These Towns In France Have The Best Main Streets

The world’s top tourist destination, France attracts upwards of 100 million travelers every year, most of them here to experience this European nation’s rich culture, its stunning scenery, as well as magnificent cities like Paris. And as any seasoned traveler to France will tell you, there’s no better way to enjoy a truly authentic French experience than by including a few of the country’s most charming small towns in your travel itinerary.

With a population of nearly 68 million, it should come as no surprise that France is home to plenty of charming small towns with bustling main streets worth visiting. Bursting with history, culture, and that famous French joie de vivre, these often overlooked destinations offer unique opportunities to experience the daily life of locals while enjoying a truly memorable travel experience. For ideas and inspiration, check out these towns that have some of the best main streets in France.

Honfleur

Located in France’s Normandy region, Honfleur is just a 30-minute drive from Le Havre and boasts one of the most picturesque harbors in the country. The town’s main street, Rue de la République, is lined with timber-framed houses that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, many of them now home to art galleries, boutique shops, and great little bakeries like Boulangerie Éric Kayser. One notable attraction of the old downtown area (and just a few blocks off the main street) is Église Sainte-Catherine, the country’s biggest wooden church, built in the 1400s and still dominating the town's skyline and harbor area.

In addition to its bustling markets, Honfleur’s main street comes alive during the annual Fête des Marins in May, when the town celebrates its maritime heritage. Another popular attraction located just a short stroll from Rue de la République is the must-visit Musée Eugène Boudin, which features works by the famous local painter after which it’s named.

Èze

Èze is perched high above the French Riviera, less than 20 kilometers from Nice. This medieval town is celebrated for its picturesque cobblestone main street, Rue Principale, which winds through the heart of the town past original buildings dating from the 12th century. Ideal for a leisurely, albeit hilly, stroll, it’s worth every ounce of energy to reach the Jardin Exotique, a stunningly beautiful garden located at one of the highest points in town that features sweeping panoramas of the Mediterranean. The same awesome views can be enjoyed from some of the best hotels in Èze, too, including the opulent Hôtel Château de La Chèvre d’Or and Château Eza.

Be sure to include the Fragonard Perfume Factory in your Èze travel itinerary. In addition to fascinating guided tours, the facility’s locally crafted fragrances can be purchased at the on-site store, ensuring you take a little of this beautiful French town home with you. A great time to visit is during the town’s Fête des Mai, a fun spring celebration of Provencal culture with music, traditional dancing, and local food stands lining the main street.

Riquewihr

Located in the Alsace region of France near the borders with Germany and Switzerland, Riquewihr is a popular small town to visit for its collection of well-preserved medieval architecture along its main street, Rue du Général de Gaulle. This quaint street is lined with half-timbered houses that date back to the 16th century, many now housing shops selling local wines, regional foods, and crafts.

One of the main attractions along the street is Dolder Tower, a defensive tower dating back to the 13th century, which now serves as home to Musée du Dolder with its fascinating displays showcasing the town's history. Riquewihr’s main street is particularly bustling during the Alsace Wine Fair, held annually in July. This always fun fair draws wine enthusiasts from across Europe with local vineyards

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Located in the Provence region and just a short drive from Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has a delightful main street that’s very pedestrian-friendly. Known as Boulevard Victor Hugo, it’s lined with traditional Provencal buildings, many of them now housing local businesses. The town’s bustling Wednesday market is a great time to visit and takes over the main street with vendors selling local produce, crafts, and antiques. At the heart of the street lies the Hôtel de Sade, a historic mansion that now functions as a museum dedicated to the nearby Roman ruins.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence also hosts the Fête de la Transhumance in May, a fun festival celebrating the movement of sheep herds to their summer pastures. The town’s proximity to the magnificent Alpilles mountain range also makes it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

Sarlat-la-Canéda, situated in the beautiful Dordogne region, is about a two-hour drive from the major city of Bordeaux, making it a wonderful day trip destination. Its medieval main street, Rue de la République, is lined with honey-colored limestone buildings, many dating back to the 14th century. The star of the show here is Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, built in the 12th century and providing a stunning backdrop to the town’s lively main street area.

Saturdays are a great time to visit when Rue de la République is the scene of an open-air market that’s popular with locals and tourists alike. Sarlat is also famous for its annual Truffle Festival, held every January and turning Rue de la République into the scene of one of the country’s most popular culinary events.

Bayeux

Just a 30-minute drive from Caen, Bayeux is a small town in Normandy that’s famous for its national historic significance. Its main street, Rue Saint-Martin, is very much the pulse of the town and features numerous well-preserved medieval structures. Of these, the most impressive is undoubtedly Bayeux Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux), built in the 11th century and standing proudly at one end of the street. English language tours of this magnificent building are highly recommended.

Just a block away is another of Bayeux’s top attractions: the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. Here, you can get an up-close look at the famous 70-meter-long tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest of England that started with the Battle of Hastings in 1066. You can also get a sense of the town’s important past at the Fête Médiévale, a medieval festival held every summer with parades, reenactments, and local vendors. Bayeux is also located close to the D-Day beaches, a must-visit for WWII history buffs.

Amboise

Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, Amboise is just 30 kilometers east of the city of Tours. Its main street, Rue Nationale, offers a mix of history and modernity with shops selling local wines, souvenirs, and regional delicacies, including its famous goat cheese, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine (be sure to take

A top attraction here is Château d’Amboise, a former royal residence that dates back to the 15th century. Perched just above the town, it boasts magnificent views of the Loire River, so have a camera ready for a memorable selfie. Better still, time your visit for July when Amboise hosts Son et Lumière, a sound and light show projected onto the castle walls.

The Final Word

Ask anyone who’s ever explored France and they’ll no doubt confirm our belief that travelers can experience the best of France with a visit to its best small towns. In addition to enjoying history and culture on a more intimate scale, these bustling old main streets serve as the heart of local life, connecting the past to the present through architecture, commerce, and community events. For those seeking an alternative to the country’s more tourist-heavy destinations, these seven towns in France with the best main streets provide an enriching and immersive experience.