Best Cities to Visit in France (Beyond the Obvious)

I’ve made some questionable travel decisions in my life. Like the time I spent three entire days in France…only in Paris.

Don’t get me wrong – Paris is magnificent. But it’s like saying you’ve experienced America because you’ve been to New York City.

After seven trips to France (and countless mistakes along the way), I’ve discovered that the country’s true magic often lies in its less-famous cities. Let me walk you through my favorites – including a few that changed how I see the world.

💡 Tip: Most French cities are incredibly walkable, but they’re also filled with centuries-old cobblestones that eat suitcase wheels for breakfast. My poor roller bag didn’t survive Lyon. Consider a backpack for city-hopping.

1. Lyon: The Food Capital That Stole My Heart

Every time someone tells me they loved Paris, I smile and ask: “But have you been to Lyon?”

Nestled between two rivers, Lyon combines stunning architecture, incredible food, and a relaxed vibe that Paris can only dream of. The entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it doesn’t feel like a museum. People actually live here.

My first morning, I wandered into a small boulangerie where the owner insisted I try his specialties. We couldn’t understand each other’s languages, but we spoke fluently in the universal dialect of “appreciative food noises.” That morning praline brioche changed me as a person.

Don’t miss:

• Traboules – secret covered passageways through buildings that once helped silk workers transport fabrics
• Vieux Lyon – one of Europe’s largest Renaissance neighborhoods
• A traditional bouchon – Lyon’s answer to a bistro, where the food is hearty and the portions generous

My embarrassing travel moment: I booked a fancy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant without realizing it was Paul Bocuse’s legendary L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges. I showed up in jeans and sneakers. The maître d’ looked at me with such pity that he actually found a jacket for me to borrow. The meal was still the best of my life.

2. Bordeaux: Wine Paradise With Unexpected Charm

I initially visited Bordeaux because, well, wine. I stayed because I fell in love with the city itself.

Bordeaux underwent a massive renovation in the early 2000s, transforming from the “Sleeping Beauty” of France into one of its most vibrant cities. The cleaned-up limestone buildings literally glow in the sunset, and the revitalized riverfront has become the city’s living room.

And yes, the wine is as good as you’d expect.

I spent an afternoon at the interactive wine museum La Cité du Vin, where the tasting room offers panoramic city views. Later, I got completely lost in the medieval Saint-Michel neighborhood and ended up being invited to a local’s apartment for an impromptu wine tasting. This would never happen to me in Paris.

Don’t miss:

• Water Mirror – the world’s largest reflecting pool, where children splash while tourists take perfect reflection photos
• La Cité du Vin – even wine novices will enjoy this interactive museum
• Marché des Capucins – food market where locals actually shop

My embarrassing travel moment: I tried to sound knowledgeable about wine at a tasting and confidently declared I could taste “notes of leather and tobacco.” The vintner gently informed me I was drinking white wine. Leather notes are not typically found in Sauvignon Blanc. The elderly French couple next to me laughed for about ten minutes straight.

3. Strasbourg: Fairytale Vibes With a German Twist

Strasbourg feels like it was designed by the Brothers Grimm. The half-timbered houses, winding canals, and towering cathedral create a fairytale atmosphere that left me constantly stopping to take photos.

Located on the German border, this city blends French elegance with German coziness. You’ll find both perfect croissants and hearty pretzels, sometimes in the same bakery. The historic center, Grande Île, is an architectural treasure trove spanning centuries.

My favorite memory? Getting caught in a sudden downpour and ducking into a tiny winstub (Alsatian tavern). The owner sat me by the fireplace, brought me the local specialty of tarte flambée, and told stories about the building’s 400-year history while I dried off.

Don’t miss:

• La Petite France – the most picturesque quarter with half-timbered houses and canals
• Strasbourg Cathedral – one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe
• Christmas markets – if you visit in December, Strasbourg transforms into the “Capital of Christmas”

My embarrassing travel moment: I ordered what I thought was white wine and received a glass of clear liquor that nearly took my face off. Turns out “eau de vie” (water of life) is not water or wine but rather fruit brandy that’s about 40% alcohol. The waiter couldn’t stop giggling at my shocked expression.

4. Nice: The Sophisticated Soul of the French Riviera

Nice surprised me. I expected a crowded beach town; instead, I found a culturally rich city with an Italian soul and some of the most stunning urban views I’ve ever seen.

The signature azure blue of the Mediterranean against the terracotta rooftops creates a color palette that’s influenced artists for centuries. Matisse and Chagall both have dedicated museums here, and after spending an afternoon on the Promenade des Anglais watching that famous light change throughout the day, I understood why they were so inspired.

My favorite discovery was the daily Cours Saleya market, where I bought a small bag of socca (chickpea pancake) and climbed up to Castle Hill for a perfect picnic overlooking the bay.

Don’t miss:

• Promenade des Anglais – the famous seafront walkway
• Old Town (Vieux Nice) – narrow streets filled with shops, restaurants, and baroque architecture
• Musée Matisse – housed in a 17th-century villa surrounded by olive trees

My embarrassing travel moment: I tried to be fancy and order a Niçoise salad in Nice, pronouncing it “nee-SWAHZ” as we do in America. The waiter very politely corrected me: “Ah, you mean a salad nee-SWAHZ?” I’ve never felt more American in my life.

5. Annecy: The “Venice of the Alps” That Left Me Speechless

The first time I saw photos of Annecy, I thought they were Photoshopped. No city could possibly be that pretty. I was wrong.

Set around a pristine alpine lake with a backdrop of mountains, Annecy’s old town is threaded with flower-lined canals and pastel-colored houses. It’s almost offensively picturesque.

I spent my first day just wandering the cobblestone streets, crossing tiny bridges, and taking about 400 photos that all looked like postcards. On the second day, I rented a bike and circled the crystal-clear lake, stopping at small beaches for swims. The water is so clean you can drink it (though I don’t recommend it- that’s what the public water fountains are for).

Don’t miss:

• Palais de l’Isle – the most photographed building in town, a medieval prison shaped like a ship in the middle of a canal
• Lake Annecy – rent a paddleboard, kayak, or just swim in the cleanest lake in Europe
• Château d’Annecy – castle-turned-museum with great views of the old town

My embarrassing travel moment: I rented a paddleboard on the lake, feeling very confident after my previous experience on calm Florida waters. Lake Annecy’s afternoon winds had other plans. I ended up being blown halfway across the lake, rescued by a kind French family on a pedal boat who towed me back to shore while I pretended this was all part of my plan.

6. Dijon: More Than Just Mustard

When I mentioned I was visiting Dijon, everyone made the same mustard joke. But this elegant city in the heart of Burgundy offers so much more than condiments.

Dijon was home to the powerful Dukes of Burgundy, and their legacy lives on in the city’s majestic architecture and artistic treasures. Unlike many French cities that focus on a single historical period, Dijon offers a journey from medieval to art deco all within walking distance.

What surprised me most was how alive the city feels. The center isn’t just preserved for tourists – locals shop at the covered market, students fill the bars, and families picnic in the parks. I joined a Saturday morning wine tasting that turned into a progressive lunch through the city as our small group kept finding “just one more place” we had to try.

Don’t miss:

• Palace of the Dukes – now housing one of France’s best fine arts museums
• Rue de la Liberté – shopping street with original art deco storefronts
• Follow the Owl Trail – brass owl medallions embedded in the sidewalk guide you to all major sites

My embarrassing travel moment: I heard you should rub the small owl carved into the side of Notre-Dame church for good luck. I spent 15 minutes searching for and petting various stone carvings before a kind local showed me the actual owl (it’s tiny and worn smooth from centuries of touches).

7. Aix-en-Provence: Living the Good Life

Aix-en-Provence feels like France showing off. Historic mansions line graceful boulevards, fountains bubble on every corner, and the golden light makes everyone look like they’re in a movie.

This city epitomizes the Provençal lifestyle: unhurried, sensory, and centered around simple pleasures. The main activity is strolling – from market to café, from park to wine bar.

I rented an apartment with a small balcony overlooking a quiet square. Each morning, I’d walk to the daily market for fresh bread, cheese, and whatever fruit looked best. My French improved dramatically just from these market interactions, mostly because I was motivated by cheese.

Don’t miss:

• Cours Mirabeau – the grand boulevard lined with plane trees and cafés
• Markets – different ones almost every day, with Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday being largest
• Atelier Cézanne – the preserved studio of the painter who captured the Provence light

My embarrassing travel moment: I tried to order “une pêche” (a peach) at the market but mispronounced it as “un pêché” (a sin). The vendor, straight-faced, asked which sin I’d like to purchase. His entire stall of customers erupted in laughter while I turned approximately the color of his strawberries.

The Reality Check: When City Adventures Go Sideways

These cities are magical, but travel isn’t always Instagram-perfect. Here are some real situations I’ve faced in French cities:

Transportation Strikes

French workers strike with impressive regularity. During my trip to Strasbourg, a surprise rail strike left me stranded with no trains running. My travel insurance covered the last-minute rental car I needed, saving me €240 and a lot of stress.

Unexpected Closures

Many museums and restaurants close one or two days per week, and these aren’t standardized. I once planned my entire Dijon itinerary around visiting a famous museum that was closed for renovations -information not updated on their website. My insurance’s trip interruption coverage helped me adjust my plans without losing deposits.

Medical Moments

I slipped on wet cobblestones in Lyon (those charming streets become ice rinks when it rains) and sprained my ankle badly. The French healthcare system was impressively efficient, but the clinic visit, X-ray, and crutches still cost €210 – fully covered by my travel insurance.

Petty Theft

It happens. My phone was swiped from my café table in Nice when I looked away for literally 10 seconds. Insurance replaced it within two weeks of my return. The French police were surprisingly helpful with filing the report needed for my claim.

Insurance Realities for French City-Hopping

Based on my experiences (both good and cringe-worthy), here’s what actually matters for insurance when exploring French cities:

Medical coverage is essential. French healthcare is excellent but not free for visitors. My simple doctor’s visit for strep throat in Bordeaux cost €80, while my friend’s emergency appendectomy in Nice was €4,200.

Transportation protection matters. Strikes, weather delays, and cancellations happen regularly. Insurance that covers alternative transportation has saved my itinerary more than once.

Theft coverage for electronics. Pickpocketing happens in tourist areas. Having coverage for your phone, camera, and laptop provides peace of mind in crowded spaces.

Trip interruption benefits. When plans change due to closures, weather, or other surprises, being able to adjust without losing deposits is incredibly valuable.

If you’re planning a French city adventure, you can find travel insurance with these essential coverages here.

The Bottom Line: France Beyond Paris

Don’t get me wrong – Paris is magnificent and deserves its reputation. But the heart of France beats in these smaller cities, where locals outnumber tourists and daily French life unfolds around you.

My advice? Pick one or two cities from this list for your next French adventure. Spend enough time to discover your favorite café, learn the vendor’s name at the local market, and find the hidden spots that never make the guidebooks.

The France you’ll discover will be more authentic, more personal, and often more affordable than the Paris-only experience most tourists have.

Just watch your step on those charming cobblestones. My ankle still twinges when it rains.

Which of these cities is calling your name? I’d love to share more specific recommendations if you have a particular place in mind!