the past twelve months by a staggering $2.71 billion. Its on a triangular main square flanked by half-timbered and red-brick mansions, and the village walls include a distinctive clock tower above the main gateway into the village in the fortified walls (inside is a small museum). At the bottom of the top 10 richest countries in the world in 2023 is a small Scandinavian state located in northern Europe. The wool market, the Halle de Cardeux, has been restored as a cultural centre and exhibition space. Tokyo is Japan's most populous metropolis and the country's political and economic hub. The 16th-century Ntre-Dame-des-Neiges church has a striking gilded altar. In 1849, Xavier Branicki, a Polish count and friend of Napoleon III, restored the castle and filled it with art: sculptures by Pierre Vaneau, plus Italian Renaissance and Dutch paintings. The picturesque city is nestled at the foothills of the Maritime Alps on the Baie des Anges, a wide bay with serene azure waters. According to Nerdwallet, the Midwest is the most affordable region when it comes to wealthiest cities. One of the main attractions in Lille is the Grand Place (Place du Gnral de Gaulle), a favorite gathering place for locals and a sensational showcase of Flemish Baroque architecture that impresses tourists. Beyond the village are walking and biking trails through vineyards and pretty countryside. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nice: Best Areas & Hotels. This heritage and a sense of Germanic identity is evident even today. In the valley below, pines, olive groves and vineyards surround the chapel of Ntre Dame de lOrmeau, with its 16th-century carved altarpiece. Nearby are the Thieves Tower museum, with dungeons and torture chamber, and the Maison de Vigneron, with old winemaking equipment. This article lists French regions and overseas collectivities by gross domestic product (GDP). It is also the most visited destination in all of Europe and a cultural melting pot. Tokyo, New York City, Los Angeles, London, Seoul, Paris, Chicago, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. New York serves as a centre of many industries, including international trade, financial technology, finance, real estate, fashion, manufacturing, entertainment, education, tourism, and biotechnology. Warsaw is followed by Wroclaw where residents earn $1,507 on average, Opole ($1,492) and Gdansk ($1,458). The church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste houses an Annunciation by Philippe de Champaigne (16021674). Lyon is known as the gastronomical capital of France, as its streets are lined with gourmet eateries. Tourists may visit the auditorium of the theater year-round (outside of performance hours, in the afternoon) except during the summer season. Many of Strasbourg's street signs are written in classic German script, and much of the cuisine includes German classics like sauerkraut. With its impressive public squares and ornate Baroque architecture, Nancy exemplifies the elegance of 18th-century French urban planning. A cluster of winding medieval streets center around the magnificent Cathdrale Notre-Dame, one of the city's top attractions. This ultra-modern exhibition space displays rotating exhibits of artwork on loan from the Louvre Museum in Paris. Well-preserved ramparts enclose this quintessential port town in the Brittany region, cutting off communication between the ocean and the mainland (a relic of the defenses against Dutch and English ships). Enjoy strolling through mansions with beautiful foyers, tall ceilings, and enchanting architectural designs. One of the most famous attractions is the Strasbourg Christmas market, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in Europe. All other overseas regions and collectivities have GDP per capita noticeably lower than the Metropolitan French regions. On the banks of the River Lot, Estaing is dominated by its 11th-century castle. In fact, half of the citys population is under 35. Travelers visit Marseilles to soak up the vibrant energy and exotic ambience of this authentic working seaport. The total wealth is $123 billion. The Toulouse Space Centre is the largest space center in Europe. 2 Lyon, France As romantic as Paris can be France has much more to offer than just the Eiffel Tower and baguettes. New York, USA 10. Houses have traditional pantiled roofs and Romanesque windows. This atmospheric maze of cobblestone streets and alleyways is packed with historic monuments including the 17th-century Baroque cathedral. Marseille's geographical position along the Mediterranean sea allowed the outpost to serve as an important port city throughout much of its history. The sound of bells from the belfry adds to the sense that little has changed over the centuries. The wealth of a city or even an individual is relative to the city in which you reside. Biggest Cities In France The Eiffel Tower, a symbol iconic of the nation of France as a whole, rises up from amidst Paris's urban expanse. Marseilles is an important cruise port, thanks to its wide harbor and prime situation on the Mediterranean. Strasbourg is also the European capital, a cosmopolitan metropolis with top-notch cultural attractions. With mountains, rivers and gorges nearby, Estaing is a good base, and there are hiking trails from the village.Eat Brasserie du Chteau overlooks the river and serves good local fare (trout or steak, say), with three courses from 30.Stay Auberge Saint-Fleuret has a restaurant, pool, garden and 14 doubles from 112 (breakfast 9). Richest Resident: Zhang Yiming, $35.6 Billion. At the heart of Dijon are the Cathdrale Saint-Bnigne, a splendid Burgundian Gothic monument, and the Palais des Ducs, which was the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy during the Middle Ages. Othman Benjelloun is the CEO of BMCE (Moroccan Bank for External Trade) that has operations in over 20 African countries and . Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/major-cities-in-france-4165995. Cairo. It's a joy to explore the city's Old Town (Vieux Tours), a delightful warren of narrow cobblestone streets and quaint half-timbered houses. Dallas. The old cheese factory has tours explaining how unpasteurised cows milk cheese comt is made. The report said. Its timeline goes all the way back to 600 BC when the region was settled by ancient Greeks. 3,165. Photo: Loc Venance / AFP. History buffs should be sure to visit the Chteau de Tours, an 11th-century monument that has seen momentous events, including the marriage of the future Charles VII to Marie d'Anjou in 1413 and the victorious return of Joan of Arc after the Siege of Orlans. It is the commercial, shipping, industrial, transport and communications center of western Japan. Eat Ltape dAngline serves regional cuisine with a menu du terroir including snails, duck and veal for 21. The top 10 riches cities in the world behind New York City were Tokyo, San Francisco Bay Area, London, Singapore, Los Angeles and Malibu, Chicago, Houston, Beijing, and Shanghai. The analysis was conducted by an independent wealth management firm CW Wealth. Rouen is a captivating medieval city in Normandy distinguished by its exquisite Gothic churches and quaint half-timbered houses. Paris is one of the worlds major economies and a leading hub of finance, commerce, fashion, and more. Summer brings concerts and outdoor theatre. Taking its name from the Gascon word roumiou, or pilgrimage, the village was founded at the end of the 11th century by Albert, a monk returning from a pilgrimage to Rome. The snowcapped mountain peaks of the French Alps provide an exhilarating backdrop for the city and beckon visitors to explore the natural regional parks that are less than an hour's drive away. The fascinating historic town of Colmar, just a 30-minute train ride from Strasbourg, is especially worthy of a detour. 1. Nominal GDP in euros and CFP francs has been converted to US dollars at the /US$ purchasing power parity rate of each given year. New Delhi- GDP $293.6 Billion. Lyon's history goes back to the height of theRoman Empire, when Lyon (known then as Lugdunum)was a major city. However, it is best known for tourism, consistently ranking within the top five tourist destinations in the world. Above it stands the medieval castle and 11th-century church of Saint-Lger. It's worth noting that six of the top 10 UHNW cities are in America. Accommodation: Where to Stay in La Rochelle. An outdoor section of the museum includes a lush, tree-shaded sculpture garden, which features avant-garde 20th-century works. It should come as no surprise that Paris is the richest city in France. The architecture of Toulouse sets it apart from other towns in southern France. The king of Navarre built a fortress on a hill above the Nive river in the 12th century, and the village grew around it. Osaka, Japan 6. Its narrow streets have hardly changed over the centuries. Visitors can see where the Maid of Orlans was put on trial (in the dungeon of a 13th-century tower now known as the Tour Jeanne d'Arc), as well as the precise spot (Place du Vieux March) where she was martyred. The City of Light, the home of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre will quickly gain the attention of even the most cynical traveler. The farther from the center you go, the more prices drop and the average price per square meter on the outskirts of the 16th is much more affordable at 9,500. It gained greater importance in the 15th century when the church of Saint Pierre was established. In recent decades, the city has developed into a popular tourist destination with around 4 million visitors a year. Start Planning with: 27 Free Things to do in Paris, France [1], List of French regions and overseas collectivities by GDP, European Commission, Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, List of French regions and overseas departments by GRP per capita, Regions and Cities > Regional Statistics > Regional Economy > Regional GDP per Capita, "Produits intrieurs bruts rgionaux et valeurs ajoutes rgionales de 1990 2011", "Les comptes conomiques de la Guadeloupe en 2011: Une reprise en demi-teinte", "Les comptes conomiques de La Runion en 2011: Une timide reprise de la croissance", "Comptes conomiques Nouvelle-Caldonie - PIB GRANDS AGRGATS", "COMPTES CONOMIQUES 2008 - Polynsie franaise", "Produit intrieur brut Mayotte en 2009: Une croissance dynamique mais un retard rattraper", "Evaluation du produit intrieur brut de Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon en 2008", "Ile-de-France- Portrait of the Region- Key figures (in French)", "Regional GDP per capita ranged from 30% to 263% of the EU average in 2018", "Estimation du PIB de Saint-Barthlemy et de Saint-Martin", "L'conomie de Wallis-et-Futuna en 2005: Une conomie traditionnelle et administre", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_French_regions_and_overseas_collectivities_by_GDP&oldid=1125215278, This page was last edited on 2 December 2022, at 20:33. All 95 Departments of Metropolitan France by GDP and GDP per capita in 2015. Unique tourist attractions abound in Amiens: the Maison de Jules Verne, devoted to the novelist Jules Verne, and the Cirque Jules Verne, a venue for circus shows and a circus school. As a tribute to France's famous saint, a contemporary church (the Eglise Jeanne d'Arc) stands at the location where Joan of Arc was executed. The ten largest cities in France are Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, Nantes, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lille. The largest city in the Loire Valley, this historic city brims with cultural attractions. A port town since the ancient Roman era, Bordeaux reached its zenith during the Age of Enlightenment of the 18th century. For local history, check out the Muse du Dolder in its 13th-century tower (great views). Theres also a ruined castle and two medieval gateways. The richest city in Spain is Madrid, with the richest areas of Salamanca, Chamartin, and Los Jerimos located in the central parts of the city. Its history can be seen in its architecture: the 17th-century citadel; the 13th-century ramparts; rue dEspagne, lined with artisans and traders houses; and the gothic Ntre-Dame du Bout du Pont. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bordeaux: Best Areas & Hotels. Lille, Hauts-de-France. The tree-shaded Place Plumereau serves as a hub of social activity with its many outdoor cafs. 7 and Shanghai and Beijing staying flat at No. Little remains of the 9th-century abbey, but the present 11th-century building is a Unesco world heritage site. Gardeners, called "hortillons," grow fruits and vegetables on these "floating gardens" and sell their produce at the local "Water Market" held on Saturday mornings in the Quartier Saint-Leu. Tourists enjoy visiting Dijon's mustard boutiques along with Les Halles, a culinary market. Because of its rich cultural heritage and commercial importance, Lyon is often called France's "second city." Tokyo is home to many multinational corporations and financial institutions, making it a hub for global . Image: Jrmy Barande/ Wikimedia. A historic village on the Ognon river, picturesque Pesmes is approached via an avenue of 100-year-old plane trees, its 17th-century castle reflected in the calm waters. This fine-dining restaurant specializes in seafood and traditional French cuisine with influences from around the world. ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/major-cities-in-france-4165995. According to CEO World, Alain Merieux is the tenth richest billionaire in France today. In the NCR, Quezon City is the wealthiest with assets of P452.33 billion followed by Makati with P238.46 billion, Manila with P76.54 billion, Pasig with P49.51 billion and Taguig with P30.68 billion. Saint-Malo invites visitors to step into another world, a medieval citadel by the sea. Nancy also has excellent museums, including the Muse des Beaux-Arts, which boasts many masterpieces of European paintings, and the Muse de l'Ecole de Nancy, a collection of Art Nouveau ceramics, objects d'art, textiles, jewelry, and furniture. Copenhagen, Denmark JB Subscribe to our daily newsletter SIGN ME UP We can observe that in 2022, the three richest people in France that year were Bernard Arnault, owner of the group LVMH, Franoise Bettencourt Meyers, L'Oral's main shareholder, and Rodolphe. There is also a self-guided walking tour of the places that Czanne frequented. 3. A castle once stood at the top of the hill; now marked by a cross. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in France, 29 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris, 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Nice, 10 Best Places to Visit in France in Winter, 20 Best Places to Visit in the South of France, 14 Top-Rated Beaches in the South of France, 17 Top-Rated Beach Destinations in France, 15 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bay City, MI, 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Brattleboro, VT, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Where to Stay in Paris: Best Areas & Hotels, Where to Stay in Nice: Best Areas & Hotels, Where to Stay in Lyon: Best Areas & Hotels, enjoyable things to do while visiting Bordeaux, Where to Stay in Bordeaux: Best Areas & Hotels, villages and medieval towns of the Alsace region. The remains of an 11th-century fortress are visible, but its the impressive Renaissance castle that dominates. With all that taken into account, let's see which are the 10 richest countries in the world by 2015 GDP: 10. The waterfront best reveals the city's cosmopolitan vibes. Figures are in US dollars at purchasing power parity (PPP). 15) Othman Benjelloun (Morocco) Net worth: $1.3 billion (2021) Age: 88. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. The Muse de l'Ecole de Nancy also has an enchanting garden, bursting with flowers and adorned with fountains. Other top tourist attractions in Reims include the Palais du Tau, a palace that was once the residence of archbishops; the Muse des Beaux-Arts, a fine arts museum with a remarkable collection of European paintings; and the Muse Saint-Rmi, a history museum housed in the former Royal Abbey of Saint-Rmi. The 14th-century prison is a museum. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence. Designated as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History), Reims has several monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites including its 13th-century cathedral and a Romanesque abbey church. The Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre and the ruined keep of a castle are highlights. A billionaire, Arnault is the richest person in the world in 2023 according to the Forbes and Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This medieval quarter, built up on an island surrounded by the Ill River, delights travelers with its romantic ambience. Despite suffering a tough downturn due to the pandemic, Shanghai remains one of the worlds richest cities. Much more than just Paris, France has a number of unbelievably beautiful cities that are waiting to be explored. Much of Montpelliers increasing popularity is due to a growing student population, whichmakes up about a third of the overall population. San Francisco You'd need $124,561 to live comfortably in SF. The town's historic quarters are full of old-world charm, even while Nantes has become a modern industrial city. The liveliest area of the Quartier Bouffay is around the Place du Bouffay. Eat Le Restaurant Cabanoix & Chatagnes offers seasonal specialities using local produce from duck breast to homemade pat (three-course market menu 17).Stay LEsplanade (, a family-run hotel and restaurant, has a terrace with beautiful views of the valley and doubles from 80. Toulouse boasts interesting tourist attractions, including two remarkable churches: the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sernin, a Romanesque church (dating to the 11th century), which was on the Way of Saint James route to Santiago de Compostela; and the Couvent des Jacobins, which has a breathtaking high-vaulted church and a peaceful cloister featuring colonnaded arcades. Today, Nantes has a population of approximately 300,000, striking a balance between a booming artist culture and thriving service industries. The showplace of Nancy is the Place Stanislaus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring magnificent Neoclassical palaces built between 1752 and 1760. Nice offers the best of both worlds: art collections on par with those of Paris plus the sunshine and stunning scenery of the French Riviera. With its colorful open-air markets and joyous sidewalk cafs, this alluring town gives tourists a chance to experience the sunny lifestyle of Provence. On the Sarthe river in the Mancelles Alps, the village was founded by Saint Cneri, an Italian monk who built a monastery here in the seventh century. However, there is plenty to explore beyond the cathedral. This may not be surprising, considering the U.S. is the world's largest wealth marketit holds over 29% of the world's wealth. The Manoir de Limolou houses a museum dedicated to Saint-Malo's native son, Jacques Cartier, who discovered the land that is now Canada. Coveted in the middle ages for its strategic position between Gray on the River Sane and regional capital Dole, it was by turns Frankish, Germanic, Burgundian and Spanish, before becoming French in the reign of Louis XIV (16431715). In terms of population, Marseilles is the second largest French metropolis. On a hilltop in the Monts de Vaucluse, surrounded by holm oaks, wheat fields and vines, Gordes is a typical Provenal village near the Luberon massif, an hour from Avignon. Today, Marseilles is Frances second largest city and the main port for commercial and cruise ships. GDP: $524.6 billion, area: 606.1 square kilometers, population: 2,707,120. While its global influence has waned, Lyon remains a place of immense historical and cultural import, from the winding passageways of its Renaissance district (Vieux Lyon) to its striking modernist landmarks. River canoeing and visits to the gardens at La Mansonire are recommended.Eat Auberges des Peintres, a pretty restaurant in the centre, serves snails and creme brulee (two-course menu 16).Stay A riverside cottage with an outdoor pool 3km away, La Cassine sleeps four from 105 a night.