France is full of wonders, so why not take a trip to discover the villages for which the country is famous! Here are 20 of the most beautiful villages in France.
Discovering the best-known must-see destinations is great, but what about discovering the little treasures that France has to offer? Set off to discover France and its most beautiful villages.
For a weekend or an extended vacation, this ranking of the 20 most beautiful villages in France will help you choose where to go for a unique stay, in a unique place.
1. Domme, Dordogne
Perched on a vertiginous cliff, Domme is one of France’s most beautiful villages, with an exceptional view over the Dordogne valley. Its location in the Périgord Noir region and the harmony of its buildings make this ancient medieval bastide a popular destination for travelers.
>> Also read: France’s 11 most beautiful medieval villages
2. Gordes, Vaucluse
In the heart of Mont du Vaucluse and the Luberon Natural Park lies the small village of Gordes. Gordes is not only one of France’s most beautiful villages in terms of its beauty, but also in terms of its history, architecture and heritage.
3. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Hérault
Saint-Guilhem-Le-Désert (near Montpellier) is a village like no other. Its abbey, a veritable jewel of Languedoc Romanesque art, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its picturesque alleyways are filled with small shops selling local crafts.
4. Gerberoy, Picardy
The mix of half-timbering and brickwork creates a charming atmosphere that will delight many. This unique strolling area is transformed into a veritable rose garden with its magnificent climbing roses from spring onwards. From the ruins of the ancient fortress to the old cobbled streets, Gerberoy’s many stones will take you on a journey through history.
5. Conques, Aveyron
A stopover on the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, Conques is an architectural and historical gem. Long considered an important relic sanctuary, this village, one of the most beautiful in France, is famous for its abbey church. An emblematic site of the Catholic religion, Conques is a village not to be missed.
6. Olargues, Herault
Olargues is the perfect blend of different eras, from the ancient keep of the medieval castle to its church. Known for its emblematic sunken bridge, The Devil’s Bridge, Olargues has everything it takes to attract visitors.
7. Rocamadour, Lot
The Lot is a department brimming with beauty, and Rocamadour is proof of this. This cliffside village is not just a village, but a religious city. It is home to a number of religious monuments accessible via the Grand Escalier.
This village is also often considered to be one of the most beautiful stops on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
8. Eguisheim, Haut-Rhin
Eguisheim is another example of Alsace’s many treasures. Not only is Eguisheim one of the most beautiful villages in France, it’s also one of the most flower-filled. It’s also the cradle of the Alsatian vineyard, set in the gentle hills where numerous vines are planted. This small village will appeal to epicureans and lovers of fine stonework.
9. Sainte-Enimie, Lozère
Just because Lozère is France’s most sparsely populated département doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its wonders, and Sainte-Enimie is proof of that. This medieval town takes its name from the legend that the Burle spring at its foot cured Princess Enimie of leprosy. This emblematic site of the Gorges du Tarn is much appreciated by travelers for its beauty and calm.
10. Beuvron-en-Auge, Calvados
Formerly a duchy held by the d’Harcourt family, of which only ruins remain, Beuvron-en-Auge is a village that has made its mark on history. The beauty of its historic manor houses attracts many visitors. A stroll through Beuvron-en-Auge is a true moment of pleasure and tranquility.
11. Les Baux-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône
In the heart of the Alpilles Nature Park lies Les Baux-de-Provence, a small, almost magical village in a magnificent setting. This village is a must for artists, craftsmen and other producers. One example is the Carrières de Lumières, a real immersion in the works of art of various artists.
12. Piana, Corsica
The Isle of Beauty doesn’t take its name by chance, and Piana is one of its spearheads. Situated near the pink granite calanques, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this village of Corsica is set in a paradise-like setting. Its white houses, arranged in an arc along the coastline, give it a unique charm.
13. Collonges-la-Rouge, Corrèze
Known as the Cité aux Vingt-Cinq Tours (City of Twenty-Five Towers), this village isn’t listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages by coincidence. The originality of its red color comes from the stone used, red sandstone. Collonges-La-Rouge has many stories to tell through its buildings.
14. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Lot
From the top of its cliff, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie dominates a meander of the Lot river. This medieval village boasts no fewer than 13 historic monuments, making it one of the must-visit sites in the Lot valley. Its church is one of the town’s landmarks, overlooking the entire village.
15. Salers, Cantal
High above the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne lies a small village called Salers. Dating back to the 16th century, its volcanic stone buildings give it an austere charm. However, when the village is decked out in white in winter, the contrast of the black stone with the snow brings it straight out of a storybook.
16. Roussillon, Vaucluse
At the heart of the world’s largest ochre deposit, Roussillon is a firework display of color and light. Over the centuries, this village has developed expertise like no other. It’s a magical place, full of color, to discover through its narrow streets and houses.
17. Najac, Aveyron
Dominated by a fortress, the village of Najac lies along a rocky ridge above the Aveyron valley. Reach the highest point of the keep for an unparalleled view. Numerous monuments make Najac one of France’s most beautiful villages.
18. Locronan, Finistère
With its rich cultural heritage, Locronan stands out for its architecture. The church of Saint-Ronan, the Irish bishop who gave his name to the village, is a marvel that has survived the test of time. Its Renaissance granite houses give it a very authentic charm.
19. Barfleur, Manche
The smallest commune in the Manche department, Barfleur ranks as one of France’s most beautiful villages, and has been a port since the Middle Ages. Barfleur has stood the test of time, and was one of the villages liberated by the Americans in June 1944. It’s a village to discover for the charm of its old granite buildings and its history.
20. Noyer-Sur-Serein, Burgundy
Sometimes a medieval town, sometimes a winegrower’s village, Noyers offers a wide variety of attractions. From aristocratic hotels to winegrowers’ houses and ancient chapels, this small village is a place where time has stood still. Often chosen for film shoots, a stroll through Noyers will plunge you into a world of magic and wonder.
