If you are looking for a city starting with R for a getaway, an alphabetical search, or simply out of geographical curiosity, you will love this list. I take you through France, from Brittany to Alsace, discovering cities beginning with R that are rich in heritage, history, and local charm.
📌 List of French cities that start with R
Here is a selection (not exhaustive) of French cities beginning with the letter R, along with their tourist and cultural attractions:
- Rennes (Brittany)
- Rouen (Normandy)
- Reims (Grand Est)
- Rochefort (Charente-Maritime)
- Riom (Auvergne)
- Rodez (Occitanie)
- Rosheim (Alsace)
- Rethel (Ardennes)
- Rambouillet (Île-de-France)
- Rillieux-la-Pape (Rhône)
- Rognac (Provence)
- Roussillon (Vaucluse)
Each has its unique touch. Some are well known, while others deserve to be explored.
🌟 Rennes: a vibrant Breton capital
Located in the northwest of France, Rennes combines medieval history, modernity, and good cheer. As a university center, it also offers a sublime historical center and a rich cultural life.
Must-see:
- Half-timbered houses
- Les Lices market (Saturday morning)
- Thabor Park
- Les Champs Libres (museum, library, and scientific space)
Perfect for a day or a weekend, without any hassle.
🏰 Rouen: the city of a hundred steeples
Rouen, a Norman city with Gothic charm, is famous for its cathedral painted by Monet and its connection to Joan of Arc.
To discover:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen
- The Gros-Horloge
- The Jeanne d’Arc museum
- The cobblestone streets of the city center
- The banks of the Seine for a romantic walk
🥂 Reims: royal history and champagne
The city of the coronations of the kings of France, Reims is also a major center for champagne.
Must see:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- The Palais du Tau
- The champagne cellars to visit (with tasting if you want 😉)
- Place Drouet-d’Erlon, lively and perfect for a restaurant
⚓ Rochefort: between sea and naval heritage
A charming town in Charente-Maritime, Rochefort is primarily known for its connection to the French Navy.
Must see:
- The replica of the Hermione
- The Maritime Museum
- The thermal baths of Rochefort
- A walk along the Charente
Calm atmosphere, perfect for a seaside break.
🏞️ Riom: a stone city in Auvergne
Less touristy than Clermont-Ferrand but equally beautiful, Riom has retained a medieval atmosphere and a charming town center.
To see:
- Basilica of Saint-Amable
- The Halles
- Traditional markets
- Black stone architecture
Bonus: you are just a stone’s throw away from the chain of Puys.
🎨 Rodez: art, heritage, and nature
In the heart of Aveyron, Rodez impresses with its balance between heritage, culture, and gastronomy.
To visit:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rodez
- Soulages Museum (very modern and comprehensive)
- The historic center and its cobblestone streets
Ideal for combining culture and nature (Conques or the Aubrac are very close).
🍇 Rosheim: a little gem on the wine route
In the Bas-Rhin, Rosheim is a typical medieval city, with its half-timbered houses and ramparts.
To do:
- Taste Alsace wines
- Visit the Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul
- Walk in the old town on foot or by bike
Perfect if you’re on the wine route!
🕊️ Rethel: discreet but charming
Located between Reims and Charleville-Mézières, Rethel is a small peaceful town.
To discover:
- Saint-Nicolas Church
- The banks of the Aisne
- The boar Woinic (a giant emblematic sculpture of the region)
Ideal for a break on the road.
🧭 Comparative table of the main cities starting with R
| City | Region | Atmosphere | Must-sees | Recommended access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rennes | Brittany | Dynamic and green | Thabor, Les Lices market | TGV, metro, bike |
| Rouen | Normandy | Gothic and artistic | Cathedral, Gros-Horloge | Train, car |
| Reims | Grand Est | Elegant and festive | Champagne, cathedral | TGV, tram, bike |
| Rochefort | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | Maritime and tranquil | Hermione, Maritime Museum | TER, car |
| Riom | Auvergne | Medieval and local | Markets, volcanic architecture | Train or car |
| Rodez | Occitanie | Culture and local produce | Soulages Museum, historic center | Car |
| Rosheim | Alsace | Romantic and wine-oriented | Wine route, Alsatian village | Bike or car |
| Rethel | Ardennes | Rural and relaxing | Heritage + banks of the Aisne | Car |
💡 Tips for planning your “city starting with R” trip
- Transport: prioritize the train for Rennes, Reims, and Rouen. Car recommended for Rodez or Rosheim.
- When to go: spring for walks, autumn for colors, winter for Christmas markets in Alsace.
- Where to sleep: guest rooms for authenticity or hotel in the city center for easy access without a car.
- How long to plan:
- 1 day: Rennes, Rouen, Reims
- 2-3 days: Rodez, Rosheim, Rochefort
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the largest French city that starts with R?
→ Rennes, with over 200,000 inhabitants, is the largest city starting with R.
Are there any cities starting with R by the sea?
→ Yes, Rochefort is close to the Atlantic Ocean, ideal for a maritime getaway.
Which city starting with R to visit in winter?
→ Rosheim is perfect in winter, especially for its Alsatian Christmas market.
Can you visit Reims without a car?
→ Yes, the center is pedestrian-friendly and well-served by tram and train.
🚀 Conclusion
You can now see that there is a beautiful diversity of cities starting with R to explore in France, whether you are a fan of heritage, nature, or gastronomy. Each has its little treasures to offer: choose according to your mood, budget, or desire to escape.
So, which one attracts you the most? Let me know in the comments, and share this article with other lovers of French discoveries!
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!
