Favorite Small Towns of France

Crestet, south of Vaison La Romaine, in Provence. To call it small would be to grandiose. It's tiny and utterly adorable. Best to visit in the evening as the sun is setting. You'll feel like you're back in the 1600's.

Last year I took a daytrip by minivan to 6 villages near Nice. My favorite was St Paul de Vence. It is a walled city with views of the countryside.

Gourdon, above Grasse is one of The Most Beautiful Villages of France. Incredible view from the village perched on the side of a mountain.

I have so many I don't know where to start. My husband photographs the small villages in France and we have a lot of favorites. In the Burgundy region we love Montreal, Chateauneuf-en-auxois, and Noyer. Some new ones include Belcastel, and Sauveterre de Rouergue in the Aveyron .They are both about 20miles or so from Rodez, France.North of there we stayed close to Iguarande, and further north close to Charolles is St. julien de Civry. These last two are very very small, but the countryside surrounding them is wonderful to bike or just drive around.There are some wonderful country accommodation we found with scenery that just cannot be beat. I do not think many people take the time to explore the Aveyron and that middle area up to Paris from the south. it is lovely... Especially in the Fall.

There really all over the country. Here's a link to a large list of them. We've seen several and it makes it so worthwhile to be out of the large cities. http://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/en/the-most-beautiful-villages-of-france

The 100's of charming villages are one of the many things I love about France. My favorite so far is Chateauneuf-en-Auxois in Burgundy, which Jane already mentioned. It looks like a children's storybook village. So quaint and charming, I could not stop taking photos.

Dordogne region - La Roque gageac

Rocamadour. Built literally up the side of the cliff overlooking the Alzou River in the Dordogne. I've visited in the high season and during late winter. I preferred the late winter visit - I felt like I had the town to myself.

Totally agree with you about Villefranche sur mer. What a charmer it is. I've stayed there several times, and can't wait to get back again. For those interested in wine, particularly Beaujolais, I'd suggest a visit to Bellville sur Saone. It's about 30 miles north of Lyon on the autoroute, and is convenient to vineyards of all 10 first-growth Beaujolais. It is also accessible by rail. Some decent hotels and some very good restaurants, both in Belleville and the surrounding area. Lots of wine tasting opportunities. Personally, I think the Beaujolais is the prettiest wine region in France.

Larry, just now read this thread and checked out the website you suggested. What a great resource! Thanks a lot.

Another vote for Villefranche sur Mer. It is a great location to bus or train along the coast. I have been 3 time (once I was there for a month studying French) and I will return again. Try and stay in the Old Town. St Remy de Provence is very beautiful; the market there was fantastic. Vaison la Romaine was the first Provencal town I visited on a RS tour. what a wonderful introduction. a beautiful town. I wish I was in France right now.

We loved Gigondas and Seguret just north of Vaison Romaine. Uzes in Provence is nice and in Normandy Etretat is a worth a visit. We once stayed on a wheat farm between Lisieux and Pont Leveque which was a great experience-cannot remember the nearby village but do remember the fantastic cheese.

Small, really small, Caux...in the south near the beach. closest thing on the map will be Penzas...Grape vineyards, old cemetary, off the beaten track...and home of the Stone House Inn B&B...the best I have found anywhere!

Colmar, France. Extremely cute, charming, with large pedestrian zone and lots to see.

With the advice from both Jane and Susan, we loved Chateauneuf-en-Auxois and our favorite, Noyer. We love the whole region and wish we were there right now!