20 Elegant Cities in France You Must Visit

France is an enchanting heart of Europe that always brims with captivating cities to explore, attractions to see, and things to do. Cities in France are filled with all kinds of vibe- from culture to history, adventure to attractions, and architecture to art. France has something for everyone- food, lifetime experiences, captivating history, or breathtaking scenery. Everyone should visit France at least once to embrace all it offers.

From the city of love (Paris) to the city of sun & the beaches (Nice), France never hurts a traveler’s expectations. Here are some of the best cities to visit in France if you are planning a vacation there.

1. Paris

No matter how many cities you have covered in France, if you have not visited Paris, you have not seen anything. Paris tops the list of most stunning cities in France to visit. It is a year-round destination with countless attractions, adventures, arts, and architecture. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palace of Versailles, and Pantheon, Paris has some of the best tourist attractions you will ever see.

The streets in Paris are always dazzling, with people exploring the pretty cafes, local shops, and beautiful little stores. At night, Paris turns into a sparkling show with gleaming lights, crowded clubs, and a glittering Eiffel Tower. Undoubtedly, Paris is among the best places to see in France.

2. Marseille

Marseille is among the oldest cities in Europe that was founded 2600 years ago. It is among the most elegant cities to visit in France, which has over 300 days of sunshine per year. Marseille has some marvelous locations where tourists can relish excitement and fun. It is a perfect place for indulging in good food and outdoor fun.

There are a few must-see attractions in Marseille, such as Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, Vieux Port, Musee des Arts Decoratifs, and Chateau d’lf.

3. Nice

Nice is an exquisite city located on the Mediterranean coast. Every corner of the Nice drips elegance and charm you cannot resist. This sunny beach destination exudes a laid-down atmosphere that every traveler loves to explore. Nice offers a blend of French and Italian Heritage, Carnival, art & culture, flower market, and the Historic Old Town for tourists to unearth.

It is one of the most stunning places to visit in France. It offers something for every traveler. Be it a food connoisseur, opera lover, beach lover, or art enthusiast, Nice offers everything you like to experience on a holiday.

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4. Burgundy

Burgundy is the most surreal location in France, which offers dreamlike landscapes. It is one of the most gorgeous cities in France, adorned with rolling green hills, mustard fields, and ancient villages. Burgundy is famous for many things, and among them are food & wine, historical relics, and adventurous activities.

If you love picturesque towns, curving hills, and elegant wine gardens, Burgundy is one of the best places to see in France. Whether you are off on a family vacation or a romantic getaway to France, Burgundy always stands out in France.

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5. Normandy

Normandy is another otherworldly place in France that outshines every other beautiful location in the world. As far as your eyes can travel, you will see long, vast landscapes of charming villages with Gothic churches and cobblestone streets that create beautiful scenery. With plenty of history, natural beauty, unwinding beaches, art galleries, and food scenes, Normandy is one of the most fantastic cities to visit in France.

Normandy has so many attractions, such as Etretat, Le Gros-Horloge, the Church of St. Joan of Arc, the Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Omaha Beach, etc.

6. Lyon

Lyon, famously known as the gastronomic capital of the world, is one of the most splendid cities in France. Sitting on the Rhone and Saone Rivers, Lyon is best known for its quality of life, Roman heritage, and contemporary architecture. One of the must-do things in Lyon is to try its delicious local dishes.

If you want to visit a much calmer and smaller city in France, Lyon should be on your list. It has beautiful attractions and even prettier restaurants from Michelin Guide.

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7. Corsica

If you love long drives with scenic surroundings, Corsica is one of the best cities to visit in France. Known as the Island of Beauty, Corsica offers a charming atmosphere for your sunny holiday. From Golden Beaches to ruby rocks, turquoise waters, and unmatched landscapes, Corsica is a perfect destination in France for a soulful holiday.

With roads straight from heaven, landscapes lovelier than paradise, adventure more thriller than an action movie, and hilltop villages more beautiful than wineries, Corsica infuses moments into memories. If you are on a France tour, Corsica should be one of your must-visit places.

8. Cannes

Cannes, generally famous for its annual film festival, is one of the most marvelous cities in France. This picturesque city is filled with vibrant hues of colorful houses dotted with turquoise blue French Riviera. From beaches to the Mediterranean climate, multiple attractions, and bountiful adventures, Cannes offers a fulfilling experience to travelers.

Tourists can indulge in many wholesome things to do, like walking along the Croisette, gulping down some good French delicacies, and stepping back in the past in Le Suquet. Every corner of Cannes offers a retro vibe with a modern touch.

9. Brittany

Brittany is the most serene place located in the northwest of France. Brittany is one of the jaw-dropping places to visit in France. It offers unwinding landscapes that are unmissable. As soon as you step into this city, you will be blown away by the scenic beauty of Brittany. From sparkling coastlines to natural wonders, seafood paradise, ancient walled towns, and immersive culture & history, Brittany offers wondrous experiences.

Whether you are on a day trip or a few-day tour, Brittany’s landscapes make you stay for longer. It is a place where heritage meets the Sea. There are beautiful coastal villages and vibrant local traditions that add old-world charm to your holiday.

10. Dijon

Dijon is one of the best cities in France, aesthetically beautiful in every way. Packed with stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture that catches everyone’s attention, Dijon welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Besides, Dijon’s wineries and gastronomy are major attractions for tourists.
 
There are plenty of tourist attractions in Dijon you can check out, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne, Museum of Burgundian Life, Liberation Square, etc.

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11. Arcachon

If you want to experience the seaside charm, there’s no place better than Arcachon. It is among the best places to see in France, where shimmering blue waters, white-sand coastlines, and vibrant seaside houses leave you craving more. Arcachon is also known as France’s best-kept secret, which is yet to earn a spot on the typical traveler's bucket list.

If you are wondering what Arcachon has to offer, there’s a long list. From pleasant weather to breathtaking views and plentiful attractions, Arcachon has all things natural. For anyone visiting France, Arcachon should be on your list of places to visit.

12. Lorraine

Lorraine is one of the best places to visit in France for history enthusiasts. This cultural and historical region in Northeastern France is brimming with charming towns and villages that have timeless charm.  Every lane and street in Lorraine tells a story no one knows about. Steeped in history and time, Lorraine is a great place for history buffs.

If you are a candy lover, there is a treat for you that you have to get from the Dragees Braquier factory. Here, you can taste the freshly-made candies. Some must-visit attractions in Lorraine are Cathedrale Notre-Dame, Place Stanislas, Cathedrale St-Etienne, etc.

13. Annecy

Annecy, or the Venice of the Alps, is one of the most magnificent places to visit in France. It boasts charming towns and bountiful winding canals overlooking the northern tip of Lake Annecy in southeastern France. Every landscape here is adorned with pastel-colored houses and beautiful cobblestone streets that call for a perfect backdrop for your Instagram-worthy photographs.

Whether you are on a friend’s trip or a romantic holiday with your partner, Annecy has something for everyone. Couples can stroll through the romantic spots in Annecy hand in hand, and friends can indulge in various outdoor activities. Therefore, Annecy is one of the most popular cities in France, having spectacular lake views, a beautiful old town, and a famous romantic spot- Pont des Amours.

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14. Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a beautiful wine region on the Garonne River in Southwestern France. It is jam-packed with UNESCO-listed buildings, world-class wine estates, and wholesome attractions. Bordeaux is among the top cities in France to visit for its ultimate wine-tasting experiences, unparalleled landscapes, heritage sites, and various hangout spots.

Every corner of Bordeaux has something to offer, from local boutiques & bakeries to incredible street art, delicious cuisines, a VR tour of a vineyard, and ancient towns. Bordeaux should be on your list of places to visit in France.

15. Lille

Lille is a magically beautiful city that is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. It is a lively city with awe-inspiring architecture, vibrant culture, well-known museums, beautiful art galleries, and bustling music scenes. Lille is a great place to explore, with a fascinating history and plentiful things to do.

Lille is one of the best cities to visit in France. It is best explored on foot for its most incredible views. From beautiful streets to culture, art, local cuisine, and unmissable places, Lille has so much to offer.

16. Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful seaside city in France. This golden city buzzes with Mediterranean light and lively lives always. Montpellier has evolved from a sleepy town to the fastest-growing city in France. It is now among the best cities to visit in France for experiencing good Mediterranean life, exploring beautiful terrace cafes & bars, and roaming around the art-laden streets.

This elegant and stylish city offers unlimited beautiful landscapes blessed with breathtaking sunsets and white-sand beaches. A few must-see attractions in Montpellier are Musee Fabre, Montpellier Cathedral, Place de la Comedie, Pavilion Populaire, and House of Nature.

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17. Toulouse

Toulouse is another red-walled city in France that is located on the banks of the Garonne River. Known for Romanesque architecture, gastronomic specialties, ancient churches, the aerospace industry, and famous attractions, Toulouse is one of the best cities in France to visit. It is a perfect destination to explore art, food, adventure, and architecture all in one place.

One of the things that you should not miss in Toulouse is its music festival. It is an ideal place to listen to jazz, classical music, and opera. It has also earned the title of city of music because of its large music festivals.

18. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is one of the most pleasing places to visit in France. It boasts beautiful cathedrals, exquisite buildings, pretty cobblestone avenues, and picturesque canals. This incredible city offers a perfect blend of French and German cultures because of its proximity to the French-German border, which adds more charm to its existence. Strasbourg perfectly depicts the modern charm with an ancient touch.

It is famous for its Christmas markets, charming villages, local atmosphere, and traditional dishes that give you a touch of how French holidays feel like.

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19. Nantes

Nantes is a famous city in France that is nestled on the banks of the Loise River. Steeped in fascinating history, it has many iconic museums like the Jules Verne Museum and Nantes Floral Parc. It falls on the list of best cities to explore in France because of its wine routes, local shopping stores, unmatched museums & castles, and creative vibes.

Whether you are here for its captivating history, art galleries, dynamic cultural scene, and centuries-old architecture, Nantes has everything you need.

20. Colmar

Colmar is one of the must-visit places in France that has an old-world charm. It captures the heart of many travelers with its scenic architecture, captivating history, vibrant culture, and panoramic landscapes. Colmar is one of the best places to visit in France for its stunning art galleries, well-known museums, and buzzing music festivals.

It is among the oldest places in Europe, founded in the 9th century. Colmar has so much to offer. For this, you require a longer stay. From strolling across the old town to Gothic-style architecture, Colmar has no dearth of things to do.

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Explore the Unexplored Cities in France with Dook!

France is so vast and enchanting that you would need not days or weeks but months to grasp the unconditional beauty of it. However, a more important thing is to contact the best travel expert to organize your France tour. For this, Dook International is here to assist you and offer the best trip of your life.

We have budget-friendly France tour packages with an exclusively personalized approach. You can customize your experience according to your travel needs. Moreover, a team of travel experts from Dook keeps in touch with you throughout the vacation to ensure you enjoy a hassle-free holiday. So, do not think much and book your best deal with Dook.

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