France’s 15 largest cities

We all know France’s three biggest cities, but do you know which ones come after Paris, Marseille and Lyon? Here’s a quick update…

Metropolitan France has a total of almost 35,000 communes spread across 96 départements. It is one of the 25 most populous countries in the world, and here is a ranking of the 15 cities with the highest number of inhabitants. And you’ll be surprised… We’re not suggesting you visit the 10 biggest cities in mainland France, but all 15, because there’s so much to see and discover in our beautiful country.

Visiting France: what are the 15 largest cities in mainland France?

1. Paris

As we all know, Paris, the capital of love, is the biggest city in France. But it’s also one of the most visited cities in the world, with so much to discover!

What are the figures?

• Population: 2,165,423 (2019)
• Surface area: 105.4 km²
• Density: 20,545 inhabitants per km².

City of Light, City of Love, Fashion Capital of the World, Paris never ceases to inspire. With its 20 arrondissements, most of them of tourist interest, it’s a city full of resources that knows how to make a name for itself. Whether it’s for its districts, such as Montmartre, the Marais or Bastille, its monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Coeur or the Louvre, or its emblematic Champs-Elysées, it amazes most visitors!

2. Marseille

The sun, the beach, the bouillabaisse… We all love strolling along the Vieux-Port in Marseille. But that’s far from the only thing the Cité Phocéenne has to offer. As France’s second largest city, it boasts one of the most beautiful and oldest historic centres in the country!

What are the figures?

• Population: 870,731 (2019)
• Surface area: 240.6 km²
• Population density: 3,618 inhabitants/km².

A pleasant stroll through the historic Panier district, a breathtaking view from the Bonne-Mère, a step back in time in the Palais du Pharo and a cultural visit to the MUCEM: that’s what awaits you in France’s second most populous city! Add to that a festive atmosphere and Mediterranean cuisine that’s sure to please everyone, and you’ve got the perfect city for your holiday!

3. Lyon

France’s third most populous city, Lyon is the capital of gastronomy! With its rich history, four UNESCO World Heritage sites and a host of beautiful monuments, Lyon is a great place to live.

What are the figures?

• Population: 522,969 (2019)
• Surface area: 47.87 sq. m
• Density: 10,924 inhabitants per square kilometre

Lyon was built around the Rhône and Saône rivers over 2,000 years ago! Protected by its incredible Fourvière basilica, it boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. From the narrow streets of Vieux-Lyon to the immense Place Bellecour, not forgetting the charming Croix-Rousse district and the verdant Parc de la Tête d’Or, Lyon is a city that has something for everyone!

4. Toulouse

Toulouse takes 4th place in this ranking of the biggest cities in France! The Ville Rose has managed to attract residents thanks to its ideal geographical location and very pleasant lifestyle.

What are the figures?

• Population: 493,465 (2019)
• Surface area: 118.3 km²
• Density: 4,171 inhabitants per km².

Situated on the banks of the Garonne, Toulouse is the perfect place to stroll and discover a historic heritage that dates back several centuries! The Place du Capitole, the Basilique Saint-Sernin, the Cité de l’Espace and the Musée des Augustins are just some of the must-sees in this city, considered to be one of the most beautiful in France! Its renowned gastronomy and warm welcome round off its many assets.

5. Nice

A city full of colour, sun and warmth! We love Nice for its magnificent historic centre, its legendary Promenade des Anglais and its remarkable, ideal beaches!

What are the figures?

• Population: 342,669 (2019)
• Surface area: 71.9 km²
• Population density: 4,764 inhabitants/km².

It’s undoubtedly its ideal geographical location, on the shores of the Mediterranean and in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, that has encouraged people from all over France to settle here! With over 340,000 inhabitants, it is the fifth most populous city in France, and it’s easy to see why! What’s more, it’s one of the 10 most pleasant towns in which to live… which explains why!

6. Nantes

Head west to discover the 6th largest city in France! And it’s Nantes, the prefecture of the Pays de la Loire region, which holds this fine place. The proud owner of the impressive and historic Château des Ducs de Bretagne, this city of art and history has already won the titles of “most pleasant city in Europe” and “best city to work in France”… It’s hardly surprising that it has become a destination of choice when it comes to relocating!

What are the figures?

• Population: 318,808 (2019)
• Surface area: 65.2 km²
• Population density: 4,890 inhabitants/km².

A city that combines history and modernity! Located just a few kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean, Nantes boasts magnificent buildings that tell the story of a history that began thousands of years ago. But Nantes is also known for its festive atmosphere, fostered by the 54,000 students who live here: in fact, it’s one of the best student cities in France! So many good points for the Cité des Ducs…

7. Montpellier

France’s 7th largest city is in the Hérault department! Ideally situated on the shores of the Mediterranean, Montpellier ‘s population has more than tripled in the last 60 years. It has to be said that its proximity to beaches and nature parks is just as attractive as its well-preserved historic centre.

What are the figures?

• Population: 295,542 (2019)
• Surface area: 56.9 km²
• Population density: 5,195 inhabitants/km².

Montpellier is an ideal choice for combining culture and nature. The medieval heart of the city boasts a number of historic buildings that take us back in time, while other parts of the city have gradually developed into a modern, elegant centre. A destination of choice for many students, it is lively in all seasons, and its many bars and restaurants make it an ideal place for a gastronomic getaway.

8. Strasbourg

Aaah, Strasbourg… It’s all about the magic of Christmas, fuelled by the illuminations and the Christmas market, considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. But Strasbourg is also a student town, an ancient medieval city, a European administrative capital and a border town with Germany. A city that has it all!

What are the figures?

• Number of inhabitants: 287,228
• Surface area: 78.3 km²
• Population density: 3,670 inhabitants/km².

Strasbourg’s entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among its many historic treasures are the sublime cathedral, the charming Petite France district, the elegant opera house and the astonishing Neustadt district – the list is long and the trip well worthwhile. All this amidst the magnificent half-timbered houses that fill each of its streets! So the capital of Alsace has plenty of wonders to offer apart from its Christmas magic!

9. Bordeaux

Yes, as surprising as it may seem, Bordeaux is only the 9th largest city in France! Its many monuments make it a very elegant city, where architecture blends with the history of this ancient medieval city, now over 2,000 years old. It’s a city that has not forgotten to attract not only residents and visitors, but also students who come to enjoy the great atmosphere!

What are the figures?

• Population: 260,958 (2019)
• Surface area: 49.4 km²
• Density: 5,286 inhabitants per km².

The capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is a City of Art and History with no fewer than 400 historic monuments, making it the second French city, after Paris, with the largest number of architectural masterpieces. Add to that its UNESCO World Heritage status, and you’ve got a city that’s sure to be talked about! Nearby beaches, world-renowned wine and gastronomy that’s definitely worth a visit – that’s what awaits you in Bordeaux…

10. Lille

Lille has a reputation for being a city where you feel good. A warm atmosphere, festive evenings, excellent food and an attractive proximity to Belgium are the hallmarks of this beautiful city in the north of France, which comes 10th in this ranking. It’s not for nothing that it’s nicknamed the Capital of Flanders…

What are the figures?

• Population: 234,475 (2019)
• Surface area: 34.8 km²
• Population density: 6,732 inhabitants/km².

Whether you’re into history, gastronomy or partying, Lille has plenty to keep you entertained! Vibrant and lively in all seasons, you’ll have the chance to spend some great evenings here, sample the local specialities and visit some of its most beautiful buildings, such as the town hall, the cathedral and the famous citadel. A city of Art and History that has also been named “World Design Capital” in 2020 (see Lille tourist office article).

11. Rennes

Another city that knows a thing or two about partying! The people of Rennes can pride themselves on living in a city bursting with energy and boasting some of the finest monuments in the region. The former capital of the Duchy of Brittany, Rennes has a rich history behind it, which can be seen in its beautiful medieval streets. Its atmosphere and architecture have attracted many French people, making it the 11th largest city in France!

What are the figures?

• Population: 220,488 (2019)
• Surface area: 50.4 km²
• Population density: 4,375 inhabitants/km².

With over 60,000 students, Rennes is one of France’s top 10 student cities. An emblematic city of Brittany, it has a rich historical and cultural heritage that means there’s never a dull moment there! Its cathedral, opera house, squares and parks will blow you away, as will the magnificent building of the Parliament of Brittany, a true symbol of the city.

12. Reims

An emblematic city in France, the sub-prefecture of the Marne is a city whose history escapes no-one. The crowning place of the kings of France for centuries, its majestic cathedral is one of France’s most visited monuments. Situated in the heart of the former Champagne-Ardenne region, it is also renowned for its prestigious champagne houses, which will delight even the most discerning palates.

What are the figures?

• Population: 181,194 (2019)
• Surface area: 46.9
• Density: 3,863 inhabitants/km².

Nicknamed the “City of the Sacres”, Reims boasts three UNESCO-listed sites, remarkable town houses and Art Deco buildings that blend into the city’s much more classical décor. A dazzling city with lots to tell you.

13. Toulon

Head south to discover France’s 15th largest city! Toulon is the winner, a port city set between the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Faron. Combining culture, beaches and nature, Toulon is a city that enjoys plenty of sunshine and vast stretches of sand. What’s more, the region is a real gem for those who like to get out and about!

What are the figures?

• Population: 178,745 (2019)
• Surface area: 42.8 km²
• Population density: 4,172 inhabitants/km².

Many of you will know Toulon for its legendary rugby team, but the city also boasts some beautiful monuments in its historic centre. It’s easy to get carried away wandering its narrow streets to discover its history, which is closely linked to its military port, before heading to the beach on a fine summer’s day. What more could you ask for?

14. Saint-Etienne

In 13th place is Saint-Etienne, in the Loire department. The third-largest city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Saint-Etienne boasts a modern and dynamic city centre, which earned it a place in UNESCO’s Creative Cities network in 2010. Open, cultural and innovative, it’s a city that’s constantly on the move and progressing, and one that knows how to attract the French!

What are the figures?

• Population: 173,821 (2019)
• Surface area: 80 km²
• Population density: 2,173 inhabitants/km².

Whether you want to visit the Musée d’Art et d’Industrie, explore the Cité du Design, discover the Musée d’Art Moderne or support the Verts at a football match, there’s plenty to do in Saint-Etienne! Located at the foot of the Pilat regional nature park, a real paradise for walkers, the city centre is perfect for strolling along its pretty streets.

15. Le Havre

An emblematic port city, Le Havre is one of France’s 15 largest cities. The country’s second-largest port after Marseille, its architecture is so distinctive that the entire city centre has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This distinction is the work of the famous Auguste Perret, who was responsible for rebuilding the city after the devastating Second World War. A successful gamble, which has enabled Le Havre to rise from the ashes and become one of France’s most important cities.

What are the figures?

• Population: 168,290 (2019)
• Surface area: 47 km²
• Density: 3,584 inhabitants per km².

Characterised by a dynamic city centre, Le Havre is a modern city that has managed to retain its old-world soul. Marked by its maritime and working-class traditions, it boasts a number of monuments that tell the story of its history. It is the most densely populated town in Normandy.

Did you know?

This ranking shows the largest towns in France in terms of population, but did you know that in terms of surface area, the town of Arles is the largest in France? Arles covers an area of 758 km², more than 7 times the size of Paris in census terms! This is because the commune of Arles actually encompasses the 3 natural parks that surround it: the Alpilles, La Crau and a large part of the Camargue. A small town at the top of this ranking.

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