France has an endless supply of charming, historic villages, but the gold standard is the ‘Les plus beaux villages de France’ (the most beautiful villages of France). 

This designation is only awarded to some of France’s most idyllic villages, as long as they have a population of less than 2,000 and are making an effort to sustain their cultural and historical heritage. As of 2025, there were 180 villages listed.

READ MORE: Which parts of France have the most beautiful villages?

Here is our pick at The Local, with a little bit from each part of France.

Northern France

Gerberoy – Known as the « village de briques et de bois » (village of brick and wood), is located at the border of the historic Picardy region in the Oise département. It’s a close distance from Paris (less than two hours away), and it is famous for its mix of half-timbered cob and brick homes. 

The village also has a significant history, due to its strategic location during conflicts between England and France between the 11th and 15th centuries. Later on, it was a spot for the impressionist and post-impressionist painters to visit. If you are a fan of Henri le Sidaner, you might recognise the village in his work. 

In 2018, the Tour de France passed through the village of Gerberoy. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP)

Beuvron-en-Auge – Located in the Calvados département, Beuvron-en-Age is exactly what you would imagine when you think of a typical Norman village, with most of the homes maintaining their timber framing facades.

The village is located along the « Cider Route », which has plenty of cider producers and opportunities for tours and tastings. If you visit in the autumn, you might be able to catch the annual Cider Festival. Villagers press apples in the square and there is plenty of cider to taste.

A photo from 2001 showing the entrance of the Beuvron-en-Auge village, with a local gîte pictured. (Photo by MYCHELE DANIAU / AFP)

Southern France

Les baux de provence – Located in the Alpilles mountains in the Bouches-du-Rhône département in southern France, this village is perched on top of a rocky cliff, with the ruins of its castle overlooking the plains. 

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The name baux actually comes from the Provençal language, and it means ‘rocky spur’. For those who enjoy nature and hiking, there are plenty of paths to choose from nearby. More information on the village website.

A picture taken on October 2, 2013 shows a part of the village of Baux-de-Provence. (Photo by BERTRAND LANGLOIS / AFP)

Tourtour – Home to one of the world’s smallest film festivals (the « CourtsCourts ») – which screens its films under the stars in an open-air theatre – the Tourtour village is located in the hilly Var département. 

Called « le village dans le ciel de Provence » (the village in the sky of Provence), Tourtour overlooks the historic Luberon area.

A view of the home of French painter Bernard Buffer in Tourtour, in the Var, in 1999. (Photo by GERARD JULIEN / AFP)

Auvillar – Historically a port town on the Garonne river, Auvillar is located in the Tarn-et-Garonne département in the Occitanie region. It boasts several old, still-standing fortifications and churches, including its Église Saint-Pierre, which dates back to the 12th century.

The town is also located along one of the popular pilgrimage routes to the Santiago de Compostela. 

A view of the village of Auvillar, southwestern France. Photo taken in 2013. (Photo by PASCAL PAVANI / AFP)

Western France

Rochefort-en-Terre – Located a short drive away from the Medieval city of Vannes in the Morbihan in Brittany, Rochefort-en-Terre is an adorable village with a mix of architectural styles – from Gothic to Renaissance and half-timbered houses. It also has its own castle, which was almost destroyed at the end of the French Revolution.

The town was also once home to the American painter Alfred Klots.

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In the winter, the village hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in southern Brittany. In the summer months, as it is inland and near a forest, there are several walking paths to explore.

Tourists walk in a street of Rochefort-en-Terre, western France, on August 12, 2019. (Photo by Fred TANNEAU / AFP)

Ars-en-Ré – Located on the western end of the popular island of Ile de Ré, Ars-en-Ré is well-known for its salt production. According to Les plus beaux villages de France, it still produces 2,000 tonnes of salt per year. 

Aside from visiting the salt marshes and the store houses, you can gander at the merchants’ residences as well as the iconic church bell tower at the église Saint-Étienne. 

Pedestrians walk past the harbour in Ars-en-Re, western France on July 20, 2024. (Photo by Olympia DE MAISMONT / AFP)

Eastern France

Yvoire – Called the « pearl of Lake Geneva », Yvoire gives you a taste of Switzerland without leaving France.

Once a medieval fishing town, Yvoire is located on the shores of Lake Geneva in the Haute Savoie département. As a port, it has held an important trade role for hundreds of years. 

One tourist attraction is Yvoire’s ‘Jardin des Cinq Sens’ (Garden of five senses).

The French village of Yvoire on Lake Geneva, in 2013. (Photo by JEAN-PIERRE CLATOT / AFP)

Riquewihr – Located along the Alsace Wine Route, in the Haut-Rhin département, Riquewihr is not far from the Vosges mountains. 

The town has existed since the Middle Ages – perhaps even dating back to the Roman times – and it has been producing wine for centuries. Even outside of the popular Christmas market season, Riquewihr offers the typical Alsatian experience, with its colourful, half-timbered homes.

This aerial picture taken on November 3, 2023, shows vineyards surrounding the Alsatian village of Riquewihr. (Photo by PATRICK HERTZOG / AFP)

Central France

Sancerre – A hilltop town in the Cher département, about 45km from Bourges, Sancerre is best known for its world renowned wines. 

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The village is famous for the Crottin de Chavignol cheese, a small goat cheese that has been produced in the area since the 16th century.

The village of Sancerre in 2002 (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP)