The 10 most beautiful cities in France

In addition to the world-famous Paris, there are beautiful cities and towns in France. The beauty of the country lies in the fact that each region, and consequently, the various cities, have their own specific characteristics that make them diametrically different from each other, even though they belong to the same country.
Just think of the picturesque medieval villages and lively holiday resorts of the Côte d'Azur; the poignant coastal landscape of Normandy and the lush Mediterranean coast; the lavender fields of Provence and the 'almost German' atmosphere of Alsace.
Here is the list of the 10 most beautiful cities in France.

10 - Avignon

A city in thesouth of France, in the prefecture of the department of Vaucluse, of which it is the capital, Avignon is part of the administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and overlooks the left bank of the Rhone.

From 1309 to 1377, Avignon was the seat of the Catholic Popes and remained under their rule until 1791, when it became part of France. Evidence of this past remains in the imposing Palais des Papes in the city centre, surrounded by medieval stone fortifications.

In addition to history, it is worth mentioning that Avignon is also a French wine capital, to be precise the Cotes du Rhone (Rhône Coast): an absolutely unmissable and super scenic tour of the vineyards, which in half a day will take you to Gigondas, Seguret and especially Châteauneuf-du-Pape, to learn about vines and taste some fantastic wines.

But not only that, the city contends with neighbouring Arles for the title of gastronomic capital of Provence. The area around Avignon is an immense vegetable garden lush with vegetables, pulses and fruit, the protagonists of the local dishes: ratatouille, bohemienne, tian. Also typical of Avignon are daube avignonnaise, leg of veal marinated in white wine with local herbs, and berlinguette, boiled eggs with anchovy pie.

• Best period: April to October, the mildest months. In the last three weeks of July, the Festival d'Avignon, the most important theatre event in France, takes place. From 15 August to 28 September, the 3D show'Les Luminessences de Avignon' is projected on the walls of the Palais des Papes.

• Main attractions: Palais des Papes, Saint Benezet Bridge, Saint Ruf Abbey, Angladon Museum

9 - Rouen

Rouen is located in the historical region of Normandy, of which it is the capital, and is crossed by the Seine, which divides it into 2: the old part on the right, the modern part on the left. The Seine is navigable and is itself an attraction, adding to its charm.
The city is famous in that Joan of Arc was killed here. But Rouen is certainly not limited to this: it is also the'city of a hundred steeples', with beautiful Gothic churches such as Saint-Maclou and Saint-Quen.

It is also very pleasant to visit on foot thanks to the pedestrianised and paved historical centre, characterised by houses with a still medieval appearance and half-timbered architecture.
Absolutely recommended is a guided walking tour with a local guide who will introduce you to the city's secrets and must-sees.

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame embellishes the city skyline, its spires, also known to have been immortalised in famous paintings by Monet, shoot skyward.

• Best time: June to September, the warmest and least rainy months. In January, there is the film festival promoting films from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific; in May, Rouen is the only French city to host the Wings for Life, a foot race held simultaneously in several countries. Every five years, in June, the Grande Armada takes place, a gathering of yachts and giant warships

• Main attractions: Notre-dame cathedral, Place Saint Marc market, Tournelles museum

8 - Menton

Menton is located on the Côte d'Azur, on the border with Liguria. It is one of the most visited destinations on the Côte d'Azur, thanks certainly to its location and climate, but also to its gardens and historical monuments. But the beauty of Menton lies above all in its lush Mediterranean vegetation, and its symbol is the lemon tree.

Not only geographically, but also stylistically, it is a bit of an extension of Liguria, with pastel-coloured houses, narrow alleys, trompe l'oeil motifs and aLigurian-Provençal atmosphere, which makes it a beautiful year-round destination.

• Best time of year: mild and pleasant climate all year round. Recommended in February, during the Carnival period, the lively and colourful'Festival of Lemons'.

• Main attractions: Old town, Bioves gardens, the Halles Municipales, Russian church, Jean Cocteau museum

7 - Strasbourg

The capital of the Alsace region in north-eastern France is home to 3 important institutions: the European Parliament, the Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe

Its location on the German border makes Strasbourg a city subject to both French and German influence, a mixture that is clearly evident in several aspects: culture, architecture and gastronomy. The symbol of the city is theastronomical clock in the Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, which offers a small spectacle every day. From the cathedral, there is a wide panoramic view of the Rhine River, although unfortunately it is not possible to climb to the highest point of the church, at 142 m.

Special feature of Strasbourg: it is a city built entirely on the water of the Rhine; a boat tour is the best way to discover it from an unusual perspective. If you plan to stay more than a few days, we recommend purchasing the Strasbourg City Pass, including a boat tour!

• Best time of year: May to September, the mildest months although rain cannot be ruled out. Since 1982, the Music Festival has been held between September and October, presenting the most significant works of the 20th century - see more

• Main attractions: Notre-dame Cathedral, Petit France, Palais Rohan museums, Strasbourg Opera Museum

6 - Marseille

Marseille is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in the south of France. It is a beautiful and multicultural city, thanks to its maritime history that has made it an important crossroads of trade and migration since its Greek foundation. Today, it is still the first port in France and fourth in the Mediterranean.

The city spreads out from the Vieux Port, the old harbour, a modernised and very picturesque area where you can still find many boats and fishermen selling fresh fish.
The symbol of the city is also the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, majestic and unmistakable in its Romanesque-Byzantine style, which dominates the city from above.

Finally, a symbol of the redevelopment of the city and its centre is the Le Panier district, once infamous, now a maze of characteristic alleyways. Don't forget more modern buildings such as the MUCEM museum, Le Corbusier's Cité Radieuse and Zaha Hadid's CMA CGM tower.

• Best period: Enjoyable all year round. From May to September, however, it is also possible to live by the sea. Between the end of June and the beginning of July you can watch the lavender blossom in Marseille and throughout Provence - see more

• Main attractions: Notre Dame de la Garde basilica, Vieux Port, Calanques, Le Panier, Château d'If

5 - Toulouse

The capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrenees region in southern France, Toulouse is crossed by the Garonne River and is close to the Spanish border.

The city is also known as'La Ville Rose' (The Pink City) for the terracotta bricks used in the construction of many of its buildings. Still on the subject of colours, Toulouse is also known as the'City of Violets' for the massive presence of this flower in the countryside and its use in cooking, confectionery and perfumery.

The symbol of Toulouse is the Canal du Midi, an example of 17th century engineering, which connects the Garonne to the Mediterranean. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, it can be travelled by boat, bicycle or on foot. The city also hosts special attractions such as the Japanese garden and, last but not least, several interactive space-themed museums since the city is the most important aerospace centre in Europe where Airbuses are manufactured.

• Best period: From May to October, temperatures are warm and there is little rain. From the end of November until after Christmas, a traditional market with magnificent wooden huts is set up in the large Capitole square; on 14 July (national holiday), various evening events are organised such as a concert in the Prairie des Filtres area and a fireworks display from barges moored on the Garonne

• Main attractions: Place du Capitole, Saint Sernin basilica, the Jacobin and Augustinian convents, Les Abattoirs museum

4 - Bordeaux

Bordeaux is located in the centre of the wine region of the same name, lies on the banks of the Garonne River and is one of the largest cities in France with almost 1,200,000 inhabitants.
It almost goes without saying that the city is known to most for the production of its namesake wine. And indeed, Bordeaux celebrates its excellence with numerous activities and especially in the Cité du Vin, where you can taste the region's best wines.

But not only wine, there are also many attractions and historical sites, such as the rue, the Gothic cathedral of Saint André, the 18th and 19th century villas and the many art museums.

• Best period: May to October. Summer is preferable for climate and temperatures, September and October because it is harvest time and there are interesting tours + tastings. Every 2 years, in June, the 'Bordeaux fête le vin' is celebrated - find out more

• Main attractions: Miroir d'Eau, CAPC, Cap Ferret, the Médoc vineyards, Pilat dune, Cité du Vin

3 - Nice

The jewel in the crown of the Côte d'Azur and the Bay of Angels, its foundation dates back to the Greeks, but from the 19th century it was the destination of the European elite and even earlier a meeting place for artists. Among them, Matisse and Chagall, with museums dedicated to them.

Nice's tourist vocation is also very clear in the numbers, with the second largest hotel capacity in France and as many as 4 million tourists a year. Not bad for a town of 300,000 inhabitants.
The symbol of the city is its promenade, the Promenade des Anglais, with iconic hotels such as theHôtel Négresco, and the typical chaises bleues (blue chairs) propping up the promenade.

• Best time of year: mild and pleasant climate all year round. Summer is perfect for a beach and sea holiday. Between January and February there is the famous Nice Carnival - find out more

• Main attractions: Vieux Nice, Matisse Museum, MAMAC, Promenade des Anglais, Russian Orthodox Church

2 - Lyon

A World Heritage Site, Lyon, in the Rhone Valley, is famous for its Festival of Lights, fine wines and French cuisine. Its size makes it one of the largest metropolises in the country, but still pleasant and liveable.

Enchanting Vieux Lyon, at the foot of the Fourvière hill on the banks of the Saône: a fascinating medieval area to explore on foot. Getting lost among the cobbled alleyways is really suggestive and there is a lot to see, from the Saint Jean Cathedral to the traboules, a maze of 'secret' passages connecting different buildings, to the many museums that can be visited in this area.

Don't miss Bellecour, Europe's largest square, the'golden head park' which at 117 hectares is one of the largest urban parks in France, and an evening in the lively Saint-Jean district.
We recommend at least a lunch break in a bouchon, one of the characteristic bistros.

• Best time of year: from spring to early autumn the weather is pleasant. The first weekend in December sees the famous Festival of Lights, held every year since 1634 - see more

• Main attractions: Place Bellecour, Vieux Lyon, Fourviere hill, Croix-Rousse, Museum of Fine Arts and Villa Lumiere

1 - Paris

It may be trite, but you can't make the list of the 10 most beautiful cities in France without finding its capital at the top. Paris, the romantic city par excellence, is the queen of French cities and a must-see.

A world centre of art, fashion, gastronomy and culture, a whole week would not be enough to visit Paris, nor would an article be enough just to talk about it. Certainly, it is an extremely versatile city with a thousand faces. There are so many different types of activities one can undertake, such as a cruise on the Seine or a visit to the Eiffel Tower, it is impossible to leave anyone unsatisfied. The perfect city for everyone: from the family with children in tow, who will surely dedicate a day to Disneyland Paris, to the romantic couple who choose the city of love for their fateful marriage proposal.

The urban architecture dates back to the 19th century and is characterised by the wide boulevards and the Seine, there are symbolic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, characteristic neighbourhoods (Latin, Montmrtre, Belleville), well-kept gardens and a riot of museums that are beyond famous. Apart from the attractions, the best thing about Paris is experiencing its atmosphere: the city is renowned for its traditional cafés, quaint bistros and haute couture shops.

• Best time: Generally all year round, May to September is the hottest time. On 21 June there is the Festival of Music, at the end of January the circus arts festival Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain and in mid-October the Harvest Festival on the western slope of Montmartre hill - see more

• Main attractions: Notre-Dame, Champs-Élysées, Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, Louvre