TAKE A TRIP TO SOME OF FRANCE’S MOST MAGICAL TOWNS
I love France because it is such a vibrant and interesting country. Even so, the majority of visitors to Paris come to see the city’s world-famous museums and the Eiffel Tower. Then, they return home, having exhausted their options in France. But that is completely not the case. There are countless other amazing locations in the United States.
Most beautiful villages must meet a number of criteria, including having fewer than 2,000 residents and being located near significant historical sites.
WHAT ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FRENCH VILLAGES TO VISIT?
We’ve chosen 17 of France’s most picturesque fairy-tale villages for you to explore. Have a wonderful time on your trip!
1. EXPLORE VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER (PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D’AZUR) AND ITS COLORFUL HOUSES
In the extreme southeast of France is a town called Villefranche-sur-Mer, which is a genuine Mediterranean pearl. You can find this little hamlet on the French Riviera between Nice and Monaco.
Many large ships frequent the deep sea near Villefranche-sur-Mer, a town known for its brightly painted houses along the coast. In addition, there are excellent locations for both scuba diving and sailing.
The 16th-century St. Peter’s chapel and the 18th-century St. Michael’s church are also notable cultural landmarks in the village.
2. PIGNA (HAUTE-CORSE) IS NAMED AFTER A TOWER
Pigna is a small town in the northern Corsican region known as Balagne. A tower by the same name was constructed nearby in the 9th century, hence the name. The village is now home to fewer than a hundred people and is best known for its musical contributions.
There is a gathering of musicians in the village every July, and they put on a festival called Estivoce. Pigna is home to an outdoor amphitheater perfect for concertgoers.
3. VISIT EGUISHEIM (HAUT-RHIN) AND HAVE SOME WINE
Located in the northeastern region of France, close to Germany, is the medieval village of Eguisheim. The area is home to less than 2,000 people but draws visitors from all over the world thanks to its prestigious wineries.
A large number of visitors come to Eguisheim because it is located on the Alsatian wine route. St.-Leon castle stands guard over the village’s winding streets and picturesque homes with outstretched flower balconies.
Bicyclists and hikers enjoy the area’s many trails and the fascinating stork festival held there each August.
4. SEE LOCRONAN (BRITTANY) AND ITS STONE HOUSES
Situated in western France, only a short distance from the water, is the town of Locronan. About 800 people call this place home, and it’s rich in history and tradition. St. Ronan Church, which was built in the 15th century, and several other stone buildings make up the core of the village.
The parking lot at the town’s entrance is available for your use. Numerous boutiques, workshops, and antique stores can be viewed during the stroll.
That means you can support the local economy while getting unique keepsakes. Locronan, because of its distinctive atmosphere, is often used as a setting for period pieces and other works that take place in bygone eras.
5. VEULES-LES-ROSES (NORMANDY) IS KNOWN FOR LUSH GREENERY
Only about 500-600 people call Veules-les-Roses home. Located on the Normandy coast in northern France is this picturesque fishing village. Its verdant landscape and thatched-roof homes have made it famous. The Veules, the tiniest river in France, passes through town.
Other points of interest in Veules-les-Roses include the 13th-century church of St. Martin and the monument to the great French author Victor Hugo.