10 Top Places to Visit in France for Every Traveler

France is an idyllic destination, conjuring up mental movies of medieval villages, cozy brasserie tables strewn with cheeses and wine, sun-soaked fields of lavender, and the gently lapping waves of the Mediterranean against white, pebbly beaches. But where to go in a country that has so much to offer?

The top places to visit in France will take you from the best neighborhoods in Paris to the vineyard-striped landscapes of Bordeaux, the beaches of Nice, and everywhere in between. These interesting places in France are not only brag-worthy destinations in Europe, but top places to visit in France are also among the most beautiful places in the world.

1. Paris

No list of the top places to visit in France is complete without mentioning its iconic capital. Whether it’s your first or 50th visit, Paris never fails to amaze, with its centuries of history and its pension for culture, especially if you’re exploring world-famous museums like the Louvre and Orsay.

Best for foodies

There’s a never-ending list of things to do, see, and (importantly) eat in Paris. You can try everything from fluffy macarons to the most scrumptious of baguettes when searching for the best food and drinks in Paris.

Main attractions

Paris really springs into life when the sun goes down, and some of its top attractions step into the spotlight. Grab your loved one and take them to Paris’ most iconic landmark: a visit to the Eiffel Tower and its sparkling light show, before whisking them across town to the Moulin Rouge.

Best airport

Travelers can fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the main international airport in France.

2. Bordeaux

Bordeaux might just be one of the most underrated cities in all of Europe. This is something you’ll realize as soon as you step under the Gothic Porte Cailhau and onto the cobbled streets of Saint Pierre, the medieval old town, and you wonder why the throngs of tourists have not also descended on this scene straight out of a storybook.

Best for wine connoisseurs

While Saint Pierre may be centuries old, the streets are lined with trendy restaurants, boutiques, and (yep, you guessed it) wine bars. They’re the perfect place to introduce your taste buds to what puts Bordeaux on the map: world-class wine. However, if you want a truly palate-pleasing experience, leave the city center behind and head to a nearby vineyard for an unforgettable afternoon of swilling, spitting, and savoring on a Bordeaux wine-tasting and winery tour.

Main attractions

Undulating fields of vineyards aside, there are some fascinating cultural and historical tours in Bordeaux. Get lost in the Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles of the Bordeaux Cathedral or step inside the Musee d’Aquitaine, which dives deep into the region’s history.

Best airport

Visitors to Bordeaux can fly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD).

3. Lille

Often overlooked in lieu of cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, Lille is a city that packs a surprising punch for travelers. Capital of the northern Hauts-de-France region, this city on the Belgian border wows travelers with French and Flemish architecture, museums like the Palais des Beaux-Arts, and a pulsing nightlife on Masséna and Solférino streets.

Best for history lovers

The old town (known as Vieux-Lille) is a striking blend of age-old French and Flemish architecture, and its streets and attractions can be easily explored in one afternoon.

Main attractions

In addition to the historic streets of Vieux-Lille, just outside the old town is the 104-meter-tall town hall Belfry, which you can climb for panoramic views of the city and beyond.

Best airport

Travelers have several options for getting to Lille. The closest airport is Lille Airport (LIL), though international visitors will probably have more options if they fly into Brussels Airport (BRU). Brussels is an hour and a half drive from Lille.

4. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is known the world over for being one of the most spellbinding Christmas markets in Europe. If you can’t make it in December, worry not — the city is built to wow throughout the year. Petite-France, the city’s historic canal quarter, is a joy to explore no matter the season.

Best for architecture and history

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a patchwork of colorful, half-timbered houses that can be easily accessed by foot, bike, or Segway. Strasbourg walking tours are wonderful ways to take the city sights in slowly, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photo ops along the way.

Main attractions

Just a short walk, pedal, or roll from Petite-France is the Strasbourg Cathedral, the city’s most-loved landmark. The 465-foot (142-meter) high structure was the tallest building in the world for over 200 years — and is still an imposing and impressive highlight.

Best airport

Visitors can fly into Strasbourg Airport (SXB).

5. Nice

Who hasn’t dreamed of topping up their tan on the Côte d’Azur? The famed stretch of coast in the south of France is a paradise for sun-seekers. Nice features some of Europe’s best beaches, and you’ll also find nearby glitzy Mediterranean cities and towns ripe for exploring.

Best for a beach break

Nice’s year-round sun, beachside promenade, and seafood scene create arguably the region’s must-visit destination. Once you’ve got your fill of sun lounging and old-town exploring, cruise to Villefranche Bay and get a taste of French glam as you sail alongside the superyachts with these Nice cruises and boat tours.

Main attractions

Life in Nice is slow-paced and colorful, with top attractions ranging from the Cours Saleya market to the seaside Promenade des Anglais. Don’t miss Castle Hill, a former military citadel that dates back to the 11th century. It still stands perched atop a hill overlooking the bay of Nice.

Best airport

The closest airport to Nice is Nice Airport (NCE), but travelers can also fly into Monaco (MCM).

6. Annecy

Annecy, perched on a lake by the same name, is a lesson in living history and natural beauty. The 17th-century buildings of Vieille Ville (Old Town) are splashed in shades of ochre, pink, and peach, while canals cut stony streets, and the 2351-meter-peak of La Tournette looms in the distance. Annecy is just the tonic for anyone looking to spend a day or two away from the hustle and bustle of France’s famous cities.

Best for a city break

The idyllic little town sits perched on the northern shore of Lake Annecy, just a 45-minute drive from Geneva. It won’t take long to discover why Annecy is known as the Venice of the Alps. Mountains surround the centuries-old town, and Annecy’s blindingly blue canals meander through the center.

Main attractions

Spend your days strolling along these flower-lined waterways, snapping photos of the Palais de l’Île as you go.

Best airport

Geneva Airport (GVA) is the closest airport to Annecy. It is less than an hour’s drive away.

7. Colmar

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect old town in the heart of wine country, then it’s time to head to Colmar. This dreamy little town has been casting a spell over visitors for centuries — especially in the historic center, with its Renaissance and Gothic architecture and rustic wine bars and brasseries. After all, Colmar is the wine capital of the Alsace region.

Best for photography and history

Cobbled alleys, canals, and pastel-colored houses make for particularly snappable walks here. You can add these top things to do in Colmar to your list, like visit St. Martin’s Collegiate Church, the largest church in the city, or see the House of Heads, which was named after the 106 spooky faces and masks that decorate its facade. Thankfully, Colmar isn’t the only gorgeous town in Alsace.

Main attractions

The region has several must-see little villages like Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Hunawihr. You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve wandered into a fairytale while exploring them.

Best airport

The closest airports to Colmar are EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) and Strasbourg Airport (SXB).

8. Toulouse

Toulouse isn’t the first name that springs to mind when planning a trip to France. However, this underrated city has heaps of memory-making activities on offer. It’s also a great base for exploring the southwest of France.

Best for history and art

Tucked at the bend of the Garonne River and Canal du Midi, Toulouse is a treasure chest of historic sites and architectural attractions. For one, the Basilica of Saint Sernin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Muséum de Toulouse has a collection of more than 2.5 million items from natural history.

Main attractions

The Basilique Saint-Sernin and the Place du Capitole are two of Toulouse’s main attractions. But Toulouse is a great jumping-off point from which to explore other destinations in the region. Just an hour east of Toulouse is Carcassonne, a medieval, fortified city perched on a hilltop. It’s one of France’s most awe-inspiring sights and a real highlight of any trip to this beautiful country.

Best airport

The closest airport to Toulouse is Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS).

9. Aix-en-Provence

Leafy boulevards and stately 17th-century mansions are just a few eye-catching attributes of delicate Aix-en-Provence. The town explodes in color, from the lavender fields of Aix-en-Provence to its produce-rich farmer’s markets and nearby wineries. It’s easy to see why this small city in the foothills of the Alps is known for its art de vivre (the art of living).

Best for a city break

Aix-en-Provence is a city that invites you to linger for as long as possible. It’s often called the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” thanks to the bevy of babbling fountains throughout. Its architecture is some of the oldest in France, like the Aix Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century. Grab an outdoor table at Cafe du Temps and while away the afternoon enjoying a warm breeze and excellent people-watching.

Main attractions

The main boulevard in Aix-en-Provence is Cours Mirabeau, which divides the jumble of historic buildings in Old Town from the elegance of the Mazarin Quarter. Aix was also the home of painter Paul Cézanne, and travelers can visit Atelier Cézanne, his final studio.

Best airport

The closest airport to Aix-en-Provence is Marseille (MRS).

10. Basque Country

Straddling the border of France and Spain, Basque Country is an entire culture and world all its own. French Basque Country’s main towns are Bayonne and Biarritz, as well as the small towns and villages along the Atlantic coast. The region is famous for its beaches, cuisine, and gorgeous views of the Pyrenees Mountains.

Best for foodies and beach bums

Given that the French Basque Country hugs the Bay of Biscay, fish and seafood are a must in this part of France. A veritable cornucopia of mussels, prawns, and local fish fill up tables from St-Jean-de-Luz to Biarritz. Biarritz and nearby Hossegor are known for their surf culture and golden sandy beaches.

Main attractions

French Basque Country is a juxtaposition of historic architecture and glamorous beaches. Bayonne’s Gothic Cathédrale Ste-Marie dates back as early as the 13th century, while the Grande Plage in Biarritz beckons both laid-back surfers and glamorous European crowds.

Best airport

Travelers can fly into the Biarritz Airport (BIQ) or San Sebastián Airport (EAS) in Spain, less than an hour from Bayonne.