I Would Never Set Foot In These 5 French Cities Again + 2 That Beat Paris Anytime

France has always been on my travel bucket list, but not every French city lived up to my expectations. After years of exploring this beautiful country, I’ve discovered some disappointing urban centers that I’d happily skip on future trips.

On the flip side, I’ve also found some hidden gems that outshine even the famous City of Lights.

1. Marseille: Gritty Port City With Questionable Safety

My experience in France’s second-largest city left me constantly looking over my shoulder. The areas around the main train station felt particularly sketchy, with aggressive panhandlers and visible drug deals happening in broad daylight.

Though some might praise its Mediterranean setting, I found the beaches disappointingly dirty and the famous Vieux Port overrun with tourist traps. The city’s reputation for crime isn’t exaggerated – my hotel receptionist warned me to return before dark.

Even the celebrated bouillabaisse couldn’t make up for the uneasy feeling that followed me throughout my stay.

2. Calais: Depressing Gateway With Nothing to Offer

Crossing through this coastal town left me wondering why anyone would stay longer than necessary. Beyond its function as a ferry terminal to England, Calais offers little to justify an overnight stop.

The city center feels neglected and run-down, with shuttered businesses creating a ghost-town atmosphere even during peak season. My search for authentic local cuisine ended at a sad chain restaurant serving microwaved food.

If you’re traveling between France and the UK, do yourself a favor – make it a drive-through visit only.

3. Le Havre: Concrete Jungle Without Charm

After bombing during WWII, Le Havre was rebuilt using concrete – lots and lots of concrete. The result? A UNESCO-listed city that somehow manages to be both historically significant and utterly soulless.

Walking through the identical grid-pattern streets feels like navigating a Soviet-era housing project rather than a French coastal town. When I asked locals for restaurant recommendations, they suggested I drive to neighboring towns instead.

Despite its important port status, Le Havre lacks the seaside charm you’d expect from Normandy.

4. Grenoble: Polluted Valley With Industrial Vibes

Surrounded by stunning Alps, you’d think Grenoble would be a picturesque mountain town. Instead, I found a smoggy industrial city trapped in a valley that collects pollution like a bowl.

During summer visits, the heat gets trapped alongside the smog, creating an unbearable urban sauna. The city’s cable car offers great views – mostly highlighting how much prettier the surrounding mountains are than the city itself.

While university students might enjoy its nightlife, as a tourist I found little reason to stay after seeing the fortress.

5. Metz: Forgettable Border Town With Identity Crisis

Having changed hands between France and Germany multiple times, Metz seems confused about its own identity. The architecture is an odd mishmash that never quite comes together into a cohesive experience.

When I visited, half the city center was under construction, and finding open restaurants past 8 PM proved nearly impossible. The river walks that guidebooks promised would be charming were littered with trash and smelled questionable.

Perhaps I caught Metz on a bad day, but I won’t be returning to find out.

6. Lyon: Culinary Heaven With Authentic French Soul

If Paris feels too touristy, Lyon delivers the authentic French experience I was actually looking for. The food scene here blew my mind – from traditional bouchons serving Lyonnaise specialties to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants.

Walking through Vieux Lyon feels like stepping back in time, with hidden passageways (traboules) connecting Renaissance buildings. Unlike Paris, locals actually smiled when I attempted my broken French.

The rivers Rhône and Saône embrace the city, creating gorgeous waterfront promenades perfect for evening strolls after indulging in too much food.

7. Annecy: Alpine Fairytale That Puts Paris to Shame

My first glimpse of Annecy’s crystal-clear lake against a backdrop of snow-capped Alps made me gasp out loud. This alpine town combines natural beauty with picture-perfect architecture in a way that feels almost too good to be true.

Canals weave through the old town, earning it the nickname “Venice of the Alps.” Unlike overcrowded Paris, Annecy manages to maintain its charm even during tourist season.

Renting a bicycle to circle the lake remains one of my favorite French memories – offering mountain views that make Paris’s urban landscape seem mundane by comparison.