With its long history, France is full of medieval towns and villages that take us back in time to the Middle Ages. These towns are made up of ramparts, cobbled streets, old stone or timber-framed houses, and are often dominated by a castle and a church. They are usually set in the midst of wilderness, in the heart of flat countryside, mountains or on a rocky outcrop. Medieval towns and villages are a testament to our ancestors, and a stroll through them often teaches us a great deal about our history. Charming craft stores, restaurants and museums add to their appeal. Here are 15 of the most beautiful medieval villages in France.
1. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Tarn
Perched atop a green hill, Cordes-sur-Ciel charms visitors with its maze of cobbled streets, Gothic houses, vaulted passageways and fortified gates. As you wander through the streets, you'll come across a number of viewpoints offering exceptional panoramas of the surrounding valley. And, of course, don't forget to visit the town 's main monuments, including Saint-Michel church, the medieval market hall and the Grand Veneur's house. The Escuelle des Chevaliers, a charming medieval inn, is the perfect place to put down your bags. The Charles Portal museum provides a better understanding of the village's history, while the Jardin des Paradis is the perfect place to enjoy a green, flower-filled setting with an old washhouse and fountain.
2. Belcastel, Aveyron
Aveyron is a little paradise for lovers of medieval towns and villages. Let's stop off in the village of Belcastel, dominated by an imposing fortified castle that has been completely restored and is well worth a visit to discover its long history. The town, which seems protected by the wooded slopes of the surrounding valley, reveals some real treasures as you stroll along: stone houses, the Vieux Pont, the church of Sainte-Madeleine, a bread oven and the seigneur's chairs, which were carved directly into the Roquecante rock in the 16th century. Not far from the village, we recommend a visit to the Roc d'Anglars, a rock formation on the banks of the Aveyron, where you'll find an ancient ruined defensive fort dating back to the5th century.
3. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
One of the most beautiful villages in the Dordogne Many visitors literally fall in love with the commune of Sarlat in the Dordogne. Quite simply, this town with its splendid lauze roofs is reputed to be home to the highest concentration of listed or classified historic monuments in the world! So don't fail to look up at every bend in the streets and alleys, and be sure to stop by and photograph the Lanterne des Morts, the Maison de la Boétie, the cathedral and the former bishop's palace, not forgetting the statue of the Badaud. Sarlat also boasts a multitude of boutiques and restaurants where you can sample the divine gastronomy of the Périgord Noir. All in all, a journey of many pleasures.
Fancy a trip to the area? Check out our article What to do in the Périgord region of the Dordogne? The 17 must-sees.
4. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Hérault
In the south of France, the village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a spiritual and cultural stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. It's a pleasant place to stroll for hours, contemplating monuments from another era, as you stroll along the streets and lanes lined with flowers. A must-see is theGellone Abbey, built in the 9th century and around which the village grew. Other exceptional buildings include the Château du Géant, the Church of Saint-Laurent and the Maison de Lorimy, a former Penitent chapel. After a visit to the craftsmen's stores, don't miss the superb Pont du Diable, built in the 11th century, 50 m long and spanning the waters of the Hérault. The surrounding countryside is truly breathtaking. Wondering what to do in the Hérault? Check out our 19 must-sees!
5. Carcassonne, Aude
It's hard to mention France's most beautiful medieval cities without stopping off at Carcassonne. The fortified city played a major role in the construction of the French territory, having defended the border between France and Aragon right up to the important date of the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. The Pont-Vieux and the Bastide Saint-Louis, the Château Comtal and the Basilique Saint-Nazaire are just some of the many monuments to see as you wander through the streets. There are also some very interesting museums, such as the Inquisition Museum, the School Museum, the Maison de la Chevalerie and the Mémoire Combattante cultural center. A stay in Carcassonne is also the perfect opportunity to discover the Canal du Midi, go swimming at Lac de la Cavayère in summer and, of course, sample the local cassoulet.
6. Provins, Seine-et-Marne
It would be wrong to think that there are no medieval cities in the Île-de-France region, as the superb city of Provins is home to some sixty historic monuments. The town is a veritable open-air museum, where you can explore its ramparts before visiting its timber-framed houses, churches, Caesar's Tower and the Grange aux Dîmes (Tithe Barn), whose staging allows you to learn all about the Champagne Fairs that once took place in the town. The Provins Rose Garden, meanwhile, is dominated by the town's main must-see monuments. With its 450 varieties of rose, this is a truly exceptional setting. Provins is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Eguisheim, Haut-Rhin
Alsace is also rich in villages, offering a journey through the centuries back to the Middle Ages. Located on the Alsace Wine Route, Eguisheim is one of the most beautiful villages in eastern France and one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace. Follow the signposted route around the village on foot, contemplating the beauty of its colorful half-timbered facades. The pretty winegrowers' houses are always carefully decorated with flowers. Also worth a visit are the fountains and two superb monuments: the château des Comtes d'Eguisheim and the chapel of Saint-Léon IX. And in this "Most Beautiful Village in France", there's no doubt that stopping off at a café terrace to enjoy a glass of a local grand cru is an absolute must.
8. Loches, Indre-et-Loire
In the heart of the Châteaux de la Loire region, in southern Touraine, the medieval city of Loches awaits those wishing to step back in time. It is one of the few medieval towns in France to have preserved almost all of its 12th-century ramparts. Once through the Porte Royale, the streets are lined with tufa stone buildings, and you'll pass by the splendid monuments of the keep, 36 m high and one of the best preserved in Europe. Then comes the collegiate church of Saint-Ours, with its exceptional pyramidal domes, unique in France, and home to the recumbent statue of Agnès Sorel. Next door is the 14th-century Logis Royal, preferred residence of the Valois dynasty. In the lower part of the town, you'll find shops and restaurants serving dishes based on regional produce.
9. Dinan, Côtes-d'Armor
In Brittany, the medieval town of Dinan is not to be missed under any circumstances, especially as it is one of our top 15 most beautiful villages in Britt any. Overlooking the River Rance, it boasts beautiful narrow streets lined with stone and half-timbered houses. Here and there, terraces await visitors for a coffee or evening aperitif. Next, it's a good idea to head for Rue de Jerzual, renowned for its beautiful homes and numerous artists' studios. Monuments include the churches of Saint-Malo and Saint-Sauveur, the Tour de l'Horloge and the château, which dominates the town and boasts a fine keep. Finally, head for the port of Dinan, where you can hire a boat and enjoy a peaceful cruise on the Rance.
10. Pérouges, Ain
Pérouges, an ancient town of weavers, lies in the Dombes region, just 30 km from Lyon. Here, you can wander through the many cobbled streets and stone houses that have retained their charm of yesteryear. You'll also see the two gateways leading to the town, the 15th-century fortress-church and the Hostellerie du Vieux Pérouges, a magnificent 12th-century timber-framed house. The Renaissance also left its mark here and there. For those with a sweet tooth, we recommend sampling the local specialty, sugar pie, accompanied by a glass of Cerdon Pétillant. And if you want to get away from it all, the Dombes ponds are a real paradise, home to a multitude of birds.
11. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Basque Country
Located on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is visited year-round by pilgrims from all over the world. This charming village in lower Navarre is home to several architectural styles: Romanesque in the church of Saint-Jean-le-Vieux and Gothic in the church of Notre-Dame-de-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. In addition to this rich religious heritage, the village is renowned for its citadel, reached by a sloping path. Built in the 17th century, it stands on the site of the former medieval castle. So many assets that make Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port a must-see in our ranking of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country.
Are you walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela? Discover our 12 tips for success!
12. Ruoms, Ardèche
One of the most beautiful villages in Ardèche, Ruoms is a fortified village dating back to the Middle Ages, which has preserved its six defensive towers. In the south of the Ardèche, this village is famous for the stone it once quarried to build famous monuments such as Montpellier's theater and Avignon's new bridge. From Ruoms, take the picturesque route des défilés to Largentière, where tunnels and vaults alternate. Carved into the rock in the 19th century, it offers spectacular views of the limestone cliffs and the Ardèche river below.
13. Saint-Laurent-Sous-Coiron, Ardèche
It's the highest perched village in Ardèche... Welcome to Saint-Laurent-Sous-Coiron, a charming village at the foot of the Coiron massif that attracts visitors with its historic heritage and magnificent scenery of valleys, hills and cliffs. The village has a long history dating back to medieval times , which is still visible in the town's buildings and monuments. The Château de Saint-Laurent, built in the 11th century, is a jewel of medieval architecture that dominates the town and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding region. The 12th-century Romanesque church is also a must-see for visitors looking to explore the town's history.
14. Peille, Alpes-Maritimes
Located in the Alpes-Maritimes, inland from Menton and Monaco, Peille is one of the region's best-known medieval towns and one of the most beautiful villages in the Provence region most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region. Léo Ferré was one of the town's most popular musical guests, taking refuge here from time to time. Built entirely of local stone, its glorious past can still be felt around every corner. The Lascaris palace, built into the cliffside in the 17th century, is a shining example of this.
15. Le Mont Saint Michel, Manche
How can we talk about France's most beautiful medieval villages without mentioning one of Normandy's must-sees, and one of France's most popular visitor attractions: Mont-Saint-Michel? This village, which is also an abbey, lies proudly in the middle of a beautiful seascape. Once you've arrived, take the time to visit the abbey church, cloister, monks' walkway and refectory. Then, after a stroll through the narrow streets, it's time to head for the heights for a breathtaking view of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. This end-of-the-world site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wondering what to do at Mont Saint-Michel? Discover our 13 must-do activities!
Discover other charming villages by consulting our Top 15 of the most beautiful villages in Northern France or our Top 15 of the most beautiful villages in Corsica!
