France is the most popular destination in the world for tourists. Although many visitors travel only to Paris, the rest of the country has a lot to offer, from beachfront destinations to historic cities. These are just 10 of the best cities to visit in France.
Paris
Paris is host to over 20 million tourists a year. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe. Art lovers will delight in the world-class collections to be found at the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay, although queue up early as the lines can be very long. The trip would not be complete without visiting the best places to shop, such as Boulevard Saint German and Rue Du Commerce.
Nice
Nice is located in southern France and is the Côte d’Azur’s largest resort. The Old Town makes the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, or simply enjoy the warm Mediterranean Sea.
Bordeaux
A port city in Southwestern France, Bordeaux is synonymous with French wine. The old section of the city is a UNESCO protected site, and host to 18th- and 19th-century mansions as well as the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André.
Lyon
Located in the Rhone-Alpes region, Lyon is a major transportation hub and industrial city. However, visitors can also appreciate some impressive architecture such as the Cathedral of St. John and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
Marseille
Marseille is famous for being one of the Mediterranean’s largest ports. You’ll find many historic destinations here, including the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde and the Vieux-Port, or “Old Port.”
Toulouse
Toulouse is near the Spanish border, and the Garonne River cuts through it. This city boasts amazing examples of Romanesque architecture, with the Basilica of Saint-Sernin being the most famous.
Lourdes
After Paris, Lourdes is the second most popular destination in France. This is the world’s most popular Christian pilgrimage site, known for the Rosary Basilica.
Strasbourg
Located near the German border in the Grand Est region, Strasbourg is a historic city with a strong German influence. Visitors can visit the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame, offering an amazing view of the Rhine from its spire and an astronomical clock. Strasbourg is also the official seat of the European Parliament.
Cannes
Cannes is known as a beachfront city along the Cote d’Azur. With luxury hotels, spas, and swaying palm trees, Cannes offers a laid back atmosphere and the perfect place to get away from big cities. The city is also famous for being host to the annual Cannes Film Festival,
Dijon
While Dijon is most famous for its mustard, the city doesn’t really play it up for tourists. In fact, the city offers great food and architecture, along with beautiful parks, making it a great place to get away from more crowded tourist destinations.
This list is only the beginning, as France has a wealth of other destinations that are well worth visiting.