France
10 Stunning Villages in France to Experience Authentic Rural Life
Far from the bustle of its cosmopolitan cities, France’s villages offer a different kind of charm – one shaped by centuries of tradition, local craftsmanship and a deep connection to the land.
While Paris dazzles with grand boulevards and Lyon seduces with gourmet dining, the true heartbeat of France lies in its rural villages. Here, cobblestoned lanes are scented with fresh baguettes, morning markets are filled with vibrant produce and bell towers still chime over centuries-old squares.
While many villages are celebrated as part of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France – an association devoted to preserving their character and heritage – countless others remain quietly undiscovered. From sleepy hamlets surrounded by lavender fields to hilltop hideaways overlooking the sea, our guide to the top 10 villages in France invites you to slow down and savour a taste of authentic rural life.
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr feels like it belongs in a storybook. Nestled between vineyard slopes and the forested Vosges mountains, its half-timbered houses are painted in pastel shades, dating back to the Renaissance. The whole village has been meticulously preserved; walking through its main street is like stepping back to the 16th century. Stroll the cobbled lanes to the landmark Dolder Tower, enjoy a hearty plate of sauerkraut and sausages at a traditional winstub (wine tavern), and visit local wine cellars to sample a glass of Gewürztraminer or Riesling straight from the source. The Alsace Wine Route is right on your doorstep.
Good to know: Visit in December when Riquewihr’s Christmas market, less crowded than Strasbourg’s, is transformed into a glowing fairy-tale village.
- Where to stay: Mercure Colmar Centre Unterlinden is just 20 minutes away and makes an excellent base for exploring both Riquewihr and nearby Eguisheim, another picture-postcard Alsatian village.
2. Gordes, Provence
Perched dramatically on the Vaucluse plateau, 40 km from Avignon, Gordes is one of the most photographed villages in France. Its honey-coloured stone houses cascade down the hillside, creating a truly cinematic landscape. The village has long drawn artists and creatives, and you’ll find a thriving community of local galleries tucked among its narrow alleys – perfect for a leisurely wander. Just a short drive away, the Abbey of Sénanque is another picturesque sight, beautifully framed by fragrant lavender fields in summer.
Local tip: Don’t miss tasting Provençal classics like ratatouille and tapenade at a local auberge, paired perfectly with a chilled rosé from the nearby Luberon vineyards.
3. La Roque-Gageac, Dordogne
Clinging to a limestone cliff overlooking the Dordogne River, La Roque-Gageac is a village that feels sculpted by nature. Its unique position creates a sheltered microclimate where exotic plants like palms and bamboo flourish, giving the village an almost tropical feel. Take in the views from the medieval fort – once a defensive stronghold – then hire a canoe or take a traditional gabarre boat ride to see the village from the river.
Local tip: Visit in the early morning when the sun hits the towering cliffs, turning them a rich amber.
4. Èze, French Riviera
Perched high above the Côte d’Azur, Èze is a medieval hilltop village offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Its cobbled lanes wind past artisan shops, perfume ateliers and galleries, offering a charming rural escape from nearby Nice or Monaco. Climb to the Exotic Garden for panoramic vistas among sculptures and rare succulents, explore the 12th-century church and savour a coffee with a view at the iconic Château de la Chèvre d’Or.
Did you know? Friedrich Nietzsche famously walked the steep path connecting Èze to the sea, drawing inspiration for Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
- Where to stay: Mercure Nice Promenade des Anglais offers Riviera elegance and is less than 30 minutes from Èze by car or bus.
5. Yvoire, Haute-Savoie
Set on the shores of Lake Geneva, Yvoire is a flower-filled medieval village that has long been a haven for artists and writers. Its star attraction is the Jardin des Cinq Sens, a beautifully designed labyrinth and walled garden with over 1,300 species of plants, that invites you to engage all five senses. There’s also a 14th-century castle and old city ramparts to explore. For lunch, why not sample the local specialty of perch fillets with lemon butter at a lakeside bistro?
- Where to stay: Yvoire is 30 minutes by car from Mercure Annemasse Porte de Genève. It’s also reachable by ferry in summer.
6. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Côte d’Azur
Overlooking the glamorous French Riviera, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a beautifully preserved medieval village with a rich artistic heritage – Chagall, Matisse and Picasso all spent time here. Admire the impressive modern art collection at Fondation Maeght, browse local galleries and studios, and take in the views from the hilltop ramparts. For a memorable meal, dine at La Colombe d’Or, where the Provençal menu is served against a backdrop of original artworks donated by former guests, including Monet and Picasso.
Local tip: Just a few miles from the Mediterranean coast, the village is popular with day-trippers from Nice, Cannes and Monaco; visit early on a weekday for the most peaceful experience.
7. Roussillon, Provence
Local tip: Stop at the local market (every Thursday) to pick up lavender honey and Provençal herbs. The local patisseries are renowned for fruit tarts made with apricots and cherries from the surrounding orchards.
8. Rocamadour, Occitanie
Few places match the dramatic setting of Rocamadour, a medieval pilgrimage site clinging to limestone cliffs above the Alzou canyon. Its sanctuaries rise in tiers like a stone staircase, with the revered Black Madonna enshrined in the Chapelle Notre-Dame. Climb the 216-step Grand Escalier to explore the religious complex and soak in sweeping views. Afterward, wander the village market to sample Rocamadour AOC goat cheese – a creamy, tangy delicacy best enjoyed with a glass of Cahors wine.
Did you know? Kings and pilgrims, including Henry II of England, have walked these same paths for centuries. UNESCO lists the village as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.
9. Gerberoy, Picardy
Some 21 km from Beauvais, the sleepy hamlet of Gerberoy is often overlooked by international visitors. Nicknamed the ‘village of roses’ for its rose-covered half-timbered houses and peaceful, flower-filled lanes, the village comes alive in summer, especially during its annual rose festival. Stroll down the Rue du Logis du Roy and visit the gardens of post-impressionist painter Henri Le Sidaner, whose romantic landscapes were inspired by the village. For a taste of the region, stop at a local bistro for flamiche (a savoury leek tart) paired with crisp cider, followed by a slice of tarte Tatin from a nearby patisserie.
10. Lagrasse, Occitanie
Tucked along the Orbieu River in the Corbières hills, Lagrasse is known for its Benedictine abbey, arched stone bridges and thriving artisan community. The village invites unhurried exploration, with medieval streets lined with potters, bookbinders and artists who open their studios to visitors. Discover the 8th-century Abbaye de Lagrasse and its beautifully preserved cloister, then browse local crafts in the market square. For a peaceful afternoon, enjoy a riverside picnic surrounded by the sounds of village life and the scent of wild herbs.
Ready to discover the best villages in France?
From Alsace’s colourful timbered houses to the ochre cliffs of Roussillon, France’s villages reveal a quieter, more authentic side of the country. Whether you’re tasting wine in Riquewihr, watching the sun set over Lake Geneva in Yvoire or strolling the cobbled lanes of Gerberoy, each village offers its own blend of history, charm and local flavour. With hundreds of other picturesque villages in France to explore, why not start planning your rural escape today? It’s the perfect way to step off the beaten path and experience the country at a gentler pace.
Plan your trip to France now
Mercure hotels nearby
Other recommendations
:3by2?fmt=webp&op_usm=1.75,0.3,2,0&resMode=sharp2&iccEmbed=true&icc=sRGB&dpr=on,1.5&wid=335&hei=223&qlt=80)
