Are you searching for the hottest cities in France to go on a warm vacation? From the Mediterranean coast to the French Riviera, we’ve compiled a list of the warmest places in France.

Tired of greyness? Want a change of air? Here is a top that allows you to travel to the hottest cities in France.

In France, a multifaceted country, the temperature varies according to the regions, so there is something for everyone. However, the French prefer to enjoy outdoor activities or strolls during hot weather. 

The cities attracting the largest number of tourists are logically the hottest in France.

The sun becomes an essential criterion for many people who see a source of happiness in it. 

Many people think about rebuilding their lives, leaving the gloom, or changing their locations, and at any age. Sunbathing all year round is a dream for many French people, and already see themselves enjoying the sun daily.

The 12 Warmest Place In France [Hottest Part]

Key Takeaways:

- France has a diverse range of climates across its regions, with something for everyone.

- The hottest cities in France attract a large number of tourists due to their warm weather and outdoor activities.

- Nîmes is the hottest city in France, but the heat can be stifling in the summer, so visitors should consider visiting during cooler months or spending time in surrounding areas.

- Other hot cities include Avignon, Perpignan, Ajaccio, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Alès, Montpellier, Toulon, Toulouse, and Bordeaux.

- These cities experience high temperatures in the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and sometimes reaching 40 degrees Celsius.

- Visitors should take precautions against the heat, such as staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen and appropriate clothing.

- Despite the heat, these cities offer a range of cultural and outdoor activities, including museums, festivals, beaches, and historical landmarks.

Discover the list of the hottest cities in France, where the sun is never lacking!

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1. Nimes

Average annual temperature: 13.8 degrees
Best time to visit: May and August

Nîmes, located via Domitia, is an identity city that enjoys the status of City of Art and History. Besides being a key stopover city in the south of France, it is memorable for its famous monuments, borrowed from histories, such as the Arena or the Museum of Romans.

Before leaving to visit Nîmes, know that it is the hottest city in France with an average exceeding 40 degrees, so sensitive souls abstain! 

Heat records are broken every year in the Roman city, making it stifling. Although Nîmes is beautiful, we prefer to visit at a time other than the summer period. Otherwise, consider taking a bottle of water, sunglasses, and a hat.

If you still want to organize your holiday in the hottest city in France, know that the temperature never drops below 30 degrees, even at night. Thus, during the day, we recommend you visit the surroundings of Nîmes where the temperature is more pleasant. 

What about visiting the Pont du Gard and swimming at the same time? Or, go for a walk in the Camargue to enjoy nature and its animals. In the evening, do not hesitate to enjoy a restaurant by the sea before returning to sleep in Nîmes. Let’s pray that you have air conditioning!

2. Avignon

Average annual temperature: 13.7 degrees
Best time to visit: between June and August

Avignon, the prefecture of the Vaucluse department, has a privileged location at the gates of Provence. Its Mediterranean climate, however, does not follow this pattern.

Winters and summers are dry, and springs and autumns are relatively rainy. Besides, its position inland favors scorching temperatures without wind.

When the temperature rises, it is better to leave the City of the Popes for a walk at sea or an afternoon sunbathing by the beach. 

Nevertheless, the city is full of architectural wonders such as the Palais des Papes or the Pont d’Avignon that are worth a visit.

3. Perpignan

Average annual temperature: 15.4 degrees
Best time to visit: Between May and September

Perpignan is one of the hottest cities in France, especially due to its geographical position. Located in the center of the Roussillon plain, the city is framed by the Pyrenees, the Corbières region, and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Its position gives it third place in the hottest cities in France because, in summer, the temperature rises above 35 degrees quickly.

This city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, which is why the heat is extreme. It is not uncommon to go out only in the late afternoon since the heat is suffocating during the day. 

To link freshness and culture, you can visit the Palace of the Kings of Mallorca and Casa Xanxo, where the air is very fresh.

4. Ajaccio

Average annual temperature: 15.2 degrees
Best time to visit: between June and August

The capital of Corsica is the gateway to the island and the department of Corse-du-Sud. Ajaccio, located in Southern Corsica, is a small town with a warm climate brought by Africa. 

Therefore, the Sirocco brings dry and very hot air, contributing to rising temperatures in the South of Corsica. That is why, in summer, it is very difficult to withstand temperatures.

Nevertheless, the advantage of the island is that thanks to the Mediterranean Sea, it is pretty easy to cool off. Take advantage of a boat trip for a three-hour ride to discover the local fauna and flora. 

The itinerary includes stops at some of the most beautiful coves on the West Coast. And don’t forget: sunscreen and sunglasses are a must!

5. Marseille

Average annual temperature: 14.2 degrees
Best time to visit: Between May and July

Why is Marseille one of the hottest cities in France? The reason is primarily its geographical location, in the south of the country and bordered by the sea. With more than 2500 hours of sunshine per year, Marseille is the sunniest city in France.

If you can’t stand the heat, don’t hesitate to relax on the beaches and coves of the many creeks. If you prefer to be calm, consider visits to monuments like the MuCEM or the Château d’If. 

However, even if it is a flagship monument, we do not advise you to walk to the Good Mother at the risk of suffocating in the sweltering heat.

All the same, Marseille promises you an exceptional holiday under the sun of the South.

6. Aix-en-Provence

Average annual temperature: 13.1 degrees
Best time to visit: between June and September

Located between Marseille and Avignon, it is normal to find the city of Aix-en-Provence at the top of the hottest cities in France. 

Due to its position, the city of Aix en Provence experiences an average temperature in summer of more than 30 degrees. And just like its neighbor, Marseille, it is one of the sunniest cities in France.

Aix-en-Provence is an ideal destination for a cultural and festive stay, lulled by the sun. 

Thanks to its many museums, its festivals, its terroir, its vineyard, its shopping streets, its architecture, contributing, and its art of living, you will inevitably fall under the spell of this beautiful city of Aix-en-Provence, despite the heat.

There is only one thing left for you to do, enjoy the idleness in the sun, lulled by cicadas.

7. Nice

Average annual temperature: 14.8 degrees
Best time to visit: Between May and September

Located between sea and mountains, Nice seduces its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, Promenade des Anglais, and cultural events. 

The capital of the Côte d’Azur has a lot to offer visitors who flock during the summer months. At this time, Nice became one of the hottest cities in France, with temperatures around 28 degrees on average.

Moreover, you are forced to fall under the spell of its old town, which is full of colorful alleys and Mediterranean smells, and museums. Don’t miss the beaches that don’t lack charm. Why not take a swim to cool off in this heat?

The advantage is that if you book your holiday in Nice, you are sure to come back for a tan!

8. Alès

Average annual temperature: 13.2 degrees
Best time to visit: Between, May, and August

Being in the Gard, how could Alès have avoided this list of the hottest cities in France? Located about 45 kilometers north of Nîmes? This wide plain at the foot of the Cévennes massif is nicknamed “the capital of the Cévennes.”

With a Mediterranean climate, the temperatures are almost always mild and dry throughout the year. In summer, Alès often breaks temperature records exceeding 40 degrees. However, when it rains, especially due to Cevennes episodes, flooding is frequent.

9. Montpellier

Average annual temperature: 13.9 degrees
Best time to visit: Between May and September

The sunshine and exceptional quality of life in Montpellier attract more visitors every year. The population has doubled in the space of forty years, and it’s easy to see why!

Located a little setback inland, the city of Montpellier experiences an average temperature during the summer of 28 degrees. With almost 3000 hours of sunshine per year, Montpellier makes you want to take it easy in the sun! 

Besides, the Mediterranean Sea is not far away, so if you’re going to take a dip, do not hesitate! If you prefer rivers or lakes, we recommend a trip to the Devil’s Bridge or Lake Salagou!

10. Toulon

Average annual temperature: 15.1 degrees
Best time to visit: between June and September

It is hardly surprising to find Toulon in the ranking of the hottest cities in France!

Located in the Var, the city does not escape the heat. In summer, temperatures easily exceed 40 degrees making the air stifling. In short, thanks to its almost permanent sunshine, the city enjoys a pleasant quality of life. 

Remember to visit its many monuments such as the Royal Towers or the Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds Cathedral. If you prefer action, check out a rugby match!

11. Toulouse

Average annual temperature: 12.7 degrees
Best time to visit: between June and July

The “Pink City,” capital of the Occitanie region, close to the Pyrenees, the Landes coasts, and the Mediterranean, enjoys a sweetness of life. Nevertheless, its position inland makes it one of the hottest cities in France. With more than 2000 hours of sunshine per year, it is very hot in Toulouse!

Both dynamic and steeped in history, Toulouse attracts many visitors who want to see the Capitol as much as the Cité de l’espace. However, bring a bottle of water and avoid cassoulet if you do not want to suffocate during your visit in summer.

We recommend visiting the Gouffre de Padirac, not far from Toulouse, especially in the fresh air!

12. Bordeaux

Average annual temperature: 12.7 degrees
Best time to visit: between June and September

To close this ranking of the hottest cities in France, we were forced to talk about the capital of Aquitaine: Bordeaux. 

A magnificent city in the southwest of France, the living environment is peaceful and the quality of life pleasant, especially thanks to the sun! Bordeaux finishes this list with more than 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

If you get too hot during your visit, get closer to the famous Water Mirror. If the air is so oppressive, visit museums where the air is better, such as the City of Wine. At the same time, you will be able to hydrate (in moderation).

Friends to the north, we see you coming. It’s no coincidence that France’s hottest cities are confined to the south. Unfortunately, the numbers don’t go away! 

However, we found that the strongest heat peaks during heatwaves are also found in the north, as in Reims, Strasbourg, or Nantthey.

FAQ

Which is the hottest city in France?

Nîmes is considered to be one of the hottest cities in France, with temperatures rising above 30°C during the summer months.

Which part of France is the hottest?

The south of France generally experiences the hottest temperatures, especially during the summer months. Moreover, Cities like Nîmes, Montpellier, and Perpignan are well-known to locals for their hot and dry summers.

What is the warmest city in France during winter?

The warmest city in France during winter can vary from year to year, but typically cities on the French Riviera such as Nice, Cannes, and Menton have mild temperatures during the winter months.

Where in France is sunny all year round?

Menton, located on the French Riviera, is often considered to be the sunniest place in France all year round due to its mild Mediterranean climate.

Conclusion

France is an amazing destination to visit with some of the hottest cities in Europe that can get really warm during summer months with temperatures rising above 30°C. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the sun or escape the cold, these hotspots are definitely worth checking out! I hope you find the article “The 12 Hottest Cities In France [Warmest Places In France]” helpful.