While Paris is magnificent, Strasbourg is charming, and Nice is a summertime delight, leaving the cities behind to explore some of the incredibly beautiful small towns of France will absolutely enhance your trip!
There’s a certain magic to visiting France that’s best appreciated by stepping into its gorgeous small towns, which range from beautiful villages along the sea to traditional farming areas to mountain towns and beyond.
To get a wide variety of favorites, we teamed up with several other travel writers for this blog post, asking them to contribute their favorite French village to this guide.
The results vary wildly, touching all corners of the country and giving an excellent overview of where to find some of the best small towns in France to explore.
Whether you’re looking for a Provencal beauty located near lavender fields, a charming Alsatian town to explore during Christmas, an idyllic spot along the coast of Normandy, or something else entirely, these small French towns each have something special to offer.
Table of Contents
Adorable Small Villages in Northeast France
Kaysersberg
From Jacquie of Flashpacking Family
Alsace’s charming Kaysersberg may be small, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most famous villages in France!
It is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, and back in 2017 it was voted Village préféré des Français.
It earns its status as one of Alsace’s fairytale villages with its colorful, timber-framed houses that are seen throughout the region.
But what makes Kaysersberg a little more special than its enchanting neighbors, Eguisheim and Riquewihr, is that it is much less busy.
Add to this the beautiful River Weiss running through the center of the village, the 800-year-old Kaysersberg Castle looking down from above, and rolling green hills clad in vines surrounding the village, and you have quite an incredible place.
Make sure to climb to the top of the castle for beautiful views over the village and the surrounding countryside, and drive up into the vines just outside of Kaysersberg for even more impressive views.
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Kaysersberg is situated at an equal distance between Strasbourg and Basel, and makes a wonderful day trip from either city.
Colmar is even closer, and another great base to visit from.
Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
From Kerri of Beer and Croissants
Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is located in the heart of the Burgundy wine-producing region. Its position high on a hill in the Auxois Valley made it the perfect spot for one of the area’s strategic fortresses, the Châteauneuf Castle.
Today, the castle is the main reason why visitors are attracted to this beautiful small town.
With a resident population of under 100, it is quintessentially French with its narrow, cobbled laneways lined with the houses of a bygone era.
Many medieval buildings from the 14th century still exist, some of which have been turned into small art galleries or gourmet food stores selling locally produced items.
Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is perfect for spending a few hours just walking around. In the summertime, many of the houses are adorned with beautiful flowers and ivy.
The northern entrance to the town is where one of the original gates to this former walled town can be seen. The gate is also a marker for the access point to one of the best views over the valley. Follow the signs to Pont de Vue and La Croix de Mission to find the lookout.
If you can’t get enough of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, consider also going to the nearby town of Vandenesse-en-Auxois.
Located right on the Bourgogne Canal, it offers a majestic view of the fairytale castle from ground level.
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Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is easily accessible by vehicle from two of Burgundy’s most prominent cities, Dijon, and Beaune.
The short distance takes around 45 minutes from either location, and it makes for a perfect stop as part of a road trip in the Burgundy region.
François GOGLINS, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Riquewihr
From Josie of Josie Wanders
The village of Riquewihr in the Alsace region of France is truly adorable, and one of the best small towns in all of France.
The walled town center is filled with traditional half-timbered houses that are painted in all colors of the rainbow. In spring and summer, they are covered in wisteria and other vines, and it’s such a romantic place to just sit and enjoy.
Located in the Alsace region, Riquewihr is nestled amongst wineries, and tasting some of the local wines can be done right on the main street.
There’s also plenty of locally produced food, too. Look out for delicious bakeries, cheese shops, and small goods.
There is a small museum located in town, and one section of the medieval walls can be accessed to explore, but just wandering the streets is captivating enough for a relaxed visit.
If you stay overnight, look out for the nightly light show at the upper gate of the town.
Riquewihr is also located on the Grand Crus, the Alsace Wine Trail, and is a great location for a hike (or bike ride) amongst the vineyards if you are looking for a more active visit.
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Riquewihr is less than one hour from Strasbourg or twenty minutes from Colmar, and is a perfect day trip from either of these larger cities.
Lovely Northwestern Small Towns in France
Étretat
From Claire of ZigZag On Earth
The incredible village of Étretat is easily one of the most beautiful places in Normandy and in France overall.
This small French town, surrounded by impressive white cliffs, has inspired many artists through the centuries, including Claude Monet.
In Étretat, you will appreciate the typical brick houses from the region and a few more ancient ones. But what makes Étretat special is the surrounding nature.
It is located in a valley ending with a beach, and one of the best things to do is to walk to the top of the cliffs on both sides for some of the most magnificent views of the 80-meter-high cliffs made of white chalk.
You’ll also want to visit the famous sea stack called l’Aiguille Creuse (meaning hollow needle), and check out several natural arches, including Manneporte, which stretches 50 meters high!
Plus, at low tide, you can enjoy those structures with a perspective from below, thanks to tunnels dug inside the cliffs.
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Étretat is only a 2h30min drive from Paris, and can technically be visited as a day trip by car or by (private) tour.
However, it deserves at least 2 days for you to discover its beauty, and is close to many of the other incredible places to visit in Normandy!
Honfleur
From Lee and Stacey of One Trip at a Time
Honfleur, a romanticly picturesque little port town, is a highlight of a trip along the Normandy coast.
Thankfully, it escaped the bombs of WWII, so it retains its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and pretty harbor that is lined with inviting outdoor cafés.
Historically, Honfleur is notable as it was from here that Samuel de Champlain sailed in the early 1600s to North America and founded Quebec City.
More recently, it was very popular in the 19th century as a magnet for artists, such as Boudin and Monet, who propped up their easels to paint the colorful scenes of the Vieux Bassin.
A day in Honfleur could include visits to the wooden Ste. Catherine Church, which has a roof that looks like the upturned hull of a ship, to the stone Lieutenance, which was once the King’s Lieutenant residence and includes the Porte de Caen (a city gate), and the Musée de la Marine housed in a 14th-century church.
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Honfleur is about 2.5 hours from Paris and about 20 minutes from the nearby port city of Le Havre.
It’s best visited as part of a broader Normandy road trip, though it’s also popular with cruise passengers docked in nearby Le Havre.
Giverny
From Gabrijela of Under Flowery Sky
The picturesque French village of Giverny is an amazing getaway from the busy streets of Paris.
Monet’s famous gardens in Giverny will offer you the gift of beauty that inspired his famous Impressionist works. Who wouldn’t like to be caught in such a fantasy?
The train doesn’t go directly to Giverny but to Vernon, where the tourist train will await.
If you’re hoping to visit Giverny, and particularly Monet’s gardens, planning ahead is a must.
The gardens in Giverny are divided into two sections, one of which includes the house, which is itself immersed the colorful world of flowers.
The famous pond, with its bridge and lilies (they bloom in July) is located on the other side of the road, also known as the Japanese water garden.
Giverny is also home to the Museum of Impressionism as well as many galleries, lovely restaurants, and picturesque streets.
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Giverny is located about 1.5 hours from Paris via train (or less, depending on the route) and is a popular day trip from the capital.
If you’d rather visit this small French town with a guide, this extremely popular day trip will show you the best of Giverny in a day.
Sainte-Mère-Église
From Stephanie of History Fangirl
Many people come to Normandy to see the D-Day museums, cemeteries, and the beaches of Normandy where the Allied troops began their invasion of France and their onward march towards Germany.
However, beyond the beaches, there are a few French villages where important D-Day events took place.
One French town you don’t want to leave off your D-Day itinerary is Sainte-Mère-Église.
Located just an hour from Cherbourg, Sainte-Mère-Église played a historic part in Operation Overlord. Because of its location, the Allies expected that the Germans would need to come through here to counter their beach attack.
Thus, in the early morning on June 6, the U.S. 82nd Airborne and U.S. 101st Airborne Divisions landed here and occupied the town.
Paratroopers landed in the town and wrested it from the Germans, holding them off for over a day before reinforcements could come in and assist.
While visiting Sainte-Mère-Église, make sure to stop by the town’s church, where American John Steele got his parachute caught on the church.
He hung off the church and played dead for hours before being taken by the Germans as a prisoner of war.
During D-Day celebrations today, the town decorates the church with a paratrooper in his honor.
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You can easily visit Sainte-Mère-Église from Cherbourg, Bayeux, or Calais.
Wernervc, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Senlis
From Elisa of World in Paris
Senlis is a picturesque small town and one of the easiest day trips from Paris. It is located 50km north of Paris, not far from Château de Chantilly.
In fact, it is possible to visit both Château de Chantilly and Senlis on a full-day trip from Paris.
Senlis is a walled medieval town with a very interesting history. It was the place where Hugh Capet was elected king by his barons in 987, and it became a royal city until the reign of Charles X.
Visitors to Senlis can see the remains of the Capets’ palace and other constructions related to them.
Don’t miss Senlis’ Notre Dame, the town’s Gothic cathedral built in the 12th century, or the winding cobbled streets named after medieval trades, either.
The cobblestone streets are lined with mansions mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Senlis is a great place for a leisurely stroll to admire its rich heritage, perhaps with a break in a cafe-terrace for a drink in the sun.
The town also has 3 small but interesting museums about history, art, and archaeology.
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Senlis is easily visited as a day trip from Paris, and is less than an hour from the capital by train.
Mont Saint-Michel
This tiny island is one of the most popular villages in France, and its sheer beauty, impressive history, and unique location make it easy to see why.
Located on a small tidal island where the Couesnon River spills into the Atlantic Ocean, once upon a time, part of Mont Saint-Michel’s fortification came from the fact that it could only be accessed at low tide!
Today, access to the small island is available year-round, where visitors eagerly explore the charming village and the historic Abbey of the Mont-Saint-Michel.
The village of Mont Saint-Michel is very small, and a day here is enough to make the most of it–but don’t forget to pause and admire views of it from across the bay, too!
If you can spare time to view Mont Saint-Michel from across the bay at both high and low tide, all the better.
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Mont Saint-Michel is most easily accessed by car, though you can arrive by train as well.
The village makes an excellent overnight trip from Paris, or a stop on a broader Normandy road trip.
Beautiful Small Towns in Southeastern France
Villefranche-sur-Mer
From Veronika of Travel Geekery
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a picturesque seaside village located on the outskirts of Nice on the French Riviera.
It’s a both a gorgeous day trip option from Nice for visitors and a popular weekend getaway for Nice residents since it features a lot of beautiful pebble beaches.
The village is laid back and relatively quiet. The historical center is a maze of narrow winding streets that open up to little charming squares.
On one of them, the impressive St. Michael’s church stands. A nearby chapel of St. Elisabeth has a wonderfully painted front façade.
For the best views of Villefranche Bay, head to the Villefranche Citadel, which now houses several museums.
From its gardens, you’ll be able to see the beautiful seafront.
Sometimes, gigantic cruise ships anchor in Villefranche Bay, since the water is deep even quite close to the shore. It’s a unique sight!
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You can easily visit Villefranche on a day trip from Nice since it’s located only a 15-minute ride away.
Roussillon
From Hanna of Solar Powered Blonde
Nestled in the Luberon Valley but often overlooked in favor of the more-famous Gordes, Roussillon is one of the most beautiful towns in Provence.
Perched on a hilltop, it has a gorgeous main square, Place de la Mairie, surrounded by many streets to wander along.
The main square has the signature red brick of Roussillon. The red bricks come from the Ochre deposits in the earth, and give the entire town a warm hue on even the cloudiest days.
These red bricks also make Roussillon distinct from the other nearby villages!
There are lots of lovely things to do in Roussillon, starting with following the Ochre Trail from the edge of the town through orange and red cliffs on either side. It will make you wonder if you’ve been transported far away from Provence!
There are also plenty of lovely cafes and some great viewpoints around Roussillon.
Be sure to stop at a cafe right on the edge of the hilltop for the best views, and a Croque Monsieur!
There are also a few art galleries for art lovers. Spend a few hours wandering around and stopping for lunch.
Moustiers Sainte Marie is around 1.5 hours from Roussillon and well worth the trip.
Another quaint French town, and this time perched right on the side of a cliff, Moustiers Sainte Marie is a very unique town due to its placement on the cliff and the river that splits the town in two, with a small bridge to cross over.
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Roussillon is located in the Luberon Valley of Provence and is easy to combine with a day in other popular Provencal towns like Gordes and Bonnieux.
Èze
From Angela of Where Angie Wanders
Situated high in the hills (and therefore further from the famous beaches), the charming village of Èze often feels like a hidden gem along the French Riviera.
This medieval hilltop village is fascinating to visit with its cobbled streets, artisan shops, and charming cafes and restaurants.
Èze is like something from a fairytale with tiny doors and baby-blue window shutters offering protection from the intense sunshine.
Beautiful flowering plants trail down centuries-old stone walls, and cafes offer stunning patio areas to enjoy refreshments line the streets.
The village is perched at the top of a very steep hill, so be sure to wear flat shoes for your ascent to the top.
When you reach the summit, the 360-degree views are worth the climb, and the botanical gardens perched there are definitely worth a visit.
On your descent, stop off at the 5-star Château Èza to enjoy a coffee or maybe lunch on their veranda.
The view from the hotel is almost as breathtaking as the view at the summit.
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Èze is an excellent day trip from Nice.
You can reach Èze by train in under 1 hour, or by car in 25 minutes.
Both methods will take you along the stunning coastline of the Côte d’Azur before reaching Èze.
Oppède Le Vieux
From Nadine of Le Long Weekend
Unlike many other villages in Provence, Oppède le Vieux has somehow managed to stay under the tourist radar and has remained wonderfully authentic, both in its appearance and in its daily rhythm.
Wandering through the stone-clad streets is like stepping back in time, to a place less hurried and steeped in mystique.
Wander up towards the ancient castle ruins and you’ll find entire houses enveloped by nature, left to decay beautifully on the side of the old stone staircase.
The 12th-century Notre-Dame d’Alidon chapel still stands intact, though, and it cuts a striking figure against the agrarian backdrop.
In the center of the village, you’ll find just two eateries and a couple of guesthouses, meaning life here is never bustling.
But visit on a Saturday morning when the petite market takes place, and you’ll find a convivial mood takes over the town.
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Oppède le Vieux makes an easy day trip from the cultural city of Avignon, which sits less than an hour to the west.
It’s a fabulous place to visit on a tour of the Luberon Valley.
Tignes
From Skye of Skye Travels
High in the French Alps and on the border of Italy is the quaint skiing village of Tignes.
This village hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics freestyle skiing and the European Winter X Games in 2010 and 2011.
The valley is surrounded by ski slopes, which pull in quite a big local and international crowd each year, even though the village itself only has a population of 2,000.
If you visit during the summer, you can go mountain biking down any of the dozens of mountain trails.
If you have a bit more time, Tignes is located on the GR 5 Alpine Trail, and you can hike part of it and spend a night in a refuge.
It’s also worth taking a walk down to Lac de Chervil. In WWII, the French built a dam on the valley, creating a reservoir and flooding the original village.
If you bring your diving gear, you can see the eerie remains of the buildings.
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Although Tignes is on the very edge of France, you can reach it from Lyon in 3 hours or Chambéry in 2 hours.
Cassis
From Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours
The seaside town of Cassis is one of the most adorable and charming villages in Provence, an area that is world-famous for its charming villages.
There are so many enjoyable things to do in Cassis, from relaxing on the beach to rambling around the tiny streets to taking in the architecture and quaint fountains.
One of the prettiest buildings in Cassis is the City Hall, known as the Hôtel de Ville in French.
The most famous thing to do in Cassis is to spend time exploring the gorgeous Calanques of Provence by boat, by hike, by kayak, or by some combination of those!
These Calanques are intricate inlets made out of limestone scattered around the coast of Provence. You absolutely must see them on your visit to the region!
After your time exploring the Calanques, kick back with a relaxing drink in one of the cafes right on Cassis’ picturesque harbor.
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Cassis makes an excellent day trip from Marseille as it is less than an hour’s drive away.
It’s also an easy day trip from Aix-en-Provence or even Avignon.
Chamonix
From Ashley of My Wanderlusty Life
Chamonix is a lovely little alpine town situated at the junction of France, Italy, and Switzerland.
The majority of Chamonix sits in a narrow valley at the base of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the Alps and all of Western Europe.
Because of its location, Chamonix has become a haven for skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts and was actually the site of the first-ever Winter Olympics in 1924. However, it’s in the summer when Chamonix really shines.
There is a long list of things to do in Chamonix in the summer, but you’ll find outdoor adventures like hiking, trail running, paragliding, and climbing at the top.
Within the town center, you can stroll the beautiful streets with views of the Alps on all sides of you.
You can enjoy alpine classics like fondue and raclette, a staple of the Savoie region of France where Chamonix is located.
You can ride an old mountain train to Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier, and even go inside it.
But the most popular Chamonix activity is riding the world’s highest vertical ascent cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi, a 12,605-foot peak with incredible views of the Mont Blanc massif.
You can visit these places individually, but popular day tours like this combine the two attractions and make visiting a breeze!
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At just an hour away, Chamonix is easily visited from Geneva, Switzerland, though the town truly deserves more than a day to explore.
You can also reach Chamonix from Paris in about 3 hours.
Goult
Tucked into a quiet corner of Provence’s Luberon Valley, not far from more popular spots like Gordes and Bonnieux, sits the adorable, charming French town of Goult.
Goult gets far fewer tourists than its more famous neighbors, and while there is very little to do in town, it is stunningly beautiful, an incredibly relaxing place to visit, and an ideal spot for savoring a slow afternoon in France.
This is one of those charmingly quiet corners of France that is more about enjoying the atmosphere than making your way through a checklist of touristic highlights, and it rewards slow travelers immensely.
If you would like to see Goult at its busiest, plan your visit for a Thursday to enjoy Goult’s phenomenal weekly market!
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Goult is an easy addition to a Luberon Valley itinerary and is located about a 15-minute drive from Bonnieux and a 20-minute drive from Gordes.
Gordes
From Ann of The Road is Life
Gordes is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest and most popular little villages to visit in France.
Located in the beautiful Luberon Valley of Provence, this little hilltop village is truly like a scene from a fairy tale.
Wandering through the narrow alleys and side streets of the village is one of the best things to do.
Around each corner, you will find cute cafes, bakeries, little shops, and stunning viewpoints that look out over the valley below.
Every Tuesday morning, the town center of Gordes comes to life with the weekly market.
Colorful stalls are set up through the streets selling fresh produce, clothing, jewelry, lavender sachets, delicious cheese, olives, and so much more!
If you happen to be in Gordes on a Tuesday, you really cannot miss out on the Gordes market!
Another must-do is seeing the Gordes town viewpoint at sunrise or sunset. The view of the village lit up in the most beautiful lighting of the day is truly a magical sight.
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Visiting Gordes makes an excellent day trip option from Avignon or Marseille, and is just over a one hour drive from both cities.
However, if you’d like to stay longer, Gordes also makes a wonderful (and popular) base for exploring the Luberon Valley.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is absolutely one of the best small towns in France to visit, featuring colorful streets, a beautiful carousel, an incredible weekly market, and a phenomenal location at the foot of the Alpilles.
The village is perhaps best known for hosting a very famous resident for one year of his life: Vincent Van Gogh lived at the local Saint Paul Monastery for a year.
This is where he painted Starry Night and other masterpieces, and stepping into his former home is a memorable experience.
You can follow Van Gogh’s steps through Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, but even if you’re not interested in art history, this charming town is bound to delight.
Saint-Rémy’s weekly market is held on Wednesday, making it the perfect time to visit!
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence can easily be fit into a Provence itinerary that includes other Alpilles villages like Les Baux-de-Provence.
Sassenage
From Paul of The Two That Do
Located just 7 kilometers northwest of Grenoble, the beautiful village of Sassenge boasts an enviable position close to the verdant Vercors Natural Park and is one of the best small towns in France to visit.
Sitting dramatically at the base of an imposing cliff, adorable Sassenage may be small in stature, but it is rich in attractions.
Visitors come for the Sassenage Cistern system of caves, charming waterfalls, and the magnificent Sassenage Château.
Built between 1662 and 1669, the Château is a magnificent example of 17th-century French architecture.
It’s adjacent to a 19th-century designed park that is perfect for evening strolls beneath majestic cedar, walnut, and red maple trees.
Seemingly like most of rural France, Sassenage is also famed for its rich gastronomic heritage. Head to Quai du Furon on the banks of Le Furon river in the heart of the ancient village for the most scrumptious steak frites and vin rouge.
Sassenage also boasts proximity to the fabulous Grenoble-Bastille cable car, which offers unsurpassed views over the Isère region.
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Sassenage makes a lovely day trip from Grenoble.
Patafisik, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stunning Small Towns in Central France
Rocamadour
From Hannah of That Adventurer
Rocamadour is a small, beautiful, and unique-looking town in the Dordogne Valley region of south-central France.
What makes this small French village unique is the way it has been built into the side of a rock face.
Known as the “Sacred City”, Rocamadour is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been an important destination for pilgrims walking the St James’ Way for centuries.
On any given day, you’ll likely see pilgrims climbing up the town’s 216 steps on their knees to the Sanctuary and its 8 chapels where they worship the Black Madonna (Vierge Noire).
As a visitor, you can’t pass up the chance to walk the 216 yourself and admire the beauty of this 12th-century chapel. However, you can also take the elevator if that sounds better to you!
The castle on top of the cliff that was built to protect the Sanctuary below is another must-see as you learn about the history and admire the views.
Nearby, you’ll find one of the best places to visit in the Dordogne Valley, The Padirac Caves
The largest caves in Europe are so big that you can even enjoy a boat ride along the Lac de la Pluie once inside!
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Rocamadour is 2 hours away from the beautiful city of Toulouse and a 3-hour drive from Bordeaux, making it ideal as an escape from either city!
Benjamin Smith, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gorgeous Villages in Southwest France
Saint-Emilion
The legendary Saint-Émilion is known for its wine, history, and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it absolutely lives up to its incredible reputation.
It didn’t take long after setting foot in Saint-Émilion to declare it one of our new favorite places in France!
As one of the most visually stunning French villages, you can’t miss a stay here.
During your trip to Saint-Émilion, be sure to tour the magnificent Monolithic Church, climb to the top of a bell tower, tour a chateau or two, and soak in the views from all sides.
Whether you’re a wine lover or simply a traveler who enjoys the countryside, you can’t go wrong with a trip to St. Emilion.
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Saint-Émilion is located less than an hour east of Bordeaux, making it easy to combine the two into one fabulous trip.
Bruniquel
From Carolyn of Holidays to Switzerland
As a member of the Plus Beaux Villages de France organization, you’d expect Bruniquel to be adorable, and it certainly is.
This tiny hilltop town is located in the Tarn-et-Garonne department, and while walking its ancient streets, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped back in time.
Bruniquel’s main attractions, its two castles, sit side by side at the top of the town, overlooking a thickly-treed valley below.
Dating from the 12th century, the ‘Old’ Castle is open to visitors who can explore a number of rooms, including the old kitchen and dungeon, and a 20-metre-long Renaissance-style viewing gallery.
The ‘New’ Castle is home to a museum that displays prehistoric artefacts that were found in nearby caves.
The village’s cobblestone, narrow streets are lined with immaculately kept houses. Their ancient stone facades feature typically French blue-shuttered windows and are covered with vines.
Look out for the pretty belfry and the medieval arched gateways as you stroll the quiet alleys.
Apart from a couple of galleries and restaurants, there’s very little commerce in Bruniquel, and that indeed is part of its charm.
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Bruniquel makes the perfect day trip from Toulouse as it’s just an hour’s drive away.
Carcassonne
From Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan
If you’re looking for a small town in France that looks like it jumped right out of the pages of a fairytale book, Carcassonne is hard to beat.
Perched strategically high up on a hill, this location has been fortified and occupied ever since Roman times, but it’s the medieval incarnation of Carcassonne that makes it such a rewarding destination today.
However, the town walls and the 52 towers that punctuate it were heavily restored in the 19th century.
In some aspects, Carcassonne now represents what people then imagined a medieval town to look like, rather than what it actually looked like in its medieval heyday!
Nevertheless, wandering the cobblestone streets of the fortified Cité and gazing up at the pointed slate roofs of the towers certainly feels like stepping back in time.
You can wander around most of the city for free, but it’s worth paying the admission fee to enter the Count’s Castle, known as the “Château Comtal” in French, to get the best views from the walls and ramparts.
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Carcassonne is easily visited as a day trip from Toulouse, although it’s a good idea to stay overnight so you can see it in the early morning and evening without the crowds of daytrippers.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
From Pauline of Beeloved City
If you are looking for a beautiful and historic village in southwest France, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie will be perfect for you!
This medieval village is perched on the edge of a cliff, a bit like Rocamadour, and offers both wonderful architecture and views over the river Lot.
It was awarded as one of the “most beautiful villages in France”.
You can wander around the narrow streets and discover what an authentic French village is really like!
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is home to a lot of artists, and you will find a few local galleries scattered around town. Feel free to walk in and enjoy the art pieces.
It’s also a great place to get a nice meal. Food in the southwest is very traditional.
If you haven’t had foie gras, this would be a good place to try it. A cassoulet or confit de canard would also be a good option. And of course, let’s not forget the cheese! You can opt for a cabecou (round-shaped goat cheese).
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a popular day trip from Toulouse.
Ideally, you will need to rent a car, but you can also choose to go on a tour.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
From Alya and Campbell of Stingy Nomads
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is one of the loveliest small towns in France and is located a mere 8 kilometers from the border with Spain.
The history of the town dates back to 1177, and for centuries, the town has been an important point on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
St. Jean is located at the foothill of the pass over the Pyrenees that connects France and Spain.
Thousands of pilgrims from all over Europe stopped here on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Now, the Camino Frances, one of the most popular pilgrimage routes in Europe, starts here.
Pilgrimage is not the only reason tourists come to St. Jean. It’s a picturesque town in the Pyrenees, surrounded by the emerald fields and lush green forest.
There are plenty of historical sites to see here, such as the Citadel, the Medieval Wall surrounding the town, and Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont, a 14th-century Gothic church.
St. Jean is a great place to spend a day wandering around the narrow cobbled streets, enjoying lunch or coffee with a freshly-baked croissant at one of the restaurants, exploring the Citadel, and buying souvenirs.
Combine This Small Town in France With…
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port can be visited as a day trip from Biarritz or Bayonne.
There are several direct daily trains to St. Jean from Bayonne, and the journey takes about an hour.
Map of the Best Small Towns in France
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