France Cities

A photo gallery of Lyon, a wonderful city in the Rhone-Alpes region of France. From secret passageways to glorious views, Roman remains to gourmet delights.

Say "French city," and most people immediately think of Paris. France is filled with bustling, hip and happening cities that are well worth a visit. Find out the coolest cities you probably won't visit, but should.

This France itinerary is ideal for those who seek out urban adventures, taking travelers along a route that hits some of France's major cities. Start your France itinerary in the French capital of Paris, then hit major cities east, south and west. Before your trip, consult this France Itinerary of Major Cities.

The largest French cities feature a wide variety of wonderful French destinations, from the most-visited Paris to the Mediterranean city of Nice to the German-influenced Strasbourg. Here is a list of the largest French cities.

Man has lived in Beziers, a charming small city on Southern France, for over six millennia for a reason. Stroll along the café-lined and tree-lined Allées Paul Riquet. Gaze up at the majestic Cathedrale Saint Nazaire, which can be seen on its hilltop perch from almost anywhere in the city. Marvel at the rose-tinted wrought iron balconies.

Discover what to do, what to see and where to stay in this guide to Saint-Tropez, the Mediterranean resort in the south of France. The former fishing village has attracted the rich, the famous, the curious and the ordinary vacationer since it was discovered in the 19th century, and today is as popular as ever.

Nice and Cannes lie just to the west and Monte Carlo is just to the east, but nicely undiscovered is the charming small beach city of Villefranche sur Mer. With a sandy shore, small medieval village and relaxed atmosphere, Villefranche sur Mer is a lovely escape from the bustle of bigger Cote d'Azur cities mere minutes away.

Sete, France is a lovely fishing city which has much allure, from its beaches to its port lined with buildings painted rich ochres, rusts and azures. This is the spot to sample some of the world’s best seafood, usually prepared from the morning’s catches. Several canals wind their way through the city. Find out about travel to Sete, France.

Plan a visit to Caen, Normandy. Caen is famous for William the Conqueror, hero of the Battle of Hastings 1066, and for the D-Day Normandy Landings in World War II.

The Palace of Compiegne is well worth a visit. This gracious, mellow stone, neo-classical building north of Paris and just far enough away from prying eyes, was where French Kings surrounded themselves in luxury, followed in almost indecent haste after the French Revolution of 1789, by Napoleon Bonaparte and his successors. It has three museums,...

Monstegur somehow has the power to cast a spell on its visitors. On paper, it is hardly remarkable. It’s a small town with a few streets, a couple cafés and a museum. In reality, though, there is some intangible allure here that draws people back again and again.

Argeles-Gazost, France might be a bit small, but it has a lot to offer. It has a cute and compact downtown lined with shops and cafés, a thermal spa and a casino. It is close to ski slopes, a medieval abbey, several lakes and numerous mountain peaks. Nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains just a short drive south of Lourdes and close to skiing, this...

Illuminations in France - Cities with Illuminated Buildings in France

Agen, France, situated halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse, is probably best known for its prunes. There is much more to this charming small city: gothic arches, a daily covered market, narrow medieval alleys, and a canal and river. The people of Agen are infinitely friendly, and avid rugby fans. Find out more about charming and unique Agen,...

Narbonne attractions include a beach, a maze of Medieval streets, and the busy Hotel de Ville area with shops.

The pretty village of Albi France, with its old building facades and its quaint old town, is probably best known for an ugly chapter in its history. This was the first city to provide refuse to the Cathars, and is the origin of a later name that was bestowed on the religious sect, the Albigensians. On a lighter note, this is the birthplace of the famous artist, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. A visit to the cityÂ’s museum of the artistÂ’s work is time well-spent.

Few people realize that the pope's palace was relocated to France during the Middle Ages. In lovely Avignon, visitor's can still visit the former seat of the papacy in this lovely, thriving southern city.

Tucked into a rounded nook of the Lot River, Cahors is a lovely medieval city almost entirely surrounded by water. At the heart of wine country, the city’s most memorable landmark is the Valentré bridge and the nearby ramparts.

A trip report on Evian-les-Bains, a lovely mountain city on the French-Swiss border. It is best known for its spring waters, establishing this as a prime spa resort destination. There is also a casino and a lovely downtown here.

Foix, France is a small city with a big personality. Surrounded by mountains and sliced with rivers, this is a true gateway to the Pyrenees. Situated about 30 miles from Toulouse or 40 miles from Andorra, it is also quite central.

Most of the world credits the invention of sparkling wine to the Champagne region, and to Dom Perignon. The legend, and possible real story, is far more interesting. According to Limoux natives, it was really invented there when Blanquette was created. When the great dom passed through, he stole the idea, they allege. No matter who is right, Limoux is a lovely small town with a big heart in the Languedoc. It is home to one of Europe's most popular Carnavals.

Lourdes is the second most popular tourism city in all of France, attracting pilgrims from throughout the globe to the cave where a peasant girl had several visions of the Virgin Mary. Today, this is a bustling Pyrenees village that is central to several other great cities and attractions. Lourdes is second only to Paris in the number of hotel...

Mende, in the rural and mountainous Lozere, is a small city of about 12,000 people. This is a wonderful destination for anyone who wants to be in a town, but in the midst of nature at its finest, unique wildlife and outdoor activities like hang gliding, mountain climbing and canoeing.

Montpellier, France is a bustling and vibrant city in the South of France often overshadowed by neighboring cities in Provence,but it is well worthy of a visit. The city is beautiful, filled with architecture and rich in history. It's lined with boutiques and sidewalk cafes, and dotted with magnificent squares. Here is a guide to the city of Montpellier, France.

Narbonne, France is a charming small city in the Languedoc, featuring wonderful historic attractions as well as a relaxing beach along the Mediterranean.

What Pau, France lacks in personality it makes up for with location. While the city is a bit drab, its surroundings are not. Much like nearby Tarbes in the Midi-Pyrenees, the city itself doesn’t have too much to offer and is a little dreary in spots. Its best features are some of its historic attractions such as the history-rich and impressive Chateau de Pau. But it is a short hour drive to the sea and the Spanish border. It is right at the doorstep of the mountains.

P�rigueux and the surrounding Dordogne is the place for anyone who loves historic attractions but hates the accompanying crowds. With the exception of Paris, there is nowhere else in all of France with so many historic monuments and attractions. P�rigueux is also an ideal place to sample regional flavors and food.

Situated as it is in the middle of the mountains, it can be surprising to come upon Rodez. Unexpectedly urban, this tiny city features wonderful shopping and dining. The city’s striking cathedral features a Virgin Mary that is about 250 feet tall. Find out more about the wonderful discovery that is Rodez.

Easily the most attractive city in the Basque Country, from its cozy beach to its alluring downtown, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a jewel in the Basque Country. Find out about the pretty and charming beach city of St. Jean de Luz.

Saint Paul de Vence is a charming hilltop fortified village in Provence, filled with art galleries, boutiques and sidewalk cafes. It's hard to find something ugly about this quaint village. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and statues tucked into nooks in the walls.

Steeped in history, yet hip and lively, the enchanting Toulouse is one of France's most beautiful cities. The food here and in the rest of the Midi Pyrenees region could be among France's most memorable. The shopping options are vast. Some of France's best cities and attractions are mere minutes or a couple hours from Toulouse, blessed with a...