Visitors are drawn to France for myriad reasons, from the food to the compellingly picturesque countryside. But one of the true highlights is simply driving around the country and discovering the many beautiful villages of France.
Despite the spread of urbanisation, village life is surprisingly resilient in France. It was calculated in 2020 that 19% of the French population live in villages of less than 2,000 inhabitants. But while the trajectory is downwards, there is still a desire to live in rural France (41% of the French population preferred this).
Although villages and small communes are a vital part of the character and culture of the country, it is hard to pin down the precise number of villages in France. A rough estimate gleaned from several sources puts the figure around 20,000.
Association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (Association of the most beautiful villages of France)
Since 1982, the Association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (Association of the most beautiful villages of France) has put a figure on what they consider the prettiest and best-kept villages. As of 2022, that figure is 164.
It is clearly an incomplete number. Any road trip around a departement in France reveals charming village after charming village, many with their own distinct and appealing character.
To gain the coveted status, the most beautiful villages of France must fulfil many criteria — 30 at the last count — to be in the running. This includes having at least two sites of historic interest and a population of less than 2,000.
Aside from the top-level criteria, the little details can dissuade villages from participating, even if some are a shoo-in.
Villages must open themselves to regular inspection. If a village is crowned one of the most beautiful villages of France, it’ll leap onto tourist itineraries. This can dissuade many villagers from wanting to participate.
And villagers make the difference. If just a few malcontents stop trimming their hedgerows, the entire application could be in jeopardy.
But the experts have made it easier to focus on locations that truly shine and capture the essence of what makes rural France such a delight to travel around. In this list, we look at 10 of the most beautiful villages of France that stand out.
1. Sancerre (Cher, Centre-Val de Loire)
Population: 1,371
The first on our list is an easy choice. Sancerre was already established as one of the prettiest villages of France, but in 2021 was also crowned France’s favourite village. No surprise to anyone who has visited this ancient village with unspoilt, panoramic views over the vineyards of the Loire Valley.
Wine lovers will instantly recognise the name as the home of one of France’s best-loved (and higher-priced) wines. Reason enough for many tourists to beat a path to the village.
With a warren of compact, winding streets lined with pretty homes – many dating back to the Middle Ages – and a thriving village culture, there is much more to this village than a famous name.
Standout attraction: It has to be the vineyards. Château de Sancerre shares the name of the famous wine appellation. Although the best way to learn about the delectable wine is by visiting Maison des Sancerre, a highly rated museum.
2. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
Population: 452
Several regions are well represented in the official list of the most beautiful villages of France, especially Dordogne (10 villages in 2022).
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle stands out as one of the least visited. The tiny village clings to the side of a historic castle, creating a magical medieval atmosphere which, while not unusual for many of the most historic villages of France, leaves a lingering impression.
The soaring castle and surrounding village overlook the Dordogne River. The area was a regular flashpoint of the Hundred Years War, which is why in the distance sits Château de Beynac, where the eternal enemy was uncomfortably positioned.
Find out more about Château de Beynac and other extraordinary châteaux.
The village is frozen in time. The cobbled streets and immaculately preserved homes rise dizzyingly around the castle. The castle may be the star of the show, but the surrounding village enhances the medieval atmosphere.
Standout attraction: The castle or the views. Both will have you filling the memory card in your camera with incredible images.
3. Locronan (Finistère, Bretagne/Brittany)
Population: 785
Brittany is a delightful part of France. The food, lush landscapes, and rugged coastline draw many regular visitors. Locranon is not just one of the highlights of the region, but also one of the best-known villages of France.
Like much of the region, the buildings in Locronan are constructed from distinctive granite. Having enjoyed rare prosperity from the hemp trade, the village boasts several rich and handsome buildings. The buildings have an old-world charm and the (mostly) pedestrianised, cobbled streets are perfect for probing walks.
As one of the photogenic villages of France, Locronan has featured in several movies, including the Oscar-nominated Un long Dimanche de fiançailles (A very long engagement).
Yet despite being a crowd-pulling destination, Locronan retains a unique charm that is distinctly Bretonesque.
Standout attraction: The outstanding Saint-Ronan church fits the village’s character perfectly. But if you happen to be around, the Grande Troménie procession happens every 6 years. By all accounts, it is an extraordinary spectacle. The next one is scheduled for 2025, but a trimmed down parade takes place annually.
4. Riquewihr (Haut-Rhin, Grand-Est/Alsace)
Population: 1,081
Much like the buildings of Brittany, the villages of Alsace have a distinct and recognisable appearance. Riquewihr distils the character of a region into its tiny footprint, making it one of the most striking villages of France.
Colourful, half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th-century loom over ancient, maze-like streets and enchanting courtyards.
Situated on the popular Alsace wine route, Riquewihr is known for its locally made Riesling wine and — like many destinations in the region — an atmospheric Christmas market.
Standout attraction: Time your visit for December and enjoy a lively Christmas market in fairytale surroundings that is rarely found in the smaller villages of France.
Discover more about the Alsace wine route in our post, ‘9 Of The Finest Wineries In France You Can Visit In 2022’
5. Rocamadour (Lot, Occitanie)
Population: 611
We’ve mentioned the over-representation of the Perigord region on the official list of the most beautiful villages of France. Rocamadour sits just outside the region, yet epitomises what makes the area so appealing.
An ancient village founded by a Saint (Amador), Rocamadour rises vertiginously up a cliff face overlooking a Dordogne River tributary. History seeps from the exceptionally well-preserved buildings that were once royal destinations.
Once a leading destination for Christian pilgrims, Rocamadour has been preserved as it was during the Middle Ages when French and English monarchs made the journey there.
Unlike other previous entries on our list, Rocamadour is not famous for wine. Here it’s all about cheese. Specifically, a much-loved AOC goat’s cheese and the star of the annual Fête des fromages in the village. As if you needed any more reasons to visit.
Rocamadour makes this list because it would be a must-visit destination even if the village was unkempt and unloved. Pleasingly, it is also well cared for, which helps elevate it to one of the most blessed villages of France.
Standout attraction: Chapelle Notre-Dame is home to the Black Madonna, which drew pilgrims from across the Christian world. Here you can walk in the footsteps of several Kings of France and the enigmatic Eleanor of Aquitaine.
6. Gordes (Vaucluse, Luberon/Provence)
Population: 1,974
A few more inhabitants and Gordes will no longer qualify for the most beautiful villages of France title. But despite being the most populous village on our list, there is no question it deserves acclaim.
An ancient Provencal village scenically staggered over mountainous terrain, overlooked by a chateau that has stood for nearly a millennium.
Exhibiting classic Mediterranean looks, the village is a warren of handsome drywall structures, verdant gardens, polished cobblestone streets, and open courtyards and fountains. All nestled in the famous lavender fields of Provence.
Known as Le phare du Luberon, the Lighthouse of Luberon, this impossibly pretty village is a popular destination for regional visitors. And although Gordes has the amenities of a small town —including hotels and restaurants — it remains an ageing village of immense character.
Standout attraction: The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque is a wonderfully well-preserved Cistercian abbey from the 1100s, surrounded by lavender fields and nature trails. A must for anyone visiting the village.
7. Montrésor (Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire)
Population: 351
The name says it all, Montrésor — my treasure — is a little gem of the Loire Valley.
A runner-up in the 2015 televised competition to find France’s favourite village, this cute picture-postcard town sits on the banks of the languorous Indrois river.
At the heart of the village is the medieval Château de Montrésor, which also houses a classic Renaissance mansion like those found scattered throughout the Loire Valley.
The village and surrounding river walks are the definition of tranquillity. The ideal location to while away a summers afternoon doing nothing but savouring the stunning scenery.
Standout attraction: Les Balcons de l’Indrois literally translates as ‘the balconies of the Indrois’. A calming trail along a scenic riverbank with stunning views over the château.
8. Saint-Véran (Hautes-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur)
Population: 214
From the low-lying Loire Valley, we travel to the most elevated village in Europe. Sitting at an altitude of 2,042 metres, this tiny commune is beloved by alpine visitors.
Boasting quintessential alpine character, Saint-Véran benefits from seasonal makeovers that go from green and lush in the summer to pristine snow-white in winter.
Arresting views, timeless character, and an enviable location at the confluence of multiple nature trails make Saint-Véran one of the most fortuitously positioned and scenic villages of France.
Standout attraction: Soum Museum showcases alpine life before the modern age. Located in one of the oldest houses in the village, it is a curious attraction that earns glowing reviews.
9. Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei (Orne, Normandy)
Population: 117
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei barely qualifies as a hamlet, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most picturesque villages of France.
The settlement dates back to the 7th century when a hermit monk (later turned saint) looked for miracles there. Ever since, the beautiful location in a forested bend of the River Sarthe has been drawing admirers, including noted artists like Gustave Courbet.
Part of the enduring appeal is the enchanting bridge crossing the river and a Romanesque church that dates back to the 11th century. Inside the church are found arresting frescos, from the 12th-14th century, that were hidden behind plaster for over 200 years.
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is not only fascinating, but its idyllic location and tiny size also makes it one of the most unforgettable villages of France.
Standout attraction: The ancient Romanesque church and frescos are a must-see, but it’s not the only ancient religious building worth your time. The 15th century Chapelle du Petit Saint Céneri may be small, but it is reputedly the site where miracles happen.
10. Cordes-sur-Ciel (Tarn, Occitanie)
Population: 828
Once voted France’s favourite village (2014, Le village préféré des Français), Cordes-sur-Ciel is a textbox example of what the most beautiful villages of France are all about.
Superlatives cannot do justice to the prettiness of our final entry. Although the renowned writer Albert Camus, who is known for having a way with words, ably captured the sentiment when he said, “A Cordes, tout est beau, même le regret” (in Cordes, everything is beautiful, even regrets).
Originally simply called Cordes, the suffix ‘sur-ciel’ (in heaven) was added in 1993 to reflect first impressions when seeing the magnificent village rising up through the clouds.
Founded in 1222, the village is a medieval warren of cobbled streets, gothic facades, and ancient fortifications. Whatever angle you approach from, the village has a fairytale aura made for postcards. It is not only one of the most beautiful villages of France but one of the prettiest in Europe.
Standout attraction: Halle de Cordes-sur-Ciel is an ancient covered market in the centre of the village with several bars that are great for kicking back and drinking in the ambiance of this ancient village.
Final thoughts
Having travelled across L’hexagone, I can confidently say there are far more than 164 beautiful villages of France. You only need to look at one of the many equivalent competitions in France to see that. Other sought-after titles include ‘Villes et Villages Fleuris’ (towns and villages in bloom) and the televised competition ‘Le village préféré des Français’ (France’s favourite village).
But visit any one of the 10 most remarkable villages of France on this list and you will see the best of rural France. And your camera will be very busy.
