Best Cities to Visit in France: Paris– Destination beyond Gems 

Paris is considered the first destination of many tourists, but France has many other cities, which also boast attractions, architecture and history. With the vineyards of Bordeaux in the foreground and the crescent beaches of Nice in the background, these cities provide the best of France. Below, we list some of the top French vacation destinations, which are cities that offer unique experiences. 

1. Lyon: This article is about Lyon– The Gastronomic Capital of France. 

  ● Location:

Lyon is in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 470 km from Paris to the northeast. Lyon is one of the historical food cities and much is often said and written about the cuisine of Lyon. Built with Renaissance architecture, medieval alleyways, and two rivers, Rhône and Saône, that divide the city, Lyon has the best of both worlds. 

TopAttractions: 

1. Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière: A beautiful basilica at the top of the hill with sightseeing over the entire city. 

2. Vieux Lyon: The Old Town with impressive renovated buildings and narrow streets and passages called traboules. 

3. Parc de la Tête d’Ord’Or: A big park in one of the largest cities with a botanical garden, a lake and a zoo. 

4. Musée des Beaux-Arts: Better than the grand museum better known as the Louvre, this museum boast a large inventory of art. 

5. Confluence Museum: A science anthropology museum for the 21st century examining the crossroads of cultures. 

● WhyVisit?

The best city to visit for food, history and instead of Paris with all its busy atmosphere– that is Lyon. Its old-style bouchon restaurants offer comforting Lyonnaise dishes, while wine lovers can use the city as a base to explore the nearby Rhône Valley. 

2. Nice: It is referred to as the Pearl of the French Riviera. 

● Location:

Located along the Mediterranean Sea coastline of France, Nice is the starting point of French Riviera. Nice is just the right fusion of the glamour and culture of the Mediterranean. With its sunshine coastline Promenade des Anglais, crowded market Cours Saleya, and potent art facilities, this is the city of all cities. 

TopAttractions: 

1. Promenade des Anglais: A boulevard of 7 km. long, which runs along the coastline of the Baie des Anges. 

2. Castle Hill (Colline du Château): With spectacular views of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea at your disposal. 

3. Marc Chagall National Museum: Contains a fantastic gallery of the master’s biblical series. 

4. Cours Saleya: An inner city market known for fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other household produce and appurtenances. 

5. Musée Matisse: Presenting a vast amount of works by Henri Matisse, a painter who has spent a major part of his life in Nice. 

6. Old Town (Vieux Nice): This is because it has narrow streets where you can walk about and view the baroque-styled buildings adorning the city and taste the local cuisine. 

7. Parc Phoenix: A massive park with a botanical garden and a zoo ideal for a young family outing. 

● WhyVisit?

Nice has it all, whether it’s the beaches, history or yummy dishes you are craving for. Nice has everything that you need. It also has the advantage of being situated in the perfect location for a holiday, as all parts of the Côte d’Azur d’Azur are easily accessible, with destinations such as Monte Carlo and Cannes a short drive away. 

3. Bordeaux: You could also call it the Wine Capital of the World. 

● Location:

Bordeaux is a city in southwest France, 500 kilometres southwest of Paris in the new Aquitaine region. Wine is certainly Bordeaux’sBordeaux’s most famous product, but people might be surprised how rich the offer of this attractive city is. Featuring beautiful 18th-century neoclassical buildings as well as a bustling riverfront, Bordeaux offers a rich mix of historical, cultural, and contemporary attractions. 

TopAttractions: 

1. Place de la Bourse and Water Mirror: Then, there is a beautifully designed square with a water area that reflects the blocks of buildings around it. 

2. Cité du Vin: An interactive futuristic wine museum complete with testing facilities. 

3. Pont de Pierre: Picturesque stone-built arch bridge located over the Garonne River. 

4. Quais de Bordeaux: Nominate a walk along the River Frontage and enhance in the feeling of the area. 

5. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux: Among the most beautiful art provincial museums in France. 

6. Saint-André Cathedral: A gothic-style church with eye-popping stained glass windows. 

7. Pey Berland Tower: Visit the heart of the city through the tower. 

● WhyVisit?

If you are a wine lover, then Bordeaux must be on your must-visit list. Alongside some of the world’s most recognized vineyards, the city, in general, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers history buffs and anyone keen on a picturesque riverside city an interesting location to visit. 

4. Strasbourg: The merger of two distinctive cultures, the French and the German Mr. Where French and German Cultures Meet 

● Location:

It’s a city in the Alsace region of eastern France, close to Germany’s border. This cultural interchange can be seen even in the architectural style, but also in the food Strasbourg is most famous for. The picturesque appearance of vine-hugged half-timbered houses, canals and Christmas markets makes Strasbourg one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. 

TopAttractions: 

1. Strasbourg Cathedral: A large Gothic architecture Church with an elaborate church clock. 

2. Petite France: A designated historic area that quite literally features beautiful canals, cobblestone roads, and houses with exposed timber frames. 

3. Palais Rohan: The Museum of Fine Arts is in a baroque palace that accommodates three museums. 

4. European Parliament: A virtual tour of the sleek structures that house the legislative arm of the European Union today. 

5. Musée Alsacien: Museum in Alsace showcasing one of the types of folk culture and traditions of the area. 

6. Place Kléber: One of the biggest shopping plazas in Strasbourg, a great place to hang out and observe the crowd. 

7. Ponts Couverts: Old walls or gates that once served as a barrier to the cities, now aesthetic features that allow a great view. 

● WhyVisit?

Lovers of different cultural blends will find Strasbourg ideal because, during the festive season, the city often transforms into a winter wonderland via its well-known Christmas markets. 

5. Marseille: It is, however, a marriage of history and coastal chic. 

● Location:

Marseille is found on the eastern edge of Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur d’Azur region of south-coastal France near the Mediterranean Sea. In France, Marseille is the second largest and the oldest city which was set up by the Greeks some 2600 years ago. The Vieux Port, a busy and lively and modern artistic mural creations, pretty Calanques National Park nearby to the city make Marseille a historical and adventurous destination city. 

TopAttractions: 

1. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: It avails a breathtaking vista across Marseille and over the Mediterranean Sea. 

2. Vieux Port: The vivid narrow street with boats, cafes, and seafood restaurants, which was an old port before. 

3. LePanier: Black and lined by two and three-storey walk-up buildings, it is the city’scity’s oldest neighbourhood and famous for its murals. 

4. MuCEM(European and Mediterranean Civilizations): A contemporary museum which focuses on Mediterranean culture and the historical legacy of the region. 

5. Château d’If This is accessible by boat inspiration for “The Count of Monte Cristo.” 

6. Calanques National Park: Take a walk through towering limestone palisades and bask at preserved coastline. 

7. Palais Longchamp: The Palatial building of the nineteenth century, which have now turned into two museums embellished by garden. 

● WhyVisit?

The best of both worlds lies in the history, culture and adventure that Marseille has to offer. If you are strolling the historic city centre or climbing the Calanques, the southern spirit and the Med accent give the city a vitality that is hard to find elsewhere. 

6. Toulouse: The Pink City 

● Location:

Toulouse is in the southern part of France near the Pyrenees Mountain range, about 680 km from Paris. With many buildings made of terracotta bricks, Toulouse is also called ” La Ville Rose” (The Pink City), and it offers visitors an interesting combination of history, culture and the modern aerospace industry. It also hosts one of the biggest space research centres in Europe. 

TopAttractions: 

1. Capitole de Toulouse: This is the main post office, the grand town hall and a theatre in the centre of the French city of Toulouse. 

2. Basilique Saint-Sernin: The very impressive church, one of the largest European buildings of the Romanesque style, was constructed in the first half of the 11th century. 

3. Cité de l’Espacel’Espace: An ideal landmark is a space museum, where people may not only view exhibits but also participate in activities on space simulation and attend special presentations in a planetarium. 

4. Pont Neuf: Toulouse’sToulouse’s oldest bridge with beautiful scenery of the Garonne river body. 

5. Musée des Augustins: Located in a former monastery with a particularly rich collection of sculptures and paintings of fine arts. 

6. Jardin Japonais: Located in the green belt of Assam Plaza so, it’s a very quiet place and has a Japanese garden where one can take a walk. 

7. Canal du Midi: A path through this UNESCO World Heritage Site can be done on foot, on a bicycle or a boat through the set canal. 

● WhyVisit?

Toulouse has a blend of ancient and contemporary civilization and is especially renowned for its space sciences. Another thing that was apparent was that it is a culinary city, where I found traditional dishes like cassoulet. Perhaps the best thing that can be said about Bordeaux is the pinkish hue that the city assumes once the sun sets in France. 

7. Nantes: A Study of an Art City and Innovation Hub 

● Location:

Nantes is in the eastern part of Western France, in the Loire region around 50 kilometres from the Atlantic coast and 380 kilometres southwest of Paris. It is now a cultural centre that has an active contemporary art scene and hosts spectacular new architectures. It is a city that skillfully intertwines itself with its seamen’s history while at the same time creating an artistic free zone for anyone who dares to visit. 

TopAttractions: 

1. Château des Ducs de Bretagne: A complex of castles built in the fifteenth century and the museum, where tourist may familiarize themselves with the history of the noted area. 

2. Les Machines de l’île: A one-of-a-kind park with large statuesque mechanical animals such as a giant elephant that moves around the city. 

3. Île de Versailles: That is not difficult to guess is the Japanese garden, which is situated on an island in the Erdre river. 

4. Jardin des Plantes: A striking botanical garden where children are invited to play with artworks. 

5. Passage Pommeraye: Architectural design shopping mall from the nineteenth century. 

6. LeVoyage à Nantes: It is a modern art walk that is taken all over the city, with creativity illustrated in artwork. 

7. Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul: A beautiful building constructed in Gothic architectural style with neat work done on stained glass. 

● WhyVisit?

Nantes is a city where art and imagination have always been the focus. From zigzagging on a mechanical elephant to discovering creative trails, Nantes has something to please every traveller. It is also located near the Atlantic making it ideal for coastal trips. 

8. Lille: Of course, it is called the ”land of light”, nevertheless, there exists a hidden gem of northern France. 

● Location:

Lille is a city in northern France, near the border with Belgium and 220 km from the capital, Paris. 

Lille, which is situated in the North Eastern region of France, may not feature in most travel itineraries, but the city is a masterpiece, housing some of the best Flemish architectural designs, cultural celebrations and now up-and-coming food scenes. Although mostly industrial, Lille has a beautiful old town, and the markets make it ideal for a weekend break. 

TopAttractions: 

1. Palais des Beaux-Arts: A very big art museum in France, with art pieces that include Rubens, Monet, Raphael and many others. 

2. Vieux Lille: The locals, the architecture, especially the old town area with interconnecting laneways, small hobby shops and painted houses. 

3. Grand Place: The central part of the city, with its modern architecture and beautiful Flemish houses, with a large ornate square in the centre. 

4. LaCitadelle: A fortress built in the seventeenth century by the famous Vauban, the military engineer. 

5. Lille Zoo: It is a tourist attraction featuring family-friendly tracks situated inside Citadel Park. 

6. Eglise Saint-Maurice: This is a beautiful visual art Gothic church found within the urban centre. 

7. Marché de Wazemmes: commonly known as Lille market, is one of the largest and finest markets situated in the northern region of France where you can buy fresh food, local products, original crafts and much more. 

● WhyVisit?

Due to the French Flanders features, visitors can experience the special cultural climate of Lille. The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene and has festivals taking place at various times of the year. Because of its location, it is perfect for travellers who plan on visiting both Belgium and this country. 

9. Avignon: The City of Popes 

● Location:

Avignon is a city of southern France’s Provence région on the Rhone River. Famous for it gothic architecture and the monumental Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes,) Avignon was, for some time, the religious capital of the Western world. Rich in history, art and culture, the city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Provence. 

TopAttractions: 

1. Palais des Papes: An immense Gothic palace in which several pontiffs lived during the fourteenth century. 

2. Pont Saint-Bénézet: The familiar half bridge called the Pont d’Avignond’Avignon is now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage. 

3. Place de l’Horlogel’Horloge: There is always something happening in the main square; shopping outlets, cafes and street performers. 

4. Musée du Petit Palais: A gallery that primarily collects and displays Renaissance pieces as well as arts produced by Italian artists. 

5. Rocher des Doms: One of the finest garden points availing the sight of Avignon and the Rhone River. 

6. Avignon Festival: Theatre arts festival well known all over the globe that presents shows in theatre, dance and music. 

7. Les Halles Market: A fully developed food market where food lovers are able to taste fresh country products, particularly the Provençal. 

● WhyVisit?

Avignon has a history as a papal city and currently has an active art community, so it is one not to be missed. It has a medieval atmosphere, an art festival held every year, and it’s in close vicinity to the Provence countryside, which will naturally attract historians and art lovers. 

10. Montpellier: The HIDDEN gem of the Mediterranean 

● Location:

Montpellier is a city in southern France, in the Occitanie region close to the Mediterranean coastline.Montpellier is a young, dynamic city that has evolved around universities, contributing to a rich architectural structure, active streets, and close access to the sea. Young and dynamic, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in France that see visitors and numerous students flock to. 

TopAttractions: 

1. Place de la Comédie: This large square is right in the central part of Montpellier and is surrounded by stores, cafes and theatres. 

2. Musée Fabre: It is a well-known art gallery that consists of many European paintings of highest class. 

3. Jardin des Plantes: Established in 1593, it is the oldest botanical garden in France. 

4. Promenade du Peyrou: A sample of a panorama park with a breathtaking view of the city skyline and distant mountain ranges. 

5. Cathedral Saint-Pierre: This cathedral of Gothic architecture is famous because of its powerful and intimidating exterior resembling a fortress. 

6. Esplanade Charles de Gaulle: A green pedestrian area with trees great for a stroll or having a picnic with friends. 

7. Antigone District: A picturesque contemporary neoclassical community architectural design by Ricardo Bofill. 

● WhyVisit?

It is a city that can satisfy every tourist exactly for those reasons: culture, history, and sea. The young generation discovers friendly, loving beaches, and the place had a remarkable history that attract many different types of tourists.