France Beyond Paris: Cities You Must Explore

When people think of France, Paris often takes center stage — the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, artists sketching along the Seine, the magnetic pull of the Louvre.
But there's so much more to this country than just its capital. Beyond Paris, France offers a rich tapestry of cities, each with their own heartbeat, history, and charm.
Let’s step beyond the obvious and discover a France that’s even more beautiful and diverse than you imagined.

A Glimpse into France: Past, Present, and Numbers

France’s history is as rich and layered as a perfect croissant. From the ancient Roman conquests to the revolutionary fervor that shaped modern democracy, France has long stood at the crossroads of art, philosophy, and innovation.
It’s a land where medieval castles sit alongside cutting-edge architecture, where traditional village life exists harmoniously with bustling metropolises.

Today, France remains one of the world’s most influential countries — culturally, economically, and politically.

And it’s no surprise that it tops the travel charts too:

• France is the world’s most visited country, welcoming over 90 million tourists annually (pre-pandemic).
• Tourism is a major driver of the economy, contributing about 7-8% of France’s GDP.
• Whether it’s sipping Bordeaux in the vineyards, skiing in the Alps, or sunbathing on the Côte d’Azur, France’s stunning diversity keeps travelers coming back for more.

Fun fact : France has more than 40,000 official castles, châteaux, and palaces and It’s home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites just within Paris — and dozens more across the country.

Must-Visit Cities in France

1. Paris: The Timeless Classic

No trip to France is complete without experiencing Paris. Beyond the iconic landmarks — Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Louvre — Paris is a mood.
Each neighborhood (or "arrondissement") offers its own character, from the bohemian charm of Montmartre to the high fashion of the Champs-Élysées.
The café culture, the hidden gardens, the evening walks along the Seine — Paris invites you to slow down and savor life itself.

2. Nice: Sun-Kissed Riviera Magic

Perched on the stunning French Riviera, Nice is where azure waters meet lively /.,kcity life. It’s a place for art lovers (Matisse Museum!), market goers (don’t miss Cours Saleya), and beach loungers alike.
The Promenade des Anglais stretches along the coast, perfect for long walks and sunset views.

🌟 Special Tip: Visit during the Nice Carnival (February) — one of the world's largest and liveliest!

3. Lyon: Where Flavors Meet History

Often called the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is a dream for food lovers. The city's "bouchons" (small traditional restaurants) serve hearty Lyonnaise cuisine that’ll mak you rethink French food forever.
Lyon also boasts a beautifully preserved Old Town (a UNESCO site) and a dazzling festival of lights called Fête des Lumières each December.

🌟 Special Tip: Explore the secret "traboules" — hidden passageways between buildings!

4. Bordeaux: Wine, Waves, and Wonder

Bordeaux is the epicenter of fine wine, but there’s more here than vineyards. The city itself is an architectural gem, with grand neo classical buildings lining the Garonne River.
It’s also very walkable, with river cruises, chic cafés, and Europe’s largest reflecting pool, the Miroir d’eau.

5. Marseille: The Gateway to the Mediterranean

Marseille is France’s oldest city and its melting pot. From the colourful streets of Le Panier to the bustling Old Port and the dramatic beauty of the Calanques National Park, Marseille is energetic, rough around the edges, and utterly charming.

🌟 Special Tip: Try the local dish Bouillabaisse, a rich seafood stew born here.

6. Strasbourg: Christmas Magic and Fairytale Charm

Strasbourg feels like stepping into a storybook. Half-timbered houses line the canals, and its grand Gothic cathedral towers over the Old Town.
The city is especially magical during December, when it hosts one of Europe’s oldest and most famous Christmas Markets.

🌟 Special Tip: Strasbourg also offers bilingual charm — French and German cultures blend beautifully here and it's your chance to explore both by visiting a single city. 

7. Toulouse: France’s Pink City

Nicknamed "La Ville Rose" for its terracotta-hued buildings, Toulouse pulses with youthful energy, thanks to its large student population.
Toulouse is also the hub of France’s aerospace industry and Airbus is headquartered here. Plan your tickets in advance if you are an aviation enthusiast. 

8. Lille: Culture Meets Creativity

In northern France, Lille surprises visitors with its Flemish-inspired architecture, thriving markets, and avant-garde museums like La Piscine.
It’s often overlooked — and that’s exactly why it feels refreshingly authentic and lively.

Speaking French? Here's What You Should Know

While France is deeply proud of its language and culture, you’ll find English speakers in most tourist areas, particularly in larger cities like Paris, Nice, and Lyon.
However, in smaller towns or rural regions, English is less commonly spoken.
Having mobile data at your fingertips can make a world of difference — whether it’s for quick translations, navigating tricky menus, booking transport, or finding that perfect hidden café.

Simple French phrases like "Bonjour" (Hello) and "Merci" (Thank you) are always appreciated — and often rewarded with a warmer welcome.

Fun fact : The French love baguettes so much, there’s a national law that dictates how a traditional baguette must be made!

Stay Connected Effortlessly

Public WiFi is increasingly common across hotels, cafés, and train stations in France, but it’s not always the most secure or reliable.
A travel eSIM ensures that you’re always connected — whether you’re uploading a dreamy sunset photo, finding your next wine-tasting spot, or simply pulling up your map in a medieval alleyway.

With Unoroam’s travel eSIM for France, you can skip the SIM card shops and roaming fees, and dive straight into your adventure — connected, secure, and free to roam. You can explore the plans here.