Pompidou-Metz Centre

Opened in May 2010, the Pompidou-Metz Centre was the first of France’s ambitious multicultural decentralization projects. This highly acclaimed venue hosts major temporary exhibitions that range from cultural explorations to imaginative creations of French designers.

Located just 82 minutes by TGV from Paris and adjacent to the railway station, it’s feasible to complete a day trip to the center. Moreover, the gallery has revitalized Metz, making it an enjoyable spot for an overnight or weekend stay.

• How to get from London, the UK, and Paris to Metz
• Read guest reviews, check prices, and find accommodation in Metz on TripAdvisor

Bayeux Tapestry, Bayeux, Normandy

The Bayeux Tapestry is a significant historical artifact learned about by schoolchildren in France and England. However, witnessing it in person reveals its astonishing beauty. Housed in the Centre Guillaume le Conquérant inside an 18th-century building in Bayeux, it illustrates 1066’s events through 58 vivid scenes, detailing warfare, betrayal, and the epic Battle of Hastings.

The tapestry, technically not a woven tapestry but an embroidered band of linen, is massive, measuring approximately 19.7 inches (50 cm) high and 230 feet (70 meters) long. It has been referred to as the world’s first comic strip, vividly narrating its historical tale.

Matisse Museum in Le Cateau-Cambresis, Nord

While most people are familiar with the Matisse Museum in Nice, the northern Matisse Museum in Le Cateau-Cambresis offers a charming yet impactful collection of his artwork. Matisse, born here in 1868, gifted many of his works to the town. Consequently, the museum displays them in a manner he envisioned, showcasing his life and artistry from his origins in Picardy to his later significant sculptures.

The museum also features books commissioned by renowned writers and works by artists like Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, and Braque. Furthermore, it includes unique Cubist-style relief works and furnishings termed ‘Monumental Objects.’

Musee de l’Hospice Comtesse, Lille, Nord

The Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse, located along the banks of the former old port, provides a serene atmosphere that reflects its history dating back to the 13th century. Originally established to care for the sick and poverty-stricken, the museum immerses visitors in the lives of the nuns who dedicated themselves to service. The experience includes insights into their operations, kitchens adorned with glazed tiles, the silent refectory, and the wards where the ill found care.

Charles de Gaulle Memorial, Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, Champagne

With the impressive Cross of Lorraine neighboring the hill and de Gaulle’s country home situated across the village, the museum delivers a poignant narrative about the French leader. This venue features a series of dynamic exhibits designed to encapsulate de Gaulle’s life against the backdrop of mid-20th-century France and Europe.

Organized chronologically, the memorial presents significant events in de Gaulle’s life through multimedia, interactive displays, and historical artifacts, including two Citroen DS cars he used, revealing bullet holes from an assassination attempt.

The journey spans from 1890 to 1970, illustrating de Gaulle’s evolution from a soldier in World War I to a family man and war leader during World War II.

Lace Museum, Calais, Pas de Calais

The International Centre of Lace and Fashion in Calais describes the evolution of lace alongside the history of fashion. This captivating museum interweaves the story of an industry transformed by mechanization amidst the Industrial Revolution. Engaging exhibitions showcase both historical and contemporary fashion, ensuring visitors appreciate this exquisite material’s multifaceted uses.

La Coupole, Near St. Omer, Pas de Calais

La Coupole is an imposing concrete structure with approximately 7 kilometers of underground galleries situated near the northern French coast, merely 5 kilometers from St. Omer. Originally designed to act as a launching site for V1 and V2 rocket attacks, La Coupole was targeted and destroyed by Allied forces in 1944.

The museum utilizes films and interactive displays to narrate its history, spanning from World War II to the subsequent Space Race and Cold War. This extraordinary venue ties past narratives with present achievements and future aspirations.

Musee de l’Art et d’Industrie, La Piscine, Roubaix, Lille, Nord

Located in an exquisite Art Deco building in Roubaix, now part of Lille, the Musee de l’Art et d’Industrie showcases a remarkable collection of 19th- and 20th-century art. This museum presents fine and applied arts, displaying an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and glass by local talent and internationally recognized artists.

Formerly a community swimming pool catering to both the affluent and the working class, La Piscine was transformed into a museum in 2001. Originally designed by Albert Baert and constructed from 1927 to 1932, it offers a unique setting for art appreciation.

Museum of the Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean in Marseille

Opened in 2013, the Museum of the Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean stands as an ambitious project that embodies the culture and history of the Mediterranean. Housed within the historical Fort Saint-Jean and a modern structure of steel and glass, the museum narrates thematic stories that connect various aspects of Mediterranean culture.

This landmark is part of Marseille’s revitalization, transforming the city from an overlooked destination into a vibrant tourist hub. Moreover, the high-speed train now makes traveling from London to Marseille a quick and enjoyable experience.

Art Museums in and Around Nice, Cote d’Azur

This article highlights not just one, but six notable museums in and around Nice, each connected with prominent artists. If you’re visiting the Cote d’Azur, these museums are worthy of exploration, including the charming residence of Pierre-Auguste Renoir in Haut-de-Cagnes and the exceptional modern art collection at the Fondation Maeght in St-Paul-de-Vence.

The area’s stunning landscapes have historically attracted countless artists, and you can easily see why, given the radiant light and vivid colors along France’s beautiful coastline.