The most beautiful French medieval villages

France is full of beautiful medieval villages which have preserved their architectural and cultural heritage over the centuries. These picturesque villages offer a real journey back in time with their cobbled streets, stone houses, Gothic churches and fortified castles. Discover a selection of villages in France to plan your next getaways whether you are passionate about history, culture, architecture or looking for calm and serenity.

Captivating medieval villages

Gordes

A place famous for its natural beauty, remarkable architecture, rich history. The village is built on a steep hill which gives it a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley. The roofs covered with terracotta tiles give the village a welcoming appearance.

It is a popular vacation spot because it offers tourist activities such as walking, cycling and excursions in the region, but also visits to vineyards and olive groves.

 © https://pixabay.com/images/id-1190470/ 

Rocamadour dans le lot

Rocamadour is a medieval village perched on the limestone cliffs of the Lot, it is a marvel to discover for lovers of history, culture and nature. Thousands of visitors come each year to admire the stone buildings, beautiful cobbled streets and stunning landscape views. Rocamadour is known for its local gastronomy and the beauty of its historical heritage.

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Collonges-la-Rouge (Corrèze)

Collonges-la-Rouge is a picturesque village in the Corrèze department. This town of less than 500 inhabitants and known for its unique architecture. Collonges-la-Rouge rose from its ashes in the 20th century to become today one of the jewels of French rural heritage and one of the most visited sites in Corrèze. The village owes this renaissance to its mayor: Charles Ceyrac. Collonges-la-Route remains the emblem of Corrèze and the Most Beautiful Villages of France. With its past as a stopover for pilgrims traveling towards Santiago de Compostela, the village has notably preserved the Saint-Pierre church, erected in the 11th and 12th centuries.

Conques (Occitanie)

A major stopover on the paths to Santiago de Compostela, it is also one of the most beautiful villages in France in Aveyron. Let yourself be lulled into the harmony of the village with its half-timbered facades, take the time to stroll through this setting with its authentic and subtle colours where you will find traces of the builders of Romanesque art: the famous Sainte abbey church Foy to the Pèlerins bridge on the Dourdou. Both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 © Krzysztof Golik — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69600521 

Carcassonne (Aude, Occitanie)

The city of Carcassonne is known worldwide for its Medieval City which attracts thousands of visitors each year. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Carcassonne is a place full of history and charm that deserves to be visited. With its imposing ramparts and cobbled streets it is easy to get lost in this magnificent castle.

Les Baux-de-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône)

Les Baux-de-Provence is home to an impressive medieval castle which dominates the surrounding landscape. In the heart of the Alpilles, in addition to its historical heritage, Les Baux is also known and it is an essential stopover for many artists, craftsmen and producers, the town is an art center with regular exhibitions by local and international artists.

Dole (Jura)

Dole is a very pretty town located in the Jura department. Nestled on the banks of the Doubs in the heart of a green valley surrounded by wooded hills. Dole is a historic town that has preserved its architectural and cultural heritage over the centuries. Visit the museum which offers a visit for science and history lovers.

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

At the foot of the Larzac plateau, this destination obtained the prestigious “Grand Site de France” label in 2010, and for good reason you will find breathtaking picturesque streets as well as artisanal shops just waiting to be visited.

You can cross the Gateway of the Angels to reach the Pont du Diable, where you will find a breathtaking view of the Hérault gorges and enjoy aquatic activities: canoeing, paddle and swimming...

Moncontour, en Bretagne

It is the smallest town in the network of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Moncontour was one of the strongholds of the region. A medieval city of excellence, it produced linen and hemp fabrics. You can discover medieval streets and admire the ramparts before taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. A unique experience that will amaze the young and old. To see: the Saint-Mathurin church, to discover the six glass roofs built in the 16th century, these constitute one of the most beautiful sets of glass paintings in Brittany!