3 French Cities, 3 Insider Guides

My favourite neighbourhood is Les Chartrons. It was my childhood stomping ground and it’s such a special area. Wandering through the narrow streets, you'll find an array of boutiques, art galleries and independent stores. The district has become a hub for independent designers and artists; from fashion to home decor, it’s a treasure trove for one-of-a-kind items.

Get a culture fix at the CAPC. In a former warehouse it showcases cutting-edge contemporary art. The contrast of modern art against the historic backdrop of Les Chartrons is a thought-provoking experience. I also love La Cité du Vin, a museum about wine with stunning architecture by XTU architects. The tasting room on the eighth floor has amazing views.

Another must-visit is Darwin Ecosystem. It’s a unique space in a former military barracks, comprising a coworking area, organic stores (including a bakery, chocolate factory and wineshop), a restaurant and a skatepark. It hosts cultural events throughout the year.

For menswear and accessories, check out Do You Speak Français? on Rue Notre Dame. It’s a concept store that also has homewares from French brands. Expect French savoir-faire with a modern touch.

Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes recently opened its doors. We’re close to the city centre in Les Chartrons and in a local landmark – the former Calvet wine cellars. With design and interiors by Philippe Starck, there’s a laid-back vibe that’s great for relaxing after a day of sightseeing or wine tasting. We’re also home to Morimoto Bordeaux, the first European restaurant from Japanese master Masaharu Morimoto, serving Asian dishes with a French spin.

One of my favourite neighbourhoods is Old Lille. You can walk down the cobbled streets and work your way around the many cocktail bars. In fact, Lille has amazing architecture dotted all over the city. Make sure to visit the Palais des Beaux Arts on Place de la Republique, which is the closest thing to the Louvre without the queues. It houses a large collection of classical and Renaissance art. 

Sunday mornings are best spent scouring the markets at Wazemmes. The food market buzzes with local suppliers offering everything from meat and fish to vegetables and baked delicacies. During the summer, it hosts events including La Louche d’Or, a famous soup festival.

Lyon has so much to offer, from interesting architecture to incredible restaurants. It’s the third largest city in France, but you could easily pack the highlights into a weekend. I always stay at Villa Maïa which has thoughtfully designed rooms that overlook the Saône river. There’s a spa, with numerous indoor pools, hot tubs and a hammam, and three cool restaurants: a fine-dining outlet, a bistro and a rooftop spot.

One of my favourite restaurants is Agastache, a cool upmarket bistro. Its five-course dinners are a great example of modern French cooking. For something quick, visit L'Annex Ravigote for an epic sandwich – think roast beef with beetroot ketchup and pickles, or white ham from Ferme de Clavisy with basil-infused butter. It also serves dishes like dahl and chunky soups, best mopped up with freshy baked-in-house brioche rolls.

The Monkey Club makes excellent cocktails. Its an atmospheric spot which also serves classy finger food. Expect opulent interiors, zingy cocktails and a decent whisky menu. There’s always a buzzy vibe here at the weekend.

If you’re interested in the city’s medieval architecture, start a walking tour at Vieux Lyon, the largest Renaissance district. Tourists stop here to take photos of landmarks in the old town, like the cathedral, and walk along cobbled streets that overlook the river. Don’t miss the Croix-Rousse market which sells an abundance of produce on Tuesday to Saturday mornings. The stalls capture the vibe of a traditional village.

Book a walking tour of the city to learn about its rich history. I’d also recommend a boat tour along the river – it’s a nice way to spend the afternoon during the summer months.