From the flower-filled alleys of Alsace to the perched villages of Provence, the 2025 edition of the Favorite Village of the French promises once again to highlight the French heritage in all its facets. Fourteen municipalities compete with strengths to charm the public and win the title, offering as many new travel and excursion ideas across mainland France and overseas. Between traditions, architectural wealth, and exceptional panoramas, these villages presented on France 3 by Stéphane Bern invite exploration of France in a different way, far from the crowds and beaten paths. Focus on the stakes of this competition that delights fans of authentic discoveries.
The 14 villages competing to become the Favorite Village of the French 2025
Every year, the competition’s selection highlights destinations full of character and often little known. In 2025, the map of candidates charts a new route meeting history, local products, and spectacular landscapes. From Brittany to Corsica, from Normandy to overseas territories, each region proudly offers its gem.
- Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Semur-en-Auxois, Côte-d’Or, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
- Malestroit, Morbihan, Brittany
- Ferrières-en-Gâtinais, Loiret, Centre-Val de Loire
- Calcatoggio, Corsica-du-Sud, Corsica
- Sierck-les-Bains, Moselle, Grand Est
- Longpont, Aisne, Hauts-de-France
- Rochefort-en-Yvelines, Yvelines, Île-de-France
- Grand’Rivière, Martinique, Overseas
- Clécy, Calvados, Normandy
- Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Corrèze, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Lupiac, Gers, Occitanie
- Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire
- Saorge, Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Each of these villages is committed to showcasing its built and natural heritage, sometimes overturning the traditional hierarchy of tourist destinations. If you’re tempted by the adventure tracing the paths of winning villages, draw inspiration from this ranking for your next road trip in mainland France.
| Village | Department | Region | Specificity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye | Isère | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | Medieval abbey complex |
| Calcatoggio | Corse-du-Sud | Corse | View over the Sagone Gulf |
| Grand’Rivière | Martinique | Overseas | Wild nature and island trails |
| Saorge | Alpes-Maritimes | PACA | Perched village, Vallon gorges |
A tourism heritage to promote for each region
By highlighting sites outside major urban centers, this competition offers the public an opportunity to plan original getaways and continually renews the tourism offer. For those wishing to avoid cars, some preserved settings can even be explored on foot: discover, for example, a car-free French village.
- Promotion of local heritage (architecture, craftsmanship, regional cuisine)
- Charming accommodation network to extend the experience
- Village atmosphere ideal for a peaceful trip
| Region | Village characteristic | Proposed activities |
|---|---|---|
| Brittany | Canals, stone houses | Biking, typical markets |
| Côte-d’Or | Medieval fortifications | Guided tours, gourmet tastings |
| Île-de-France | Village on the edge of the forest | Historical hikes, relaxing weekends |
Which mythical villages have already marked the competition’s rankings?
Over the years, several names have become synonymous with tourism excellence. Whether related to landscapes, history, or traditions, these villages embody the French art of living and serve as a true source of inspiration for traveling differently. Notable mentions include Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Gordes, Yvoire, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, pearls that often appear at the top of rankings or in must-see selections like this list of the most beautiful villages in France.
- Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and its suspended alleys over the Lot Valley
- Eguisheim, colorful heart of the Alsace wine route
- Riquewihr, medieval city with picturesque charm
- Gordes, jewel of Provence surrounded by lavender and ancient stones
- Beynac-et-Cazenac and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, proud overlooks of the Dordogne
| Village | Year of crowning | Particularity |
|---|---|---|
| Collioure | 2024 | Catalan port, artistic inspiration |
| Eguisheim | 2013 | Timber-framed houses, flower village |
| Rocamadour | 2016 | Sacred village, holy city of Lot |
Anecdotes from winning villages to inspire your next stay
Some localities have gained new prominence following their victory or appearance on the show, like Collioure whose fame is now celebrated by an official stamp, or this adventure of Collioure recounted by its inhabitants. In Occitanie, the artisans of Lot revive Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Participation in the competition sometimes provides a springboard for preserving and restoring exceptional heritage or for launching new tourist events.
- Positive impacts on local commerce
- Restoration dynamism of monuments
- Establishment of thematic itineraries for visitors
| Example | Anecdote | Source of inspiration |
|---|---|---|
| Eguisheim | Nicknamed “spiral village” for its circular alleys | Gourmet walks, Christmas markets |
| Moustiers-Sainte-Marie | Famous for its pottery and suspended star | Romantic strolls, artisan workshops |
How to (re)discover these destinations off the beaten path?
France is full of unexplored villages and stories to tell. Thanks to the television exposure and the return of villages like Sainte-Anne or Eguisheim in an adventure itinerary in Alsace, new routes emerge each year. Moreover, if you are looking for getaways near Paris, a remarkable village can be found less than an hour from the capital: discover this gem in the Île-de-France.
- Biking or walking tours to explore the surroundings
- Themed guided tours (religious heritage, artisans, outdoor markets)
- Culinary tastings and discovery of regional specialties
- Festive program during the show aired each summer on France 3
| Experience to live | Example of village | Ideal season |
|---|---|---|
| Medieval festival | Semur-en-Auxois | Summer |
| Hiking and swimming | Calcatoggio | Spring/Summer |
| Christmas market | Eguisheim | Winter |
What are the main lessons of this competition on rural tourism?
The growing popularity of winning villages confirms a national and international enthusiasm for local, ethical, and environmentally friendly tourism. This movement highlights local identity while allowing for the decongestion of major urban sites. Interest is now shifting towards discovering preserved atmospheres, traditional festivals, ancestral know-how, and encounters with artisans or producers. To go further, draw inspiration from emerging tourism trends in France before planning your next getaways.
- Diversity of landscapes – from mountains to sea
- Central role of villages in local dynamism
- Positive impact on the economy and preservation of traditions
- Satisfaction of travelers seeking authenticity
| Trend | Associated village | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle itineraries (cycling, hiking) | Clécy | Active discovery of the Normandy Switzerland |
| Gastronomic renewal | Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne | Gourmet markets of the South-West |
| Eco-tourism | Grand’Rivière | Protection of island environment |
The election of the Favorite Village of the French warms the hearts of rural discovery lovers and extraordinary stays every summer. To transform these televised favorites into concrete experiences, nothing beats a weekend or vacation discovering villages such as Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Eguisheim, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, or Rocamadour. The reward is a living heritage, rare friendliness, and unforgettable memories for all lovers of travel in France.
