One of the greatest things about travelling to France is having an endless choice of picturesque historic towns to visit. From fortified medieval cities to spectacular cliff side villages and quaint little towns nestled in the mountains, the countryside of France is full of unique and striking beauty.
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next trip to France, we’ve got you covered. With the help of some other travel writers, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of France’s prettiest small towns and villages.
A visit to any of these small towns in France is sure to impress! So get out of the city and off the beaten path to discover some of the country’s rich history, most charming medieval architecture and breath-taking countryside views.
Whether you’re planning a big France road trip or just a short getaway, these stunning small towns in France are the perfect addition to any holiday and are certain to leave you with a lasting impression.
Strolling the pretty streets of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in France
Table of Contents
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Claimed to be one of France’s most beautiful villages, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one that you won’t want to miss! This typical Provence style town is rich in history and full of spectacular views. It dates back to the 5th century when monks first occupied the area and built a monastery.
The town is perched along the side of two limestone cliffs and lies at the western entrance to the Gorges du Verdon. You will find the stunning turquoise coloured Sainte-Croix Lake just south of Moustiers. It won’t take you long to see why this place is considered one of the most beautiful small towns in France!
A impressive view along the hike to the chapel
Best Things to Do in Moustiers
- Town Centre – Take a wander through the charming, narrow streets and little squares around the village, photo opportunities lie at every corner. Explore the boutiques and cute little shops selling lavender sachets and lovely hand-made ceramics, which the town is well known for.
- Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir – A short but steep 20 minute hike will take you to this 12th century chapel which is built into the cliffs above the town. There isn’t much to see inside the church but the hike will reward you with the most epic views over the village rooftops, valley, and lake. Along this hike you will also see the famous gold star which hangs between the two limestone cliffs, it’s is said to have hung there in various forms since the 13th century.
- Les Gorges-Du-Verdon – A 10 minute drive from Moustiers will take you to the mouth of the Gorge and Sainte-Croix Lake. From the Pont du Galetas, you’ll find the best view of the striking turquoise water surrounded by the majestic limestone canyon. From here, you can hire a kayak or small electric boat to peacefully explore the gorge/lake and take in your surroundings. Plan your visit during off-season and have the entire gorge to yourself!
Gorges du Verdon
Roussillon
This vibrant, ochre coloured village is truly an incredible sight. Surrounded by sweeping valleys and lush countryside, this small French town is famous for its red cliffs and ochre quarries. It lies in one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world – hence the brightly coloured, red and orange buildings.
A visit to Roussillion is easy to include on your France itinerary if you’re planning to stop in either Moustiers or Gordes. It’s conveniently located near both of these lovely towns.
The picturesque village of Roussillon
Highlights of Roussillon
- Ochre Trail – Take a walk along the Ochre Trail where you will follow a path laid out through the red and yellow cliffs. For €2.50 you will have the choice of a shorter or longer walk. The longer walk will take about an hour but it’s well worth it as the rock formations and colours are so impressive!
- Roussillon Town Center – Strolling through the narrow alleys of the town, you can admire the naturally pigmented buildings – ochre has been used for centuries in this village. With its red buildings against a blue sky backdrop, this place is absolutely magical and makes for some great photo opportunities.
- Visit an Art Gallery – The beauty of Roussillon and surrounding countryside has been inspiring artists for centuries. Make sure to pop into one of the town’s art galleries or museums for a look into Roussillon’s fascinating past. Visit the Ôkhra – Écomusée De L’ocre to learn about the history and importance of ochre use in the region.
→ Read More: 5 Amazing Day Trips from Paris ←
Gordes
Gordes is certainly the most scenic of all the hilltop villages in Provence, which also makes it the one of most popular. Built into the side of a hill and surrounded by the sprawling Luberon Valley, the town’s striking appearance has earned its title as the most well-known, beautiful small town in France.
Getting lost in the maze of narrow cobblestone streets and alleys is the perfect adventure to have in Gordes. A dreamy scene awaits you around each corner. Along your explorations you’ll stumble upon lovely traditional French bakeries, cafes, restaurants and plenty of lookouts offering breathtaking views over the valley below.
Due to its popularity and growth in tourism numbers over the years, it’s wise to plan your visit to Gordes around the busy summer months. The little streets tend to fill up quickly during the height of tourist season. Try visiting in the off-season months of spring (April/May) or in the fall (September/October) for a quieter and more enjoyable experience.
A postcard perfect view can be found around every corner in Gordes
Things You Must See in Gordes
- Farmer’s Market – Check out the farmer’s market on Tuesday morning. Stock up on fresh produce, sample some delicious olives and tapenade, and browse the many stalls selling trinkets and jewellery. Oh and don’t forget about all the cheese and wine! There’s just something about brightly coloured market stalls that light up those ancient, beige streets.
- Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque – A 10 minute drive from Gordes will take you to this lovely old abbey that was founded by monks of the 12th century. In the summer months, rows of vibrant lavender fields grow in front of the abbey making it quite the impressive sight and absolutely worth a visit!
- Gordes Town Viewpoint – Head over to the best Gordes town viewpoint first thing in the morning to catch the breathtaking sight of the entire village bathing in that perfect morning sunlight. From here, you will be able to capture the best angle of the town and snap the perfect shot to remember your special time in Gordes.
The lovely village of Gordes as seen from the town viewpoint
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
Carcassonne
The perfectly preserved medieval city of Carcasonne is like a direct portal to the past. Immediately transport to a bygone era as you walk over the draw bridge, through the stone archway and into the cobblestone town centre. It’s clear to see why this beautiful small town attracts over four millions tourists each year.
Carcassonne is classified as a UNESCO heritage site and has a distinct fairy tale appearance with its spiky turrets and battlements. The entire town and its fortifications were once left in ruins but received a complete restoration in the 19th century by the famous French architect, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Although the historic accuracy of his work may not be 100%, the town’s medieval charm is sure to steal your heart!
Top Tips for Visiting Carcassonne
- Chateau Comtal – For €9.50 per adult you can spend a few hours exploring the ins and outs of the perfectly restored 12th century castle. The ticket includes access to the ramparts which you can explore for as long as you wish to. This is by far the highlight of the entire experience as the views alone are worth the entire price of the ticket.
- Old Town Center– The pretty streets of Carcassonne are lined with well preserved, beautiful medieval architecture. It’s easy to spend hours just walking around taking it all in. Make sure to take a stroll around the town at sunset and during the evening. Watching the sky light up over this ancient town is truly an unforgettable experience!
- Le Pont Vieux – Head over to the 14th century pedestrian bridge for an awesome view of the medieval walled city. This view is especially magical when it’s all lit up at night.
Evening explorations around Carcassonne
A vibrant sunset lights up the sky over the medieval town of Carcassonne
Rocamadour
The ancient village of Rocamadour clings dramatically to a cliff face and is nestled within a beautiful green canyon in the Dordogne Valley. The first sight of Rocamadour will take your breath away. The town is a sacred place of worship and is well-known for its famous shrine which is said to provide healing powers. This has made it a popular pilgrimage destination since the 12th century.
A series of religious buildings hang from the side of the limestone cliff attracting pilgrims and worshipers for over 1000 years. To this day, Rocamadour is still an important pilgrimage destination but in recent years it has become even more popular with tourism, seeing over one million visitors each year!
Even if you are not religious, this enchanting little village absolutely deserves a spot on your France bucket list. The spectacular setting of Rocamadour offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of day-to-day life. So why not stay for a while to soak up the town’s fascinating history and take in the picturesque countryside views.
Rocamadour – the prettiest village of them all!
Best Things To See in Rocamadour
- Best Rocamadour View Point – To catch the best view of the village, head to the l’Hospitalet area which is a 10 minute walk from Rocamadour town center. Grab a drink while sitting on a patio at one of the restaurants by the viewpoint and take it all in. Click here for exact location of the viewpoint, where the photo above was taken from.
- Old Town – From the centre of the old town, you will find the beginning of the staircase called the Grand Escalier which will lead you upward through all 8 of the sacred buildings. There are 216 stone steps in total and during the middle ages, pilgrims climbed up the entire staircase on their knees!
- Rocamadour Palace – If you still have energy left, continue up the rest of the stairs which will lead you to the palace at the top of the cliff. For €2 you can enter the palace grounds where you’ll find an incredible panoramic viewpoint that looks out over the valley and town below. The palace itself is not open to tourists but the view alone is worth it.
Archway entrance to Rocamadour town center
Étretat
-By Elisa from France Bucket List
White Cliffs in Etretat, Normandy
Etretat is a pretty small town located on France’s Alabaster Coast, in Normandy. This seaside town with typical Norman architecture, a sea promenade, and a small beach is world-known for its impressive chalky cliffs, the object of many Impressionist paintings. Painters like Claude Monet capture Etretat’s beauty in some of his masterworks.
Etretat is ideal for a day trip from Le Havre or Honfleur or a relaxing weekend getaway. Those who decide to spend one night in Etetat will be rewarded with the impressive cliff views without the day crowds.
Best Things to See and Do in Etretat
- Catch a view – Climb up to Notre Dame de la Garde church for the best views. The view of the cliffs from the beach is outstanding, but it gets very crowded with day-trippers during the day. Climb up to Notre Dame de la Garde church for an even more impressive view from above.
- Learn about the Oiseau Blanc – Behind the church, there’s a memorial and museum dedicated to the Oiseau Blang, the plane that made the first attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean on May 8, 1927. Etretat’s inhabitants were the last people to see the Oiseau Blanc before it disappeared into the mist.
- Visit the Etretat Gardens – These gardens are a beautiful blend of nature – contemporary art and a lovely place for a stroll in a relaxing atmosphere.
Ribeauville
-By Bec from Wyld Family Travel
The gorgeous town of Ribeauville, photo by Wyld Family Travel
Ribeauville is one of the small picturesque French villages that lie in the Alsace wedged between the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains. Ribeauville has a population of just under 5,000 people and is highly popular with travellers exploring the Alsace. Located just 16 kilometres from Colmar and an easy day trip for Strasbourg.
The town is surrounded by fields of vineyards and is an important part of the Alsace Wine Route. The main street oozes old-world charm with restaurants, bakeries, cellar doors and medieval cobblestones. At Christmas time the town holds a very popular Christmas market in December.
Highlights of Ribeauville
- Taste the local wine – You should definitely try the local wine from the Ribeauville Wine Co-Op. It is the oldest wine co-op in France.
- See a castle – On the hill directly behind the town, you will find Castle Saint-Ulrich, Castle Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre. There is a popular walking trail from the centre of town that takes in the historical sites.
- Stay for a while – If you want to experience Ribeauville like a local,