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Looking for French city alternatives besides Paris

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Milena_Styl
Joined:
17.09.2020
Posts: 809
Topic Starter
24.01.2025 23:08
My partner and I are planning a two-week trip to France next summer, but we really want to avoid the crowds and high prices of Paris. We enjoy good food, history, and walking around, but we aren't interested in the typical tourist traps. Does anyone have recommendations for smaller cities that still have great atmosphere and easy train access? We are considering heading south or maybe towards Brittany, but we are open to any suggestions that feel a bit more authentic.
16 replies in this topic
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Simeon_W
Joined:
03.09.2023
Posts: 1070
07.02.2025 17:27
You should definitely look at Bordeaux. It has incredible food, wine, and the city center is very walkable and historic.
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Iva_R
Joined:
11.08.2022
Posts: 2035
09.02.2025 05:49
In reply to a previous post
I second Bordeaux! If you want something a bit smaller, try Saint-Émilion nearby for the history aspect.
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Yavor_K
Joined:
06.06.2022
Posts: 1675
25.02.2025 21:50
If you are considering Brittany, check out Rennes. It is a vibrant university city with some of the best medieval architecture I've seen.
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otgovor_BG
Joined:
27.03.2020
Posts: 1039
19.03.2025 01:32
In reply to a previous post
Rennes is great, but don't skip Dinan if you are in that area. It's like stepping back in time.
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grigor_b
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31.12.2021
Posts: 2239
04.04.2025 19:54
Lyon is often called the food capital of France, and for good reason. It's much more laid back than Paris.
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mati_123
Joined:
09.02.2025
Posts: 139
11.04.2025 18:35
In reply to a previous post
Lyon is amazing, but just be aware that it can get pretty hot in the summer, unlike the northern regions.
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Niko_N
Joined:
04.03.2021
Posts: 1255
30.06.2025 09:58
Have you considered Strasbourg? It has a completely different vibe, almost a mix of French and German culture, and the train connections are excellent.
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ChernaKotka
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27.01.2021
Posts: 1343
26.07.2025 12:28
In reply to a previous post
Strasbourg is lovely, but it gets quite crowded in the summer too. Maybe try Colmar instead?
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Kras_T
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23.02.2024
Posts: 33
13.08.2025 07:24
I spent a week in Montpellier last year and absolutely loved it. It's close to the coast but has a very authentic southern charm.
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Iva_R
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13.02.2023
Posts: 2095
20.08.2025 09:16
In reply to a previous post
Montpellier is nice, but I find Nîmes to be more interesting if you love Roman history.
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Timo_G
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25.08.2022
Posts: 227
02.12.2025 08:31
Definitely check out Annecy. It's stunningly beautiful, right on the lake, and perfect for walking around.
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ekspert_forum
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10.12.2022
Posts: 32
19.12.2025 07:36
In reply to a previous post
Annecy is beautiful, but it can be quite pricey in the summer because it's so popular with tourists now.
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vulk_samotnik
Joined:
31.12.2021
Posts: 1422
31.12.2025 20:14
If you want to avoid crowds, skip the big names and look into Albi. It's a hidden gem with a fascinating cathedral and art museum.
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NqkoiNesh
Joined:
15.01.2023
Posts: 2176
06.01.2026 05:08
In reply to a previous post
Albi is a fantastic suggestion! It's definitely much quieter than the major tourist hubs.
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star_vulk
Joined:
28.02.2022
Posts: 1688
04.03.2026 15:49
I would suggest heading to Nantes. It's creative, has great public transport, and feels very 'real' rather than a tourist playground.
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Znaesht
Joined:
05.07.2022
Posts: 1973
14.03.2026 02:40
In reply to a previous post
Nantes is a great choice, especially if you like modern art installations and quirky city planning.

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