Beyond the famed city of Paris, France is home to many more stunning urban areas. Cathedrals, castles, culture, and excellent cuisine all combine to make France a destination rich in historical significance and natural beauty.
Superb museums, magnificent cathedrals, lovely neighborhoods, amazing gourmet restaurants, vibrant cafés, alluring shops, and stunning gardens are just a few of the attractions and activities that can be found in the finest cities of France. It would take a week to even begin to see Paris, Nice, Lyon, or Bordeaux, but any of these places would be well worth a short trip.
The history and culture of each French city are what give them their own unique character. Nice, on the French Riviera, has an Italian flavor, while Strasbourg, in the east, has a German influence in its cuisine, and Lille, in the north, has Flemish architecture from neighboring Belgium.
The urban centers of France are quite well-equipped to handle tourists. There is a variety of hotels and other lodging options available, and the public transit system is reliable.
18 Best Cities to Visit in France
Let’s head to the romantic country of France together and discover all of its top cities. Shall we begin?
- Paris
- Nice
- Bordeaux
- Lyon
- Marseille
- Strasbourg
- Biarritz
- Annecy
- Lille
- Rouen
- Toulouse
- Dijon
- Nantes
- Loire Valley
- La Rochelle
- Nancy
- Aix-en-Provence
- Cannes
Paris
Paris is definitely not only the best and most famous city in France but also one of the greatest cities in the entire universe! You can’t talk about France’s top cities without mentioning the country’s stunning capital, which is located on the banks of the Seine. Some tourists spend their whole vacation in the city since it is so big and has so many attractions that they can’t get enough of it.
Paris is a lovely city with a wide variety of architectural styles represented, from wide boulevards to winding lanes, from cutting-edge skyscrapers to ornate palaces, from amazing restaurants to cozy cafes serving fresh-baked pastries, and from boutiques to department stores.
Nice
Nice is the perfect summer getaway because of its charming Old Town, breathtaking coastline, and authentic Italian atmosphere. Nice, a famous resort town on the French Riviera, is framed by the stunning Maritime Alps.
Culture lovers will like this classy metropolis as it is one of the best cities in the dreamy country of France. Visit the city of Nice to soak up some French sun, and stroll the famous Promenade des Anglais that circles the bay. Afterward, explore the Old Town of Nice, also known as Vieille Ville, with its awe-inspiring churches and ancient structures influenced by Italy.
If you want to visit one of the most visited cities in France on a budget, the months of March, April, September, and October are your best option to explore Nice.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux, located on both sides of the Garonne River, is a major French city and of the top cities to visit in France. Its historic center is a pleasure to explore, and the buildings on display are beautiful. Mansions from the 18th century stand next to elegant palaces, and a number of world-class art institutions surround Place de la Bourse.
Bordeaux’s vibrant student population contributes to the city’s modern vibe. Numerous vintage stores have opened in the last decade in the city. Take a stroll down Les Quais and enjoy the river panorama; the view of the city at night from the Pont de Pierre, built during the Napoleonic period, is breathtaking. Before you leave, make sure to sample some of the finest wines in the world, which are produced here.
Lyon
The confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers forms the city of Lyon, the third biggest in France and one of the best French cities. Ever since its founding by the Romans in 43 BC, the city’s strategic location has made it a prime target for businesspeople and manufacturers.
Modernity and tradition coexist together in Lyon, a city with a rich cultural legacy that includes both culinary pleasures and beautiful architecture. The ancient town of Lyon is beautiful, and the Lyon Cathedral is one of the city’s most outstanding attractions.
Lyon, France, is known for its cuisine as much as its many tourist attractions. When it comes to French cuisine, Lyon is where the action is. Visit this ancient city for some of the best traditional French food in the world. To get a taste of local life in Lyon, dine at one of the city’s numerous “bouchons,” which are intimate brasserie/bistro restaurants serving typical Lyon cuisine.
Marseille
Marseille, the second largest city in France, is home to a wide variety of people and cultures. This busy port city, which has a reputation for being dirty and rundown, has experienced a rise in recent years, even as its major attractions have stayed the same. Nowadays, Marseille is one of the best cities in France and one of the tourist’s first options when they visit the country.
For example, the historic port is a fantastic spot to see the fisherman bring in their catch. Because of its central location, this is the best place to experience everything that Marseille has to offer. Le Panier, the city’s oldest district, and the breathtaking Notre Dame de Major church, which overlooks the sea, are both well worth a visit.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, is located on the west bank of the Rhone and is home to a beautiful old town. France and Germany have battled for it throughout its history, and it is one of the top cities to visit in France.
The modern vibe of this old city is largely due to the sparkling glass European Union buildings and the city’s bustling student population. Strasbourg, located close to the German border, is a city that successfully blends French and Germanic cultures. The city in France hosts the European Parliament and is known for having a fantastic Christmas market.
Strasbourg has remained a French city since the conclusion of World War One. Strasbourg is almost 2,000 years old, and its historic district, La Petite France, is located on an island in the middle of the city.
Biarritz
This beach town was formerly only frequented by Hollywood’s elite, but nowadays, it’s a popular destination for families, surfers, and those just looking to soak up some sunshine.
Biarritz, a town in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, has a waterfront location on the Bay of Biscay and is well-known for its stunning coastline and pristine beaches. The town may not be very attractive at first glance, but the advantages of being so close to the lake easily make up for this.
Biarritz has been a favored destination for European nobility and one of the best Cities in France since the early nineteenth century. Since it has several miles of sandy beaches and many surf schools, it is also a popular spot for surfers.
Annecy
Annecy, in France, is sometimes referred to as “Venice of the French Alps” because of the city’s similarities in layout and architecture to the Italian city of Venice. Annecy, a former regional capital, is home to the beautiful Lake Annecy and is surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.
Annecy is another lovely French city that is best seen from the lake. You may take a cruise or a small boat tour through the canals, which are bordered by beautiful residences. You may get from one body of water to another by visiting a lake whose blue alpine waters are surrounded by towering mountains.
Lille
Lille, the biggest city in Northern France, has always been an important commercial hub because of its location between Flanders and Paris. It now has a beautiful downtown area and a thriving cultural scene, complete with various museums. Lille is definitely one of the best cities to visit in France.
Lille is a bustling city with much going on thanks to its vibrant student population, fantastic shopping, and exciting nightlife. The Grand palace, La Vielle Bourse, and the narrow lanes of the old town are great places to get a feel for the city’s stunning Flemish and French architecture.
Rouen
Rouen, one of the fascinating cities in all of northern France, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and fans of charming, traditional French architecture. Compared to some of France’s other major cities, Rouen is a little town that seems like you’ve stepped back in time to the Middle Ages. It dates back to the fourth century and has a wide range of architectural eras and styles, which is why Monet painted over thirty illustrations of it.
Rouen, the Normandy capital, is a charming city full of charming architecture and historic Gothic cathedrals that seem to hover over every street corner. Most famously, Claude Monet captured the Cathedrale Notre-Dame, a Gothic church built in the 13th century. Joan of Arc is perhaps Rouen’s most well-known resident. Considering that it was here that she faced prosecution and ultimately paid the ultimate price.
Toulouse
Toulouse, the fourth biggest city in France, is a vibrant metropolis owing in great part to its high student population. In spite of Toulouse’s many qualities (bustling markets, a thriving music scene, and a propensity for the alternative), the historic district remains a tranquil and lovely location to stroll.
Toulouse, often known as “the Pink City” for its many pink and red buildings, is best seen from the water on a cruise along the Canal du Midi or the Garonne River, both of which border the city’s historic core.
Toulouse is one of France’s most modern and, perhaps, greatest metropolises. While it is a metropolis, it has a laid-back vibe despite its size. The city’s location in the country’s southwest means that it has moderate weather all year, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Dijon
In its heyday during the 14th and 15th centuries, when it served as the seat of power for the Dukes of Burgundy, Dijon was also a major patron of the arts and sciences. The ancient town square is a pleasure to stroll about because of the beautiful sculptures and buildings found there; the cathedral is especially magnificent. Dijon is not only one of the largest French cities, but it is one of the most beautiful cities in France, so it is well worth spending a few days there.
In 1856, Jean Naigeon improved the city’s image by switching out the vinegar for verjuice. Even though Dijon mustard is one of the most sought-after condiments in the world, you won’t be thinking about it much while you explore the city’s many palaces, cathedrals, and other historical landmarks.
Nantes
Nantes, the capital of Brittany, is one of the finest French cities and should not be underestimated when talking about the top cities in France. Place du Bouffay, the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, and the magnificent Château des Ducs de Bretagne can all be found in the Quartier Bouffay, as can the history museum (Musée d’Histoire de Nantes), where you can discover everything about the signing of the Edict of Nantes by King Henry IV in 1598.
Nantes, France, a city on the Loire, has seen several transformations throughout the course of its rich history. Thanks to this, it has a wide variety of historical attractions.
Nantes’ ancient medieval city, complete with a church and a fortress, is a delight to visit. It has seen a rise in the number of students in recent years, which contributes to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Loire Valley
Loire Valley is not exactly a city as it is a province, but we took the courage to put it on the list of France’s top cities. The Loire Valley is a romantic getaway in every literal sense since it is home to numerous stunning French cities. Because of its significance in world history, culture, and aesthetics, the valley has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cities like Tours, Saumur, and Orleans are among the greatest in all of France and are all located in the Loire Valley. “The Garden of France” refers to the former name of this region. You’ll get weak in the knees over its picturesque setting between the Cher and Loire rivers. Here, historic homes, ornamented fountains, and weeping willows dot cobblestone streets that date back to the 15th century.
La Rochelle
La Rochelle, often known as the “White City” because of its many limestone buildings, is a lovely site to visit. The historical harbor, historic town, and scenic shoreline of La Rochelle are all reasons to visit this once-important seaport. The area is quite relaxing, with a large marina at Port des Minimes and sandy beaches close by.
La Rochelle has evolved into a modern metropolis with a pleasant atmosphere and convenient layout for strolling about. Along the water’s edge of the Vieux Port (Old Port), you’ll find a wide variety of lively eateries serving up delicious regional specialties.
Nancy
Nancy, with its grand public squares and beautiful Baroque buildings, is a model of the sophistication of French urban planning in the 18th century. Nancy is definitely one of the best cities in France. The beautiful Neoclassical buildings of the Place Stanislaus were constructed in Nancy between the years 1752 and 1760 and are now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts has some of the most important European paintings ever made, while the Musée de l’Ecole de Nancy displays a wide variety of Art Nouveau ceramics, objet d’art, textiles, jewelry, and furniture. There is also a beautiful garden full of flowers and fountains at the Musée de l’École de Nancy.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence, located in southeastern France, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the region’s renowned “joie de vivre” and the vibrant local culture. It’s recommended to enjoy the town’s warm weather outdoors, strolling around its historic district in search of hidden markets and cozy cafés. Aix-en-Provence is another one of the top French cities with a lot to offer on its plate!
Cours Mirabeau is lined with restaurants serving traditional French cuisine on terraces open to the sky. After that, take your time and aimlessly explore the Old Town, stopping at quaint squares and the Le Grand Marche. Aix-en-Provence has long been known as a center for the arts. Visit the Musee Granet or read up on the great Paul Cezanne’s oeuvre if you’re interested in art. Cezanne’s paintings may be seen all across town, especially at the open-air Terrain de Peintres.
Cannes
Cannes, a French coastal city often listed among the world’s most attractive cities, is well known for its luxury beach scene. The town has both Mediterranean and luxurious avenues lined with fine fashion and Michelin-starred restaurants, and it hosts the famous Canned Film Festival every May. Cannes is famous and popular for a reason, and it is considered to be one of the top cities to visit in France.
Costing a good deal of money, Cannes is worth it if you can afford it. You may do so at any of the luxury hotels, upscale eateries, or enormous ships in the harbor. However, ordinary people may have just as much fun at Cannes as celebrities. You may live like a movie star without paying a fortune by visiting places like the Croix des Gardes or Le Marche Forville.
Final words about France’s best cities
France is a wonderful country to visit, but first-time tourists may be unsure about where to go after they get out of Paris. This is a difficult question to answer, and with good reason: France is home to several stunning cities, each offering its own unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, stunning buildings, fascinating exhibits, and, of course, delectable food and a relaxing atmosphere.
The wide cultural variety in France is one of our favorite aspects of the nation. Traveling from the north to the south of France is like visiting two separate countries. Everything from the customs to the cuisine to the urban landscapes is so unique. In this article, we tried to make a pocket list of France’s top cities to visit for first-time travelers that are unfamiliar with the country. Bonne voyage!