When it comes to beautiful and interesting French cities, Paris is just the start. There are 22 regional cities in France and each department also has a capital. Roman remains, medieval magic, contemporary chic, charming squares, peaceful rivers, picturesque harbours, bustling markets, majestic cathedrals, local industry, architecture, arts and sport…the cities and towns of France all have their own unique character and attractions.

Did you know these facts about some of the major cities in France?

Bordeaux in the South West is well known for its wine. Over 700 million bottles of Bordeaux wine are produced every year, ranging from everyday table wine to the most expensive and prestigious vintages in the world. Bordeaux wine is made in 9,000 wineries from the vines of 13,000 grape growers.

Toulouse, one of the most important cities in France, gets it nickname, "La ville rose", (the rose red city) from the warm glow of its red bricks and tiles. Culture is a keyword in Toulouse; the city is proud of its operatic traditions and has long nurtured music and entertainment. Sport is also strong here, especially rugby, Toulouse being the French centre of the sport.

Avignon, as well as boasting a bridge celebrated in song, was once the home of the Pope. Its enormous, ancient Gothic palace is the size of four cathedrals.

Limoux is actually the birthplace of the French sparkling wine now made famous by the Champagne growers who, it is said, simply stole the idea.

Lourdes is the second most popular tourist city in France, attracting pilgrims from all over the world to the cave where a simple peasant girl had visions of the Virgin Mary.

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