Which locations can be contrated

Question

What's the difference between the locations that can have preceding articles and those that can't?

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Robert,
Please find a few (non-exhaustive) examples below:

La Rochelle -> Je vais à la Rochelle = I am going to La Rochelle
                     Je viens de la Rochelle = I am going from La Rochelle

Les États-Unis -> Je vais aux États-Unis = I am going to the United States
                        Je viens des États-Unis = I am coming from the United States

Le marché -> Je viens du marché = I am coming from the market
                   Je vais au marché = I am going to the market

I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !