Top 15 Best Cities in France to Visit

Here is a short tour of 15 of the best French cities to visit if you have 1 or 2 days to spend there. Lovers of good food, nightlife, culture and walks under the blue sky, let yourself be charmed by these cities!

 

Paris

There are around 200 museums and 2000 historical monuments in Paris. You will be spoilt for choice. Indeed, the City of Lights welcomes you to the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the Arab World Institute, the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré Coeur and the roof of the Montparnasse Tower.

Moreover, the gastronomy in Paris is also cosmopolitan, all the flavors of the world can be found here, and you will also find hidden gems such as the well-named restaurant le Caché (website in French), understand ‘ the hidden one’, a restaurant inside a former printing house or the Restaurant Derrière where you can eat while lying in bed.

Budget-wise, let us just say that excellence comes at a price (and Paris is on average 10% more expensive than the rest of France, as this French study explains.) and that if you want to live it up you will have to spend a lot of money. However, there are many very affordable restaurants in the capital such as the Pontochoux le Miznon or many others.

As for the nightlife, visit the Moulin Rouge and then finish the night in one of the many bars of the capital.

The capital is also nicknamed the City of Love, bring your partner to Paris and make them experience a memorable time. You will have no trouble finding romantic restaurants like the Le Jules Verne or Le Bauhinia which are perfect for your gourmet meal after a visit to the Eiffel Tower and a romantic walk on the Pont des Arts.

For traveling, I recommend the Paris travel pass or another pass navigo; you have several options. You can also consider the Vélib which is both cheap and pleasant.

You will also be able to explore the city on foot. Do not go by car, the traffic in Paris is impossible.

Lastly you should take advantage of the culture pass that will allow you to visit all the historical monuments without ruining yourself.

 

Lyon

Lyon is the capital of gastronomy where there are many restaurants to choose from. You could go for Michelin-starred cuisine with Les Terrasses de Lyon, Les Loges and many others, or more affordable ones like Le Moma and Bao Time (websites in French) for example.

I recommend you buy the ‘Lyon City Card’ for cheaper guided tours, free entrance to all museums and unlimited transportation.

You will be able to visit many sumptuous plazas and streets in Lyon such as Rue Mercière, Place des Célestins, Place des Jacobins and Place Bellecour.

You can’t afford to miss the Vieux Lyon, a beautiful, colorful, very large pedestrian area filled with beautiful buildings, staircases and monuments. A must-see where you will also find plenty of stores to go shopping.

To continue your exploration of the architecture, enjoy the magnificent view of Lyon from the Basilica of Fourvière and stroll on the Place des Terreaux to see the sumptuous Opera House. Book a room in the luxurious Villa Florentine or another upscale hotel or in a cheaper but pleasant hotel like the Hôtel de Normandie.

 

Bordeaux

Walk through the Burgundy Gate and visit the Saint-Michel Basilica and the Saint-Eloi Church before going to the Bordeaux National Opera. Whether on your own or with your family, you will be sure to live a great memory-filled day.

Next destination: the stone bridge ordered by Napoleon himself, followed by a short walk in the Angéliques park.

For your transport you can count on a tourist pass available in the city which gives you access to unlimited transportation as well as to visits of your choice and entries to museums and monuments.

Have your adventures made you hungry? Well, worry not, Bordeaux specializes in rib steaks, caviar, lamprey, and oysters. Served, naturally, with the best Bordeaux wines. Enough to make your mouth water!

You will be able to treat yourself at the restaurant l’Entrecôte (website in French) for reasonable prices and a friendly atmosphere! If you don’t mind spending a lot of money, don’t think twice about going to the Pressoir d’Argent, Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, for a unique experience!

Nightlife is very active in Bordeaux, especially in the Saint-Pierre, Bacalan and Notre-Dame neighborhoods.

 

Montpellier

As THE student town par excellence, Montpellier is very animated. There are so many bars and nightclubs (quite centralized) – you will be spoilt for choice if you want to party there after a little sightseeing the previous day.

During the day, you should visit the alleys of Montpellier on foot, they are very accessible, and this will allow you not to miss anything of what the city has to offer: the Vielle Ville, the Peyrou square, the Opera Comédie, the Saint Pierre Cathedral, the Carré Saint Anne… you won’t lack places to visit and monuments to be fascinated by.

If you want to leave the center a bit, consider a 24-hour transportation pass.. For your stay I recommend the well-known Grand Hotel du Midi in the center, but of course this is not the only option, there are many hotels nearby.

Food-wise there’s something for everyone. I advise you to try out the Reserve Rimbaud (website in French) and the Restaurant Verchant for gourmet food and L’Oignon Givré (website in French) or Le Petit Jardin for more affordable dishes as well as one of the many street-food restaurants in the city.

 

Biarritz

Welcome to Biarritz, enjoy the natural charm of this Basque town by the sea, its beaches, and its history.

Imagine starting your day with a walk on the beach, followed by a small well-deserved snack; taste the Basque cake which is emblematic of the area, garnished with cherry jam it is such a delight.

You prefer savory food? Taloas are another specialty made for you. Enjoy pastries and a comforting hot drink at the Café de la Baleine (website in French), or the Milwaukee cafe.

Don’t forget to visit the Rocher de La Vierge or the Lighthouse of Biarritz, where you will have a magnificent view and be able to enjoy the sea breeze. Visit Biarritz’ historical museum to learn all about the city.

Want to escape the French atmosphere? The Asiatica museum is what you need with its fantastic Asian works.

To feel like you are underwater, la Cité de l’Océan is a perfect activity with its numerous aquariums.

For your transportation, I recommend you the 24h pass available on Chronoplus (website only partially in English).

 

Saint-Malo

Discover the Breton coastal city of Saint-Malo, its intramural city center is only 10 minutes from the train station, you can visit its many popular beaches and walk around its fortified walls.

Close to the beaches there are also many historical sites to visit such as the Notre-Dame Tower, the Bastion of Holland, the Passage des Bés or the Grand’ Porte de Saint-Malo to name only a few.

Have a refreshing drink in one of the many bars and restaurants within easy walking distance such as Le Java Café, or La Brasserie du Lion d’Or. You will find everything and for all budgets, most of its establishments are affordable.

You can also visit the famous Casino Barrière with its modern look and feel, where you can enjoy live entertainment such as dinner shows, tea dances, karaoke and even DJ concerts. This room facing the sea in an idyllic setting.

To navigate the city can use the very efficient transport network which offers a 24-hour ticket.

 

Toulouse

Alone or with your family, Toulouse has everything you need for an ideal stay.  If you’re looking for dynamic activities, visit the Cité de l’Espace with its space-themed attractions, its planetarium, exhibitions and children’s playground.

There’s something for the whole family. The Halle de La Machine is also a very enjoyable place, especially for groups, with its impressive exhibitions and stories!

Lovers of culture and art will visit the Museum des Augustins as well as the Château d’Eau Photo Gallery. Don’t miss the Saint-Sernin basilica and the Saint-Etienne cathedral.

Come and go in the city by bike (website in French) or take advantage of its efficient transport network.

The Pierre Baudis Japanese Garden is perfect for a small oriental getaway. You can also stroll in the Pech-David Park which will offer you a superb view of the city.

You can try out the typical dishes of the city; foie gras, apple croustade, duck alicuit… you can find anything.

There is a large choice of restaurants in Toulouse, such as the Madeleine de Proust (website in French) for Toulouse classics and the Shin-Ya Ramen or the forno gusto (website in French) for street food. There is something for all tastes and for all budgets.

 

Marseille

Originally a Greek city, Marseille is a wonderful place to visit, where ancient and modern styles meet.

Indeed, in only one or two days you will be able to visit the Vieux-Port and the Vieux Quartiers as well as the contemporary museums such as the Mucem all the while being surrounded by street-art, for which this city is very well known.

Visit the Friche de la Belle de Mai, the Palais Longchamps and its two museums and dare to climb the steps leading to the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of Marseille.

The city is navigable on foot and if you don’t want to walk all day in the southern sun, take the metro (website in French); city traffic can be terrible for cars.

The center of Marseille is full of street food restaurants like the Dakao (website in French) or the Yo! Street Food for example, as well as gourmet restaurants like L’Alcyone or Les Trois Forts.

 

Nice

This antique city (even if it doesn’t look like it) offers various walking trails such as the very famous Promenade des Anglais or the trail to the Colline du Château which will offer you a splendid view of the districts of Nice.

The city center of Nice is very colorful, the city is covered in flowers and there are green spaces even in the center, which offers a playful and refreshing setting that will make you want to see everything about Nice.

Several museums are must-sees, such as the MAMAC (Museum of Modern Art and Contemporary Art) which, in addition to offering interesting collections, has roof terraces that will gift you with a superb view of the city from another angle.

Visit the Saint François square and tower, the Place Garibaldi and cross the port of Nice after soaking up the idyllic setting that the center offers.

Choose whether you want to walk, cycle, or take the tramway which is efficient and for which you can buy 24h passes (website in French).

Why not try one or more micro-bars, a very special type of restaurant that you can’t find everywhere like La Merenda, lost in the Vieux Nice?

Would you like a slightly more luxurious restaurant? Go to La Petite Maison.

Don’t worry, the city is also full of street-food restaurants.

 

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the heart of Alsace; it is also the European capital and it is, above all, a city including two cultures; French and German.

Its historical center is surrounded by the river Ill and the very particular architecture of the city, on the waterfront, is the perfect setting to have a good time.

This historical center as well as the ‘neustadt’ or ‘new town’ that was built during the German occupation have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cross the ‘Petite France’ and its typical half-timbered houses of Alsace, one of the most famous districts of the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to travel by boat to discover the Petite France, thanks to ‘batorama’.

The cathedral of Strasbourg is a must-see and why not go for an afternoon kayak trip on the Ill?

Although picturesque, Strasbourg offers an amazing nightlife in various clubs of the city underground.

It is also populated by famous restaurants, local gastronomy such as the Buerehiesel or street food such as bagelstein (websites in French).

 

Aix-en-Provence

As a typical city immersed in Provence, Aix will easily win you over during your trip for one or two days.

Several museums are scattered in the city center such as the Granet Museum, the Cézanne workshop or for the more original collections, the Vasarely Foundation or the Planetarium (website in French).

Aix is also a perfect city to stroll for the length of an afternoon, the Cours Mirabeau, a long avenue where you can find many bars and restaurants is lively and very pleasant.

You can walk through the historical center of Aix, do some shopping and then spend a night in a luxurious hotel like the Aquabella, a nice hotel in the center of the city that offers a great view of the Vielle-Ville.

Aix is a cultural city that is very walkable, but you can also take a bus (website in French) or ride in diablines (small ecological vehicles). You just have to stroll around to discover its secrets and its magnificent buildings sprinkled all over the city.

Try Provençal gourmet restaurants such as Le Vintrépide or Le Môme or more affordable restaurants such as Le Tita or Le Bouche à oreille (websites in French).

 

Annecy

When visiting Annecy, you don’t want to miss the Gorges du Fier, a spectacular and narrow canyon where you walk over a footbridge fixed in the rock 25 meters above the river and a surprising Sea of Rocks. this escapade will be filled with memories for the amateurs of adventures and legends, .

Don’t miss the Palais de L’Île, formerly a prison and picturesque medieval castle on the Thiou River, which has now become a museum of Art and History. You can also visit the Basilique de la Visitation, a quiet place far from the noise of day and night.

At night, you can chooseone of the many affordable hotels in the city.

You can buy a 24-hour public transport Pass and when you can, just go on foot, it is very pleasant to walk around the city.

Lovers of cheese (website in French) will be in heaven in Annecy because its typical dishes are none other than: Tartiflette, raclette and Savoyard fondue; there is nothing better for a satisfying and warm meal.

 

Lille

The weather in Lille is not always very nice, but the warm welcome that its inhabitants will offer you and the city that is so pleasant to walk through (or easily crossed by metro (website in French) for cheap) will convince you to come pay a visit.

Lille is a city full of students and the nightlife is very active, amateurs of animated evenings you will be happy in the city center around the Opera, in the popular district of Les Mills or in the Vieux Lille where the bars and restaurants will keep you busy until the end of the night.

Fans of architecture or culture, you will love the Vieux Lille, the Grand’ Place and the historical buildings such as the Beaux-Arts or the Vielle Bourse.

Lille is also known for hosting festivals that bring people together: like the ‘Name Festival’ or the ‘Culture Bar-Bars Festival (website in French)’.

If you are more into shopping, Lille is very well suited for you with its many shopping malls and shopping centers on the Grand’ place or in the train station as well as the Grande Braderie de Lille.

 

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Avignon

As a little gem of the enclave of the popes, you will have a pleasant stay in the intramural center of Avignon.

The historical city contained within its ramparts is vibrant and full of museums such as the Calvet Museum (website in French) or the Lambert Collection and old buildings.

From the University which was built in the 15th century, to the Popes’ Palace where 9 popes  ahev lived during the 14th and 15th centuries, the sumptuous buildings are numerous and will awaken the architecture enthusiast in you.

Life in the city is very relaxed, there is no lack of cultural activities but the most pleasant thing to do is still to stroll in the center and in the shopping streets and discover many second-hand stores of all kinds.

Avignon is famous for its festival which takes place every year during summer for 3 to 4 weeks. It is the gathering not to miss which brings together many actors and artists. During this period, the city is in turmoil and the atmosphere is unparalleled.

You will be spoilt for choices food-wise. Try out the exclusive and very famous La Mirande or Le Carré du Palais (website in French) for expensive gourmet food or restaurants such as the Naka for a more affordable option and of course street food restaurants such as Pitaya, La Cuisine du Dimanche (website in French) or others that are abound in the pedestrian streets.

 

Nantes

Nantes, the metropolis of the west is a lively and pleasant student town  to visit.

However, if you want to go for a leisurely stroll and avoid bad weather, it is best to do so in the summer.

The city is very well connected thanks to its tramways and numerous buses and navibuses and offers a ‘Pass Nantes’ which includes transportation, cultural visits, and discounts in many of the city’s establishments such as the Château des Ducs de Bretagne situated right in the heart of the city and which is home to a sumptuous museum.

The districts of Nantes are lively and pleasant to visit and you will be warmly welcomed by their inhabitants.

The Bouffay district, the medieval district of Nantes, is the most touristic district of the city and it is also where the night owls gather to party.

The cathedral of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul de Nantes combined with the Graslin district will delight walking enthusiasts and amateurs of beautiful buildings.

Nantes is the cradle of several culinary specialties such as Le muscadet, Le Curé Nantais, Le gâteau Nantais (website in French) and many others that you can find in the stores of the city center.

For your gourmet break, the city provides an array of restaurants in the center like the famous Les Petits Saints or L’Auberge du Château (website in French) as well as more affordable street food restaurants like the Canaille Café (website in French) or Paws Hot Dog.