11 Most Underrated Cities in France to Visit in 2025

If you’re a food lover, Dijon should be your go-to destination over Bordeaux. While Bordeaux is famous for its wine, Dijon is a paradise for those passionate about food, particularly mustard, a true hallmark of the region. The Maison de la Moutarde offers a fascinating insight into the art of mustard making, and the city’s markets, such as Les Halles de Dijon, are brimming with fresh, local ingredients. Dijon is also renowned for its Boeuf Bourguignon and Coq au Vin, as well as a host of regional delicacies that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Burgundy.

In addition to its distinctive mustard, Dijon is a city where food and wine truly go hand in hand, making it a haven for gourmets. As the capital of Burgundy, the region’s wine culture is equally as celebrated as its food, offering visitors the chance to sample world-class wines in the famous Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune vineyards. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty meal at a traditional bistro or exploring the city’s elegant patisseries, Dijon offers a more intimate, refined food experience that perfectly pairs with its rich culinary traditions.

Read our Dijon Travel Guide

For an authentic Languedoc experience, Béziers is a fantastic choice over Nîmes. While Nîmes offers impressive Roman ruins, Béziers retains a more traditional, local atmosphere that truly reflects the region’s rich history and culture. The city is known for its vibrant markets, charming narrow streets, and the stunning Cathedrale Saint-Nazaire, offering a more intimate experience of southern France. Béziers’ Feria (annual bullfighting festival) also provides a lively, authentic taste of regional traditions.

In addition to its historic sites, Béziers is surrounded by the famous Languedoc vineyards, making it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts. The city’s slower pace allows visitors to connect more deeply with local life, from savoring regional delicacies at local bistros to exploring hidden gems like the Canal du Midi. For those seeking a genuine Languedoc experience away from the larger tourist crowds, Béziers offers the perfect combination of history, culture, and local charm.

Read our Béziers Travel Guide

For exploring historic Brittany, Nantes offers a unique mix of rich heritage and modern creativity. While not officially part of Brittany since the mid-20th century, Nantes retains a strong connection to its Breton roots. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul stand as testaments to the city’s medieval and Renaissance past. Wandering through the old town, you’ll discover a blend of cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and vibrant public squares, all imbued with the essence of Brittany’s historical charm.

Beyond its historical landmarks, Nantes is home to fascinating cultural attractions, such as the Machines de l’île, a steampunk-inspired attraction featuring mechanical animals and a giant carousel. The city is also a hub of Breton culture, offering visitors a taste of traditional food, including seafood and crêpes. As the birthplace of Jules Verne, Nantes also boasts a museum dedicated to the writer’s life and works, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both history and creative innovation in one dynamic city.

Read our Rennes Travel Guide

For medieval charm, Montauban is a perfect alternative to Toulouse. Nestled along the Tarn River, this picturesque town is full of history and stunning medieval architecture, offering a quieter, more intimate experience than its larger neighbor. The Place Nationale is a central hub, surrounded by beautiful 17th-century arcades and the striking Montauban Cathedral with its impressive façade. The town’s well-preserved medieval streets, combined with the serene riverside setting, create a captivating atmosphere for exploring.

Montauban’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, and visitors can immerse themselves in the town’s medieval heritage by visiting the Musée Ingres—dedicated to the famous artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, who was born here. With its mix of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, beautiful squares, and vibrant local life, Montauban offers a charming step back in time. It’s the ideal destination for anyone looking to experience authentic medieval charm in a peaceful, historically rich setting.

Read our Montauban Travel Guide

For Roman history, Nîmes is the better choice over Arles. While Arles is certainly rich in Roman ruins, Nîmes is often considered one of the best-preserved Roman cities in France, with its spectacular and nearly intact monuments. The Maison Carrée, a Roman temple dating back to the 1st century AD, and the Nîmes Arena, a Roman amphitheater that still hosts events today, are just two of the incredible sights that make Nîmes stand out. The city’s rich Roman heritage is also evident in its Tour Magne, a tower that once formed part of the Roman fortifications and provides panoramic views of the city.

Nîmes offers a more immersive Roman experience, with a blend of historic sites and modern living. The city is often referred to as the “French Rome” due to the abundance and quality of its Roman architectural structures, which rival those found in Italy. Unlike Arles, which has a more fragmented set of ruins, Nîmes maintains a cohesive and intact Roman city center that allows visitors to step back in time and experience Roman civilization in a more complete form. For history enthusiasts looking to explore Roman architecture and culture in its purest form, Nîmes is the ideal destination.

Read our Arles Travel Guide

For accessible art, Lille is a fantastic alternative to Paris. While Paris is undeniably a global art capital, Lille offers a more relaxed, less overwhelming art scene with a rich mix of cultural experiences. The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille is one of France’s largest fine arts museums, housing an impressive collection of European art, from classical to modern. Lille’s art scene is also deeply influenced by its Flemish heritage, and its vibrant street art culture adds a contemporary flair, making it a perfect destination for those who want to explore diverse artistic expressions without the crowds of Paris.

Lille’s compact size makes it easier to access its art venues, with several galleries and museums located within walking distance of each other in the city center. The LaM (Lille Métropole Musée d’Art Moderne), located just outside the city, is another standout, offering an exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as African and Oceanic art. The city’s charming architecture, combined with its thriving cultural scene, provides an inviting and accessible art experience, making it an ideal choice for art lovers who want to explore without the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

Read our Lille Travel Guide

For dramatic city views, Grenoble is a stunning alternative to Lyon. Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Grenoble offers breathtaking panoramic views from various vantage points, most notably from the Bastille. Visitors can take a scenic ride on the famous Bastille cable car (Les Bulles), which provides spectacular views of the city surrounded by the towering mountains. From the summit, you can enjoy 360-degree views that encompass the entire city, the Isère River, and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

In addition to the Bastille, Grenoble is a city of natural beauty, with its location at the confluence of three mountain ranges. Whether you’re exploring the city’s parks, walking along the riverside, or hiking in the nearby mountains, the city offers stunning vistas at every turn. The views of the Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne mountain ranges provide a dramatic backdrop to the urban landscape, making Grenoble the ideal destination for those seeking awe-inspiring city views combined with an alpine charm.

Read our Grenoble Travel Guide

For history, Limoges is an excellent choice over Poitiers. While Poitiers is known for its medieval and Renaissance heritage, Limoges offers a deeper dive into both ancient and medieval history, with well-preserved sites that highlight its rich past. The Musée de la Résistance offers a poignant look at the city’s role in the French resistance during World War II, while the Musée des Beaux-Arts houses collections that span centuries, providing insight into the city’s cultural evolution.

Limoges is also famed for its historical connection to the porcelain industry, with museums like the Musée Adrien Dubouché showcasing the city’s significant contribution to the art of porcelain making. Visitors can explore the city’s Romanesque churches such as Saint-Étienne Cathedral, with its striking architecture and historical significance. With its blend of ancient Roman influences, medieval heritage, and industrial legacy, Limoges offers a comprehensive historical experience that rivals larger French cities.

Read our Limoges Travel Guide

For Riviera sunshine, Menton is a fantastic alternative to Nice. While Nice is the more well-known destination, Menton offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with the same stunning Mediterranean views and year-round sunny climate. Known as the “Pearl of the French Riviera,” Menton boasts beautiful beaches, picturesque old town streets, and colorful gardens, making it an idyllic spot to soak in the sun without the large crowds.

Menton’s charm lies in its peaceful surroundings and charming blend of Italian and French influences. The Jardin Serre de la Madone and Jardin Botanique du Mont Gros are just two examples of the city’s stunning botanical gardens, offering a perfect place to relax in the sunshine. Menton’s small size means you can easily explore its quaint squares, coastal promenades, and vibrant markets, offering a more intimate experience compared to the hustle and bustle of larger Riviera cities.

Read our Menton Travel Guide

If you’re seeking a deeper dive into Norman history, Caen is a much richer choice than Rouen. While Rouen is famous for its role in the medieval period, particularly with the trial and execution of Joan of Arc, Caen offers a more direct connection to the founding of Normandy. The Abbaye aux Hommes, founded by William the Conqueror, is one of the most significant historical sites in Caen, as it was built to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Hastings and his subsequent reign. The city also houses the Musée de Normandie, which explores the region’s past in a way that emphasizes Norman heritage, from its Viking roots to its role in medieval France and beyond.

Caen also offers a more intact and accessible exploration of the Norman conquest and the legacy of William the Conqueror. While Rouen boasts impressive Gothic cathedrals and a rich medieval past, it is more influenced by later periods, particularly the Renaissance and beyond. In contrast, Caen retains a strong Norman feel with historical landmarks like the Château de Caen and Abbaye aux Dames, which were both central to the establishment of Normandy as a powerful duchy in the 11th century. For those specifically interested in the Norman era and its architectural and cultural legacies, Caen provides a more direct connection to that pivotal time in history.

Read our Caen Travel Guide

For rugby fans, Clermont-Ferrand is a top destination over Montpellier. Known for its passionate rugby culture, Clermont-Ferrand is home to one of France’s most successful and beloved teams, ASM Clermont Auvergne. The city has a long-standing tradition in rugby, and the iconic Stade Marcel-Michelin is the heart of the action, where fans can enjoy an electric atmosphere during the team’s home matches. The fierce rivalries and dedicated fan base make watching a match here an unforgettable experience for any rugby enthusiast.

In addition to the thrilling games, Clermont-Ferrand offers an immersive experience for rugby fans, with bars, cafés, and sports-themed establishments celebrating the sport year-round. The city’s deep-rooted rugby culture is reflected in its public spaces, where memorabilia and references to the sport are common. Whether attending a match or simply soaking in the city’s rugby spirit, Clermont-Ferrand is a must-visit for those who love the game.

Read our Clermont-Ferrand Travel Guide