Published 14th Jun. 2023
Reading time
Want to spend the day (or week) somewhere with a unique character and charm? Then it’s time to take your pick from our list of the most beautiful villages in France. From the rolling hills and vineyards of Provence to the dramatic and rugged coastline of Brittany, there are countless villages that offer a glimpse into the history, architecture and general beauty of this country. Some are located in rural areas and have a rich agricultural heritage, while others are situated in the heart of wine country and have a long history of winemaking. And a few are nestled in valleys surrounded by mountains. So, whether you’re interested in food, culture, or just want to enjoy the scenery, we’re sure that there’s something for everyone. Ready to say 'bonjour' to some of the most beautiful villages in France? Keep reading to learn more.
1
This unspoiled spot has been awarded the label of petite cite de caractere (village of character) so it had to come first on our list of the most beautiful villages in France. It’s situated in western Brittany and has a history that dates back more than 2,000 years. The site was originally a nemeton: a sacred space of ancient Celtic religion. It remained an important religious center throughout the Middle Ages and went on to become famous for its weaving industry in the 16th and 17th centuries, producing the canvas sails for the East India Company, as well as the French navy. Nowadays, it’s better known as the location for the films A Very Long Engagement and Roman Polanski’s Tess. There are a few shops, cafes and restaurants to explore in Place de l'Eglise, the cobbled village square that’s surrounded by ancient buildings. From here, you can easily potter to the nearby Gothic church (Église Saint-Pierre) or, if you fancy a longer walk, the 16th-century Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle. The latter features stained-glass windows created by 20th-century painter Alfred Manessier, so it’s worth the 45-minute stroll.
2
Located on the banks of the River Indrois, in the Loire Valley region of France, this picturesque village is known for its beautiful château, quaint streets and stunning scenery. It’s also famous for its wines and cheeses, many of which can be tried on the various tasting and tours that are on offer here. The most popular landmark in this spot has to be the Château de Montresor: an imposing 11th-century castle surrounded by a moat that was originally a fortified manor house. Prefer to explore nature? The village is surrounded by rolling hills and lush green forests, so there are lots of different scenic walks and cycle routes for people of all abilities to enjoy. The Balcons de l’Indrois is a lovely riverside route that offers gorgeous views of this fairytale village.
3
Are you into your aromatic wines? Perhaps you enjoy some distinctive Alsatian architecture? Either way, you’ll be pleased to visit the quaint village of Riquewihr, located on the Alsace in eastern France, One of the most beautiful wine routes in France. As with many places, there are numerous vineyards and wineries in the area, so it’d be a shame not to sample a few local wines while you’re here. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may even stumble upon one of the many wine festivals held in Riquewihr. There are lots of Alsatian specialties to try too, such as tarte flambée and sauerkraut, as well as various artisanal cheeses and delicious pastries. And it’s true what they say: a visit to this place is like stepping back in time – its traditional courtyards, wells and fountains certainly add to the atmosphere. The village’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and there is plenty of well-preserved medieval architecture to admire, including half-timbered winemakers’ shops and 13th-century defense towers. If you have the time, it’s worth visiting some of the several parks and gardens in the town, particularly the medieval herb garden and the Rose Garden, which has over 500 varieties of roses.
4
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dordogne River, it’s clear to see why the village of Domme has become such a popular tourist destination. Due to its position, there are multiple vista points boasting panoramic views across the surrounding landscape and they do not disappoint. One thing’s for sure: you’ll have more than enough photo opportunities in this village. After soaking up the scenery, head underground to the Grotte de Domme, a natural cave system beneath the town. It’s home to lots of fascinating geological formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, and makes for a couple of hours well spent. You’ll find lots of regional specialties here, so it’s the place to be if you want to pick up some foie gras or a few truffles.
5
We couldn’t complete this list of the most beautiful villages in France without naming somewhere in the Languedoc region. It was a difficult choice to make, but we settled on Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert – another UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in the region, plus it’s surrounded by the wild and rugged countryside of the Herault Gorges. It was an important pilgrimage site during Medieval times and there are many winding streets and ancient buildings here that add to the olde-worlde vibe of the place. One attraction worth visiting is the 11th-century Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge), which crosses the Gellone River. It’s undeniably an impressive feat of engineering for its time and legend has it that the devil himself helped build it. We’ll let you decide on that one. Make sure to see the Place de la Liberte before you leave: a quiet square dominated by a giant plane tree, said to be more than 160 years old.
Given our parent company, Voyageurs du Monde, are based in Paris, our French travel tips are second to none, and are constantly being updated with local knowledge. Supplemented by this first-hand expertise, our well-travelled team can tailor itineraries to your preferences... think the likes of wine-tasting tours organised by our Conde Nast Wine Regions Specialist, cheese-making in the mountains or tours of Paris in a vintage car. Equipped with nothing but school-level French? Fear not; our trusty Concierges and guides are on hand in places like Corsica, where English speakers are scarce.
ENQUIRE NOWPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
From quaint labyrinthine streets and ancient mountainside buildings to flower-filled gardens and picturesque ports, certain villages in the south of France look like they’ve been plucked from a fairytale. Whether tucked along the pretty pine-fringed coast or perched precariously atop a rocky outcrop, there’s even a committee that elects the most charming villages every year. Planning a French getaway?
2nd February 2025 - France Travel Inspiration
After seasoned skiers have retired their boots for the year and après paused for the warmer months, summer graces the French Alps with a soul-warming hug. Snow-capped peaks turn into lush green meadows, bringing ample opportunity for outdoor fun in the sun. Whether hiking well-trodden paths, relaxing by crystal-clear lakes or sampling seasonal food, one thing’s certain – summer in the French Alps is all about killer mountain scenery.
11th June 2024 - France Travel Inspiration
If Paris is the ‘City of Love’, then we’re certain cheese falls under its charm. Across France, cheese is considered the country’s culinary crown jewel, with almost 1,500 varieties. Because each creation has its own meticulous method of transforming milk into cheese, there are various categories of classification based on the type of milk used, heat treatment, curd preparation and method of ripening.
13th December 2023 - France Food & Drink
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
