France has plenty of picturesque villages and charming towns that have that certain je ne sais quoi, but the larger urban areas also have an aesthetic appeal. Not only do they contain fabulous art, architecture, shopping and cuisine, they are gorgeous to look at and be immersed in too. Perhaps after a little French food and wine, everything looks magnifique. With so many to choose from, here are our picks for the 13 most beautiful cities in France.
1. Paris
You knew it had to make the list, so let’s just get this one over with right off the top. France’s capital city on the Seine is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. With famous landmarks, marvelous museums, manicured parks and history on every corner, there’s so much to gawk at in the City of Lights. Merci to the urban planning of Baron Haussmann in the 19th century for the grand boulevards and distinctive architectural allure on both the left and right banks. Day or night, in every season, Paris is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in France and beyond.