Best Cities in France for Tourists: 10 Places to See, Ranked

What are the best cities in France for tourists? France has far more to offer than one famous capital. From a port founded by Greek settlers to a medieval fortress in the south, this ranked list covers ten of the best cities in France to visit, counting down from number 10 to number 1.

The short answer: Paris still takes first place, but nine other cities, including Marseille, Lyon, Colmar, Annecy and Carcassonne, make a strong case for the best cities in France to visit besides Paris.

This is the written companion to our video on the same question. Watch it below, then read on for the details on each city.

Number 10: Marseille

Marseille is described as the oldest city in France. Greek settlers from Phocaea, a city on the Aegean Sea in what is now Turkey, founded it around 600 BC as the colony of Massalia. It is a working port rather than a polished postcard, and that rougher character is part of its appeal.

Just outside the city lie the Calanques, steep coastal inlets that are protected within Calanques National Park. They give Marseille an outdoor side that few other French cities can match.

Number 9: Lyon

Lyon sits where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, and that position helped build its fortune. The city became a major center of silk production and weaving, and its silk workers, known as canuts, lived and worked in the Croix-Rousse district.

The historic site of Lyon was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, which makes it one of the best cities in France for visitors who like to wander through layers of history.

Number 8: Colmar

Colmar, in the Alsace region, is known for its colorful half-timbered houses. The Petite Venise district, beside the Lauch river, is lined with them, and their reflections fill the canal.

It is also one of the best cities in France for Christmas. Each December its Christmas markets fill the old town with decorated half-timbered facades, wooden stalls and seasonal food.

Half-timbered houses reflected in a canal in Colmar, Alsace, France — Half-timbered houses beside a canal in Colmar.

Number 7: Annecy

Annecy is nicknamed the Venice of the Alps. Canals flow from Lake Annecy through a pastel medieval old town of narrow lanes, stone bridges and flower-decked waterways, with snow-capped peaks rising around the lake.

That mix of old town and mountain scenery is what sets it apart from the other best cities in France to visit on this list.

The Thiou canal and old town of Annecy, France, with cafes and a stone bridge — The Thiou canal in the old town of Annecy.

Number 6: Strasbourg

Strasbourg is best known for its cathedral. Bishop Werner laid the first stone of the new cathedral in 1015, and the steeple was completed in 1439, so the building took more than four centuries to finish. Its spire reaches 142 meters (466 feet).

The red sandstone spire and green roof of Strasbourg Cathedral in France — The spire of Strasbourg Cathedral.

Number 5: Bordeaux

Bordeaux, Port of the Moon, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007. UNESCO describes its urban plan and architecture from the early 1700s onward as an outstanding example of classical and neo-classical design, with exceptional unity and coherence.

In practice that means a city center where grand 18th-century architecture is still the everyday backdrop.

Number 4: Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is the birthplace of the Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, who painted mostly around his hometown. The Cours Mirabeau, its main boulevard, is lined with cafés and mansions and is still the city’s most fashionable promenade.

Aix is also known for its outdoor markets. Place Richelme hosts a lively produce market, and a flower market sets up in front of City Hall.

Number 3: Carcassonne

Carcassonne is an entire medieval fortress. The fortified city, known as the Cité, is ringed by 52 towers and two outer walls, and it has Roman origins. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.

Few places on any list of the best cities in France to visit are as complete, which is why Carcassonne earns a spot this high.

Number 2: Nice

Nice lies on the French Riviera. Its Promenade des Anglais, meaning the walkway of the English, runs along the Baie des Anges and takes its name from the English visitors who once wintered in the resort.

Behind the seafront, the Old Town is a historic neighborhood of narrow streets, and the Cours Saleya market sells flowers and fresh produce.

Number 1: Paris

Paris takes the top spot, and nine cities in, it is still not close. It is also a city that keeps renewing itself: Notre-Dame, badly damaged by fire in 2019, reopened in December 2024.

The best advice for any visitor is simple. Do not skip Paris, but do not let it be the only city you see in France.

The Eiffel Tower rising above the Seine river in Paris at dusk — The Eiffel Tower above the Seine in Paris.

Best cities in France at a glance

Rank	City	Known for
10	Marseille	Founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers; the Calanques
9	Lyon	Rhône and Saône; silk heritage; UNESCO site (1998)
8	Colmar	Half-timbered houses; Petite Venise; Christmas markets
7	Annecy	Canals and mountains; the Venice of the Alps
6	Strasbourg	Cathedral built from 1015 to 1439
5	Bordeaux	UNESCO site (2007); 18th-century architecture
4	Aix-en-Provence	Cézanne’s hometown; Cours Mirabeau; markets
3	Carcassonne	52 towers and two walls; UNESCO site (1997)
2	Nice	Promenade des Anglais; Old Town; French Riviera
1	Paris	Notre-Dame reopened December 2024

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cities in France for tourists?

Our ranking puts Paris first, followed by Nice, Carcassonne, Aix-en-Provence, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Annecy, Colmar, Lyon and Marseille.

What are the best cities in France besides Paris?

Nice and Carcassonne rank highest after Paris in this list, while Colmar and Annecy stand out for their canals and scenery.

Which is the oldest city in France?

Marseille is described as the oldest city in France. Greek settlers from Phocaea founded it around 600 BC.

What are the best cities in France for Christmas?

Colmar is a favorite, with Christmas markets held in its old town each December.

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