Most Beautiful Villages in France
The award of one of the "Plus Beaux Villages en France" has been given to 157 villages
throughout France. Each village has fewer than 2,000 inhabitants & are locations that have
a rich natural heritage - with at least two buildings in the village being listed historic
monuments. To find out more details about each of the villages click here
The list of villages (by region) is as follows:
Note: Villages with an Aire de Services are noted in bold with an asterix
​
New Book "Most Beautiful Villages & Towns by Motorhome" now available. Click here
Auvergne-Rhone Alpes
​
Hauts de France
​
Ile-de-France
La Roche Guyon
Brittany
​
Burgundy
​
Corsica
​
Pays-de-la-
Loire
Centre-Loire Valley
​
Grand Est
​
PACA
Occitanie
New Aquitaine
​
Normandy
Barfleur*
Little Towns of Character
The label of one of the "Petites Cités de Caractère de France" or "Little Towns of
Character" is awarded to small municipalities boasting a high-quality architectural
heritage & who undertake to preserve their heritage. Below you can find a list of the
148 rated municipalities spread across 9 regions. To find out more details about each
of the towns click here
Note: Towns with an Aire de Services are noted in bold with an asterix
The list of towns (by region) is as follows:
Auvergne-Rhone Alpes
Chanaz*
​
Burgundy-Franche-Comte
​
Normandy
Brittany
Lehon*
​
Centre-Loire Valley
New Aquitaine
Oiron*
Salies de Bearn*
Pays-de-la-Loire
Chenehutte*
Download a PDF brochure of the Petites Cités de Caractère here
Our Favourite Petites Cités de Caractère:
-
Aubigny-sur-Nère This dynamic town, located in Berry, has maintained its charming historic commercial center which it is a good place to discover a legacy marked by Scottish influence.
-
Brantôme-en-Périgord Known as ‘The Green Venice of Périgord’, Brantôme-en-Perigord is a town rich in its architectural legacy. Set in verdant countryside it is place for both leisure activities and total relaxation.
-
Le Croisic On a peninsular extending five kilometers into the sea, this is a fishing town which has maintained its authentic maritime ties.
-
Mortagne-au-Perche Built on a chalk hillside, bathed in the shades of natural ocre, yellow and pink coloured sands, Mortagne is a must for those wishing to discover the Perche region.
-
Murat This town is one of the most beautiful locations in the High Auvergne. Viewed from the three basalt outcrops which dominate the town, the view over the flat stone covered roofs, is extraordinary.
-
Quintin This former textile town, nestled amongst the lush hedgerows of Brittany, boasts a colourful market, stylish townhouses and an imposing, though unfinished, castle.
-
Rocroi One of a kind and renowned for the battle which took place in 1643, the town is unique in its concentric layout and its star-shape fortifications.
-
Sommières Located between the Mediterranean and the Cévennes this medieval town, built on the banks of the river Vidourle, invites visitors to discover the secrets of its rich history.
​