Your Essential Travel Guide To French Villages

Nestled amongst the picturesque countryside and rugged coastline of France are some of the most beautiful villages in the world. Whether you're driving in Europe and looking for quieter locations to stop on your road trip or want to escape the crowds during summer, our guide includes seven must-visit villages in France.

Situated on Brittany's Pink Granite Coast, Ploumanac'h is a quaint seaside village. Stroll along the harbour to see the lighthouse and tidal mill, then visit Plage de la Bastille or La Plage Saint Guirec – two sandy coves with unique rock formations. One of the most spectacular examples in Ploumanac'h is known as Napoleon's Hat, but you'll find plenty more along the coastal path if you fancy a hike.

Explore more of the best beaches on France's northern coast in our guide.

If you imagined a quaint village scene from a fairytale book, Rochefort-en-Terre is just that! Thanks to its unique character, it was named one of the most beautiful towns in France by Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association and is listed among the Petites Cités de Caractère.

Rochefort-en-Terre is characterised by its charming square, stone cottages and medieval chateau, making it a beautiful place to stop if you're driving in France.

To see another side of Brittany, visit the port city of Saint-Malo to uncover its rich history and sandy beaches.

Inland from the Côte Fleurie is Beuvron en Auge, a typical Norman village. Its lovingly restored half-timbered buildings feature shops selling produce and antiques, making it the ideal place for a stroll while you immerse yourself in the historic surroundings.

No visit to Beuvron-en-Auge is complete without tasting the locally made cider. For those who want to delve deeper into this much-loved drink, the village is located on Normandy's famous Cider Route, so you can sample the best of the region. And don't miss the annual cider festival if you're visiting in autumn!

While you're visiting Normandy, why not take a short drive from Beuvron-en-Auge to Rouen for more cultural and culinary delights?

The small fishing port of Barfleur has been a prominent link between France and England since medieval times – the Normans sailed from here before the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Today, it's characterised by the 17th-century church and harbour, boasting history and nature in equal measure.

Fishing is still a prominent part of life in Barfleur, so be sure to visit one of the quayside restaurants to sample the locally caught wild mussels – some of the best in France!

Hoping to see more of Normandy's coast? Head to Saint-Valery-en-Caux and Veules-les-Roses – two picturesque harbour towns – or Varengeville-sur-Mer to enjoy the region's beaches.

If you're heading to the Loire Valley on a wine tour, don't miss Gargilesse-Dampierre. It's part of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association, and a visit here will soon explain why it's one of the country's most beautiful villages. Nestled amongst stunning countryside, Gargilesse-Dampierre's main appeal is the historic stone houses adorning the banks of the River Gargilesse.

There's also a strong artistic heritage here, with several small galleries in the village and a contemporary art gallery at the Chateau Gargilesse. The Romanesque church is worth a visit – original frescoes from the 12th and 15th centuries adorn the crypt.

The medieval walled village of Pesmes is part of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association, thanks to its unique character. Located in Burgundy – another of France's top wine regions – it's the ideal pit stop on a wine tour or road trip.

The historic village sits on the banks of the River Ognon, making it a scenic spot to visit. The remains of the 10th-century fortress – Chateau de Pesmes – and the 12th-century Church of Saint-Hilaire are the main attractions, but you can wander through the meandering streets to see medieval stone gateways and townhouses.

This hilltop village in the Jura wine region overlooks the sprawling countryside and vineyards, making it a beautiful place to unwind.

Chateau-Chalon's breathtaking location and historic characteristics, including quaint stone cottages, remnants of a 13th-century castle, and an 11th-century Romanesque church, have earned its membership in the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association. And you'll soon see why!

Once you've explored the village, head to one of the restaurants to sample some locally produced vin jaune (yellow wine) and Comté cheese – the perfect pairing.