France is a wonderful country, full of life and unique places. But, the majority of tourists head to Paris to explore famous museums and climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Afterward, they head home, thinking they have seen everything there is to see in France.
However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are so many other incredible places you can visit in this country.
Instead of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, let your next visit to France be dedicated to the picturesque villages and prettiest medieval towns. You will be amazed by the medieval castles and the surrounding countryside featuring breathtaking natural scenery.
There are numerous enchanting villages, but only around 150 are considered the most beautiful ones. France has established an independent association, “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France,” that promotes the cultural heritage of French villages.
Strict conditions must be met for villages to be considered the most beautiful ones, including having less than 2,000 inhabitants, as well as national heritage sites.
WHAT ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FRENCH VILLAGES TO VISIT?
We have picked 17 of the most beautiful fairy-tale villages of France that are worth visiting. Enjoy this beautiful journey.
1. EXPLORE VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER (PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D’AZUR) AND ITS COLORFUL HOUSES
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a true Mediterranean pearl, located in the extreme southeast of France. This village is situated on the French Riviera, between Nice and Monaco.
Villefranche-sur-Mer with many colorful houses along the coast is known for the deep sea where you can often see large ships. In addition, you can also find great places for diving and sailing.
There are also two important cultural monuments in the village: St. Peter’s chapel from the 16th century and St. Michael’s church from the 18th century.
2. PIGNA (HAUTE-CORSE) IS NAMED AFTER A TOWER
The village of Pigna is located in the region of Balagne, in the north of Corsica. It was named after the tower of the same name, built in that place in the 9th century. Today, only about 100 people live in the village, and it is best known in the world of music.
The community of musicians that gathers in the village organizes a music festival, Estivoce, every July. In the village of Pigna, there is an open-air auditorium where concerts are held.
3. VISIT EGUISHEIM (HAUT-RHIN) AND HAVE SOME WINE
Eguisheim is a medieval village located in the Haut-Rhin department, in the northeast of France, near Germany. It has less than 2,000 inhabitants but is known for its vineyards and top-quality wines.
The village of Eguisheim is part of the Alsatian wine route, so it is one of the main reasons why tourists visit it. The village is dominated by St.-Leon castle, narrow streets, and charming houses with flower terraces.
Because of the numerous trails, cyclists and hikers also love visiting, and every August it hosts an interesting stork festival.
4. SEE LOCRONAN (BRITTANY) AND ITS STONE HOUSES
Locronan is located in the west of France, just a few kilometers from the sea. It has about 800 inhabitants, but also a long tradition and history. The center of the village is dominated by St. Ronan church from the 15th century and many stone houses.
You can leave your car in the parking lot at the entrance to the village. During the stroll, you can see many small shops, workshops, and antique shops.
That also means you can buy interesting souvenirs from local artisans. Due to its unique ambiance, the village of Locronan is a frequent scenography of films and series that are set in earlier epochs.
5. VEULES-LES-ROSES (NORMANDY) IS KNOWN FOR LUSH GREENERY
Veules-les-Roses has only 500-600 inhabitants. This charming village is located in the north of France, on the coast of Normandy. It is known for its lush greenery and houses with thatched roofs. The smallest French river, Veules, flows through the village.
The village of Veules-les-Roses is also known for its art galleries, the church of St. Martin from the 13th century and the monument to the famous French writer Victor Hugo.
6. SAINT-VERAN (HAUTES-ALPES) – ONE OF THE HIGHEST VILLAGES IN EUROPE
Saint-Veran is one of the three highest villages in Europe.! It is located in the French Alps, over 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) above sea level. It has only 200 inhabitants. The incredible beauties of Queyras National Park are the main reason tourists adore visiting this small village.
In winter, you can ski in Saint-Veran, while popular hiking trails are available in the summer. The traditional old house and the Soum museum are the main attractions in the village.
7. ENJOY RIQUEWIHR (ALSACE) AND THE VILLAGE’S MIXED HISTORY
Riquewihr is one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace. It is located in a valley, only 15 km (9.3 miles) from the town of Colmar, and has only 1,000 inhabitants.
The village of Riquewihr features mixed German-French history, language and culture. It is recognizable by the ramparts of the medieval fortress, colorful houses, and the Dolder Tower, which now houses the Museum of Art and Popular Tradition.
In the cobblestone street Charles de Gaulle, you will find numerous souvenir shops, stores, and restaurants. Also, if you want to take a break, you can try top local wines and excellent dishes.
8. EXPLORE GORDES (VAUCLUSE) AND A 16TH-CENTURY CASTLE
Gordes is a village with 1,600 inhabitants, situated in the southeast of France in the department of Vaucluse. In the center of this hilltop village is a 16th-century castle. It was built in the Renaissance style and served to defend the village, while today it houses the town hall and a museum.
All buildings in this village are required to be built of stone walls, and electrical cables must be hidden. Near the village of Gordes is Abbey Senanque, surrounded by beautiful lavender fields. From the slopes of this village, you will have a fantastic view of the Luberon countryside.
9. DOMME (DORDOGNE) FEATURES A BEAUTIFUL PANORAMIC VIEW
Bastide is a medieval fortress, whose function was to defend the area from possible invaders. That is how the village of Domme was created. It was founded in the 13th century on a hill with a panoramic view of the Dordogne River valley, in southwestern France.
Today this village has about 1,000 inhabitants. The main attraction is the view. And not just any kind, but a unique landscape that will leave you breathless. Stroll through the village to the lookout from which you can enjoy the panoramic view of the entire Dordogne Valley.
Another interesting fact is that below Domme there is a cave 400 meters (1,312 feet) long that features beautiful cave decorations.
10. VISIT GERBEROY (OISE) AND ENJOY THE SCENT OF THE ROSES
Gerberoy is a small village in the north of France, with less than 100 inhabitants. Houses and yards are decorated with dazzling flower arrangements.
The trend of growing roses was popularized by the painter Henry Le Sidaner, who bought a property in this village at the beginning of the 20th century and created a beautiful rose garden on the ramparts of the old fortress.
Every June the village of Gerberoy hosts the Rose Festival. During the festival, the village exudes a special, romantic atmosphere. Stroll through its cobbled streets and let the scent and the beauty of roses charm you.