Which French villages are most popular? We chose ten of “France’s most beautiful villages” from 153.
The Telegraph recently published the Official Guide to the Most Beautiful Villages of France, which inspired this list of ten of France’s most picturesque villages.
These rural French towns are popular places to visit or buy property due to their rich histories and cultures.
Domme, Dordogne, Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes
Domme, a bastide town in the Périgord Noir, is a popular French property purchase.
It offers stunning views of the Dordogne countryside from above the river. The town’s beautiful architecture includes stone gateways and small turrets, and there are many 13th-century buildings, especially near the “grottes de Domme” caves, one of the area’s most popular attractions Life in Rural France.
Gordes, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Gordes is one of the most sought-after villages in the Luberon, where Peter Mayle set many of his books. Gordes and some of the surrounding villages are in high demand due to their beautiful hilltop villages, wonderful scenery, sites of interest, superb food, glorious weather, and spectacular lavender fields.
Charente-Maritime, Ars-en-Ré, Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes
A 3km bridge connects the île-de-Ré, a charming island off La Rochelle’s west coast, to the mainland. Ars-en-Ré, a jewel of the Atlantic coast, is on the island’s northwest side.
With a charming harbor that can hold more than 500 boats, cafes, shops, restaurants, and windmills, this village is a must-see for French tourists.
La Roche-Guyon, Val d’Oise, Île-de-France
La Roche-Guyon, in the Val d’Oise department, is one of the Seine Valley’s most visited villages. The cliffside Château de La Roche-Guyon, built in the 13th century, is its main attraction. This charming village attracts hundreds of visitors each year with its many restaurants and gardens.
Dordogne, Monpazier, Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes
Monpazier is one of 300 bastide towns. It is 15km south of Domme and 45km from Sarlat and has beautiful medieval architecture.
Monpazier’s center is full of picturesque houses and charming side streets, and more than 30 buildings are national monuments.
Midi-Pyrénées, Aveyron, Languedoc-Roussillon, Najac
Najac, a beautiful village along the Aveyron river in Tarn, is 50km from Albi. It attracts second-home owners and tourists in summer due to its medieval architecture.
The village’s 13th-century château, with stunning views, dominates the top.
Vaucluse, Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Roussillon, one of many Vaucluse villages with a unique Provence, is not to be missed. Large, striking ochre cliffs mark the town’s approach, as do Roussillon’s red, orange, and yellow stone buildings. Roussillon is a one-of-a-kind experience.
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Sainte Enimie, Lozère, Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées
This riverside town is one of the most popular in the region, located in the Gorges du Tarn, Europe’s deepest and most beautiful gorges. Its 10th-century abbey, 14th-century church, and many limestone houses make it a great base for exploring the Gorges du Tarn on foot or by kayak.
Yvoire, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Yvoire, the “gem of the lake” on Lake Geneva, is a medieval fortified village. The central Garden of Five Senses and the village’s castle are must-sees. This old fishing village’s seafood is also worth trying.
Gard, Montclus, Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées
Montclus is a medieval village surrounded by woods and vineyards on the Cèze river. This charming village is fun to explore with steep streets and old stone houses. Other picturesque villages nearby include Barjac and La Roque-sur-Cèze.
