The 10 Best Places to Visit in France Beyond Paris

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough. When speaking about France, why is the conversation always centered around Paris instead of the hidden gems waiting just beyond the metropolis? In fact, beyond the capital city, you’ll uncover true French allure. From charming old towns to breathtaking coastal beaches, France’s cities are brimming with unique experiences waiting for you. So let’s journey to the 10 best places to visit in France, each offering unique things to do in France.

Get ready to venture beyond the most famous French cities and experience the full wonders of France. So, allons-y! Let’s go!

If you’re still starting your France travels in Paris, learn what not to miss in Paris in The Ultimate Paris Travel Guide For Solo Travelers!

1. Annecy, Haute-Savoie: French Cities

Nestled in the French Alps, Annecy is often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps.” Boasting picturesque canals & stunning lakesides, its beauty places it amongst the 10 Top Places to Visit in the French Countryside. Featuring pastel-colored buildings and flower-lined streets, this romantic retreat is amongst the best places to visit in France for couples. Visit Annecy to also discover

Things to Do in Annecy You Don’t Want to Miss:

• Take a Scenic Boat Tour or Paddle board to Explore Lake Annecy, Europe’s cleanest lake surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery.
• Visit the Château d’Annecy, a beautifully restored medieval castle overlooking the old town.
• Stroll Along “Le Thiou” Canal, often less crowded than the main canals, and enjoy an intimate view of Annecy’s architecture.
• Indulge in Local Savoyard Cuisine like raclette, fondue, tartiflette, and diots (sausages).

2. Colmar, Alsace: France Cities

Colmar, located in the Alsace region, is a fairytale-like town with its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and vibrant floral displays. Therefore, it’s amongst the best places to visit in France if you want a storybook-like French escape. You’ll see how its unique blend of French and German culture make Colmar a real hidden gem.

Things to Do in Colmar You Don’t Want to Miss:

• Explore the Old Town (Vieux Colmar) to stroll along cobblestone streets and discover sites embalmed in medieval and Renaissance architecture.
• Visit the Unterlinden Museum in a former 13th-century Dominican convent, the Unterlinden Museum is home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts.
• Experience the Little Venice Quarter (Quartier de la Petite Venise), a picturesque part of town lined with canals and colorful houses, resembling the charm of Venice.
• Try Alsatian Cuisine in the Alsace region like tarte flambée (a thin, crispy pizza), choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and other meats), and local wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer (the most delicious dessert wine ever!)

3. Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: The Best Places to Visit in France

The French city of Lyon may not be as famous as Paris internationally, but in France it’s known for its rich cuisine and fascinating history. In fact, it’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of narrow streets filled with charming cafes and bouchons (traditional eateries). Lyon is undoubtedly one of the best places to explore French gastronomy.

Things to Do in Lyon You Don’t Want to Miss:

• Dine at Michelin-Starred Restaurants such as Paul Bocuse’s L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, which has held three Michelin stars for decades.
• Explore Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, the famous indoor food market, often referred to as the “belly of Lyon.”
• Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière perched on a hill to offer panoramic views of Lyon and is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture.
• Experience Lyon’s Bouchons, cozy restaurants serving hearty Lyonnais cuisine like quenelles (fish dumplings), coq au vin, and praline tarts.

4. Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine: French Cities

Ah, Dordogne. With lush landscapes, medieval castles, and prehistoric caves, it’s amongst the best places in France to experience rural French culture. So explore the stunning countryside, visit ancient paintings in Lascaux Cave, and savor the local cuisine of this provincial star.

Things to Do in Dordogne You Don’t Want to Miss:

• Visit the Lascaux Caves, known for their prehistoric paintings dating back over 17,000 years.
• Explore the Châteaux of the Dordogne Valley for stunning castles (châteaus), including Château de Beynac, Château de Castelnaud, and more.
• Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride above the Dordogne countryside for a bird’s-eye view of stunning landscapes, castles, and villages. The beauty of this tour alone makes it of the best places to visit in France alone.
• Enjoy Wine Tasting in Bergerac to sample the region’s red, white, and sweet wines at local vineyards.

5. Nantes, Pays de la Loire: The Best Places to Visit in France

Nantes is a city that seamlessly blends history and modernity. Equally, you’ll notice this strolling the charming Bouffay district or visiting the Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a unique blend of art and engineering.

Things to Do in Nantes You Don’t Want to Miss:

• Visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the historic Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, a well-preserved medieval fortress.
• Discover the Machines of the Isle of Nantes (Les Machines de l’île), a unique attraction combining art and engineering like the Great Elephant, a gigantic mechanical elephant that takes visitors on a ride.
• Experience the LU Tower (Tour LU) by climbing the iconic tower once part of a biscuit factory for panoramic views of Nantes.
• Experience Nantes’ Art Scene for a thriving art scene with several galleries and contemporary art spaces.

6. Strasbourg, Alsace: French Cities

Located on the banks of the Rhine River, Strasbourg is a city with a distinct French and German influence. The Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is a must-see. Additionally, the city’s beautiful canals and the stunning district of La Petite France offer a serene escape which lands it on this list amongst best places to visit in France.

Things to Do in Strasbourg You Don’t Want to Miss:

• Visit Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg) and explore the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece with intricate Gothic design.
• Explore the Strasbourg Christmas Market If you visit during the holiday season to not  miss the Strasbourg Christmas Market, one of the oldest and most famous in Europe.
• Take a Canal Boat Tour to enjoy Strasbourg by water on a scenic canal boat tour passing through charming neighborhoods.
• Experience the Strasbourg Opera House to catch a performance at an opera house known for its excellent productions and beautiful architecture.

7. Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: The Best Places to Visit in France

Avignon is renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls and the iconic Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). This charming city is the gateway to the picturesque Provence region, known for its lavender fields and vineyards.

Things to Do in Provence You Don’t Want to Miss:

• Visit the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a UNESCO site recognized as an important Gothic building in Europe.
• Discover the Rocher des Doms to relax and enjoy lush gardens, fountains, and stunning vistas of the Rhône River.
• Experience the Festival d’Avignon — if you’re visiting in July — one of the most prestigious theater and performing arts festivals in the world.
• Sample Provencal Cuisine at local restaurants to try iconic dishes like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and tarte Tatin, and pair them with regional wines from nearby vineyards.

8. Carcassonne, Occitanie: French Cities

Carcassonne is a fairytale fortress town, complete with turreted walls and a drawbridge. The medieval Cité de Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transporting visitors back in time to the age of knights and castles and transporting the city to my list of the best places to visit in France.

Things to Do in Carcassonne You Don’t Want to Miss:

• Wander through the Cité de Carcassonne, a perfectly preserved medieval fortress with its formidable walls, drawbridges, and turrets. 
• Visit the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, a stunning Gothic cathedral within the Cité with beautiful stained glass windows and impressive architecture.
• Take a Boat Ride on the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site with picturesque waterways.
• Attend a Medieval Festival if you’re visiting during the summer and look for events taking place in the Cité. 

9. Toulouse, Occitanie: The Best Places to Visit in France

Known as “The Pink City” due to its terracotta buildings, Toulouse is a vibrant city with a rich aerospace history. Explore the Capitole de Toulouse, visit the Cité de l’Espace (Space City), and savor the delicious local cuisine.

Things to Do in Toulouse You Don’t Want to Miss:

• Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a beautiful Romanesque church and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Discover the Capitole de Toulouse, a neoclassical building housing the Salle des Illustres, a lavishly decorated hall featuring artwork & statues.
• Savor Toulouse Cuisine at traditional restaurants and markets for authentic dishes like cassoulet (a hearty stew) and foie gras.
• Walk Around the Old Town to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and browse shops and boutiques for souvenirs or local products.

10. Aix-en-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: France Cities

Aix-en-Provence is a charming and wealthy French city famous for its elegant streets, historic fountains, and vibrant markets. It’s an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Provence countryside, with its lavender fields and wine vineyards. So, if you love wine tasting and flower fields, it’ll make your list of the best places to visit in France too.

Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence You Don’t Want to Miss:

• Start Your Visit With A Stroll along Cours Mirabeau, Aix’s main boulevard lined with cafes, shops, and fountains.
• Visit the Atelier Cézanne to discover the former studio of the famous painter Paul Cézanne at the Atelier Cézanne.
• Sample Local Treats such as calissons (almond candies), pastis (an aperitif), and wine or cheeses at markets.
• Relax in the Thermal Baths, where you can experience the soothing effects of the town’s natural hot springs.

Embark on An Adventure to France’s Hidden Gems

France is a country that continues to captivate travelers with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and exquisite cuisine. While Paris may be the crown jewel, these hidden gems offer a different perspective of France’s beauty and charm. Whether you’re wandering Annecy canals or savoring the flavors of Lyon, these must-visit France cities offer more authentic experiences. If you’d like to keep it to the countryside, read my 10 Top Places to Visit in the French Countryside. Top So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to discover the enchanting hidden gems of France.