Renowned for its rich account , prowess and cuisine , this iconic res publica is dwelling to some of the most beautiful and culturally pregnant cities and Town in the human beings . Each of thelargest metropolis in Franceshowcases a unique blend of inheritance , modernity and vivacious local custom . From bustling metropolises to charming coastal hub , these community reflect the diverse type of the state .
The Gallic government divides its provinces into what are known as " urban unit " to record prescribed universe , similar to what we may call a metropolitan area in the United States . However , since the most recent census selective information is from 2020 , we ’ve ranked the 15 largest Gallic cities base on more late data fromWorld Population Review .
1. Paris (2.14 million)
The uppercase and largest of French cities , Parisis a global hub for graphics , fashion and story . It ’s long been look at the warmheartedness of Gallic and Flemish civilization , give out back 100 of eld . far-famed turning point like the Eiffel Tower , Louvre Museum and Notre - Dame Cathedral attract millions of visitors annually .
Known as the City of Light , Paris is also celebrated for its café polish and amorous ambience for tourists and the general urban center population . The metropolis feature sprawling suburban apartment all along the outskirts , where an extra 8 million residents be , give the Paris region almost as big as NYC .
2. Marseille (795,000)
Located on the Mediterranean coast , Marseilleis France ’s secondly - largest of urban orbit and its oldest , with a history spanning over 2,600 days .
The vibrant Old Port , the stunning Basilica of Notre - Dame de la Garde and a thrive art scene play up its rich ethnic heritage . Its diverse universe add to its dynamic character .
3. Lyon (472,000)
Lyon , known as the gastronomic Das Kapital of France , is aUNESCO World Heritage Sitewith a chronicle dating back to R.C. times . The urban center ’s Renaissance architecture , traboules(hidden passageways ) and renowned culinary view make it a cultural and culinary hotspot . It ’s also a hub for business concern , tourism and innovation .
4. Toulouse (433,000)
Nicknamed La Ville Rose ( The Pink City ) for its terracotta building , Toulouseis a charming city in southwestern France . Known for its aerospace industry , it ’s home to Airbus and the Cité de l’Espace . The city also feature vivacious markets and a livelystudent population .
5. Nice (339,000)
Nestled along the French Riviera , Niceis a glamorouscoastal cityknown for its cheery beaches , the Promenade des Anglais and stunning Mediterranean view . Its blending of Italian and French influences is evident in its architecture and cuisine . Nice ’s vibrant cultural tantrum includes museums dedicated to artists like Matisse and Chagall .
6. Nantes (277,000)
Located on the Loire River , Nantesis a city ofinnovation and history . Known as the birthplace of Jules Verne , it features attractions like the Machines of the Isle of Nantes and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne . Its vivacious artistic creation and music scene kick in to its modern appeal .
7. Strasbourg (275,000)
Strasbourg , place on theborder with Germany , is a unique blend of Gallic and German cultures . Known for its stunning mediaeval cathedral and picturesque canals in the Petite France district , the city is also the seat of several European mental hospital , include the European Parliament .
8. Montpellier (248,000)
A thrivinguniversity cityin southern France , Montpellieris known for its vernal energy and Mediterranean lifestyle . The city ’s historic center , Place de la Comédie and modern architectural landmarks like Antigone make it a portmanteau of old and novel .
9. Bordeaux (232,000)
Famous for its world - course wine-colored , Bordeauxis ahistoric citylocated on the Garonne River . Its 18th - C architecture , including the Place de la Bourse , earned it UNESCO World Heritage status . The metropolis ’s thriving culinary prospect and propinquity to vineyard make it a must - visit finish .
10. Lille (236,700)
place in northerly France bordering Belgium , Lilleis a vibrant metropolis with arich industrial historyand a lively cultural shot . The city ’s Grand Place , the Palais des Beaux - Arts museum and its Flemish - animate architecture highlight its unique persona . Its bustling markets and festivals draw visitor year - circular .
11. Rennes (228,000)
As the Das Kapital of Brittany , Rennesis known for itsmedieval streets , historic half - timbered household and vibrant scholar population . The metropolis hosts legion cultural fete and boasts a booming euphony and arts aspect . Its proximity to the Breton coast supply to its charm .
12. Reims (197,000)
Rheims , located in the Champagne region , is renowned for itsstunning Gothic duomo , where French king were crowned . The city is also a gateway to the region ’s famous bubbly sign of the zodiac , offer spell and taste . Its fertile story and sparkling vino diligence make it a unique destination .
13. Le Havre (186,000)
locate on the Normandy coast , Le Havre is a bustling port city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its modernist post - war computer architecture designed by Auguste Perret .
The city is known for its modern-day art museum , MuMa and its scenic waterfront , including the popular Les Jardins Suspendus . Its marine heritage and vibrant ethnical scenery make it a unequaled destination in northern France .
14. Cergy-Pontoise (183,000)
A aforethought metropolis in the Île - de - France neighborhood , Cergy - Pontoise is get laid for its modern computer architecture and urban design , including the striking Axe Majeur , a monumental sculpture ballpark .
deposit along the Oise River , it offer picturesque green spaces like the Ponds of Cergy - Neuville , nonpareil for outdoor action . Its dynamic residential district hosts cultural events and fete , blending urban energy with natural appealingness .
15. Saint-Étienne (176,000)
Saint - Étienneis sleep with for its industrial inheritance and as a UNESCO - designated Creative City of Design . The city ’s plan - focused museums and festivals spotlight itsinnovative spiritand thriftiness . Its green spaces and propinquity to the Pilat Regional Natural Park make it an attractive urban centerfield .
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology , then made trusted it was fact - checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
