France has all the glitz and glamour of developed countries such as New York City, but there are several iconic and beautiful small towns in France. These beautiful villages are more than just glamorous; they represent the essence of French people and allow for a walk away from the hustle and bustle into picturesque views of France, history and true French lifestyle. The lilac meadows of the Provence heard and the quaint stones alleys of Alsace These are the ten most beautiful villages that you need to see in France.
1. Gordes, Provence
Sitting at a height on the Vaucluse Plateau as it is culturally and historically beautiful village, Gordes gives a thrilling view of the beautiful Luberon Valley and especially the lavender fields. Wrought of stone, it sits perched on the hills with house upon house tumbling down the slopes as if time has stood still. Gordes is the best of history and country, with such attractions as the Château de Gordes and the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque nestled in amongst fields of lavender.
Why Visit?
Gordes is one of the most beautiful places for a village in Provence, with stunning views and many ancient sites. It has got ideal rustic features: its streets are cobble, and itsit’s markets Provençal, and it has got excellent vineyards nearby.
2. Èze, on the French Riviera
Èze, is one of the most picturesque medieval villages situated on the top of a cliff right above the sea in the French Riviera. Its alleys weave between old houses built of stones; the Jardin Exotique d’Èze offers exotic plants, sea view included. Such a village can indeed be given a friendly outlook and its closeness to the sea added to the reason why tourists are attracted to the place.
Why Visit?
The island of Èze is famous for picturesque views of the sea and the strikes of the architecture that has not lost its relevance. France is also near some of the most popular tourist destinations, including Nice and Monaco; thus, it is ideal for day trip vacationers in the Riviera.
3. Riquewihr, Alsace
Nestled in the Alsace wine country of northeastern France, Riquewihr is a charming village that looks like it has been dropped from the pages of a fairy tale book. Nestled among green vineyards, Riquewihr has not only preserved the appearance of the XVI century but also remains one of the most beautiful villages in France. It becomes a winter wonderland at the Christmas time.
Why Visit?
Yet, the village retains the French and Germanic-styled architecture with distinction. Fans of wine will surely appreciate the regional wines, and the winemakers will take everyone through some of the best wines in Alsace.
4. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, which is set on a rock overhanging the Lot, is more than probably one of the most beautiful village in France. Stretched across a medieval network of cobblestone streets, the Italian town boasts stone houses, gorgeous flower gardens, and quaint stores. Many artists and writers are attracted to its beauty; even André Breton, the surrealist writer, was enchanted with the city. The scenery is stunning, especially over the Lot Valley, and the village has a rather anachronistic allure.
Why Visit?
That is why tourists will appreciate the place; it has history that dates back to the Medieval ages and natural beauty as well. The village also serves as a proper starting point for river cruise programs as well as various hiking trails.
5. Colmar, Alsace
The town larger than a village but with an absolutely unique aura is Colmar which is often called the Venetian of of France. Its old town is a network of cobblestone streets lined with flowers and canals, wooden houses, and Renaissance palaces. A city that boasts numerous medieval and Renaissance architecture, Colmar is a major wine exponent of the Alsace Wine Route.
Why Visit?
Historically it is loaded with wine and scenic beauty that makes it the right destination for wine and wine lovers. Local wines and the beautiful old town with its lovely canals earned the city immense popularity among tourists.
6. Rocamadour, Lot
Forced into the sheer rock face of a great chasm Rocamadour is quite an impressive-looking sight. The village as a holy place has been popular since the Middle Ages, owing to the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the venerated image of the Black Madonna. It also belongs to the UNESCO list of World Heritage countries for its historical and religious attractions.
Why Visit?
Rocamadour is a special village with religious attractions along with the fascinating views of nature. Its location and its monumental links with Christian history and religion make it one of the most famous places to visit in all of France.
7. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, is a circular village located in vineyards with concentric streets enclosing a perfectly medieval village. With brightly painted flowers and half-timbered houses, a castle in the middle of town, Eguisheim makes any photographer drool. The village also serves as a home to the Alsatian wine culture another factor that makes tourists find interest in the village ATTRACT.
Why Visit?
Eguisheim is one of the major attractions of the Alsace Wine Route and provides you with a stunning combination of historical and architectural advancements along with wine production.
8. Yvoire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sitting right on the edge of Lake Geneva is the medieval village, an important site for flowers and boasting spectacular 14th-century structures. Due to the presence of a number of flower gardens, the village is called as “The Flower Village”, while Château d’Ivoire, one of the oldest medieval castle, is also there here. The lake beside and mountains behind provide for stunning scenic views, therefore making Yvoire an ideal place for nature lovers.
Why Visit?
Looking at the natural environment, Yvoire forms a perfect destination for tranquillity and a beautiful nature outlook. Its beautifully arranged flowers, medieval layout with streets built along the shores of a beautiful lake and beautiful gardens.
9. Montsoreau, Loire Valley
Located by the Shores of the Loire, Montsoreau holds the reputation of the White Houses Village and the exceptionally beautiful Château de Montsoreau by the river. More about this idyllic village can be read here: It’s a starting point to the Loire Valley with opportunities to visit vineyards, châteaux and cycling paths nearby.
Why Visit?
The main attraction of Montsoreau is that here you will find the sparkling beauty of the Loire Valley and the historical atmosphere, which is perfect for those tourists. Thanks to its location near rivers and famous castles, it is an ideal starting point to go for a trip in the area.
10. Conques, Aveyron
Nestled in the greenery of Aveyron, Conques is a gem, both in religious and in architectural terms. It is well-known with the Sainte-Foy Abbey Church that, is on the list of UNESCO, and very nice, well-preserved medieval streets. Since being a part of the Camino de Santiago trail, Conquest has been a site for contemplation for hundreds of years now.
Why Visit?
It is a quiet place for contemplation with its cobbled streets, medieval buildings and magnificent- Romanesque sculptures. Anyone interested in histories or planning to go on a pilgrimage must visit this place.
The villages of France are capable of providing nothing short of history, scenic beauty and culture. From the lavender fields of Gordes to the cliffs of Rocamadour each village has a story to tell and adventure to be had. They are little-known, but they deliver the essence of France, a tranquil and pretty far from large cities.
If you want to take a closer look at the other beautiful areas of France read our [Top 10 Castles in France You Must Explore] article to visit beautiful and ancient monuments of France!
