10 Most Beautiful Cities in France
This list of the most beautiful cities in France to visit in 2024 will help you discover some of the great metropolises of this fantastic country beyond its medieval towns and incredible natural landscapes, which I am 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 getting to know the lifestyle, traditions, and gastronomy of the different French regions, this country is a perfect option for a travel route. You can opt for several weeks or a getaway for a few days to any of its most emblematic cities.
Based on the experience of the numerous trips I have made to this country, I have made this list of the 10 most beautiful cities in France to visit in 2024. Let’s go!
1. Paris
Paris, the City of Love or Light, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in France 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 at the Louvre. Enter the impressive Sainte Chapelle. Have a picnic on the Champs de Mars or the Place des Vosges. Get lost through the Montmartre and Le Marais neighborhoods. Enjoy a coffee accompanied by a croissant on a terrace or go back in time when crossing a gallery. These are just some of the best experiences in Paris.
To not miss anything in the capital of France, I recommend you check out this list of the top tourist attractions in Paris
2. Strasbourg
Strasbourg, the capital of the beautiful region of Alsace, is one of the best cities in Europe and among France’s most beautiful cities.
Located near the border with Germany, this city marvels for its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site. It’s full of traditional houses with brightly colored facades and old half-timbered buildings. While it’s always a good time to visit this city as part of a route through the most beautiful places to see in Alsace, I recommend visiting it in December. During this time, beautiful Christmas markets are set up in the squares of the most charming neighborhoods, such as La Petite France, and the streets show off their best decorations.
A good way to discover all its tourist attractions is to check out this list of the most beautiful places to visit in Strasbourg.
3. Bordeaux
Bordeaux, located in the south of France, is 3 hours by car from the Basque Country. It 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 alleys of the old town and crossing its impressive medieval gates, such as Cailhau and the Great Bell, I recommend walking along the banks of the Garonne until you reach the iconic Place de la Bourse. Climb to the top of the Cathedral, get lost in the Saint Pierre neighborhood, and relax in the Jardin Public.
You also cannot leave the city without trying the gastronomy and various French sweets such as caneles, always accompanied by a good Bordeaux wine. To ensure you make the most of your journey, be sure to check this list of the most beautiful places to visit in Bordeaux.
4. Carcassonne
Carcassonne hides among vineyard plantations and is one of the most incredible medieval walled citadels in Europe, making it one of France’s best cities.
Walking through it is a real pleasure. After crossing the walls through the Aude or Narbonne gate, you will be transported to the Middle Ages as you walk through its cobblestone streets and visit a fairytale castle.
Having completed all the places to visit in Carcassonne, you can leave the walls and visit the Bastide de Saint-Louis neighborhood and stroll along the banks of the Canal du Midi. It is one of the oldest navigable canals in Europe and has been declared a World Heritage Site.
I recommend visiting Carcassonne after taking a route through the Cathar Castles. These fortresses were built in elevated positions, and important remains are still preserved. I am sure they will leave you speechless.
5. Marseille, Another of the Most Beautiful Cities in France
After enjoying a route along the emblematic Cote d’Azur or through the landscapes of Provence, there is nothing better than spending the last few days getting to know the authentic Marseille.
Founded 2,600 years ago by Greeks and located in the second largest city in France, it has left behind its reputation for conflict and danger to become a perfect destination for tourists looking to combine cultural visits with entertainment.
Among the most beautiful places to visit in Marseille is the Old Port, flanked by Fort Saint-Jean. Also, explore the old fishermen and immigrant neighborhood of Le Panier. Don’t miss the Cathedral of La Major and the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde. Additionally, take a stroll along La Corniche and visit the Chateau d’If, a 16th-century fortress in which Alexander Dumas was inspired to write his famous book “The Count of Monte Cristo.”
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 Rhone and Saone rivers, it is a real delight to walk through the old quarter Vieux Lyon, declared a World Heritage Site. Discover charming corners such as the traboules passages that allow you to go from one street to another through beautiful interior patios. And finally, don’t miss the opportunity to try onion soup or quenelle in a traditional Bouchon.
Other beautiful places to visit in Lyon are the Gallo-Roman Theatre, the Notre-Dame de Fourviere Basilica, the Cathedral, the Place des Terreaux, and above all, its more than 150 fantastic murals spread throughout the city.
7. Nice
Nice, located on the shores of the Mediterranean, on the famous Cote d’Azur, is another of the most beautiful cities in France to visit.
The beaches in this area are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, providing a picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation. The climate in this region remains mild most of the year, making it highly appreciated by the French and tourists from around the world.
Among its wonders is the charming old town of Vielle Ville. It’s full of narrow streets and charming squares. The long promenade is surrounded by beautiful facades of Belle Epoque-style buildings. And finally, there’s a beautiful port and a surprising Russian Orthodox cathedral.
After completing this list of the places to visit in Nice, you can go by car or bus to some of the jewels that are closest, such as the luxurious Cannes and Monaco, or the towns of Provence, such as Grasse or Mougins.
8. Toulouse, Another of the Best Cities in France
Toulouse, known as the “Pink City” and crossed by the Garonne River, is another of the cities in France that captivates visitors with its unique charm and rich history.
Its old town made of pink clay will make you fall in love at first sight with its narrow streets, tree-lined squares full of atmosphere, historic cafes, and fantastic interior patios.
Once you have completed the visits to the center, such as the Capitoline Square and the Jacobin Convent, you can relax by walking through the beautiful Japanese Garden, along the banks of the Canal du Midi, or among space stations and rockets in Space City.
To avoid missing anything interesting in the city, I recommend following this list of places to visit in Toulouse.
9. Nantes
After a route through the famous Loire Castles, I recommend spending one or two days in Nantes, one of the most unknown and beautiful cities in France.
Bathed by the Loire and the birthplace of Jules Verne, Nantes has become the city of art over time. This transformation is thanks to the creativity of artists and architects who have turned public spaces into unique ones. 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. This line will take you through more than 50 points during a 12-kilometer route.
Among its wonders are the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the Passage Pommeraye shopping galleries, the Art Museum, Le Jardin des Plantes, and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Saint Paul. Don’t miss the Island 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 my last recommendation on this list of the most beautiful cities in France.
This attractive city seamlessly blends its rich ancient heritage with contemporary architecture. It boasts a vibrant student atmosphere and a wide range of cultural and leisure activities for everyone to enjoy.
A good route through the city should start at the Place de la Comedie and then continue through the medieval streets of the historic center. This will allow you to discover all its charming corners, including the Place Saint Roch, the Cathedral of Saint Peter, the Porte de Peyrou, the San Clemente Aqueduct, the Charles de Gaulle Esplanade, and the Fabre Museum.
Also Read: 20 Top Tourist Attractions in Rome
