Wine and cheese are the first things that come to mind when we think of France. However, it is a large country, the 22nd most populous country in the world, with a developed industry, the 6th place in the world in terms of GDP per capita, and modern technology. France is also known for its culture and fashion, where beautiful films are made, and the modern fashion scene is created. Let’s take a look at the cities where all of this happens?
1Paris, 2,187,526 people
Paris is the capital of France, and the country’s largest city. The city is built on the River Seine, with its historic center formed by the Île de la Cité and neighborhoods on both banks of the river. Paris is known as a global center for fashion, art, and gastronomy.
2Marseille, 863,310 people
Marseille is a major port city in the south of France, located on the shores of the Gulf of Lyon. The city is built on terraced hills overlooking the gulf. In the city center, you’ll find the Old Port, a boat harbor where fresh fish is still sold.
3Lyon, 516,092 people
Lyon is a city in the southeast of France and was named the most attractive city for living in 2015, surpassing Paris and Marseille. The city is known for its numerous squares, with more than 100 of them.
4Toulouse, 479,553 people
Toulouse is a city in the south of France, located on the banks of the Garonne River. It is the fourth-largest city in France and a major scientific and industrial center. The historic city center is on the right bank of the river and is called the “pink city” due to the color of the bricks used to build the old town.
5Nice, 340,017 people
Nice is a city on the Mediterranean coast in the southeast of France. The city is one of the main resorts on the French Riviera.
6Nantes, 309,346 people
Nantes is a city in the west of France, located on the Loire River, 50 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. The city is known as a city of arts and history in France.
7Montpellier, 285,121 people
Montpellier is a city in the south of France, located on the Mediterranean coast. The city is known for its St. Peter’s Cathedral, which was built in 1364.
8Strasbourg, 280,966 people
Strasbourg is a city in the east of France, located on the Ill River. The city is known as the parliamentary capital of Europe, as it is the location of the Council of Europe’s meetings and, since 1992, the European Parliament’s meetings. Strasbourg is also home to the European Court of Human Rights.
9Bordeaux, 254,436 people
Bordeaux is a city located in the southwest of France on the banks of the Garonne River. The city is known as the world capital of wine. There are approximately 14,000 major vineyards in this region producing wine under the Bordeaux appellation.
10Lille, 232,787 people
Lille is a city in the north of France, located on the left bank of the Deûle Canal. The city is known as the center of the textile industry in France and includes traditional textile centers like Roubaix and Tourcoing.
