France is one of the best destinations you can plan a trip to – all because of its food scenes, rich culture with magnificent (and world famous!) landmarks. The best cities to visit in France can offer you unbelievable experiences to enjoy. Starting from the popular ones to visiting the lesser knowns, this guide will help you decide the best place to go to.
1. Paris – The Essential Start
No list of French cities is ever complete without Paris, of course. It is one, if not the most popular place, in not just France but the world. You can view the Eiffel Tower and take pictures under it or visit Notre Dame. It is almost unmatched when it comes to this city. And not just this, there are many hidden gems in Paris, France, you can visit like the Musée Rodin or the rolling hills of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
2. Lyon – The Food Capital
It is located in the south-east part of Paris and beautifully blends the beauty of Roman ruins with Renaissance-era architecture. It is one of the best cities to visit in France, mainly for its exquisite food scene, which is considered one of the best in Europe. You should also explore the hidden paths for the best experience.
3. Bordeaux – Wine, Design & Riverside Charm
This is a modern city and has rightfully earned its spot among the best tourist cities France has to offer. It has contemporary architecture and wine districts you can take part in. You can take a short train ride along the vineyards, and you will feel like you’re in a movie.
4. Strasbourg – Where France meets Germany
This is one of the most unique spots out there and has half-timbered houses. The main attraction is the Grande Île district, which makes it so. It is located right near the German border, and you can see its influence on it as you stroll along the paths. It’s one of the beautiful cities in France that rewards exploration.
5. Nice – Mediterranean Flair & Coastal Living
In the south and along the Côte d’Azur lies Nice. It has seaside resorts and buildings painted in pastel colors. The beaches are also ideal places to relax and feature the best of the south of France. If you want to relax, then this is the place for you.
6. Montpellier – Dynamic & Youthful
This city is often overlooked and deserves a spot among the best towns in the South of France. All the beaches and nightlife are within short distances from each other. Many younger generations, such as Gen Z, will prefer this more as it’s full of energy.
Escape the Crowds with Hidden Gems in France
Once you’ve chosen one or two cities mentioned here, or better yet, all of them. It’s better to branch out to smaller places that are well hidden for true discovery. Some of the hidden gems in France include towns like Annecy or Épernay in Champagne. These aren’t strictly “cities,” but staying a night or two or exploiting here can enrich your trip than visiting the usual tourist places.
Some Tips on Choosing Which Cities to Visit
To pick your best cities to visit in France, start by asking what kind of mood you’re in right now or decide how you want to best experience France.
- If you want a city with gastronomy and a bit of history → Lyon
- Rivers and drinking wine in elegance → Bordeaux.
- Relaxed city life → Nice.
- Blend of old towns and German culture → Strasbourg.
- Youthful and access to the southern coastal→ Montpellier.
You can also buy an eSIM Europe as well if you plan a complete Europe trip.
Ditch the Connectivity Worries & Explore Freely with eSIM
Traveling through these cities means you need to reliably stay connected to the internet. That’s why the convenience of new connectivity solutions from a good provider such as Airhub eSIM, is a game-changer. You can activate it instantly and buy it completely online. This way, you don’t have to deal with roaming charges at affordable prices. Even better, if you choose a regional plan for Europe, you won’t be limited to just France; you can explore all of Europe without needing multiple SIM cards.
Your French Dream Trip Is Closer Than You Think
Pick one or two main cities and then build your trip plans around them. Be sure to add in hidden gems or small towns to fully experience the local culture. Don’t rush as you travel through the best cities to visit in France and slowly immerse yourself in what the cities offer. Also, don’t forget to solve your connectivity as you don’t want to deal with the long queues or buggy WiFi later on. So, buy an eSIM France, start planning, visit main cities along with less popular ones and make your French journey more exciting.