France is a beautiful country, with many well-known cities that tourists love to visit. But some cities get overlooked because they are not as big, or they are in a more remote area. Indeed, tourists generally prefer to spend their time in France on the coast or in the mountains for a ski holiday. So to help you discover some lesser-known cities in this gorgeous country, here are the top 8 best underrated French cities you have to visit!
#1 Underrated French cities: Lyon
Lyon is a beautiful city in the southeast of France, and is the second-largest urban area of the country, with about two million inhabitants. The city is well-known for its gastronomy, its beautiful sights, and landmarks. There are many things to do in Lyon, some attractions very well known like the Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière or the Old Town.
And do not miss the Parc de la Tête d’Or! The “Park of the Golden Head” is a large urban park in the 6th arrondissement of the city. Inside it, there is a lake on which you can take a boat ride in the summer. The Parc de la Tête d’Or is very popular among joggers and cyclists. In addition, there is even a small zoo in the center of the park. You will also be able to enjoy the sports facilities such as the velodrome or the mini-golf. This is the perfect spot to relax and do some fun activities on a hot summer afternoon.
#2: Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a big city in the East of France, in the region of Alsace. If you particularly appreciate architecture, you just have to go to Strasbourg! The Cathedral is very impressive, and the medieval black and white timber-framed buildings are charming as well as traditional. In addition to the general aspect of the city, there are also 11 principal museums and 11 university museums. Some of the best museums include the Musée des Beaux-Arts. It owns paintings by Francisco de Goya and Sandro Boticcelli amongst others. If you want to experience the unique atmosphere of Strasbourg, you should visit it during Christmastime! Discover the beautiful Christmas markets, drink some mulled wine, and do some souvenir shopping!
#3: Noirmoutier
Noirmoutier-en-l’Île or simply Noirmoutier is on an island of the same name, off the coast of the Vendée department. Enjoy the authentic feel of the island, and use the occasion to have a relaxing few days away from big cities. While you are on the island, you can visit the Château de Noirmoutier, for example. What you will enjoy the most, however, is taking long walks on the sand beaches and oak forests, breathing in the fresh ocean air.
#4 Underrated French cities: Èze
Èze is in the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, by the Mediterranean Sea. Èze is composed of Èze-sur-Mer which is directly by the sea, and Èze-Village which is on the hilltop right beside it. If you go to Èze, you absolutely have to visit the botanical garden. You will find a beautiful collection of cacti and succulents, and the view from there is breathtaking. This is the main reason you want to go to Èze: the extraordinary view. You will undoubtedly take dozens of pictures in this village and will be right to do so!
#5: Avignon
Avignon is in the southeast of France as well and is a city that is very rich culturally. There are many landmarks and museums to see. One of them is the Musée du Petit Palais which has a beautiful collection of Renaissance paintings. Another great opportunity to see art in the city is the Avignon Festival. It has taken place every year since 1947 and consists of theatrical events, dance performances, concerts, and even movie projections. You will have a lot of fun in Avignon, all the while discovering a great culture!
#6: Porquerolles
The island of Porquerolles is in the Mediterranean Sea, very close to the shore and near Marseille and Toulon. This island is part of a group of islands named Îles d’Hyères. Of course, a great thing to do is to go to the beach! The Notre-Dame beach is very beautiful, with eucalyptus and pine forests surrounding it. You can also decide to discover the island with a bicycle ride or even a boat tour.
#7 Underrated French cities: Étretat
Étretat is a rather big tourist attraction for French people, but foreign tourists rarely choose this destination. Indeed, people coming from other countries generally tend to spend their vacation in the South. What is remarkable about this place is the cliffs. Indeed, on the shore, the chalk cliffs form three natural arches as well as a pointed formation called L’Aiguille, or The Needle. There is a beach is at the foot of the cliffs, so you have a beautiful view of the arches while on the sand.
#8: Nantes
Nantes is in the northwest of France, on the Atlantic coast and by the Loire river. Nantes has always been a very important port, but nowadays it is an even more dynamic city. The city is well-known for its quality of life and earned various prizes over the years. You will have much to do in Nantes. Indeed, you will find many museums such as the Fine Arts Museum, a large concert venue called Le Zénith, and many events to participate in. If you choose your dates right, you will be able to attend temporary art exhibitions, or music festivals.
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