5 Colorful Cities in France You Need to Discover
While France is well-known for gorgeous historical buildings, impressive monuments, and adorable villages, it’s not often associated with colorful cities (certainly not like Italy, Singapore, or Colombia). Yet, France has its share of vibrant, colorful villages and towns, full of charming and delightful squares and passageways.
As I’ve traveled throughout France, it’s been so fun to uncover some of these pastel-colored cities and bask in their rainbow hues. Without further ado, these are some of the most colorful cities in France you need to visit:
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5 Colorful Cities to Explore in France
1. Villefranche-sur-Mer: A Gem on the Mediterranean
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small town with pastel-colored houses along its narrow streets creating a striking contrast against the Mediterranean Sea. It’s situated on the French Riviera between Nice and Monaco.
One of the main draws of Villefranche-sur-Mer is its Old Town. As you wander through the maze of alleys and staircases, you’ll find charming cafés, hidden chapels, and unique boutiques. The Rue Obscure, an underground street from the 14th century, is a unique feature of the town leftover from its military days.
The harbor is the town’s focal point, and watching boats in the clear water while enjoying a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants is a highlight.
The Chapelle St Pierre, decorated by artist Jean Cocteau, is a must-see for its unique interior. Don’t miss the Citadel, a fortress from the 16th century that now houses museums and gardens.
And just a couple of minutes’ walk from the city center takes you to a beautiful beach where you can relax and soak up the sun.
People should visit Villefranche-sur-Mer not just for its colors, but also for its laidback vibes and simple charm, which makes it one of my all-time favorite spots in Provence.
Colmar: A Fairytale Town in Alsace
Colmar, located in the Alsace region of northeastern France, is a town straight out of a storybook. Known for its well-preserved old town and colorful half-timbered houses, Colmar is a visual delight.
Colmar’s old town is a maze of cobblestone streets and historic buildings. The architecture reflects a mix of German and French influences (this part of France has changed hands between France and Germany multiple times in its history), giving the town a unique character.
The Petite Venise area is easily the most picturesque part of Colmar and is where you’ll find the most color. Here, charming canals are lined with brightly painted houses, flower-filled window boxes, and quaint bridges, making every turn feel like stepping into a fairytale.
The Église Saint-Martin, a beautiful Gothic church, is a must-see. The town’s museums, such as the Unterlinden Museum, provide insight into its history and art.
The local cuisine is another highlight, with dishes like choucroute garnie (a hearty dish of sauerkraut and sausages) and flammekueche (a thin crust pizza with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon).
If you visit in winter, the Christmas market in Colmar is absolutely adorable and one of the best in Europe.
I seriously loved Colmar so much and just walked around with a goofy grin on my face – the town’s colorful buildings, half-timbered houses, and scenic canals create a magical setting that’s hard to resist.
What makes it even better? It’s said that the town in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast was based on Colmar.
Menton: The Pearl of the Riviera
Menton, located on the French Riviera just 5 miles/3 km from the Italian border, is often called the “Pearl of France.” This town is known for its beautiful gardens, colorful buildings, and great beaches, but what truly sets Menton apart are its lemons.
Thanks to its unique micro-climate, Menton is the only spot in France where lemons are grown, and they are a big part of the town’s identity. The annual Lemon Festival celebrates this heritage with elaborate citrus displays and parades, and you can find lemon tarts, drinks, and desserts all around the city.
One of the most charming things to do in Menton is, of course, explore the Old Town. As you wander through its narrow streets, you’ll see houses painted in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
The Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel, with its stunning baroque architecture, stands proudly in the heart of the old town. Climbing the zig-zagging steps to the basilica offers a great view of the town and the Mediterranean Sea.
Menton is also famous for its many well-designed and well-manicured gardens, which are filled with exotic plants and offer a serene escape from the bustling town.
The Val Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Garden and the Serre de la Madone Garden are two of the relaxing gardens to stroll through in the city.
The beaches in Menton are perfect for a swim in the clear blue waters. The Plage des Sablettes is a favorite spot with its soft sand and calm sea, ideal for a relaxing day by the water, and is one of my favorite beaches on the French Riviera.
If you don’t want to swim, Menton’s seafront promenade is lined with palm trees and offers stunning views of the coast and colorful city. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy a gelato, and watch the world go by.
Menton is one of my favorite French cities, and I could go back again and again. The town’s unique blend of French and Italian influences, vibrant colors, beautiful gardens and palm trees, and relaxed atmosphere make it a delightful place to visit.
Toulouse: The Pink City with a Colorful Twist
Toulouse, known as the Pink City, is situated in the heart of the Occitanie region in southwest France. Toulouse is known for being constructed with bricks from the Garonne River, which flows through the city center.
While these bricks give Toulouse its nickname, the buildings range in various shades of pink, dark and light red, tan, and peach, with accents and shutters in green, blue, and red. Many buildings feature alternating red and white stones around windows, creating a striped appearance.
One of the highlights of Toulouse is the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This canal and other interconnected canals were originally conceived to connect the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, and offer picturesque walking or biking paths along the banks.
The Place du Capitole is the main square in Toulouse, surrounded by the city’s characteristic light red buildings. The Capitole building itself, with its pink marble columns and grand architecture, dominates the square.
Inside, the Salle des Illustres is a series of beautifully decorated rooms celebrating Toulouse’s heritage, adorned with sculptures, paintings, and frescoes that highlight the city’s history.
A must-see is the Chapelle des Carmelites, a stunning chapel with oak-paneled vaulted ceiling and murals inspired by the Sistine Chapel. Another significant landmark is the Basilica Saint Sernin, named after Saturnin, the first bishop of Toulouse, and has been a popular pilgrimage site since the 11th century.
Toulouse is certainly the biggest city on this list, and it’s notable that such a major city in France (indeed, it’s the 4th largest city in the country) has retained so much small town appeal.
Annecy: The Venice of the Alps
Annecy, nestled in the French Alps, is known for its stunning lake and charming old town. Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” this picturesque town is famous for its canals, pastel buildings, and breathtaking mountain views.
The heart of Annecy is its Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets are lined with multi-colored houses in shades of peach, yellow, and light blue, accented with vibrant shutters and flowers, creating a cheerful atmosphere. The canals winding through the town add to its charm, making it a delight to stroll through.
The Palais de l’Isle, a historic building situated in the middle of the Thiou Canal, is a must-see. This 12th-century structure, often photographed for its unique shape and picturesque location, now houses a local history museum.
Another significant landmark is the Château d’Annecy, a restored castle overlooking the town. The castle offers panoramic views of Annecy and its surroundings and hosts a museum with exhibits on the region’s art and history.
One of the highlights of Annecy is Lake Annecy, often considered one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. The crystal-clear water, surrounded by mountains, is perfect for swimming, boating, or simply relaxing by the shore. The promenade along the lake is a great place for a leisurely walk or bike ride, offering stunning views at every turn.
The colorful buildings, scenic canals, and stunning lake views make Annecy a truly enchanting destination.
The Wrap Up
While by no means an exhaustive list of colorful spots in France, these cities encapsulate some of the country’s most beautiful and colorfully vibrant places to visit. Which one are you going to travel to first?
