8 Most Charming Small Towns in France

When it comes to old-world charm, France is one of the greatest countries in the world for wandering castle ruins, centuries-old buildings, and other marvelous pockets of history. And although many of the country’s visitors flock to the more well known attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or Louvre, France is also home to charming small towns whose landmarks and landscapes would entice even the strongest Paris devotee. From majestic medieval churches to enchanting cliff-top gardens, exploring any of these small towns provides a firsthand glimpse at why France claims the title of the most-visited country in the world–and why its bewitching small towns are on the rise.

Èze

High in the hillsides overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and French Riviera, the village of Èze enchants all who come across it. Between its views of the coast and spectacular medieval architecture, this old-world village stands out for all the right reasons, known for being one of the most beautiful towns in all of France. Dubbed a “village-musée” (museum village), the preservation here is truly phenomenal, transporting visitors to the Middle Ages. Wander cobblestone paths to reveal centuries-old structures like Chapelle de la Sainte Croix, a time-honored church constructed in 1306. Even the village hotels share in the historic appeal, with accommodations like Château Èze dating back over 400 years.

Beyond hotel balconies, views of the hillside and sea are gorgeous from Le Chemin de Nietzsche, a scenic village-side path made famous by philosopher Nietzsche who once walked it. But the best views by far are from the Exotic Garden (Le Jardin Exotique) overlooking Èze. With cactuses and succulents gracing the grounds where a medieval fortress once stood, the garden offers a breathtaking blend of panoramic views and botanical splendor.

Gordes

Perched in the foothills of Vaucluse Mountain, Gordes is another gorgeous hilltop village, but contrary to Èze, it has a more pastoral charm. Lush forests blanket the region and dot the town, which creates a stunning contrast against the pale stone buildings. Incidentally, stonework is by far one of Gordes’ greatest appeals, best explored by foot for a more authentic experience. Visitors are encouraged to stroll and roam the cobblestone stairways and narrow streets to see firsthand why Gordes is named “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France” by Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.

Much like Èze, the historic structures are also a thing of magic here. Gordes Castle, or “Château de Gordes” is a must-see museum, weaving tales dating back to its original construction in 1031 and subsequent reconstruction in 1525. Touring the castle is a journey through time, allowing visitors the chance to see Middle Age architecture merged with the Renaissance, blended with modern art displays by local talents. Other village attractions welcome this blend of past and present, like La Trinquette, a modern French bistro housed in a historic building, tucked away in a cobblestone alley. But the beauty of preservation is prioritized as well in attractions like Sénanque Abbey, a beautifully preserved 12th-century monastery known for its lavender rows. Visit between late June and early July for views of the famous blooms, or in Spring or Autumn for a quieter glance at the Romanesque-style structure. 

Giverny

Despite having a population of just a few hundred, Giverny lures upwards of 500,000 visitors every year. Its incredible claim to fame is one of the country’s most famous attractions: Monet's Garden. The world-renowned impressionist lived in Giverny for 43 years until his death in 1926, taking inspiration from the village’s pristine nature. Many of the artworks we all know and love were created here and modeled after Giverny, including his iconic Japanese bridge and water lily paintings. To see the scenes that inspired one of the most celebrated artists of all time, you will have to wait a few months since it is currently closed for the winter season. But come March 29th of 2024, you can experience the blissful landscapes for yourself. Giverny’s Museum of Impressionism is also set to reopen on the same date with an exciting new “Impressionism and the sea” exhibition, so you will definitely want to mark your calendar if you plan to visit Giverny in 2024.

Colmar

Next on our list is Colmar, perhaps one of France’s prettiest small towns. Famous for its colorful timber-framed buildings and flower-lined canals, Colmar embraces a remarkable mix of cultures. German influence is seen in the half-timbered homes and businesses, a lasting impact of Germany‘s previous ownership of the town. You will even find a statue of German military commander Lazarus von Schwendi in Colmar’s “Petite Venise” or “Little Venice.” But more than likely, the feature luring you to Little Venice is the canal that inspired the district's nickname, titled after the iconic Italian city.

Boat tours along the canal offer a glimpse into this former merchant neighborhood, which is arguably the most beautiful district in Colmar. Canal tours are best booked in advance with agencies like Promenade En Barque and Colmar Au Fil De L’eau to avoid long wait times, but even if you end up in line, the wait is well worth it. It is said that the houses lining the canal were colored according to the merchants' businesses, blue belonging to fishermen, yellow to cheese makers, red to butchers, and so on. These quirky colors are still alive in the structures to this day, making this storybook town that much more enchanting–and the Venetian-style canal trip is the perfect way to take it all in. Afterwards, back on land, the Unterlinden Museum is another historic treat enjoyed in a modern way, housing some of the country’s greatest fine art in a 13th-century convent.

Alby-sur-Chéran

Located in the city of Annecy, a lake by the same name sparkles below snow-capped mountains. Known for being the cleanest lake in all of Europe, as you can imagine, Lake Annecy draws large crowds to the already bustling city. But for those hoping to enjoy the lake and other city attractions while savoring a more tranquil stay, they may prefer finding an accommodation nearby. Just a short 20-minute drive from the city, a medieval shoemaking village called Alby-sur-Chéran thrives as a darling gateway with its own special hallmarks. The local Musée de la Cordonnerie (Shoemaking Museum) and annual Alby Medieval Festival (set to take place in May of 2024) are just a few examples of the authentic small town charms you will find here.

Rest your head at Alby-sur-Chéran’s sweet and cozy Alb Hotel and explore local fun before heading out for a day on Lake Annecy. Agencies like V-Boat rent anything from pedal boats to paddleboards, and summertime is also lovely for swimming. Alternatively, if you would prefer to savor the sights from land, parks like Jardins de l'Europe are perfect for strolling the waterside. Then, following a day of lakefront bliss, history enthusiasts can visit nearby museums like the Palais de l'Île and the Castle of Annecy. The former is situated in the middle of a scenic canal, while the latter sits on a hill overlooking the lake, best viewed from the oldest part of the castle: a 12th-century tower.

Étretat

If the allure of breathtaking views appeals to your travel bug, consider a town on the northern coast of France called Étretat. World-famous for their jaw-dropping cliffs and natural arches, this picture-perfect town is all about natural beauty. Whether playing a round of golf at Golf d'Etretat (a cliffside course known for being one of the prettiest in France), or taking in the sights of the Aiguille (a needle-shaped natural landmark depicted in Monet’s painting “'Etretat, the Needle Rock and Porte d'Aval”) there are endless ways to enjoy the town's one-of-a-kind sights. This includes Jardins d’Etretat, a romantic cliff-top park whose experimental garden sculptures captivate your attention every step of the way. It is set to reopen on February 7th 2024, making this the perfect Valentine’s Day destination. But regardless of when you visit, Étretat’s immense natural splendor is romantic year-round. 

Riquewihr

Returning to eastern France, Riquewihr is less than 20 minutes from Colmar and shares many of its charms, including the title of  “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.” The 15th to 18th-century timber-framed homes are complemented by architectural attractions like the 13th-century Dolder, a central landmark of Riquewihr. Once used as a defensive gate and watchtower, today it can be climbed and toured as a museum, its 4th level offering beautiful views of the townscape below. Other museums include the Tower Museum of Thieves, a former prison with a tourable underground cell. The tower connects to a 16th-century Winemaker’s House which can also be explored. For those tempted to savor local flavors after this museum trip, the family-owned Frédéric Engel & Sons Winery is another great stop in Riquewihr.

Eguisheim

Less than 20 minutes from Riquewihr, Eguisheim is another medieval town in France’s Alsace wine region listed as “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.” And similar to Riquewihr, this gorgeous timber-framed town is a bit less known than Colmar, meaning many similar sights and attractions can be enjoyed without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Summertime is the best time to stop by this Alsatian village, its homes and businesses brighted with flowers. The last weekend of August is also when Eguisheim holds its iconic Winegrowers Festival, an exciting tradition drawing people in from all over the region with art exhibitions, folk concerts, and of course, the wine tastings. If you cannot make it to town for the festivities, there are tons of wonderful vineyards and wineries offering authentic tastings year-round, like Domaine Emile Beyer or Domaine Charles Baur. The hike to the Three Castles of Eguisheim is another year-round feature of Eguisheim, rewarding travelers with intriguing views of the 11th and 12th-century tower ruins with views overlooking the medieval village. 

Final Thoughts

While France’s world-renowned cities and landmarks lure the largest crowds, the country’s small towns reveal a timeless beauty that defines the essence of France. Artistry is a connecting theme, from the landscapes and scenes that inspired Monet's masterpieces to the intricate stonework built to transcend the touch of time. Although certain qualities overlap from town to town, particularly visible between Colmar, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim, each has its own remarkable history waiting to be explored.