10 Best Cities to Visit in France

Paris is a mesmerizing blend of romance and artistry. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum stand as testaments to the City of Lights’ cultural legacy, while its charming streets invite you to wander and explore. Savor delectable pastries at a quaint café along the Seine River or soak in breathtaking views from atop Montmartre. Spend your days immersed in world-class museums or enjoying leisurely picnics in lush surroundings like Luxembourg Gardens.

Paris is also famous for its lively street life, perfect for people-watching from bustling cafés. Don’t miss the chance to uncover the artistic history in Montmartre or visit cutting-edge exhibitions at the Pompidou Center. The allure of Paris is undeniable; it’s a city that can capture your heart.

Highlights: Eiffel Tower • Louvre Museum • Montmartre • Luxembourg Gardens • Pompidou Center

Recommended length of stay: 4-5 days

Lyon is often regarded as France's gastronomic capital, celebrated for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture that attracts food lovers from around the world. This spirited city nestled between rivers and hills boasts a culinary scene that tantalizes taste buds with everything from traditional bouchons serving hearty local dishes to contemporary fine-dining establishments. Among the region’s must-try dishes are Quenelles de Brochet, delicate dumplings made from pike fish, often served in a creamy sauce, and Andouillette, a distinctive sausage made from pork intestines and often enjoyed grilled or with mustard sauce. As you stroll through Old Lyon, you'll encounter charming Renaissance buildings and ancient Roman ruins that whisper stories of the past. Dive deeper into Lyon's history by exploring its famous traboules, secret passageways once used by silk workers, and don’t miss the annual Festival of Lights in December, when light installations illuminate the cityscape. After a day filled with exploration, unwind in Parc de la Tête d'Or, where lakes and gardens provide a perfect escape.

Highlights: Old Lyon • Parc de la Tête d'Or • Place Bellecour • Place des Terreaux • Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Basking in the warm Mediterranean sun, Nice is the jewel of the French Riviera, with a stunning coastline and vibrant arts scene. The Promenade des Anglais invites leisurely strolls along azure waters, while charming Old Town enchants with colorful buildings, bustling markets, and inviting cafés. Indulge in local culture with fresh seafood dishes like socca, a chickpea flour pancake often enjoyed as a savory street food, and Bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew flavored with saffron, or by exploring art galleries dedicated to Matisse and Chagall. If you are seeking adventure, nearby hills offer scenic hikes with breathtaking views of the coastline.

Highlights: Promenade des Anglais • Old Town • Castle Hill • Cours Saleya Market • Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

In Bordeaux, every sip tells a story, as this city is synonymous with world-class wine production that dates back to Roman times. It is also rich in history, which is reflected in its stunning 18th-century architecture. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux has undergone revitalization to become a lively hub for gastronomy and culture. Stroll along the scenic banks of the Garonne River or sample local specialties at Marché des Capucins.

Wine enthusiasts can embark on guided tours through nearby vineyards like Saint-Émilion and Médoc, or visit La Cité du Vin, a museum dedicated to wine culture. With its dynamic nightlife and culinary scene, Bordeaux promises an exciting experience if you are a foodie or wine lover.

Highlights: Wine Tours and Tastings • Place de la Bourse • Cité du Vin • La Cité des Civilisations du Vin • Saint-Émilion

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

France's second-largest city is a melting pot where cultures converge against stunning coastal landscapes. The historic Old Port buzzes with life as cafés spill onto cobblestone streets, while fish markets overflow with fresh catches. A culinary highlight is Marseille's famed bouillabaisse and you can savor this traditional dish while soaking up views of the shimmering Mediterranean.

Don’t miss breathtaking panoramas from Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, which is perched high above the city, or venture into Calanques National Park for adventures among stunning cliffs and turquoise waters. Marseille is also a gateway to beautiful islands like Frioul if you are looking for natural beauty just beyond the urban hustle.

Highlights: Notre-Dame de la Garde • Old Port • Calanques National Park • Château d'If • Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Toulouse is a lively city adorned with terracotta buildings that reflect its rich history and youthful energy. Home to a large student population, Toulouse pulsates with creativity, while offering historical sites interwoven with modernity. Explore the stunning Basilica of Saint-Sernin or take leisurely walks along the Garonne River.

Toulouse, which houses organizations like the French National Centre for Space Studies, underlines its reputation as the European capital of the space industry with the Cité de l’Espace, a space museum that will spark your children’s curiosity about science and exploration. Lively markets around Place du Capitole provide an authentic taste of local life. The surrounding countryside invites wine-tasting adventures amidst picturesque villages.

Highlights: Basilica of Saint-Sernin • Capitole de Toulouse • Couvent des Jacobins • Cité de l'Espace • Canal du Midi

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Strasbourg enchants with a blend of French and German influences woven through its architecture and traditions. As home to the European Parliament, this city plays an essential role on the continent, while captivating travelers with its picturesque canals and half-timbered houses in La Petite France.

The majestic Strasbourg Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece that dominates the skyline and its intricate details are simply breathtaking up close. In winter, Christmas markets fill the streets with festive cheer, while warmer seasons invite leisurely boat tours along serene canals or indulgence in Alsatian cuisine that beautifully marries French flair with German heartiness.

Highlights: Strasbourg Cathedral •  La Petite France • Palais Rohan • European Parliament • Parc de l'Orangerie

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Nantes is rich in maritime history and contemporary creativity. Once the capital of Brittany, this dynamic city boasts revitalized historical sites alongside innovative cultural projects that attract curious visitors year-round. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a fascinating museum housed within an impressive castle and Les Machines de l'île is a whimsical art installation featuring giant mechanical creatures that will delight you and your children.

With beautiful parks like Parc La Beaujoire dotting its landscape, Nantes offers plenty of green spaces that are perfect for relaxation after urban adventures.

Highlights: Château des Ducs de Bretagne • Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul • Les Machines de l'île • Île de Nantes • Jardin des Plantes

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

As one of southern France’s most vibrant university cities, Montpellier is full of energy. Its historic center brims with narrow medieval streets that lead to beautiful squares full of activity. Montpellier also boasts a wealth of theaters due to its vibrant cultural scene and historical significance as a center for the arts. The city is home to numerous performance venues, including the renowned Opéra Comédie and smaller theaters like Kawa Théâtre and Théâtre Jean-Claude Carrière, which cater to a diverse range of artistic expressions from classical opera to contemporary performances. These theaters are active throughout the year, offering a rich schedule of events, while art galleries showcase local talent to reflect Montpellier’s artistic spirit.

Explore Place de la Comédie, the city's main square, before visiting Musée Fabre for an extensive collection spanning centuries. The nearby Pic Saint-Loup mountains offer hiking trails with breathtaking views over this enchanting region, while annual festivals like Les Estivales and the Montpellier Wine Festival celebrate local culture through food and music.

Highlights: Place de la Comédie • Promenade du Peyrou • Musée Fabre • Jardin des Plantes • Cathédrale Saint-Pierre

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Avignon is a testament to medieval grandeur, once home to popes during their reign in France. The imposing Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that invites you into centuries past filled with intrigue, dominates its skyline. Stroll across Pont Saint-Bénézet, the famous broken bridge, and meander through charming old-town streets alive with markets.

The city is also renowned for its vibrant theater scene, particularly during the annual Avignon Festival, which takes place in summer and transforms the streets into a stage for performances ranging from classical plays to avant-garde productions. Avignon's artistic community thrives, with numerous galleries and workshops that celebrate local talent, making it a hub for creativity and cultural exchange.

Highlights: Palais des Papes • Pont Saint-Bénézet • Place de l'Horloge • Cathedral of Notre-Dame des Doms • Rocher des Doms

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Embarking on a journey through these 10 remarkable cities in France will reveal sights and stories waiting to be uncovered amidst the country’s rich cultural landscape. Each destination offers experiences that will invite you deeper into local traditions as you create cherished memories.

For further inspiration tailored specifically for your adventure across France’s enchanting cities, explore our France travel guide, which is filled with insights, or our France vacations and tours.