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Home - Travel Destinations - 12 of The Most Beautiful Villages in France
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.
The most beautiful villages in France often has cobblestone streets, gentle countryside views, and places that feel made for slow walks and long lunches… These places are not polished playgrounds for celebrities, but villages with a quiet, natural appeal and that unmistakable je ne sais quoi you feel the moment you arrive.
Here is a list of the most beautiful villages in France that truly deserve a top spot on any travel wish list — and the photos will speak for themselves.
DID YOU KNOW: The Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (meaning “the most beautiful villages in France”) is an independent association created to promote the tourist appeal of small rural villages with a rich cultural heritage.
People often ask us – Give us a name or list for:
Our answer? There are thousands. Too many to mention in one article, but we can give you a few fabulous ideas for your next trip to France.
As mentioned above, this article is not about those French Riviera destinations, it’s about those small hidden gem villages, that you might have only seen in photos before. We can recommend that you visit each of these places as they all have their own charm and they are definitely worth visiting. They might not necessarily all be on the top lists of certain travel publications, but they are on our “most fabulous list to love” -vacation ideas…
Domme sits high above the Dordogne Valley, opening up wide, unforgettable views the moment you arrive. The river curves gently through the landscape below, creating a scene that almost demands a pause and a photo. Stone streets, warm light, and viewpoints around every corner make this hilltop village a place to slow down, wander, and simply enjoy one of France’s most beautiful valleys.
Below the village square, there are caves called the Grotte de Domme, which were used as shelter during the war. You can explore these caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
You can explore Domme comfortably in 2 to 3 hours if you stroll through the village, wander its stone streets, visit the Promenade des Remparts, and stop at a café or two. If you want to linger for photos, take in the views, and maybe visit a small local shop or two, plan for half a day to truly soak in the atmosphere.
Picture a French Chateau in a very lush green village and you basically have an idea of what this little village is made of. Overlooked by the Montresor Chateau, and sitting quietly on the banks of the Indrois River, this beautiful village has traditional cobblestone streets and beautiful homes. The Loire Valley is definitely worth a visit, and then you simply have to stop at Montresor to explore the cobblestone streets.
Château de Montrésor – a picturesque castle that overlooks the village and river, filled with charming courtyards, towers, and a sense of history that feels alive as you wander its grounds.
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste – a small but beautiful church right in the village center, where you can admire its architecture and peaceful interior while feeling the quiet rhythm of village life.
To enjoy Montrésor properly, you’ll need around 2 to 3 hours. That gives you time to wander the village streets, explore the Château de Montrésor, visit Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and pause for a coffee or a stroll along the river. If you like taking photos or just soaking in the quiet charm, plan for half a day.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a charming town in Provence, nestled along the gentle flow of the Sorgue River. Its antique shops and bustling markets are a treasure trove for collectors and wanderers alike, with fairs that draw visitors from around the world. The town is dotted with historic waterwheels and home to the elegant Collégiale Notre-Dame des Anges, a baroque gem at its heart.
With cafés and restaurants lining the riverbanks, there’s a relaxed rhythm here that makes it easy to spend hours simply strolling, sipping, and taking in the scenery.
Collégiale Notre-Dame des Anges – a stunning baroque church in the heart of town, where the intricate interior and peaceful atmosphere make it a true highlight.
The Waterwheels along the Sorgue River – scattered throughout the town, these historic wheels are iconic, and the riverside paths around them are perfect for a leisurely stroll and plenty of photos.
To enjoy L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue properly, plan for around 3 to 4 hours. This gives you time to wander the antique shops, explore the Collégiale Notre-Dame des Anges, stroll along the waterwheels by the river, and stop at a café or two to soak in the relaxed Provençal atmosphere.
If you want to browse the markets or take photos of every picturesque corner, plant to spend half a day here.
Grasse is situated on the French Riviera, in the hills north of Cannes. (OK so we had to include one village on the French Riviera LOL)… The village is known to be the perfume center of France and factory tours are available at the bigger perfumeries. This is the perfect place to shop for fantastic soaps and perfume. Grasse has those famous sand-colored buildings and beautiful streets. Read more about this destination.
I struggle to describe this beautiful town near the border of Germany. But it deserves it’s spot on the “most beautiful villages to visit in France” with 5 stars.
Although the town is quite big, there are certain parts that have that beautiful old town feeling. The houses along small canals are like something from a fairy tale. You will definitely find those cobblestone streets here…
Make sure you take a spare external hard drive, or that you have access to cloud storage because you will take way too many photos and then more. I’ll let the photos do the talking… But did I mention that Colmar is on the Alsace Wine Route? You can easily do a day trip from Colmar to Strasbourg which is near the border of Germany, so why not stay a night or two in Colmar to experience this lovely village.
La Petite Venise – the most picturesque part of Colmar, with colourful half-timbered houses lining canals, charming bridges, and waterside cafés that make it feel like a storybook come to life.
Another pretty spot in Colmar is the Place des Dominicains. This quiet square is framed by elegant buildings and the beautiful Église des Dominicains, where soft sunlight filters through stained glass, creating a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere perfect for a slow stroll or a coffee break. It is also home to the Christmas market in Colmar.
Colmar during Christmas time, is magical. Read more about this beautiful village…
Another picture-perfect little town, also known as a “Petite Cité de Caractère” (Small city full of character), it looks like something straight out of a children’s storybook. If I tell you that photos of this town often become the subject of jigsaw puzzles, you’ll understand why. It might be the cutest, quaintest village you’ll ever visit, with charming shops and inviting restaurants. Take your time to wander and explore every corner.
The Main Square – the heart of the town, surrounded by storybook houses, cafés, and small boutiques. It’s perfect for sitting back, people-watching, and soaking in the village atmosphere.
The Riverside Walks – gentle paths along the village’s streams or canals, lined with flowers and quaint bridges, offering some of the most picturesque spots for photos and quiet moments.
Half a day would be perfect. It gives you plenty of time to wander slowly, take photos, enjoy a relaxed coffee or lunch, and soak in every charming corner without feeling rushed. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve truly experienced the village rather than just ticking it off a list.
Only 10 kilometers from Colmar is this very charming village with cobblestone streets and beautiful unique houses, nestled against a hilltop with vineyards. The most beautiful little shops and winemakers’ tasting rooms line the streets. Beautiful houses with flower boxes overflowing with colorful flowers decorate the streets of Riquewihr.
It is a famous and favorite stop of travelers to the Alsace region and once you’ve been there you will agree: It is definitely a must-see and travel bucket list stop.
The Dolder Belfry (Watch Tower) in Riquewihr, Alsace, France houses a unique museum that tells the history of the town from the 12th to 17th centuries.
Also, remember to make a stop at Au Petit Délice Bakery and spoil yourself with a sweet treat.
3. A third spot you shouldn’t miss in Riquewihr is the Winery Cellars along the Rue du Général de Gaulle. These traditional Alsace wine cellars let you sample local wines right where they’re made, and the street itself is lined with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses that feel straight out of a storybook—making it both a tasty and picturesque stop.
4. …and then: here is one of the biggest reasons I would go back thousands of times: Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Shop. Oh you must stop here, and you just have to buy a souvenir. A magical Christmas stop on a wonderful tour. (Photo below with compliments of their shop.) Absolutely beautiful and a unique experience.
Eguisheim feels like stepping into a storybook. Tiny cobbled streets wind past half-timbered houses spilling with flowers, and every turn makes you want to stop, take a photo, or just breathe in the charm. It’s the kind of village where you can wander slowly and let yourself get lost in the colours and quiet beauty.
Located on the Adou River, Moustiers is a beautiful village that became famous in the 17th century. A monk from Faenza then introduced the secret of enameling. The village has lots of shopping opportunities and restaurants to also try out the local cuisine. This village rich in history is nestled against the mountains and has pretty little shops to explore.
Èze is one of the most beautiful villages in the South of France because of its dramatic hilltop setting overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. Perched high above the coast, the village feels almost suspended between sky and sea, with narrow cobblestone streets that twist past stone houses, artisan shops, and tiny cafés. Every corner offers a view—whether it’s the terraced gardens of Jardin Exotique d’Èze with its cacti and succulents, or the endless blue of the coastline far below. The combination of medieval charm, breathtaking panoramas, and that effortless Côte d’Azur glow is what makes Èze unforgettable. Read more…
Many people are dreaming of a pretty little village somewhere in France. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie feels exactly like that dream, perched high above the Lot River and surrounded by quiet countryside.
Stone houses line narrow lanes, wooden shutters sit slightly open, and flowers spill over balconies in summer. Here you will find beautiful old stone buildings, some dating back to the 13th century. Some beautifully restored houses and a beautifully restored hotel form part of its heritage.
Saint Cirq LaPopie has become a popular tourist spot after it was elected in 2012 as the “Favorite village of the French”. Read more…
Up on a hilltop in beautiful Provence,… you’ll find a pretty medieval village with fortified walls overlooking one of the most beautiful regions in the South of France. It is called: Saint-Paul-De-Vence (or just Saint Paul). Read more…
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💡Travel Tips:
Check the map view: Booking.com offers a map showing hotel locations. This can help you identify accommodations in desirable, affordable areas.
Look for free cancellation options: Some hotels offer free cancellation up until a certain date. Booking accommodations with free cancellation can offer flexibility if your plans change
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