Top 10 must-visit cities in France

By Margaret T. Harris Last updated Apr 3, 2023

France is an iconic and popular travel destination for people from around the world. From its vibrant cities to its idyllic countryside, France has something to offer everyone who visits. Take Paris, the City of Lights: it’s a tourist mecca with its many attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. But there are so many other must-visit cities in this amazing country that deserve attention too. To get you started on your French vacation plans, here is a list of the top 10 must-visit cities in France—starting with the story of one traveler’s experience in Bordeaux.

On a recent visit to France, Matthew was excited to explore Bordeaux, located towards the south of the country near Spain. He quickly fell in love with the city’s stunning architecture and rich cultural history as he explored streets lined with historical monuments dating back centuries. On his travels he visited some famous wineries and sampled local cuisine at lively restaurants under colorful umbrellas along La Rue Sainte Catherine—Bordeaux’s main pedestrian street that stretches over 1 km long!

So if you’re looking for a trip filled with culture, adventure and gastronomic delights, Bordeaux is definitely worth a visit.

Other must-visit cities in France include:

Nice – located on the Mediterranean coast, Nice offers stunning views of turquoise blue waters and beautiful beaches where you can relax or take part in exciting water sports.
Marseille – this port city is an ideal destination for history buffs as it’s home to the oldest city centre in Europe, filled with impressive monuments like the Chateau d’If and Cathédrale de la Major.
Strasbourg – situated on the German border, Strasbourg is known for its colourful half-timbered houses and Gothic-style churches that offer amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
Lyon – explore this city’s historical streets and squares while admiring its impressive architecture; don’t forget to try some of Lyon’s famous gastronomy!
Montpellier – this vibrant university town features lively bars, trendy restaurants, and historic sites like La Grande Motte beachfront promenade and Place de la Comédie—the main square in town.
Lille – discover the picturesque cobblestone streets of Vieux Lille (Old Town) before visiting one of the many museums or art galleries located around town.
Dijon – sample some unusual flavour combinations at Dijon’s traditional mustard shops then explore nearby parks and gardens as well as medieval castles dating back hundreds of years!
Reims – this city is renowned for its Champagne production; here you can tour wine cellars, sip bubbly drinks, and enjoy exquisite local cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients from nearby farms!
Avignon – admire masterpieces at world-class art galleries before exploring Avignon’s charming old quarter with its winding alleyways full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered!
Toulouse – experience a unique atmosphere in this vibrant southern French city where people come together over delicious food specialties like cassoulet—a slow-cooked stew made with white beans and sausage!

Paris: The City of Love and Culture

Paris, the capital of France and one of the most visited cities in the world, is an attractive destination for tourists from all over due to its many cultural attractions. The city is known as ‘The City of Love’ since it has been a popular location for honeymooners, couples, and romantic getaways for centuries.

To begin your exploration of Paris, start at the iconic Eiffel Tower – built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 – which was initially designed as a temporary structure but quickly became a symbol of modernity throughout Europe. From here you can take a leisurely stroll down the Champs-Élysées to explore some high end boutiques or spend time at one of the many parks such as Jardin des Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens. This European metropolis also offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in art and culture with numerous galleries including Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou showcasing works from famous French artists such as Monet and Cézanne. In addition, there are several cathedrals such as Notre Dame de Paris that feature stunning Gothic architecture across their walls.

The unique beauty and grandeur of Paris can be best enjoyed when exploring these three must-visit sites:

Visit Montmartre hill where you can enjoy panoramic views of Paris skyline while dining on delicious local cuisine;
Take a boat ride along Seine River under beautiful bridges connecting two banks;
Admire magnificent palaces like Palais du Louvre filled with classical artwork.
These activities will give you insight into what makes this city so special and why visitors flock here every year.

In short, whether you come alone or with family or friends, Paris promises something for everyone – offering an unforgettable experience through its rich history and vibrant culture. With that being said, no trip to France is complete without visiting Lyon: A Gastronomic Heaven in France.

Lyon: A Gastronomic Heaven in France

Continuing from Paris, the City of Love and Culture, Lyon is a city in south-central France known for its amazing gastronomic scene. It has been nicknamed the “Gastronomic Capital of the World” due to its long culinary heritage and high concentration of Michelin star restaurants. The birthplace of chefs Paul Bocuse and Marie Bourgeois, Lyon is home to some of the world’s finest cuisine.

Lyon offers something special for everyone: from fine dining experiences to markets that bring together local producers in one place. One example is Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, an indoor market with over 70 vendors selling everything from meat, cheese and seafood to spices, herbs and chocolates. Here visitors can discover regional delicacies such as Quenelle Lyonnaise (a dumpling made of pureed fish), Andouillette sausage or Salade Lyonnaise (salad with bacon lardons). This bustling marketplace also serves as a popular meeting spot where locals come to socialize while sipping coffee or enjoying traditional treats like tarte aux pralines (caramelized almond tart).

In addition to its vibrant food culture, Lyon boasts many historical monuments including Roman ruins, Baroque churches and Renaissance architecture. With its picturesque streets lined with colorful buildings it is not surprising why this charming city attracts millions of tourists each year. Here are three reasons why you should visit Lyon on your next trip to France:

Experience authentic French cuisine – sample dishes like Quenelle Lyonnaise or Salade Lyonnaise at Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse;
Explore diverse cultural attractions – visit interesting sites such as Basilica de Notre Dame de Fourvière or enjoy breathtaking views from Parc de la Tête d’Or;
Shop till you drop – go shopping in Rue Mercière or browse through antique stores along Cours Lafayette.

At the same time modern yet deeply rooted in its history and traditions, there really isn’t any other city quite like Lyon! From savoring delicious dishes at local eateries to exploring ancient landmarks and taking part in lively events held all throughout the year, this city provides countless opportunities for unforgettable memories. Now let us move onto Marseille: The Vibrant Port City of Southern France.

Marseille: The Vibrant Port City of Southern France

Marseille, the second largest city in France and the oldest city in Europe, is an exciting port city that offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience its vibrant culture. Known for its strong Provencal identity and varied cuisine, Marseille has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. A visit to this beautiful port town will be sure to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

One example of why Marseille should be on any traveler’s list of must-visit cities in France is La Vieux Port (Old Port). This historic harbor serves as both a bustling commercial fishing center and one of the oldest parts of Marseille. The marina also provides stunning views out onto the Mediterranean Sea and makes it easy for tourists to explore nearby beaches or take boat trips around the bay. Visitors can even enjoy some delicious local seafood at one of many restaurants situated along the waterfront while taking in all that Marseille has to offer.

Along with La Vieux Port, there are numerous other attractions worth exploring during your stay in Marseille:

Visit Le Panier – One of Marseille’s oldest neighborhoods, Le Panier combines fascinating historical sites like Fort Saint-Jean with modern art galleries and trendy boutiques. It is well known for being home to some of the best street art in Europe!
Explore Les Calanques – These breathtaking limestone formations have been carved by waves from the Mediterranean sea over thousands of years making them perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or just relaxing on their white sand beaches.
Stroll through Parc Borely – Located near the beachfront promenade, this expansive park features lush gardens filled with exotic plants and flowers surrounded by elegant 19th century buildings designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel.

Marseille truly has something for everyone; no trip would be complete without experiencing all that this vibrant city has to offer. From leisurely strolls along its picturesque coastline to gastronomic delights served up at family-run restaurants hidden away in cobblestone alleyways, visiting Marseille promises a once-in-a lifetime journey full of surprise and wonderment around every corner. With so much waiting to be discovered here, it’s not hard to see why countless visitors return year after year—making it clear why Marseille deserves its place among France’s top 10 must-visit cities. Moving further south down France’s coast brings us next to Nice: The Jewel of French Riviera.

Nice: The Jewel of the French Riviera

Having explored the vibrant port city of Marseille, it is time to journey further to another popular tourist destination in France – Nice. Located on the southeastern coast, this picturesque town serves as one of the most notable jewels along the French Riviera. While its beaches and Mediterranean climate are some of its main attractions, there is much more that makes Nice a must-visit destination for travelers.

For instance, take into consideration the Promenade des Anglais: an iconic boulevard filled with grand hotels and lined by palm trees which sits alongside the shimmering waters of Baie des Anges. The beauty of this setting has been described in Walter Pater’s 1877 book Marius the Epicurean as “a scene from heaven itself” – a fitting description indeed! Moreover, Nice also offers visitors an array of activities such as kayaking at Cagnes-sur-Mer or exploring Castle Hill Park nearby which provides breathtaking views across Old Town.

In addition to sightseeing adventures, tourists can also explore local cuisine during their stay in Nice. There are many eateries offering traditional dishes like socca (chickpea flour pancakes) or salade niçoise (salad made with tomatoes, tuna, eggs). For those who have a sweet tooth they will be delighted to find out about olive oil cake or bugnes de carnaval (traditional fritters served during Carnival season). To round off any culinary experience in Nice make sure to try local wines such as Bellet AOC or Cassaric Rosé AOP – you won’t regret it!

What’s more, if you’re looking for unique souvenirs don’t forget about visiting Cours Saleya where daily flower market operates every morning except Monday when it turns into an antiques market instead. Here you’ll find plenty of handmade items ranging from leather goods to jewelry as well as traditional Provencal fabrics known as toile de Jouy.

Altogether these offerings make Nice a wonderful place to visit regardless whether your interests lean towards culture, history or food. With so much diversity available all under one roof this coastal town truly stands out among other destinations in France making it deserving of its title “The Jewel of French Riviera”. Ready for something different? Then let’s head next to Strasbourg: A beautiful blend of German and French cultures!

Strasbourg: A Beautiful Blend of German and French Culture.

Having examined the beauty of Nice, we now turn to Strasbourg—a city that embodies a fascinating blend of German and French culture. Situated in northeastern France on the border with Germany, Strasbourg has been passed back and forth between these two countries throughout its history. Today it is an integral part of both cultures, as evidenced by its official status as one of the few bilingual cities in Europe.

Take for example the Grande Île (Grand Island), which lies at the center of the historic area of Strasbourg. Here visitors will find cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses from centuries past alongside more modern buildings housing shops and restaurants serving traditional Alsatian cuisine. This unique combination of old and new makes it easy to imagine what life was like here over five hundred years ago when this small island was first settled.

Another remarkable feature of Strasbourg are its many canals that crisscross through the city’s landscape. These waterways offer travelers not only stunning views but also provide access to some incredible attractions such as La Petite France district, where they can explore narrow alleyways or take boat tours down the Ill River. Furthermore, no visit would be complete without witnessing the magnificent Gothic masterpiece known as Notre Dame Cathedral, located right in the heart of town.

Finally, those looking for art and culture should make their way to Les Halles de Schiltigheim market hall or Neustadt quarter – home to numerous galleries showcasing works by local artists. There’s something for everyone in Strasbourg! From sampling delicious regional specialties to admiring breathtaking architecture – there’s no shortage of things to do here:

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around picturesque parks
Visit charming cafes & bistros along Main Street
Explore museums & galleries full of artwork from various eras

In short, Strasbourg is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience discovering European heritage and culture!

Other Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to visit France?

When deciding what the best time of year to visit France is, there are several factors to consider. A great example of this can be seen in the case study of a couple planning their honeymoon; they want to make sure that their trip not only includes some of the top 10 must-visit cities in France but also falls during an ideal season for sightseeing and exploration.

France has four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each one offers its own unique advantages and experiences for visitors. In winter (December – February), temperatures drop significantly across much of the country with snowfall common in northern regions such as Paris or Lyon. This means activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating become available while certain attractions remain open despite cooler weather.

Spring (March – May) brings milder temperatures along with blossoming flowers and trees throughout many areas in France. Warmer days allow travelers to take part in outdoor activities without bundling up too heavily. Additionally, prices tend to stay relatively low compared to peak tourist times.
Summer (June – August) sees average temperatures increase quite dramatically around most parts of France including popular destinations like Nice and Marseille on the Mediterranean coast where sunbathing becomes possible near beaches or city parks. However, it’s important to note that this is when accommodation costs rise due to high demand from international tourists which could make it less affordable for long stays or multiple locations visits.
Fall (September – November) provides increasingly cool temperatures depending on location but still remains comfortable enough for walking tours or day trips into rural areas away from large cities like Bordeaux or Strasbourg. Prices may start dropping again at this point making travel more economical although rainfall increases so packing a raincoat would likely come in handy!

No matter what time of year you choose, there will always be something new and exciting waiting in France! From vibrant cultural festivals taking place all over the nation during each season to cozy cafes perfect for enjoying French cuisine no matter how cold it gets outside – getting lost exploring this dynamic European country should never feel dull or repetitive regardless of when you decide to go!

Are there any affordable lodging options in France?

When considering a trip to France, lodging is an important factor for travelers. Finding affordable accommodations can be the difference between making the journey or not. For example, a couple looking to explore Paris on their honeymoon may have difficulty finding suitable housing within their budget.

Fortunately, there are several options available for those seeking quality accommodation without breaking the bank. Here are some of these cost-friendly possibilities:

Couchsurfing – This free platform allows you to stay with local hosts all over France while they offer tips and advice about what to do in each city.
Airbnb – With rentals ranging from private rooms to entire apartments and homes, Airbnb offers more economical solutions than traditional hotels in many areas throughout France.
Hostels – Offering dormitory-style living as well as private rooms, hostels are often cheaper than other types of lodging but sometimes sacrifice privacy and comfort for affordability.

In addition, it’s possible to find deals when traveling during low season (November–March). Many cities across France offer discounts on attractions and sightseeing trips during this period, allowing visitors to save money while experiencing the best that the country has to offer. It’s also worth researching special events like festivals or concerts which may provide unique experiences at discounted prices if booked early enough.

No matter what type of traveler one is—budget backpacker or luxury tourist—there are plenty of ways to enjoy a visit to France without compromising your wallet. By researching potential housing arrangements ahead of time and taking advantage of seasonal promotions and packages, everyone can experience French culture while staying within their designated spending limit.

Is it easy to get around France by public transport?

Traveling around France by public transport is an easy and affordable way to explore this beautiful country. For instance, a student from the United Kingdom recently went on a two week road trip in France using only trains, buses and trams. Here are some of the advantages that travelers can experience when utilizing public transportation for their journey:

Cost-Effectiveness – Public transport tends to be much cheaper than renting a car or taking taxis throughout your travels. Additionally, many cities offer discounted tickets for tourists.
Reliable Timetables – Most French cities have well-connected train lines with easily accessible timetables available online and at stations. This makes it easier to plan out trips accordingly so you know exactly where you need to go each day.
Great Sightseeing Opportunities – Using public transport allows visitors to take in more of the sights along their route as they travel between destinations. It also provides them with access to smaller towns and villages which often have hidden gems waiting to be discovered!

Moreover, there are numerous other benefits associated with traveling via public transportation in France such as flexibility and convenience. Many regional bus companies offer hop-on/hop off services which allow passengers to get off wherever they like and rejoin the service whenever they wish without having to worry about finding parking spaces or returning rental cars on time. Furthermore, depending on the region there may even be night buses operating during evenings for those who want to make use of every minute of their holiday!
Overall, using public transport during your stay in France is an excellent option for exploring all corners of this diverse country while saving money too!

Are there activities suitable for children in French cities?

When it comes to vacationing with children, France is an excellent choice for a family holiday. With its diverse range of attractions and activities suitable for all ages, parents can rest assured that their kids will have plenty to keep them entertained. Take the example of Sarah and her family: they decided to visit Paris on their summer break and found something unique and exciting for everyone in the group. From exploring the Eiffel Tower to visiting world-renowned museums such as the Louvre, there was no shortage of things to do.

In addition to these popular tourist spots, many French cities also offer fun activities specially designed for younger travelers. Here are some great options available when traveling around France with children:

Amusement parks – Whether you’re looking for thrilling rollercoasters or simple playgrounds, amusement parks like Parc Asterix near Paris provide hours of entertainment for little ones.
Farms – For those wanting a more educational experience, farms like La Ferme du Bec Hellouin near Rouen allow visitors to get up close and personal with farm animals while learning about sustainable farming practices.
Water sports – Activities such as canoeing and kayaking offer a great way to explore riverside towns like Avignon without having to go too far from shore.

Aside from these specific attractions, many restaurants, cafes and shops throughout French cities cater specifically towards families travelling together – offering child-friendly menus and discounts on admission fees at certain locations. This makes planning trips easier since parents don’t have to worry about finding age appropriate activities each time they travel somewhere new. All in all, it’s clear that France has much to offer families searching for memorable experiences during their vacations abroad.

What kind of cuisine can I expect while visiting France?

When it comes to the cuisine of France, there is a wide variety to explore. From the culinary capital of Paris to the small villages throughout the country, each area offers its own unique flavors and experiences. For example, in Normandy one can find traditional dishes such as crêpes, mussels with cream sauce and Calvados cider, while Provence brings a more Mediterranean-style cuisine with olive oil and herb-based sauces. No matter where you go in France you’ll be sure to savor something delicious.

In addition to local specialties, French cities offer an array of international cuisines from all over the world due to their cosmopolitan nature. In Paris alone, visitors can experience everything from Spanish tapas at classic bodegas to authentic Japanese sushi bars. If eating out isn’t your thing then there are also plenty of markets selling fresh produce that make for great picnic spots like Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse or Le Marché des Enfants Rouges in Paris’ Marais district.

No visit would be complete without tasting some of France’s signature desserts. From decadent opera cakes and tarts topped with succulent fruit glazes to creamy macarons and millefeuilles layering thin sheets of puff pastry together – these confections will tantalize any sweet tooth! Here are some other quintessential treats that should definitely not be missed:

Chocolate mousse – light yet rich chocolate pudding made with whipped egg whites
Crepes – paper thin pancakes usually filled with Nutella or jam
Crème brûlée – vanilla custard topped with caramelized sugar

France has long been known for its gastronomic delights and exploring its many flavors is part of what makes a trip here so memorable. Whether dining on fine-cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants or snacking on street food vendors by Place de la Bastille – experiencing French food culture first hand is an adventure worth taking!