This list of the most beautiful cities in FranceIt will help you discover some of the great metropolises of this fantastic country, beyond its medieval towns and incredible natural landscapes, which we are sure you will love. With a large number and variety of cities, which, in addition to accumulating a great historical-artistic heritage, are perfect for discovering the lifestyle, traditions and gastronomy of the different French regions, this country is a perfect option for a sightseeing tour. several weeks or opt for a getaway of a few days to any of its most emblematic cities. Keep in mind that most of these cities, except Paris, are visited in one or two days, so it is advisable to leave your visit for the last days of one of the best routes in the country such as the Loire Castles, the Provence, Alsace or Normandy.
Based on the experience of the numerous trips we have made to this country, during which we wrote this advice guide for traveling to France, we have made this list of the 10 most beautiful cities in France , always according to our personal opinion. Let’s start!
1. Paris
Paris, the City of Love or Light, is the most beautiful French city and the one that offers more and better experiences to all travelers who visit it. Stroll along the banks of the Seine from the Notre Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower, see La Gioconda or the Venus de Milo in the Louvre, enter the impressive Sainte Chapelle, have a picnic on the Champs de Mars or the Place des Vosges, get lost through the neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, having a coffee accompanied by a croissant on a terrace or going back in time when crossing a gallery, are just some of the best things to do in Paris.
2. Strasbourg
Strasbourg, the capital of the beautiful Alsace region, is on the list of must-see cities in Europe and is another of the most beautiful cities in France. Located near the border with Germany, this city marvels for its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site, full of traditional houses with brightly colored facades and old half-timbered houses. Although it is always a good time to visit this city as part of a route through the most beautiful places to see in Alsace, we recommend visiting it in December, when beautiful Christmas markets are set up in the squares of the most charming neighborhoods such as La Petite France and the streets wear their best decorations. A good way to discover all its tourist attractions is to complete this list of the most essential places to visit in Strasbourg.
3. Bordeaux
Bordeaux, located in the south of France, a 3-hour drive from the Basque Country, is another of the most beautiful cities in France thanks, in large part, to its fantastic historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to walking through the narrow streets of the old town and crossing its impressive medieval gates such as that of Cailhau and the Great Bell, we recommend you stroll along the banks of the Garonne until you reach the iconic Plaza de la Bolsa, climb to the top of the Cathedral, Lose yourself in the Saint Pierre neighborhood and relax in the Jardin Public. Nor can you leave the city without trying the gastronomy and various French sweets such as canelés, always accompanied by a good Bordeaux wine and completing this list of essential places to see in Bordeaux.
4. Carcassonne
Carcassonne hides among vineyard plantations one of the most incredible walled medieval citadels in Europe and that make it another of the essential cities in France. Walking through it is a real pleasure, as well as ensuring that after crossing the walls through the Aude or Narbonne gate, you will be transported to the Middle Ages as you walk through its cobbled streets and visit a fairytale castle. Once all the places to see in Carcassonne have been completed, you can leave the walls to visit the Bastide neighborhood of Saint Louis and stroll along the banks of the Canal du Midi, one of the oldest navigable canals in Europe and declared a World Heritage Site. We recommend visiting Carcassonne after taking a route through the Cathar Castles, fortresses built on elevated positions and of which important remains are still preserved and which we are sure will leave you speechless.
5. Marseille, another of the most beautiful cities in France
After enjoying a route along the emblematic Côte d’Azur or through the landscapes of Provence, nothing better than spending the last days getting to know the authentic Marseille. Founded 2,600 years ago by Greeks and ranked second among France’s largest cities, it has left behind its reputation as troubled and dangerous, to become a perfect destination for tourists looking to combine cultural visits with entertainment. Among the essential places to see in Marseille are the Old Port flanked by Fort Saint Jean, the old fishing and immigrant district of Le Panier, the Cathedrale de la Major and the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, La Corniche and the Château d’If, a 16th century fortress where Alexandre Dumas was inspired to write his famous book“The Count of Monte Cristo” .
Travel insurance for France
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6. Lyon
Lyon is another of the cities to see in France, perfect for enjoying the good French lifestyle and a fantastic architectural heritage. Bathed by the Rhône and Saône rivers, it is a real delight to walk through the old quarter of Vieux Lyon, declared a World Heritage Site, and discover charming corners such as the traboules, passages that allow you to go from one street to another through beautiful interior patios, as well as trying the onion soup or the quenelle, in a traditional bouchon. Other essential places to see in Lyon are the Gallo-Roman Theater, the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica, the Cathedral, the Place des Terreaux and above all its more than 150 fantastic murals spread throughout the city.
7. String
Nice, located on the shores of the Mediterranean, on the famous Côte d’Azur, is another of the most beautiful cities in France.. Its beaches with crystalline waters and mild climate for much of the year make it a highly appreciated holiday destination by the French and by tourists from half the world, who come to it every year to enjoy a few days of rest and fun. . Among its wonders is the charming old town or Vielle Ville, full of narrow streets and charming squares, the long promenade lined with beautiful facades of Belle Epoque-style buildings, a beautiful port and an amazing Russian Orthodox cathedral. After completing this list of essential places to see in Nice, you can go by car or bus to some of the jewels that are closer like the luxurious Cannes and Monaco or the towns of Provence like Grasse or Mougins.
8. Toulouse, another of the essential French cities
Toulouse, known as the “Pink City” and crossed by the Garonne River, is another of the essential cities in France . Its old town made of pink clay will make you fall in love at first sight with its narrow streets, its tree-lined squares full of atmosphere, its historic cafes and the fantastic interior patios. Once you have completed the visits of the center such as the Capitole Square and the Jacobin Convent, you can relax by strolling through the beautiful Japanes Garden, along the banks of the Canal du Midi, or through space stations and rockets in the Space City . In order not to miss anything interesting in the city, we recommend you follow this list of places to see in Toulouse.
9. Nantes
After a route through the famous Loire Castles, we recommend you spend one or two days in Nantes, one of the most unknown and surprising cities in France.. Bathed by the Loire and the birthplace of Jules Verne, Nantes has become a city of art over time thanks to the creativity of artists and architects who have made public spaces unique in the most comfortable way to see all these works of art and the essentials of the city, is to follow the green line drawn on the ground that will take you through more than 50 points during 12 kilometers of route. Among its wonders are the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the Passage Pommeraye shopping galleries, the Art Museum, Le Jardin des Plantes, the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul and above all, the Isle of Machines, where you will be able to see, among other things, a large articulated elephant 12 meters high and weighing 48 tons.
10. Montpellier
Montpellier, an ancient and dynamic city, located in the south of the country, is our last recommendation on this list of the most beautiful cities in France . This attractive city that harmoniously combines ancient heritage with contemporary architecture, offers a great student atmosphere and an extensive cultural and leisure offer. A good route through the city should start at the Place de la Comédie and then continue through the medieval streets of the historic center that will allow you to discover all its charming corners such as Place Saint Roch, the Cathedral of Saint Peter, the Porte de Peyrou , the San Clemente Aqueduct, the Charles de Gaulle Esplanade or the Fabre Museum.
