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The 10 Most Beautiful Villages of France off the beaten track
Our selection of the 10 Most Beautiful Villages de France off the beaten track
Would you like to get away from the ‘must-see’ tourist circuits and head for peaceful destinations, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities? Are you looking for those ‘hidden gems’ that combine the understated charm of the French countryside with the magic of those places that inspire so many dreams? You’ve come to the right place! Our selection of the Plus Beaux Villages de France off the beaten track invites you to discover places that offer a real change of scenery – sometimes unexpected, but always exceptionally beautiful! From north to south, we reveal some of their secrets here… Let yourself be surprised!
If you’re travelling by car, why not make your journeys easier with Fulli, the ideal companion for your motorway journeys.
If you’re travelling by train, check out our article on Les Plus Beaux Villages de France accessible by train.
North – Parfondeval (Aisne): exploring the fortified churches of Thiérache
Situated between Paris and Brussels, the Thiérache region charms visitors with its wooded countryside and fortified churches. In the Aisne department, the village of Parfondeval is one of the main stops in this region with its unique charm, which will appeal to lovers of nature, heritage and local culture. An interpretive trail, the ‘Circuit de la Chouette’, will take you on a one-hour journey through time. At the temple, the washhouse or the fortified church of Saint-Médard, you’ll learn all about the village’s rural past. Be sure to visit the church’s refuge room, where the villagers would gather in the event of an attack or siege.
Spotlight on… The fortified church of Saint-Médard and its refuge room
Fancy getting away from it all in the heart of the countryside?
Starting from Place de Parfondeval, hike ‘through the valley’ through orchards and deciduous woodland. A 3½-hour nature walk.
And nearby?
The Thiérache is a region rich in natural beauty, crossed by the EuroVelo Route EV3, which runs from Namur (Belgium) to Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Guise Castle and the 60 fortified churches of Thiérache are also must-see attractions in the region. Finally, don’t leave without meeting the cider and Maroilles cheese producers!
Grand Est – Saint-Quirin (Moselle), a village full of surprises in the Vosges Mountains
Between Nancy and Strasbourg, in the heart of the Vosges forest, Saint-Quirin is a village as unassuming as it is surprising, which stands out for its rich heritage. Its Baroque priory church with its striking bulbous bell tower, which houses an organ by the famous organ-builder Silbermann; its seven chapels scattered throughout the surrounding area; its state-owned forest; its archaeological site at La Croix-Guillaume… It is a history stretching back more than a thousand years that Saint-Quirin ! During your visit, do take the time to discover the village’s four artisans (sculptors and glass artists), as well as the art and Far Eastern furniture gallery.
Fancy getting away from it all in the heart of the countryside?
We recommend the 45-minute walk starting from the village, taking in the national forest and the Gallo-Roman archaeological site of Croix-Guillaume. Follow the ‘yellow ring’ markings on the ‘Circuit des 7 Roses’ trail to the ‘Croix-Guillaume’ crossroads, then follow the GR5 for 200 metres.
And nearby?
Renowned for its landscapes, the Vosges Mountains offers an ideal playground for hiking. Families can also go and meet European wildlife at Sainte-Croix Park in Rhodes, with its 120 hectares of greenery, or take the steam train through the forests of the Vosges Mountains.
Spotlight on… the village and its surroundings
Our top tip for where to stay in Saint-Quirin
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Projet Z
Hébergement locatif
Brittany – Moncontour (Côtes-d’Armor), a market town near the Cap Fréhel and Cap d’Erquy headlands
About thirty kilometres south of a triangle bounded by the Bay of Saint-Brieuc and the Cap d’Erquy and Cap Fréhel, we love Moncontour for its lively atmosphere! This medieval town, which once prospered thanks to the production of canvas for ships, has retained its economic vitality. And despite its small size, there’s no shortage of shops and services! What’s more, if you’re planning a holiday dedicated to studying, you’ll be pleased to know that at the co-working space ‘ Chez Yvonne ’, high-speed internet and a friendly atmosphere are guaranteed! As for sightseeing, your tour of the village will take you beneath the Saint-Jean postern gate via its grand staircase, along Rue de la Pompe with its half-timbered houses, or down Rue des Dames with its gardens overlooking the northern ramparts. Be sure to stop off at Saint-Mathurin Church and the Costume Museum, which traces 1,000 years of history through characters and historical re-enactments.
Fancy getting away into the heart of nature?
From Moncontour, take the woodland path to the Notre-Dame-des-Hauts Chapel (a 20-minute walk) and admire the view over the medieval town.
And nearby?
Moncontour is less than 30 minutes from the beaches and coves of the Bay of Saint-Brieuc, and an hour from the Cap Fréhel / Cap d’Erquy Grand Site Nature. Plenty of opportunities for lovely walks and some truly stunning views!
Normandy – Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei (Orne), the Normandy of the painters
Nestled in a bend of the River Sarthe in the heart of the Alpes Mancelles, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is a village of artists and painters. An unusual testament to this artistic heritage is the Moisy sisters’ inn, where, in its ‘Salle des Décapités’, one can still admire a few charcoal sketches of faces drawn by visiting artists. Among them: Courbet, Corot and, more generally, the 19th-century landscape painters who formed ‘the Barbizon School’. From the gardens of La Mansonière to the Saint-Céneri chapel by the river, you’ll be captivated by the poetic, almost mystical charm of this village. Do pop into the church to admire its Stations of the Cross, created by the sculptor Christian Malézieux – a work that is as surprising as it is moving.
Fancy getting away from it all in the heart of the countryside?
Discover the village from the River Sarthe on a canoe trip, setting off from Saint-Céneri or Moulins-en-Carbonnel.
And nearby?
Visit the city of Alençon and its rich heritage, notably the Museum of Fine Arts and the Lace Museum. The listed natural site of the Alpes Mancelles will also charm you with its rolling landscapes, where a host of activities await you, both on land and on the River Sarthe.
Spotlight on… Christan Malézieux, a free-spirited and unassuming artist in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
Our top tip for lunch in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
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La Taverne Giroise
Restaurant
Burgundy-Franche-Comté – Lods (Doubs), a fisherman’s paradise on the banks of the Loue
About forty kilometres south-west of Besançon and about thirty kilometres north of Pontarlier, we love Lods for its natural setting: its location on either side of the River Loue offers a peaceful landscape, perfect for unwinding. We love it for its rich industrial heritage (smithy, sawmill, mill) and agricultural history (wine-growing). As you explore the village, a ethnological trail and a visit to the Vine and Wine Museum will give you a better understanding of its many facets. Of course, don’t miss the chance to sample the local speciality at the Hôtel-Restaurant de France: Loue trout!
Fancy a break in the heart of the countryside?
The Loue is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts! An 8-km catch-and-release stretch lets you ‘tease the trout’ from Mouthier to Lods.
And nearby?
Visit the Courbet Museum in Ornans (12 km), head to the source of the Loue in Ouhans (14 km) or pop over to Pontarlier, the capital of absinthe (25 km).
Centre-Val de Loire – Saint-Benoît-du-Sault (Indre), festival season in Berry
A land of festivals and art exhibitions on the border between Berry and Limousin, you’ll love Saint-Benoît-du-Sault as much for its economic and cultural vibrancy as for the peace and tranquillity that characterise its Fort district: the church and priory, overlooking the waters of the River Portefeuille (and its pond), create an enchanting setting. From the square where the tourist information centre is located, follow the blue-marked trail which will take you along the route of the old ramparts, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and its hedgerow landscapes.
Fancy getting away from it all in the heart of the countryside?
One of the Plus Beaux Villages de France may well hide another! Cycle from Saint-Benoît-du-Sault to Angles-sur-l’Anglin (Vienne) on a 4-day hike through the Brenne Regional Nature Park.
And nearby?
Soak up the fresh air and mysterious landscapes in the Brenne Regional Nature Park, an area characterised by its many lakes (ranging from 5 to 50 km).
Explore the Creuse Valley, a source of inspiration for many painters, and Gargilesse-Dampierre, one of the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’ so dear to George Sand (25 km).
Spotlight on… ‘Le Temps suspendu’, a baroque music festival in Saint-Benoît-du-Sault and the surrounding area
Nouvelle-Aquitaine – Mortemart: the poetry of stone in Haute-Vienne
In the Haut-Limousin region, the unassuming Mortemart offers curious visitors the chance to discover a rich heritage, bearing witness to the history of its illustrious and powerful lords (the Rochechouart-Mortemart family) and its former religious significance. Set amidst lush greenery, its Dukes’ castle with its ancient moat still filled with water, its church with its magnificent carved wooden stalls, its market hall illuminated in the evening, and its imposing convent (or rather, its three imposing convents!) are both impressive and enchanting! We love strolling through the village to meet its artists and craftspeople, whose creations are on display at the tourist information centre, on the ground floor of the château, at the Carmelite convent, and even at the town hall. We also love its small-scale publishing house (Editions Rougerie), which specialises in poetry collections.
Fancy a break in the great outdoors?
How about a round of golf at the 18-hole course in Mortemart ? Or perhaps you’d prefer the scenery along the ‘Sentier des Étangs’ trail, starting from the village (signposted: 2 red lines – 4 km – 1 hour)?
And nearby?
You can pay your respects to the victims of Oradour-sur-Glane, or explore the Megaliths Trail to discover these menhirs and dolmens steeped in legend.
Literature enthusiasts will also want to visit the birthplace of Jean Giraudoux in Bellac.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes – Arlempdes (Haute-Loire), the first château on the Loire
45 kilometres from Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc, Arlempdes prides itself on being home to the very first château on the Loire! Perched on a volcanic outcrop overlooking the river, the remains of the original 12th-century building can be explored at your own pace; simply collect the keys to the site from the hotel-restaurant Le Manoir. This is also an excellent place to stop for lunch (river fish and green lentils from Le Puy!).
Fancy getting away from it all in the heart of the countryside?
For a refreshing break, take the stony paths leading down to the banks of the Loire. Anglers can also try their hand at fly fishing in this wild, natural setting, on a no-kill stretch between Goudet and Arlempdes.
And nearby?
Don’t miss a visit to Pradelles (17 km), another village listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, and take a ride on its rail bike with the family.
For supervised family swimming, head to Lac du Bouchet.
Finally, the town of Le Puy-en-Velay (28 km), the starting point of the famous Way of St James, is a must-see during your visit to the Haute-Loire.
Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur – Bargème (Var), the mountain at the gateway to the Verdon
We love Bargème for its stunning views. At an altitude of over 1,000 metres, it is the highest village in the Var. On the south-eastern edge of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, its natural surroundings combine all the charms of the mountains and Provence. You can discover its heritage whilst strolling through the village and its surroundings: the ruins of Sabran-de-Pontevès Castle, the fortified walls, the Romanesque church, the chapels… In Bargème, the local produce is certainly not to be outdone on the ‘ Route Gourmande ’, which showcases the region’s produce. Here you can sample delicious goat’s cheeses or sheep’s milk delicacies from local producers. As for the children, they’re sure to enjoy a visit to the Saint-Pierre educational farm.
Fancy getting away from it all in the heart of the countryside?
Horse riding or walking tours will round off your stay in Bargème, in the Verdon Regional Nature Park.
And nearby?
To continue in the ‘artistic vein’ and explore one of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, we recommend a visit to Seillans (33 km) and its many artists’ and craftspeople’s studios.
On the theme of ‘Provence and high altitudes’, we recommend the village of Tourtour (46 km)… also listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France!
Finally, follow the Verdon Gorges to Lake Sainte-Croix for a day of water sports and walks around the lake. Nearby, don’t miss a visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (57 km from Bargème), also listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France…!
Occitanie – Camon (Ariège), the rose of the Pyrenees
We love Camon for its roses in abundance (there are said to be over 400!) which make the village so special and fill our visit with their fragrance! Situated between Toulouse and Perpignan, in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees, the village boasts a lovely rural heritage that we recommend you discover on the guided tour organised by the Tourist Office. It is also through the Tourist Office that you can gain access to the private heritage of Camon, notably the abbey-castle, which was the origin of the village’s foundation and has now been converted into a charming guesthouse.
Fancy getting away from it all in the great outdoors?
Set off on the Camon Huts Trailto discover these dry-stone structures, which are part of our agricultural heritage.
And nearby?
Camon is situated in Cathar country, just a dozen kilometres from the charming town of Mirepoix and around thirty kilometres from Montségur Castle.
To delve further back into history, we recommend a visit to the Merovingian necropolis at Tabariane (24 km).
And for a breath of fresh air, head to Lake Montbel (21 km) and its water sports!
Spotlight on… Camon’s grapes: the revival of the vineyard
