If we went on the roads of France, to discover these jewels of heritage and our art of living that are the villages? Bucolic atmosphere, beautiful buildings, traces of history, sumptuous local products there are plenty of reasons to venture into these little bits of France.

The association “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”, created in 1982, which supports and promotes rural communities with a rich heritage, can guide you in your choices. Not being an official label, it brings together nearly 160 members, selected on the basis of very strict criteria (classified sites, heritage protection program, maximum limit of 2,000 inhabitants, etc.).

We have selected 50 beautiful villages, some of which are part of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, across the country. It’s up to you to choose your favorites and, for that, on the way.

Beautiful villages of France: North West

The most beautiful villages in the northwest quarter: from Hauts-de-France to Poitou, via Normandy, the Center and Brittany

Gerberoy (Oise)

North-west of Beauvais on the road to Abbeville, Gerberoy is one of the jewels of Picardy. Listed as one of the “most beautiful villages in France”, this small town is an old fortified town from the Middle Ages which was restored thanks to the post-impressionist painter Henri Le Sidaner who fell in love with the place.

Worthy of a film set, Gerberoy seems to have remained the same for centuries, with its cobbled streets, its charming half-timbered houses, its Saint-Pierre collegiate church and its gardens dedicated to the memory of Henri Le Sidaner.

La Roche-Guyon (Val d’Oise)

The only commune in Île-de-France classified as one of the “most beautiful villages in France”, La Roche-Guyon has an undeniable cachet. Located in the heart of the French Vexin Regional Natural Park, the village has a number of mansions nestled at the foot of its majestic castle, which presents a beautiful heterogeneity of styles from the 12th to the 19th centuries.

Open to visitors, the castle belonged to the famous François de La Rochefoucauld, the author of the Maximes. Do not miss the vegetable garden orchard with its beautiful garden. From the Route des Crêtes, beautiful view of La Roche-Guyon and the Seine valley.

Lyons-la Forêt (Eure)

In the heart of the Lyons forest, this village is a perfect postcard from Normandy. Most of the houses have pretty half-timbered facades, sometimes carved, even if there are also beautiful old brick residences.

Lyons-la-Forêt, by its charm, has inspired artists, like Maurice Ravel who settled there in the 1920s, as well as Jean Renoir and Claude Chabrol who used it as decoration for Madame Bovary. Beautiful church of 12th century. constructed entirely of flint.

Barfleur (Channel)

Unquestionably, the most beautiful little port in the English Channel. The noble granite residences with slate roofs and the lovely little church facing the sea made Barfleur the darling of painters: Paul Signac lived there for a long time.

Barfleur was one of the most important ports of the English Channel in the Middle Ages. The Norman knights embarked there in transit towards their English strongholds. Today, Barfleur is a very active fishing port, it is even the 1st mold port in France, renowned for its “Blondes de Barfleur” (wild mussels from the high seas).

Saint-Suliac (Ille-et-Vilaine)

Blow of heart for this small port of Rance, so charming with its main street going down towards the port, flanked by beautiful granite buildings.

Listed among the “most beautiful villages in France, Saint-Suliac, which was founded by a Breton monk in the 6C, has kept its authenticity and its harbor atmosphere. It is a pleasure to stroll through these narrow streets called “ruettes” before going to admire its 13th century church, with its superb 17th century facade.

Climb up to Mont Gareau, which overlooks the village nestled in the valley, from where the panoramic view of the Rance, the bay, the village and its pretty beach is superb.

Locronan (Finistère)

Small town of character, Locronan has a rare architectural unity: mansions and mansions of the 17th and 18th centuries are arranged harmoniously around the main square and its old well. Locronan experienced prosperity thanks to the weaving of linen and hemp fabrics.

Its streets constitute a real cinema setting, chosen for the shooting of the films Tess by Roman Polanski and Les Chouans by Philippe de Broca. A real time machine, at the gates of the magnificent Crozon peninsula.

Rochefort-en-Terre (Morbihan)

Rochefort-en-Terre, classified among the Small Towns of Character and the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is one of the most picturesque localities of inland Brittany. Here, one has the impression of going back 4 centuries back.

Built on a shale spur overlooking the Gueuzon valley, Rochefort seems to emerge from the greenery. Most of the houses date from the 17th century and the rest are hidden under flowers or ivy.

The castle of Rochefort-en-Terre is today made up of the old outbuildings of the 17th century, transformed into a manor thanks to many pieces of architecture from the castle of Keralio, near Muzillac. A regional museum has been set up in a tower at the entrance.

Sainte-Suzanne (Mayenne)

This must-see site is the only one listed as Most Beautiful Village in France in Mayenne. On the borders of Sarthe and Mayenne, the medieval city of Sainte-Suzanne overlooks the Erve river.

From the ramparts of this old 11th century stronghold, we will have a thought for William the Conqueror, who had established his camp there, and who died without being able to take it.

To visit: the dungeon, the castle, the charming 14th century church, its cobbled streets, the old houses and the museum, which bear witness to the richness of its historical past. And, to sleep, a superb gîte which bears the name of the patron saint of lovers. Sainte-Suzanne, of course.

Gargilesse-Dampierre (Indre)

Ranked among the 100 “most beautiful villages in France, Gargilesse-Dampierre was a shock admirer to 19 e s.: George Sand who settled in the villa Algira (now open to the public). Claude Monet was also one of the fans of this village in Berry.

You never tire of strolling through its pretty alleys, before admiring the Notre-Dame church, a pure Romanesque gem from the 11C and 12C, and the castle which houses an art gallery. Also, beautiful walks to do in the surroundings, between woods and hills, so harmonious that they have been nicknamed “Little Switzerland”.

Coulon (Deux-Sèvres)

Located at the gates of Niort, in Deux-Sèvres, Coulon is the gateway to the Wet Marsh and Green Venice, the greenest corner of the Poitevin Marsh.

This village, the most visited in the region, offers a real postcard decor. Arranged in a star around its beautiful Romanesque church, the alleys of the village are lined with low and elongated houses, with whitewashed walls and colored shutters.

On the banks of the Sèvre niortaise, boats await visitors for beautiful walks in the heart of a fascinating aquatic universe. Magic.

Beautiful villages of France: South-West

The most beautiful villages in the southwest quarter: from Limousin to the Pyrenees, passing through Aveyron, Périgord, Bordeaux.

Rocamadour (Lot)

Imposing medieval city, Rocamadour impresses with its imposing stature. The village, perched on a cliff, is one of the most touristic in France, and for good reason. The arrival at Rocamadour gives each time a powerful emotion, in front of the troglodyte sanctuaries and the medieval houses which cling to the cliff above the Alzou gorges.

The Notre-Dame chapel, which houses the famous Black Madonna, forms the heart of the holy city. The visits to be made are numerous: the city gates, the ramparts, and several well-known amusement parks. Come there out of season, or early in the morning or in the late afternoon.

Collonges-la-Rouge (Corrèze)

It was in Collonges-la-Rouge that the idea of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France was born in 1982. We understand why.

Collonges, an old jacquaire stage, presents remarkable red sandstone buildings topped with blue slate, most of which date from the 16th century. At sunset, the walls of Collonges blaze. That’s wonderful.

You will also appreciate the Saint-Pierre church for its portal and its tympanum. Go to the hall which housed the oil and wine market until 1897. Please note, there are a lot of people in season: arrive early in the morning or spend the night in Collonges-la-Rouge.

Conques (Aveyron)

One of the most beautiful sites in the region, and undoubtedly in France, that we discover breathlessly. Conques, a hilltop village, is built in the hollow of a slope in the Ouche valley, in the shape of a shell (hence its name).

A stopover on the road to Santiago de Compostela, Conques has splendid residences with reddish stones and slate roofs, as well as a superb church, each detail of which is more beautiful than the previous one. The Fau museum is worth the detour.

The Sainte-Foy de Conques abbey church, built in the 11th century, is recognized as a masterpiece of Romanesque art. The eardrum, representing the Last Judgment, is the best-known part of the church, and the stained-glass windows have been redesigned by Pierre Soulages.

Sauveterre-de-Rouergue (Aveyron)

This royal country house is a masterpiece of urban balance, with infinite charm, with its half-timbered houses and its vestiges of fortification, moats, old doors. All built around a square with arcades.

Renowned for its knives, Sauveterre-de-Rouergue is also known for being the childhood village of the explorer Lapérouse. Today, quite a few artists and artisans have settled there, which makes the village even more pleasant.

Najac (Aveyron)

A superb village between Causse and Ségala, but also a fortress perched on a rocky outcrop enclosed in a loop of the Aveyron. Najac is accessible only by a ridge line on which the only street in the village stretches. A site like suspended between earth and sky, of a breathtaking beauty.

Beautiful corbelled houses in the village from which one has a superb view of the fortress and moving Saint-Jean church with very stripped-down architecture. One of the most beautiful villages in Aveyron.

Beynac-et-Cazenac (Dordogne)

A magnificent village, which presents a breathtaking architectural homogeneity. Beynac-et-Cazenac is dominated by a splendid castle, open to visitors. Walk the cobbled alleys that go up there to admire the noble residences built in stone. Superb view of the river from the castle.

Beynac-et-Cazenac is classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Do not miss its archaeological park (the site was already inhabited in the Neolithic) and take a boat trip on the Dordogne. Isn’t life beautiful?

Domme (Dordogne)

Magnificent Bastide 13 e s. surrounded by ramparts and perched on a cliff, Domme is nicknamed the “Acropolis of the Périgord noir”. Very coveted during the Hundred Years War, Domme has kept an exceptional character, which gives it a romantic atmosphere.

Walk its alleys lined with limestone residences to discover here a hidden garden, there a medieval stone hall or a church. The City Hall superb 13 th century. still houses the mayor’s office, while the 16th century Hôtel du Gouverneur, with its corbelled turret, appeals to lovers of refined architecture.

La Roque-Gageac (Dordogne)

This medieval village, of perfect architectural homogeneity, is classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Its beautiful brown houses huddle together, leaning against the vertiginous sides of the rock overlooking the village, where the strong troglodytes of the bishops of Sarlat are dug.

Visit the exotic gardens and the Manor of Tarde, Renaissance style, walk the Roman roads not far from beautiful houses. At the entrance of the village, discover the castle of Malartrie. Possibility of a gabarre ride on the Dordogne.

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (Lot)

The wonderful medieval village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is also one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Of perfect architectural homogeneity, it clings to a cliff 100 m high, tumbling down in the Lot.

A few kilometers from Cahors, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie displays the charms of its cobbled streets and its medieval houses, some of which have broken arch doors. We never tire of admiring the details of the marvelous mansions of this village, from where the view over the valley is admirable.

Pujols (Lot-et-Garonne)

This medieval village, classified one of the most beautiful in France, is fortified with cut stone. It overlooks Villeneuve-sur-Lot, as well as the Lot and Masse valleys at an altitude of 187 m.

Stroll through its flowery streets and through the small gardens, near the half-timbered houses. There remains the town gate in a warhead, the bell tower of the Saint-Nicolas church and its well. Panorama not to be missed from the Sainte-Foy church which houses remarkable 15th century frescoes and hosts exhibitions.

Saint-Emilion (Gironde)

A name that makes epicureans around the world dream. In the heart of the famous vineyards, this fortified stone city, built in a limestone valley, has been listed as World Heritage by Unesco since 1999.

Saint-Emilion, located 35 km northeast of Bordeaux, brings together everything that makes the charm of French medieval villages: steep and cobbled alleys, ramparts, Gothic church, secret squares. But also, a surprising underground heritage: galleries, catacombs.

We advise you to spend the night there, when the animation of the day has fallen. A pure happiness.

Cordes-sur-Ciel (Tarn)

Cordes-sur-Ciel, the “City with a thousand warheads”, is a medieval village of character, in stone and brick, built in 1222 by the Count of Toulouse. Admirably preserved, it is perched on a promontory offering a splendid panorama of the region.

Its inhabitants have long lived on embroidery, tanning and leather goods, leaving room today for artists and picturesque stalls.

We admire the Gothic house of the Grand Falconer, where there is a museum of modern and contemporary art, and, opposite, the 113 m deep well under the covered market. Going down, we bask in the Garden of Paradise (which aptly bears its name), both oriental and medieval, classified as a Remarkable Garden.

Ainhoa and the Basque villages (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

Ainhoa has been classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Its secret: its half-timbered houses, with colorful shutters and cantilevered floors, whose white, green and red tones blend so well with the surrounding hills.

The lintels of the doors tell the history of the houses in a sometimes rather picturesque way. Ainhoa was also an important stopover for pilgrims on the road to Compostela.

And there are, of course, other beautiful villages around Ainhoa: go and visit Ascain, Saint-Pée-de-Nivelle or Sare … Enough to fall in love with the Basque land!

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (Pyrenees-Atlantiques)

In the hollow of a mountainous circus and near Spain, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is one of the most beautiful villages in Navarre.

Capped by a 17th century citadel, the peaceful Pyrenean city, sheltered by its pink wall, offers its idyllic decor to walkers, from alley to alley. Take a walk on the covered way to get a good overview of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and its superb natural setting.

Larressingle (Gers)

One of the most beautiful castelnaux (fortified villages) in the Gers, a department with several superb country houses. Nicknamed “the little Carcassonne of Gers”, Larressingle, which is one of the smallest fortified cities in France (210 inhabitants), has a rich defensive architecture.

Former summer residence of the bishops of Condom, the city contains an imposing Gascon castle and a 12th century Romanesque church. Do not miss the City of Machines in the Middle Ages, which recreates a siege camp from the Middle Ages.

St-Bertrand-de-Comminges (Haute-Garonne)

First, an exceptional monument which owes the village its UNESCO World Heritage classification: the Sainte-Marie cathedral, which Bertrand, bishop of Comminges, had built in the 11th century. on a rocky promontory, from where it seems to watch over the Pyrenees.

The village, for its part, houses, behind its ramparts and its entrance doors, noble houses from the 16th to the 18th century, as well as barns and hayloft in the lower town. At the foot of the promontory lies the ancient Gallo-Roman city and, 2 km away, the Saint-Just basilica in Valcabrère, also classified by Unesco.

Beautiful villages of France: South-East

The most beautiful villages in the Southeast quarter: from Savoie to Roussillon via Provence, the Côte d’Azur, Corsica.

Gordes, Bonnieux, Lourmarin the villages of the Luberon (Vaucluse)

Gordes is a superb village clinging to a steep promontory, which attracts many people in summer. We advise you to go there out of season, to savor this exceptional site in peace.

You will undoubtedly leave with the striking memory of your first arrival in Gordes, especially if you come from Roussillon. The view of the village from the road is most spectacular. Do not miss the village of Bories and its dry-stone dwellings built from the 14C to the 19C. and abandoned 150 years ago.

If Gordes is the most famous village in the Luberon, we must not forget these other, more intimate wonders such as Bonnieux, Lacoste, Rustrel, Roussillon or Lourmarin.

Moustiers Sainte-Marie (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)

Clinging to the mountain and crossed by the Adou river, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one of the prettiest sites in the region, brilliantly highlighted on summer nights.

This village, reminiscent of a life-size Provençal crèche, was founded in 433. A wrought iron chain (in the middle of which hangs a star, ex-voto which has become the symbol of the city) connects the two edges over 227 m from the cliff above the village, cut by the torrent. It would have been stretched by an ancient crusader in the 13th century.

Moustiers owes its reputation to the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir church and the famous local earthenware, which made the village prosperous in the 16C and 17C.

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

Les Baux-de-Provence is located on a unique site: an imposing rock springing from the garrigue, where this medieval village is built, dominated by a citadel in the shape of an eagle’s nest. Rocks and buildings, which seem to merge, give the whole a magic character.

From the castle, the view of Provence, from the Aix region to the foothills of the Cévennes, leaves you speechless. Also, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Les Baux is, like all major sites, very touristy.

Nearby, the Carrières de Lumières offer splendid audiovisual shows inside old limestone quarries, where Cocteau turned his Orpheus Testament.

Coaraze and perched villages (Alpes-Maritimes)

Coaraze is a very beautiful medieval village perched among olive, fig and cypress trees clinging to the slopes of the hills. an attractive, lively and welcoming place, with the mountain in the background.

Peaceful lanes in staircases with vaulted passages, one strolls there with pleasure, by making a halt on a small plot where a fountain flow. From the terraced garden, at the top, a splendid view over the valley and the peaks.

After visiting Coaraze, do not miss these other jewels of the Nice hinterland that are Lucéram, Peillon, Peille, Levens.

Cotignac (Var)

A marvelous village in “Green Provence”, in the Var hinterland, Cotignac nestles at the bottom of a valley dominated by a tuff cliff pierced by caves, from which a waterfall descends.

Beautiful stroll in the alleys of the old quarter to admire the Provençal residences of the 16th and 17th centuries., but also medieval houses. On the town hall square stands one of the most beautiful bell towers in the Var (15th century). A real favorite.

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault)

Located overhanging the Hérault gorges, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a charming medieval village built in the shape of a nave, at the entrance of a natural circus.

An ideal setting for what is undoubtedly the most beautiful church in Hérault: the Gellone abbey (9C-11C). Saint-Guilhem was a prestigious stopover on the way to Compostela, which pilgrims called “the rose in the heart of the mountains”.

One of the highlights of Languedoc tourism, to visit preferably in mid-season.

Olargues (Hérault)

Nestled in lush Haut-Languedoc, Olargues seems to have remained the same since the Middle Ages. Being part of the coveted “Most beautiful villages of France” club, Olargues immediately seduces with its Romanesque marble bridge (the “devil’s bridge”), its cobbled streets, its 12th century bell tower and its covered passages.

Do not miss the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions and taste the local specialties, such as truffles and chestnuts, from which a delicious jam is made. A little wonder.

Minerva (Hérault)

Minerve, one of the Cathar citadels of vertigo, is perched on a limestone spur at the confluence of two rivers which have, over the centuries, dug deep gorges within an arid plateau, of magnificent and wild beauty.

Marked by the crusade against the Albigensians, of whom she was one of the martyrs in the 13C, Minerve remembers this tragic episode with a stele in memory of a Cathar pyre. Take a tour of the Archaeological Museum to discover the region’s rich past.

Mirmande (Drôme)

This hilltop village is one of the “most beautiful villages in France”. Behind the ramparts, the houses, nestled against each other, have preserved their stone facades, their Roman tiled roofs and their old doors. Superbly restored, hanging on the hill and dominated by its church, Mirmande radiates beauty, inviting to dolce vita and serenity.

Two men contributed to the rebirth of the village: the cubist painter André Lhote, by attracting many artists, and Haroun Tazieff, former mayor. Authentic village with picturesque alleys full of flowers, Mirmande is one of the “botanical villages” of Drôme.

Vogüé (Ardèche)

Vogüé is perhaps one of the ten most charming villages in France. And, rare thing, the village of Vogüé is classified in full. Vogüé follows the shapes of the hill, you meander from there, crossing the alleys of beautiful medieval buildings.

At its summit, the 11C castle proudly sits, which testifies to the power of the noble Ardèche family of Vogüé, which gave its name to the village. It looks great with its four towers, two of which are imposing on the front.

The alleys of the village follow the cliff. The medieval houses display all the tones, ranging from sanguine to pink-gray.

Montpeyroux (Puy-de-Dôme)

This picturesque medieval village is one of the “most beautiful villages in France”. With its old door, its old stone houses, its 13th century keep. supplemented by a crenellated platform in the 14th century, Montpeyroux is full of charm. Until the 19th century, the surrounding vineyard prospered the village before being completely ravaged by phylloxera.

Salers (Cantal)

One of the treasures of Cantal, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Salers has an exceptional collection of private mansions, beautiful architectural homogeneity, and noble residences, which is somewhat surprising at this altitude and in such a remote region. A heritage from the city’s past, which was the seat of the bailiwick of the Hautes Montagnes (court) of Auvergne.

Salers is also renowned for its meat and cheese, which will delight gourmets. We like it even more out of season, in peace, when the autumn light enhances the elegant austerity of stone houses. Enchanting.

Yvoire (Haute-Savoie)

The medieval village of Yvoire advances into Lake Geneva. With the massive tower of its castle erected above a small port, winding alleys that tumble down to the lake and its old stone houses crumbling under the flowers, Yvoire deserves the label of Plus Beau Village de France.

In the fall and spring, you make the most of this beautiful village, when the shores of Lake Geneva and the surrounding nature are sublime.

Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano (Corsica)

A small Corsican village perched 450 m above sea level, above the Rizzanese valley, 19 km from Sartène. Tall granite houses, a shaded square, a drinking fountain: Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano is the charm of southern Corsica, with the mountains of Alta Rocca around.

The village produces excellent olive oil and one can visit an old restored oil mill. And, in addition, we eat very well! Don’t miss, a few kilometers away, Zoza’s superb natural basins for dipping. A real favorite.

Sant’Antonino (Corsica)

One of the jewels of Balagne. Sant’Antonino is a superb medieval eagle’s nest perched on a granite spur.

The walk in the labyrinth of the cobbled streets of Sant’Antonino is a pure delight, the houses and the covered passages seem to come out of the rock. From the top of the castello, the view of the mountains, the plain and the sea is breathtaking.

Beautiful villages of France: North-East

The most beautiful villages in the northwest quarter: from Champagne to Brionnais, passing through Alsace, Burgundy, Franche-Comté.

Eguisheim, Kayzersberg the villages of the wine route (Haut-Rhin)

Eguisheim is one of the most delightful villages on the Alsace wine route. It has pretty cobbled streets, lined with traditional half-timbered houses and painted in bright colors.

Pope Leo IX was born in Eguisheim, and a chapel is dedicated to him. The castle of the counts of Eguisheim, in the heart of the village, overlooks a small square.

There are quite a few art galleries in Eguisheim, good restaurants, and the Christmas market period is enchanting. Attention, a lot of people in season, arrive early.

Also, in the region, you should not miss these other jewels that are Riquewihr or Kayzersberg, real postcards of Alsace with their dollhouses in the middle of the vineyards.

Moret-sur-Loing (Seine-et-Marne)

Moret-sur-Loing, this quiet little timeless village, owes its notoriety to the impressionist painter Alfred Sisley who fell in love with the place. We understand! This superb village between Burgundy and Champagne offers a veritable film and cloak decor less than 100 km from Paris.

Moret? A superb set of venerable mansions of yesteryear, vestiges of fortifications, an old stone bridge over the Loing, a medieval church, old mills, washhouses and even a museum of barley sugar. An interesting Sisley route leads to the places immortalized by the painter.

Vézelay (Yonne)

Vézelay is famous for its basilica, a Mecca of Christianity classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The charming little village, also classified, is perched on a hill.

The basilica is known throughout Europe, from the 11th century, to house the relics of Saint Madeleine. Vézelay was an essential stopover for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

The Sainte-Madeleine basilica in Vézelay includes 12th century Romanesque architectural elements and 13th century Gothic parts. The sober and humble facade and the entire building were restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century.

Semur-en-Brionnais (Saône-et-Loire)

Another member of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” club, Semur-en-Brionnais was, in the Middle Ages, an important stronghold of Burgundy, the capital of Brionnais. One of the founders of Cluny even came from the ranks of the Semur family.

Do not miss the Saint-Hugues castle with its square keep from the 9th century. (the oldest in Burgundy), the magnificent Romanesque collegiate church of Saint-Hilaire with its octagonal bell tower and its sculpted portal. All around, beautiful old houses with an almost pink hue contribute greatly to the charm of Semur-en-Brionnais.

Pesmes (Haute-Saône)

Pesmes, a jewel of our heritage which became French in 1678. Stronghold of the lords of Pesmes, the village is surrounded by an impressive wall inherited from a glorious past.

A stroll through Pesmes offers the opportunity for a superb journey back in time: private mansions, Renaissance houses, medieval church and the royal house which welcomed Henri IV and Louis XIV. Today it is a guest house.

Noyers-sur-Serain (Yonne)

Noyers-sur-Serein (pronounced “Noyère”), unknown to the general public, is nevertheless one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy and France.

Protected by some of its massive 13th century towers, it nestles in a meander of the Serene. You enter through three fortified gates. It is possible to go around the ramparts.

Half-timbered houses and a tangle of streets and small squares give Noyers-sur-Serein a real setting for the cinema. We even filmed La Grande Vadrouille there.

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain (Côte d’Or)

6 km from Alésia, the small fortified town of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain (350 inhabitants) has remained in its medieval juice.

Perched on a large rock overlooking the forest, the village exudes a discreet and timeless charm with its winding alleys and old houses. Flavigny, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, served as the setting for the film Chocolate, with Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. A real postcard from sweet France.

People also come to Flavigny for the famous “Flavigny anise” sweets, flavored sugared almonds made since the 16th century and stored in lovely little retro boxes, adorned with a shepherd and a shepherdess.

Baume-les-Messieurs (Jura)

Baume-les-Messieurs is one of the jewels of Franche-Comté. Diving into this small, comtoise town of character (also one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France) really gives the impression of descending into a lost valley whose existence has hitherto been kept secret.

The beauty of the place is obvious. All you have to do is move forward in this remote area, one of the most beautiful in Franche-Comté and one of the most visited in the department. A magical place, with a splendid medieval abbey which houses a Flemish altarpiece decorated with gold leaf.

Baume-les-Messieurs is surrounded by natural curiosities, such as the tuffs waterfall and the Baume caves, open to the public.

Château-Chalon (Jura)

This remarkable Small Town Comtoise of Character (also Most Beautiful Village of France), at the edge of a dominant escarpment of 222 m the course of the Seille, offers from its four belvederes a magnificent panorama on a large part of the region.

The medieval heritage of Château-Chalon seduces the walker, with the vestiges of its fortified castle and its old residences. The yellow wine produced at Château-Chalon is one of the jewels of Jurassic production: a pure nectar, gold color.