Paris, Lyon, and more: The best France cities to visit for a fantastique time

While Paris often hogs the limelight with its iconic Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Instagrammable terraces, France has just as much to offer outside its capital city.

In fact, the best France cities each punch above their weight when it comes to unique experiences waiting for you to try out.

There are opportunities to pursue programmes in English in France, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, try food in the country with the most Michelin stars, and so much more.

Thanks to France’s efficient transportation system, you can get to many cities quickly. The high-speed TGV trains can take you from Paris to cities like Nice, Strasbourg, or Bordeaux in what feels like no time, allowing you to experience the different landscapes and cultures of France.

But before we dive into the best France cities to visit, there are some you might want to avoid.

While France is a great country to visit, there are some places that can be dangerous for international students. Source: AFP

Places to avoid in France

As with many other countries, like Mexico, the UK, and the US, some places may be a little more unsafe than others.

One of the most dangerous places in France is La Villeneuve in Grenoble, as it experiences high crime rates, including drug trafficking and violent crimes. Grenoble has one of the highest crime rates in the country at 59.1, which is calculated by dividing the number of reported crimes by the total population.

Grenoble’s high number is due to the high levels of social discrimination, drug-related crimes, property damage, and vandalism.

Another place to be cautious of when in France is the district of Seine-Saint-Denis in the northern suburbs of Paris. This area is also known for its high crime rates, including many cases of mugging and assault. 

10 best France cities to visit during your school breaks

The 2024 Olympics will be hosted by the city of Paris. Source: AFP

1. Paris 

Paris is undeniably the best city to visit when in France. As the nation’s capital, this comes as no surprise. Paris attracts over 30 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

With centuries of history, art, and culture to explore, Paris is a great place to visit during your summer break. There’s the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the Louvre that could take up most of your time in the city. 

Paris is also a shopper’s paradise. The Champs-Élysées has designer stores like Cartier, Dior, Guerlain, Levi’s, and Louis Vuitton. If you are on a budget, you can explore the city’s markets, where you can find local handmade treasures. 

And there’s no going hungry when you’re in Paris — there are 121 Michelin-starred restaurants to indulge in, or you can simply enjoy pastries and coffee at one of Paris’ local cafés.

2. Rouen 

Rouen may be the site of Joan of Arc’s untimely end, but you’re sure to have a much better time in this French city. 

Just a one-and-a-half-hour train ride away from Paris, Rouen is known for its streets lined with over 2,000 half-timbered houses from the late Middle Ages. There, you can enjoy local specialities like duck à la Rouennaise and apple-based desserts and take a stroll down Rue du Gros-Horloge to the Great Clock (Gros-Horloge). You’ll be able to spot the Notre Dame Cathedral of Rouen, the tallest church in France, too. 

In May, Rouen even hosts the Joan of Arc festival to celebrate her legacy, so pack your bags during spring break and make your way over to the Church of Saint Joan of Arc and the Joan of Arc Museum to learn more about this historic figure. 

A visit to Rouen would also be incomplete without visiting the Rouen Cathedral, an example of Gothic architecture dating back to 1030. Standing at 151 meters tall, it once inspired the artist Claude Monet to paint it over 30 times. 

Bordeaux is one of the best France cities to visit for wine enthusiasts. Source: AFP

3. Bordeaux

For all you wine lovers, a trip to France isn’t complete with a visit to France’s wine capital.

While in Bordeaux you can visit chateaux and smaller wineries that produce some of the finest wines in the world. Touring these vineyards and tasting wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sémillon, and Sauvignon Blanc is all part of the Bordeaux experience.

Aside from wine, Bordeaux is a city known for its well-preserved historical monuments and architecture. Its historical landmarks include Place de la Bourse and its iconic Miroir d’Eau, the medieval Cathédrale Saint-André, and the Porte Cailhau. 

If you are visiting during summer, expect your trip to be filled with many activities. Go shopping on Rue Saint-Catherine, one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe or relax on the 10-hectare gardens of Jardin Public. 

4. Nice

Nice is one of the best France cities to visit during your summer break. As the capital of the Côte d’Azur, it is the perfect escape along the Mediterranean coast. Its convenient location gives you easy access to other seaside towns like Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Nice. You can relax by the beaches or hike up Castle Hill for the beautiful scenery. The city is home to boutique vineyards, which you can explore while on a bike tour. 

Along the shores of the Côte d’Azur, you can stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, a perfect spot to soak up the hot Mediterranean sun. For art enthusiasts, the Musée Matisse is a must-visit. It highlights the life and work of Henri Matisse, who called the city home for 37 years. 

Although it only became part of France in 1860, the city’s blend of French and Italian influences adds to its charm. The local speciality, salade niçoise, is a dish you don’t want to miss out on. 

Lyon is one of the best France cities to visit for foodies. Source: AFP

5. Lyon

Next on the list of best France cities to visit during your school break is Lyon. Known as the gastronomic capital of France with more restaurants per head in this city than any other place in France and Europe. Praline tart, bugnes, cervelle de canut, saint-marcellin cheese, and saucisson brioché are some of the dishes you must try while in Lyon. 

But Lyon is known for much more than its food — did you know the hot air balloon was invented here? 

The city is also famous for its amazing architecture such as Fourvière Basilica, Bartholdi Fountain, and Place Bellecour. On top of that, Lyon was once the silk-making capital of Europe.

Situated between Burgundy and Provence, Lyon creates a simple route to the French countryside. Join a tour and explore Vieux Lyon’s hidden passageways, called traboules, and charming bistros, called bouchons, that serve traditional French cuisine at its finest.

6. Marseille

Marseille is one of the best France cities for history lovers. Known as the oldest city in France, Marseille has a rich history dating back to 600 BC. Must-visit places include the Notre-Dame de la Garde, Chateau d’If, Cathédrale La Major, Palais de Longchamp, and more. 

If you like the outdoors, visit the Parc National des Calanques in the south of the city. Here, you can hike or swim as you enjoy the view of limestone cliffs and pristine waters. 

The city has embraced its multicultural heritage, which can be seen in its food. Indulge in traditional Provençal and fusion dishes such as panisse, madeleines, moules marinière, buillabaisse and more.

Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, lounging on beautiful beaches, or savouring the Mediterranean flavours, Marseille is the perfect destination to escape the stresses of university. 

The Machines of the Isle is an artistic, touristic and cultural project based in Nantes, France. Source: AFP

7. Nantes 

Located along the banks of the Loire River is one of the best France cities to explore. Nantes is a city known for its landmarks like the castle and the cathedral. It is also famous for its vineyards that produce Muscadet white wine.

International students on a budget trip to France shouldn’t miss out on this city because many of the best things in Nantes are free. Known as the city of 100 parks, there’s always a place to be wowed by, including the courtyard of the fairytale Château des ducs de Bretagne, which is also free of charge to enter.

There’s also a 22km green line painted on the sidewalk, leading you on a fun tour of wacky, inspiring, evocative art, history, and culture, with approximately 100 artworks by different artists — a fantastic way to get your steps in while appreciating all that the city offers.

8. Strasbourg

For foodies who’ve conquered Paris and have a taste for the finer things in life, Strasbourg awaits. As the birthplace of foie gras and a city sitting on the border of France and Germany, there’s plenty to see, do, and eat in this best French city. 

Whether you’re strolling around La Petite France and past its winding canals and half-timbered houses to admiring the Gothic architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Kammerzell House, this city is out to impress. 

And not to forget the casual Alsacian cuisine that is available in spades here. Try some Alsacian sauerkraut and tartes flambées and explore a new world of flavours during your trip.

Biarritz in France is a surfer’s paradise with amazing beaches and impressive waves. Source: AFP

9. Biarritz

If you love surfing, Biarritz is the place to be. Known for its wild coastline, magnificent beaches, and impressive waves, it is one of the best France cities for surfers. 

Its location on the Bay of Biscay offers stunning coastal views and beaches, which attract many from around the world. 

When visiting Biarritz, you can enjoy many activities, such as exploring the historic lighthouse, the Art Deco-style Casino, and the Hôtel du Palais, which was built for Empress Eugénie, the Spanish-born wife of Napoleon III. The city is also home to Musée de la Mer, an aquarium that showcases the marine life of the Bay of Biscay.

Heavily influenced by its Basque heritage and coastal location, local restaurants serve fresh catches like oysters, mussels, and squid. Be sure to try traditional Basque dishes such as pintxos, which are small snacks typically enjoyed with a glass of local cider or wine. 

10. Annecy 

Annecy, often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps,” is one of the best France cities to visit during your break. 

Located in southeastern France, the city overlooks the northern tip of Lake Annecy. The town’s canals, pastel-coloured buildings, and cobblestone streets make it a beautiful place to explore. 

The city is also known for its romantic atmosphere, perfect for strolls across the Pont des Amours, or Lover’s Bridge. 

One of the highlights of visiting Annecy is its well-preserved medieval architecture and local markets. Walking through the narrow streets, you can discover historical landmarks such as the Palais de l’Île, a former prison now housing a local history museum, and the Château d’Annecy, a 14th-century castle that was once the residence of the Counts of Geneva. The castle is now a museum with exhibitions on the region’s history and art.

In the summer, you can take a boat tour to see the stunning alpine scenery, go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, or take part in water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. If you prefer land activities, there are trails for hiking and cycling too. 

The town is known for its local specialities such as tartiflette, a dish made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons, and onions. The weekly food markets are also worth a visit, where you can sample fresh local produce, cheeses, and baked goods.