While not a large village, consider a stay near the canal. After the Allies had taken control of the area, they used an ingenious system of breakwaters and floating docks that were towed across the English Channel to create a false harbor to offload troops and supplies. What makes Collonges-La-Rouge stand out from France’s many picture-perfect villages is its unique architecture – almost all of its houses are built from local red sandstone and in summertime months, the red-toned village makes for a striking sight against the luscious green fields of southern Limousin. Wreckage from this monumental effort still remains on the beach and is visible far out into the water. How to get here: To get here, you can take a train from Montparnasse to La Rochelle, and then you will have to get another train or a bus from La Rochelle to Ars-en-Re. Hey, there’s a reason Leonardo DiCaprio chooses this as the venue for his foundation’s annual gala every year. city, but just a quick train ride away is Saint-Émilion. Gaillac has been a major producer of wines from white, to red, and rosé. Below is a list of communes in France (Overseas departments included) with a legal population between 20,000 and 30,000 inhabitants as of January 2017. Whilst staying in Amboise we would recommend visiting Leonardo’s former home at Chateau du Clos Luce, where you can see some of the masterpieces up close. The village itself has all the storybook charms you’d expect of a small French town: narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses grown over by vines; a few shops and restaurants offering meats, cheeses, and other local goods; and a thousand-year-old history represented in its man… The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels, Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager. As with most of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, they are small, historic and are best visited on foot. Picture perfect Pontrieux is part of the district of Guingamp and is an idyllic village for unwinding and smelling the flowers. The town's charm and proximity to idyllic beaches makes it a popular tourist destination in the summer. the fishing boats in the picturesque harbour of St-Gildas. Perouges is a medieval walled town in the northeast of Lyon. At Le Belvedere you can enjoy some of delicious local goats cheese while you gaze out at one of the most beautiful towns in France. For a taste of luxury, the famous hotel Le Mas du Langustier is located at one end of the island, alternatively there are a small selection of hotels, B&Bs and holiday apartments in the village. Touring the Alsace wine route is a wonderful way to spend a day or even longer, enjoying the gorgeous medieval sights over a glass or two of pinot noir, and perhaps staying a few nights in a local wine-producing B&B. The main attraction is the town itself with its narrow cobblestoned streets, beautiful gardens, galleries and coffee shops. Be sure to also stop into the Bayeux Museum to see the incredible Bayeux tapestry while you’re there. How to get here: Take a train from Paris Montparnasse going to Rennes. This small town in the central France’s Loire Valley was home to King Charles the VIII and even to the great Leonardo da Vinci himself. Some of the films created here are The Bride (1985) and The Hour of the Pig (1993). While it’s a steep climb up through the village to the Basilica, the views from the old abbey gardens of the surrounding landscape dotted with vineyards are really breathtaking. the 18th century Italian-style church of Saint-Marie. It’s Art History 101 up close and personal: The intricately embroidered tapestry is as long as a football field and depicts the events leading up to the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066. See our full disclosure here. A highlight of any visit to this part of France is the delicious seafood. Not only are these towns and villages easy on the eye, but they’re all totally unique from each other. When it comes to places to stay, Hotel de la Pagézie, for example, will combine the medieval feel with great views and a splash of luxury by offering access to the pool. Easy-to-follow lessons with audio that will take you from complete beginner to low intermediate level. The French countryside, which there’s an awful lot of, is scattered with 32,000 villages.Many of them, with their narrow, cobbled streets and medieval hilltop churches, are among France’s most beautiful spots. During winter, it turns into a ski resort. white-washed houses and traditional green shutters, hollyhocks, salt pans. Europe is full of small villages that most American travelers have never heard of but are totally worth checking out. Wisteria grows over many of the doors making your walk a sweet-smelling photo opportunity every step. The area is famous for its reds and Monbazillac wine in particular, a sweet dessert style white wine. Travel duration: approx. Bonneval is quite different during summer and winter. While you are there, you can visit some of the gorgeous castles of the Loire. You never forget the first time you see Mont St Michel rising above the bay where Normandy and Brittany meet. When you land at Calvi, you can take a taxi to Piana. With that in mind, we wanted to share our favourite towns and villages in France, that will hopefully add an extra layer for you to explore on your next adventures. From Rennes take another train to Dol de Bretagne and then another train going to Dinan. By Jaime from Jaime Says – Purposefully Quiet Travel. The fairy tale village of Verteuil-sur-Charente is situated near Ruffec in the Charente region of France. It is below the Col de l’lseran, one of the highest mountains in Europe, so it is recommended for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Exploring small villages is our focus as we continue our travels in France. From the train station it’s about a ten minute walk into the village. Here you will be able to walk in the footsteps of the kings and queens, and the experience is truly extraordinary! You can spend a day wandering the small town, between the castle walls and taking in the views over the valley and the river Aude from the ramparts. Try the delicious local seafood dishes at one of the many historic auberges (inns) or the famous omelettes at La Mere Poulard. www.bonifacio.fr (External link) Calvi Goult is the unsung hero of the Luberon valley in Provence. We recommend cosy La Flotille. There are hotels ranging from very low in price to a moderately higher rate. I liked it way more than Paris. taking a picnic. If you’re a food and wine lover it’s perfect because there are many shops and restaurants showcasing the local duck specialities – in particular, confit du canard and foie gras. The village houses are an attraction in themselves, with their beautifully rustic appearance, window boxes and pastel coloured shutters. Above the old town you will find the feudal castle surrounded by a six acre park from where you can enjoy magnificent views. There are two contrasting yet complimentary gardens that you can visit; the flower garden and the Japanese water garden. Frederic Bibard is the founder of Talk in French, a company that helps french learners to practice and improve their french. Recommended hotel: Villa Lara hotel – small luxury boutique hotel opposite the Cathedral – click here for more details. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, also called villa Île-de-France, a French seaside villa located at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera, Chapelle de Saint Pierre des Pecheurs, Fort du Mont Alban, Old Harbour, Le Jardin exotique d’Eze, day trips to Nice or Monaco or you can simply choose to relax by the beach sipping a coffee and enjoying a wonderful French croissant. Make sure to have your camera handy! A charming town of bicycles! St. Paul De Vence is one of those small hilltop villages that just oozes charm, art and fantastic views from above to the countryside below. In winter the mountains are blanketed in snow and it becomes a destination for those who seek their thrills on skis. Also, it is nice to walk the Impressionist Trail, linking a number of views which figured in the paintings of the Impressionist artists. More Small Villages in France . Macaron addict. Before you travel to the beautiful French destinations mentioned above, get your copy of the most complete French Phrasebook. Make sure to try the moules frites and local cider at one of the many bistrots in town. Accommodation on the island is limited, and if you are lucky enough to be able to stay after the last boat leaves at 7pm, you are treated to being able to see the village in a whole different light. Eze village is a tiny hilltop town on the Cote d’Azur. Travelling around some of the small towns in France means travel between hilltops, rocky coastal towns and breathtaking scenery while enjoying the local lifestyles of the people. It’s romantic, and very French. A nice place to stay in Auvers is Chez Angelina, a lovely old cottage atmosphere located in the historic center. A museum right along the shore documents the events of D-Day and beyond for those interested in more history. Auvers-sur-Oise is one of the best day trips from Paris, located only 30km north of the capital. During summer the clock tower is open to the public. It’s especially wonderful to meet the D-Day Veterans who come year after year. It would not be France without a local wine, and Pau is famous for Jurançon, which is produced in only 25 towns and villages. Picturesque villages and well-known restaurants are complemented by some of France’s best international schools. Last but not least, one of the most popular tourist spots in Upper Normandy. But Auvers’ most famous guest was Vincent Van Gogh, who spent his last two months of life in the town’s Little inn and where he painted 70 works! This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. My best advice is to rent a car and a villa on AirBnB – both of which are surprisingly affordable in Provence – and do a road trip around to the Senaque Abbey, Sault, and everything in between. If you’re more adventurous you can take a sunrise or sunset balloon ride with France Montgolfières which floats through Burgundy and over Vézelay and the surrounding countryside! The boat journey is just one hour each way which gives you nine hours to walk along the 10.5 mile coastal foot path (pack your walking boots and refreshments! How to get here: Take a train from Paris Est to Colmar. It has everything you need to travel in France with confidence. The communes are the fourth-level administrative divisions of France. In the best ones you’ll get to know about local savoir-faire, culture, cuisine and industry. The village is very small with few amenities so head to the hills for lunch. Amboise, as I mentioned before, is located in the heart of Loire Valley, which has strong historical links to the French Royal Family. Goult is an excellent place to base yourself if you’re touring the Luberon, and has many boutique B&Bs and holiday villas to relax in. Once again we return to the eastern border in our search for the most beautiful villages in France, to meet this time with Yvoire, a few kilometers from the Swiss city of Geneva. There are parties and barbeques in the street, and you can stop at the church to see a mannequin posing as John Steele, who famously got stuck on the church during the invasion and hung there for hours avoiding detection by the Nazis. Make sure your camera battery is charged, there are endless photo opportunities. Beuvron-en-Auge. Today, Auvers is a place of pilgrimage for Van Gogh’s fans who want to visit the room where he died, the town’s church or the cemetery where he is buried. Simply strolling through the town is part of the experience, taking in the shops that line the old streets selling everything from trinkets to local cheeses. At low tide, visitors can walk along the sand to get up close to these concrete and steel reminders of a time when this idyllic French beach town was the site of one of the most important battles of WWII. Comprehensive Online French Course for Beginners. Be sure to stay at the Welcome Hotel in Villefrancce Sur Mer as it is located right on the Riviera with wonderful views and makes their patio makes the perfect spot for people watching. Similar to Ars-en-Ré, Piana is also made up of traditional white-washed stone houses and churches. Make sure to go with a guide as the tides turn quickly and are treacherous. The popular La Vapeur du Trieux, a steam train with its period dressed hosts, connects Pontrieux and the beach side town Paimpol through breathtaking scenery and we suggest being camera ready as you won’t want to miss taking photos of this truly beautiful area. During summer, it is a great place for family picnics and outdoor activities. If you like wine, Gassin, a commune in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region’s Var Department that’s an easy day trip from Cannes or St. Tropez, is a must. Are you wondering what are some great places to visit aside from the City of Lights? The region includes the city of Bordeaux, and includes over 50 wine appellations, or wine regions, surrounding the city. This small village is one of the unique villages in south of france that has maintained its medieval charm over hundreds of years. Chamonix is an out door town with the imposing Mont Blanc massif as its stunning backdrop. There are thousands of beautiful villages and small towns in the country, and each region has its own special qualities. The town is beautiful to visit year-round as well, as Normandy is a lovely part of the country and the town is situated in the countryside with rolling hills and farmland in between the small villages. 3 hours and 31 min.​. You can visit the wine-growing villages of Alsace, Burgundy or Gironde to see how the terroir, built environment and flavours feed into one another. How to get here: Take a train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon Center then another train to Cavaillon. The moelleux (sweet) white wine is the most famous, however they also produce a dry one. Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. If you’re comin… The Hotel de la Marine is located right on the seawall and offers rooms overlooking the beach as well as a restaurant with delicious cuisine. Bordeaux is on the west coast of France, and has one of the longest, and most prestigious of wine histories. Make sure to try escargot or roast duck. Piana has several boutiques, bars and restaurants to choose from. In the 8th century the Archangel Michael is said to have appeared and ordered a monastery be built on top of the rock. There are two parking areas conveniently located both in the centre of the village, and at the edge of town towards the D26 road. Just under an hour bus ride from Nice, the small hilltop village has cobblestone streets, stone buildings housing cool art studios, galleries and restaurants with views to the beautiful landscape below. With its white-washed houses and traditional green shutters, hollyhocks, salt pans, and relaxing but sleepy beach town, it is a pleasure to explore this tiny seafarer village. But, there are also a handful of wineries, or Chateaux, within walking distance of the village. The restaurant located in the hotel has a very good reputation for endless delicious food (try the 9 course dinner) and is first class in atmosphere. Douarnenez, this city by the sea in the far west of France, is the perfect place to experience the classic breton spirit. Many places, like Restaurant l’Entrepôte in particular, will offer elegant dishes made of fresh local produce, such as duck, foie gras, and a selection of cheese. The village hosts numerous wine shops where it’s possible to taste the famous Bordeaux wines in Saint-Émilion. Often referred to as a “museum village,” Èze is filled with shops and art galleries. The hike is spectacular! Historically and culturally among the most important nations in the Western world, France has also played a highly significant role in international affairs, with former colonies in every corner of the globe. It is not a large village, only 7 square miles but lots to explore. It might be a smaller and less known ski area, but it maintains its good reputation for the quality of its snow, plus less crowd mean more space and freedom for you to move and have fun with your friends. Then head to the charming small towns in France. 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