Best 10 Places to Visit in France Beyond Paris

Before exploring the destinations, it is important to plan your flights to France with care. A smart flight strategy can help you save both money and time, especially if you're aiming to avoid long train journeys or expensive domestic connections. 

While Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the most popular international gateway, France has several other well-connected airports like Lyon, Marseille, Nice, and Toulouse that might be closer to your chosen destination. Booking a multi-city flight or flying directly into a regional airport can reduce travel stress and get you exploring sooner. Use platforms like Flightsquest to compare routes and fares efficiently.

Top 10 Places to Explore in France

1. Annecy: The Venice of the Alps

Annecy is often called the Venice of the Alps because of its charming canals and lakefront setting. This town is located near the French Alps and offers a peaceful mix of nature, history, and beauty. Annecy is a peaceful town known for its bright buildings and clear blue lake. It is a great place to relax and enjoy beautiful views.

Top Things to Do in Annecy

• Enjoy a lake cruise or paddleboat ride, with prices starting at $25.

• Explore the Old Town filled with narrow canals, cosy cafes, and colourful flower displays

• Try local ice cream while enjoying views of the lake for less than $5.

Annecy combines mountain views, water activities, and a relaxed pace, making it one of the most photogenic places in France.

2. Lyon, France’s Food Capital

Lyon is the third-largest city in France and is known for its excellent cuisine and cultural depth. Located in the Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon is famous for its traditional eateries, historic architecture, and rich museums. This city lets you enjoy everyday French life at a more peaceful rhythm than the capital.

Must-try experiences in Lyon

• Dine at a traditional bouchon restaurant with meals starting at $18.
•This museum is a top cultural stop in France, located far from the busy Paris scene
• Walk up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere for a complete city view

Lyon offers a deep cultural and culinary experience that showcases the heart of French heritage outside of the capital.

3. Strasbourg: A Fairytale Town with German Roots

Strasbourg is located near the German border and is known for its unique blend of French and German architecture. With half-timbered houses and winding canals, it feels like a page from a storybook. 

What to explore in Strasbourg

• Walk around La Petite France, a neighbourhood known for its medieval charm and cobbled streets
• Climb the Strasbourg Cathedral tower for $10 to get a sweeping view of the town
• explore the Musée Alsacien to learn about Alsace traditions and crafts

Strasbourg is ideal for those who love fairy-tale settings, cultural depth, and easy walking access to major sights.

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4. Colmar: A Real-Life Disney Village

This vibrant town in Alsace has a fairytale charm with its colourful streets and classic houses. With its timber-framed houses, narrow cobblestone lanes, and flower-lined canals, it offers a peaceful escape into old-world France. Colmar is especially beautiful in spring and during the Christmas season.

Top Things to Do in Colmar

• Stroll through Little Venice, the most scenic part of town, with its charming bridges and houses
• Visit the Unterlinden Museum to see fine art, including the famous Isenheim Altarpiece
• Taste Alsace wines for around $8 a glass and take a wine route bike tour for a day

Colmar’s beauty feels timeless, and its quiet pace makes it a perfect destination for photography, art, and peaceful walks.

5. Mont Saint Michel: A Magical Island Abbey

This UNESCO World Heritage Site looks like it floats on water during high tide. Its medieval abbey rises above winding streets, stone houses, and rocky walls. It is one of the most photographed places in all of France.

What to Know Before Visiting Mont Saint Michel

• Entry to the island is free, but the abbey charges around $12 per person
• The island is accessible by a free shuttle from the mainland car park
• Try to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the changing tides

Mont Saint Michel feels like a journey into the past, with every stone path and sea breeze telling a story from centuries ago.

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6. Avignon Papal Legacy and Medieval Charm

The legacy of the Popes remains visible in Avignon’s majestic buildings and yearly cultural festivals. Located in the Provence region, it is surrounded by stone walls and sits along the Rhône River. Its old town is filled with music, theatre, and lively local markets.

Things You Should Not Miss in Avignon

• The Palace of the Popes is a massive Gothic structure, and tickets to explore it cost roughly $14.

• Walk on the historic Pont d’Avignon and enjoy the riverside views

• Visit during the Avignon Theatre Festival in July to see the city come alive with performances

Avignon blends history, performance, and scenic beauty into a town that always feels like something is about to happen.

7. Bordeaux Wine and Neoclassical Elegance

Bordeaux is a city built on wine and elegance. It is famous around the world for its vineyards, but the city itself is just as impressive. With wide boulevards, 18th-century buildings, and the modern riverfront, Bordeaux is a stylish yet relaxed destination.

Highlights of Bordeaux

• Tour the Cité du Vin, a modern museum of wine, with tastings included for around $22 

• Join a day trip to Saint Emilion or Medoc for wine tastings and vineyard walks starting from $100
• Try local specialities like canele pastries for under $3 and explore the Grand Theâtre area

Bordeaux is a dream for wine lovers and history fans, offering refined tastes and rich stories in every corner of the city.

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8. Marseille Coastal Energy and Fresh Seafood

Marseille is one of the oldest cities in France and sits along the sunny southern coastline. It has a mix of traditional fishing culture and modern street art. The Old Port is always busy with boats and seagulls, while the nearby Calanques offer blue waters and rocky cliffs.

Top Things to experience in Marseille

• Take a boat tour to Calanques National Park with prices starting at $35
• Try fresh bouillabaisse, a seafood stew unique to Marseille, usually between $30 and $50
• Visit the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations with tickets costing around $12

Marseille offers strong sea breezes, lively streets, and rich cultural sites, perfect for those who want both adventure and learning.

9. Carcassonne: A Real-Life Medieval Fortress

Carcassonne looks like something from a fantasy movie. It is a fortified city with stone towers, long walls, and winding alleys. Walking here feels like stepping into the Middle Ages. It is located in the south of France and is popular among families and history fans.

Things to See in Carcassonne

• Tour the castle and ramparts with entry around $10.
• enjoy medieval-themed shops and restaurants inside the old city
• Stay until sunset to see the walls light up in golden tones

Carcassonne is a rare chance to live inside a real medieval city, where every corner has a story to tell.

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10. Chamonix For Mountain Lovers and Skiers

Chamonix is a small town at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. It is known for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. If you love nature and outdoor activities, Chamonix is a perfect place to relax and explore.

Outdoor Highlights in Chamonix

• Take the cable car up Aiguille du Midi for panoramic views, starting at $70.
• Try beginner ski lessons or day passes, with prices from $50 to $70.
• Visit during July or August for sunny weather and open trails

Chamonix offers clean air, tall peaks, and peaceful nature. It is ideal for people who want to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.

Museums in France Beyond the Louvre

While the Louvre in Paris is world famous, many smaller museums in France offer just as much beauty and history. These are spread across cities and towns, making every region richer in culture and story.

Important Museums in France to Add to Your Trip

• Musee des Beaux-Arts in Lyon is perfect for fans of painting and sculpture
• Cité du Vin in Bordeaux combines wine with interactive learning
• MuCeM in Marseille explains the culture of the Mediterranean through food, art, and tools
• Musee Unterlinden in Colmar has both modern and religious art
• Musee d’Art Moderne in Strasbourg features bold art in a peaceful setting

Museums in France go beyond the big names. Local collections often surprise visitors with unique stories and amazing details.

Quick Tips for Booking Flights to France

• Book your round-trip tickets 60 to 90 days in advance for lower fares
• Take a direct flight to cities like Nice, Lyon, or Marseille to avoid stopping in Paris.
• Round-trip France flights from the United States usually cost between $500 - $1200.

• For domestic travel within France, use low-cost airlines like Ryanair or easyJet with tickets as low as $60.
• Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices and set fare alerts

Choosing the right flight route helps you avoid unnecessary stops in Paris and get closer to your ideal French destination.

Conclusion

France is much more than Paris. From colourful villages to mountain towns and coastal cities, the country offers a wide range of travel experiences. Whether you want to sip wine, hike through the Alps, or step inside a medieval wall, these ten places show the many sides of France. Each location has its own style, making your journey diverse and unforgettable.

Ready to explore France beyond Paris? Plan your next adventure with these 10 unforgettable destinations, book your flights, pack your bags, and discover the real magic of France today with Flightsquest.

FAQ - Places to Visit in France

1. Is it easy to travel between these places without a car?

Yes, most of these cities are connected by high-speed trains and local buses. However, renting a car can help if you want to explore the countryside or reach remote areas like Mont Saint Michel more easily.

2. Which towns are best for visiting during winter?

Chamonix is perfect for winter sports. Strasbourg and Colmar are also very popular during the Christmas season for their festive markets and decorations.

3. Are there budget accommodation options in these cities?

Yes, you can find budget hotels or guesthouses starting from $40 to $60 per night in towns like Annecy, Colmar, and Avignon. Hostels are also available in bigger cities like Marseille and Lyon.

4. What is the average food cost in these places?

A casual meal at a local bistro costs around $15 to $25. Street food, pastries, and snacks like crepes or sandwiches are often under $10.

5. Do these places offer guided tours in English?

Most popular attractions offer audio guides or group tours in English. You can also book private tours in advance through apps or local tourism offices.