5 Amazing French Cities You’ve Been Overlooking Besides Paris
Exploring France beyond Paris unlocks a world of diversity, charm, and culture. From hidden gems to breathtaking landscapes, venturing outside the capital offers a more immersive and authentic experience of the country.
While Paris often takes the spotlight, the must-see sites in France reveal their true beauty when you look beyond the capital. Whether it’s the historic towns of Normandy, the scenic Loire Valley, or beautiful coastal towns of France, exploring the rest of France is the key to understanding its rich heritage.
PRO TIP ON SAVING
Why pay full price for flights when you don’t have to? ✈️ Since moving to France, I’ve been obsessed with finding the best flight deals—because let’s be real, weekend getaways around Europe are a must! WayAway is my way to find the cheapest flights and cashback on every booking. What is the best part if you ask me? They are free for the wanderluster, like yourself 💸 The savings add up fast (hello, extra café terraces and pastries!). If you’re dreaming of a trip to France or anywhere in Europe in 2025, check out WayAway it’s seriously worth it. 🌍✨
Why Visit Beyond Paris?
Authentic Regional Cultures: Discover local traditions, from Alsace’s German-inspired charm to Provence’s lavender fields.
Unique Culinary Experiences: Taste the finest Bordeaux wines, Lyon’s famous bouchons, and Alsace’s hearty dishes.
Fewer Crowds, More Comfort: Escape the tourist rush of Paris for a more relaxed and intimate travel experience.
Hidden Treasures: Venture into lesser-known regions with stunning France aesthetics that are perfect for photography and unforgettable memories.
For an unforgettable trip, consider a road trip around France. It’s the best way to uncover places to travel in France that showcase the country’s diverse regions.
Top French Cities to Visit Beyond Paris
5. Marseille: Mediterranean Magic
As France’s second-largest city, Marseille offers a unique French and Mediterranean charm blend.
A little tip
If you’re coming in summer, plan for the heat. Marseille in July and August is hot, sometimes 40+ degrees, and air conditioning is not well-loved here. If you want to cool down, take a boat (on Vieux Port – a city center ) to the Calanques National Park. The water is so blue it looks fake, and it’s the perfect way to escape the city’s summer madness for a few hours.
Besides, Marseille is not a city you book last minute, especially in summer. Prices for hotels and Airbnb jump fast, and the best spots fill up quickly. If you’re planning to visit, book your stay early, especially if you want to be near the Old Port or the beaches. If you want to save up, plan your trip in April, I am not joking, in April, it is already pretty comfortable in terms of weather. I would even bet you already could get some tan on local beaches, or as locals do, go on big stones on the coastline around the city.
- Wander through the colorful Le Panier district, filled with vibrant street art and historic markets.
- Visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica for stunning panoramic harbor views.
- Explore the Calanques National Park, where you can hike, swim, or relax in hidden coves along the turquoise Mediterranean waters.
4. Annecy: The Venice of the Alps
Annecy is one of the most stunning South France travel destinations. Nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps,” it offers a mix of breathtaking nature and charming history.
A little tip
Annecy is a very tiny city, technically it’s a city, I would rather call it a big beautiful village, and the best places to stay (especially near the lake or in the Old Town) disappear fast. If you want a good location, book your stay early.
- Admire Lake Annecy, one of Europe’s clearest lakes, surrounded by the majestic Alps.
- Stroll along the town’s canals and explore the medieval old town.
- Enjoy outdoor adventures, from kayaking and swimming to hiking
3. Strasbourg: A Blend of French and German Cultures
Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, perfectly blends French and German cultures.
A little tip
Strasbourg and Alsace in general (its region) are considered to be the main Christmas attraction in France if not the whole continent. Everybody wants to come during that time of the year and see the main Christmas market in the country. As I mentioned in this article, if you are traveling on a budget, skip coming around Christmas. Come a couple of weeks before or after – there’s still the vibe you want to feel walking those streets. I want to reassure you – there’s nothing special in that specific Christmas market that you haven’t seen before. On the other hand, the prices skyrocket to the moon during Christmas week multiple times. So, do what you will with this information. By the way, that’s exactly why I put Strasbourg as one of the cheapest cities to visit in this article – just don’t plan your trip around Christmas. Book your stay outside of the Christmas timeframe for a budget-friendly trip.
- Marvel at the Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
- Wander through Petite France, an old-world neighborhood with cobblestone streets, canals, and half-timbered houses.
- Learn about Strasbourg’s modern role as home to the European Parliament.
2. Colmar: A Fairytale Town
Step into a real-life fairytale in Colmar, a town near Paris known for its picturesque canals and colorful half-timbered houses.
A little budget tip
Instead of staying in the middle of Colmar (where prices can be high), check out nearby villages like Eguisheim, Turckheim, or Kaysersberg. They’re just a short bus or train ride away, just as charming, and usually much more affordable. Plus, they’re quieter and feel more local—win-win!
- Stroll through its lively local markets and enjoy regional specialties like tarte flambée.
- Explore the enchanting Petite Venice district for a quintessential France travel aesthetic.
1. Lyon: France’s Gastronomic Capital
Lyon, in the heart of France, is a food lover’s dream. Known as the country’s gastronomic capital, it’s perfect for anyone passionate about cuisine.
A little budget tip
I love sharing little travel budget tips because rather than paying for some overpriced luxury hotels, I would like to taste local food and drinks more, Im sure you can relate. So, if you would like to save a bit of money and do your minimum 10,000 steps a day, check out more affordable accommodation options in Villeurbanne. Somehow it is considered a suburb of Lyon, but it took me not more than 15 minutes on the metro to go to the city center of Lyon, and on feet, it takes about 40 minutes to get to the center. So, this is a way to go if you want to save money and do your cardio without any hassle. I know it is not for everybody, but I am sure, someone would love to know that.
- Explore the charming Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cobblestone streets and Renaissance architecture.
- Try iconic dishes like quenelle and andouillette sausage at traditional bouchons.
- Visit the famous Les Halles de Lyon food market or treat yourself to Michelin-starred dining.
- Don’t miss the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière or a peaceful walk along the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Tips for Crafting Your French Itinerary
Creating a travel plan for France requires a bit of strategy. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip:
- Pick Diverse Destinations: Combine must-see spots with hidden gems. For example, balance the bustling city life of Lyon with the serene beauty of Annecy.
- Plan Your Transportation: Decide whether to rent a car for a road trip around France or rely on the country’s excellent train system.
- Mix Culture, Cuisine, and Scenery: Incorporate regional foods, architectural wonders, and nature escapes. A well-rounded itinerary ensures every day is unforgettable.
