Les Plus Beaux Villages de France: 24 Charming Villages

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages in France) is a designation given to enchanting French villages, with populations of less than 2000, that are preserving their cultural and historical heritage. France is brimming with beauty and history and the current 176 Plus Beaux Villages de France are worth adding to any itinerary on your travels. Who wouldn’t want to visit beguiling ancient French villages hanging to clifftops or tucked away in lush valleys?

Over time, I have visited 24 of les Plus Beaux Villages de France. These charming French villages are unique and have the ability to enthral. Be ready to be transported to another time in history when you visit a plus beau village de France.

This article has been organised by the regions of France. Under each region, I have listed the department where Les Plus Beaux Villages de France are found.

Here are 24 of les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Where will you go first?

24 Of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France: The Ultimate Guide

Brittany: The Most Charming Village

1. Locronan, Finistère, Brittany

Locronan has no trouble living up to its designation of one of les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Cobbled streets, stone houses, and hydrangeas in hues of violet and pink easily charm any visitor. This plus beaux village de France is a place to flâner. Discover the dog watching over the cemetery, uncover the village’s story of Saint-Ronan, and stroll to the 15th-century Chapel Notre-Dame de Bonne Nouvelle (of good news). There are plenty of artisanal boutiques to visit and don’t forget the essential while in Brittany – to have a galette and cider.

Locronan, one of the most beautiful villages of France, is an ideal itinerary stop when on a road trip through the department of Finistère in Brittany. Read more about Locronan.

Centre Val de Loire: Off The Beaten Path France

2. Lavardin, Loir-et-Cher, Centre Val de Loire

Lavardin is the only village in the department of Loir-et-Cher to hold the designation of one of les Plus Beaux Villages de France. 

And beautiful it is. 

The ruined chateau standing on the hill watching over the village is impressive. It’s the perfect place to let your imagination wander. Why is it in ruins? Who built it? How beautiful was it in its glory days? 

Photographers will be in heaven. 

The Romanesque church of Saint-Genest is a treasure not to be missed. Although the main door is locked shut on the day I am there, nudging the smaller side entrance door is rewarded with access to the interior. Ancient colourful frescoes (“fresques” in French) cover the church walls. Take in the magnificent Biblical scenes and peruse the pamphlet that explains the mural paintings. They are astonishing works of art. Covered up for years, these frescoes were painted between the 12th and 15th centuries. When medieval paintings fell out of favour, they were covered over with plaster. What a delight that they were discovered in the 20th century. Read the full article on Lavardin.

Normandy: 2 Enchanting Villages

3. Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, Orne, Normandy

It’s not hard to imagine why Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is classified as one of les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Stand on the historic four-arched bridge which spans the River Sarthe, and marvel at the ancient stone houses perched along the river. Explore the cobbled streets and make your way to the 11th-century Romanesque church full of impressive frescoes that date from the 12th and 14th centuries. In remarkably good shape, the frescoes were covered over for 200 years. Stroll down the country lane to the 15th-century stone chapel standing alone in a field. Perhaps you should bring your paintbrush. Artists Corbet and Courbet, to name just two, loved to capture this bucolic landscape on canvas.

Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is situated in an area called the Mancelles-Alpes of Normandy but is remarkably close to La Sarthe. Add this plus beau village de France to your bucket list for a stroll, a hike, a cycle or a tranquil step back in time.

4. Veules-les-Roses, Seine- Maritime, Normandy

On my first trip to Normandy, the beauty of the landscapes was an undeniable pleasure. White cliffs soar over the Atlantic Ocean, expansive beaches wait to be explored, French villages charm, history is palpable and of course, oyster shacks await their fans and aim to convert the uninitiated. I got my oyster initiation on the shores of Normandy.

Veules-les-Roses, in the Seine-Maritime region of Normandy,  is a quaint village in France full of roses, just as its name hints.  There are all types and glorious shades of roses climbing up façades and along fences. My favourite, the Pierre de Ronsard roses, were plentiful. 

Follow the pathway along the River Veules which passes by the vestiges of ancient mills or relax on the pebbly beach with soaring cliffs in the distance. 

Victor Hugo loved to visit Veules-les-Roses in the 19th century and the town also played a role in the Battle of the Somme. It’s no surprise that Veules-les-Roses ranks right up there as one of the most beautiful villages of France.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

5. Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Beynac-et-Cazenac, one of the most beautiful villages in the Dordogne, clings to the cliffside and brims with tranquil French charm. No wonder it is one of les plus beaux villages de France. Shuttered windows on the honey-coloured buildings face the steep and slender cobbled streets. The church of Ste. Marie balances on one peak of the limestone bluff while the Château de Beynac is perched on another. The Château de Beynac majestically stands guard over Beynac-et-Cazenac. Its existence is a reminder of the Hundred Year’s War between France and England.

6. Domme, Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Enter the walled town of Domme through its fortified gate and nod your head in accordance to its designation as one of les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The scent of roses, the clank of pétanque balls, tiny cobbled streets lined with ancient homes and expansive views over the lush Dordogne Valley make this picturesque village de France a worthwhile stop. No wonder it was a fortified town, perched on this hill no one could approach unsuspectingly. Today, life in Domme appears to the casual visitor to have remained unchanged for centuries.

7. La Flotte, Ile de Ré, Nouvelle Aquitaine

Head on over to La Flotte on Ile de Ré where this most charming of French villages will have you slowing right down to island time. Explore the tiny streets lined with shuttered houses and hollyhocks, sit by the sea and savour oysters, walk the pathways by the sea and rent a bike to go exploring. La Flotte, the oldest village on the island, thoroughly lives up to its designation as one of the most beautiful villages of France.

8. La Roque Gageac, Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine  

Tucked between a huge cliff that protects it from the north wind, and the Dordogne River, it is no surprise that La Roque Gageac is one of les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The buildings built of warm yellow stone stretch out along the river and climb their way up the cliffside. Follow the cobbled lanes through town (think… all uphill!) and enjoy an ice cream while pondering the thought that cave dwellers lived here in the 10th century.   

Take a boat ride down the Dordogne and picture the flat-bottomed wooden boats called “les gabarres” that used to take barrels of wine and other goods down the river to Bordeaux.

I kept thinking Johnny Depp was going to step off a boat in La Roque Gageac. Remember the romantic and passionate movie “Chocolat?” Little did I know that a few kilometres down the river, Beynac-et-Cazenac, another of the most beautiful villages of France, was used as one of the locations in the film.

Occitanie: 6 Plus Beaux Villages de France

9. Carennac, Lot, Occitanie

Cross the tiny footbridge to enter Carennac and marvel at the views over the Dordogne Valley. Artists often set up their easels in this lush and peaceful location. The minuscule French village of Carennac is a jumble of houses centred around the 11th-century Romanesque church. The Church of Saint Pierre de Carennac and its ornately carved tympanum are worth visiting along with the château.  Wander through the quiet streets of Carennac. Not much is happening here in this Plus Beau Village de France and that is indeed a huge part of its charm.

10. Conques, Aveyron, Occitanie

Dropping down into the Lot Valley, medieval Conques is tucked away, small in size yet mighty in spirit. Modern-day pilgrims armed with their trekking poles straggle along the road leading to Conques, a reminder that Conques has been on the pilgrim’s route for centuries. With the remains of Sainte Foy brought to Conques in 883, this plus beau village de France became one of the main stops on the Saint-Jacques de Compestelle pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It’s over one thousand kilometres from Conques to Santiago de Compestela. Now that’s a pilgrimage. Monks today still welcome pilgrims at the Romanesque Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy.

It has hit its mark as one of les Plus Beaux Villages de France but aside from the parking lots and souvenir shops, entering Conques is like stepping back in time. There is a tranquil reverence here that can’t be missed. I left, inspired to follow in the pilgrim’s footsteps one day and return to Conques for a longer stay.

11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Tarn, Occitanie

Cordes-sur-Ciel, perched on a rocky outcrop, seems to float in the sky. Built in 1222 by one of the Counts of Toulouse, a trip to this plus beau village de France will sweep you back a few centuries.

Take your time as you stroll up the steep hill to Cordes-sur-Ciel. Alternately, take the tourist train from Place de la Bouteillerie from May 1 to September 30.

This Plus Beau Village de France is a place to wander and meander. Take your time. The views of the countryside are breathtaking and the winding cobbled lanes are full of interesting facades. The fortified gates, ramparts, and stone half-timbered homes will have you pondering life in medieval times!

The French voted Cordes-sur-Ciel as one of their favourite villages in 2014. It’s no wonder! Come and discover the magic of this plus beau village de France.

12. Najac, Aveyron, Occitanie

Visiting Najac is a bit like stepping into a fairytale. At first sight, it is clear that Najac would be chosen to be on the list of les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The houses of this most captivating French village stretch out along the ridge with the fortress at one end keeping guard. It’s not hard to imagine knights in shining armour and Richard the Lionhearted signing a treaty. It is a serene view from the top of the tower surrounded by cliffs and the Aveyron river below.

On both my visits to Najac (once in the winter and once in the spring) it was difficult to find any food. Bring a picnic or eat before arriving.

13. Peyre, Aveyron, Occitanie

Enchanting Peyre in the Aveyron Region is situated in the stunning Regional Natural Park of the Grands Causses. With its picturesque stone houses clinging to the cliffside and commanding views over the Tarn River and the Millau Viaduct, Peyre, one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, is a hidden gem that effortlessly combines history, natural beauty, and timeless charm.

14. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Lot, Occitanie

Tiny medieval, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie took my breath away. No wonder it was voted “The Favourite Village of the French” in 2012. Perched overlooking the Vallée du Lot (the Lot Valley), the half-timbered homes with their terracotta roofs cascade down the cliffside. Winding pedestrian-only streets add to the absolute delight that is Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Witness magnificent views from the chateau ruins and visit the 16th-century Gothic church. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a very popular summer day-trip destination but in mid-May the crowds are sparse.

There are many artisan shops and restaurants in this obvious choice for one of les plus beaux villages de France. Lunch at Le Cantou on Rue de la Pelissaria was one of the best meals I had on my entire trip. Maybe it was the hake on tagliatelle with ink squid juice in a wine sauce that had me in seventh heaven or possibly the outstanding lemon tart!

Don’t rush your visit to this most beautiful village in France, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.

Pays de la Loire: 3 Charming French Villages

15. Candes-Saint-Martin, Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire

The quaint village of Candes-Saint-Martin sits at the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne Rivers. Charming in every way, Candes-Saint-Martin is well-known for its magnificent 12th-century church, The Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin. Wander the Chemin du Panorama up to the viewpoint or stroll along the banks of the Loire. You may be tempted to rent a flat-bottomed boat or simply sit at a café and soak up the ambience of this delightful Plus Beau Village de France.

Please Note: Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau are neighbouring villages. You can walk the 30 minutes between the villages or make the 7-minute drive. When I visited there were many cyclists in both villages who were obviously on a cycling trip through the Loure Valley.

16. Montsoreau, Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire

Montsoreau is nestled on the banks of the majestic Loire River. Located between Saumur and Chinon in the Maine-et-Loire department, Montsoreau is an enchanting town to explore with its cobbled streets and imposing Renaissance château which is perched on a hill overlooking the Loire River. Climb to the viewpoint from the Château de Montsoreau and watch the activity on the Loire. Flat-bottomed boats, and kayaks entertained me for a long while!

I returned to Montsoreau on the day of its famous brocante! This renowned flea market or Les Puces de Montsoreau has been running on the second Sunday of every month for 33 years! Eighty vendors set up their stalls by the river and sell their treasures. You know that the French LOVE a good brocante and sure enough Les Puces de Montsoreau was hopping. The charming village of Monsoreau was bustling on this Sunday.

Plan your visit for the second Sunday of the month and revel in the ambience of one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.

17. Saint-Suzanne, Mayenne, Pays de la Loire

Sainte-Suzanne is a small fortified town perched on a rocky outcrop above the River Erve. The castle and medieval villages are still relatively intact! The castle hails from the 11th century with updated parts from the 17th century. Enter for free and follow the metal stairs that allow you to see the remains of the keep and sweeping views over the countryside.

With this strategic location, it’s no wonder the inhabitants of Sainte-Suzanne were able to keep the Norman forces of William the Conqueror at bay for three years at the end of the 11th century. The surrounding villages all fell to the Normans but not Sainte-Suzanne!

Take your time. Wander the ancient streets and soak up the delightful ambience of Sainte-Suzanne, one of France’s most beautiful villages.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: 7 Unforgettable Towns

18. Cotignac, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Upon arrival, it is obvious why Cotignac, in the Var department, has the designation of one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Tucked under a soaring rock cliff dotted with ancient troglodyte dwellings, Cotignac is full of quaint stone houses and winding cobbled streets. Gurgling fountains at every turn had my thoughts turn to the City of A Thousand Fountains (Aix-en-Provence). Be sure to step into the 12th-century church Eglise Saint-Pierre. Sit in a shaded square, watch the cats lazing in the sun, and have a glass of rosé in the sun. Picturesque Cotignac is seductive in every sense.

19. Gassin, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

When you are visiting the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, it is an obvious decision to stop at les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Gassin, one of the chosen les Plus Beaux Villages de France, is well worth the stop. Perched up high, Gassin boasts marvellous panoramic views over the Bay of Saint-Tropez, the surrounding vineyards, and the Massif des Maures. Wander through Gassin’s narrow cobbled streets, past its weathered stone Provençal houses and the 16th-century church with its square bell tower. Choose a table at one of the restaurant terraces with breathtaking vistas and sit for a while. The ancient village of Gassin exudes charm.

Pro Travel Tip: Gassin, in the Var department, is only a 15-minute drive to Saint-Tropez and a 20-minute drive to Port Grimaud.

20. Gordes, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

A popular hilltown in the Luberon region of Provence, Gordes rises out of the rock face looking out over the valley below. Wander her twisting streets and marvel at the fact that in the 1960s Gordes had been mostly deserted but now is one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Reimagined and renovated to its medieval glory, Gordes today is worth a short visit. The best views of this village de France are from below. Look for the road sign with the viewpoint icon and pull off. Even by mid-June, finding a parking spot here is a bit of a challenge, but ever so worth the effort.

A short drive from Gordes, beaux village of Provence, is the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. This Cistercian abbey was founded in 1148 and still, today is home to monks. Tucked in an isolated and protected valley, the lavender fields were not yet in full bloom the third week of June.

21. Ménerbes, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Nestled in the heart of Provence, Ménerbes had been on my radar for years, so I was thrilled to recently wander its winding streets.

Ménerbes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, provides stunning views over the Luberon Valley. With its picturesque cobblestone streets and traditional stone buildings, it’s no wonder that this enchanting town has inspired so many writers and artists over the years.

Have you read “A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle? The English author wrote several books about his experiences living in Ménerbes, Provence which brought international attention to this gorgeous region. Visitors flock to Ménerbes to experience its timeless beauty themselves. It is truly seductive. The ancient churches, the views, the sunshine, the boutiques. Be forewarned. You may find yourself plotting a move to Ménerbes!

22. Le Castellet, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Ouf! The timeless charm of Provence oozes at every turn in Le Castellet. Once again, it’s immediately obvious why this village is one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. It’s perched on a hilltop and the views over the rolling hills and luscious vineyards are spectacular. Stroll the cobbled laneways, stop into the 11th-century church Eglise de la Transfiguration and browse the plethora of shops and galleries where local artists and artisans display their creations. Le Castellet is an enchanting stop on a road trip through the Var.

23. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence  

Nestled into the mountainside, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has been protected for years by the star that is suspended over it on a wire strung between two mountain peaks. There are multiple stories explaining this star but the most popular legend states that the Knight of Blacas placed the star there as a symbol of gratitude for returning safely from the Crusades. YES – the Crusades. This is an age-old legend.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie certainly lives up to its designation as one of les Plus Beaux Villages de France and its nickname the “Etoile de Provence” (the Star of Provence). The waterfall rushes through the centre of this French village, the Chappelle Notre-Dame-de- Beauvoir clings to the cliff above town (do the hike up) and their famous faïences (fine glazed earthenware) graces store windows.

Stay overnight in this village de France and use Moustiers-Sainte-Marie as a base for visiting the nearby Gorges du Verdon.

24. Roussillon, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

With its shades of yellow, red and orange, Roussillon was a complete surprise. I had no idea that this entire village de France was built from ochreous earth. The warmth of the colours translates into a French village that is inviting and full of cafés and souvenir shops. With the strains of live music, it is the perfect place to relax and savour lavender ice cream. Les Plus Beaux Villages de France? Of course, Roussillon is on the list. 

Don’t miss the Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail) where two pathways lead through the ochre landscapes amongst groves of pine trees. It’s otherworldly.  The two pathways, (entry fee is €3.50) one a 35-minute walk and the other 50 minutes, are guaranteed to ignite your imagination, because really – what planet did you land on?! White shoes? They might not be so white when you leave. No contest here. Clearly one of the most beautiful villages of France.

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France live completely up to their charm and uniqueness. After visiting these 24 most beautiful villages of France, I am inspired to visit the other 152 plus beaux villages!

Which of these 24 Plus Beaux Villages de France, would you visit first?

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