🇫🇷 7 Underrated Cities to Visit in France (That Aren’t Paris)

1. Lyon – The Gastronomic Capital of France

Lyon is often called the food capital of France — and for good reason. Nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers, this UNESCO World Heritage site is bursting with Renaissance architecture, secret passageways called traboules, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Top things to do in Lyon:

• Eat in a traditional bouchon lyonnais

• Explore the old town (Vieux Lyon)

• Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic views

2. Annecy – The Venice of the Alps

Annecy looks like a fairytale. With its pastel houses, alpine lake, and flower-filled canals, it’s one of the most picturesque cities in France. It’s also perfect for outdoor lovers who enjoy hiking, biking, and swimming in crystal-clear Lake Annecy.

Don’t miss:

• A boat ride on the lake

• Strolling through the old town's cobblestone streets

• Annecy’s famous Saturday market

3. Strasbourg – Where France Meets Germany

Located in Alsace near the German border, Strasbourg offers a blend of French flair and German charm. Half-timbered houses, canals, and one of the most stunning cathedrals in Europe make it a must-visit.

Why go to Strasbourg:

• Christmas market (one of the oldest in Europe)

• Tarte flambée and Alsace wines

• A boat cruise through Petite France district

4. Toulouse – The Pink City

Nicknamed La Ville Rose (The Pink City) because of its terracotta buildings, Toulouse is vibrant, young, and full of surprises. It's also a hub for aerospace, home to Airbus HQ, and a favorite among students and tech lovers.

Highlights:

• The Capitole de Toulouse

• Canal du Midi (UNESCO World Heritage)

• A buzzing food scene with southern French influence

5. Colmar – Straight Out of a Storybook

Colmar is what you imagine when you think of a storybook village: colorful half-timbered houses, flower boxes, canals, and vineyards all around. It’s especially popular during Christmas and spring.

What to see in Colmar:

• La Petite Venise (Little Venice)

• Alsatian wine route

• Unterlinden Museum

6. Aix-en-Provence – Art, Lavender, and Sunshine

This charming city in southern France is known for its sunny weather, beautiful fountains, and connection to painter Paul Cézanne. With nearby lavender fields, markets, and Roman ruins, it's the perfect blend of history and beauty.

Why visit Aix:

• Outdoor markets and Provence cuisine

• Day trips to lavender fields and Verdon Gorge

• Cézanne's studio

7. Nantes – France’s Creative City

Nantes, in western France, is an innovative, artsy city with a strong maritime past. Think giant mechanical elephants, castle tours, and green spaces. It’s also one of the most sustainable and livable cities in the country.

Top experiences in Nantes:

• Les Machines de l’île (mechanical creature park)

• Château des Ducs de Bretagne

• Food and art scene in the Île de Nantes district

✈️ Final Thoughts: France Beyond Paris is Waiting for You

France is a treasure trove of incredible cities — and there’s so much to explore outside the City of Lights. Whether you're after alpine lakes, medieval towns, lavender fields, or foodie hotspots, these underrated French cities offer unforgettable travel experiences without the Parisian price tag or crowds.

👉 Plan your next France trip beyond Paris and uncover the hidden gems waiting for you.