Beyond Paris: 5 French Cities Worth Discovering
Feature Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash
There’s no getting around it: Paris is an icon. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and a Parisian café culture are what draw millions of people to the city’s core each year. But that popularity comes at a steep price.
You can expect long lines for attractions, crowded and scam-filled streets, and higher prices than you ever anticipated. Combine all that, and your whole experience is a rushed blur.
For travelers who are looking for something slower and more meaningful, it would be wise to look beyond the capital and explore France’s smaller cities. You’ll still get all the best France has to offer, but you’ll have the space to enjoy it.
Top 5 Alternatives to Paris
#1 Lyon
Lyon is known as the food capital of France. Travelers find cozy bouchons serving up traditional regional cuisine, and local markets offer the perfect place to experience fresh cheese and produce. The Vieux Lyon district is ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts, with cobblestone streets made for strolling.
There’s more than food here, though. There are ancient Roman ruins and breathtaking scenery along both the Rhône and Saône rivers. Lyon has a vibrance that’s warm, but way less intense than metro Paris.
#2 Bordeaux
Bordeaux blends elegance with a relaxed pace. Its UNESCO-listed center features grand squares, classical façades, and lively coffee shops and cafés. The city is a gateway to world-renowned vineyards, with tours available year-round.
The Garonne riverfront is ideal for evening walks or cycling. Wine bars and local bistros create a welcoming atmosphere. Bordeaux delivers refined charm without the constant “go go go” touristy feel of the capital.
#3 Annecy
Annecy is probably best known for its stunning Alpine setting and ultra-clear lake. Canals wind through Old Town, lined with beautiful buildings. The waterways and surrounding mountains make it ideal for anyone hoping to swim, kayak, hike, or otherwise enjoy the outdoors.
Even with the lake and idyllic setting, Annecy still feels relaxed in the middle of summer. Spring and fall are typically very pleasant, and the mild weather makes just about any time a great time for a visit. Annecy is a good choice if you’re looking for scenery and calm, not typical tourist attractions.
#4 Nantes
Nantes feels youthful and bright. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne sits in the historic city center. There are public art pieces and riverside paths for locals and visitors to enjoy, and the lower number of international tourists keeps the atmosphere relaxed.
Travelers on the hunt for culture, history, originality, and minimal crowds can check all those boxes and more in Nantes.
#5 Colmar
Bright, timber-framed houses along calm canals help Colmar look more than a little bit like a perfect storybook village. The charm just keeps on coming with an abundance of local wineries and small artisanal markets.
Travelers who want a slow, relaxing trip should seriously consider Colmar. It’s great for solo travelers, but couples looking for a quiet experience will fall in love with it as well. Visit in spring or fall, and you’ll have the best mix of weather and tourists.
Staying Safe While Exploring Lesser-Known Cities
Smaller cities feel safer, without a doubt. The problem is, no matter where you’re traveling, there will be cybercriminals on the hunt.
Travelers are most frequently victimized while using unsecured café or train station Wi-Fi. These networks are commonly undersecured, or even left completely unsecured. That means anyone can sit there and spy on your data, your sessions, everything.
Try not to actually log into your online banking while on public Wi-Fi. If you’re looking up room rates or buying tickets for an attraction, make sure you’re double-checking the websites.
Dummy websites are a common tactic for cybercriminals to get your info. If you aren’t ready to commit to a subscription, take advantage of a VPN free trial before your trip. A VPN will encrypt all of the data that goes to and from your computer, so that even if criminals spy on you, they won’t be able to read anything.
Discovering the Rest of France
With a little step outside the Paris metro comfort zone, you’ll find that France has so much more to offer. Look beyond the capital to slow down and make deeper, more meaningful connections. Stay thoughtful and secure, and you’ll enjoy a side of France that countless tourists miss.
