Best French Cities to Visit: My Personal Ranking 🇫🇷
Last Updated February 2026
France is an incredible country, best known for Paris, but it has so much more to offer beyond its iconic capital. I’ve been lucky enough to visit France three times and have loved exploring different corners of the country. In this post, I’m ranking the places I’ve visited, from my favourites to my least favourites and explaining why. Hopefully, it helps you figure out which French cities you might vibe with the most!
Before I start, you should know a little about me and my travel style to understand my rankings deeper. I am in my early 30s and tend to enjoy travelling at a slower pace these days and spend a few days in each spot really soaking it up compared to one day in each spot.
I value nature and peaceful places, but good food is also super important to me (I’m from Vancouver so I know good food when I taste it!). I love photography, so I also like to visit places with gorgeous scenery and architecture that make it fun to take my camera for a walk as well. I love to surf and hike, so if a country has either of those activities available, I’ll try and seek them out.
I like to see iconic spots, but I really like to find spots less visited for a more authentic and intimate feel. I usually travel solo, with my partner, or with a friend, and I find I gravitate toward the same types of spots no matter who I’m with. I’ll still visit expensive places (*cough* Paris *cough*), but I’ll usually balance it out by finding super cheap, sometimes dodgy accommodation to cut costs.
Okay, that’s all I can think of for now, but I’ll elaborate more in my reasoning below! 🙂
1. Biarritz 🏄♀️
Predictable me, I’m a sucker for surf! Biarritz is a gorgeous coastal town on France’s southwest coast with amazing beaches, surf culture, and a relaxed vibe. I loved spending my days wandering along the seaside, taking photos of the cliffs, and watching surfers ride the waves. It’s the perfect spot if you love the ocean, amazing food, beautiful towns, and slower-paced travel. I almost don’t even want to draw attention to this place because it is so special to me, but if I were to ever move somewhere, look for me here! 😉
Pros:
• You can surf here, and the waves in the summertime are perfect for beginners. There are also beaches without waves for swimming.
• It is part of Basque country (which means great food and gorgeous oceans), but does not attract nearly as many tourists as San Sebastian does a year (from my research San Sebastian has about 5x more tourists a year)
• Speaking of food – it has an incredible restaurant scene with many Michelin star spots and also more casual eats that are incredible
• There are hydrangeas covering the city in the spring and summer, and it makes for beautiful smells and sights. The city itself is very charming and beautiful to explore.
• While it’s still a popular tourist spot, it never felt overcrowded, and we had no trouble finding quiet places to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Cons:
• It is a little far away from other popular destinations in France, like Paris and the south of France
• It can be expensive, but I found it on par with the rest of France in that regard
• It’s a smaller town, so if you’re looking for massive clubs, the scene isn’t there – but trust me, you can still go out and have a wild night if you want!
Plan your trip to Biarritz with these guides:
2. Toulouse 🌸
Toulouse is also known as the Pink City because of the warm, rosy colour of its buildings, and it completely stole my heart with its charming streets and relaxed pace. It’s the kind of city that’s perfect for wandering slowly and sipping coffee in a sunlit square. This was my favourite “bigger” city in France because of how peaceful and authentic it felt. It didn’t feel like it was catering to tourists in the same way Paris does, and exploring the city left me feeling like a visitor among mostly locals. It has all the French charm you could want, beautiful cafés, restaurants, and patios, set along the scenic Garonne River flowing through the city.
Pros:
• Toulouse is the 4th biggest city in France, but manages to retain a relaxed pace while still having all the perks of a big city
• The streets all literally smelled like flowers as we walked around and the city prioritizes the use of greenery and planters.
• The city puts a strict limit on cars in the city, so wandering the streets was so peaceful without traffic, pollution and honking horns.
• There was a strong cafe, market and patio culture, and everywhere we went people were socializing with friends on a patio in the sun. Gorg.
• Because of the low car traffic, Toulouse is fun, safe and beautiful to explore by bicycle.
• The Garrone river provides a beautiful space in the city to sit on the banks and watch the world go by, plus you can rent a boat for a super reasonable price and explore by water!
• Great value compared to Paris and the Riviera (especially for food and accommodation)
• You could rent a car or do an organized tour to see the Pyrenees mountains on a day trip from here!
• It feels romantic! ❤️
Cons:
• With no ocean to cool off in, midsummer here can get very hot which can be uncomfortable for some people.
• There are not huge tourist attractions like the Eiffel tower here, it’s more about checking out local cultural scene and integrating into the daily life here.
• There are fewer English speakers than in the ultra-touristy cities (not really a con, but worth noting if this makes you intimidated)
Plan your trip to Toulouse with these guides:
3. Paris 🥐
Okay people have a lot of opinions on Paris. Some say it’s the most romantic and incredible city in the world, and others say it is overrated and dirty. I think the reality sits somewhere between the two. That said, Paris lands at number 3 on my list because I love that there are endless things to do – museums, neighbourhoods, walks, cafés, parks, events, restaurants, bars, and shopping; you could spend weeks here and still not run out of new experiences. I’ve visited twice: the first time in my early 20s, when my travel style was all about winging it, and the second just last year, when I planned much of Paris in advance. I think your experience in Paris depends on what you put into it. Those who plan ahead to pre-book their tourist experiences, find the genuine restaurants, avoid the tourist-trap food, and wander slowly instead of rushing from landmark to landmark tend to discover a Paris that feels authentic, charming, and truly unforgettable.
Pros:
• The history and cultural scene in Paris is unmatched, with world-class museums, iconic landmarks, and centuries of history woven into everyday life – and this is coming from someone who is not a huge history buff!
• The Eiffel tower lives up to the hype. It is a gorgeous structure and seeing it sparkle after dark is a very romantic and special experience.
• The nightlife in Paris is lively and diverse and there is something here for everyone. Bars, events, clubs, live music, theatre, dinners, dancing, patios, and energy well into the night.
• The city is incredibly photogenic, with beautiful architecture and streets that make wandering around a joy.
• Paris has some of the best people-watching in the world (hello fashionable Parisians 👀), and simply sitting at a café feels like an activity on its own.
• The food in Paris is incredible and incredibly varied. You can find cuisine from all over the world, and I promise you will literally never eat a better pastry than the ones you’ll find here 🤤.
Cons:
• The most obvious con here, is that Paris can feel extremely touristy, especially around major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Montmartre.
• You often need to plan & book ahead for popular museums and attractions, which may not fit your travel style.
• If you don’t book these in advance, you can end up wasting half your day waiting in long lines to do the classic Paris experiences.
• Some areas of Paris can feel less safe, and you might be less comfortable walking around at night. Use your spidey senses and exercise the same caution you would in any large, busy city.
• Speaking of, pickpocketing can be an issue in busy areas, so you always need to stay alert (I didn’t see anything like this though).
• Mid-summers can be hot and humid, especially if you’re walking a lot during the day.
• Finding authentic local spots can take some effort, as many cafés and restaurants in central areas cater primarily to tourists and serve some seriously bad food.
4. Lourdes (& the Pyrenees mountains) 🏔️
Lourdes is a small village in the Pyrenees, and if I had only stayed in the village itself, it would rank much lower on my list, so this rating also takes the surrounding areas into account. The Cirque de Gavarnie hike was absolutely stunning, a wall of towering cliffs with cascading waterfalls that grows more dramatic the closer you get. There are plenty of other accessible and beautiful hikes in the region, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was in a more affordable version of Switzerland or the Dolomites. This part of the Pyrenees remains relatively low-key, especially when it comes to international tourists, as most of the people we encountered were French. If you are not a nature fan, and prefer big city exploration, this area may not be for you!
Pros:
• The Cirque de Gavarnie hike and many other accessible hikes in the area that are not too difficult and offer beautiful views.
• The area did not feel overly busy or touristy when we visited in June, and I was amazed at the natural beauty to popularity ratio.
• Accommodation and dining in the area are generally more affordable than in other scenic mountain regions of Europe.
• Small villages nearby are charming and quiet, making it a great spot to slow down and soak in the scenery.
Cons:
• This area is very difficult to explore and travel around without a rental car.
• The regional villages are small, so if you’re looking for nightlife, restaurants, or shopping, options are limited.
• Your experience is very weather dependent. If you’re visiting for skiing, hopefully there’s enough snow but not enough to make the roads dangerous. If you’re visiting for hiking, hopefully it is sunny and warm enough.
• Because of how small the villages are, if you do not plan ahead accommodation can be limited and hard to find.
Plan your trip to the Pyrenees with these guides:
5. Nice 🏖️
Nice, on the sun-soaked French Riviera, strikes the perfect balance between city energy and seaside relaxation. With its turquoise waters, colourful Old Town streets, and laid-back Mediterranean vibe, it’s an undeniably charming place to be. You can wander along the Promenade des Anglais, explore lively markets, and soak up stunning coastal views without ever feeling rushed. Nice feels chic yet approachable, and noticeably more “polished” than nearby Marseille. What ultimately puts Nice above Marseille for me is how easy it is to visit nearby towns (like Cannes) and quieter coastal beaches, along with the strong Italian influence that adds an extra layer of character to the region.
Pros:
• Nice has gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and a stunning coastline that’s perfect for leisurely walks and photography.
• The food in Nice is excellent, especially if you enjoy fresh seafood, Provençal cuisine, and Italian-influenced dishes.
• The Promenade des Anglais is a beautiful seaside walking path that is a lovely touch to the city.
• Nice is a great base for day trips to nearby towns like Cannes, Antibes, Èze, and even Monaco, all of which are easy to reach and incredibly scenic.
• Speaking of, if you are a country counter and love adding new countries to your list, Monaco is an easy one!
• Yes – the beaches in town are busy, BUT it is not hard to explore the coastline and find a more relaxed beach to enjoy your time at.
Cons:
• Beaches can get crowded in the peak summer months, particularly in town. The beaches in town are also all made of small pebbles, so water-shoes may be necessary.
• Nice is the largest and busiest town along the French Riviera, so it may not be as low key as other spots that you could visit.
• Some restaurants in the city centre cater heavily to tourists, which can make it harder to find genuinely local spots.
•Prices for accommodation, restaurants, and activities tend to be higher than in smaller Riviera towns or inland Provence.
6. Marseille ⚓️
It breaks my heart to put Marseille at the bottom of my list because it is in means a bad place to visit. Marseille has a raw, authentic energy that sets it apart from the more polished Riviera towns. With its colourful old port, historic neighbourhoods, and dramatic coastline, it feels alive and real. While it’s not as tidy or chic as Nice, Marseille’s charm lies in its authenticity, street life, and access to some of the most stunning natural areas in France, like the Calanques. Honestly Nice and Marseille are so close I could swap them, but as someone who gets overwhelmed easily, Marseille’s bustling energy (which is a huge draw for some!) was a setback for me.
Pros:
• Marseille is probably the most unique out of the other Riviera cities, and it can be a great change up from the more ‘made-up’ Mediterranean towns.
• Because Marseille is more unique and hip, it has an amazing cultural scene and it is easy to stumble upon really cool things happening in the city.
• The city provides easy access to the Calanques National Park, breathtaking cliffs, turquoise water, and some great seaside hiking!
• Nearby towns like Cassis and Bandol make for scenic day trips that feel raw and beautiful compared to more polished Riviera spots.
Cons:
• Marseille can feel gritty, chaotic, and less polished than other French cities, which may not appeal to travellers expecting a refined experience.
• The downtown beach in Marseille is really small, and the other nicer beaches take 20-40 minutes of driving to get to (dependent on traffic).
• Some areas of the city can feel unsafe, especially after dark, so it’s important to stay alert while exploring.
• The city can be very busy and noisy, especially near the port and main streets, making it harder to find quiet moments.
Plan your trip to Marseille with these guides:
If I Could Do It Again…
Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for the experiences I’ve had in France so far and find it an incredibly diverse and beautiful country that offers so much more than just Paris (which is an icon on it’s own). But if I could do it over, or maybe if I visit again, there are 2 main things I’d change.
1. Bordeaux
If only I had more time on my France road trip, I would have stopped in Bordeaux and spent some time exploring this beautiful wine region. Not only because I love a good Bordeaux wine, but also to wander the charming streets, discover local markets, and soak in the slower, elegant pace of life that this part of France is known for. A good friend of mine with a similar travel style recently visited Paris, Bordeaux, and Biarritz – and she said Bordeaux was the absolute shining star of her trip. If her review of Bordeaux beats my number-one spot, how could I not be tempted to go next time?!
2. A Smaller Riviera Escape
If I were to visit again, I’d pick only one of the bigger Riviera cities like Nice and Marseille and spend more time in a smaller coastal town. Somewhere quieter would let me really soak up the Mediterranean vibe without the crowds, enjoy lounging at the beaches, and discover hidden cafés, beaches, and local markets that feel like secret treasures. I imagine a place like Villefranche-sur-Mer or Menton would be perfect for lingering, photographing the colourful streets, and truly feeling like I’ve escaped the tourist hubs.
