France Beyond Paris: 5 Beautiful French Villages Every Indian Must Visit

Paris and its iconic Eiffel Tower are unsaid yet universally acknowledged synonyms of France. While the city of lights is indeed a bucket-list worthy experience for an Indian, France holds a treasure trove of unique and rich experiences beyond Paris. In fact, some of the most beautiful places to travel in Europe are within the mystical countryside regions of France.

Quiet serene landscapes, stone houses adorned with colourful flowers, winding streets, and lush vineyards; these are just a few of the sensory delights that you can expect to enjoy when you step foot in a French village. The hospitality, on the other hand, would serve to be the icing on the cake. 

If you are looking for some offbeat, yet quintessentially French experiences this season, explore the countryside and thank us later.

Here are five of the most beautiful villages in France.

Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Voted France’s Favourite Village in Stéphane Bern’s beloved television program, Le Village préféré des Français (France’s Favourite Village), Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye is the most charming of all French villages. A gold mine for archetypal medieval architecture, the village boasts exceptional preservation and authenticity, making it a promising destination for travellers with a taste in refined history. Its Gothic abbey church is the most significant tourist attraction. Housing the relics of Saint Anthony, which is believed to have the power to cure “Saint Anthony’s Fire”, the place serves to be a historic monument attracting pilgrims from all over the world. 

In addition to its stunning medieval gems, Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye also boasts elegant cobbled streets, half-timbered houses with coloured roofs, and picture-perfect historic sites serving as photography backdrops. It comes as no surprise that the place is easily one of the most beautiful places to travel in Europe.

Also Read: France Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

Candes-St-Martin, Indre-et-Loire, Centre–Val de Loire

Widely recognized as another one of the most beautiful villages in France, Candes-St-Martin is a place that blends historic richness with tranquil settings that demand slowing down. Situated in the picturesque Loire Valley, the village is home to the Collégiale Saint-Martin – a historic church bearing the stark allure of Angevin Gothic architecture.

As is typical of many French villages, Candes-St-Martin also comprises charming cobblestone streets, distinct white tuffeau stone houses adorned with slate roofs, and well-preserved medieval architecture.

Between tasting vintage gems at riverside wineries and indulging in slow boat trips over the péniche river, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do at Candes-St-Martin. Situated atop a hill overlooking the convergence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, the village is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to travel in Europe.

Eguisheim, Alsace

Featuring a distinct layout of half-timbered houses arranged in two concentric circles of cobblestone streets around a central square and castle, Eguisheim in Alsace is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its colourful flower boxes bearing gorgeous blooms and rustic streets are said to have inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. One of its prominent attractions is the magnificent Renaissance-style Saint-Leon fountain situated in the central square. The Chapelle Saint-Leon Ix is another highlight.

In addition to being one of the most beautiful places in France to visit, the village is also known to be the birthplace of the famous Alsatian wine varieties. The credit goes to the Romans who established their first fortress in Eguisheim and began the cultivation of Alsatian wine. A trip to this French village would be incomplete if you didn’t stop to taste rich vintages like Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. 

Try to book your accommodation at one of the best hotels in Paris, and make a weekend trip to Eguisheim, for an unforgettable experience at one of the most beautiful places to travel in Europe.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in France

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Burgundy

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain in Burgundy has one more specialty, in addition to being designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Movie buffs would identify the stunning landscapes featured in the film Chocolat. Creditable to its well-preserved medieval architecture, the effortless beauty and enchanting quality of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain is all tourists can talk about once they visit here. 

From its name, you can also tell that it is the home of the famous Anis de Flavigny.  These traditional aniseed-flavored pastilles are known to fill the village’s streets with their delectable scent.

Over and above these distinct features, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain also possesses all of the quintessential French countryside features like cobbled streets and timbered houses.

Whether it is for the aesthetics, for the sweets, or for the natural and raw beauty of the village, this gem among France’s tourist destinations offers a serene experience like no other.

Noyers, Burgundy

Medieval Noyers, Burgundy, located on the picturesque Serein River, is another among widely recognized most beautiful villages in France. It is popular primarily because of its invaluable preserved medieval architecture, cultural importance, and timeless natural beauty.

Among all the small towns to visit in France, Noyers has the distinction of being a popular backdrop for movies and media features. Notable productions like La Grande Vadrouille, and Une famille – a French TV series were shot here.

The place boasts several core landmarks including the 12th-century Church of Saint-Symphorien, and the old castle site. Interestingly, the castle also has an open weapons chamber and collection of armour. Because it is situated in a region historically known for wine making, many of the cellars have entrances from the streets, making it a nostalgic sight to behold. 

Visit Noyers, Burgundy between August and November to witness the charm of the fall season. With bustling open truffle markets in the arcades, you will also get to indulge in tasteful artisanal goodies, after your awe-inspiring sightseeing tours.

With such distinct experiences to offer, it only makes sense that Noyers is one of the most beautiful places to travel in Europe.

Also Read: 10 Unobvious Things to Know Before Visiting France

Wrapping Up: The Top Five Most Beautiful Villages in France

Crisp, well-preserved medieval architecture, audacious colourful blooms, rustic cobblestone streets and endless green landscapes; if these things form the idea of a perfect offbeat French holiday for you, then take a trip to these designated most beautiful villages in France. With their distinct features and unique experiences, they are easily the most beautiful places to travel in Europe as well.

Book thoughtfully curated France tour packages from India and cheap flights to Lyon or Paris. Then enjoy a picturesque road trip to these stunning destinations for an unforgettable weekend. Be sure to apply for your Schengen visa with a reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries for a hassle-free journey.

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Quick Summary – 5 Most Beautiful Villages in France

France is more than just the mesmerizing lights of Paris and the iconic Eiffel Tower. It brims with tranquil energy and stunning medieval aesthetics – the kind that will leave a lasting impression on you. If you are looking to go on an offbeat French holiday this season, then visit the French countryside. The five most beautiful villages in France to visit are Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Candes-St-Martin, Indre-et-Loire, Centre–Val de Loire, Eguisheim, Alsace, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Burgundy, and Noyers, Burgundy.

FAQs

Where is the prettiest village in France?

France has more than 30,000 villages and communes, each of which is known for its natural beauty and stunning preserved medieval aesthetics. To pick one pretty village in France would be challenging. 

Here are five designated most beautiful villages in France:

• Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Candes-St-Martin, Indre-et-Loire, Centre–Val de Loire
• Eguisheim, Alsace
• Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Burgundy
• Noyers, Burgundy

What is the prettiest part of France?

France is known for being naturally pretty with its iconic landmarks and serene countryside regions. 

Some of the prettiest parts of France are:

• Corsica
• Loire Valley
• Mont-Saint-Michel
• Luberon
• Islands Off the Coast of Brittany
• Toulouse
• Burgundy
• Champagne

What is the most beautiful valley in France?

The Loire Valley is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in France.

What is the most colourful town in France?

Villefranche sur Mer, situated in the French Riviera, is considered to be one of the most colourful small towns in France. It comprises colourful buildings, quiet alleyways and elegant landscapes all of which contribute to its tranquil ambience.

Where is Belle’s village in France?

Belle and her father from “Beauty and the Beast” are said to have lived in Riquewihr in France.

Which Disney Princess is from the French village?

Belle, the protagonist from Disney’s 1991 feature film “Beauty and the Beast” is from a small French village.

Which place in France is known for its beautiful gardens?

The Gardens of Villandry (Indre-et-Loire), located in the picturesque Loire Valley is known for its vast array of segmented gardens and geometric structure. Some of its categories include a decorative vegetable garden, a water garden, and an ornamental garden.

Which French city is known as the city of flowers?

Grasse, located in the French Riviera region is most famous for its specialization in perfumery. For the same reason, Grasse is recognized as the capital of flowers and perfumes the world over.

Which French city is called the pink city?

Toulouse, France’s fourth largest city, is nicknamed Ville Rose or pink city because of the colour of the terracotta bricks and tiles used in its local buildings. Apparently, the pinkish tint of the terracotta roof tiles in the Toulouse area are visible from space as well.

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