Staying in Paris, with its Eiffel Tower and other landmarks, is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for most travellers. You’ll find plenty of comfortable and well-located serviced apartments in Paris to make your stay memorable. However, did you know that venturing beyond the Eiffel towards other French cities can actually lead you towards some unforgettable stays? You bet!
There are some charming and captivating cities in France with plenty to offer, from historic and cultural sites to lively markets, unique cuisine, and a lot more. Let’s take a look at them below for your perusal.
Contents
Top Lesser Known Cities to Spend Your Time in France
Here is a list of some of the best lesser-known yet equally delightful cities that will give you some unforgettable stays in France.
Lyon
It’s the biggest city in the East France region and one of its biggest offerings is the stunning French Alps in the background! Lyon even has two rivers, namely the Saone and Rhone, which meet at the charming La Confluence area. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best boat bars, galleries, and rooftop clubs in the country. Lyon is also known as the gastronomic capital of France, which will please you if you’re a serious foodie!
Also, there’s an open-air exhibition of 150+ murals that will enchant you, including the popular trompe l’ oeil or optical illusions that show scenes from rich Lyonnais history. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with everything from Roman to Renaissance influences coloring its rich history and cultural fervor.
Metz
Situated in Northeast France, Metz is a charming town that is underrated but still contains one of the country’s biggest and most popular Christmas markets. There’s plenty to enjoy here, including lively music festivals, the Northeast France Theater, and of course, the Grand-Est, along with the artisanal brewery circuit. The town is home to a vibrant and predominantly young/student population while offering a pulsating nightlife scene.
Go paddle boarding, boating, or kayaking on the numerous canals dotting the city or explore its iconic Gothic cathedral with stunning stained glass windows. Of course, you can dine at a whole restaurant that pays tribute to potatoes or visit medieval-era granaries for a walk back in time to the city’s past. This one’s as eclectic as it gets!
Pau
Located in Southwest France, Pau is a city dedicated to those who don’t like the buzz and noise of typical cities. Does this sound like you on vacation? If yes, venture to this lovely destination nestled against the majestic Pyrenees peaks in the backdrop. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy a stupendous 1,900 acres of green space that cloaks the town in a verdant and irresistible cloak!
It was always a resort town, while its closeness to Spain is felt through the large number of palm trees, tapas bars, and mosaic fountains all around. At the same time, it’s a great place to enjoy quintessential rural French delicacies, cultures, and traditions too.
Marseille
One of Southeast France’s biggest gems, Marseille is the second-biggest city in the region and is regarded highly for its unique fusion of North African and European influences. You will love staying on this city on the French Riviera, with all the vibrant joints and creperies dishing out tangine and the serene neo-Byzantine cathedral that overlooks unforgettable landscapes.
From soaking in the sun and having coffee on the terrace every morning to venturing into the picturesque French countryside, this is one place where living like a local assumes greater significance! The combination of a village-like charm and city-like fervor is what will attract you in the first place!
Nantes
Nantes is a city that is synonymous with innovation and creativity (as you’ll find out on your trip)! Nestled along the lovely Loire River, it has always been a historical place and a former capital of Brittany. Nantes also has a rich commerce and trade-oriented history and is today a vibrant home for engineers, artists, and pioneering thinkers. Lose yourself in a whole new world inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and Jules Verne, as you check out Les Machines de I’Ile.
Discover stunning mechanical animals, including 40-foot-tall elephants that you can ride through the streets! Then venture to the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, a 13th century marvel that was once the seat of power for the Brittany dukes. Visit the museum here that tells the story of the city and its role in the transatlantic slave trade in the past. And just when you thought you were done, there’s always the beautiful island of Ile de Nantes to explore, with its waterfront pathways, restaurants, and fabulous art installations and sculptures in the most unexpected of locations!
Amiens
Amiens has always been a rather little-known destination, although it is one of the true hidden gems of France. Far away from the touristy crowds in the Haut-de-France region (towards the north), Amiens has the River Somme running through it and offers picturesque spots like no other! You’ll love the authentic French cuisine rustled up by local eateries and the quaint shops and cafes lining the Quartier St-Leu’s with its cobbled pathways.
Amiens is also a pocket-friendly destination, despite all the iconic cultural sites and landmarks around. It offers luxury mingled with everyday charm, something that is a metaphor for the country itself. Don’t miss the imposing Gothic marvel, namely the Amiens Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Maison de Jules Verne (his former home and now a museum). You can also lose track of time while strolling along Les Hortillonnages, or the floating gardens on the canal network. They have been around from the Middle Ages and you can take a mesmerizing boat tour here for an enjoyable experience.
Rennes
Medieval + modern = ingenuity and unique experiences at every corner. It could well be the secret formula for Rennes, the capital of Brittany. Imagine medieval and half-timbered homes dotting the streets along with a majestic cathedral for company. Walk into this time machine and enjoy viewing attractions like the former seat of parliament, namely the Parlement de Bretagne (which offers guided tours) and Thabor Gardens (25 acres of lovely greenery).
Then there’s the Musee des Beaux-Arts which stands out for its unique collection of works by legends like Picasso, Rubens, Botticelli, and more (yes, that’s quite a lofty list). Rennes will refresh your mind and creative soul like no other place can!
Going Offbeat in France On Your Upcoming Trip
As you can see, France offers plenty of unique possibilities in terms of unforgettable stays laced with rich history, culture, and cuisine. Take your pick from the list given above and venture beyond Paris and the Eiffel Tower to make the most of your upcoming French holiday.
Of course, the above list is not final and there are plenty of other cities that you can also take a look at. Some popular names like Carcassonne (a medieval walled city cum living museum), Colmar (Little Venice with its canals and fairytale vibe), and Bordeaux (serious wine country with fabulous architecture). Do your homework, match your budget, and book your accommodation in advance for an enjoyable trip across France. Sometimes, it just works to venture off the beaten path. You’ll be surprised at the magical results that you get in such cases!
If you’re combining offbeat towns with a brief stop in the capital, consider exploring short-term rentals in Paris for a convenient and flexible stay.
