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IN BRIEF
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The British newspaper The Times recently published a ranking of the 25 most beautiful villages in France, a true tribute to the richness of the French heritage. Based on a selection of 180 villages labeled under the title “The Most Beautiful Villages of France,” this ranking highlights enchanting places that capture the essence and typically French charm. With rigorous selection criteria, the chosen villages stand out for their picturesque landscapes, remarkable architecture, and preserved heritage.
Ainhoa, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Just a few steps from the Spanish border, Ainhoa stands out with its colorful houses with red facades surrounded by verdant hills. This village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques is known for its historical role as a welcoming land for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, having been designed in the 17th century as a relay for merchants.
Rochefort-en-Terre, Brittany
Located in Morbihan, Rochefort-en-Terre combines historical charm with natural beauty. Near the Gulf of Morbihan and the forest of Brocéliande, it is famous for its covered market and its private mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries. The majesty of its medieval castle and the surrounding ruins make it a must-see of Breton heritage.
Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, Centre-Val de Loire
This medieval village benefits from a picturesque location on a rocky spur. The preserved ramparts and the 14th-century belfry offer visitors a true journey back in time. Saint-Benoît-du-Sault is praised for its timeless atmosphere attracting history and architecture enthusiasts.
Polignac, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Looking up to Polignac is to admire a fortress raised on a volcanic hill between the 12th and 16th centuries. Just 1.5 hours from Lyon, this village of 2,800 inhabitants offers a fascinating tour with 14 points of interest, allowing exploration of its rich medieval history.
Olargues, Occitanie
Nestled at the foot of the Caroux mountain, Olargues is a true gem of the Hérault. With its cobbled streets and its famous bridge known as the “Devil’s Bridge,” this fortified village enchants with its landscapes and history. The chestnut trees, cherry trees, and vines add to the bucolic scenery.
Ansouis, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
This picturesque village, nestled in the south of Luberon, has been classified as one of the most beautiful since 1982. Ansouis charms visitors with its narrow streets and its ancient fortress transformed into a castle in the 17th century. It is a shining example of authentic Provençal architecture.
Baume-les-Messieurs, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Perched at the foot of impressive cliffs, Baume-les-Messieurs offers a striking image of nature. With its many attractions, including a great waterfall and a remarkable abbey, this village is a precious heritage of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
Domme, Dordogne
Domme is a royal bastide that majestically overlooks the valley of the Dordogne. Its strategic position offers breathtaking views, and its many streets as well as the Belvedere de la Barre allow visitors to appreciate the medieval architecture and the surrounding natural setting.
Eguisheim, Grand Est
In Eguisheim, the cobbled streets form concentric circles around a castle. Famous for its half-timbered houses, this village in the Haut-Rhin is particularly magical during the Christmas festivities, attracting visitors all year round.
Gerberoy, Hauts-de-France
Ranked among the 50 villages to see once in a lifetime, Gerberoy stands out for its medieval cobbled streets and its artistic atmosphere. The artisans and artists who settle there enhance the heritage of Picardie Verte and make it a place of inspiration.
Lyons-la-Forêt, Normandy
Lyons-la-Forêt is located in the heart of a majestic beech forest, forming one of the most beautiful villages in Normandy. Its history is deeply linked to its 11th-century stronghold, showcasing a rich past and an exceptional natural setting.
Montsoreau, Pays de la Loire
In Maine-et-Loire, Montsoreau reveals itself around its 15th-century castle, making it the first building of the Renaissance in France. The panorama over the Loire adds a poetic and historical dimension to your visit.
Piana, Corsica
Like the calanques and red cliffs that surround it, Piana is perched at an altitude of 450 meters and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This village, located an hour and a half from Ajaccio, is a true treasure of natural beauty.
La Roche-Guyon, Île-de-France
This village in the Val-d’Oise is renowned for its impressive medieval castle. The panorama offered by the keep over the meander of the Seine allows visitors to dive into history while enjoying a beautiful natural setting.
Yèvre-le-Châtel, Centre-Val de Loire
Yèvre-le-Châtel houses a majestic medieval fortress. With its narrow streets and stone walls, this village is a true concentrate of history and an ideal walking place for heritage lovers.
Venasque, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Overlooking the gorges of the Nesque, Venasque is renowned for its cherries, dubbed the “red diamond of Provence.” This village, perched on a rock, blends medieval heritage with contemporary art, offering an enchanting visual tableau.
Turenne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
To the south of Limoges, Turenne lies at the foot of a historic citadel. Its private mansions and white houses with slate roofs charm visitors wanting to discover the history of a rich region.
Sant’Antonino, Corsica
Sant’Antonino is one of the oldest Corsican villages, perched at an altitude of 500 meters. Its old stone houses, clustered together, give this village a unique and endearing character.
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez is an unusual village, born from an ancient Carthusian monastery. Within the Loire, this village preserves the history of the Carthusian order and attracts lovers of historical architecture.
Saint-Suliac, Brittany
Fishermen’s houses and narrow streets characterize this charming former fishing village. Located on the banks of the Rance, Saint-Suliac offers a picturesque landscape and many historical, maritime, and natural discoveries.
Blangy-le-Château, Normandy
Blangy-le-Château, recently labeled among the most beautiful villages in France, deserves to be visited for its natural charm. With its rolling landscapes and rivers, this village is a true gift to nature.
Rodemack, Grand Est
Known for its ramparts surrounding the village, Rodemack is called the “little Lorraine Carcassonne.” This medieval village preserves numerous testimonies of its rich past, attracting history enthusiasts.
Prats-de-Mollo-la Preste, Occitanie
Adorned with colorful facades, Prats-de-Mollo-la Preste is a magnificent fortified village in the south of the Canigou massif. Its surrounding nature and historical structures make it a treasure of Occitanie.
Lods, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
The village of Lods is steeped in history, combining the charm of old forges and vines with the beauty of nature. Located along the Loue River, this village is an ideal place to discover the local heritage.
Sainte-Suzanne, Pays de la Loire
Finally, Sainte-Suzanne, perched on a rocky outcrop, withstands the ravages of time. This medieval village is a model of historical architecture, overlooking the valley of the Erve.
