The Most Beautiful Village in France: An Idyllic Gem
Voting rules: Choose the village you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on Sep 15, 2023 06:13
Discover the hidden gems of France as you embark on a picturesque journey through its enchanting villages. StrawPoll proudly presents the highly anticipated ranking of "What is the most beautiful village in France?" As a treasure trove of charm, history, and culture, these idyllic settings are waiting to capture your heart and imagination. Join thousands of fellow travelers and Francophiles as they cast their votes for their favorite villages, or suggest an equally captivating option that we might have missed. Immerse yourself in the rustic allure of cobblestone lanes, vibrant flower-filled balconies, and stunning landscapes that define these unforgettable destinations. Don't miss this unique opportunity to have your say and uncover the most breathtaking corners of l'Hexagone. Vote now and let the enchantment of France's most beautiful villages sweep you off your feet!
What Is the Most Beautiful Village in France? (September 2023)
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155votes
Gilbert Bochenek · CC BY-SA 3.0Eze is a stunning medieval village located in the hills above the French Riviera. It is known for its narrow streets, stone buildings, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.DescriptionEze is a stunning medieval village located on the French Riviera, perched atop a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is renowned for its picturesque charm and breathtaking views.- Location: French Riviera
- Elevation: 427 meters (1,401 feet)
- Architecture: Medieval
- Views: Panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea
- Attractions: Jardin Exotique (Exotic Garden), The Church of Eze, The Fragonard Perfume Factory
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234votes
Torsade de Pointes · Public domainRiquewihr is a charming village in the heart of the Alsace wine region. It is famous for its half-timbered houses, colorful buildings, and picturesque streets.DescriptionRiquewihr is a picturesque small town located in the Alsace region of France. It is known for its charming medieval architecture and well-preserved historic character. The town is nestled amidst rolling vineyards and surrounded by the Vosges Mountains, offering stunning natural scenery. Riquewihr is often considered one of the most beautiful small towns in France, attracting visitors from around the world.- Location: Alsace region, France
- Architecture: Medieval buildings and houses
- Historical Significance: Well-preserved historic character
- Natural Surroundings: Surrounded by vineyards and Vosges Mountains
- Scenic Beauty: Picturesque landscapes
Riquewihr in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful small town in France
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319votes
Jean-Christophe BENOIST · CC BY 3.0Gordes is a hilltop village in the Luberon region of Provence. It is known for its beautiful stone houses, cobbled streets, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.DescriptionGordes is a picturesque small town located in the Provence region of France. It is perched on the hilltops of the Vaucluse Mountains, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The town is known for its charming stone houses, narrow winding streets, and beautifully preserved medieval architecture. Gordes attracts visitors from around the world with its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.- Geography: The town is built on a rocky hill and offers breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley.
- Architecture: Gordes is famous for its well-preserved medieval structures, including the 12th-century castle and the Saint Firmin church.
- Historical Significance: The town has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, with various civilizations leaving their mark, including the Romans and the Knights Templar.
- Cultural Events: Gordes hosts several cultural events throughout the year, such as the 'Les Soirées d'Été' festival, featuring music, theater, and dance performances.
- Artistic Influence: The town has attracted many artists over the years, including Marc Chagall and Victor Vasarely, who have captured its beauty in their works.
Gordes in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful small town in France
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416votes
Baptiste ROUSSEL · CC BY-SA 3.0Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a medieval village located in the hills above the French Riviera. It is known for its narrow streets, stone buildings, and beautiful art galleries.DescriptionSaint-Paul-de-Vence is a captivating medieval hilltop village located in the French Riviera. Known for its enchanting stone buildings, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, it is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.- Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, southeastern France
- Historical Significance: Founded in the 9th century, Saint-Paul-de-Vence has a rich history and holds a strong cultural heritage.
- Artistic Haven: Popular among artists, the village has been a source of inspiration for many renowned painters, writers, and actors.
- Charming Architecture: Its architecture showcases a blend of medieval and Renaissance styles, with notable features like ancient ramparts and fortified gates.
- Museums and Galleries: Saint-Paul-de-Vence is home to several art galleries and museums, including the famous Fondation Maeght, which houses an exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art.
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511votes
Sémhur · CC BY-SA 4.0Beynac-et-Cazenac is a picturesque village located in the Dordogne region of southwestern France. It is known for its stunning chateau, medieval architecture, and scenic location on the banks of the Dordogne River.DescriptionBeynac-et-Cazenac is a picturesque village located in the Dordogne department of southwestern France. Situated on the banks of the Dordogne River, this medieval village is known for its remarkable architecture, charming streets, and stunning natural surroundings. The village is a perfect example of the architectural heritage of the region, with its stone houses, narrow alleys, and a majestic castle overlooking the entire village. Beynac-et-Cazenac has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty and immerse themselves in its rich history.- Tourism: Major tourist attraction
- Activities: Boat trips, hiking, exploring historic sites
- Location: Dordogne department, southwestern France
- Architectural Style: Medieval
- Landmarks: Beynac Castle, Saint-Barthélemy Church
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613votesLes Baux-de-Provence is a hilltop village located in the Alpilles mountains of Provence. It is known for its beautiful stone houses, narrow streets, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.DescriptionLes Baux-de-Provence is a picturesque village located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France. Perched atop a rocky hill, this medieval village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. With its narrow, winding streets, ancient stone buildings, and well-preserved architectural heritage, Les Baux-de-Provence is often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.
- Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
- Elevation: 245 meters (804 feet)
- Population: N/A (officially classified as a commune, but mostly a tourist destination)
- Architecture: Medieval, with well-preserved stone buildings and narrow streets
- Attractions: Château des Baux-de-Provence, Carrières de Lumières (art exhibition in an old quarry), Museums
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78votes
Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 4.0Saint-Emilion
Not availableSaint-Emilion is a charming village in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region. It is famous for its historic architecture, beautiful vineyards, and world-renowned wines.DescriptionSaint-Emilion is a charming and picturesque village located in the Bordeaux wine region of southwestern France. It is famous for its well-preserved historic architecture, beautiful vineyards, and rich cultural heritage. The village is situated on a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside. It is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and quaint squares filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Saint-Emilion is also known for its exceptional wines, in particular, the world-renowned red wines produced in the region.- Location: Bordeaux wine region, southwestern France
- Architecture: Well-preserved historic buildings
- Surroundings: Vineyards and picturesque countryside
- Topography: Situated on a hill
- Streets: Narrow cobblestone streets
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81votes
Manfred Heyde · CC BY-SA 3.0La Roque-Gageac is a beautiful village located on the banks of the Dordogne River in southwestern France. It is known for its stunning architecture, picturesque streets, and scenic location.DescriptionLa Roque-Gageac is a picturesque village located along the banks of the Dordogne River in southwestern France. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, charming stone houses, and enchanting setting amidst towering cliffs and lush greenery.- Location: Southwestern France
- Setting: Along the banks of the Dordogne River and surrounded by cliffs
- Architecture: Charming stone houses
- Natural Beauty: Stunning scenery with lush greenery
- Weather: Mild temperate climate
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97votesColmar is a picturesque town in the Alsace region of northeastern France. It is known for its colorful half-timbered houses, historic architecture, and charming canals.DescriptionColmar is a picturesque small town located in the northeastern region of France, known as Alsace. It is often referred to as a living fairytale with its charming cobblestone streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and flower-filled canals. The town's well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture adds to its timeless allure, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking beauty and history.
- Alsatian Architecture: Colmar boasts a unique blend of German and French architectural styles, creating a distinct Alsatian charm.
- Little Venice: One of Colmar's most famous neighborhoods, Little Venice, is characterized by its canals lined with colorful houses and charming waterfront cafes.
- Musée Unterlinden: This renowned art museum is housed in a former Dominican convent and features an impressive collection, including Matthias Grünewald's Isenheim Altarpiece.
- Maison des Têtes: An architectural gem, Maison des Têtes is a 17th-century building adorned with intricate façade sculptures of human and grotesque heads.
- Quai de la Poissonnerie: This charming quay, lined with half-timbered houses, is a delightful spot to enjoy a leisurely stroll by the water.
Colmar in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful small town in France
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105votes
Yves LC · CC BY-SA 3.0Annecy is a beautiful town located on the shores of Lake Annecy in the French Alps. It is known for its stunning lake views, historic architecture, and charming old town.DescriptionAnnecy is a picturesque city located in the southeastern part of France. Its charm lies in its stunning natural surroundings, with the crystal-clear Lake Annecy nestled amidst towering mountains. The city's rich history, well-preserved medieval architecture, and vibrant culture make it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.- Location: Southeastern France
- Population: Approximately 52,000
- Area: Approximately 14.58 square kilometers
- Altitude: 447 meters above sea level
- Lake: Lake Annecy, one of the cleanest lakes in Europe
Annecy in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful small town in France
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful city in France
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Ranking factors for beautiful village
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Architectural beautyThe overall look and design of the buildings, such as homes, churches, and other structures, should showcase regional architectural styles and local craftsmanship. Well-preserved and restored buildings should be given higher importance.
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Natural beautyThe village should be surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, such as mountains, rivers, forests, or coastlines. This could include picturesque views, scenic walking paths, and well-maintained gardens.
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Cultural heritageThe village should have a rich history, thus having historical sites, monuments, or museums that reflect its cultural heritage. This can include stories about the village's origins, unique local traditions, and customs.
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Cleanliness and sustainabilityThe village should be clean and well-maintained, with minimal litter and pollution. Sustainable practices, such as efficient waste management and eco-friendly infrastructure, should also be considered.
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Vibrant community lifeThe village should have a strong sense of community, with welcoming locals, regular events, and festivals that celebrate local culture and traditions. Markets and artisanal shops can also contribute to a lively atmosphere.
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Accessibility and walkabilityThe village should be accessible through public transportation or by car and have well-maintained streets, pathways, and signage, facilitating easy navigation for visitors.
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Accommodations and amenitiesThe village should offer various accommodations (like hotels, bed and breakfasts, or vacation rentals) and have amenities such as restaurants, cafés, and shops that provide a pleasant and comfortable stay for visitors.
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Safety and securityThe village should have a low crime rate and a strong sense of security, making it a safe destination for all travelers.
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Unique characterThe village should stand out for its unique charm and atmosphere, setting it apart from other destinations.
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AuthenticityThe village should maintain its authenticity by preserving local customs, heritage, and avoiding over-commercialization or excessive tourism development.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful village in France. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite village is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.
Statistics
- 1614 views
- 169 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each village once every 24 hours. The rank of each village is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful village in france
France is known for its picturesque villages that are scattered throughout the countryside. These villages are not only beautiful but also steeped in history and culture, making them a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
In France, the title of "most beautiful village" is awarded to a select few villages that meet certain criteria, such as having a population of less than 2,000 and maintaining their cultural and architectural heritage. These villages are recognized for their exceptional beauty, charm, and authenticity.
Some of the most beautiful villages in France are located in the Provence region, such as Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux. These villages are known for their rustic stone houses, winding streets, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Other notable villages include Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, located in the Lot region, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Lot River. The village of Eguisheim, located in the Alsace region, is known for its colorful half-timbered houses and flower-lined streets.
Overall, France is home to countless beautiful villages that offer visitors a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture. Whether you're looking for stunning architecture, natural beauty, or cultural experiences, there's sure to be a village in France that will capture your heart.
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