The most beautiful villages in France: our top 10

Hunspach (Alsace)

It seems that this Alsatian village has everything to please. It already had the label of the Most Beautiful Villages of France and was elected "Favourite Village of the French" 2020 last July. Located in the Bas-Rhin, Hunspach thus becomes the first village in this department to win this distinction, and the third village in the Alsace region, after Eguisheim in 2013 and Kaysersberg in 2017.

This village of 652 inhabitants charmed the voters, with its half-timbered houses, its red geraniums in the windows, its numerous 18th and 19th century farms, and its authenticity. Hunspach is indeed not very touristy and has not been denatured by the presence of numerous shops in its alleys. The village centre is even listed as a historical monument. The surroundings are also attractive, with the presence of the Schoenenbourg Fort. Moreover, the village is located in the north of Alsace, also known as the green Alsace because of the nearby presence of the Vosges Regional Nature Park, or the Haguenau forest, which is among the most beautiful forests in France.

Grignan (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)

At the end of September 2019, the verdict fell. Grignan officially became the 159th Most Beautiful Village in France. " Between Montélimar and Nyons, Grignan is famous for its castle, stronghold of the powerful Adhemar family, an ancient medieval fortress that has become, over the centuries and through transformations, the largest Renaissance castle in the South-East, " explains the association. It must be said that the building, built on a rocky peak, dominates the village and the lavender fields below. In Grignan, visitors will be able to combine history, festivities and local produce.

Locronan (Brittany)

Situated only a few kilometres from the sea, this village is ideally situated and is the starting point for many walks and bike rides. But above all, Locronan has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1924 thanks to its perfectly preserved granite houses. Founded in the 11th century by the hermit Saint-Ronan, the town has also preserved its 15th century church.

Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, (Normandy)

A small village in Normandy, it too is part of the association of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. As described on their website, "set in a loop of the Sarthe river spanned by a small stone bridge, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei wraps its old village houses around the 11th century Romanesque church with its exceptional frescoes. On the other bank of the Sarthe, a miraculous spring, born from the prayer of Saint-Céneri, is said to have the power to cure certain eye diseases.

Riquewihr (Grand-Est)

Situated in the middle of the vineyards, 65 km from Strasbourg, the Alsatian village of Riquewihr has a proud appearance with its old half-timbered houses decorated with flowers. You can stroll through the streets, visit the Dolder museum in the town's emblematic tower, or follow the Grands Crus wine trail.

Château-Chalon (Jura)

Perched on the edge of a cliff, the village has a panoramic view of the surrounding vineyards. It gave its name to the famous Vin jaune. Château-Chalon has also preserved the remains of its castle and a Benedictine abbey.

Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)

Near the Vercors massif, this village was built around a perfectly preserved 13th century abbey. Tourists can also discover a garden, winding alleys and medieval buildings, making for a real trip back in time! The village and the area around the abbey were listed as a historic monument in 1946.

Domme (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

Built around 1280 by King Philippe III, the bastide of Domme stands on a cliff overlooking the Dordogne River. This fortified village has known great moments during the 100 years war, and has managed to preserve all its authenticity. You can admire the ramparts and the Porte des Tours, not forgetting the exceptional view of the valley below.

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Occitanie)

Situated at the bottom of a gorge, 30 km from Montpellier, is Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and its abbey. This was an important place of pilgrimage, and although almost nothing remains of the 9th century building, the 11th century building is a Unesco World Heritage Site. For a drink, there is nothing better than the main Place de la Liberté, with its 150-year-old plane tree and 18th-century fountains.

Gordes (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)

This delightful Provencal village is located in the heart of the Vaucluse Mountains and the Luberon Natural Park. Overlooking the valley, with its fields, lavender and vineyards, Gordes has kept its stone houses, its 16th century castle, its 12th century abbey, its old oil mill and many other architectural treasures.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)

Near the Verdon gorges, you can find this charming village. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie was built at the foot of a cliff, surrounded by hills and olive groves. Apart from its beauty, the site is best known for its earthenware workshops and its star, suspended by a chain across the gorge.