19 Underrated And Beautiful Cities in France You Need To Visit
France is more than just Paris, and if you have only visited the city of lights, you are missing out big time! The country is full of charming towns and buzzing cities that will have you falling head over heels in love with France - if you haven't yet. Need a little inspiration for your next trip? Here are 19 beautiful cities in France that you cannot miss!
1. Lyon
Lyon, the capital of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is one of the most underrated cities in France and even Europe - and I'm not just saying it, it's consistently voted as “The Most Underrated Cities in Europe.” The city is rich in UNESCO Heritage sites, has a robust culinary scene, brimming with beautiful sceneries, and boasts plenty of things to do! Plenty of reasons to make Lyon your next travel destination! Also, Lyon is known as the smaller version of Paris, the cleaner and more friendly version of Paris - but you didn’t hear that from me.
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2. Strasbourg
Strasbourg is located near the German border, which influence is visible all over the town's architecture and cuisine. During regular seasons, Strasbourg is as charming as it gets, but during the winter holidays, this beautiful town turns into a magical Christmas wonderland. The streets and houses are completely decked out in Christmas decor, and the many - yes, many - Christmas markets fill the atmosphere with the intoxicating smell of sweets and mulled wine. Visitors from around the world can't get enough of this enchanting town.
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3. Ile de Noirmoutier
Photo by Elodie Oudot
I only learned about Ile de Noirmoutier - or Noirmoutier for short - a couple of years ago from my French friends. It's a lovely island in the Bay of Biscay, more specifically in the Loire delta, off the west coast of France. It is connected to the mainland by the centuries-old Passage du Gois causeway, which is only accessible during low tide and a bridge. It's the perfect place to indulge in a carefree summer escapade. Oh, and if you are a seafood lover, you will love this place.
4. Antibes
Antibes, located in the French Riviera nestled between Nice and Cannes, is one of my favorite places in the South of France. It may be easy to get lost in the glitz and glam of the city, but right in the heart of Antibes, you will find the charming old town - where there's no shortage of colorful ivies, cobblestone streets, and lovely boutiques. It's the perfect place to get lost wandering around. And if you need a little escape from the city, there's Cap d'Antibes - a Mediterranean oasis!
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5. Eze Village
Perched on a hill over the Mediterranean Sea, the medieval French town is a must. You'll quickly lose track of time while exploring the intricate passages of Eze and admiring its jaw-dropping view. The greenery surrounding the narrow passages, uneven stone streets, and awe-inducing views, made Eze incredibly charming. Upon entering the medieval French village, I felt transported back in time. The garden, perched above the town on top of the mountain, feels like a little oasis - breathtaking views included.
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6. Biarritz
Biarritz, the posh seaside town located in France’s Basque coast, could be best described as Hamptons’ glitz meets Malibu’s layback surfer vibes, but French. Sold yet? The seaside town has cycled in and out of fashion since its peak in the mid 19th century, but with renewed charmed, hip boutiques, and a revived culinary scene, Biarritz is back in trend. This French seaside town is not a place where one comes armed with a planned itinerary by the hour; but rather a place where one visits and strolls aimlessly through its beautiful seafront and enjoys a lovely meal overlooking the ocean. But that' doesn't mean there isn't anything to do, au contraire!
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7. Saint-Malo
Image by djedj
Saint-Malo, a port city, located in Brittany Northern France, is a place that no only history lover would enjoy, but anyone that appreciates a beautiful town. Surrounded by a tall stone wall, Saint-Malo offers striking views, wide beaches, and quirky attractions. It's a great pedestrian city, which makes for lovely walks and exploring. You may be surprised to learn that the town was once destroyed during World War II but later restored to its original glory. Certainly, a unique city in France you cannot miss.
8. Hyeres
Hyeres, located in the Côte d'Azur, serves as an idyllic escape from the glitz and glamour of the neighboring cities of Cannes and St. Tropez. This little gem is no secret among the Frenchs, as locals flock to the beach town for a relaxing holiday every year. But Hyeres is not only about lazy beach days, oh no, there is a plethora of things to do in town - from hiking the Sentier du Littoral to taking a stroll to the past in the old village, to kayaking, and more! If you want to experience the French bon vivant, Hyeres is the place.
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9. Colmar
With its colorful buildings, quaint canals, and charming timbered houses, Colmar is the live version of your childhood’s fairytales town. The picturesque village - located near the border with Germany - is one of the best-preserved historical places in eastern France. For wine lovers, Colmar is also known as the capital of Alsace wine - Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines. But if you visit during the holiday season, you will be treated to the festive decor and Christmas markets.
To learn more about Colmar, check out:
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10. Menton
Image by Erich Westendarp
Fall in love with the French Riviera in Menton, a small seaside town located between Monaco and Italy. With its lovely old port, pastel buildings, and oh-so-delicious food, it's one of the top charmers in the French Riviera. Menton enjoys a warm microclimate - which means warm weather all year long - that allows them to grow their world-famous lemons in the winter. For which they hold an annual festival in February. Oh, Menton is also home to Mirazur, the number one restaurant on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
11. Ile de Porquerolles
Porquerolles has some of the most spectacular turquoise water and breathtaking views. Not to mention, the charming old town is adorned with flowers at every corner, colorful fruit stands, and pastel buildings - It will have you wanting more. Porquerolles is truly captivating and maybe France’s best-kept secret - ok perhaps it's not so secret. But Porquerolles has remained throughout this time, unspoiled. So, if you ever wonder what are the most beautiful cities in France, wonder no more because Ile de Porquerolles is definitely one of them.
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12. Saintes Maries de La Mer
In the South of France, nestled in the heart of Camargue, you will find the quaint village of Les Saintes Maries de la Mer – Les Saintes for short. The once a fishing village is now a picturesque resort town full of history and charm - but don’t let the word resort town deter you from wondering its little winding streets. It’s hard to talk about Les Saintes Maries de la Mer without mentioning Camargue; after all, Le Saintes is the capital of the region. Camargue is famous for its Natural Park, which includes a large UNESCO designated biosphere reserve. If you are a nature lover, you will enjoy this region.
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13. Gordes
Perched on a hilltop overlooking Luberon, Gordes is one of France's most beautiful and famous medieval villages. A stroll through the winding roads will leave you in awe at every turn - a life-version postcard! Visit on a Tuesday, and you will find the weekly market, the streets filled with people, and colorful stalls. Additionally, this beautiful place inspired Peter Mayle to write the bestseller book, A Year in Provence.
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14. Perouges
The picturesque and peaceful village is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns you will see in France. Located east of the country, Perouges will take you on a journey back in time with its cobblestones roads and half-timbered houses. And unlike other popular –touristy- places, the locals inhabit the town. As you explore it, you will see the residents going about their day. And the cherry on top, you will get to try their world-famous Galette de Perouges, which recipe remains unchanged since its creation.
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15. Cap d'Ail
Cap d'Ail, nestled between Nice and Monaco, the town offers dreamy coastline, stunning beaches, and posh scene without Nice or Monaco's price tag. It's one of my favorite cities in France, and one that I could easily see myself living in. The small seaside town is perfect for family, couples, or solo travels. It's the perfect place to relax, enjoy the beach, and savor delicious food. Cap d'Ail is, without a doubt, the hidden gem of the French Riviera that you don't want to miss.
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16. Avignon
Image by Gilles Lagnel
Nestled along the Rhone River, Avignon is a charming town rich in history and with plenty of things to do. Although its beginning dates back to medieval times, the city has a youthful vibe. UNESCO Heritage sites? Checked. Cutes cafes? Checked. Beautiful cobblestone streets? Also checked! Oh, and with festivals all year long and Christmas markets popping up in December, there's never a wrong time to visit Avignon.
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17. Fontaine De Vaucluse
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a picturesque medieval village built around spring and surrounded by high cliffs, not to mention a UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous for its emerald-green water and Sorgue River, the sun-filled Provençal town is perfect for a morning trip. One of the main attractions in town is The Source of the Sorgue River. What seems like a pool of still water, The Source - also known as the fountain - is continuously fed by a network of underground water, from which flows Sorgue – one of the most important rivers in Provence.
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18. Baux de Provence
Running the risk of sounding very repetitive, Les Baux de Provence is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Provence - and probably the most deserving of the title of Beautiful Cities in France. But honestly, they are all oh-so-beautiful! Les Baux-de-Provence, located atop a limestone hill in the Alpilles, is the perfect place to spend a day strolling its small alleys, admiring the awe-inducing views, and eating your way around. Although I didn't have enough time, you may also want to check out Chateau-Fortress des Baux - a fortified castle built during the 10th century.
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19. Aix en Provence
Aix en Provence, located in the South of France, is a breath-taking Provencal town - but besides its looks, it's also rich in history and culture. Aix - for short - is a great place to stroll through the markets, zip coffee at cafe terraces, and spend your day gracing museums. Everything that makes France so great. Although I visited during my road trip through Provence, I didn't get enough of this town and will return soon for my version of "A Year in Provence."
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Have you been to any of these highly underrated and beautiful cities in France? Let me know!
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