France's most beautiful villages dot many of the country's roads with their remarkable beauty. They bear witness to the diversity of our territory, but also to our history. Perched to defend themselves, clinging to a cliff, overlooking rivers, set in the countryside, they all have to meet very specific beauty criteria to qualify for the label. So, why not take the time to stroll through some of France's most beautiful villages, explore the narrow streets, discover the heritage and relax over a drink on the terrace of a small café? Here's a little tour of France to discover the stones, the people and our favorite villages!
1. Conques (Aveyron)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and nestled in a lush green setting, Conques is an essential stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. You'll discover its treasures on foot, as cars are not allowed in the village. Stroll the cobbled streets with their central gutter, admire the half-timbered or corbelled houses and the lauze roofs, and above all visit the 11th and 12th century Abbey Sainte-Foy, whose stained glass windows by Pierre Soulages and its exceptional tympanum of the Last Judgement will leave you in awe. Conques takes you back to the Middle Ages.
Starting out on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela? Discover our dedicated article "Chemin de St Jacques de Compostelle: 12 tips for success"
2. Riquewihr (Haut-Rhin)
Heading east now, towards Riquewihr, a fortified town considered the pearl of the region, combining excellent wines and architecture. It boasts 2 grands crus: Sporen and Schoenenbourg. Situated at the heart of the Alsace wine route, a visit to the village also takes in the surrounding vineyards and hillsides. The town's magnificent Renaissance half-timbered houses are testimony to its richness. Most of them are adorned with flowers, helping to enhance their incredible beauty. And no fewer than 5 museums recount the history of the area. If you're in the area, don't miss our article on What to do in Alsace? 17 must-sees to make the most of your stay!
3. Les Baux-de-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône)
An eagle's nest in the heart of the Alpilles, often windswept. Nestled on a rocky spur, the village of Les Baux-de-Provence boasts an extraordinary historical heritage, with no fewer than 22 listed buildings. These include the Hôtel de Manville, the Church of Saint-Vincent, the Maison du Roy and the Chapel of the White Penitents. The visit is exclusively on foot, amidst old houses with beautiful Renaissance facades, mansions housing rich art galleries and museums. Producers, craftsmen and artists bring the village to life all year round, making it one of the 10 most beautiful villages in the South of France!
4. Gordes (Vaucluse)
In the Vaucluse region, Gordes is a Provencal star that has attracted artists and celebrities of all kinds. Among them Marc Chagall, André Lhote and Victor Vasarely. Indeed, how could one fail to be inspired to create by so much beauty? Set against the backdrop of the Lubéron Massif, the village is a cultural landmark with an exceptional location on the heights of a rocky outcrop. The winding cobbled streets of the dry-stone houses stand at the foot of the Renaissance château and church, overlooking the Calavon valley and the Cavaillon plain. Gordes is just 30 minutes from Avignon. Want to find out more about the villages of the PACA region? Discover our Top 15 most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region !
5. Château-Chalon (Jura)
Franche-Comté is the home of Jura yellow wine. Its birthplace is Château-Chalon, perched on a promontory. The road up the hill is a cyclist's delight, with its gradual slope and twists and turns, right in the middle of the vineyards... You can stroll through the town on foot, wandering through medieval streets, past the remains of the keep and the Romanesque church, passing from one belvedere to another to admire superb views. The village is also an ideal starting point for a wide range of activities in the area, from hiking along the AOC hillsides to mountain biking.
6. Gerberoy (Oise)
Gerberoy is a must-see in the Hauts-de-France region. Located less than two hours from Paris, the cobbled streets lined with beautiful traditional 17th and 18th century houses and the superb Saint-Pierre collegiate church are the highlights of Gerberoy in the Oise region. It's also the town of roses, celebrated every June 15. And yet, what a troubled history it has had! Because of its location, it was the site of many conflicts, before being ravaged by plague and fire. But in the early 20th century, the post-impressionist painter Henri le Sidaner fell in love with it, and drew inspiration from it for many of his paintings. A number of artists followed in his footsteps, raising the village from the ashes and turning it into the beautiful village it is today.
7. Flavigny-sur-Ozerain (Côte-d'Or)
This village in the Côte-d'Or region of France is world-famous for its aniseed sweets, made in the former abbey, which are irresistible. History has it that Caesar set up one of his military camps at the top of the hill, before defeating the Gallic army at Alesia. The town's history is told through its medieval and Renaissance houses, still very well maintained by the village's loving inhabitants, but also through its mansions, cobbled streets and fortified gates. And don't miss the beautiful Saint-Pierre Abbey.
8. Baume-les-Messieurs (Jura)
In the heart of the Jura's most typical Reculée, the houses of Baume-les-Messieurs wind around a Benedictine abbey built in the 6th century and home to one of Europe's largest polychrome altarpieces, dating from the 16th century. The other curiosity is the circus-shaped cul-de-sacs. One of these shelters a spectacular grotto, hidden by a cascade of boiling tuff. During your stay, don't hesitate to take a stroll through the narrow streets to take a closer look at the buildings and, of course, sample a Côtes du Jura at one of the village wineries, who will be delighted to talk passionately about the treasures of the region. Just passing through? Check out our article "What to visit in the Jura? The 15 most beautiful places"!
9. Barfleur (Manche)
Seaside villages have that charm that makes you want to put your bags down for as long as possible, simply for the pleasure of accessing the sea and its infinite horizon in no time at all from early morning. Nicknamed the "pearl of the Val de Saire", Barfleur is a major yachting and fishing port and a must-see in Normandy ! Its granite houses jutting out into the English Channel have inspired painters such as Paul Signac and writers such as Victor Hugo. The village's must-sees include a visit to the church with its almost fortified silhouette, and gourmet delights in the port's restaurants for a taste of Barfleur's famous mussels.
10. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (Lot)
Located not far from Cahors and perched like an eagle on a cliff overlooking the banks of the River Lot, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie has charmed many a writer, including André Breton. Take a stroll through its steep streets to discover 12th and 16th century houses, renowned for the inimitable patina of their tiles, admire the Gothic church, fortified and built from 1522, or gaze out over the horizon and the Lot valley from the terraces of the château. No fewer than 13 of the commune's historic monuments are listed, making it one of France's most beautiful villages. It's an ideal destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating summer vacation!
11. Cassel, Nord
One of the most beautiful villages in Northern France , Cassel is a commune whose history dates back to antiquity. The walk begins with the discovery of its fortifications, before reaching the foot of the collegiate church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Crypte, whose origins date back to the 10th century. You're then very close to Cassel's Grand'Place, where locals and visitors alike gather at any time of day for a drink or a bite to eat. You're then in perfect condition to take the road to Mont Cassel, from where you can enjoy magnificent views over the village and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Cassel was voted France's favorite village in 2018.
12. Audresselles, Pas-de-Calais
Audresselles is one of those pretty fishing villages on the Côte d'Opale where it's great to stroll along streets lined with stone or white-fronted houses, their shutters tinted blue, green and other shimmering colors. The commune is also home to the superb 12th-century church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Built on an elevated part of the village, it offers a superb sunset over the sea in the evening. Visitors are also keen to get to the beach, for fishing or simply to lay their sands on sunny days. And Audresselles is not far from Cap Gris-nez, which offers superb walks and breathtaking panoramas. You can also take the opportunity to discover Le Touquet, around 50 minutes away by car.
13. Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Somme
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is a medieval town well worth a visit, if only for its craft stores, pleasant restaurants, walks along the pier or from the top of the ramparts for a breathtaking panorama over the Bay of the Somme. History buffs will discover that it was from Saint-Valery that William the Conqueror set out to reclaim the crown and become King of Englandin 1066. Joan of Arc also stopped off here. Since then, Saint-Valery's cobbled, flower-filled streets and the Bay of the Somme have inspired great artists such as Degas, Victor Hugo and Colette. It's an ideal destination for a weekend getaway, less than 2 hours from Paris !
14. Essoyes, Aube
The commune ofEssoyes, on the border between Southern Champagne and Burgundy, is also included in our selection of the most beautiful villages in Eastern France. It is renowned for inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the illustrious Renoir family. Aline Charigot, model and later wife of Auguste, was a native of the village. So much so, in fact, that he bought a house here, which you can visit today, in addition to his studio and the Espace Renoir cultural center. It's a pleasant stroll through this small town of character, with its streets lined with pretty stone houses, and the banks of the Ource populated by half-timbered houses. A setting that inspired Auguste Renoir in his day, and it's easy to see why.
And don't forget to visit Troyes in our dedicated article: What to do in Troyes? The 15 best things to do and see!
15. Kaysersberg, Haut-Rhin, one of France's most beautiful villages
This village on the route to Santiago de Compostela is another of Alsace's jewels. It, too, is home to superb half-timbered houses with pastel-colored facades, which are a joy to look at and photograph. There are also several medieval monuments, and how can you miss the ruins of its imperial castle? Climb the stairs of its impressive keep and enjoya breathtaking view of the village and surroundingvineyards. While Kaysersberg can be visited at any time of year, at Christmas it boasts one of the region's finest markets. It's also an ideal destination for a romantic weekend with your partner!
16. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim is one of those picture-postcard villages that's Alsatian through and through: it's got everything from half-timbered houses and medieval fortifications to fountains and balconies in bloom as soon as the sun comes out. And that's not all: Eguisheim is also one of the jewels in the crown of Alsace's wine culture, home to a number of world-renowned grands crus. You can take a leisurely tour of the area aboard a little white train, where you'll be given a wealth of historical information about the town. These features make Eguisheim one ofthe most beautiful villages in Alsace .
17. Colmar, Alsace
To speak of the beauty and authenticity of Alsace without mentioning Colmar would be a serious oversight. This thriving, serene city boasts a variety of fascinating architectural and cultural assets. Don't miss the Little Venice district, with its quintessentially Alsatian atmosphere, and the Maison des Têtes, built for merchant Anton Burger in the German Renaissance style. What follows is a leisurely stroll through the half-timbered streets, not forgetting to sit down at a restaurant table to sample the local gastronomy. To discover the town in an original way, you can hire flat-bottomed boats on the Lauch, the local river.
18. Balazuc, Ardèche
Located halfway between Aubenas and Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, Balazuc is not only one of Ardèche's villages of character, but also one of France's most beautiful villages! Two well-deserved accolades for this jewel overlooking the river. A maze of winding lanes, its historic center is home to old stone houses and small craft stores. At the foot of the village, there's a long beach where you can cool off in fine weather. It's an ideal place in France to recharge your batteries as a family: the Ardèche is one of our top destinations for vacations in France with children!
19. Espelette, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, one of France's most beautiful villages
The Labourd village is famous for its pimento pepper. Today, Espelette takes advantage of this fame to showcase its fetish plant on all the facades of its red and white houses. The cords are bursting at the seams with chillies drying in the open air, and shopkeepers are offering their chilli products to visitors: jams, cheeses or chocolate - watch out for your taste buds in Espelette, which is renowned for its specialities ! Every year, on the last weekend in October, a festival of Espelette chillies takes place in the village. This festive event is not to be missed, and contributes to making Espelette one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country!
20. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Located on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is visited year-round by pilgrims from all over the world. This charming village in lower Navarre is home to several architectural styles: Romanesque in the church of Saint-Jean-le-Vieux and Gothic in the church of Notre-Dame-de-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. In addition to this rich religious heritage, the village is renowned for its citadel, reached by a sloping path. Built in the 17th century, it stands on the site of the former medieval castle. All these assets make Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port a must-see in our ranking of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country and the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees!
21. Sare, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Like a French enclave in Spain, Sare pushes back the borders of the Hexagon to form the Xareta region. Not far from the Atlantic, at the foot of the Basque Pyrenees, this village offers a wide variety of landscapes. We take the Rhune train, a cogwheel locomotive, to travel along one of the high peaks of the Pyrenees. It's a very pleasant ride, offering panoramic views of the region's natural beauty at 905 m altitude. And don't miss the Sare caves, where interactive tours tell the story of prehistoric life in the cave. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country.
22. Dinan, Côtes-d'Armor
Dinan is one of Brittany's most charming little towns, where time seems to stand still. Its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and slate roofs are ideal for a bucolic stroll with your partner, family or even friends. During your stay in Dinan, don't miss the opportunity to see its monuments steeped in history: the medieval Château de Dinan, the Basilique Saint-Sauveur, the Church of Saint-Malo, the Tour de l'Horloge and the Abbey of Léhon. The village of Dinan is also included in our of France's most beautiful medieval towns !
23. Locronan, Finistère
From Polanski to Jeunet, many directors have chosen Locronan as their film set, considering it one of Brittany's most beautiful villages in Brittany. This picturesque village in Finistère, a region of splendor between land and sea, has preserved its heritage, notably its typical granite mansions in a pedestrian-only historic center. Beautifully preserved, they bear witness to the town's rich past, which saw its heyday in the sailing trade.
24. Pont-Aven, Finistère, one of France's most beautiful villages
Gourmets are already familiar with its butter cakes, but Pont-Aven is much more than just a gastronomic stopover: it's also one of the most beautiful villages in France! This must-see village in Finistère is also known as the City of Painters, since it was here that Paul Gauguin founded the Pont-Aven school. The village's bohemian spirit still attracts artists who come here to seek inspiration on the banks of the sometimes calm, sometimes capricious Aven river.
25. Nonza, Corsica
Nonza is one of Corsica's most beautiful medieval villages, literally perched in an eagle's nest, with a breathtaking view of its famous black pebble beach and the Mediterranean Sea . Unlike the other villages of Cap Corse, Nonza is not scattered in hamlets, but integrated right into the rocky promontory. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped peaks of Monte Cintu and the Alps. The village's narrow streets wind up to the Genoese tower, built in 1970 by Pascal Paoli. On the third weekend in May, this charming little village celebrates its patron saint, St. Julie, with a procession in which the statue of the saint is carried down to the village. Wondering what to do in Haute-Corse? Discover 15 places to see and visit!
Want to discover other beautiful villages? Take a look at our Top 15 most beautiful villages in the Pays Bas !
