France: 10 Must-Visit Places and Cities to Explore - Scenic Hunter

If you are looking for beauty, culture and history, France is the country for you. With its picturesque cities, magnificent monuments and the culinary art that makes it famous throughout the world, France is a must-see destination for travellers.

In this article, we will introduce you to the 10 most beautiful cities in France, each with its own history, unique personality and undeniable charm. Prepare to be taken on a journey across France, discovering its most famous hidden gems and treasures.

Here are the top 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in France.

#10 - Menton

Menton is a pretty coastal city located on the French Riviera, on the border with Italy. Known as the Pearl of France, it boasts a panoramic view of the Mediterranean and offers fine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

The city is famous for its gardens, including the Exotic Garden, which houses rare plants from around the world, and the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden, which features a large collection of subtropical plants. Menton is also a cultural centre, with numerous art galleries and museums that tell the story of the city and its artistic traditions. 

The city is famous for its mild climate all year round, making it an ideal destination for a beach holiday.

#9 Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a beautiful island located off the northwest coast of France.

Its main tourist attraction is the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, an extraordinary architectural work that stands on a rocky hill and is surrounded by the largest tides in Europe. The island of Saint-Michel is also famous for its narrow cobbled streets, souvenir shops and restaurants.

The island can only be reached on foot or by local public transport, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.

#8 - Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval city located in the south of France, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. Its historic centre, the Cité de Carcassonne, is a charming maze of cobbled streets, massive walls and towers surrounding a breathtaking castle.

The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in France. In addition to its historic beauty, Carcassonne offers an abundance of restaurants, shops and bars offering an authentic Southern France experience.

The city is also famous for producing fine wines, such as Corbières and Minervois.

#7 - Lyon

Lyon is a charming city, located in the heart of the Beaujolais region, famous for its gourmet cuisine and historic architecture. 

The city is divided into two parts by the Saone River, with the historic center to the west and modern Part-Dieu to the east. Lyon's old town is a maze of cobbled streets, squares and historic buildings, with the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Roman Theater among the main attractions.

The city has a great culinary tradition, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. Lyon is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with bars and clubs offering a variety of entertainment.

#6 - Marseille

Marseille is a port city located on the French Mediterranean coast, with a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city is famous for its picturesque waterfront, the Vieux-Port, where visitors can admire the colorful fishing boats and enjoy a large selection of fresh seafood cafes and restaurants.

The historic center of Marseille, the Le Panier district, is a charming maze of narrow streets and stone buildings, with a vibrant arts scene and a wide variety of shops and cafes. 

The city offers many cultural attractions, including the MuCEM, a museum dedicated to Mediterranean cultures, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, an imposing church located on top of a hill with amazing views over the city.

#5 - Avignon

Avignon is a lovely medieval city located in the Provence region, known above all for its cultural and artistic heritage. The city is famous for its Palace of the Popes, an imposing medieval fortress which once housed the popes during their period of exile in Avignon.

The historic center of the city is a fascinating labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and small squares, surrounded by mighty medieval walls. Avignon is also a very lively city, with a cultural scene full of theatre, music and art festivals, including the famous Festival d'Avignon.

In short, Avignon is a city steeped in history, art and culture, with delicious cuisine and a vibrant cultural scene.

#4 - Nice

Nice is a charming city located on the coast of the French Riviera, with an elegant atmosphere and a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate. The city is famous for its pebble beaches and the Promenade des Anglais, a long coastal promenade with a breathtaking view of the sea.

The historic center of Nice, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, is a feast for the eyes, while the castle hill offers a panoramic view over the city and the sea.

The city also hosts many cultural festivals, including the famous Nice Carnival, which attracts visitors from all over the world.

#3 - Bordeaux

Bordeaux it is a city that combines the beauty of Baroque and neoclassical architecture with the excellence of the region's wines. Known as the Pearl of Aquitaine, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional architecture and historical importance.

The historic city center is a real open-air museum, with beautiful historic buildings, impressive squares and world-famous museums.

Bordeaux is also home to some of the most renowned wines in the world, which can be sampled in the city's many cellars and restaurants.

In short, Bordeaux is a city that enchants visitors with its beauty, cultural heritage and excellent gastronomy.

#2 - Strasbourg

Strasbourg located in the Alsace region, it is also close to the German border. Known as the Capital of Europe, Strasbourg is famous for its beautiful Gothic Cathedral and medieval old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is also home to the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, giving it a cosmopolitan and multicultural atmosphere. 

Strasbourg is famous for its traditional cuisine and its Christmas market, which is one of the oldest and largest in Europe.

In short, Strasbourg is a city that combines architectural beauty with European modernity, art and culture, offering a variety of unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

#1 - Paris

Paris is the capital of France and one of the most famous cities in the world. Known as the City of Love and the City of Light, Paris is famous for its architectural beauty, delicious cuisine, world-class museums and iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre Museum.

Walking along the Seine or strolling in its beautiful gardens such as the Jardin des Tuileries or the Luxembourg garden, are unique experiences that will leave you speechless. The city is also known for its fashion and design as well as its vibrant nightlife.

Paris is a city that enchants with its elegance, beauty and history, offering a wide range of unique experiences that make it a must-see destination for travelers from all over the world.