The table below lists all the major cities and towns in France whose names start with the letter A. Further down you will also find some general data and facts about each.
| Name | Region | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Abbeville | Hauts-de-France | 23,000 |
| Agen | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | 34,000 |
| Aix-en-Provence | Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur | 146,000 |
| Albertville | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | 19,000 |
| Albi | Occitanie | 50,000 |
| Alençon | Normandy | 25,000 |
| Alès | Occitanie | 39,000 |
| Amboise | Centre-Val de Loire | 13,000 |
| Amiens | Hauts-de-France | 135,000 |
| Angers | Pays de la Loire | 154,000 |
| Angoulême | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | 42,000 |
| Annemasse | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | 37,000 |
| Antibes | Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur | 75,000 |
| Arles | Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur | 53,000 |
| Arras | Hauts-de-France | 40,000 |
| Auch | Occitanie | 21,000 |
| Autun | Bourgogne-Franche-Comté | 13,000 |
| Aurillac | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | 25,000 |
| Avesnes-sur-Helpe | Hauts-de-France | 5,000 |
Abbeville
Abbeville, located in the Hauts-de-France region, is a historic town known for its medieval buildings and proximity to the Somme River. The town played a significant role in World War I. The name originates from “Abbatis Villa” meaning “the abbey’s village,” reflecting its past connection to a nearby abbey
Agen
Agen, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is famous for its prunes, grown in the surrounding orchards. It sits on the Garonne River and has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The city’s name is thought to be derived from the ancient Latin name “Aginnum.”
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant city known for its art and cultural heritage. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, it has long been a hub for artists, most notably Paul Cézanne. Its name comes from the Latin “Aquae Sextiae,” referring to its ancient Roman baths.
Albertville
Albertville, nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is best known for hosting the 1992 Winter Olympics. It is a gateway to the French Alps and attracts winter sports enthusiasts. Its name honors Charles Albert of Sardinia.
Albi
Albi, located in the Occitanie region, is famous for the massive brick Albi Cathedral and its vibrant red-brick architecture. The town has a rich history linked to the Cathar heresy, and its name originates from the Latin “Albiga.”
Alençon
Alençon, a town in Normandy, is renowned for its lace-making tradition, known as “Point d’Alençon.” Its name stems from a Gallic tribe that once lived in the region. Today, it remains a quiet yet culturally rich town.
Alès
Alès, in the Occitanie region, is a former mining town with a rich industrial heritage. Today, it serves as a gateway to the Cévennes National Park and has roots going back to Roman times.
Amboise
Amboise is a charming town in the Centre-Val de Loire region, famous for the Château d’Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci lived during his final years. The name derives from an ancient river port on the Loire.
Amiens
Amiens is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region, famous for its Gothic cathedral, the largest in France. The name originates from the Ambiani tribe, who lived in the area during the Roman period.
Angers
Angers, located in the Pays de la Loire, is known for its medieval Château d’Angers and its role in the historical Angevin empire. The city is named after the Roman “Juliomagus,” which later evolved to “Andegavia” and then “Angers.”
Angoulême
Angoulême, a historic city in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is famous for its annual International Comics Festival. It sits on a plateau overlooking the Charente River, and its name comes from the Latin “Iculisma,” the name of the ancient Roman city.
Annemasse
Annemasse, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is located near the Swiss border, making it a key transit point between France and Geneva. The name has ancient Celtic origins, possibly referring to a marshy area (“mass”).
Antibes
Antibes, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, is a popular resort town on the Mediterranean coast. It’s known for its ancient fortifications and the Picasso Museum. Its name comes from the Greek “Antipolis,” meaning “city opposite” (Nice).
Arles
Arles, also in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, is famous for its well-preserved Roman monuments, including an amphitheater. The city’s name originates from the Latin “Arelate,” meaning “settlement by the marshes.”
Arras
Arras, in Hauts-de-France, is renowned for its ornate Flemish-Baroque town square and for its role in World War I. The name originates from the Atrebates, a Celtic tribe that settled in the area.
Auch
Auch, in the Occitanie region, was once the capital of the ancient region of Gascony. The name derives from the Auscii tribe, who inhabited the area in pre-Roman times.
Autun
Autun, in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, is famous for its Roman heritage, including a well-preserved amphitheater and city gates. The name is derived from the Roman “Augustodunum,” named in honor of Emperor Augustus.
Aurillac
Aurillac, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is known for its outdoor theater festivals and cheese production. The name comes from “Orilliacum,” meaning “the villa of Aurelius” in Latin.
Avesnes-sur-Helpe
Avesnes-sur-Helpe is a small town in Hauts-de-France, known for its charming medieval streets and proximity to the Belgian border. Its name is derived from “Avesnes,” which means a small settlement in the hills.
Click on a letter below to go to the list of cities.
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