11 Irresistible French Cities to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

I know what you wish for. I know you want to visit France. I get it; the country is gorgeous, but there’s a chance you don’t know where to start if Paris is not the only thing you want to see (because let’s be real, Paris is not France as much as New York represents only a tiny part of what the USA is ). I’ll take you through 11 incredible places in France to add to your bucket list.

1. Nice

Nice is the second most-visited city in France after Paris, and honestly, you ought to visit it when you come here. Some of you may not agree, but I will say it anyway – visiting Nice is like getting a 2-in-1 experience, blending the vibe of southern France with Italian culture. The culture is rich, every little street and corner is filled with history.

Don’t skip this vibrant Mediterranean city full of life. And if you’re planning your trip, you can find the perfect place to stay here, there’s always a nice choice of accommodations even at a very pleasant affordable price.

2. Aix-En-Provence

This little city in Provence is very small, you can walk all around in less than 2 hours. Yet, there’s plenty of stuff around the city: there’s a whole collection of old castles to visit, and the nature around this place is stunning. Inside the city is very charming, you know those cute little streets that are filled with flowers? This city looks like an illustration for a kids’ book, you are going to love local architecture.

If you like to shop, there’s going to be something for you, the center is filled with little shops and local small businesses. Be ready to starve a bit, though. Okay, I’m joking. They just don’t serve dinner before 7 pm or even 8 pm in some restaurants in the South so be ready for that.

3. Lyon

Lyon is my absolute favorite city in the whole country. Sometimes, walking around this beautiful city, I catch myself constantly comparing Lyon and Paris. There’s a reason for that. Lyon feels like a calmer, modest, and more human-friendly version of Paris. Prices are more affordable, too. I honestly think that it is very difficult not to fall in love with Lyon, as it is such a perfectly balanced city.

As much as Paris, Lyon is super walkable (do we say it like that?). It is pretty small and convenient to visit the whole city in a few days.

4. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is perfect for those wondering where to go in France other than Paris. It is a beautiful vibrant city close to a German border (like 30 minutes away on a bus/car), the city center La Petite Nice is a masterpiece guarded by UNESCO. That’s at least one reason to go, but there are plenty.

If you are an architecture (and have never been to Germany before) lover, then, local architecture is going to seem very new to you. It doesn’t look like anywhere else in France: it does not look like Paris at all here and certainly, the vibe is very different from our beloved South of France. People are noticeably friendlier than in the South, I would say “a bit more warm” which is contradictory. Let’s hope it’s just a personal opinion and not an objective reality.

5. Bordeaux

If you love wine (or just the idea of it), Bordeaux is the first city you need to visit in this country. If you don’t fancy a good glass of wine there’s nothing to worry about, visiting Bordeaux is still worth it. Bordeaux has that classic French charm but with a slightly different energy than Paris. It’s elegant but relaxed and sophisticated. I have to tell you: for whatever reason, the gods of public transport in France decided to skip Bordeaux, I mean, it is very difficult to get there from Paris or any other region. Takes around 6 hours on the train from Paris. But…worth it.

 

6. Marseille

Marseille is not like the rest of France. I would say it’s almost a subculture.  If you’ve been to Paris or anywhere in the North, get ready for a completely different experience. The vibe here is raw, lively, and Mediterranean, of course. A lot of people hate it, the other half loves it to bits and considers this city the best city on the planet. But I don’t personally know anyone indifferent to Marseille. Be ready – if you visit, it is going to be a chaotic experience: there’s a lot, and I mean, A LOT of people in this city, they all speak different languages and hold different cultural backgrounds. I would even dare to say this is a multicultural mecca of France. If that’s your vibe – book your flight right now.

7. Annecy

Annecy is a fairytale town surrounded by the Alps – an incredibly beautiful town and for some unknown reasons, not a lot of people outside of France know about it. If you’ve never been, imagine a turquoise lake, pastel-colored houses, and little canals running through the old town. It’s called the “Venice of the Alps” for a reason. And yes, it’s just as pretty as the photos above make it look, I would say, in real life it’s indescribable.

The lake is the star here, so make sure to plan your trip around it. Walk or bike around, rent a paddleboard, or just sit on a bench and stare at the view for an hour. If you’re visiting in summer, go for an early morning swim before the crowds arrive. It is not a city like Marseille where things are moving sometimes too much, here life is relaxed and sophisticated.

The Old Town is charming, that’s exactly why it gets packed, especially on weekends. If you want to enjoy it without feeling like you’re in a tourist trap, go early in the morning or later in the evening. And for food? Skip the overpriced spots right by the canals and look for a small local restaurant serving tartiflette—a cheesy, potato-filled dish that tastes even better after a long walk by the lake.

8. Tours

Do you love castles? Do you want to see as many castles as humanly possible in the shortest amount of time? If yes, this city is for you. It’s right in the heart of the Loire Valley, a stunning region where people do nothing but build castles all the time. Joking. But even if you’re not into châteaux, the city itself is charming enough to deserve a visit. Plus, if you want to practice your French, this is the place—Tours is known for having the “purest” French accent in the country, Im not exactly sure how they measure the purity of it.

If you’re here for the castles (which, let’s be honest, you probably are), don’t just stick to the famous ones like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. Some of the smaller ones, like Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, are just as magical and way less crowded. And if you don’t have a car, no worries—there are plenty of day tours that will take you to the best spots.

9. Avignon

Avignon is a small city with a big past. If you like history, medieval architecture, and a bit of old-world charm, you’ll love it here. Once this city was the center of the Catholic world, Avignon still feels like it’s straight out of a historical TV-show.

The main attraction is the Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace). It’s massive, impressive, and worth the visit, but here’s the think: buy your ticket online in advance. The line can get ridiculous, especially in summer. And while you’re at it, grab a combo ticket that includes the Pont d’Avignon. You won’t need more than 20 minutes on the bridge, but hey, at least you can say you’ve been there.

Avignon is beautiful, but it’s also the perfect base for exploring Provence. If you have time, rent a car and visit the lavender fields, small villages, and wineries nearby. Trust me, it’s worth it. You won’t need to book a hotel there, a day would be enough.

10. Rouen

Rouen is like stepping into a medieval painting. If you love old towns with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and gothic cathedrals that look straight out of a fantasy movie—this is your place. It’s small enough to feel cozy but packed with history (Joan of Arc was burned at the stake here, by the way, hope you were not reading this article eating). By the way, if you’re into Monet, you’ll recognize the main cathedral instantly. If you want to visit, with this city you should book a hotel in the historical city center.

If you’re here in the evening, wait for the cathedral light show (in summer). It’s free, it’s magical, and it brings the whole façade of the cathedral to life

11. Lille