Teeming with sunbathing squares, warmly-colored facades, charming churches and fountains, the villages of the South of France are the stuff of dreams for many a visitor . Nestled in the rolling hills of Provence, amidst vineyards or along the Mediterranean coast, you'll enjoy strolling through the architecture, sitting on a terrace, discovering local crafts and products, and then, in no time at all, escaping into a bucolic natural setting. From the Hérault to the Alpes-Maritimes, via the Bouches-du-Rhône, the Gard and the Var, here are the most beautiful villages in the South of France.
1. Gordes, Vaucluse
Set in the heart of the Monts du Vaucluse and on the edge of the Lubéron Regional Nature Park, Gordes is one of the most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region. Perched on a hill, its narrow streets reveal superb stone houses with ochre facades. With its fountain, its stalls, its castle that proudly dominates the village and its panoramic views over the valley, Gordes symbolizes Provencal charm in its purest tradition. Take a stroll through the village and you'll soon understand why it has become the haunt of such great artists as Chagall and Vasarely. What's more, Gordes is not only close to nature, but also to architectural marvels such as the Sénanque Abbey and the Village des Bories.
Gordes is also one of our Top 15 most beautiful villages in Europe.
2. Les Baux-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône: one of the most beautiful villages in the South of France
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The village of Les Baux-de-Provence lies on a rocky plateau in the heart of the Alpilles mountains. It's here that you can listen to the wind caressing the olive trees and the cicadas chirping away to share the pleasure of being in Provence. Among the must-see sights are the church, château, townhouses, houses and chapels... There are countless listed buildings in the commune! So many places to admire and immortalize on a stroll. You can also take advantage of the stores to stock up on local produce, before settling down at the table of a renowned restaurant. Les Baux-de-Provence may be one of the region's most popular tourist destinations, but its beauty is definitely worth the detour.
3. Minerve, Hérault
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Minerve is a little gem in the Occitanie region, and one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Hérault. The Cathar town boasts an exceptional heritage, with its stone houses, remaining medieval fortifications, church, viaduct bridge and La Candela, the last octagonal vestige of the 13th-century medieval castle. Everything has been designed to make it easy for visitors to stroll up and down the cobbled, flower-filled streets. Minerve was built in the midst of exceptional natural surroundings, which are full of surprises. Between two strolls through the town, you can take the opportunity to escape for a while and see the impressive surrounding gorges, or wander through the Minervois vineyards, where wine tastings await wine tourism enthusiasts.
4. Èze, Alpes-Maritimes
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Èze is a splendid commune perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. The breathtaking panoramas offered by this village between Nice and Monaco are countless. The walk begins with a visit to the historic center, passing through the double fortified gateway and then wandering through a maze of cobbled streets rivalling in beauty. You'll also pass by the parish church and the Sainte-Croix chapel, before reaching the Place du Planet and its pretty 1930s Italian fountain. Another of Éze's must-sees is its exotic garden. Rich in cacti, Mediterranean plants and sculptures, it too offers a superb panorama of the Grande Bleue. Simply idyllic. It deserves its place in our ranking of ideal destinations for a romantic weekend in France!
5. Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes: one of the most beautiful villages in the South of France
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Yet another magnificent hilltop village in the South of France. Gourdon nestles on the edge of a cliff 760 m above sea level. Don't miss a visit tothe château and gardens designed by Le Nôtre, before being charmed by the stone houses and the many stores selling local crafts and products. While Gourdon overlooks the Loup valley, which can be admired from many points in the commune, Place Victoria also offers a panoramic view of the Mediterranean coastline in the distance. Nicknamed the eagle's nest, Gourdon is also starting point for superb hiking trailsincluding the GR51 along the Loup gorges.
6. Aiguèze, Gard
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The village of Aiguèze overlooks the formidable Ardèche gorges, a paradise for hikers and canoeists . Classified as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, it is also one of the most beautiful villages in the Ardèche. Not only does it offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, it is also home to a remarkable heritage. Its picturesque lanes are lined with beautiful stone houses, not to mention the remains of its fortress and Renaissance church. After a moment's rest in the small square lined with plane trees, there's nothing like taking a walk along the "Castelas", the ancient fortified castle walkway. Here, you can marvel at the natural setting of the little town, with its backdrop of the Ardèche, Mont Ventoux, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and garrigue landscapes.
7. Cotignac, Var
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This must-see village in the Var offers a typically Provencal atmosphere, with its plane-tree-lined squares and lively boutiques and café terraces. An authentic atmosphere that encourages us to wander through the streets and alleys to admire the carefully restored and decorated ochre-colored houses . Markets, flea markets, festivals, Cotignac never misses an opportunity to brighten up its daily life and encourage encounters and exchanges, especially during the summer season. And, of course, there's no shortage of opportunities tovisit Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary and offering a beautiful view of the surrounding plain and hills. Nature around Cotignac is marvellous, revealing pines, cypresses, olive trees, oaks and Mediterranean vegetation under an often blue sky.
8. Mougins, Alpes-Maritimes
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Mougins is a hilltop village overlooking the Bay of Cannes, Grasse and the Lérins Islands. It's one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Côte d'Azur. The village is home to a multitude of colorful houses and squares, as well as nineteen fountains and wash-houses scattered throughout the commune. Just at the entrance to the old medieval village, the Mougins washhouse, which dates back to 1894, has a real charm all of its own. Another must-see in Mougins is the Notre-Dame-de-Vie chapel, with its Romanesque architecture and Tuscan atmosphere of tall Florentine cypress trees. It adjoins the eponymous mas, which was the last residence of the painter Picasso.
9. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Hérault: one of the most beautiful villages in the South of France
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It's one of the places to see around Montpellier. The village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a haven of peace, where you can stroll along cobbled streets and alleys, admire houses with balconies and stop off at artisan stores. The village was built around the Gellone Abbey, a symbol of Romanesque art in Languedoc and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the French pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. For lunch, there's nothing like the Place de la Liberté, where the terraces are shaded by a gigantic plane tree planted in 1855. A paradise for lovers of architecture and fine stonework, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is also surrounded by natural beauty, such as the vertiginous Hérault gorges.
10. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Alpes-Maritimes
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Located between the Alps and the Mediterranean, Saint-Paul-de-Venceis a perched village in the Alpes-Maritimes ideally situated between the sea and the mountains. In the heart of the medieval town, you'll discover architectural treasures such as the ramparts, the 14th-century machicolation tower, chapels and the Romanesque collegiate church of Conversion-de-Saint-Paul. The town also offers a tangle of winding streets and lanes, revealing beautiful homes, boutiques, art galleries, artists' studios and squares adorned with arcades, fountains and vaulted passageways. With a multitude of cultural sites and a natural environment conducive to beautiful hikes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is an ideal destination for relaxation, culture and green living.
11. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
It's unthinkable to talk about the most beautiful villages in the south of France without mentioning Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France. A must-see for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela before crossing into Spain, this village embodies the quintessential architectural beauty of the Basque country. The visit begins with an admiration of the impressive citadel, redesigned by Vauban, followed by a stroll through the narrow streets where traditional Basque architecture is revealed. Whether you're a pilgrim or a heritage enthusiast, you'll enjoy discovering this village, whose stalls and inns showcase the region's symbolic gastronomic products. Traditions have also been preserved, with dances and Basque pelota, making this "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (Most Beautiful Villages in France) an authentic and lively place.
12. Collioure, Pyrénées-Orientales: one of the most beautiful villages in the South of France
One of the jewels of the Côte Vermeille, Collioure is as captivating for the splendor of its heritage as it is for that of its natural surroundings. This unspoilt Catalan village nestles on the edge of a crystal-clear bay. Among the must-see sites, the castle and church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges are not to be missed , to the delight of old stone enthusiasts. Alongside the Boramar beach, you'll enjoy wandering through the narrow streets of the Mouré district, where the colorful facades exude charm. In the background, the Pyrenees and the Albères massif complete this picture-postcard backdrop. In Collioure, it's easy to understand why so many artists, such as Matisse, Derain and Picasso, have been inspired by this place. In fact, art occupies an important place here, with sites to discover such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Maison du Fauvisme. It's a real " coup de coeur" destination for summer vacations.
Collioure is also one of our top 15 most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees.
13. Rocamadour, Lot
It's one of the most beautiful places to visit in Occitanie, and its location is breathtaking. Built on a steep cliff, this vertiginous site culminates at 1,502 m above a vast canyon traversed by the Alzou river. Nestling in its rocky setting, this city of white stones has its roots in the confines of history and legend. In 1166, the discovery of the intact remains of Saint Amadour, who gave his name to the town, marked the beginning of a series of miracles. The rock was then dedicated to the Virgin Mary, shown here in black, one of Rocamadour's treasures.
During a stopover in the village, it's essentialto stroll through its picturesque streets and climb the 216 steps leading up to the medieval town. Fans of religious architecture will also be delighted by the beauty of buildings such as the Notre-Dame de Rocamadour church, the Saint-Sauveur de Rocamadour basilica and the Saint-Michel chapel. Rocamadour is also featured in our article on the hottest destinations in France!
14. Villefranche-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes
Nestled in the heart of one of the world's most beautiful harbors, Villefranche-sur-Mer has preserved its picturesque charm over the centuries. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region. Its fishing and yachting harbor is one of the most popular ports of call for Mediterranean cruises. A colorful city, bathed in sunshine and art, its old town and quayside abound with fine restaurants and bars. The imposing citadel overlooking the town, a listed historic monument, attracts curious visitors, and the long sandy beach delights swimmers.
15. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Tarn: one of the most beautiful villages in the South of France
Perched on a green hill, the town of Cordes-sur-Ciel immediately enchants visitors with its labyrinth of cobbled streets, Gothic houses, vaulted passageways and fortified gates. Along the way, various viewpoints offer exceptional panoramas of the surrounding valley. Of course, the main monuments are not to be missed, such as the church of Saint-Michel, the medieval market hall and the Grand Veneur's house. A visit to the Charles Portal Museum will give you a better understanding of the village's history, while a visit to the Jardin des Paradis is a must if you're looking for a green, flower-filled setting with an old washhouse and fountain.
Did you enjoy this article? Discover also our article"The 18 most beautiful villages in Ardèche" and our Top 15 of the most beautiful villages in Corsica.
You can also read our Top 15 ghost villages in France.
Which unusual village to visit in the South of France?
There are many unusual villages to visit in the south of France. These include
- Les Baux-de-Provence , a medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains, offering breathtaking views over the surrounding valley.
- Roussillon, a Provencal village known for its ochre cliffs and colorful houses.
- Gordes, a Provencal village perched on a hill, famous for its bories (dry-stone huts) and Sénanque abbey.
Which beautiful seaside villages to visit in the South of France?
There are many beautiful seaside villages to visit in the south of France. These include
- Cassis, a Provencal village located between Marseille and La Ciotat, famous for its calanques, beaches and fishing port. See our article What to do in Cassis? 11 must-sees.
- Saint-Tropez, a fishing village that has become an internationally renowned seaside resort, with its beaches, port and luxury boutiques among its must-sees.
- Antibes , between Nice and Cannes, famous for its Vauban port, sandy beaches and Picasso museum.
- Collioure, a fishing village on the Côte Vermeille, famous for its colorful houses, royal castle and Notre-Dame-des-Anges church. What to see and do in Antibes? Discover our top 11 must-do activities.
- Banyuls-sur-Mer, a village in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, renowned for its wines, beaches and oceanographic research center.
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