The 20 most beautiful villages in France

Did you know that France has over 150 officially designated Most Beautiful Villages? From Normandy to Alsace to Provence, these are 20 villages that genuinely showcase French tradition. If you decide to visit them during your vacation, you will also discover the nearest camping, so plan your next vacation in a picturesque French village.

One of the 9 hilltop villages of the Pays de Fayence, and labelled as one of the “most beautiful villages in France”. It is rich in historical heritage. Flowered alleys, shaded squares, small fountains, a chapel, a church, terraced houses, and vaulted passages are all full of authenticity. Nestled in beautiful nature near lake Méaulx the town overlooks the landscape of plains, vineyards and olive trees.

The Chapel of Notre Dame de l’Ormeau, built in the 12th century, is a must-see.

Camping Le Parc is a 4-star campsite with a swimming pool, only 25 km from the beach, and near Fréjus, which combines Roman remains with visiting and entertainment facilities for the whole family.

This town, packed with lovely boutiques, galleries, and craft shops, decorated with flowers, is lively all year round. Standing on a rocky spur, it is like a jewel in the middle of Morbihan. Although only ruins remain of the castle built in the 12th century, it has been transformed by the American painter into a manor house which acts as a gathering place for artists.

Camping Au Gré Des Vents is a family campsite located near Rochefort-en-Terre.

The Bay of Villefranche is one of the five most beautiful bays in the world and is surrounded by Cap Nice and Cap Ferrat on both sides. Villefranche-sur-Mer has to be the most charming and authentic fishing village on the French Riviera. To this day, people living there still know each other.

There’s so much more to do here besides relax on the beach. The scenery here is magnificent, and so is the entertainment scene. There are lots of cafes and restaurants for visitors looking to experience France. Don’t overlook the local markets for a great shopping experience.

Camping with aquatic area: Camping Green Park - Marvilla Parks is just 5 km away from the best beaches on the French Riviera. Nice, Monaco, and Saint-Tropez are all nearby.

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain is located 20 kilometres southeast of Montbard in Burgundy's Cote d'Or department. It's a small, medieval fortified town with thick walls encircling the narrow, winding streets and buildings, some of which are grand, while others are far more modest. The majority of the buildings are made of local light stone.

You might come across turreted houses and other medieval architectural features among its alleys. The church of St. Genest and the Benedictine abbey of Saint Pierre are two of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain's religious structures.

It's also possible to pay a visit to a factory that makes aniseed balls near the abbey; as you approach, the distinct aroma of anise fills the air.

Another interesting fact is that Flavigny was extensively used in the popular film "Chocolat."

If you want to find more movie locations, read about the 10 best movie locations worth travelling to in Europe.

Camping Vert Auxois is a great place to stay.

This village sits atop a dramatic cliff. When you enter, you'll find a charming small Provencal village with a panoramic view of the sea and coastline. You will be seduced by the narrow streets, archways, restored stone houses, shaded squares, and ancient fountains. The village is so lovely that it feels like you've stumbled upon a movie set.

Numerous small art and craft shops are enticing. Some of them resemble small caves dug into rocky outcroppings. 

Don't miss the botanical garden, which surrounds the ancient chateau and has an impressive collection of cacti, other plants, and rare vegetation.

The Parish church, with its baroque nave, the Galimard soap factory, the Fragonard perfume factory, and the Freidrich Nyche pathway are among the other sights to see.

Camping De La Laune allows you to stay close to this lovely village, as well as Nice, Monaco, and Italy.

Saignon has the most distinctive outline of any Luberon village, with its rock squared off by nature as if to look from afar like an impregnable castle. It acts as a signpost high above the town of Apt, hence perhaps the name Saignon, which comes from signum, Latin for "sign".

Saignon was like a lookout for danger, riding along the valley towards Apt, and the church bells were the alarm. Because of this important role, this was a privileged village and no fewer than three castles sprung up within its confines, built by three different lords, which when you look at the size of Saignon, is truly remarkable. The wealth of the village 800 years ago can be seen in the architecture that still stands, and it is a lovely village to stroll around, with its winding, narrow streets and fountains.

By walking through its narrow alleys, you will discover ancient fountains, small shaded squares of beautiful, charming houses, on which there are very beautiful houses, and you will also be able to notice ancient doors carved with delicacy.

On the outskirts of this village, Camping Le Luberon is located, where hikers, cyclists, mountain bike riders, and climbers will have plenty of activities. There are camping pitches and different rentals to choose from.

The medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, perched on top of a verdant hill 15 minutes from the sea, enjoys an exceptional panoramic view that stretches from the coast to the pre-alpine mountains. Saint-Paul, a typical Provençal village, is completely encircled by ramparts built by King Francis I in the 16th century.

When you arrive in Saint Paul, the first thing you see is the renowned auberge La Colombe d'Or, which has hosted a number of artists, including Yves Montand, Chagall, Modigliani, and Matisse, and still houses many of their works.

There are lovely courtyards where you can relax and enjoy a cool drink while admiring the central fountain. You can get lost in the narrow streets with no shops and imagine what life would be like if you lived there.

Camping Les Pinèdes is conveniently located near this beautiful place and offers mobile homes, cottages, chalets, and bungalows, as well as pitch rentals.

This medieval village, voted the Favourite Village of the French by TV viewers in 2012, rises 100 metres above the river from the cliff. It's a veritable cascade of little paved lanes, Gothic façades, fortified gates, and hollyhocks as it winds downhill. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a listed site with 13 listed Historic Monuments. It was once home to thriving river trade and was known for its wood-turners. The village has managed to preserve its history while also maintaining an irresistible charm. The shade of Gothic arches provides shade for shops, restaurants, and cafés.

The historic core is completely pedestrianised, allowing visitors to stroll through alleys, squares, and cobblestone streets (although some are steep). Many cantilevered homes with sloping roofs date from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Although pleasant craft shops, several shops, and art galleries dot the centre of the small town, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie retains its authenticity and picturesque character.

At Camping Paradis de la Plage, you can rent a traditional mobile home or a glamping tent, pitch a tent or park your motorhome.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has been regarded as one of France's most beautiful villages since 1981. The church, the old village walls, the chapels, the aqueduct, and the fountains are all symbols of a water-stone partnership. The limestones and the pastel colours of the tiles combine to form a living architectural whole.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is located in a unique geographical location, rising to a height of 630 metres. Its land is extensive; it is in the centre of the Verdon's main viewing routes, and the Sainte-Croix lake sits downstream from the Verdon's Gorges, to the south of the Moustiers-Sainte-Marie valley. The principal features of this terrain include dams, torrents, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes.

Camping Rives du Lac de Sainte Croix - Tikayan is located near the Mediterranean and offers a vast aquatic area. It serves as an excellent starting point for further exploration of the region.

La Roque-Gageac is one of the most beautiful villages in France. La Roque-Gageac is the quintessential picture-postcard village, perched on the north bank of the Dordogne River and backed by a sheer cliff, with little to suggest that anything has changed in the previous 300 years. It is around 8 kilometres from the medieval town of Sarlat.

The golden yellow buildings with typical Perigord roofs surround the river and stretch up the slope beyond. While some of the properties in La Roque Gageac are fairly humble, there are also a handful of spectacular residences. The Chateau de la Malartrie, built in the Renaissance style in the 19th century (although it seems older), is one of the greatest of them.

The entire village, but notably the area surrounding the church, is a fascinating 'tropical style' exotic garden that you may explore as you go up the hill. The variety of vegetation is possible because the rock behind the settlement shields it from cold weather from the north, while the open view to the south ensures enough sunlight. Gerard Dorin founded it in 1970, and it has thrived ever since.

You may explore the settlement from the river by boarding the cargo barge.

Camping Lou Castel is an ideal spot to stay.

Yvoire (population 800) is a small but extremely picturesque hamlet village on the southern, French coast of Lake Geneva. With town walls and gates, a historic castle, and narrow cobblestone alleys, this traffic-free community has managed to retain much of its mediaeval appearance. Yvoire is a lovely town all year, but it is especially lovely in the spring and summer when flowers blossom from seemingly every balcony and windowsill. Yvoire is a popular day-trip destination, so there are many restaurants, cafés, boutiques, art galleries, studios, and souvenir stores. With few formal attractions, visiting Yvoire is peaceful and enjoyable. Yvoire is a short drive from Geneva and Evian or a quick passenger ferry ride from Nyon in Switzerland.

Don't miss the Garden of Five Senses, located in the centre of the village and designated as a "remarkable garden" by the Ministry of Culture. This tiny slice of green heaven allows you to explore the plants via your five senses in a lyrical way.

Everything is designed for your enjoyment: the pleasure of your eyes with the colourful landscape provided by the flower arrangement, the pleasure of stroking the softness of the foliage, the pleasure of smelling the roses, the pleasure of listening to the birds and the whispering of the water; and the pleasure of finally returning to the true tastes of your childhood. Read about the Top 15 Gardens in Europe if you wish to explore more stunning gardens.

Staying at Camping La Pourvoirie Des Ellandes is suggested.

Eguisheim, located near the southern exit of Colmar, has been named "One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France" since 2003 and was named "France's Favourite Village" in 2013 on a TV show hosted by Stéphane Bern.

This ancient hamlet delights not only because of its small size, unusual architecture, and a profusion of flowers in the summer but also because of its true appeal around Christmas when numerous activities revolve around the Christmas market.

Eguisheim's splendour derives from its architectural ensemble, which has been protected from the ravages of time and wisely conserved.

This medieval city is built in concentric rings around its fortress. Fountains, colongereal courtyards, and a church housing a 13th-century "Opening Virgin" may be found in this authentic town.

It would be enjoyable to wander around the alleys and appreciate the colourful palette of the buildings, some of which have extremely old inscriptions on the door lintels that may be deciphered.

The Château-Bas d'Eguisheim or St. Leon Castle is located in the heart of the hamlet. It has remained mostly unmodified since the 16th century. In 1002, Bruno d'Eguisheim-Dagsbourg was born here. All that remains of the mediaeval stronghold today is the spectacular octagonal wall typical of the 13th century, composed of rusticated stone. The wall, which was more than 2 metres thick in some places, was encircled by moats, which were drained in 1835.

Camping de l'Ill will make you feel at home in one of their mobile homes, glamping, or tents. This campsite makes it ideal to visit both Eguishem and Colmar.

The Lauch course in Colmar is known as the "Little Venice." This name is most likely derived from the ancient line of residences on both banks of the river, which serves the city's southeast. This region extends from behind the Kofhus to the fishmonger's quarter and the bridges of Turenne and Saint-Pierre. It is therefore at the start of the Krutenau, whose etymology alludes to market gardens on the edges of towns. The Krutenau, which was originally occupied by a rural hamlet of wine producers, market gardeners, and boatmen, extends out along the Turenne Street that the marshal took in 1674 for his victorious arrival into the city. There are boat trips available.

Market Hall was designed in 1865 and is composed of bricks with a metal frame. It has served numerous purposes before returning to its original purpose as a market hall. Approximately twenty merchants greet you and provide high-quality items such as fruits and vegetables, butchery, cheese dairy, bakery and pastry, fishmongering, and other terroir pleasures.

The fishmonger's neighbourhood was home to the majority of Colmar's professional fishermen and boatmen. They worked for a large firm. Fish captured were either preserved in ponds or sold in the fishmonger's area.

Other noteworthy attractions are The Pfister House, Saint Martin's Church, and Koifhus, Colmar's oldest public structure.

Chamonix is a bustling town noted for its world-class ski resort as well as its climbing opportunities. It is located in the Haute-Savoie area of France and is dominated by the spectacular Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain series, which peaks at the summit of Mont Blanc (4810m).

The panorama here is undoubtedly the most stunning in the French Alps, with these enormous, jagged mountains towering over the town. Snow-capped peaks tower into the clear blue sky, glaciers wash down to the valley floor, and waterfalls tumble through pine-covered hillsides.

The natural splendour of this valley attracts individuals who like the outdoors, whether they are skiers, mountaineers, hikers, or sightseers.

Book your stay at Camping De La Mer De Glace in Chamonix for an active holiday.

Grasse rose to prominence as the world's perfume capital and a popular tourist destination in the nineteenth century.

Grasse, only 15 kilometres from Cannes and 300-400 metres above sea level, is a breath of fresh air in a beautiful landscape of mountains, woods, and caverns. Despite being the fourth largest city in the Alpes-Maritimes department, the city and its surroundings are also popular sites for relaxation and recreation. Guests have included the emperor's sister, Princess Pauline Bonaparte, in 1807–08, Queen Victoria, and actor and writer Dirk Bogarde. Not to mention Napoleon himself, but he was in too much of a hurry to remain long.

Leather tanning was the city's principal activity in the Middle Ages until it peaked in the 17th century. This time witnessed the start of the perfume business, which has reigned dominant since, with the notion and then rising use of scented gloves.

Today, the business with its 30 perfume factories remains secretive, although three firms, The Parfumerie Fragonard, its historic factory and perfume shop, The Parfumerie Molinard, and the Galimard Factory and Museum, welcome visitors and give free guided tours. The tours take you through every stage of the perfume-making process, from flower harvesting to bottling, and at the conclusion, the visitor can make and take home her or his own scent.

Camping Au Vallon Rouge is a 5-star campsite located on the outskirts of Nice and near Grasse, as well as various lovely hiking trails.

It is the Alabaster Coast's finest jewel. Veules-les-Roses is the ideal setting for a quiet coastal holiday, with tiny eateries, lovely half-timbered homes, mills along the river, wonderful seaside walks, and tasty local oysters.

Tucked away on the Alabaster Coast, only 19 kilometres south-west of Dieppe, the lovely town of Veules-les-Roses is a cluster of traditional half-timbered homes with loads of antique untouched beauty. The Veules, which runs through the hamlet, is France's smallest river. Its water is utilised to cultivate watercress in ponds, from which it flows to the sea through a fissure. In between the steep chalk cliffs that overlook a sand and pebble beach. There's a reason why so many artists, poets, and authors fell in love with the place!

Veules-les-Roses is one of the Pays de Caux's oldest villages. In the nineteenth century, it became a famous vacation spot, beloved by artists such as Victor Hugo. Veules-les-Roses is a wonderful coastal getaway with a calm, laid-back ambience and a plethora of local eateries specialising in great fresh seafood and oysters.

Make a reservation at Camping Les Garennes de la Mer.

Provins, a Unesco World Heritage Site, invites you to an unforgettable experience. Monuments, historical exhibitions, gardens, and activities guarantee an unforgettable trip back in time to the Middle Ages.

In this lovely location, there are several sites and things to explore. Explore the monuments and fortifications, enjoy a tour of Provins by tourist train or classic automobile, and unwind in the Provins rose garden or the Garnier public garden. Hike or ride your bike around the region to learn more about it.

At Camping La Belle Etoile, you may choose between mobile homes, glamping tents, and camping pitches.

The village of Montrésor was one of the three most beautiful villages in France in the Touraine area, with the calming murmur of the River Indrois running through it (along with Candes-Saint-Martin and Crissay-sur-Manse). In 2015, it was elected the French people's second favourite village, behind only Ploumanac'h in Brittany.

The picturesque medieval lanes beckon you to take a stroll, leading you to the Château de Montrésor. The château has over a thousand years of history and has a large art collection. Count Xavier Branicki, a prominent Polish fugitive exiled in France, was one of the chateau's owners.

The river below acts as a mirror, reflecting the château and village buildings. Every summer, Les Nuits Solaires, a sound and light performance, accentuates the splendour of the environment.

Then go along Rue du Marché (Market Street). The Halle des Cardeux, an outstanding structure, will be seen ahead of you. The community was a textile centre until the nineteenth century.

Give yourself a nice break at the bakery just opposite the Halle with some soft macaroons made from an original medieval recipe. Finally, visit St John the Baptist college church, where three wonderfully sculpted alabaster statues appear to watch over this fine Touraine Renaissance architecture.

An 8.5-kilometre stroll along the Legends Path beyond the village will take you to Lake Chemillé-sur-Indrois.

Camping La Citadelle offers a variety of mobile homes, glamping accommodations, and comfort pitches.

Pérouges, around thirty kilometres from Lyon and facing the Ain plain, has meticulously conserved its unique medieval buildings for generations.

A trip to the Maison des Princes is a must-do during your vacation. This magnificent 14th-century mansion, formerly the Counts of Savoy, houses the Museum of Old Pérouges and features a wonderful medieval garden (the hortulus). The watchtower, which is accessible from the museum, provides a beautiful view over the town roofs, the Dombes plateau, and the Ain plain. Fans of creativity will visit the artisans' workshops or the Maison des Arts Contemporains. You won't be able to resist the warm and delicious fragrances of the village speciality, the galette de Pérouges, throughout your walk.

Perouges is about 10 minutes away by car from Camping Les Plages de L'Ain.

The medieval castle of Foix, perched on a rocky ledge, overlooks the rooftops of the old town and the junction of the Ariège and Arget rivers. It boasts three machicolated towers and towering walls from its previous life as an invincible fortress. The Ariège departmental museum, housed in this spectacular ancient fortress of the Counts of Foix, covers the history of the county of Foix and the castle via thematic displays and collections of medieval daily goods, weaponry, and armour. From the top of the circular tower, this high location also provides a beautiful view over the town, Ariège valley, and surrounding mountains.

With its small retail alleyways and attractive squares studded with café terraces, Foix's old town is a particularly delightful destination for a stroll. Along the route, don't miss the Saint-Volusien abbey church and its stunning 17th-century carved stalls, as well as the Baltard-style Halle aux Grains, a covered market area.

In August, the Théâtre de Verdure in Foix hosts a sound and light spectacle.

On the first weekend of September, the town holds its annual celebrations, which include a funfair, dancing, a torchlight parade, and music. Excellent entertainment is assured!

The Camping de Foix is located on the outskirts of the village, near the lake, and offers a free shuttle service.