Destination Articles

The Most Beautiful Villages in France

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France is an association set up to protect and promote the heritage of the most beautiful villages in France. The association, which began in 1982, now includes 151 French villages spread over 21 regions and 67 departments.

 

The ambition of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France is 'to reconcile villages with the future and to restore life around the fountain or in the square shaded by hundred year old lime and plane trees.'

 

Whilst many villages strive to be included as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, the selection criteria is quite stringent. Villages must not exceed a population of 2000 inhabitants and they must have at least two protected sites in monuments in the area.

 

The excellent Les Plus Beaux Villages de France website lists all 'member' villages and provides a guide to must-sees and must-dos in the area, along with photos that will make you wish you were already there.

 

A delightful new book, "Beautiful Village Drives", offers suggested scenic itineraries in eight regions of France. With detailed driving information, village profiles and restaurant recommendations, the book is an essential item for anyone planning a holiday in France.

 

Whether you plan to stay in one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France or not, it's certainly worth making the effort to visit at least one of these pretty villages to capture the charm of rural France that you probably thought no longer existed.

Find accommodation in France and start exploring the most beautiful villages in France.