Part of its popularity, aside from its reputation of having 300 days of sunshine throughout the year, is due to the prestigious title of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France or the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Currently, there are 157 villages spread across France that get to claim this title. To be deemed Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, it considers the size (maximum population of 2,000 inhabitants), the number of protected monuments of historical significance (at least 2), and yes of course, how beautiful it is.
It began as a way to protect and promote the heritage of communities and villages across France in the early 1980s. A way to rejuvenate these small villages – making them attractive places for locals to live and stay rather than moving to bigger cities. It worked! It also captured the interest of the tourism industry.
78 Comments
Clarice
Wow! I wasn’t able to really take a closer look at these places but I agree with you that they’re beautiful. So far Venasque is my favorite. The view is breathtaking.
The.Holidaymaker
Venasque is extra special as it is close to Mont Ventoux and worth the drive to the summit to have views of the Alps.
Natascha
I spent three weeks travelling in Provence, but the only village I visited from this list is Lourmarin. Gordes, sitting on this hill, looks especially charming. Although I have no plans of returning to the region in the near future, I will save your post for the next time I go there. Thanks for the beautiful pictures!
The.Holidaymaker
Three weeks in Provence – oh my! Sounds amazing. I just love this area of France.
Trisha Velarmino
I loved their strategy of ensuring that the heritage of the community stays and lives on. I didn’t know about this esteemed titles for villages. What a landscape Gordes has and Venasque looks classy!
The.Holidaymaker
There are definitely a lot of beautiful villages in France, but this way to receive this title, it helps to protect and sustain the villages.
Maria Veloso
What a treat to stroll through these charming villages and sample their restaurants and cafes. I’m amazed at just how Gordes village was constructed on top of the hill. But, if I had to choose, I’d go to Ansouis first because I enjoy nature photography!
Sherianne
Perfect timing, I’m considering a sister trip in France this fall and the information is greatly appreciated. Gordes looks gorgeous and I love that there is a nearby Abbey lined with lavender fields. Bookmarking this!
The.Holidaymaker
So happy to hear this inspired future travel plans.
Ami Bhat
Gordes stole my heart. And to think there is a castle here too. That would make this climb to the top of my list. This would be followed by Segreut – the hamlet has so much of history to explore and the views are just stunning. Thanks for sharing these offbeat hamlets with us.
The.Holidaymaker
I’m so happy to hear you like these beautiful villages in Provence.
Linda (LD Holland)
It is definitely time for us to plan a return visit to Provence. We loved a visit to Gordes and watched the sun set over this lovely hilltop town. And we wandered through other villages that we don’t remember the names of. So this post gives us a great list of the small villages to explore on our next trip. Especially if we plan our market days right. We definitely don’t want to miss Roussiloon on those stunning red cliffs.
The.Holidaymaker
So happy to hear you found this list helpful, and definitely don’t miss seeing Roussillon, it is quite spectacular.
Bhushavali N
I was planning a trip to Provence when the whole world came to a stand still. Thanks for reminding me of it. I should look into it again and plan my trip again. Good to know there are 7 beautiful villages here. I was planning a day or 2 days trip here, looks like I’ve gotta plan a longer stay. The whole region looks beautiful and reminds me a bit of Malta. It is fascinating how there’s a castle/chateau in almost each of these villages. I wouldn’t miss a Wine Tour in Seguret.
The.Holidaymaker
Oh yes, do plan on spending more time than 2 days. You would only likely see 1 or 2 places with so little time. The best part is not to rush your trip.
Farrah
Ah, these villages are gorgeous + it’d be awesome to try the different restaturants there. I’d love to check out Gordes for those views and Lourmarin looks lovely! <3
The.Holidaymaker
These are indeed beautiful villages to visit. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to one day soon.
Krista
Some of these villages on the hills remind me so much of the villages in Spain. I haven’t toured Provence yet but I would love to do a road trip here and check out these historic villages.
The.Holidaymaker
I hope you get the chance to one day too. They are just as quaint as the ones in Spain.
Venaugh
These villages look like a tour through history! So many intricate and historical details to see that make each of these villages so beautiful. I love the idea of the cherry trees everywhere, it’s something I’ve never seen but sounds amazing!
The.Holidaymaker
So happy to hear you enjoyed the article and learn a bit more about these beautiful villages.
JJ
I would love to visit Provence! The whole place just looks like something out of a fairytale! Your pictures are fantastic
The.Holidaymaker
Provence is indeed beautiful.
Megan
These look so quaint and beautiful. I love the look on Ansouis and all the beautiful stone buildings built on a rich green hill. What a lovely area!
The.Holidaymaker
They are indeed beautiful places to visit. Hopefully you’ll get a chance one day soon.
Catherine
Wow, each of these villages in Provence is more charming than the last. I’d want to visit each and every one of them. Gosh I can’t wait to get back to international travel!
The.Holidaymaker
Provence is indeed beautiful!
Daniella
Stunning stunning stunning – I absoultely love the collection of charming villages you shared.
The.Holidaymaker
So happy to hear it!
simplyjolayne
Loved our visit to Provence. There is still so much that I would love to explore.
The.Holidaymaker
Provence is an area of France that could be explored over and over again.
JoJo Hall
You’re absolutely right, Provence is beautiful and is filled with lots of wonderful things to see and places to visit. Great post!
The.Holidaymaker
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Gustavo A Feliciano
Gorgeous photos! Provence looks dreamy and picturesque! Would love to be able to visit these villages one day!
The.Holidaymaker
They indeed are pretty spectacular!
Emma
I’d love to visit Provence. Of all the areas of France I’ve visited, this is not one I’ve had a chance to get to yet. These villages are adorable, so quaint and beautiful. That view of Gordes is impressive. And all those tiny streets look so much fun to explore
The.Holidaymaker
I adore Provence! It’s the kind of place that steals your heart!
Barry
You have some stunning photos here – very colourful and pcturesque. A lovely read for me to get acquainted with these villages. A lot of us Brits have emigrated to this region as it is seen as one of the most beautiful areas of France ( sadly I’m still in the UK!). I never knewv Rousillon has a Michelin Starred restsuarant – that must pull in a lot of outsiders. Interesting that the villages often have different market days – I suppose that is to ensure an even flow of customers over the week and to avoid everyone having to decide which to go to if they are all on the same day.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, I imagine you are right about the market days and trying to get an even flow of visitors.
Umiko
All of these villages are so pretty. Kudos to whoever had the ideas to protect and promote the heritage of these villages and made people stay and proud of their villages. I wonder what incentives they gave to villagers – money, jobs, etc. – before tourists started to come and brought more money to them.
The.Holidaymaker
I so agree Umiko, and they definitely have something to be proud of, they are indeed beautiful.
Pingback:
Carmen Edelson
Wow, so many historic and hidden gems! It is my dream to spend a month exploring Provence. You’ve given me so much inspiration 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Carmen for your comment and happy to know I have inspired future travels.
Delphine
Some beautiful photos here… it’s great that you managed to get pictures without the hordes of tourists in the summer. Those villages are gorgeous and if the sun is out, it’s as beautiful off season. The ochre colours of Roussillon would be the perfect photo opp for me!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Delphine for your comments and kind words. I never (well almost never) travel during the peak summer months. This was in September. I am quick with setting up my shot and hopefully no one interferes, so they are not always perfect! But travelling in “shoulder season” is the only way to travel in Europe and still be able to enjoy it without the crowds. I have so many bright and colourful photos of Roussillon and loved visiting it because it is so different than the rest of the villages.
melody pittman
Wow! This post came at a perfect time as I’m hoping to go to Provence this fall. Gordes is at the top of my list. I love the architecture. Thanks for an in-depth look at what to expect in this beautiful city.
The.Holidaymaker
Wow, that is great timing! You enjoy your trip and hopefully this gave you some options when touring this region. Safe travels!
Mohana
Provence looks dreamy and picturesque! All the photographs make the little villages look picture perfect and an abode of peace. These are the places where I would not only like to travel, but maybe live for a bit too. Thanks for sharing 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your comment Mohana. We must be kindred spirits as I would love to live too! It was an immediate feeling of peace and thinking, wow, what it must be like to live here.
Milijana
Gorgeous photos!!
Oh, I want to visit Les Plus Beaux Villages de France in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region so much! I wish to visit them with no tourist crowds so I could enjoy them to the fullest. I believe a great time to go would be early autumn when the grape harvesting season is?!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Milijana for your comment. Yes, we went in the early fall and found that the high tourist season was over, but it was still a bit early for harvesting grapes. They were still on the vines, as you can see by my photo. Early morning and early evening, these quiet little villages were all to ourselves. During mid day is when we we still find people touring. But it is nice to see a bit of activity as well, locals coming out to dine, shop and catch up with friends is all part of the Provencal way of life.
Carol Colborn
I have never been to Provence/ Those photos of little places in the seven villages are so beautiful, especially the one with the flowery wisteria vines!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Carol for your comment. Yes, you must be referring to Ansouis. This tiny village is abundant with gardens and flowers.
Paulien
I’ve heard a lot about the Provence but I actually have never been there. Would love to go soon though! Especially Ansouis and Loumarin look very nice, I’ll keep them in mind!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Paulien for your comment. I do hope you get there one day soon, and pleased to know that you liked the look of Ansouis and Lourmarin.
Ketki
It is all these cute little towns that make a country lovable and worth going. Yes going to Eiffel tower is a bucket list item but visiting these villages would make a holiday worthwhile. Thank you for recommending these!
The.Holidaymaker
You are absolutely right, you have to go to the main attraction, Paris, but we love then taking a trip after that to the French countryside, as there is nothing else quite like it. I am glad you enjoyed the post.
Tania Muthusamy
I haven’t been to any of these gorgeous towns but I did go to Provence many years ago. Would love to go again and check these out. I love the pale beige buildings of Ansouis. I can see why Loumarin would make you happy. It’s adorable streets, fountains and vineyards! And Seguret looks beautiful too.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your comment Tania! It appears it is time to make a return trip. I too love the pale colour of the buildings, especially with the pale blue shutters. They are all so picturesque.
anshul
Gordes and Séguret look really pretty. And all these villages look as if they just popped out of a painting. I would love to explore Provence and click such pretty pictures.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your comments. Gordes is one of the most popular Villages in this area, and for good reason, it is beautiful. Just a bit too busy for my liking. Seguret on the other hand is very quiet and peaceful, and smaller of some of those Villages. But thank you for your kind words and that you like my photos. I hope you get there one day soon!
Nitin Singhal
If I go by your photos only, Gordes and Roussillon are my favourite. All the villages looks medieval and seems that time has stopped there.
The.Holidaymaker
Certainly Gordes is one of the most popular of the Villages featured here. It is indeed beautiful, just a bit busier. Roussillon is just so unique and bright and colourful compared to the other villages. Great choices!
APRIL KEY RODE
I’ve never been but the photos reminded me of Italy! I like the breathtaking views but my question is how far it is from the beach area? I like the overlooking mountain view but it’s nicer to be near the beach at the same time too!
The.Holidaymaker
The Mediterranean is a couple hours drive from this area. But there are some small lakes to be able to cool off very close by. Almost everyone has a pool, as the temperatures are quite warm even in the shoulder seasons. Thanks for your comment April.
Louise
Lovely photos. So many villages to choose from. Provence looks like a beautiful place to visit.
The.Holidaymaker
It really is Louise. Thanks for commenting.
Josy A
Gorgeous photos. I love these kinds of villages. They look so peaceful and you just know they’ll be some amazing food to be found there too!
My sister lives on the Dordogne, so I really need to explore more of these pretty areas. Thank you so much for sharing possible places for me to explore!
The.Holidaymaker
How fortunate you are to have your sister live in the Dordogne. I would love to visit that area! Yes, the food is exceptional here as it is full of local fruits, vegetables and cheese makers. The markets, there is one every day of the week in a near by village, are the best places to try whatever is in season. Hope you get a chance to visit one day soon!
Maggie
I’ve never been to Provence, but your pictures remind me so much of Tuscany! Grapes, medieval villages, cypress trees…fabulous. So now I both want to go back to Tuscany AND go to Provence for the first time. It looks like a dream!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Maggie for your comment. I have been to Tuscany too and although there are some definite similarities, it just feels a bit different in both regions. I love them both, and would return to them time and time again.
Danik
I been to Provence a few times and I looked at this list and I haven’t done any of these places! I am shocked! 😀 I am back in the region in September with a car, so hopefully I can take some time out and check out some of these places. 🙂 Great list.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Danik for reading the blog and saying that it inspired you to check some of these Villages in the fall. Happy travels, you won’t be disappointed!
Sam Sees World
Wow, all these villages look so well preserved and beautiful! I love visiting the old villages, they are always so stunning! I also love your photos, look amazing!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for the kind compliment. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Candice
Lovely photos 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed them!