THERE'S a street in the UK that's said to be more like France because of its bookshops, bakeries and classic French cinema. Bute Street in South Kensington, London , has been affectionately dubbed "Frog Alley" in recent years. The London street is lined with shops and cafes that will transport most Brits to France.
Rather than just being limited to Bute Street, the French feel has spread out onto other nearby streets too, with the area being called "Paris-on-Thames". Travel blogger, My French Life , wrote: "I love that I am often addressed in French here. "The fact that people don’t revert to English when they realise I am not a francophone is a real compliment.
" Read More on Travel There are some rather obvious - and practical - nods to the thriving French community in the area, including the French Institute, Lycée Charles de Gaulle (a school) and the French Consulate. Away from the official buildings, there's lots to attract visitors to the area, especially those who want a taste of France after watching the Paris Olympics . One of those places is Librairie La Page - the oldest French bookstore in the UK .
Set opposite Lycée Charles de Gaulle, the bookshop is an ideal place for local school children but also a good spot for anyone who speaks or is learning French . Most read in News Travel There's also Ciné Lumière, a cinema that's been described as a "landmark arthouse" in London. At the cinema , there are daily screenings of new releases as well as showings of classic films and documentaries.
Tickets cost £11 per person for a full-paying adult and £9 for a concession. There are also plenty of places to find an authentic bite to eat too, including Chanteroy South Kensington , Aux Merveilleux de Fred and Suzette. For example, at Suzette, diners will be able to order traditional savoury crepes and sweet pastries.
One person wrote: "Just super authentic, delicious and simple, as if you were in France." There's also a Farmer's Market that runs every Saturday where visitors can buy fresh produce. The market is open every Saturday from 9am until 2pm and is free to enter.
Bute Street is a five minute walk from South Kensington Tube Station, where direct services operate into stations like London Bridge and London Kings Cross . OTHER UK DESTINATIONS LIKE FRANCE Bute Street isn't the only place in the UK that's been likened to France in recent years, with The pretty English market town is home to Hitchin Lavender - an Instagram-worthy lavender field that's been generating a huge online buzz over the last few years. In a TripAdvisor review, one person wrote: "It feels like France rather then Hitchin!" Several other day-trippers also compared Hitchin Lavender to destinations across France , including Provence.
Between July and August, visitors flock to the town to experience a slice of the French countryside in the UK. READ MORE SUN STORIES Bristol The arty harbour city was the top spot on the list and is bursting with culture and trendy cafes scattered along the River Avon. A bubbling hub for creatives, Bristol is the birthplace of street artist Banksy , and you can admire some of his best early works on a free walking tour.
2. Hull The Humberside port city started to get recognition last year , and it has a thriving nightlife scene - if that's something you're after. The old town is crawling with history and classy buildings, whose walls have many stories to tell and The Deep is a fascinating aquarium attraction.
3. Isles of Scilly Just off the Cornish coast, it's easy to see why the archipelago made it into the top three. Here, you can expect golden sandy beaches where you will be able to spot dolphins beyond the shoreline , as well as seafront pubs serving up hearty grub.
Another tiny village in the UK has been compared to a retro 1940s film set. And an abandoned village in England only opens to tourists once a year..
