15 Best places to visit in France - Where to go in France?

France is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, featuring some of the most beautiful cities, outdoor spots, and countrysides. On this list you will find just that, the best cities to visit in France, these places need to be on your bucket list if you are ever visiting France or Europe in general.

So let us dive into the Best cities to visit in France!

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Paris

One of the world’s best places to visit, Paris needs to be on your bucket list. France’s capital city attracts millions of travelers year-round and once visited you will easily know why, from landmarks such as Eiffel Tower, Louvre museum and other iconic attractions, there is always something to do in Paris.

Read more – Bucket list things to do in France!

Lyon

The third-largest city in France, Lyon is not a tourist mecca like Paris, but it can easily compete with Paris. Filled with public art, the city’s famous trompe l’oeil murals, museums, and much more Lyon is a historic city.

Even better, it is some to hundreds of wineries and 2,000-plus restaurants, several of which boast Michelin stars, which makes it a perfect foodie city.

Nice

Occupying a picturesque spot along the French Riviera, Nice is a glamorous city. Beaches, culture, and museums in Baroque style make this city a tourist paradise.

Nice is a crowded city in most situations, but between mid-March and April or from September to October you will find the city a little emptier and cheaper.

Cannes

Famous for its film festival in May, Cannes needs to be on your beach Bucket list not only for that. It is a perfect spot to just relax and have a great time drinking cocktails on a beach.

Visitors can sightsee as they go along La Croisette, the city’s mile-long promenade, or sit down for a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Marseille

France’s oldest and second-largest city is an exciting, up-and-coming tourist destination. As it was the European Capital of Culture, you know Marseille has many sights to see, some of them being Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Cathédrale de la Major.

If you stumble upon great weather the rocky cliffs and beaches of the Calanques are excellent for swimming, boating, and hiking.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a lively city, thanks to its huge university community. Bustling markets, a vibrant music scene, there are different sides to Toulouse that you need to explore when visiting this city.

Lille

One of the closest cities to the Belgian border, Lille is famous for its Grande Braderie which takes place each September. Then the street markets take over the city for 48 hours.

Lille is famous for its delicacies such as waffles, mussels, and french fries, while also having one of the largest art galleries in France.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is any wine lover’s heaven, this wine-growing hub leaves travelers breathless with its riverbank location and surrounding countryside. With more than 100,000 vineyards, Bordeaux offers numerous choices for those looking to try the best wines in the world.

In the city center, explore the Gothic-style Basilique Saint-Michel, walk across the Pont de Pierre, or snap a photo of the iconic Place de la Bourse and enjoy the Jardin Public’s pathways.

Chamonix

Looking to ski on the highest mountain in Western Europe? France offers that, visit Mont Blanc to enjoy winter. In Chamonix (the main place to stay if you want to ski at Mont Blanc), you’ll access the longest run in Europe (Vallée Blanche).

Chamonix in general is a great place to go hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting. For some family-friendly fun, visit the town’s adventure park to zip down its Alpine coaster.

Montpellier

Montpellier has the most stylish trams in France, featuring work by Christian Lacroix and Garouste & Bonetti. But you will not only visit Montpellier for trams, but there are also beautiful squares, from the vibrant and elegant Place de la Comédie to the enchanting Place de la Canourgue.

Mont Saint-Michel

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important and stunning monuments in France. Located on a rocky island in Normandy, it has been home to a monastery for more than a thousand years.

Mont Saint Michel can easily be visited during the day from nearby cities such as Paris, Cancale, or St. Malo. The gates open early around 9.30 am so be sure to grab your ticket before the massive crowds come.

Biarritz

A playground for the rich and famous in the past, now Biarritz is home to a seaside resort that attracts families, surfers, and sun-worshippers. Located in the Bay of Biscay, this place has a beautiful coast and excellent beaches.

St. Tropez

St. Tropez is known for partying and yacht-hopping, but there is much more to this place than this. After exploring St. Tropez’s famous beaches, travelers can explore the Vieux Port, check out its museums, or visit La Tarte Tropézienne to taste dessert.

Corsica

Called “France’s Isle of Beauty,” Corsica features great landscapes and a unique culture that make it seem like a small continent. Corsica’s clear blue water and white sand beaches are ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling and kayaking.

Not only that Corsica has mountain terrains and dense forests that provide opportunities to hike and have some outdoor fun.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a perfect mix of French and German culture due to its location on the France-Germany border. While here, travelers need to see the city’s Gothic-style cathedral and walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Petite France neighborhood.

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Hello! I’m Sara, a Croatian native. I’ve traveled all over the world and have knocked out some amazing cities and countries off my bucket list.

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