The Beautiful Villages of France
Imagine wandering through medieval streets lined with honey-colored stone houses, flower-drenched balconies, and breathtaking countryside views. These are the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France — officially recognized as the most beautiful small villages in the country. Hidden gems where time seems to slow down, each one tells a story of history, craftsmanship, and authentic French village life. This guide brings together all the regions and their designated treasures for your next unforgettable journey.
All Regions & Their Beautiful Villages
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Gordes – Iconic hilltop village in the Luberon with dry-stone houses.
- Roussillon – Vibrant red-ochre village surrounded by colorful cliffs.
- Les Baux-de-Provence – Dramatic clifftop ruins with sweeping views.
- Èze – Medieval eagle’s nest village above the Mediterranean.
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – Picturesque village with a star suspended between cliffs.
- Seillans – Charming perched village with fountains and squares.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Salers – Striking dark volcanic stone village in the Cantal mountains.
- Pérouges – Perfectly preserved medieval village near Lyon.
- Yvoire – Fortified lakeside village on Lake Geneva.
- Vogüé – Riverside village with castle in the Ardèche.
- Tournemire – Picturesque village with medieval castle.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Collonges-la-Rouge – Striking red sandstone village, first in the association.
- Domme – Cliff-top bastide with panoramic Dordogne views.
- La Roque-Gageac – Enchanting cliffside village along the Dordogne.
- Monpazier – One of the best-preserved 13th-century bastide towns.
- Brantôme – “Venice of Périgord” with abbey and river setting.
- Saint-Jean-de-Côle – Charming village with Roman bridge.
Grand Est
- Riquewihr – Fairytale wine village with colorful half-timbered houses.
- Eguisheim – Circular medieval village surrounded by vineyards.
- Kaysersberg – Charming village with castle ruins and river.
- Ribeauvillé – Historic wine village with three castles.
- Rodemack – Fortified “Little Carcassonne of Lorraine”.
Occitanie
- Conques – Stunning Romanesque village on the Camino de Santiago.
- Cordes-sur-Ciel – Hilltop village that appears to float in the sky.
- Minerve – Dramatic Cathar village on a rocky peninsula.
- La Couvertoirade – Well-preserved Templar fortress village.
- Aiguèze – Beautiful village overlooking the Ardèche gorges.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
- Vézelay – Hilltop village with magnificent Romanesque basilica.
- Noyers-sur-Serein – One of the best-preserved medieval villages in Burgundy.
- Châteauneuf-en-Auxois – Impressive hilltop village with castle.
Normandy
- Veules-les-Roses – Charming seaside village with thatched cottages.
- Barfleur – Picturesque granite fishing port.
- Gerberoy – One of the smallest and prettiest villages in France.
Brittany
- Locronan – Elegant granite Renaissance village.
- Rochefort-en-Terre – Flower-filled village with castle overlook.
- Moncontour – Well-preserved medieval walled town.
Centre-Val de Loire
- Montrésor – Romantic riverside village with Renaissance castle.
- Candes-Saint-Martin – Peaceful village at the Loire and Vienne confluence.
- Lavardin – Small village dominated by impressive castle ruins.
Pays de la Loire
- Sainte-Suzanne – Fortified medieval village with ramparts.
- Montsoreau – Charming village beside the Loire River.
Hauts-de-France
- Gerberoy – Flower-filled village known as one of France’s prettiest.
Île-de-France
- La Roche-Guyon – Picturesque village with historic castle overlooking the Seine.
Corsica
- Piana – Dramatic coastal village with red granite cliffs.
- Sant’Antonino – Ancient perched village in the Balagne region.
- Nonza – Village with black pebble beach and dramatic views.
Disclaimer: This guide includes the most notable villages from the official “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” list (approximately 180 total). For the complete and up-to-date official list, please visit the association’s website.