18 Most Beautiful Cities in France for your Bucket list
France is one of the amazing destinations in the world, and it is 100% worthy of finding a position higher up on your Europe bucket list. From iconic attractions and landmarks, history, beaches, wine, and retail therapy, these are our top picks for the most beautiful cities in France that you must not miss!
These best cities in France are destinations with atleast 50,000 inhabitants or more.
Most Beautiful Cities in France Bucket list
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Paris
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in France. It is one of our favorites. The City of Light should not be missed from your French trip.
Home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, you must pay a visit to the Iron Lady. Opt for a summit tour, or hang out at the gardens, and don’t forget to take Instagrammable shots in Paris capturing the Eiffel Tower from the grounds or Trocadero Gardens.
Ideally, 4 days in Paris, will allow you to explore the city’s highlights and give you enough time to visit popular museums such as the Louvre, Grand Palais, and Musée d’Orsay.
Visit the site where the historic center of Paris is located, check out Notre Dame Cathedral, and the prettiest stained glass windows of Sainte Chapelle. As you explore this area you can also stop by the bookstore – Shakespeare and Co.
The beautiful Seine River flows along as you walk through this neighborhood. We enjoyed going on a dinner cruise on the Seine!
If you are pressed for time, you can explore prime attractions in one day or three days in Paris as well.
When in Paris, soak in the ambiance of the romantic city by wandering through cobblestone lanes and cute, yet classy neighborhoods. We love Montmartre, Le Marais, Latin Quarter to name a few. This is also a great place to stay in Paris, if on a budget.
Staying at the city center is also a good idea if you wish to be close to major sightseeing areas like Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees in the 8th arrondissement.
Being one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is well connected to the rest of the world. Once you are in Paris, you can embark on numerous day tours, from Disneyland to World War sites in Normandy, Versailles, Giverny, and more.
What to book?
- Hotel: Hotel Balzac (with Eiffel Tower views in the 8th arrondissement)
- Tours: Eiffel Tower Summit Access | Louvre Museum Tour | Montmartre Walking tour
Paris Guides: Paris weekend trips, Paris in autumn, Paris Quotes, Paris gifts
Versailles
Versailles makes for an amazing day trip from Paris. And many travelers to France try to check off Paris and Versailles on one trip.
Versailles was founded as a new town by King Louis XIV, and it was home to the royalty. The Palace of Versailles and the city itself was the de facto capital of the Kingdom of France for over a century.
We recommend going on a guided tour of Versailles Palace and gardens to understand the height of French royalty, luxury, and its downfall. The history tour we took covered all these phases and more (including the signing of the Versailles treaty to conclude WWI at the Hall of Mirrors).
Château de Versailles and the gardens of Versailles are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
However, Versailles is more than the palace, it is a nice city with over 85,000 inhabitants. There are more historical sites to explore such as Marie-Antoinette’s Estate, Grand Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.
Most restaurants are located in and around the Palace, and the Trianon. If you want to purchase fresh food from a local market, head over to Marche Du Notre Dame.
What to book?
- Hotel: Royal Hotel Versailles
- Tours: Day tour from Paris
Lille
Lille is the fourth largest city in France. The city was known as “The Capital des Flandres”, and has Flemish roots, due to its closeness to the Belgian border.
The city is filled with cultural and historical gems, and is truly an underrated destination, and is a must add to your France bucket list. In the past, Lille was a small market town, and the center of French Flanders, and you can easily see many Flemish influences.
You can still explore the center – Vieux Lille – and wander through shops, and cafes of all kinds. This is a perfect place to hang out and soak in the vibe of Lille. The large central square, Grand Place, is also located here.
Grand Place is a massive square and there are many structures to admire, from where you stand! There is the Théâtre du Nord, set inside Lille’s former guardhouse, the art deco Voix du Nord building, and a high crowstepped gable.
You will also find a town hall and a Belfry in Lille!
Palais des BeauxArts was a pretty Belle Époque summer palace from the end of the 19th century and is a museum worth visiting. There are works by Monet, Raphael, Gustave Courbet, Rubens, van Gogh, Donatello, and Picasso.
Lille Citadelle is another attraction that you must stop at.
What to book?
- Hotel: Grand Hotel Bellevue – Grand Place (centrally located)
- Tours: Lille Walking tour – old town | World War II Bunkers tour
Rouen
By Cazzy from Dream Big, Travel Far
Rouen is one of the most beautiful French cities with half-timbered houses and cobblestone lanes. The capital of Normandy has so much to offer.
If you seek beautiful buildings, then you need to visit the epic Rouen Cathedral and the Gothic Church (Church Of Saint-Maclou). Both these buildings are stunning, brimming with beautiful Gothic architecture, and free to enter.
Rouen is also known for its culinary scene and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to good food. Wander the cobblestone streets and discover a great place to eat, then afterward head to the “Social Perk” for a great coffee and a croissant.
Other great spots to visit in Rouen include the church of St Joan of Arc and the Jardin des Plantes.
Rouen is a really great place to visit all year round. The summer months are warm and pleasant for picnics in the park, but winter brings Christmas markets and cozy vibes.
You’ll have no issues finding a great place to stay when visiting Rouen. There are lots of accommodation options. We recommend Les Initiés for a great mid-range option and Mercure Rouen Centre Cathédrale for that extra piece of luxury, and it’s a fantastic location.
One of the great things about visiting Rouen is its close proximity to Paris. You can easily hop on a train and be in the capital of France within 1 hour and 30 minutes. Or if you want to discover the seaside, you’re only a 50-minute drive from Dieppe.
What to book?
- Hotel: Les Initiés
- Tours: Walking tour of Rouen
Marseille
By Nadine from Le Long Weekend
France’s second city is a vibrant and exciting place to visit. Situated on the water’s edge, maritime interests are at Marseille’s core and you’ll find many of the main attractions huddled close to the Vieux Port.
There’s a little something for everyone in Marseille though. It’s a fabulous place for shopping – in high-end stores, bustling markets, and affordable independent boutiques around the city. You’ll find a weekly crafts and arts market in Cours Julien, and a daily (except Sunday) food market in Capuchins Street.
Culture lovers will enjoy the modern MuCEM museum on the waterfront, and the many exhibits it houses, as well as the nearby Le Panier district – Marseille oldest and perhaps most photogenic.
Of course, no visit to Marseille would be complete without a walk up to the Notre-Dame de la Garde, or a stroll around the gardens at Palais Longchamp. When things start to heat up, hit one of the city’s many beaches for a swim in delightfully calm and clear waters.
The best time to visit Marseille is in Autumn, around Sept/October. You’ll still enjoy warm temps, but have far fewer crowds to contend with, and the mistral winds that typically blow a lot in the Spring shouldn’t bother you.
There are numerous day trips from the city too. Most notably, it’s right on the doorstep of the Calanques National Park with its walking trails and fabulous beaches. You’re less than an hour from the artsy city of Aix-en-Provence, and just over an hour from Avignon or the hilltop village studded Luberon Valley.
What to book?
- Hotel: ibis Styles Marseille Gare Saint-Charles
- Tours: Marseille Sunset Dinner Cruise | Full-Day Valensole Lavender Fields Tour
Aix-en-Provence
By Asha from HomeTravelGuide
Having lived in this location for a couple of years we would definitely recommend visiting Aix-en-Provence. It is a bustling city often referred to as the ‘City of a thousand fountains’.
If you are planning a visit try to go on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday when the markets come alive bursting with color, the fragrance of lavender, and culinary delights.
There are a few markets which you can visit along the famous boulevard ‘Cours Mirabeau’ and the food market near the ‘Palais de Justice’.
The centre of Aix-en-Provence is best explored by just wandering around and getting lost in the maze of cobbled streets and cute boutiques. There are many things to see including the grand Cathedral; ‘Saint Sauveur’. Also head to the ‘Place et Fontaine d’Albertas’ where you can find a historic fountain and a courtyard square that brings you back in time.
For museum lovers visit the ‘Musee Granet’ right in the centre of the city square; here you will find beautiful paintings and sculptures and after your visit make sure to rest in the beautiful courtyard terrace.
If you have a sweet tooth then head to ‘Patisserie Weibel’ for a breakfast treat and don’t forget to buy the famous almond marzipan Calissons d’Aix.
It can get really hot in this region in the summer months so if you want to avoid heat and crowds then September is a lovely month to visit.
If you are also planning on being here for a few days then there are some lovely day trips you can make from here. Either head to Marseille for some lovely beaches and Calanques or explore the quaint villages of the Luberon region.
What to book?
Colmar
By Bec from Wyld Family Travel
Colmar is a place that will be etched into your mind forever once you visit. This beautiful French village is top of many people’s list of must-sees when they visit France and for very good reason too.
Colmar is located in the Alsace region of France. It is known worldwide for its fairytale houses that sit on the canal that runs through the picturesque village. In the summer you can find a wonderful restaurant to sit at and enjoy some of the world-class cuisine and wine in the sun. You can wander the streets and get some of the most beautiful pictures with flowers blooming everywhere.
In the winter you can attend the famous Colmar Christmas market. Many people travel to this area just to experience the Christmas markets that are held through the small towns and villages. The atmosphere at these markets is just wonderful and makes the holiday season even more magical than it already is.
While there are so many things to do in Colmar, if you would like to venture out of the town there are some magnificent day trips from Colmar.
You can visit the nearby Strasbourg for more amazing fairytale houses, the mighty Chateau Haut Koeningsbourg which guards the Alsace high on a hill, take a tour of the Alsace wine route to sample delicious wines or you can visit the World Heritage Site of Neuf Brisach.
Visiting Colmar is a traveler’s delight in any season and you will always find something wonderful to see, do or taste in Colmar.
What to book?
- Hotel: James Boutique Hôtel Colmar centre
- Tours: Old city e-bike tour | Day tour of Alsace from Colmar
Metz
By Jürgen & Martina from PlacesofJuma
The beautiful city of Metz is located in the Northeast of France, near the borders of Germany and Luxembourg.
On a visit you will have the chance to explore many lovely places in that town: Picturesque gardens, a historic old town, the many delicious French restaurants, and noble boutiques are just a few of the top things to see on any trip to Metz.
This charming town is settled directly on the marvelous Moselle River, where bridges connect to the island of Saulcy, a charming area with many buildings from the 18th century. The best time to visit this city is definitely in summer!
On warm summer days, people love to stroll along the riverbanks, having a picnic or taking a romantic boat ride on the beautiful river.
The main attraction and an absolute must-visit are the Metz Cathedral – Saint-Étienne – one of the most beautiful and largest Gothic church buildings in France.
Also interesting is the Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole (Opera House), which is one the oldest opera houses in Europe.
Another highlight is the many possibilities for day trips. In no time, you can go to Germany to visit Saarbrücken, or to Luxembourg, or to see Nancy in France!
All in all, Metz is truly amazing and with lots of historic charm and plenty of wonderful attractions for sure one of the best towns to visit in France!
If you are looking for a perfect place to stay, we can recommend the La Citadelle Metz MGallery – one of the best hotels in town!
What to book?
- Hotel: La Citadelle Metz MGallery
Lyon
By Candace from Candace Abroad
Sandwiched in between the beauty of the Rhône and Saône river is one of France’s most underrated cultural hubs—Lyon.
As France’s third-largest city and a gastronomic capital covered in UNESCO World Heritage sites—you’d think tourists would flock here in droves, but it still holds true as one of France’s best-hidden gems and the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
Dosed in French history only rivalled to Paris you’ll lose yourself instantly amongst the great architecture, quaint shops of Vieux Lyon, pastel splashed Renaissance Mansions and cobblestoned alleyways that’ve all seemed to age like fine wine.
Start your day off with a stroll through the Presqu’île square, then make your way to Le Garet for a traditional Lyonnaise lunch (we suggest the Quenelles). Stumble through one of France’s most photogenic neighborhoods—Croix-Rousse and relax with the best view of the city from the Fourvière Church.
If you like history, make a pit stop at the Musée Gallo-Romain to awe at ancient Roman artefacts or the Musée des Confluences, delving into centuries of human history. To end the day—eat like a local at Parc de la Tête d’Or or let the day turn into night with a lively riverboat ride on La Passagère or Le Sonic.
The best time to visit Lyon is in early autumn (when the colorful French foliage comes out to play). For an affordable yet smack-dab-in-the-middle-of-the-city location, consider staying at the Hôtel Saint Paul.
Tucked in Old Town the 14th-century building boasts a stylish yet simple decor—just how the French like it. You can choose from a single to a triple room, all individually decorated. Continental breakfast is also available.
If you have the time, pair your stay in Lyon with a day trip to the tiny village of Pérouges.
What to book?
- Hotel: Hôtel Saint Paul
- Tours: Old Lyon Food Tasting tour
Carcassonne
By Nichol of The Gap Decaders
Carcassonne is an historic city deep in Occitanie and famous for its renovated medieval citadel, La Cite. Home to rich history and religious dramas, La Cite is now a must visit on any French road trip.
Your first view of the 13th century citadel will literally take your breath away. With no less than 52 dramatic towers and turrets, and 3km of thick, thick defensive ramparts, the citadel is vast and dominates the skyline or Carcassonne. It’s free to enter, but if you want to visit the fascinating buildings inside, which include Château Comtal and the Basilique Saint Nazaire you do have to pay.
You can wander the cobbled streets and squares to your heart’s desire though, stopping to admire detailed stonework and carved wooden doors as you go. There are lots of bars and restaurants, which charge high prices for a drink or meal, but enable you to sit and soak up the atmosphere and history surrounding you.
Head for the big well, the oldest in La Cite and rumoured hiding place of Visigoth treasure, or walk the ramparts for unrivalled views of the surrounding vineyards and gently rolling countryside, with the bigger mountains in the distance.
For a less touristy French experience head to the new town, known as la ville basse, and enjoy the wonderful Saturday morning farmers market in Place Carnot, surrounded by bistros and bars where a breakfast of coffee and a croissant is de rigueur.
Make for the Aude, the clear sparkling river which runs through Carcassonne from the Pyrenees, on its way to the Mediterranean. The bridges are stunning, some of them very old, and you’ll pass through vineyards and pretty woodlands as you enjoy the beautiful countryside.
What to book?
- Hotel: La Villa-Carcassonne
- Tour: 2 hour walking tour
Annecy
By Jessie Moore of Pocket Wanderings
Annecy, located in southeastern France in Haute-Savoie, is a destination that’s incredible all-year round. It overlooks snowy mountains and eye-catching scenes of the beautiful Lake Annecy from every angle.
Watersports are popular around the lake, including paddleboarding and scuba-diving. You can even rent out a yacht for the day or sunbathe on the stunning sandy beaches surrounding the lake. Annecy is also famous for enjoying Raclette – a Swiss-cheese paired with potatoes, dried meats, gherkins and pickled onions.
There are tons of historical places to visit too. The charming old town is lined with pastel-coloured houses, a canal and authentic bakeries. The farmers market is also a fantastic experience in the old town due to its longstanding history and fresh produce.
The Palais de l’Isle is a stunning castle on an island in the river Thiou in Annecy. This building served as a prison and courthouse until the French Revolution, and was later used during World War II. This is a Historical Monument.
If Annecy wasn’t romantic enough, you can also enjoy the Pont des Amours or “lover’s bridge” – a truly stunning viewing point of the lake. Other areas of interest include Château d’Annecy, Annecy castle museum, and celebrating the Veneitan Carnival at the beginning of March.
Abbaye De Talloires is a superb stay. It was originally a monastery and now sports 33 large rooms with free-standing bath tubs and stunning decor. You can also enjoy fine, gourmet dining for a luxury experience.
For a more chilled yet luxury stay, The Clos des Sens isn’t too far from the lake and offers truly stunning views. It’s got a contemporary feel and is a great winter stay due to its heated outdoor pool and artistic fireplaces.
Annecy can be enjoyed all year round, but visiting in the summer months will enable you to enjoy comfortable temperatures whilst still being able to enjoy a dip in the lake or a full day of walking.
For some brilliant day trips from Annecy, it’s easy to access Geneva by bus, as well as Chamonix, Mont Blanc, and Evian-les-Bains (famous for its mineral water).
Being so close to the Swiss border, you can also explore plenty of fairytale towns in Switzerland, as well as the many charming towns in the French Alps.
What to book?
- Hotel: The Clos des Sens | Abbaye De Talloires
- Tours: Annecy day tour from Geneva
Nice
By Elisa from France Bucket List
Nice is one of the most beautiful cities in France to visit. It is located in Southern France, by the Mediterranean Sea, and is the unofficial capital of the French Riviera.
Nice is a great city to explore for its architecture, history, and great food. Nice is also the second city with more museums in France, so if you like visiting museums during your holiday, you will be spoilt for choice in Nice.
There’s no bad time to visit Nice, but we recommend the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) to avoid the crowds and find better prices, especially in accommodation. If you visit Nice during late spring or early fall, you can also consider ice creams and sea baths.
Nice is well connected to the rest of France by direct trains or trains via Marseille. It also has the third busiest airport in France, only after Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly, with regular or seasonal flights to many destinations in Europe, Africa, the US, and Canada.
The list of best things to do in Nice includes Castle Hill, a stroll around the Old Town, the iconic Promenade des Anglais, and beach time in one of Nice’s public or private beaches. The Matisse Museum and the Chagall Museum are two interesting museums to visit too.
There’s an extensive choice of accommodation in Nice for all the budgets. We like the Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Angles, a beautiful 4-star hotel with great views of the bay of Nice.
What to book?
Toulouse
By Jes from Tourist to Travellers
Located in Garonne plain of Southwest France, Toulouse has always had historical significance. The city gets its name from the Count of Toulouse.
From the 14th century onwards, Toulouse has made its name in France as the producer of “Pastel” Pastel is a very expensive pigment and is used for making blue paint. Pastels were later replaced by much cheaper “indigo” that was imported from outside leading to a decline in the fortunes of Toulouse.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, Toulouse once again rose to prominence as an important industrial player.
History buffs can have an amazing time exploring the historical area of Toulouse. Some of the places to not miss in Toulouse include the Museum d’histoire naturelle which is one of the leading museums in France, Les Abattoirs – an art centre, Basilique Saint Sernin – one of the largest church in Europe and a UNESCO world heritage site, Cathédrale Saint Etienne – a gothic cathedral, Pont Neuf – One of the famous bridges in Toulouse, and more.
Located between the world heritage site – Canal Du Midi and the river Garonne, Toulouse is a city bustling with innumerable cafes & boutiques. Fondation Bemberg is one of the finest art galleries in Toulouse containing the work of Picasso, Bonnard, Van Dyck, Monet and many more famous artists.
The best time to visit Toulouse is during the months of June to August when one can enjoy some sunlight and the weather is pleasant.
For accommodation, a very interesting choice would be Mama Shelter that is located in a erstwhile cinema in St Aubin.
There are a few day trip ideas from Toulouse, places such as Foix, Cahors, Albi and Carcassonne are located close to Toulouse. You can also explore the many vineyards around Toulouse.
What to book?
- Hotel: Mama Shelter
- Tour: Walking tour of Toulouse
Tours
By Leyla from OffBeat France
The city of Tours, a historical capital of the kings of France, is in the heart of the Loire Valley, home of the famous Loire chateaux and the perfect base from which to explore the region’s hundreds of castles.
Some of the most extraordinary chateaux are near Tours – whether Amboise, Blois or Chambord, the region is protected under UNESCO and its cultural richness is among the wealthiest in France.
And while castle-hopping is a wonderful pastime, there’s so much more to do in Tours. The heart of the medieval town is wonderful to walk, and its old, twisted streets are crammed with wonderful little restaurants that showcase the area’s gastronomic treasures.
After dinner, spend an evening having a drink on the Place Plumereau, surrounded by half-timbered houses, is an experience.
Tours has excellent museums, two of which really stand out. The stunning CCC, or Center for Contemporary Creation, has rotating world-class exhibitions. The other is the Musée du Compagnonnage, reflecting artisan know-how dating back to the Middle Ages.
Drop by the Saint Gatien cathedral, a mixture of styles, and the cloister, which you can access through the cathedral.
If you’re there in summer, don’t miss the light show. Other than summer, autumn and spring are wonderful seasons to visit Tours – winter can be cold and rainy, but not excessively so, and often, through the rain, the sunshine peeks through.
Recommended hotel is Oceania L’Univers, which is not far from the train station, and a mixture of old (it’s a national monument) and modern (the interior design).
What to book?
- Hotel: Oceania L’Univers
- Tours: Historical tour of Tours | Chenonceau, Clos Lucé & Wine Tasting day tour
Montpellier
By Rai from A Rai of Light
Located in the Occitanie région of southern France, Montpellier is renowned for its wine, its valuable mix of history and culture, and near-perfect weather year-round. Visitors are drawn to its neoclassical architecture, traditional markets, vibrant nightlife, charming old streets, and an abundance of things to do.
Top sights include Musée Fabre, Cathedrale Saint-Pierre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Place Royale du Peyrou. The city is built on two hills, with streets that are intimate and alluring while the modern area is a tourist centre and the seat of the International Vine and Wine Fair.
The pedestrian-only square, Place de la Comédie, is the centrepiece of the city and the ideal place from which to explore the rest of the metropolis. It is also home to the largest pedestrian area in all of Europe, making it a city that is great to explore on foot.
No stay is complete without a ramble along the Promenade du Peyrou and a stop at the Jardin des plantes de Montpellier. Lying just 7 miles from the Mediterranean coast, popular excursions include Pic Saint-Loup, Les Baux de Provence, and Béziers.
The country’s fastest-growing city is well connected to other major cities, including Paris, and is well worth a visit.
What to book?
- Hotel: Hotel Campanile Montpellier Centre St Roch
- Tours: Pic Saint-Loup: Full Day Wine and Olive Tour
Bordeaux
By Victoria from Guide Your Travel
Bordeaux is a beautiful historic city located in southern France. Of course, the area is world-famous for producing incredible and expensive wines.
If you’re interested in learning more about the unique wine-making process that makes this city so iconic you should head to the small town of Saint-Emilion. It sits around 40 kilometres outside of the city and is home to some of the most famous wineries in the world.
You can take the train there and it’s one of the best day-trips to take from Bordeaux. In Saint-Emilion you should take the little tourist train which will take you around the vineyards and chateaux. Saint-Emilion also has a beautiful historic town centre with lots of things to see and do.
Bordeaux is a city located by the Garonne River. The riverbanks are very beautiful and perfect for an evening walk. You can sit by the river and enjoy a picnic and watch the boats go by.
The Place de la Bourse is also a fantastic place to visit especially if you want to take photos. You can spot a lot of historic buildings around the city such as La Grosse Cloche or Porte Cailhau.
The famous Bordeaux Cathedral arguably steals the show. This incredible place is well-worth a visit and its interior is just as beautiful as its impressive exterior. Don’t forget to try the famous Canele which are little cakes that are specifically from Bordeaux. They’re sweet and absolutely delicious. You can buy them all around the city for just a few euros.
What to book?
Dijon
By Ania from the Travelling Twins
In the heart of Burgundy, in eastern France, lies one of the most charming cities in all of Europe: Dijon. A mere two hours from Paris by train, this picturesque city is home to no fewer than 100 restaurants (including a handful that have been awarded Michelin stars), an elegant opera house, and several iconic monuments.
With so many things to see here—from Renaissance paintings at the Musée des Beaux-Arts to stained glass windows in the Cathedral Notre Dame—even three days might not be enough time for you to explore everything.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts is located in the heart of Dijon in the Ducal Palace. The collection includes over 300 paintings by European and American masters from the 15th to 20th centuries, including works by Monet, Manet, Sisley and Géricault.
With so many incredible paintings to see here—ranging from Renaissance paintings by Rubens and Brueghel to 19th-century landscapes by Corot—you won’t be able to stop!
Since Dijon is the heart of Burgundy, it is no surprise that there are many wineries around the city, which you should visit and even better, you can try some local wines – both white and red.
Ideally, Dijon can be visited all year round, but the best time to enjoy it is between April and October, when the weather is pleasant and dry.
If you’re visiting the region in the summer (July and August), then make sure to attend one of Dijon’s outdoor events! There are a number of festivals held here throughout the summer months,
And of course, the best souvenir from Dijon is the famous Dijon mustard or a bottle of Vine.
Don’t wait, visit Dijon to immerse yourself in French food culture, history and art!
What to book?
- Hotel: Oceania Le Jura Dijon
- Tours: Day tour to Burgundy
Brest
By Victoria from Guide Your Travel
Brest is a fantastic city with lots of historic architecture and a lovely waterfront location. Brest is usually overlooked by the crowds of tourists who flock to other French cities each year.
This city, known as a hidden gem, has a lot to offer. Brest is home to one of the world’s few urban cable cars, which will carry you high above the city’s roofs for some of the best views around.
Brest, located in the heart of Brittany, is the ideal place to sample some of the region’s typical snacks and delicacies, such as the famed Gateau Breton or delicious crepes. Brest is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, and a day excursion to the Crozon peninsula is a must-do while you’re there.
The beautiful beaches on this stretch of land, as well as the high cliffs that allow stunning views of Brest across the water, will wow you. Crozon is ideal for a day at the beach, swimming, hiking, or simply resting.
Brest is a great place to visit for a weekend or longer. This is the city for you if you enjoy the water and discovering new places. Make sure to visit the Botanical Gardens of Brest which have hundreds of rare plant species. This is the perfect place for a picnic on a sunny day so make sure to pack some snacks.
Brest is located by the water so you can enjoy boat tours and water sports like paddle boarding or kayaking along the impressive cliffs.
What to book?
So that’s a wrap! We hope you enjoyed this curated list of the best cities of France. Do you have a personal favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Pin for later: Best cities in France to visit
