Traditional painted shutters, winding cobbled streets and trailing vines create a charming scene in these three pretty French villages that evoke the best of local culture. Add some crisp wine, warm baguettes and delicious scents from a nearby bistro and these spots will have you never wanting to leave. Here are three of the prettiest villages in France to put on your bucket list…
Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence
The small village of Les Baux-de-Provence is a listed heritage site, nestled in the heart of the Alpilles Natural Regional Park and one of the prettiest villages in France. Perched atop towering rocky outcrops, amid a striking formation of steep hills and deep caves, it’s said to have inspired ‘Inferno’ in Dante’s Divine Comedy. The streets are car-free, allowing you to stop and admire Les Baux-de-Provence’s historic beauty on two wheels or two feet.
The village is surrounded by countryside, perfect for spending a relaxing day cycling through the peaceful landscape of olive groves and fragrant pine trees. Take a day trip to this magnificent hill-top village to discover its spectacular Renaissance mansions and châteaux ruins for yourself.
Eguisheim, Alsace
Known as the Germanic region of France, Alsace houses many classic Alsatian villages filled with colourful, half-timbered houses and quaint churches. Narrow streets wind around the town’s rose-coloured Château Saint-Léon, once the birthplace of Pope St Leon IX.
As well as being named one of the most beautiful villages in France in 2003, Eguisheim also contains a plentiful selection of local restaurants (and wines, of course). Historic Eguisheim is also in the centre of the province’s renowned wine region, making it an ideal base to explore one the most scenic and unspoilt corners of France. Make sure to sample the renowned wines, such as Crémant d’Alsace, a fresh and fruity blend of several grape varieties.
As you leave the village to continue touring this spectacular region, you might catch a glimpse of one of Alsace’s famous white storks, many of which are bred in the stork sanctuary on the outer edge of Eguisheim.
Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
One of the prettiest villages in France, this charming, medieval town in the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine region was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1999. Surrounded by vineyards and home to world-famous wineries, this is the perfect place to explore and enjoy tasting some of the finest wines in the world.
Weave your way through the narrow passages that criss-cross the village, admiring historical buildings and monuments. Pay a visit to the Eglise Monolithe de Saint- Émilion; sitting in the highest part of the village and carved out of the rock, the church was built by Benedictine monks in the 11th and 12th Centuries and is home to a maze of catacombs. The impressive bell tower offers magnificent views over the town and surrounding vines from the top.
If you’d like to find out more about these pretty towns in France, speak to our experts on 0207 471 7760.