France’s countryside is dotted with stone-built villages with spectacular natural settings to create postcard-perfect scenes.
The most beautiful villages in France offer visitors an authentic glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.
The 20 Most Beautiful Villages in France to Visit
Discovering the most picturesque villages in France, from vineyard-covered hills to dramatic cliffsides.
1. Rocamadour, Occitanie
Built directly into a cliff face, this vertical village rises dramatically above the Alzou canyon.
Rocamadour’s religious buildings stack one above another, connected by a grand staircase of 216 steps that pilgrims once climbed on their knees.
As one of the prettiest villages in France, its stunning position and golden stone buildings draw over 1.5 million visitors annually.
2. Gordes, Provence
Perched atop a hill in the Luberon, Gordes features honey-colored stone buildings that cascade down steep terraces.
The Renaissance castle at its peak overlooks a landscape of olive groves and lavender fields.
This small village in France offers visitors the chance to explore the nearby Sénanque Abbey with its lavender fields.
3. Roussillon, Provence
Distinguished by its ochre-colored buildings in vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, Roussillon stands against a backdrop of similarly colored cliffs.
Walking the Sentier des Ocres trail lets visitors explore the former ochre quarries.
Artists have long been drawn to the unique colors that make Roussillon unlike any other village in Provence.
4. Eguisheim, Alsace
Circular in layout with concentric streets surrounding a central castle, this Alsace town showcases colorful half-timbered buildings.
Surrounded by renowned vineyards, Eguisheim offers excellent wine tasting opportunities along the Alsace Wine Route.
Visitors can climb the nearby Three Castles hills for panoramic views, stroll through the fountain-dotted streets, and enjoy local cuisine.
5. Riquewihr, Alsace
This walled village appears largely unchanged since the 16th century, with its colorful half-timbered houses lining narrow streets.
Surrounded by prestigious vineyards producing Riesling wines, Riquewihr’s medieval architecture has earned it the nickname “Pearl of the Alsace Vineyards.”
Visitors can explore the 13th-century Dolder Tower museum, sample wines at local cellars, and follow the rampart walk.
6. Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence
Crowning a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains, Les Baux-de-Provence offers panoramic views across olive groves and vineyards.
The ruined castle tells stories of its powerful medieval lords, while the Carrières de Lumières hosts immersive art shows projected onto ancient quarry walls.
This medieval village in France perfectly balances natural beauty with historical significance.
7. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Clinging to a steep cliff 300 feet above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie features gothic facades and half-timbered houses climbing up to a 13th-century fortress.
Once a favorite of surrealist artist André Breton, the village retains a timeless quality that continues to inspire visitors and artists alike.
8. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence
Nestled between two rocky cliffs, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is famous for its fine faience pottery tradition.
A waterfall runs through the center of town, while the nearby Gorges du Verdon provides spectacular natural surroundings for this Provençal village.
9. Collonges-la-Rouge, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Built entirely from iron-rich red sandstone, Collonges-la-Rouge creates a striking contrast against the green countryside.
Renaissance manor houses, towers, and turrets line the streets, while the 11th-century church shows the village’s historical importance.
Its unique appearance makes it instantly recognizable among France’s beautiful villages.
10. Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne
Rising from the banks of the Dordogne River, Beynac’s stone houses lead up to a clifftop castle that once served as a stronghold in the Hundred Years’ War.
Traditional gabarre boat trips offer spectacular views of this riverside settlement from the water.
11. Simiane-la-Rotonde, Provence
Crowned by an unusual rotunda-topped château, Simiane-la-Rotonde sits amid fields of lavender in Upper Provence.
The village’s medieval architecture includes vaulted passageways and stone houses with Renaissance details.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
This island commune rises from tidal flats with its abbey spire reaching toward the sky.
While technically a commune rather than a village, Mont Saint-Michel’s medieval streets wind upward to the abbey in a village-like arrangement.
13. Najac, Occitanie
Built along a single ridge with a royal fortress at one end, Najac stretches dramatically above the Aveyron valley.
The village follows the ridge’s natural contours, with houses cascading down the slopes on either side.
Hiking trails through the surrounding forests offer beautiful perspectives of this linear village.
14. Conques, Occitanie
Nestled in a forested valley, Conques has retained its medieval character with slate-roofed stone buildings and half-timbered houses.
The village’s crowning glory is the Romanesque Abbey Church of Saint-Foy, housing a treasury of religious artifacts.
15. Pérouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Enclosed by medieval walls, Pérouges centers around the Place du Tilleul with its ancient tree and curved cobblestones.
The well-preserved medieval houses have made it a popular filming location for historical productions.
Don’t leave without trying the local specialty, galette de Pérouges, a sweet flatbread sprinkled with sugar.
16. Locronan, Brittany
Named after Saint Ronan, this Breton village features distinctive granite buildings around a central square.
Once a center for sailcloth production, Locronan’s wealth is reflected in its Renaissance architecture.
The absence of visible modern elements like power lines has made it a favorite filming location and one of Brittany’s most visited villages.
17. Kaysersberg, Alsace
With a rushing river running through its center, Kaysersberg combines a ruined imperial castle with typical Alsatian architecture.
Vineyards climb the surrounding hills, while the village itself shows evidence of its prosperous past in elaborate stone carvings and bay windows.
18. Ribeauvillé, Alsace
Guarded by three castle ruins on the hills above, Ribeauvillé displays a palette of colorful buildings along its main street.
Known for its Grands Crus wines, the village hosts a medieval festival and wine fairs that celebrate local traditions.
19. Balazuc, Ardèche
Dramatically built on a cliff above the Ardèche River, Balazuc’s stone houses seem to grow from the rock itself.
Narrow medieval alleys wind through the village, opening occasionally to reveal panoramic views of the river canyon below.
20. Autoire, Occitanie
Set in a cirque surrounded by limestone cliffs, Autoire earned the nickname “Little Versailles” for its elegant manor houses.
A 30-meter waterfall cascades down the nearby cliff face, adding to the village’s picturesque setting.
With its central square and rust-colored roofs, Autoire represents the architectural traditions of the Lot region.
Final Thoughts on The Prettiest Villages in France
France’s villages offer an intimate glimpse into the country’s soul, where traditions persist and landscapes inspire.
From clifftop settlements to riverside hamlets, each has a unique character shaped by its region and history.
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