{"id":842,"date":"2026-04-03T15:25:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T15:25:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/03\/top-cities-to-visit-in-france\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T15:25:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T15:25:19","slug":"top-cities-to-visit-in-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/03\/top-cities-to-visit-in-france\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Cities to Visit in France"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"article-content article-content--full\">\n<p>France is a popular country to visit in <a href=\"https:\/\/worldtowander.com\/travel-destinations\/about-europe\/\">Europe<\/a> and with so many beautiful cities to visit each year, it\u2019s hard to choose which should be on your list. We recommend starting with what the purpose of your trip should be, relaxing, wineries, adventure, etc. There is something for everyone in these top cities to visit in France!<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for the top cities to visit in France, look no further as we have a few cities, oceanside villages and wine towns on our list. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1.Paris<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Paris is one of my favorite cities not just in France, but the entire world.\u00a0 It is a magical city.\u00a0 There are world famous sites such as the Eiffel Tower (the views from the top are spectacular) and Arc de Triomph.\u00a0 Be sure to visit the museums such as the Louvre (buy tickets online and get there first thing in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds) and Musee D\u2019Orsay (seeing the city through the back of the clock on the top floor is a personal favorite).\u00a0 <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-995 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/istockphoto-869375880-612X612pp_w480_h319.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/istockphoto-869375880-612X612pp_w480_h319.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Eiffel Tower in Paris, France<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There are world famous foods such as cheese (visit a cheese shop in the markets and have a picnic in one of the many parks), escargot and pastries are a must.\u00a0 There are many incredible experiences such as a <a href=\"https:\/\/travelcollecting.com\/cheese-wine-tasting-workshop-paris\/\">cheese and wine tasting workshop<\/a>, sailing down the Seine in the evening, taking in a cabaret show in Montmartre, strolling the streets or just sitting in outdoor caf\u00e9 and watching the world go by. \u00a0There is truly something for everyone in Paris.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>Contributed by James \u2013 Travel Collecting<\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Beaune<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Beaune is a beautiful French city in the heart of Burgundy, or Bourgogne as it is called in French. Surrounded by swathes of vineyards, the city is midway between the mustard town of Dijon and the wine village of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Situated in Eastern France, Beaune is characterized by its countless wine merchants, cobbled lanes, medieval ramparts, and historic buildings.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-993 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Burgundy-overview-Semur-en-Auxois-xlarge-1024x640pp_w768_h480.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Burgundy-overview-Semur-en-Auxois-xlarge-1024x640pp_w768_h480.jpg\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Of particular note is the 15th-century H\u00f4tel-Dieu Museum, which is a former hospital turned museums. Nearby, Athenaeum bookshop is dedicated entirely to all books wine-related, while other town highlights include plenty of local Burgundian architecture and the chance to sample plenty of local French cuisine. If you select just one French city outside of Paris to add to your top ten cities in France to visit, make it Beaune!<\/p>\n<p><em>Contributed by Sophie \u2013 <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.solosophie.com\/\"><em>Solo Sophie<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Versailles<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Versailles is a historic town in France. An epitome of luxury, royalty and French heritage, Versailles makes for an ideal day trip from Paris. It is located only 20 kilometres away from the capital city. <\/p>\n<p>Versailles was built by King Louis XIV in the 17th century. He was in search of a new seat of governance and administration, and Versailles made for a perfect match. Once built, the Palace of Versailles became a symbol of grandeur and power for the French monarchy. This palace was also marked the outbreak of the French Revolution and ultimately the fall of the monarchy in France.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-987 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Versailles-tosomeplacenew-1024x768pp_w768_h576.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Versailles-tosomeplacenew-1024x768pp_w768_h576.jpg\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Versailles also witnessed many important treaties,including the Treaty of Versailles that ended the first World War in 1919. Today, the Versailles Palace is a magnet for thousands of tourists every year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>Contributed by Mayuri \u2013 <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tosomeplacenew.com\/getting-to-versailles-from-paris\/\"><em>To Some Place New<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Biarritz<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Biarritz is the Saint-Tropez of the Atlantic coast, located in southwestern French Basque Country. The town is an unusual blend of elegance with laid-back surf culture, where posh restaurants and spas mix together with surf shops and schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-991 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/28766936587_0c794ef692_b-1024x683pp_w768_h512.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/28766936587_0c794ef692_b-1024x683pp_w768_h512.jpg\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Once a whaling town, Biarritz\u2019s history as summer holidays destination dates back to the middle of the 19th century when empress Eugenia (wife of Napoleon III) discovered Biarritz and fell in love with its long sandy beaches, cliffs, and therapeutic sea waters. Since then many rich and famous have visited Biarritz and some of them have their summer residences here.<\/p>\n<p><em>Contributed by Anna \u2013 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.liquidtraveling.com\/\">Liquid Traveling<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Toulouse<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Toulouse, known as the Pink City, is in southwestern France. It runs along the River Garonne and gets its nickname from use of distinctive pink terra cotta bricks.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Toulouse is the European capital of aeronautics and space. La Cite de l\u2019espace, Aeroscopia and Let\u2019s Visit Airbus will delight aviation and space fans.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-990 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/7-Hours-in-Toulouse-France-What-to-Visit-The-Nomads-Central-Tourists-in-Toulouse-1024x585pp_w768_h438.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/7-Hours-in-Toulouse-France-What-to-Visit-The-Nomads-Central-Tourists-in-Toulouse-1024x585pp_w768_h438.jpg\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Food lovers will find abundant classic French flavors. The region\u2019s many duck farms produce exquisite foie gras. Be sure to visit the Victor Hugo Market. It features farm-fresh produce, dairy products, fresh fish and meats as well as bistros and patisseries all beckoning you to sit down and grab a small bite.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Experience the history as you wander down the Rue de Taur from the Capitol building to the Couvent des Jacobins, the final resting place of Saint Thomas Aquinas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This diverse and friendly community will make you feel welcome from the time you arrive.<\/p>\n<p><em>Contributed by Sue \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/foodtravelist.com\/toulouse-la-ville-rose-southwestern-france\/\">Food Travelist<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Strasbourg<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>One of my favorite cities to visit in France is Strasbourg. Located in the Alsace region near the border of Germany, Strasbourg has a pleasant mix of French and German influences that can be seen throughout its Old Town. The architecture is especially delightful, with half-timbered houses accented with colourful flower boxes, and an impressive Gothic cathedral towering over the historic city centre.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-994 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Exploring-Petite-France-Strasbourg-by-Geoffrey-Morrison-3-of-10pp_w480_h299.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Exploring-Petite-France-Strasbourg-by-Geoffrey-Morrison-3-of-10pp_w480_h299.jpg\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Besides wandering the cobblestone lanes, one of the best ways to experience Strasbourg is to go on a scenic boat cruise around the Grande \u00cele. The boat trip showcases both the old and new of Strasbourg and is particularly romantic after sunset when the buildings and bridges are lit up. <\/p>\n<p><em>Contributed by Rhonda \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelyesplease.com\/travel-blog-strasbourg\/\">Travel? Yes Please!<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Annecy<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>We\u2019ve been traveling Europe full-time for about 2 years, and have found it\u2019s rare for the most touristy places to live up to the hype. Not so with Lake Annecy. From the very beginning, we were utterly charmed by the canals (Annecy is often called Little Venice), the beautiful buildings and most especially the breathtaking scenery of the lake with the mountains as backdrop.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-992 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Annecy-Old-town-with-medieval-buildings-on-canal-in-Annecy-France.-1000X666-1024x682pp_w768_h511.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Annecy-Old-town-with-medieval-buildings-on-canal-in-Annecy-France.-1000X666-1024x682pp_w768_h511.jpg\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>You can easily spend a weekend in Annecy centre, but, if possible, leave time to explore the lake and the surrounding areas. One of our favourite places nearby is the Gorge du Fier, which allows you to walk through a ravine over a torrent of fast-flowing water.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>Contributed by Kat \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wandering-bird.com\/motorhome-touring-in-france\/\">Wandering Bird Adventures<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Colmar<\/h3>\n<p>Colmar is a charming well-preserved town in the Alsace region of France. It\u2019s a beautiful and colorful place filled with half-timbered medieval buildings that look and feel like a fairytale. There is a beautiful canal that so fittingly gives Colmar the name Little Venice. It\u2019s located on the Alsatian Wine Route and would be considered the wine capital of that region. They even have a famous wine festival every year during the summer. The Winter time is especially beautiful when they have their famous market and all the buildings are decked out in the most beautiful &amp; festive decorations and dazzling lights that illuminate the town.<\/p>\n<p>Co<em>ntributed by Marika \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/clumsygirltravels.com\">Clumsy Girl Travels<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<p>As you can see there is no shortage of beautiful towns and villages in France. I have a preference towards towns with bright colors, medieval look and canals to stroll. Add in wine tasting and I\u2019m one VERY happy girl! If you\u2019re looking to add another city in France and are curious about<a href=\"https:\/\/www.beckythetraveller.com\/things-to-do-in-limoges-france\"> what to do in Limoges<\/a>, check this out. Of course, we aren\u2019t done exploring France so if you have recommendations on a top city to visit in France, drop them below!<\/p>\n<p>Another beautiful country to visit and read more about is <a href=\"https:\/\/worldtowander.com\/why-visit-dalmatian-coast-croatia\/\">Croatia<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>Till next time guys!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-72 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ashley-Yvonne-Signaturepp_w480_h195.png\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"66\" src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ashley-Yvonne-Signaturepp_w480_h195.png\" width=\"162\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">PIN ME!<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1439 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/france-683x1024pp_w480_h719.png\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" height=\"593\" src=\"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/france-683x1024pp_w480_h719.png\" width=\"396\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>France is a popular country to visit in Europe and with so many beautiful cities&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":834,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trip-ideas"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=842"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/842\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/834"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/askrobackyard.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}