France is not only Paris. There is a wide variety of beautiful cities in France waiting to be discovered by you. From the sunny Nice, Lyon’s historical charm, and Marseille’s lively vibe by the sea, each city has its own unique magic.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most beautiful cities in France.
1. Paris
Paris, the enchanting capital of France, is a city that effortlessly weaves together history, art, culture, and romance. Renowned as the “City of Lights” (La Ville Lumière), Paris stands as an iconic global destination. It draws millions of visitors each year.
At the heart of Paris lies the River Seine, which winds its way through the city. It separates the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) and the Right Bank (Rive Droite). Along them historic bridges like Pont Neuf and Pont Alexandre III offer panoramic views of the city’s landmarks.
The Eiffel Tower stands tall as the quintessential symbol of Paris. This magnificent iron lattice structure that offers breathtaking views of the cityscape from its lofty heights. Nearby, the Champ de Mars provides a perfect spot for picnics.
The Louvre Museum captives art enthusiasts. It was a former royal palace turned world-class museum. It houses an unparalleled collection of artistic masterpieces, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa and the awe-inspiring Venus de Milo.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral stands as a testament to Paris’ architectural grandeur, despite the damage suffered in 2019.
Strolling through Parisian neighborhoods like Montmartre, one discovers its bohemian charm and artistic legacy. Here the iconic Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur overlooks the city.
Parisian haute couture find their pinnacle along the Champs-Élysées, a tree-lined avenue brimming with luxury boutiques, theaters, and cafes. Nearby the majestic Arc de Triomphe, honors France’s military history.
In the evenings, Paris transforms into a magical spectacle as the city lights illuminate its monuments. These cast a romantic glow over the Seine, inviting couples and dreamers to experience the city’s allure.
Paris, with its timeless elegance, cultural richness, and artistic legacy, continues to captivate travelers. The city leaves an indelible impression that echoes the words of Hemingway, “Paris is a moveable feast.”
A Paris Bucket List will help you check off the many things to do in Paris.
Book a 1-Hour River Seine Cruise in Paris
2. Nice
Nice is one of the most charming cities in the French Riviera. It’s Old Town (Vieux Nice) is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets filled with colorful buildings and charming squares. Visitors can explore the historic Place Rossetti with its Baroque-style cathedral, or wander through the famous Cours Saleya market.
The Colline du Château, a hilltop park overlooking the city, offers panoramic views of Nice’s coastline and harbors. Visitors can explore ruins of an ancient castle and stroll through lush gardens.
The Musée Matisse draws art entusiasts. It’s dedicated to the works of renowned artist Henri Matisse. The Musée Marc Chagall showcases the masterpieces of the influential artist Marc Chagall.
Nice’s culinary scene is a delight for food lovers. A variety of restaurants offer fresh seafood, Provençal specialties, and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. Visitors can indulge in socca (a chickpea pancake), salade niçoise, and delectable pastries.
The city’s festivities come alive during the vibrant Carnival of Nice, a world-famous event. It’s filled with parades, vibrant floats, and colorful costumes, attracting visitors from across the globe.
If you want to explore outside of the city, it’s a good idea to spend one day in Antibes. This great holiday destination is only a 25-minute drive from Nice.
Beyond its beaches and cultural richness, Nice is a city that exudes a laid-back elegance. The beauty of the coastline harmoniously blends with a vibrant urban vibe, inviting travelers to soak in its Mediterranean allure.
Book a Nice Old Town Treasures Walking Tour
3. Lyon
Lyon, in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, is one of the most beautiful cities in France. It is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also the gastronomic capital of the country.
At the heart of Lyon lies Vieux Lyon, the city’s beautifully preserved old town, a maze of narrow cobblestone streets. Traboules, hidden passageways dating back centuries, crisscross the district, inviting exploration and discovery of its rich heritage.
Overlooking the Saône River stands the majestic Fourvière Basilica. This is an emblematic symbol of Lyon’s religious heritage and a vantage point offering panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
The Presqu’île, a peninsula nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers, bustles with life. It boasts elegant squares like Place Bellecour, Europe’s largest pedestrian square. Here, locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy open-air markets and street performances.
The culinary scene of Lyon is a testament to its title as the gastronomic capital of France. The city hosts Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. This is a gourmet food market where local producers showcase their finest cheeses, charcuterie, and delicacies.
Traversing the Rhône River, the contemporary Confluence district offers a striking contrast to Lyon’s historic quarters. It shows a futuristic architecture, modern museums, and trendy waterfront promenades.
The city’s cultural vibrancy is celebrated through its annual Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières). Lyon’s landmarks offer stunning light displays, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
Its artistic legacy thrives within its museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts. This houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, showcasing Lyon’s prominence in the art world.
Book a Lyon Food Walking Tour with a Local Guide
4. Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a city that blends history and a unique Franco-Germanic charm. It’s renowned for its picturesque canals and beautiful architecture. Strasbourg is indeed a picture-perfect city.
The historic center of Strasbourg, Grande Île, is a marvel of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Here, the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate Gothic façade and soaring spire, stands as an architectural masterpiece.
The Petite France district, nestled along the canals of the River Ill, is known for its timber-framed houses and scenic waterfront views. Visitors can explore the Alsatian charm of Petite France while admiring the historic mills and picturesque scenery.
Strasbourg is not only a city of architectural beauty but also a European capital. It hosts the European Parliament and numerous EU institutions. The modern European quarter juxtaposes contemporary architecture with historical landmarks.
The city’s cultural heritage shines through its museums and cultural institutions, including the Strasbourg Museum of Fine Arts. It houses a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from various periods.
Strasbourg’s culinary scene boasts a delightful fusion of French and Alsatian cuisine. It offers dishes such as choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and meats), flammekueche (Alsatian pizza), and delectable pastries like kougelhopf.
The city comes alive during the festive season with its renowned Strasbourg Christmas Market, one of the oldest in Europe. The market’s twinkling lights and wooden stalls offer crafts and festive treats, creating a magical ambiance.
Strasbourg, with its captivating blend of old-world charm, European influence, and cultural diversity, invites travelers to explore its historic streets, savor its culinary delights, and immerse themselves in the unique ambiance of the city.
Book a Strasbourg Walking Tour with a Local Guide
5. Bordeaux
Bordeaux lies in the heart of southwestern France. It is a city renowned for its exquisite wines, stunning architecture, and rich historical heritage. It enchants visitors with its elegant boulevards, majestic buildings, and vibrant cultural scene.
You may need 2 days in Bordeaux to fully experience and explore all the attractions it has to offer.
At the core of the city lies the historic center, featuring the Place de la Bourse, a magnificent square adorned with the iconic Water Mirror (Miroir d’eau) reflecting the grand 18th-century architecture.
Bordeaux’s wine culture is legendary, with the city being the capital of the renowned wine-growing region. Visitors can explore the Cité du Vin, an immersive museum dedicated to the art and history of winemaking, showcasing Bordeaux’s wine heritage through interactive exhibits and tastings.
The city’s rich history is evident in its architectural gems, including the majestic Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-André) with its impressive Gothic spires and the Palais Rohan, an elegant 18th-century palace now housing the City Hall.
Wandering through Bordeaux’s neighborhoods reveals diverse districts such as Saint-Pierre, filled with bustling squares, lively markets, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The Chartrons district, once a hub for wine merchants, now hosts trendy boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops.
The city holds numerous museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, home to an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
During the summer months, Bordeaux comes alive with festivals and outdoor events, showcasing music, arts, and performances in various public spaces, adding to the city’s lively ambiance.
Bordeaux’s gastronomic scene is a delight for food enthusiasts, offering a fusion of traditional French cuisine and regional specialties. Visitors can indulge in local delights such as canelés (small, caramelized cakes), succulent Bordeaux-style entrecôte steak, and fresh seafood from the nearby Atlantic coast.
Book a Bordeaux Nightime Highlights Walking Tour
6. Avignon
Avignon, nestled in the picturesque region of Provence in southeastern France, is a city steeped in history, art, and cultural significance. It has a stunning medieval architecture, rich heritage, and hosts the historic Palais des Papes.
The iconic Palais des Papes, a magnificent Gothic palace towering over the city, served as the residence of popes during the 14th century. Its impressive architecture and grandeur stand as a testament to Avignon’s historical importance as the seat of the Catholic Church during a significant period in European history.
The city’s heart is the Avignon Old Town, characterized by narrow cobbled streets, charming squares adorned with fountains, and elegant mansions dating back to the Middle Ages.
The Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d’Avignon, is a famous bridge spanning the Rhône River. Although it doesn’t stretch across the entire river, its arches and history inspire imaginations, inviting visitors to admire the scenic views and ponder its storied past.
Avignon hosts the annual Festival d’Avignon, one of the world’s most renowned theater festivals, attracting theater enthusiasts and performers from around the globe. The festival turns the city into a vibrant stage, showcasing a diverse array of theatrical performances and artistic expressions across various venues.
The Petit Palais Museum houses a remarkable collection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures, and the Musée du Petit Palais, showcasing medieval and Renaissance art.
Avignon’s culinary scene offers a taste of Provençal gastronomy, with markets brimming with fresh produce, local cheeses, and aromatic herbs. Visitors can savor traditional dishes like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and savory pastries while enjoying the region’s renowned wines.
Book an Avignonn City Walking Tour with Popes Palace entry
7. Toulouse
Toulouse, known as the “Pink City” (La Ville Rose) due to its distinct terracotta-colored buildings, is a captivating metropolis situated in southwestern France. This vibrant city seamlessly blends a rich historical heritage with modern innovation.
At the heart of Toulouse lies its historic center, The iconic Place du Capitole, with its grand neoclassical façade and lively atmosphere, serves as the centerpiece of the city, hosting cultural events, markets, and concerts.
Toulouse is famous as a hub of aerospace excellence, housing the headquarters of Airbus and boasting a strong aeronautical heritage. The Cité de l’Espace, an interactive space museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into space exploration.
The city’s architectural splendor is showcased in its diverse array of buildings, from the grandeur of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to the Renaissance-inspired Hôtel d’Assézat, an elegant mansion showcasing fine arts.
Toulouse’s cultural vibrancy is evident in its numerous museums, including the Musée des Augustins, housed in a former convent, displaying a remarkable collection of European art spanning from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.
The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO-listed canal that passes through Toulouse, offers picturesque paths for leisurely strolls or bike rides along its tree-lined banks, providing a serene escape within the city.
Toulouse’s gastronomic scene is a treat for food enthusiasts, with markets offering regional delicacies such as cassoulet (a hearty bean stew), foie gras, and indulgent pastries like the famous Toulouse sausage and violet-flavored desserts.
Toulouse, with its blend of historical heritage, aerospace innovation, and cultural richness, invites travelers to explore its charming streets, savor its gastronomic delights, and experience its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Book a Toulouse Guided Walking Tour with Gourmet Sweet Tastings
8. Nantes
Nantes, situated on the banks of the Loire River in western France, is a city steeped in history, maritime heritage, and artistic innovation. It is known for its dynamic cultural scene, charming neighborhoods, and vibrant ambiance
The city’s heart beats within the historic district of Bouffay, where medieval architecture meets lively squares, bustling cafes, and vibrant markets. Cobblestone streets lead to the magnificent Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a museum exploring Nantes’ history.
Nantes is celebrated for its artistic initiatives and innovative urban projects, exemplified by the remarkable Les Machines de l’île. This imaginative attraction features mechanical creatures inspired by the literary works of Jules Verne.
The city’s cultural richness is showcased in its museums, such as the Musée d’Arts de Nantes. It exhibits an extensive collection of art spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary periods, and the Musée Jules Verne, dedicated to his life and work.
Nantes’ creative spirit extends to its public spaces, with artistic installations and street art cattered throughout the city. The Passage Pommeraye, a 19th-century shopping arcade stands as a testament to Nantes’ architectural elegance.
The city’s connection to the sea is evident along the Loire River and the nearby Atlantic coast. The Île de Nantes, a former shipyard turned urban development area, hosts cultural events, and the renowned Estuaire contemporary art installations.
Nantes’ culinary scene delights visitors with a fusion of traditional French cuisine and regional specialties. Markets offer fresh produce, seafood, and delectable treats like the local galette, a savory buckwheat crepe.
Book here a Private Tour with a Local in Nantes
9. Rennes
Rennes, the capital of Brittany nestled in northwestern France, is a city brimming with history, culture, and a vibrant, youthful atmosphere. It’s renowned for its medieval charm, splendid architecture, and lively ambiance.
The heart of Rennes lies in its historic center, characterized by timber-framed houses, elegant squares, and winding cobblestone streets. The Place des Lices hosts one of the largest markets in France every Saturday amidst a bustling atmosphere.
Rennes boasts a remarkable architectural heritage, featuring the impressive Parlement de Bretagne, a 17th-century palace a symbol of Brittany’s judicial history. Nearby, the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre stands as a magnificent example of Gothic architecture.
The city’s cultural scene is vibrant, with numerous museums and cultural institutions. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes houses an impressive collection of artworks. The contemporary art center, Les Champs Libres, showcases exhibitions and libraries.
Rennes is also known for its student population, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere and lively nightlife. The youthful energy infuses the city’s streets, cafes, and cultural events, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment.
The Parc du Thabor, a lush botanical garden and park, offers a serene escape within the city, with its manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and picturesque pathways perfect for leisurely strolls or relaxation.
Rennes’ culinary scene highlights Brittany’s gastronomic delights, featuring traditional dishes like galettes (buckwheat crepes), savory seafood specialties, and the famous Breton buttery pastries known as Kouign-amann.
10. Cannes
Cannes, situated along the glamorous French Riviera, is a city renowned for its elegance, sophistication, and international allure. Best known for its prestigious film festival, Cannes captivates visitors with its stunning beaches and luxurious lifestyle.
The city’s centerpiece is the iconic Promenade de la Croisette, a palm-lined boulevard that runs along the Mediterranean coastline. It’s dotted with upscale boutiques, grand hotels, and chic cafes, offering panoramic views of the azure sea and pristine beaches.
Cannes hosts the Cannes Film Festival annually, attracting celebrities, filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The city’s Palais des Festivals et des Congrès becomes the epicenter of glamour during this prestigious event.
The historic Le Suquet district, perched atop a hill overlooking the city, is a charming old town characterized by narrow winding streets, quaint squares, and picturesque views of the harbor. The Notre-Dame de l’Espérance church stands as a historic landmark.
Cannes’ allure extends beyond its film festival, offering a rich cultural scene that includes museums like the Musée de la Castre, displaying art and artifacts from around the world, and the Musée de la Mer, showcasing maritime history and underwater archaeology.
The city’s culinary scene is a delight for food enthusiasts, with an array of gourmet restaurants offering Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood delicacies, and exquisite French culinary experiences.
Cannes’ reputation as a playground for the rich and famous is complemented by its glamorous events, including the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Cannes epitomizes a sophisticated seaside destination, inviting visitors to indulge in its opulent ambiance. They can experience the refined elegance of a city where the Mediterranean charm meets Hollywood glamour.
11. Lille
Lille lies in the Hauts-de-France region near the Belgian border. The city is rich in history, culture and shows a unique blend of French and Flemish influences. It offers a captivating architecture, lively atmosphere, and warm hospitality,
Its historic center, the Vieux Lille, is a picturesque district boasting cobblestone streets, and charming squares filled with boutiques, art galleries, and inviting cafes. The Grand Place serves as a focal point for social gatherings and cultural events.
Lille’s architectural splendor shines in landmarks like the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s largest fine arts museums housing an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.
The city’s cultural diversity is evident in its numerous museums, including La Piscine Museum in nearby Roubaix, housed in a former Art Deco swimming pool and showcasing a diverse collection of art and design.
Lille’s culinary scene delights visitors with a fusion of French and Flemish gastronomy. The city’s famous dishes include the hearty carbonnade flamande (beef stew), moules-frites (mussels and fries), and decadent pastries like the gaufre (waffle).
The city’s festive spirit comes alive during its annual events, notably the Braderie de Lille, Europe’s largest flea market attracting millions of visitors who browse through antiques, curiosities, and culinary delights spread across the city’s streets.
There is a convivial ambiance within its friendly locals, a diverse student population, and a lively arts and music scene. The city embraces a cosmopolitan atmosphere while retaining its historical charm, inviting visitors to explore its diverse neighborhoods.
Book a Lille 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour here
12. Montpellier
One of the most beautiful cities of France, Montpellier, is in the picturesque region of Occitanie in southern France.
The heart of Montpellier lies within its charming Old Town, known as l’Écusson. The Place de la Comédie serves as a lively hub, bordered by iconic buildings, cafes, and the majestic Opéra Comédie. It offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Montpellier is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. The university’s historic anatomy museum, the Musée d’anatomie, is a testament to Montpellier’s significant contributions to medical education.
The city’s architectural splendor is exemplified by the stunning Saint-Pierre Cathedral, an impressive Gothic monument. Nearby, the Jardin des Plantes, one of France’s oldest botanical gardens, invites visitors to wander among exotic plants and lush greenery.
Montpellier’s cultural richness shows in its numerous museums and art galleries. The Musée Fabre houses an extensive collection of European paintings and the Pavillon Populaire features photography exhibitions and visual arts.
The city’s Mediterranean climate lends itself to outdoor living, with vibrant terraces, lively squares, and a relaxed ambiance. The Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, a sprawling green space, offers a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls or picnics amidst the cityscape.
Montpellier’s culinary scene is a fusion of traditional southern French cuisine and diverse gastronomic influences. Visitors can savor local specialties like brandade de morue (creamy salt cod), and tielle sétoise (octopus pie).
Montpellier’s vibrant energy, rich historical heritage, and youthful spirit make it a compelling destination. It invites travelers to immerse themselves in its diverse culture, and experience its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
