In 2019, Paris recorded about 50 million visitors, bearing testament to the city’s global attraction. While tourism is a big sector in the French capital, there are several beautiful but underrated cities in France with breathtaking monuments waiting to be explored.

In fact, the worse way to do France is visiting Paris alone while there are other great places to go as well. These places offer ample wine, food, history, culture and art, shopping, and every other thing they have.

>>Also Read: How To Plan a Trip in France

Below Are Some Of The Best Underrated But Incredible Cities to Visit in France:

Le Puy-en-Velay 

This is a spectacular cathedral town and is nit on the major track. It preserves its small-town allure unavowed, kept right in the center of the volcanic Auvergne area. Le Puy-en-Velay is a town of relevant religious importance, the commencing spot for pilgrims initially in the Middle Ages and latterly since the turn of the 21st-century.

Overlooking the city is the Cathedral Notre-Dame, its main attraction that can be reached by taking about 134 steps to the sloppy road. Notre-Dame stands at the heart of a collection of medieval monuments, Roman architecture, and galleries with polychrome arches. 

Many tour companies offer walking tours to visitors as they take them around different sites like shops, cafes, main squares, and markets. You will also find hotels for accommodation and a few local restaurants that offer fresh food for your delight. 

If you visit the beautiful Le Puy-en-Velay in September, you will find locals dressed up in period clothing. They participate in parades on the streets as the city marks the Renaissance Festival of the Bird.

>>Also Read: Most Beautiful Cathedrals in France

Albi

Commonly referred to as the jewel of the Midi-Pyrenees area, Albi is one of the most adorable small cities in France. This city used to be obscure to visitors, but that has almost changed now. Albi is not known for its alluring character and beauty even though visitors will notice its serenity and unassuming personality.

Here, you will find St. Cecilia, a medieval cathedral in front of the significant medieval center. You might observe that it seem to be a collection of medieval grain silos than a church. Stepping inside, you will also find out that it is one of the most gorgeous gothic buildings in the country. It is complete with big wall paintings of the last judgment that embellish the entire western wall.

Housed in the Bishop’s castle, do not miss the Toulouse Lautrec museum. The museum has an impressive array of Henri de Toulous-Lautrec’s works. At Albi, there are nice places to relax and dine and historical places to explore. 

>>Also Read: Most Famous Monuments in France

Dijon

Burgundy’s former capital- Dijon brilliantly makes our list of the most beautiful and underrated French cities to visit. It used to be the seat of power of infamous and powerful Dukes at the Ducal Palace. Now, the palace is definitely a place to visit for its collection of buildings decorated with gold. 

There are also painted ceilings, circumstance, and pomp that will refresh your mind on the historical event that ensued here. As you will find out, the entire Dijon is full of renaissance and medieval-style buildings. Therefore, it is one of the most beautiful towns in France.

When it comes to velvety wines, great shopping, and terrific food, Dijon takes the cake. For excellent hotels, you will be spoiled for choice. The small is perfect for wine tours at any time of the year you visit. 

Lyon

Considered to many as a worthy rival to Paris, yet underrated, Lyon is as breathtaking to tourists as it is to locals. It is among the few cities in Europe that blends the galleries and the museums of a cultural hub with the vigor of a past industrial capital. When you touch down in Lyon, be rest assured that there will be a lot to see and do.

The UNESCO acknowledges the historic sites of the city as it designates it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Areas like the Roman district and Fourvière, the Renaissance district (Vieux Lyon), the silk district (slopes of Croix-Rousse), and the Presqu’île, bear 12th century to contemporary periods characteristics. They have all been earmarked for their architecture and significance.

One of the things to do in Lyon is to see Vieux Lyon. It is one of Europe’s largest renaissance old quarters. It will be recalled that from the 15th century to the 17th century, wealthy merchant families from France, Flanders, Italy, and Germany settled in the city. Lyon’s silk industry at the time boomed. They built opulent homes in the gothic, Italian renaissance, and the French renaissance styles. You will also see some of the remaining structures. Some of them still stand in areas like Saint-Jean, Saint-Georges, and Saint-Paules.

Lyon is a vibrant city economically, culturally, and industrially. It has an enduring heritage that attracts millions of people from different countries in the world. And no doubt that this historic city will, for many years, continue to offer tourists the scintillating experience they crave at all levels. 

Also Read:
>>Lyon Travel Guide
>>Things To Do In Lyon
>>What is Lyon Famous For
>>Is Lyon Worth Visiting?

Nantes

Given its prominent water features and beauty, Nantes is regarded as the gem of western France. The River Loire passes through the city center, and the River Erdre- a tributary to the Loire, also courses through Nantes. River Loire is France’s longest river as it rises in the Massif Central and flows northwest to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Undoubtedly, it is one of the country’s largest and most beautiful rivers. That is why you will often find offers to book romantic dinner cruises. Recognized by Time Magazine as the most livable city in 2004, Nantes is the capital of the Pays de la Loire region of northwestern France. The city has a rich history, like most French cities. Nantes used to be Brittany’s capital until the Second World War when boundaries were redrawn. 

Notwithstanding, the city retains much of Brittany’s identity. A pleasant destination for tourists from all over the world, Nantes is the sixth-largest French city and is considered a great place to live. The city especially lures young professionals, who are arts and culture buffs, and adventure-seeking tourists.

Also Read:
>>Nantes Travel Guide
>>Is Nantes Worth Visiting?
>>What Is Nantes Famous For

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is indeed a Provencal city, with its regal and quaint fountains you will find at every turn. Its boulevards and squares are with 17th and 18th- century buildings with swaggering stone lions as standing guard.

Aix-en-Provence is a city of activity and art and culture. It is also home to art schools and universities. In the heart of the city is the old town which is small enough to take on on foot. Do not miss the only 14th-century tower that stands at the northwest side of the city. 

There is the Cours Mirabeau, a gorgeous tree-lined avenue alive with terrace cafes and bookstores. There, big trees that offer shade on sweaty summer days. You can also find many markets in the city. From the flashy market to the daily food market to the distinct and classy clothing one.

>>Also Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Provence

Orleans

To be honest, returning to its former glory has been tough after the hostilities the city suffered in the course of the Second World War. Prior to that time, the city suffered onslaught from the Romans, Attila, and the English. But it has managed to preserve a chunk of its impressive historical monuments and even though its link to Joan of Arc counts among the most underrated French cities.

When visitors get to the city’s tourist office, they will be given an itinerary that guides them on how to see the fantastic sites offered. Some of the best chateaus in the country can be found just outside of Orleans, and they are worth seeing. Do not miss the House of Joan of Arc with her statue and the City Hall, where everyone is required to be married. Orleans is a splendid place to visit as there are lots to do and see even on a budget.

Also Read:
>>Is Orléans France Worth Visiting?
>>What is Orléans France Famous For

Underrated Cities in France – Summary

These underrated cities boast of fantastic scenery, picturesque villages, and stunning cathedrals that will blow your mind. So next time you are visiting France, add one or more of these cities to your itinerary so you would not make the mistake many visitors do when traveling. 

What are your Favorite Beautiful Cities in France For Avoiding the Paris Crowds? Lets us know in the comments below.