15 Underrated French Cities That Outshine Paris For Travelers

Ask most travelers about France, and Paris is likely to be the first city that comes to mind. But wander off that beaten path, and you’ll find hidden gems that feel more welcoming and just as beautiful. Lesser-known cities offer culture without the crowds and charm without the price tag. Here are fifteen spots that easily outshine Paris for curious explorers.

Colmar: Storybook Streets And Famous Christmas Markets

Fairytale architecture meets festive spirit in Colmar, where half-timbered homes and cobblestone paths set the scene year-round. During winter, its Christmas market ranks among Europe’s finest. As the hometown of Bartholdi, it also shares ties with the Statue of Liberty’s legacy.

Lyon: Gastronomic Capital And Ancient Roman Ruins

Dining in Lyon is practically a pilgrimage, thanks to its title as France’s culinary capital. But beyond the food lies history—Roman theaters, Renaissance alleyways, and the atmospheric Old Town. Plus, December’s Festival of Lights turns the city into an illuminated celebration of art and architecture.

Strasbourg: A Franco-German Gem With Europe’s Oldest Christmas Market

Here, cultures blend seamlessly. Strasbourg’s mix of French flair and German tradition creates one of France’s most unique cityscapes. From its half-timbered buildings to its magnificent cathedral, the city’s energy peaks each winter with a holiday market dating back to the 1500s.

Aix-en-Provence: Artistic Streets And Roman Baths

Creative roots run deep in Aix, where Paul Cezanne once painted its glowing countryside. Beyond art, Roman-era thermal springs still bubble beneath the city. You can also browse outdoor markets shaded by plane trees, or stroll boulevards steeped in centuries of Provencal life and flair.

Reims: Champagne Capital And Gothic Cathedral

Reims anchors France’s Champagne region, where centuries-old cellars still pop corks year-round. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, once the coronation site of kings, towers with stained glass by Chagall. Tour and taste your way through history—here, architecture and sparkling wine share the spotlight

Annecy: Canals Like Venice And A Turquoise Alpine Lake

Wander along Annecy’s flower-decked canals, which are often compared to Venice’s charm. Lake Annecy, famed for its crystal clarity, draws swimmers and sunseekers each summer. With an annual animated film festival adding creative flair, this Alpine gem balances natural beauty with a surprisingly artsy soul.

Avignon: Medieval Bridges And Papal History

Few cities wear their past so visibly. The Palais des Papes rises like a fortress from the heart of town, echoing Avignon’s papal chapter. Just steps away, the Pont Saint-Benezet draws curious travelers, especially those humming its famous tune during the summer theater festival.

Dijon: Gourmet Mustard And Elegant Dukes’ Palace

Dijon’s legacy goes beyond mustard jars. At its core sits the grand Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, wrapped by streets rich in medieval design. Between wine tastings and architecture walks, don’t skip the owl carvings; locals still swear by their lucky touch.

Nimes: Roman Monuments And Southern Flair

Roman heritage lives on in Nimes more vividly than nearly anywhere outside Italy. The Maison Carree and the towering arena remain central to everyday life. This southern French city even lent its name to denim—“de Nimes”—a stylish echo of its deep-rooted past.

Albi: Red Brick Cathedral And Toulouse-Lautrec’s Legacy

The vast, red-brick silhouette of Sainte-Cecile Cathedral dominates Albi’s skyline. Inside, rich frescoes stretch skyward. Around the corner lies the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, the world’s most complete collection of the famed artist’s work, housed in a town that’s every bit as vivid as his art.

Metz: Imperial German Quarters And Stunning Glass

In Metz, nothing is one-note. Towering Gothic architecture, complete with France’s tallest cathedral nave, stands just steps from bold German Imperial facades. Chagall’s colorful windows light up sacred stone, while green parks and winding rivers bring calm to the city’s layered past. It’s no surprise Metz ranks among France’s greenest cities.

Besancon: Vauban Fortress And Watchmaking Hub

Hidden in a river bend, Besancon balances elegance with grit. Its UNESCO-listed citadel, designed by military genius Vauban, towers above leafy streets. Once a hub for horology, the city still honors its precision roots—plus, it gave the world Victor Hugo’s first breath.

Bayeux: Historic Masterpiece And Medieval Charm

At the heart of Bayeux, the famed 11th-century embroidery draws visitors into the drama of the Norman conquest. Untouched by WWII bombings, its cobbled lanes remain authentic. Just beyond town, the D-Day beaches add solemn depth to this otherwise peaceful medieval escape.

Sarlat-la-Caneda: Medieval Market Town In The Dordogne

Sarlat charms without trying. Its honey-colored buildings frame alleys packed with market stalls, where truffles and foie gras draw crowds daily. But the real magic appears during festivals, when the streets fill with music and costumes, pulling the past into the present while keeping its graceful elegance fully intact.

Rennes: Breton Culture And Timbered Houses

Rennes pulses with a youthful spirit and Breton roots. Half-timbered homes lean over cobblestone streets in the city’s heart, while the Les Trans Musicales festival fills the air with sound. Moreover, traditional galettes share menus with international fare—an unexpected harmony in this capital of contrasts.