The largest cities in France by population. The largest cities in France by population City in France on a
April 26th, 2014 , 12:51 pm
I learned about the town of Pau back in school, when I decided to plot the route of the Tour de France cycling race on a contour map of France instead of minerals. In general, for a long time I had a “C” in geography. I forgot about minerals a long time ago, but for some reason the segment “Tarbes - Pau” remained in my memory for centuries...
Rue Tran
A settlement was formed here around the second half of the 11th - early 12th centuries, and since 1464 the city became the capital of the historical region of Béarn.
Rue de la Fontaine
Now Pau is the second economic center of Aquitaine after Bordeaux. About 80 thousand people live here.
Rue Tran
In one of the courtyards, a woman was found grabbing a fawn by the antlers. This is the goddess of the hunt - Diana. The exact same sculpture stands in the Louvre.
Diane
The city is visited quite often by Swedish tourists. The fact is that the house in which Napoleonic general Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte (1763-1844) was born, who later became King of Sweden under the name Charles XIV Johan, has been preserved here. Bernadotte could not even think about such a turn of fate, because... was an ardent revolutionary and wore a “Death to Kings!” tattoo.
Bernadotte Museum
During the trip, our guide Marina Zaitseva demonstrated quite good knowledge of the cities of France, but in Pau, in fact, besides the castle, she was only able to show Bernadotte’s house. And if we had only walked some 50 meters from the museum along the same street, we would have seen the beautiful neo-Gothic church of Saint-Jacques.
Place Gramont
Pau is the only European city where two founders of the royal dynasties ruling in three states to this day were born - Henry IV (the Bourbons) and Charles XIV Johan (the Bernadottes).
Henry IV
Henry IV of Navarre (1553-1610) was born in Pau, in the castle of his maternal grandfather Henry d'Albret.
Pau Castle (Chateau de Pau)
The main contribution to the construction of the castle was made by Gaston III of Foix ( 1331-91) - ruler of local lands during the Hundred Years' War. His court was widely known for its luxury. Gaston himself had very good artistic and literary taste. Being a passionate hunter, Gaston wrote a book that was considered one of the best medieval treatises on hunting.
Gaston III de Foix ( Gaston III Fébus)
After this, the castle was rebuilt many times. The main entrance with three arches in the Renaissance style was built in 1859-64.
Pau Castle (Chateau de Pau)
Now the castle has been turned into a museum. Henry IV's tortoiseshell cradle has been preserved.
Pau Castle (Chateau de Pau)
In the 16th century The Albret family created a magnificent garden around the chateau.
Garden
There's even a fish pond here.
Pond
Next, the group went to the castle itself (entrance costs 7 euros), but we had 1.5-2 hours to see the city. If I have any doubts about Angers Castle with Apocalypse, then here we definitely made the right decision.
Pau Castle (Chateau de Pau)
Opposite the castle is the building of the former parliament of Navarre, built in 1585. Part of the complex is a tower - a remnant of the Church of St. Martin, which was destroyed in 1884.
Parliament of Navarre
The City Hall of Pau is located in the building of the former Saint-Louis Theater (1862).
City Hall
Instead of the old 15th-century church, a new one with a 77-meter spire was built nearby.
Church of St. Martin (Église Saint-Martin)
The first stone was laid in 1863, and the grand opening took place in 1871.
Church of St. Martin (Église Saint-Martin)
The neo-Gothic style was complemented by Byzantine motifs.
Church of St. Martin (Église Saint-Martin)
Some precious objects were given by the Spanish Queen Isabella II during her visit to Pau in 1868.
Church of St. Martin (Église Saint-Martin)
Looking at the sign “Pizza Napoli” one remembers the words of the French writer Lamartine: “Just as Naples has the most beautiful sea views, so Pau has the most beautiful earthly landscape.”
Rue Gassion
He said these words about the panorama that opens from Pereneev Boulevard. Now there is a railway station below.
Railway station
The 1800-meter boulevard of the Pyrenees was built in 1893-99. following the example of the English Promenade in Nice, so that visiting aristocrats and resort guests could “look at others and show themselves off.”
Boulevard des Pyrénées
From the boulevard, picturesque paths called Royal ones descend to the lower city, surrounded by palm trees.
I already mentioned the Tour de France. The route of the cycling race changes every year, but it passed through Pau as many as 62 times (only Paris and Bordeaux visited more). Pau is the “gateway” to the Pyrenees, and one of the most prestigious cycling peaks, the Tourmalet Pass, is nearby. And on the highway between Tarbes and Pau there is a huge monument to the Tour de France.
Royal Paths (Sentiers du Roy)
Some streets were fenced off with safety rails. The thing is that 5 days before our arrival, the Pau Grand Prix race was held here, which, like in Monaco, takes place right through the streets of the city (since 1933). Nowadays, not the highest series compete here, but Formula 1 stages were once held (though outside the championship calendar).
Avenue Napoleon Bonaparte
The Pau Grand Prix was won by such legendary drivers: Nuvolari, Fangio, Ascari, Clark, Rindt, Stewart, Montoya, Hamilton...
Turn
Lyokha, as in Monte Carlo, repeated his trick - he jumped out onto the roadway to take a photo in first position. Thus, he got his next pole position.
Avenue Gaston Lacoste
The local basketball team "Pau-Orthez" is one of the three most titled in France. All 9 championships have been won in the last three decades.
Restaurant "Dauphine" (Le Dauphin)
The city stands on the Gave de Pau River, which has several tributaries, including the Us.
River Ousse (Ruisseau de l'Ousse)
The Belle Epoque style Beaumont Palace with two unusual bell towers was built in 1900. In 1927, a casino settled here, and during the war - a hospital. It is now a convention center and casino.
Palais Beaumont
The central square of the city is Place Clemenceau, which has recently been reconstructed.
Place Clemenceau (Place Clemenceau)
In Po the temperature exceeded +30. Perhaps this was our hottest city of the tour. Well, in the afternoon we went to Lourdes...
If a tourist wants splendor and luxury, he goes to France, a country where amazingly beautiful castles are combined with small and cozy villages, and lavender fields stretch for several kilometers and exude a special aroma that nothing else can compare with. Having gone south, you can endlessly admire the vineyards, and the local wine is considered one of the best in the world. Lovers of fashion brands and shopping will also find something to their liking here, as will romantic couples. If you have never been to the country of Cezanne and Parmesan, then you have not seen beauty in its purest form, so we invite you to familiarize yourself with the top 10 most beautiful cities in France, and which of them you will go to is up to you.
1. Paris
Paris is undoubtedly the leader of this rating and it is false to argue with this. The most beautiful and visited city in France fascinates at first sight and makes your heart beat faster. Whatever you do here - stroll along the embankment or have breakfast in one of the Michelin-starred restaurants, you will get a lot of unforgettable impressions from everything. Once you see Notre Dame Cathedral, Boulevard Haussmann, Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower or the Bourbon Palace, these memories will remain in your memory for a lifetime. Just wandering through the narrow streets of Paris is the ultimate dream for many, and every tourist will be able to find a suitable activity for themselves here.
2. Lyon
Lyon is rightfully considered the heart of the Rhône-Alps and the gastronomic Mecca of the country. In addition to fine cuisine, the city is famous for its picturesque views and many interesting attractions. Old León is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is the second largest of all Renaissance areas. Lyon is a city of contrasts: ancient areas with narrow streets coexist harmoniously with ultra-modern ones. The main pride of the Lyons people is the Cathedral of St. John, which is distinguished by its special splendor and beauty. There is also one of the largest squares in the country, in the center of which there is a statue of King Louis XIV.
France is famous for many things: beautiful cities and castles, beautiful language, charming nature. And also for its famous cuisine, which is adored by...
3. Nice
The unrivaled star of the French Riviera is distinguished not only by the exquisite beauty of its architecture, but also by its magnificent climate. The city is located in the Bay of Angels and offers tourists to visit a huge number of historical monuments created in the Baroque, Middle Ages and Renaissance styles. Nice is growing rapidly and never ceases to amaze with its emerging parks, gardens and recreational areas. The city is popular not only among the French, but also among tourists around the world. The swimming season opens in May and lasts until mid-autumn, and even in the winter months the temperature rarely drops below +10.
4. Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace. The city is famous for its extraordinary architecture, and the most notable site is Notre Dame. Do not be surprised by the abundance of works of art here, belonging to the hand of Monet, Gauguin, Rubens and Picasso. The local suburbs are more like alpine villages than traditional French settlements. Travelers prefer to go on a cruise along the Rhine, and the most visited area is “Little France”, where you can visit restaurants or go shopping. Every tourist should visit Strasbourg, and the most beautiful time to visit is the Christmas holidays.
5. Avignon
Avignon is located in the south-eastern part of the country and is rightly called Eden for those who prefer leisurely walks in beautiful surroundings. Here you can go to the Pont Saint-Benez, which is better known as Avignon, taste truffles in one of the local restaurants, or simply enjoy a glass of wine while sitting in a quiet and uncrowded street cafe. In July, Avignon opens its doors to a theater festival and then the city is captured by a special atmosphere that will not leave anyone indifferent.
The Middle Ages and the Renaissance that replaced them left us a rich cultural and historical heritage, in particular in the form of perfectly preserved...
6. Annecy
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Annecy is a small town located in the Rhône-Alpes region, close to Switzerland, just 30 km from its capital. Annecy is located in a very picturesque place, near an incredibly beautiful blue lake, framed by a panorama of mountain peaks. The main attraction of the city is an ancient tower standing right in the middle of the river. It’s not for nothing that Annecy is considered one of the most beautiful cities not only in France, but throughout Europe, so you should definitely visit here.
7. Marseille
It is one of the oldest and most beautiful European cities. After Paris, Marseille is the second largest populated area in France, while at the same time being considered the largest Mediterranean port, located in the southeast of the country. On the local streets you can admire medieval architecture and dilapidated buildings built during the Roman Empire. Marseille is famous for its universities, which are considered very prestigious to enroll in. The bustling harbor of Marseille accommodates many large and small ships, and tourists consider the Calanques - deep gorges swallowed up by the sea - to be the most interesting object. Arriving here, you will have a huge choice of what to visit here: historical statues, museums and galleries are found here at every turn. There are many entertainment venues for young people, and dance and music festivals are held in Marseille several times a year.
8. Cannes
The resort city, located in the south of the country, is known throughout the world not only for its excellent beaches, but also for the famous film festival that is held here annually. Over the past few decades, Cannes has become even more beautiful, thanks in no small part to the local municipality and city residents. The most beautiful is the road to the palace where the film festival is taking place. Palm trees are planted along the edge of the sidewalk, and around there is a huge number of luxury hotels, luxury shops and Michelin-starred restaurants with national cuisine. You will always find a cozy cafe to drink a cup of coffee and eat a real croissant. The historic district of Le Suquet invites tourists to explore historical and architectural monuments, and on the island of Saint Honoré there is a monastery and a castle. Not far from Cannes there is a small island on which, according to legend, a prisoner known to everyone as the “iron mask” was imprisoned.
Rosstat and various rating agencies closely monitor the cost of goods and services in various localities in Russia. They are all together...
9. Dijon
The city is the administrative, financial and cultural center of Burgundy and is one of the ten most beautiful French cities. Dijon has extraordinary architectural diversity, combining Gothic cathedrals with half-timbered houses and modern buildings. The city has an old French atmosphere; it is always quiet and peaceful here, so visiting it means getting to know France from the inside.
10. Toulouse
The city is the capital of the Midi-Pyrenees, a distinctive and charming region. Toulouse is located in southeastern France, close to the French-Spanish border. The population of the town is about 430 thousand, which puts Toulouse in fourth place in terms of the number of inhabitants. Due to the color of the bricks used in the construction of the old city, Toulouse is called “pink”. In the Middle Ages, a pilgrimage center was located here, after which many ancient churches have been preserved.
The list of beautiful and interesting cities in France is endless, because every corner of it is worthy of visiting and discovering a new facet of this amazing country. We present you an overview of the main French cities with photographs that will help you fall in love with this country.
Paris
Top view of Paris and Place Charles de Gaulle with the Arc de Triomphe (photo: @ssnnas)The capital, soul and heart of France, its economic and cultural center, which many still call the most beautiful and romantic city in the world.
Restaurant “Pink House” (La Maison Rose) in Montmartre (photo: @_aya.lulu_) Some will say that Paris is no longer the same, but this does not stop him from making anxious people with an open heart fall in love with him.
Orleans
Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Orleans (photo: @les_vadrouilles) A city on the Loire, 1.5 hours drive from Paris. Orleans is associated with the name of Joan of Arc, who was called the Maid of Orleans, but the French heroine was born in the village of Domremy in Lorraine, near Nancy, was executed in Rouen, and she liberated Orleans during the Hundred Years' War.
House-Museum of Joan of Arc in Orleans (photo: @litemotive1) Modern Orleans is an important industrial city, rich in gastronomic traditions and has many interesting sights, including cathedrals and town halls in Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Nancy
Stanislavovskaya Square in Nancy (photo: @lexxperenza) Nancy is located in the east of France, 100 km from the border with Germany. Nancy is the former capital of the Duchy of Lorraine, rich in authentic gastronomic traditions and architectural attractions.
Stanislavovskaya Square (photo: @norbert.godany) Spacious and dazzling Stanislav Square, built in the mid-18th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lille
Architecture of Lille (photo: @jyfallon) A city in northern France, located less than half an hour from the Belgian border. Once a major center of the textile industry, today it is an important student city and one of the cultural capitals.
The central square of Lille - Grand Place (photo: @marinette_en_goguette) In Lille you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Natural History, and the Charles de Gaulle House Museum.
Rouen
Old town of Rouen with half-timbered houses (photo: @ericaworldsight) The heart of Normandy, majestic and dazzling, attracting tourists from all over the world. The architecture of Rouen, which captures different periods of the city's rich and complex history, has become a natural setting for many French films that were filmed here.
Rouen Cathedral (photo: @ornellarnlt) The main attraction of the city is the Rouen Cathedral, which is a magnificent example of a combination of different features of Norman Gothic.
Reims
Reims street (photo: @andy.takes.photos) In 45 minutes from Paris West Station you can reach Reims. The city is very rich in sights of historical significance, four of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Reims Cathedral (photo: @andy.takes.photos) The main one is the majestic Reims Cathedral, which is often confused in photographs with Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Strasbourg
Petite France quarter in Strasbourg (photo: @fafouches) Strasbourg is called the most German city in France: today it stretches along the left bank of the Rhine, which coincides with the border with Germany. Strasbourg is the bearer of two national cultures at the same time; the European Parliament and the Council of Europe meet here.
Church of St. Paul in Strasbourg (photo: @tsikmari) The historical center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lyon
Embankment of the Saône River in Lyon (photo: @lemontenegro11) The gastronomic capital of France, with countless restaurants, cultural sites and a beautiful old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Architecture of Lyon (photo: @sutantojose) Lyon is easy to get to from Paris: just 2 hours by train and you’re there.
Dijon
Cathedral of Saint-Venign - the cathedral in Dijon (photo: @franceyourway) The capital of Burgundy, the birthplace of the world-famous Dijon mustard, a city with strong industrial traditions that do not interfere with its soulfulness and authenticity.
Liberty Street in the center of Dijon (photo: @christinefphotos) The streets of Dijon will give tourists views of atmospheric half-timbered houses and Gothic cathedrals, and pretty old chapels.
Bordeaux
Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux (photo: @valentin_mouney) The name of this city is inextricably linked with wine, which brought this region the fame of one of the main wine-growing regions of France. In addition, Bordeaux is a major seaport and a city with rich cultural opportunities for any traveler.
Cayo Gate in Bordeaux (photo: @megataod) There is an incredible number of interesting museums and exhibition centers that form the spirit and face of the city, combining modernity and tradition.
Rennes
Architecture of Rennes (photo: @bastienmajou) The capital and largest city of Brittany, characterized by an inhospitable climate typical of all settlements near the North Atlantic. In 1720, there was a fire in Rennes, which almost completely destroyed the medieval buildings of the city, so its architectural face is relatively young compared to others.
Bright half-timbered houses in the historical center of Rennes (photo: @jota_arcila) In the center of Rennes, tourists will find half-timbered houses, and lovers of noble antiquity will love its architectural classicism.
Nantes
Rings of Buren in the center of Nantes (photo: @folam13) 50 km from the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Loire is Nantes, the birthplace of Jules Verne and the French crepes. Nantes is considered a city with a willful and isolated character, unlike either its neighbors in Brittany or other French cities.
Castle of Anne of Brittany in Nantes (photo: @ben33benoit) It may seem inconspicuous at first glance, but Nantes is worth penetrating into its depths, which it will reveal to the inquisitive tourist, enchanting him with its gastronomy, medieval architecture, museums and galleries.
Toulouse
Toulouse - the pink city of France (photo: @anthony_srgt) The capital of Occitania, the fourth most populous city in France, the “pink city”, the center of space flights - all this is about Toulouse, multifaceted, multinational, ancient and modern.
Atmospheric streets of old Toulouse (photo: @neelieverlinden) To discover dazzling Toulouse, you won't need a weekend in this city, rich in architectural beauty, cultural attractions, museums and restaurants.
Avignon
Papal Palace in Avignon (photo: @melaniegaubens) The name of Avignon is strongly associated with the annual theater festival that takes place here in the summer. It is a great place to visit for those who love to discover history through ancient architecture.
Bridge Saint-Benez (Avignon Bridge) (photo: @millie_riordan) The main attraction of Avignon is the monumental Palais des Papes, recognized as the largest Gothic palace in Europe and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Marseilles
Ancient bridge in Marseille (photo: @mars_and_elsewhere) Marseille is perhaps the most controversial city in France. On the one hand, he is bright, noisy, temperamental and in places very beautiful. On the other hand, it is unsafe due to the huge number of migrants who come here from North Africa.
Fort Saint-Jean (Fort Saint John) in Marseille (photo: @marietheresegatto) Still, if your trip to France includes a tour of Provence, it would be an unforgivable mistake not to go to Marseille. This is the largest port not only in France, but also in the entire Mediterranean, which preserves the ruins of antiquity and invites you to its parks and gardens, interesting museums and cathedrals.
Nice
Port of Nice (photo: @zonaibtahir) Nice is one of the main resort cities on the Mediterranean coast, the center of the French Riviera, which was chosen by the European elite a few decades ago.
Place Massena in Nice (photo: @memecb) Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the picturesque streets of Nice with its bright houses with flowers on cozy balconies.
Cannes
The Croisette in Cannes (photo: @pavillon_gourmet) Cannes is a small city and not particularly rich in attractions, so many people ignore it, not finding it interesting. But with all this, it is impossible to imagine the cultural face of France without Cannes, because it is here that the most famous, largest and glamorous film festival in the world is held.
Architecture of Cannes (photo: @giselecam) The Cannes Festival has shaped the image of the city that tourists who come here want to get to know, stroll along the Croisette and take pictures with the Palais des Festivals in the background.
Montpellier
Place de la Comedy in Montpellier (photo: @cha_ti.on) The capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, Montpellier is landlocked as it is 10 km away, but certainly. This city is worth a trip there after leaving the Cote d'Azur.
Sunny streets of Montpellier (photo: @dmanisphotos) Montpellier is one of the largest cities in the French south. Here is the country's oldest botanical garden, the Fabre Museum, and every year the city invites you to a major wine fair.
Aix-en-Provence
Cozy and hospitable Aix-en-Provence (photo: @almartinsrocha) Aix-en-Provence is located 40 minutes north of Marseille and is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in the French south.
Place d'Albert in Aix-en-Provence (photo: @lvalay) A typical representative of Provence, in places it will remind you of Nice, but with less elegance and more soulfulness.
Carcassonne
Medieval fortress of Carcassonne (photo: @esther_s_g) Carcassonne is a French city with a Mediterranean climate and a medieval face.
View of the city from the Carcassonne fortress (photo: @fabdestin) The old town of Carcassonne is located on a hill and is surrounded by a fortress with 52 towers, which is listed by UNESCO.
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10th place - Lille
- Population: 231 491
- Region: Nord-Pas-de-Calais
- Square: 34.83 km 2
Lille is the capital of the historical region of French Flanders, the center of the northern region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais, a city with a Flemish accent near the border with Belgium. For centuries, the reason for Lille's existence was textile production, which fell into a significant decline with the advent of synthetic fabrics on the market. However, the steely northern character of the city did not surrender under the onslaught of new times (it was not for nothing that the iron general de Gaulle was born here): today Lille is one of the cultural capitals of France, an important commercial and trade hub, the center of French students and simply an amazingly beautiful and majestic city, in addition unanimously recognized as the most hospitable to visitors.
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9th place - Bordeaux
- Population: 243 626
- Region: Aquitaine
- Square: 68 km 2
B'ordeaux is the capital of the Gironde department and the entire Aquitaine region, “little Paris”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “port of the Moon” at the same time, if you believe the romantic epithets of the French. Bordeaux is famous for its long and rich history with an English twist, and as a result - a variety of attractions, beautiful botanical gardens, a cozy atmosphere of universal equality and of course the “fun component” - the famous Bordeaux wines, recognized as one of the best in the world.
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8th place - Montpellier
- Population: 272 084
- Region: Languedoc - Roussillon - South - Pyrenees
- Square: 56.88 km 2
Montpellier is one of the largest settlements in the south of France, the eighth largest in the entire country, the administrative center of the Languedoc-Roussillon region and the Hérault department. The city is known for its cultural life and annually hosts many festivals (six nationally only). However, its main decoration is considered to be the compact and architecturally homogeneous Old Town, full of medieval charm and always bustling with nightlife, in addition, it is almost completely closed to transport.
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7th place - Strasbourg
- Population: 275 718
- Region: Grand Est
- Square: 78.26 km 2
Trasbourg is a city in eastern France, the capital of Alsace, a region that borders Germany. Strasbourg was founded by the Romans, who set up a military camp here during the German campaign in 14-16 AD. Argentorat was the name of the settlement at that time. Strasbourg today is a real international fusion: here you can easily hear German speech and refresh yourself with beer and pretzels in a seemingly canonical French brasserie. Even the name of the city itself sounds quite German, and if you are not savvy in geography, Strasbourg can easily be classified as one of the other German “burgs”.
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6th place - Nantes
- Population: 292 718
- Region: Loire lands
- Square: 65.19 km 2
Nantes is one of the largest cities in France. Nantes is the administrative center of the Loire-Atlantique department and the Loire Land region. The city is located at the mouth of the Loire, the longest river in the country, close to where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Such famous Frenchmen as the writer Jules Verne and the actor-comedian Louis de Funes were born in Nantes. The city has several outstanding architectural monuments, and in 2013 Nantes was named the Green Capital of Europe.
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5th place - Nice
- Population: 342 295
- Region:
- Square: 71.92 km 2
Nizza is a Mediterranean city and port in the south of France, one of the main resorts of the Cote d'Azur (or French Riviera). Today Nice is the fifth most important city in France. It has its own airport, the passenger traffic of which is in second place after Paris. The mild climate (Mediterranean with moderately warm winters and dry, warm and sunny summers), as well as the fact that Nice is easily accessible, as well as its reputation as a favorite holiday destination for the aristocracy of past centuries, make this city one of the leading resorts in the world.
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4th place - Toulouse
- Population: 458 298
- Region: Midi-Pyrenees
- Square: 118.3 km 2
Tulouse is the fourth most populous city in France and the largest cultural, scientific and industrial center. At the same time, Toulouse, with its beautiful historical center, is one of the most vibrant and original cities in the country. Here, Spanish, Basque, Aquitaine, Languedoc, Provençal and French traditions are mixed in equal proportions. Over the past 20 years, Toulouse has become the main center of aviation and space flight in France. More than 35 thousand local residents (out of 400 thousand) work in the space industry, and Airbus is considered the largest employer in the entire region.
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3rd place - Lyon
- Population: 500 715
- Region: Auvergne - Rhone - Alps
- Square: 47.87 km 2
Lion is one of the largest and most beautiful cities in France. Its ancient history and magnificent cultural and architectural monuments, as well as the proximity of the Alps, attract a large number of tourists, both from Europe and from other places on our planet. In ancient times, Lyon was called Lugdunum - Crow Mountain. The documented date of the founding of Lyon is 43 BC. e., and its founder is considered to be the Roman senator Lucius Plancus. He introduced a Roman detachment into the Gaul settlement of Lugdunum with the aim of expanding it and creating a Roman outpost in its place.
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2nd place - Marseille
- Population: 855 393
- Region: Provence - Alps - Cote d'Azur
- Square: 240.62 km 2
Marcel is the standard of a Mediterranean port city, as we are used to imagining them from adventure books and films. The country's largest commercial port, a major industrial center and the second most populous city in France; One of the oldest cities in Europe, Marseille is a hub of breathtaking smells, fresh winds and romance.
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1st place - Paris
- Population: 2 291 621
- Region: Ile-de-France
- Square: 105.4 km 2
Paris is the capital of France and the largest city in this country by population. Located on the banks of the Seine River in the northern part of the country, in the Ile-de-France region. Paris is the main economic and cultural center of France, as well as an important political center of Europe. The headquarters of UNESCO and the International Chamber of Commerce are located here.
Paris grew up on the site of the settlement of Lutetia, founded by the Celtic tribe of Parisians in the 3rd century BC. e. The settlement was located on the safe island of Cité, surrounded by the waters of the Seine River. At the beginning of the 2nd century BC. e. Lutetia was surrounded by a fortress wall. The basis of the economy of the Celtic settlement was trade: the Seine linked the Mediterranean Sea with the British Isles.