The Best Cities in France You Should Go Now

The best cities in France offer endless attractions and things to do: superb museums, awe-inspiring cathedrals, charming neighborhoods, fabulous gourmet restaurants, bustling cafés, enticing boutiques, and beautiful gardens. Travelers could spend an entire week to only scratch the surface in Paris, Nice, Lyon, or Bordeaux, but all the cities on this list are worthy of visiting for a few days.

Many consider Paris to be the most elegant and refined city in the world. Tourists should spend at least three days in Paris, but it's recommended to stay longer to truly get a feel for the place and enjoy a more leisurely pace.

Each city of France is distinctive, reflecting the heritage of the local region. The sunny French Riviera city of Nice reveals an Italian flair, while Strasbourg in the east of France has German-influenced cuisine, and Lille in northern France features the Flemish architecture of neighboring Belgium.

The best cities in France are well designed to receive visitors, with plenty of tourist services. Travelers can rely on efficient public transportation, as well as an extensive choice of hotels and other accommodations. Pinpoint the top places to visit with our list of the best cities in France.

1. Paris - One of the best cities in France

Brimming with history and romance, Paris has a special magic that is discovered by wandering its riverside pathways, medieval cobblestone streets, and graceful tree-lined boulevards. Amazing cultural attractions inspire even the most jaded world travelers. The Louvre Museum dazzles visitors with its astounding assortment of masterpieces, and the Eiffel Tower delivers truly breathtaking views.

Besides top-rated museums and historic churches, hidden surprises are found throughout Paris, allowing travelers to discover the French "joie de vivre." For instance, you might stop to relax on a park bench in a fountain-adorned square; treat yourself to decadent desserts at fancy pastry boutiques; or listen to street musicians perform on a Seine River bridge.

In charming corners of the city, like Montmartre and the Latin Quarter, tourists can join in the scene as locals chat with friends at sidewalk cafés and cozy bistros. Neighborhood shops and outdoor markets are also among the best places to visit in Paris, to sample a slice of authentic Parisian life.

Fine-dining restaurants and designer boutiques provide a taste of Paris refinement, as do the ballet, opera, and classical music performances at the opulent Palais Garnier opera house.

2. Nice - The best cities in France

Nice offers the best of both worlds: art collections on par with those of Paris plus the sunshine and stunning scenery of the French Riviera. A chic seaside resort town, Nice has lured vacationers since the 1820s. The picturesque city is nestled at the foothills of the Maritime Alps on the Baie des Anges, a wide bay with serene azure waters.

The most delightful aspects of Nice are the Promenade des Anglais, the legendary pedestrian avenue that follows the curve of the bay, and the Vieille Ville (Old Town), which has an Italian influence. This atmospheric maze of cobblestone streets and alleyways is packed with historic monuments including the 17th-century Baroque cathedral.

3. Lyon - The best cities in France

Nestled along the banks of two rivers, Lyon has plenty of attractions but is most famous for its food. Lyon is considered France's capital of gastronomy. Culinary enthusiasts flock to this historic city for a taste of authentic French cuisine. Visitors can experience local dining at one of the city's many "bouchons," cozy brasserie/bistro restaurants that serve traditional Lyonnais fare.

As one of the largest cities in France, Lyon has a buzzing urban ambience. However, the UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon (Old Town) has retained the old-world charm of centuries past. The narrow cobblestone streets and covered alleyways are a delight to explore, with discoveries of enticing culinary boutiques and cute cafés adding to the adventure.

4. Bordeaux - the best cities in France

UNESCO has designated the entire historic center of Bordeaux as a World Heritage Site because of its rich cultural heritage and abundance of architectural treasures. This elegant city has over 300 classified monuments, with a majestic twin-towered cathedral at its heart.

A port town since the ancient Roman era, Bordeaux reached its zenith during the Age of Enlightenment of the 18th century. During that prosperous period, urban planning flourished, with an abundance of Neoclassical buildings, which gives the city a cohesive look.

The city's role as a center of commerce is revealed by the Place de la Bourse, while Le Grand-Théâtre (opera house) shows the influence of humanism. Architect Victor Louis designed and inaugurated this marvelous colonnaded building in 1780, and it is considered one of the most sumptuous 18th-century theaters in the world. The lavish interior features glittering chandeliers and a staircase modeled after the one at the Palais Garnier.

The Opéra National de Bordeaux performs (opera, ballet, and music concerts) at Le Grand-Théâtre throughout the year. Attending a performance at Le Grand-Théâtre is one of the most enjoyable things to do while visiting Bordeaux. Tourists may visit the auditorium of the theater year-round (outside of performance hours, in the afternoon) except during the summer season.

5. Marseilles - The best cities in France

Visit Marseilles, an authentic working seaport with vibrant energy and exotic ambience. It's France's oldest city, dating back 2,600 years and the second largest metropolis. Marseilles is an important cruise port on the Mediterranean, but less touristy than nearby Provence destinations like Cassis and Aix-en-Provence.

The waterfront best reveals the city's cosmopolitan vibes. The Vieux Port offers excellent seafood dishes, including bouillabaisse, and stunning views of the sea and Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Le Panier showcases Marseille's multicultural character with Algerian and Middle Eastern restaurants, outdoor cafés, trendy shops, and artisan boutiques. This historic quarter features steep narrow streets, quiet squares, and pastel-painted houses.Tourists will enjoy wandering around to admire the Old Town's beauty and atmosphere.

6. Strasbourg - The best cities in France

Strasbourg embodies the enchantment of a historic Alsatian town, with its lovely half-timbered houses and quaint pedestrian streets. As the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg reveals the captivating energy and charm of this distinctive region. Strasbourg is also the European capital, a cosmopolitan metropolis with top-notch cultural attractions.

The entire center of Strasbourg, the Grande-Île district, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This medieval quarter, built up on an island surrounded by the Ill River, delights travelers with its romantic ambience.

The most picturesque quarter of the Grande-Île is La Petite France, a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, pedestrian alleyways, and canals traversed by foot bridges. The quarter's 16th- and 17th-century pastel-painted houses look especially fetching during springtime and summer, when potted flowers adorn the windowsills. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, holiday decor adds a touch of magic.

 Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, a Gothic monument dating to the 11th century, is on Grande-Île. The facade, an intricately sculpted confection of red Vosges sandstone, depicts figures from the bible. Visitors marvel over the ornate exterior and the vaulted interior with its splendid rose window.

Strasbourg's highlights: Maison Kammerzell, Eglise de Saint-Thomas, and Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame. Nearby villages and towns like Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé are also worth visiting. They are within the Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges, a 5,000-hectare nature reserve, about 50 minutes' drive from Strasbourg. The fascinating historic town of Colmar, just a 30-minute train ride from Strasbourg, is especially worthy of a detour.

7. Lille - The best cities of France

Charming northern French city, historic Flanders capital, top urban metropolis of French Flanders. Sharing a cultural heritage with neighboring Belgium, the city's architecture and hearty cuisine reveal the Flemish influence.

The Grand Place in Lille is a favorite gathering place for locals and a sensational showcase of Flemish Baroque architecture. It impresses tourists.  Also not-to-be-missed is the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, a fine arts collection housed in a beautiful 19th-century building.

8. Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is emblematic of southern France's culture. This alluring town offers a sunny Provence lifestyle with colorful markets and joyful cafés. Visitors explore the Old Town's cobblestone streets and peaceful squares, admiring fountains. The lively Cours Mirabeau invites leisurely strolls and relaxation at its restaurants and cafés.

Art lovers appreciate Aix-en-Provence for its museums and cultural attractions. Notable art collections are found at the Musée Granet and the Musée des Tapisseries (Tapestry Museum). The Musée Granet displays a superb collection of fine arts, including paintings from the 14th century through the modern period.

Visit Paul Cézanne's Atelier de Cézanne and Terrain des Peintres. Explore the "In the Steps of Cézanne" self-guided trail. Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office offers brochures and guided tours.

9. Rouen

Rouen is a captivating medieval city in Normandy distinguished by its exquisite Gothic churches and quaint half-timbered houses.

A cluster of winding medieval streets center around the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame, one of the city's top attractions. The 13th-century structure boasts twin towers and a sculpted facade, depicted in Monet's paintings. Joan of Arc's association with the town includes:

• Tour Jeanne d'Arc: A 13th-century tower dungeon where Joan was tried.
• Place du Vieux Marché: The spot where Joan was martyred.
• Eglise Jeanne d'Arc: A contemporary church honoring Joan of Arc, built at her execution site.

10. Amiens

Amiens has all the essentials of a cultured French city: a glorious Gothic cathedral, bustling cafés, and interesting museums, plus a few surprise attractions. The city's main treasure is the UNESCO-listed Cathédrale Notre-Dame, the largest Gothic cathedral in France. However, there is plenty to explore beyond the cathedral.

One of France's top fine-arts museums is found in Amiens, the Musée de Picardie, which displays masterpieces of painting and sculpture in a stately Second Empire building.

Tourists should also be sure to spend time exploring the Quartier Saint-Leu, a medieval quarter and trendy neighborhood, with many restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and boutiques.

Unique tourist attractions abound in Amiens: the Maison de Jules Verne, devoted to the novelist Jules Verne, and the Cirque Jules Verne, a venue for circus shows and a circus school.

11. Toulouse

Toulouse offers the charm of southwest France, complete with balmy weather, sun-drenched outdoor cafés, and hearty cuisine. Although Toulouse is one of the largest metropolitan areas of France with an important commercial sector, the city still has a laid-back feel.

The architecture of Toulouse sets it apart from other towns in southern France. Distinctive red-brick buildings have earned the city its nickname "The Pink City" ("La Ville Rose"). In the mornings and late afternoons, gentle light makes the buildings appear rose-toned in hue.

12. Montpellier

Relatively undiscovered by tourists, Montpellier in the Languedoc region has so much to offer visitors. The atmospheric historic center, known as L'Écusson, is full of trendy cafés and restaurants hidden within its labyrinth of medieval cobblestone streets.

A prestigious art collection, including many masterpieces of European painting by the Old Masters, hang from the walls of the Musée Fabre. There are also several gorgeous public parks that are well designed for leisure.

Montpellier is a happening multicultural city with a large university student population, which gives the city an energetic and youthful vibe. A new fleet of designer street cars outdo the Paris Métro with artwork by couturier Christian Lacroix.

13. Dijon

Dijon feels like a small town but has the cultural importance of France's larger cities. Within the UNESCO-listed historic center, an abundance of architectural treasures reveal the city's aristocratic heritage.

At the heart of Dijon are the Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, a splendid Burgundian Gothic monument, and the Palais des Ducs, which was the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy during the Middle Ages. In the 18th century, they renovated the palace in Neoclassical style; today the building houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts fine arts collection.

Those who appreciate traditional French cuisine renowned the gastronomy of Dijon. Dijon has been producing the distinct style of mustard that it is famous for centuries. The old-fashioned boutiques of Maison Maille and Edmund Fallot have been selling gourmet mustards since 1747 and 1840 respectively.

14. Grenoble

Just the scenery alone makes Grenoble worthy of a detour, while the city's cultural attractions give travelers a reason to spend a few days here. The snowcapped mountain peaks of the French Alps provide an exhilarating backdrop for the city and beckon visitors to explore the natural regional parks that are less than an hour's drive away.

Nearby nature sites draw many outdoor enthusiasts and sporty types to Grenoble. The Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors is the closest natural regional park (about a 30-minute drive away) to Grenoble. This protected area of Alpine terrain features forests, gorges, hiking trails, and a ski resort for downhill skiing.

Not to be missed is the Vieille Ville of Grenoble, the quaint historic center of the city. An enchanting warren of cobblestone pedestrian streets and lovely old buildings, the Vieille Ville has many shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as several top-notch museums.

15. Nantes

The medieval capital of the Brittany region, Nantes offers an abundance of cultural attractions. The town's historic quarters are full of old-world charm, even while Nantes has become a modern industrial city.

Tourists in Quartier Bouffay admire Cathedrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul and Château des Ducs de Bretagne. History buffs visit Musée d'Histoire de Nantes to learn about the Edict of Nantes.

16. La Rochelle

La Rochelle has the distinctive character of a historic seafaring town. Imposing weather-worn towers guard the Vieux Port (Old Port), which provides entry to an atmospheric medieval Old Town.

Today, La Rochelle exudes liveliness and invites enjoyable exploration. The waterfront of the Vieux Port is lined with bustling restaurants that offer authentic local cuisine. Sample fresh-caught fish.

La Rochelle's aquarium showcases thousands of marine species, including Atlantic stingrays, Mediterranean octopus, and Caribbean angelfish.

17. Nancy

With its impressive public squares and ornate Baroque architecture, Nancy exemplifies the elegance of 18th-century French urban planning. The showplace of Nancy is the Place Stanislaus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring magnificent Neoclassical palaces built between 1752 and 1760.

The Place Stanislaus is found in the Ville Neuve (New Town). Unlike most French cities, Nancy's Ville Neuve rivals the Ville Vieille (medieval Old Town) in terms of grandeur and cultural importance.

Nancy also has excellent museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which boasts many masterpieces of European paintings, and the Musée de l'Ecole de Nancy, a collection of Art Nouveau ceramics, objects d'art, textiles, jewelry, and furniture. The Musée de l'Ecole de Nancy also has an enchanting garden, bursting with flowers and adorned with fountains.

18. Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo invites visitors to step into another world, a medieval citadel by the sea. Well-preserved ramparts enclose this quintessential port town in the Brittany region, cutting off communication between the ocean and the mainland (a relic of the defenses against Dutch and English ships).

Although World War Two destroyed much of the Vieille Ville (Old Town), the city has retained its ancient fortifications and maze of cobblestone streets, as well as the historic château and cathedral. The city rebuilt the damaged houses from granite stone to maintain coherence with the original architecture.

The appeal of Saint-Malo is its attractive harbor, sweeping sandy beaches, and stunning coastal views. Thanks to its unique location, the city has a distinctive old-world seafaring character. For centuries, adventurers have embarked on ocean exploration from the port of Saint-Malo.

The Manoir de Limoëlou houses a museum dedicated to Saint-Malo's native son, Jacques Cartier, who discovered the land that is now Canada.

19. Reims

This cultured city in the Champagne region of northern France stands out for its importance in French history. Designated as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History), Reims has several monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites including its 13th-century cathedral and a Romanesque abbey church.

During eight centuries, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims witnessed the coronation ceremonies for the kings of France. This grandiose monument is a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture, appreciated for its harmonious proportions, richly decorated facade, and soul-inspiring sanctuary with resplendent stained-glass windows.

20. Tours

The largest city in the Loire Valley, this historic city brims with cultural attractions. It's a joy to explore the city's Old Town (Vieux Tours), a delightful warren of narrow cobblestone streets and quaint half-timbered houses.

At the center of the Old Town, the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien makes a dazzling impression with its Flamboyant Gothic facade and exquisite 13th-century stained-glass windows.

A highlight for art lovers is the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, which displays paintings by the Old Masters (including Rubens and Rembrandt), as well as more modern works by renowned artists such as Delacroix, Monet, and Degas.

History buffs should be sure to visit the Château de Tours, an 11th-century monument that has seen momentous events, including the marriage of the future Charles VII to Marie d'Anjou in 1413 and the victorious return of Joan of Arc after the Siege of Orléans.