France: List of the Largest Cities by Population

Strasbourg, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks
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1. Paris – 2,140,000
Capital city known for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks.


2. Marseille – 870,000
Major port city on the Mediterranean coast with a diverse culture.


3. Lyon – 530,000
Famous for its cuisine, historical architecture, and silk industry.


4. Toulouse – 500,000
Center of the aerospace industry and pink-hued architecture.


5. Nice – 340,000
Resort city on the French Riviera known for its beaches and old town.


6. Nantes – 310,000
Historic port city with a vibrant cultural scene.


7. Montpellier – 300,000
Youthful city known for its universities and medieval streets.


8. Strasbourg – 290,000
Home to the European Parliament and a picturesque old town.


9. Bordeaux – 260,000
Renowned for its wine industry and classical architecture.


10. Lille – 235,000
Cultural hub near Belgium known for its Flemish roots.


11. Rennes – 220,000
Capital of Brittany with a strong student population.


12. Reims – 180,000
Famous for its cathedral and Champagne production.


13. Le Havre – 170,000
Port city with modernist architecture rebuilt after WWII.


14. Saint-Étienne – 170,000
Known for its industrial heritage and design innovation.


15. Toulon – 170,000
Naval base and gateway to the French Riviera.


16. Grenoble – 160,000
Surrounded by mountains, known for research and innovation.


17. Dijon – 155,000
Historic city famous for mustard and architecture.


18. Angers – 155,000
Known for its medieval castle and tapestries.


19. Nîmes – 150,000
Roman heritage city with a well-preserved arena.


20. Villeurbanne – 150,000
Suburb of Lyon known for its modernist buildings.


21. Clermont-Ferrand – 145,000
Home of Michelin and surrounded by extinct volcanoes.


22. Le Mans – 143,000
Famous for the 24-hour car race and medieval old town.


23. Aix-en-Provence – 143,000
Elegant city known for its thermal springs and art.


24. Brest – 140,000
Naval port and center of marine science.


25. Tours – 137,000
Gateway to the Loire Valley and its châteaux.


26. Amiens – 135,000
Gothic cathedral and floating gardens define this city.


27. Limoges – 130,000
World-renowned for its porcelain industry.


28. Annecy – 130,000
Alpine town known for its canals and lake.


29. Perpignan – 120,000
Close to Spain, rich in Catalan culture.


30. Boulogne-Billancourt – 120,000
Wealthy suburb of Paris with a business district.


31. Metz – 117,000
Historic city with German influences and modern art.


32. Besançon – 116,000
Clockmaking tradition and Vauban fortifications.


33. Orléans – 114,000
City associated with Joan of Arc and the Loire River.


34. Rouen – 111,000
Medieval architecture and Joan of Arc history.


35. Mulhouse – 110,000
Industrial city with famous technical museums.


36. Caen – 105,000
Normandy city tied to William the Conqueror.


37. Nancy – 105,000
Art Nouveau capital with a UNESCO-listed square.


38. Saint-Denis – 110,000
Home to the Stade de France and royal basilica.


39. Argenteuil – 110,000
Suburb of Paris known for Impressionist painting.


40. Montreuil – 110,000
Diverse suburb with a strong arts community.


41. Roubaix – 98,000
Textile heritage and art scene revival.


42. Dunkerque – 87,000
Port city known for WWII evacuation.


43. Avignon – 91,000
Historic papal city with a famous medieval bridge.


44. Nanterre – 96,000
Administrative center near La Défense.


45. Vitry-sur-Seine – 94,000
Cultural suburb with urban art.


46. Créteil – 93,000
Suburb of Paris and seat of Val-de-Marne.


47. Poitiers – 88,000
University town with Romanesque churches.


48. Courbevoie – 83,000
Financial district of La Défense.


49. Versailles – 85,000
Known for the grand Château de Versailles.


50. Colmar – 70,000
Charming Alsatian town with timbered houses.

The above is subject to change.

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