11 Cities to Visit in France That Aren’t Paris

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France is the most popular destination in the Schengen area with millions of travelers exploring its rich culture every year.

A surprise to no one, Paris is the top city in France when it comes to tourism. The largest city, and the most globally recognized, a trip to Paris is a dream come true for people from every walk of life.

But what if you're looking to explore what France has to offer outside of The City of Light? Maybe you've already been to Paris, or you are curious about what else this sought-after country has to offer.

Don't worry; we have you covered. In this guide, we'll explore 11 of the best cities in France...that aren't Paris!

Nice, France

Nicknamed Nice la Belle (Nice The Beautiful), this coastal city is an excellent choice for travelers looking for warm weather and beachy vibes.

It's not just about the coast though. Nice (rhymes with "geese") itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll love exploring the vast collection of museums, parks, and historic sites around the city, with something to enjoy at every turn.

Its history is also intertwined with artists. Nice has been a popular port of call for beloved painters like Matisse and Chagall. In fact, there's even a Chagall Museum with an impressive collection of his work.

With festivals throughout the year and energetic markets (such as the Marché aux Fleurs pictured above), there's always something to do.

Tourists will enjoy Nice's mild Mediterranean climate, with gentle winters and warm summers that don't get too hot, but persuade sticking your feet in the sand. Plus, the city is easy to get to, as it's accessible by plane, train, or automobile.

While there, make sure to try some of the local cuisine, like salad niçoise, a tomato salad with tuna or anchovies, olives, and hard boiled eggs. Fish-fanatics should also look out for Nice's famous Pissaladière, a traditional flatbread with caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies. It's kind of like a pizza.

⭐️ Fun fact: Nice is a sister city to Houston, Miami, and the state of Louisiana!

Lyon, France

The third largest city in France, Lyon is nestled where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. For those still discovering France's geography, that's in central Eastern France, heading toward Switzerland and Italy.

History lovers will be happy to learn that Lyon has a Roman background with ancient Roman sites that can still be visited today, including a well preserved amphitheater.

If history isn't your cup of tea, might we suggest wine? Wine aficionados should add Lyon to their list. Located near both Beaujolais and Côtes du rhône (two very famous regions for grapes), you'll find a variety of high quality wines at prices likely lower than you'll find back home.

While in Lyon, try ordering mâchons: charcuterie accompanied with Beaujolais red wine that is served for brunch. At dinnertime, enjoy coq au vin, a local chicken dish that is known around the world.

Lyon is easily accessible by train and air and can be enjoyed year-round due to its temperate climate. Winters don't get too cold and summers don't get too hot.

⭐️ Fun fact: Lyon is a sister city to St. Louis and Boston!

Strasbourg, France

For those looking for a fairytale experience, Strasbourg should be at the top of your list.

Situated at the eastern border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is a unique blend of French and German culture. Just 16 miles from the Black Forest and 12 from the Vosges Mountains, the city satiates both indoor and outdoor explorers alike.

Strasbourg is famous for its medieval thoroughfares and half-timber architecture. Several of its streets still exist according to the city's medieval blueprint, such as Rue Mercière (which means haberdasher), Rue des Dentelles (lace), and Rue de Serruriers (locksmiths). Their names give a nod as to what sort of services could be procured there in medieval times.

Strasbourg is most famous for, however, its internationally recognized Christmas market: Christkindelsmärik. This market has been held since the year 1570, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in all of Europe.

Strasbourg has a small airport, but is easily accessible from major Western European cities by high speed train.

⭐️ Fun fact: Strasbourg is a sister city to Boston!

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux has a few nicknames, most famously "La Belle Endormie", or, Sleeping Beauty.

Built on the bend of the Garonne River, not far from the Atlantic Ocean, Bordeaux does get a fair bit of rain in the winter, but the temperature doesn't get too cold. The summers are warm and pleasant, making Bordeaux an enjoyable getaway.

With tons of museums, churches, and monuments, there are plenty of activities to fill your schedule with. For a more leisurely vacation, the region prides itself on its array of vineyards where travelers can usually find tours and tastings.

Of course, Bordeaux is celebrated for its vineyards and superior wines, but it's also a treasure trove of art and history. Bordeaux is home to 362 historic monuments and national heritage sites spanning the eras. Some dating back to ancient Rome.

While there, don't forget to pop into a local boulangerie and pick up a canalé, a rum and vanilla pastry that is a Bordeaux specialty.

With an airport and daily trains (even from Paris), this city is easy to get to...but you might find it difficult to leave 😉

⭐️ Fun fact: Bordeaux is a sister city to Los Angeles!

Toulouse, France

Located in Southern France, Toulouse is a mid-size city near the border of Spain. With its iconic red brick architecture and pastel blue window shutters, Toulouse has a unique aesthetic you will be hard pressed to find elsewhere.

Toulouse is a historic city. In fact, it boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Canal du Midi, a waterway that was constructed to link the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.

Those with an interest in space and air transport will be delighted to learn that Toulouse is the center of Europe's Aerospace industry and also has Europe's largest space center!

When it comes to travel plans, Toulouse has an airport, but is also well-connected by train (even from Paris), making it easy to get to and from.

Summers are long and hot in Toulouse, and winters are cool to mild. Autumn is the perfect time to visit because it's a little less crowded, but the weather is still comfortable.

While in La Ville Rose (warmly called The Pink City, due to its red brick-induced pink glow), make sure to try some of the local cuisine. For meat lovers, you can't go wrong with cassoulet, a hearty bean and meat stew. Or, try the traditional Garbure. Garbure is a stew with confit d'oie (salted and seasoned, fatty goose meat) and cabbage.

It's also worth picking up something made out of violets or blue pastel (another type of plant). Both of these plants are deeply woven into Toulouse's history and you'll find countless shops that sell everything from soaps and candles to violet syrups and sweets.

⭐️ Fun fact: Toulouse is a sister city to Atlanta!

Rennes, France

Labeled as city of art and history, Rennes provides both en masse. With ornate cathedrals, winding old town streets, and a location not far from one of France's most visited historic sites, Mont Saint Michel, Rennes is a quaint town that offers something for everyone.

Renne's city center is a historic goldmine with cobblestone streets and half-timber buildings. In this old part of town, you'll find beautiful parks and gardens, lively restaurants, and the winding River Vilaine running through.

While strolling the old streets of Rennes, don't forget to savor the local flavors by trying a Breton galette (galette Bretonne), a thin, salty "pancake/crêpe" made with buckwheat. Enjoy your hot galette made-to-order with popular fillings like ham, cheese, and fried egg.

When in Rennes, you'll find many cathedrals, museums to explore, and opportunities to shop, giving you something new to see every day.

Traveling to Rennes is very easy. While Rennes does have a small airport, there are more options when traveling there by train from Paris. Trains run every day, multiple times daily.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Rennes, as the weather is similar to the UK, so the city sees its fair share of rain.

⭐️ Fun fact: Rennes is a sister city to Rochester!

Marseille, France

The seaside city of Marseille is a must-visit. With turquoise blue waters, once-in-a-lifetime sunsets, and plenty to see and do, you'll quickly see why Marseille is the second largest city in France.

Not only is this city large, it's also the oldest city in France. It was founded by Greek settlers circa 600 BCE!

Of course, Marseille looks a lot different now than it did back in ancient times. Today, you can explore gorgeous cathedrals throughout the centuries, stunning monuments, and even a beachside castle with stunning oceanic views.

While there's a moderate amount of rainfall in the winter, the summers are hot and mostly dry, making them perfect for a dip in the sea or a snooze on the beach.

Marseille was a popular getaway for beloved French artists including Cézanne, Dufy, and even Renoir. One of its most appealing traits is its weather. This makes summer months quite busy.

One thing hasn't changed since its Greek origins though: the sunshine. Marseille is the sunniest city in France, seeing almost two times the sunshine that other French cities see.

Nantes, France

Only 31 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Nantes is a small city in Western France famous for its art scene, gastronomy, and wine.

Tucked against the Loire River, Nantes used to be known as "La Venise d'Ouest" (The Venice of the West) because of its water-filled quays and channels. In the mid 20th century though, most of these waterways were removed.

Because of the wet, oceanic climate in Nantes, crops grow really well. Nantes sees rain almost year-round, providing a lush environment for vegetables, fruits, and animal husbandry.

An important agricultural spot, this region grows much of France's leeks, radishes, and carrots. It's also France's largest producer of dry white wines.

When it comes to dishes itself, some local favorites include gâteau Nantais (a rum cake) and beurre blanc (shallots with a white wine butter sauce).

While Nantes is rainy, the city is lively with tons of museums, art, and events throughout the year. It's easily accessible by train from Paris and several other cities in France.

⭐️ Fun fact: Nantes is a sister city to Seattle!

Montpellier, France

On the Southern coast sits Montpellier, a bright city with enjoyable weather and a friendly energy.

This city is known for its pedestrian-focused design, making it particularly alluring for tourists. When you visit, you can stroll along the old streets of Montpellier and stumble upon vast gardens, historic buildings, and fascinating museums at every turn.

Montpellier is sometimes called "The Gifted", perhaps due to its mixture of French and Mediterranean culture, great weather, and sunny beaches. Its popularity shows in the numbers too, as it is one of the fastest growing cities in France.

Aside from being beautiful, Montpellier has a lot to offer the history-enthused. Throughout its history it has been a hub for medical education, in fact, the oldest medical school still in operation (no pun intended) is in Montpellier. It's also been a primary center for the spice trade.

Montpellier has an airport, as well as a well connected train system. While winters tend to be cool and damp, summers are hot and dry - perfect for long days at the beach...just don't forget your sunscreen 😎

⭐️ Fun fact: Rennes is a sister city to Louisville!

Dijon, France

It's a mustard; it's a city: it's Dijon! Perhaps not surprising as it's in the name, Dijon mustard was invented here.

This small city in Eastern France is a must-visit for travelers looking for a combination of incredible gastronomy and captivating history.

In ancient times, Dijion was the Roman city Divio. Later, it was the home to the famous Dukes of Burgundy. You'll find engaging museums throughout the city detailing its history and day-to-day life, as well as several art museums.

Dijon also has an impressive number of preserved churches, like Notre Dame. On an exterior corner, it has a famous owl carving on one of its walls. Local legend says that visitors who touch this sculpture with their left hand will be granted a wish.

Dijon, while located in inland France, has an oceanic climate. Its winters are quite cool and summers are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms.

⭐️ Fun fact: Dijon is a sister city to Dallas!

⭐️ Fun fact: Gustave Eiffel, the designer and engineer of the Eiffel Tower was from Dijon.

Limoges, France

Situated in Western France, Limoges is a small city with so much to offer its visitors, from stunning churches to luxury shopping and beautiful outdoor spaces begging for picnics.

Limoges has ancient roots as it was founded in 10 BCE under a different name, Augustoritum. Augustoritum was an important city in Rome, with theatres, aqueducts, and sacred sites. In fact, archaeologists are still uncovering new artifacts to this day.

At present, Limoges is a lively city most famous for its porcelain production. For anyone interested in antiquing or tablewares, you may already know about Limoges porcelain. While enjoying the city, you can see examples of it in porcelain houses, museums, and gift shops.

While classified as an oceanic climate, Limoges does usually get a little bit of snow in the winter. Its summers are quite warm, making it a popular time for tourists to visit.

If you feel peckish inbetween museum jaunts and garden exploration, you can find this region's famous galetou in many boulangeries. Usually rolled into a pinwheel, galetous are a savory pancake with meat and cheese inside. For those feeling a little more adventurous, it's also worth trying chestnut boudin or, black pudding.

⭐️ Fun fact: Limoges is a sister city to Charlotte!

⭐️ Fun fact: Celebrated French painter, Renoir was from Limoges!

Add these cities to your list:

• Nice - Southern France, warm weather and beaches

• Lyon - Eastern France, Roman sites

• Strasbourg - Eastern France, Christmas Market

• Bordeaux - Western France, wine and history

• Toulouse - Southern France, long summers and hearty stews

• Rennes - Northern France, half-timber buildings

• Marseille - Southern France, abundant sunshine

• Nantes - Western France, gastronomy 

• Montpellier - Southern France, pedestrian focused

• Dijon - Eastern France, history and gastronomy

• Limoges - Western France, home of limoges porcelain

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Europe travel

France