I believe I can put on the metaphorical France expert hat after traveling from Monaco to Étretat and from Carcassonne to Lyon. I’ve seen enough open countryside, villages, and landmarks to know which ones are worth traveling the “scenic route,” as we call it.
And while some might contend that France is essentially one big postcard, there are several locations that, in my opinion, go beyond the idea of “picture perfect.” These are my top picks for French villages, in no particular order.
Alsace’s Riquewihr
The highlight of my road trip through Alsace a few years ago was definitely Riquewihr. It’s hard not to adore Riquewihr, with its main street lined with historic timber buildings in every conceivable color, inviting Riesling cellars, and delectable restaurants. The village hasn’t altered much since then, which is very remarkable given that most towns in this region of France suffered significant damage during World War II. It was like entering a Disneyland version of 16th-century Europe that had been meticulously preserved.
Normandy’s Honfleur
Honfleur is by no means a hidden treasure; judging by the popularity of its charming streets and vibrant port on Pinterest, over half of the world’s population plans to visit the town soon. However, it shouldn’t stop tourists from visiting this well-known Normandy town, which served as an inspiration to innumerable Impressionist painters, notably Claude Monet, the most well-known of them all.
Honfleur also holds particular meaning for me as a Canadian because it was here that sailor Samuel de Champlain embarked on his 1608 journey to New France, where he would establish Québec City. What a moment in history!
Auvergne, Salers
Greetings from my dear Auvergne! Thanks to its ancient villages like Salers, located in the center of the Cantal department, and its volcanoes—yes, there are volcanoes in France—Auvergne is one of the most remarkably beautiful regions, while not being the most well-known or frequently visited. The majority of structures are composed of the distinctive black volcanic stone that is native to Auvergne.
Given that Salers is in France, it should come as no surprise that the cuisine is superb; the local beef, which is among the most sought-after breeds in the nation, and the cheese that bears the same name are both to die for.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Cassis
Ever since my summer 2012 vacation, I have hardly stopped talking about Cassis. But I believe I’m more than justified in spreading the word about this stunning town because of its warmly colored buildings, salty sea breeze, narrow lanes lined with vibrant bougainvillaeas, and close proximity to the breathtakingly magnificent Calanques. One of my favorite memories of my time as an expat in France is eating dinner by the beach while watching the sun set behind the towering cliffs along the Mediterranean Sea, and I owe it all to Cassis.
Gironde, Saint-Émilion,
Even if Mother Nature did not favor my trip to Saint-Émilion, I had a great time. Since 62% of the village’s operations are still related to the wine industry in one way or another, Saint-Émilion is sometimes cited as the best example of a medieval community with a wine-based economy.
The majority of the village’s structures are composed of the native yellowish stone that was formerly found in the area’s stonepits, and I simply enjoyed exploring the village’s winding, steep alleyways while taking in the stunning architectural ensemble. I drank a lot of wine that day and have been itching to return ever since. I was carefree and skipped from one wine cellar to another, despite the freezing rain.
In Haute-Savoie, Annecy
Unless you’ve been living under a rock or are new to this place, you’ll remember that I have no qualms about professing my love for Annecy. Over the course of two years, I made six trips there, and it is still, in my opinion, one of France’s most breathtakingly lovely villages. I can’t get enough of Annecy, from the renowned cheese fondue to the eponymous lake’s turquoise waters and the charming canal in the heart of the ancient town. In the event that you wish to learn more about Rhône-Alpes, there are a ton of activities available in the area. Annecy is really beautiful, and I can’t wait to go there again.
I can’t get enough of Annecy, from the renowned cheese fondue to the eponymous lake’s turquoise waters and the charming Thiou canal in the heart of the ancient town. In addition, if you ever want to learn more about Haute-Savoie, there are a ton of activities available in the area. You won’t regret making the diversion to see Annecy, regardless of whether you end up in nearby Lyon, Genève, or even Chambéry.
Charente-Maritime, Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Ile de Ré, a pristine island off the coast of La Rochelle, holds a special place in my heart. The town, like every other place on this idyllic island, exudes charm because of its relaxed attitude, which is populated with French vacationers (because, as we all know, French people are always on holiday), and its typical, flavorful coastal cuisine.
Ile de Ré, with its abbey remains, breathtaking ocean vistas, old lighthouses and defenses, and peaceful pedestrianized streets with terraces and lush gardens, is a living postcard waiting to be discovered.
Charente-Maritime’s Talmont-sur-Gironde
In addition to being one of Charente’s most picturesque locations, the charming fishing village is also recognized as one of France’s most attractive villages. Nestled on a stunning rocky summit 15 kilometers south of old Royan, Talmont boasts a view of the enormous Gironde estuary and pedestrian-only alleyways lined with whitewashed summer cottages with bright blue shutters. In fact, the 13th-century massive ramparts erected by the English monarch Edward the 1st still guard the town’s famous church, Sainte Radegonde. Other than lazily strolling the picturesque alleys, watching local painters at work, and snooping on the fishermen in their little stilt huts, there isn’t much to do in Talmont-sur-Gironde.
