8 best cities to visit in France and what you can do in each

Paris’ iconic landmarks, the sun-kissed French Riviera, Bordeaux’s verdant vineyards…list goes on. France’s cultural and natural offerings are staggering, not just in volume but in terms of charm and diversity. It’s no surprise that painters and poets have flocked to France to be inspired.

We’ve rounded the best cities to visit in France and what you can do in each. Don’t forget to check out our guide to the best times to visit France to plan your next French vacation.

Paris is obviously one of the top cities to visit in France. Spend a few days checking out bucket list sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. There are so many things to do in Paris but remember to save a few days to explore local neighborhoods like Rue Cler, the Marais district, and the Latin Quarter.

The Parisian calendar is packed with events throughout the year. The best time to visit Paris is in the fall when the summer crowds have dwindled. Partake in the celebration of French food at the French Cuisine Festival (Fête de la Gastronomie) in September and Paris Chocolate Show (Salon du Chocolat) in October.

Where to stay: Take your Paris trip to the next level by splurging on hotels with the best views of the Eiffel Tower like Hotel Plaza Athenee and Hôtel La Comtesse.

Just 1.5 hours by train from Paris, Rouen, the capital city of Normandy, is one of the most beautiful cities in France, filled with over 2,000 half-timbered houses dating back to the late Middle Ages. Walk down Rue du Gros-Horloge and marvel at the much-photographed Great Clock (Gros-Horloge). Look for the towering cast iron spires of the tallest church in France, Notre Dame Cathedral of Rouen.

Visit Rouen in spring when the flowers bloom and join the Joan of Arc festival in May to commemorate the French heroine who was burnt at the stake in the town. Learn more about her bravery at the Church of Saint Joan of Arc and the Joan of Arc Museum.

Where to stay: Pamper yourself at the historic Hotel de Bourgtheroulde in the city center.

Hop on an eastbound high-speed train in Paris and you’ll arrive in Bordeaux in just two hours. The elegant port city boasts many historical and heritage sites. Join a walking tour to explore breathtaking spots like the Place de la Bourse and the mesmerizing “Water Mirror”, said to be the world’s largest reflecting pool.

Bordeaux is the gateway to the wine region of France. Join a wine-tasting tour to Saint Émilion to experience the magic of French wine. Plan a trip in the fall so you can participate in the traditional grape harvest festival.

Where to stay: Unwind after your long days of exploration in cozy boutique hotels like L'Hotel Particulier and Yndo Hotel.

The sparkling capital of the Côte d'Azur, Nice is a popular spot to start your escapade in the Mediterranean coast. It’s a convenient base to explore other seaside towns like Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer as frequent train and bus connections run through the area.

Other than relaxing by the glorious beaches, hike up Castle Hill for sensational scenery. Nice is home to boutique vineyards perched on the coastal hills that you can visit on a leisurely bike tour.

Nice is more pleasant in September and October without the crowds. For a different experience, visit in winter and be swept away by the energy of the long-running Nice Carnival in February when colorful floats and the Mardi Gras vibe takes over the coastal city.

Where to stay: Indulge in resort-style properties flanking the famous Promenade des Anglais like Hotel Le Negresco and Le Meridien Nice.

Positioned comfortably between Burgundy and Provence, Lyon is France’s third-largest city. The metropolitan city is easy to get to—just under two hours from Paris–but difficult to leave with its eclectic offerings.

Join a guided tour in Lyon to discover the covered passageways in Vieux Lyon. You’re in for an epicurean adventure as Lyon, the culinary capital of France, is the birthplace of bouchons, casual bistros where traditional French food is perfected. Be dazzled by the cavernous food market Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Lyon is the ideal launchpad to the French countryside like Rhône Valley and the magnificent French Alps.

Where to stay: Make Presqu’île, the city’s island nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers, your base and spend your nights in Hotel Carlton Lyon or Hotel des Celestins.

Dijon is a feast for all senses from its elegant medieval buildings to its gastronomic delights. Follow the fascinating Owl’s Trail to cover the city’s main attractions.

Dijon is the capital city of Burgundy, the serene and cultivated region of France that produces outstanding wine. You’ll be spoiled by the wide range of vineyards and wine-tasting activities.

Visit in the fall and be welcomed by stunning foliage and the smell of fresh grape harvests. Don’t miss the annual Dijon International Gastronomy Fair in November where you can savor the finest French products like Dijon’s renowned spicy mustard and wine-infused escargots.

Where to stay: Check out the impressive range of accommodation, from the Michelin-recommended Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon to a beautiful monastery-turned-hotel Appart'Hotel Odalys Les Cordeliers.

The port city Marseille is France’s second-largest and often underrated city. Connected to most parts of France via trains, Marseille is a vibrant city that’s refreshingly different from other French cities. Soak in the unique atmosphere of Marseille by wandering through its old port and the multicultural Panier District.

Venture beyond central Marseille and join a bike tour to explore the rocky coastal inlets in the Calanques National Park. Fall is a perfect time to do outdoor activities here. In October, the city hosts Fiesta des Suds, a music festival.

Where to stay: Hotel la Residence du Vieux Port and Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port have enviable locations by the old port and guests are treated to stunning views of the waterfront.

Tucked in the north-western part of Brittany, Rennes is a lively city and the region’s hub–just a swift 2-hour train ride from Paris. Swing to the rhythm of the French way of life in Rennes by strolling through bustling weekend morning markets in Place des Lices.

Enjoy lots of crêpes—the classic French crêpe is Brittany’s gift to the world—with locally produced cider. Thanks to Brittany’s coastline, fresh oysters are available all year round.

Visit Rennes in spring to immerse yourself in the relaxing vibe when popular spots are not packed yet. Embark on single or multi-day tours to nearby attractions like Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo.

Where to stay: Boutique hotels like Le Saint-Antoine Hotel & Spa and Balthazar Hôtel & Spa are irresistible with their top-notch services and facilities.