10 Most Beautiful Cities To Visit In France

France has a lot of history, culture and beautiful scenery. Each of its towns has unique features that bring in millions of tourists annually. From the exquisite charm of Paris to the sunny beaches of Nice, France has something for every tourist.

Paris

Paris the central city is linked to love art and history. The views of the city from the Eiffel Tower which is famous worldwide are fantastic. The Mona Lisa is one of many artworks at the Louvre Museum. The Gothic style of Notre Dame Cathedral is an art form in itself. The city boulevards like the Champs Elysees are full of high end shops and bars.

Paris is also famous for its food which includes crepes you can buy on the street and places with Michelin stars. Its areas like Montmartre and Le Marais show how the city used to be a mix of artists and wealthy people. The Seine River flows through Paris and many bridges that cross it offer beautiful views. Since Paris is gorgeous all year, any time of the year is an excellent time to visit.

Nice

Nice is on the French Riviera and it’s beautiful Mediterranean coast is what the city is known for. Along the water the Promenade des Anglais is a great place to take a walk and enjoy the view. The old Town of Nice has a unique charm from its small streets and busy shops. The city also has several art museums such as the Matisse Museum.

Nice food scene is affected by its closeness to Italy. It has delicious fish and traditional meals like Socca. People love to swim and lay out in the sun at the city’s public and private beaches. Throughout the year Nice is home to many events that honor everything from jazz to movies. The warm weather in the city makes it a great place to visit all year.

Bordeaux

The wineries around Bordeaux make some of the best wines in the world which is why the city is famous for its wine. The town itself has many UNESCo World Heritage places and beautiful buildings. With its reflecting pool the Place de la Bourse is a lovely example of 18th century architecture in Bordeaux.

The city food scene is just as impressive with high end dining options that go well with local wines. The riverfront in Bordeaux has been dramatically improved now featuring beautiful walkways and up to date sights. The Cit du Vin is a museum that is all about wine. It has hands on displays and tastes. Bordeaux is a must see place because it has old world charm and current energy.

Lyon

Lyon is the food city of France known for its long history of cooking. Traditional eateries in the city called bouchons serve hearty local food. Lyon Old Town is a UNESCo World Heritage site with Renaissance buildings, tables and secret tunnels. The city also has many shows, museums and events making it an excellent cultural place.

The beautiful Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvire and a comprehensive view of Lyon can be seen from Fourvire Hill. Presqu’le between the Rhone and Saone rivers is where most of Lyon’s shops and culture can be found. Lyon is a great place to visit because it has a lot of history, culture and delicious food.

Marseille

Marseille is the largest city in France. It is a busy port city with a Mediterranean feel. The old Port or Vieux Port is the center of the town and is lined with bars and fish restaurants. Marseille’s mixed history can be seen in its many areas such as Le Panier. Notre Dame de la Garde, the city’s most famous building, has fantastic views of the Mediterranean.

Marseille is also near the Calanques National Park with its steep rocks and clear blue water. The city’s busy markets like March des Capucins give you a feel for how people live there. Marseille has a rich cultural past that can be seen in its many museums and shows.

Nantes

Nantes is a city with a lot of history related to the sea and a lively arts scene. A must see is the Chteau des Ducs de Bretagne, a castle from the Middle Ages. The creative spirit of Nantes is shown by Les Machines de l’le which has substantial artificial animals. Places in the city that are green like Jardin des Plantes are quiet places to go.

Nantes urban projects mix old and new making the city a lively place to visit. The city has many galleries and shows so the arts scene is busy. People also love the food in Nantes which is known for its fresh fish and other dishes. Its position on the Loire River makes it even more appealing.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg near Germany is a beautiful mix of French and German elements. It is a UNESCo World Heritage site where you can see the city’s old town which has half timbered houses and rivers. The city is dominated by the beautiful Gothic design of Strasbourg Cathedral. The fact that the European Parliament is in Strasbourg shows how vital the city is globally.

Strasbourg has many museums and shows making its cultural scene very rich. Because of its unique history the city food includes both French and German favorites. The holiday spirit in Strasbourg especially at its famous Christmas market makes it a charming place to visit any time of the year.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a fancy beach town known for its beautiful beaches and surfing scene. With its fancy hotels and casinos the city Belle poque building adds to its charm. The Basque culture can be seen in Biarritz food which includes pintxos and fresh fish.

People of all ages go to the city beaches like Grande Plage to relax and surf. Biarritz also has beautiful ocean scenery that is great for hiking and exploring. At night a lot happens in the city from beach bars to fancy parties. Biarritz is a one of a kind place to visit because it has both class and casual beauty.

Avignon

It looks like an ancient town and it used to be the seat of the Papacy. The Palais des Papes on the UNESCo World Heritage list is a beautiful Gothic building. With its small streets and parks the city’s ancient center feels like it from another time. The theater event in Avignon is the biggest in the world and people come from all over the world to perform and watch.

With farms and farmland all around it the Rhone River adds to the beauty of the city scenery. Local foods like Papalines and Cotes du Rhone wines are famous in Avignon restaurants. The town is a must see because of its long past and lively arts scene.

Annecy

People often call Annecy the Venice of the Alps because of its beauty. The city lake is immaculate and great for many outdoor activities like swimming and boats. Annecy old town is lovely and warm with its rivers and ancient buildings. The French Alps are a great place to go skiing, climbing and other activities.

Fondue and raclette are two local dishes popular in the Annecy restaurant scene. Every year the city holds events honoring various activities from art to lake swimming. Annecy is a great place to visit because it has natural beauty and ancient charm.

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