So, you’re looking for cities that start with the letter X? Not so simple, right? We understand. Whether it’s for a game of “Petit Bac” where you want to impress everyone, or just out of pure geographical curiosity, this quest can quickly become a headache. But don’t worry, I’m here to shed some light on the subject! Get comfortable, grab your tea or coffee, and dive into this guide to the rare and fascinating cities that start with an “X”.
Why is it so rare?
Well, let’s face it: city names starting with an “X” are not common. This letter, especially in French, is a bit of the rebel child of the alphabet. We often find it in the middle or at the end of words (thanks “fixe,” “taxe,” and “relax”), but at the beginning? Not so easy! However, a few little gems are hiding here and there, and they are worth the detour.
French cities that start with “X”: unknown treasures
Xaffévillers (Vosges)
Xaffévillers, does that ring a bell? Probably not, and that’s perfectly normal. This small village is nestled in the Vosges, in a wonderfully bucolic setting. With less than 100 inhabitants, you can bet that here, everyone knows everyone (and maybe even your coffee order if you come back twice).
Quick tip: If you pass by, don’t miss the chance to stroll around the charming forests that surround the village. A real breath of fresh air, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Xaintrailles (Lot-et-Garonne)
Ah, Xaintrailles! Just the name conveys a lot, doesn’t it? One can easily imagine a knight in armor galloping across these lands. Located in the southwest of France, this small commune offers a picturesque setting, typical of the region.
What to do there: visit the stone houses that line the paths. And if you enjoy good wine, know that the surroundings are teeming with vineyards. Quite nice, right?
And elsewhere in the world?
Because life isn’t just about France, here’s a little tour of cities starting with “X” around the globe.
- Xi’an (China): This is THE star of cities starting with “X”. An ancient imperial capital, it is known for its incredible terracotta army. If you ever get the chance to visit this historical wonder, go for it!
- Xochimilco (Mexico): Known for its canals and colorful boats, this place is an explosion of life and culture. And if you want to taste real Mexican street food, this is the perfect spot.
One letter, a thousand anecdotes
Fun fact: did you know that in some languages, like Chinese, the letter “X” is much more common than in French? For example, “X” is often pronounced like a soft “ch”, which explains why cities like Xi’an have such evocative names. While here, it stays discreet, almost shy.
Summary table of mentioned cities
| City | Country | Particularity |
|---|---|---|
| Xaffévillers | France | Small village surrounded by forests |
| Xaintrailles | France | Wine region and rural charm |
| Xi’an | China | Terracotta army and rich history |
| Xochimilco | Mexico | Picturesque canals and colorful boats |
Some tips to shine in society
Do you want to impress your friends with your knowledge of cities starting with “X”? Here are some ideas to slip it into a conversation without sounding weird:
- “Did you know that Xi’an was one of the oldest capitals of China?” (Bam, culture!)
- “In fact, in France, there are only a few villages that start with an X, like Xaffévillers.” (Guaranteed effect in Petit Bac.)
- “The boats of Xochimilco are the perfect place for a romantic date.” (Yes, even for love conversations.)
Share your discovery!
There you go, you now have a little treasure of knowledge about cities starting with “X”. Not bad, right? So, if you enjoyed this article, why not share it with your friends on social media? And if you’re passionate about geography, feel free to explore our other guides on unusual cities around the world. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your next travel destination at travel?
Céline, a passionate blogger about news and travel, I decode the trends that make the world buzz. Whether it’s exploring hidden corners of the planet or analyzing the hottest topics in the news, I share my discoveries here with a curious and authentic perspective. Join me to travel through words and ideas!
